CFB Bits: Bedlam and the ACC.
The calendar has turned to November and its getting to be rubber hitting the road time in college football. Three games this weekend have serious implications on two major conferences and large playoff implications. The Bedlam football series could knock one team out of the four horse Big 12 race; and both sides of the ACC could be decided on two games. Here are some short comments and predictions on these three games.
#8 Oklahoma (4-1)(7-1) @ #11 Oklahoma State (4-1)(7-1)
Saturday; 4:00 ET / FS1
Oklahoma State -2.5
Over / Under 76
The 112th meeting of football Bedlam may be the most meaningful game of the previous 111 meetings. Each team needs the win to keep their playoff hopes and possibly their Big 12 title hopes alive. A loss would likely kill any hopes for either.
Both teams have powerful offenses with two of the leading quarterbacks in the college game. Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield is still a Heisman hopeful, completing 72.5 percent of his passes with 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions. The spotlight has gone away from Oklahoma State and quarterback Mason Rudolph a bit since the loss to TCU. Rudolph is one of the leaders in the country in passing yards and big plays. A Cowboy win would jettison them back into playoff contention.
Oklahoma hasn't lost a road game since October 2014. But will they be ready for this road test? The Sooners have a checkered history in big ballgames and this one is every bit as big as any. Can the Oklahoma defense slow down the Rudolph to James Washington and Marcell Atemann connections that have produced over 1600 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns?
The Cowboys get some payback.
Oklahoma State 33-30
#20 NC State (4-0)(6-2) @ Clemson (5-1)(7-1)
Saturday; 3:30 / ABC
Clemson -7
Over / Under 51
Despite NC State's loss to Notre Dame last week, the Wolfpack still sits at the top of the ACC Atlantic Division. The team chasing them is Clemson, whose loss to Syracuse has them sitting in second place. This game will likely determine the winner of the division.
Clemson is coming off a big win over Georgia Tech and has a healthy Kelly Bryant, who hurt the Yellow Jackets for 207 yards and two touchdowns. The Tigers have won 12 of the past 13 matchups against NC State. Clemson almost had their championship trek derailed last year by NC State, needing overtime to win, 24-17 in Raleigh.
The Wolfpack left South Bend with some key injuries. The biggest one being running back Nyheim Hines. He suffered an sprained ankle early in the Notre Dame game and didn't return. He is expected back along with two of their tackles against Clemson. It is imperative for a healthy Nyheim Hines and his production for any chance at Clemson.
A Clemson loss kills any chance for a second straight playoff appearance. I believe they have too much of a high profile to let that happen.
Clemson 34-24
#13 Virginia Tech (3-1)(7-1) @ #10 Miami (5-0)(7-0)
Saturday; 8:00 / ABC
Virginia Tech -2.5
Over / Under 50
Like the NC State at Clemson game should decide the Atlantic Division, this game should put a wrap on the Coastal Division. Virginia Tech is coming off a win over Duke and Miami defeated North Carolina last week.
Miami has been quite the Harry Houdini act so far this year. Their last four wins have been by a total of 18 points. No matter how good or bad the team is, they managed to eeek wins out. The Hurricanes hold the nation's longest winning streak at 12.
Miami quarterback, Malik Rosier and Virginia Tech quarterback, Josh Jackson both have 17 touchdowns and four interceptions.
I believe the Hokie defense will be the difference in this game. They have allowed only 10 points in their past two wins.
Miami has never won a division title since joining the ACC. Virginia Tech has been responsible for much of that, winning five of the past eight against Miami. I think the Miami magic runs out.
Virginia Tech 23-13
