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Football
Tony's Tip Sheet
By Tony Gerdeman

I'm gonna be honest with you, I have been full for nearly twelve hours now. I'm tired. I've got a headache. My brain is floating in gravy. I can't promise this is going to be my best effort of the season.

Even if it's my worst, it's still better than nothing. (Note to self: market the previous phrase to Michigan football.)

Anyway, I'm going to try to get this one done as quickly as possible. If the analysis is a little short, it's because I didn't have anything else to add. Be thankful.

Friday November 25

Teams: Louisville (6-5) at USF (5-5)
Time (TV): 11:00 am (ESPN2)
Interest: 2
Cheer For: Louisville

If the Cardinals can get the win, they'll be done with their regular season and be sitting at 5-2 in conference play. Four other teams (Rutgers, Cincinnati, WVU and Pitt) have just two conference losses as well. Louisville has the tie breaker over Rutgers and WVU, but have lost to both UC and Pitt. I have no idea what happens if there are three-way ties, and do you even really care? Freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is completing nearly 70% of his passes and is a large reason why the Cardinals, who could go to the BCS even with a loss to Florida International on their schedule, are in the position they are in. USF has had some close losses, however, and for some reason I think they'll get over the hump in this one. South Florida 27 – Louisville 19

Teams: Iowa (7-4) at #21 Nebraska (8-3)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (ABC)
Interest: 3
Cheer For: Iowa

A defense that doesn't blitz (Iowa) against an offense that can't handle a blitz (Nebraska).What's the point? I'll take Nebraska's running game and run defense in this one, though I do outwardly hope that Iowa gets the win because I want the Huskers to close out their first Big Ten season on a down note. Finishing 4-4 in the Big Ten would be a nice slap of reality right in Husker Nation's rosy-cheeked face. Nebraska 23 – Iowa 14

Teams: #3 Arkansas (10-1) at #1 LSU (11-0)
Time (TV): 2:30 pm (CBS)
Interest: 5
Cheer For: LSU

I know none of us are going to root for LSU, but if Arkansas wins, there will likely be a better chance for two SEC teams in the BCS National Championship Game, and neither will be Arkansas. There's no way we should root for that. If LSU wins, that lessens Alabama's argument for being included, and I'm all for that. I can't wait to see the Razorbacks' passing offense against this defense, just to see if it can move the ball downfield. Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson will need to stand in the pocket and deliver the ball with confidence, but I'm not sure if he can. I'll take LSU and their running game. Buckeye fans should take note of the playcalling for LSU because you might be seeing something similar in Columbus next year. LSU 27 – Arkansas 21

Teams: Pittsburgh (5-5) at West Virginia (7-3)
Time (TV): 7:00 pm (ESPN)
Interest: 1.5
Cheer For: West Virginia

We are cheering for the Mountaineers because we grew up with hill folk. We drank their beers when they weren't looking, and we didn't report them to the police when they pointed their guns at us. West Virginia 30 – Pittsburgh 20

Saturday November 26

Teams: Ohio State (6-5) at Michigan (9-2)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (ABC)
Interest: 5
Cheer For: Ohio State

It's been a long season for the Buckeyes, but the tribulations could all be worth it with a win on Saturday. The Buckeye players know that this is the last game with Luke Fickell as their head coach, and they will come out as fired up as possible. Because of the distractions, they might not be as prepared as they need to be, but they will give an all out effort for as long as they feel like they are still in the game. And there is the rub. If Michigan can get up early, then they may be able to put quite a bit of distance between themselves and Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been slow starters all season long, but this game is usually different than most, provided the talent is as even as it is here. But the Wolverines are going to be fired up as well. This will be the first time the players on this team have felt like they should actually win. They expect to win on Saturday. That's a feeling that Ohio State is going to have to eliminate immediately. If they do, then they'll have a very good shot to win it. But I'm just not convinced. Michigan 27 – Ohio State 20

Teams: Iowa State (6-4) at #9 Oklahoma (8-2)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (FX)
Interest: 2
Cheer For: Oklahoma

We're cheering for Oklahoma because Iowa State ruined Bedlam with last week's win over Oklahoma State. The win was so devastating to Oklahoma as well, that they lost to Baylor. Nobody likes Iowa State—even Iowans! Oklahoma 34 – Iowa State 21

Teams: #13 Georgia (9-2) at #23 Georgia Tech (8-3)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (ESPN)
Interest: 4
Cheer For: Georgia

Georgia comes into this game having won nine games in a row. They have the second-ranked run defense in the country, and they'll need every bit of it against the Georgia Tech rushing attack. The Bulldogs have won the last two in this series, and nine of ten. Georgia has already wrapped up the SEC East, and this game has no bearing on anything other than bragging rights. But generally in the south, bragging rights are all anybody has. That and sleeveless shirts. Georgia 34 – Georgia Tech 24

Teams: #14 Michigan State (9-2) at Northwestern (6-5)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (BTN)
Interest: 2.5
Cheer For: Michigan State

The Spartans are in a similar situation as Georgia. They have already wrapped up the Legends division. This game means absolutely nothing, other than Northwestern is their court-appointed season-ending rival. This is a game that the Spartans would absolutely lose if it meant something. Now that it means nothing, I have no idea how to call it. I'll go with the Spartans, because a loss is here just too cliché. Michigan State 31 – Northwestern 28

Teams: Tennessee (5-6) at Kentucky (4-7)
Time (TV): 12:00 pm (SECN)
Interest: 1.5
Cheer For: Kentucky

We're cheering for Kentucky because they have lost 26 consecutive games in this series. Although it will be impossible to cheer for anybody wearing blue on Saturday. Tennessee 7 – Kentucky 6

Teams: #2 Alabama (10-1) at #24 Auburn (7-4)
Time (TV): 3:30 pm (CBS)
Interest: 3.5
Cheer For: Auburn

The Tigers made this a very interesting game two years ago when the Crimson Tide were on their way to a national championship appearance, and they will be looking to do it all over again this year. Unfortunately, they just don't have the offense to do anything. They will pull out all of the offensive stops in their arsenal, and Alabama will then respond with all of the defensive stops. Alabama 28 – Auburn 10

Teams: #5 Virginia Tech (10-1) at Virginia (8-3)
Time (TV): 3:30 pm (ABC/ESPN2)
Interest: 4.5
Cheer For: Virginia

How can you not cheer for Virginia in this one? The Cavaliers have won four straight, including a 14-13 win at Florida State last week. This game, however, will be the biggest game Virginia has played in in over a decade. The winner will play Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. I'm not really sure how Virginia wins, so I can't provide anything meaningful from here on, but they look like they have more fire in them than most teams. Virginia Tech is used to this spot. Maybe they are taking it for granted. If the Cavaliers can stop tailback David Wilson, they'll win. I'm not convinced that the Hokies are above losing this. In fact, I think I'm expecting it. This is going to be a great atmosphere in Charlottesville for both the team and the fans. Virginia 21 – Virginia Tech 20

Teams: #19 Penn State (9-2) at #16 Wisconsin (9-2)
Time (TV): 3:30 pm (ESPN)
Interest: 3.5
Cheer For: Wisconsin

The winner of this game goes to the Big Ten Championship. Wait, let me rephrase that—Wisconsin is going to the Big Ten Championship. Penn State has nothing for the Badgers. Montee Ball may not rush for 150 yards, but it won't matter. Wisconsin 24 – Penn State 14

Teams: Illinois (6-5) at Minnesota (2-9)
Time (TV): 3:30 pm (BTN)
Interest: 1
Cheer For: Minnesota

Zook is going to get fired, and it's way past his team's bedtime. If this isn't the perfect recipe for Illinois to quit, then I don't know what is. If we were making Kool-Aid right now, the Illini would be the Kool-Aid, Minnesota would be the sugar, and the game itself would be the water. Drink up, Gophers. Minnesota 28 – Illinois 23

Teams: Purdue (5-6) at Indiana (1-10)
Time (TV): 3:30 pm (BTN)
Interest: 1.5
Cheer For: Purdue

The Old Oaken Bucket. The third-best of all bucket-based trophies. If Purdue wins, they go to a bowl game. You don't want the Buckeyes to lose to a Purdue team that doesn't even go to a bowl game, do you? Purdue 27 – Indiana 24

Teams: Florida State (7-4) at Florida (6-5)
Time (TV): 7:00 pm (ESPN2)
Interest: 1.5
Cheer For: Florida State

Buckeye fans might want to watch this game to get a glimpse of a possible bowl opponent in Florida. Other than that, I can't imagine why anybody would watch this. Maybe if you were trying to oust a dictator and you went with some psychological warfare and blasted it on a large screen out in front of their house or something. I can't imagine watching it for enjoyment. That just doesn't make any sense. Florida 24 – Florida State 20

Teams: #17 Clemson (9-2) at #12 South Carolina (9-2)
Time (TV): 7:45 (ESPN)
Interest: 3
Cheer For: Clemson

Clemson has lost two straight in this series, and playing on the road isn't usually how you end a losing streak. The Tigers' offense has been better this year, but where was it last week when they  lost 37-13 North Carolina State? Or two games before that when they lost 31-17 at Georgia Tech. I rarely go against the SEC at home in a non-conference game, and I'm certainly not going to start by taking Clemson. I don't think South Carolina's offense will do much, but I don't know that it will have to. South Carolina 21 – Clemson 20

Teams: #22 Notre Dame (8-3) at #6 Stanford (10-1)
Time (TV): 8:00 pm (ABC)
Interest: 1.5
Cheer For: Stanford

We're watching this game to see Notre Dame get pounded. There's nothing else on, so let's all hope for the best. Stanford rebounded well last week from having their season derailed by Oregon the week before, but Notre Dame will provide a different test altogether. The Cardinal's conference season is over and their conference championship hopes are in the hands of Oregon State, who plays Oregon. That would be like asking a gambling addict to hold your emergency gas money to get home while you hit the head at a casino. Stanford is on their own, and they know it. They will be able to focus on Notre Dame because they just don't have anything else to focus on at the moment. I wouldn't be surprised to see Notre Dame win this simply because they are from the midwest and Stanford is from California, but I certainly can't pick them to do so. Stanford 31 – Notre Dame 24

Teams: UCLA (6-5) at USC (9-2)
Time (TV): 10:00 pm (FSN)
Interest: 2
Cheer For: UCLA

I mentioned at the outset how full and tired and cranky I was, and that I was going to make this a quick Tip Sheet, which I think I have done. However, when I got to this game, I had to go and research the Pac 12 South race. Yes, there is a Pac 12 South now. Anyway, since USC is ineligible to play in the conference championship game, if UCLA wins, then they are in. If they lose, they can still be in if Utah and Arizona State both lose. But since Utah is hosting Colorado, that's not going to happen. In fact, if Arizona State loses to Arizona, and UCLA loses to USC—which they're going to do—then Utah will be headed for the inaugural Pac 12 Championship Game. That has to be embarrassing for the conference. Imagine a mid-level program coming into your conference and winning a division in one of their DOWN years. Sure, USC's sanctions made it possible, but then those same sanctions are ALSO an embarrassment. Anyway, I thought UCLA had a chance in this game until Rick Neuheisel came out and said that the gap between the Bruins and the Trojans was closed. Lane Kiffin took that verbal gaffe and ran with it. The quotes were posted all over the football facilities and the Trojans couldn't even say 'sup to Snoop without seeing it posted in a hallway. USC 31 – UCLA 13

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