I figured I should channel some of the frenzied material to a pre-gameday post, and see how much of it I got right. The least this will do is eliminate the cushion of hindsight, and it may even lead to fewer unfollow requests on Twitter!
Here then are some predictions for tomorrow's match-ups.
Michigan v. Ohio State: The big one, in the Big House. This series has consistently been one of the most talked about rivalries in the nation, but it seems like Rich's reign hasn't converted into too many riches for the Wolverines. Mich. are looking at a second straight losing season, while the Buckeyes have already wrapped up the conference and are looking forward to the Rose Bowl. A Buckeye Blowout. OSU.
Oklahoma v. Texas Tech: I caught one of the Sooners' previous games and was impressed with their tooth-and-nail fighting for points approach. This one should be a pretty even match-up, as both teams lug it out in Lubbock. I'm going with Texas Tech.
Purdue v. Indiana: Another rivarly game of sorts; Purdue has been in some sort of form lately, coming off a victory that crushed the morale of the Wolverines. Should be an interesting game to watch, although neither team has hopes of salvaging their season at this point. I pick Indiana, more because of the home advantage; also, if they manage to beat the Boilermakers tomorrow, they might just avoid bottom-place shame in the Big Ten (something Michigan will be hoping just as fervently to avoid).
LSU v. Mississippi: The PAC-10 calls itself the conference of Champions, but truth be told (and this does hurt a bit), this title should really be the SEC's. The conference that once boasted three teams in the nation's top 4 sees the Tigers take on Ole Miss. at Oxford. The Tigers are still smarting over what might have been a possible national championship season - I pick LSU to put one over the Rebels tomorrow.
Penn State v. Michigan State: Another interesting match-up. The Lions are coming off beating the Hoosiers, while the Spartans outsmarted the Boilermakers last week. Penn State is clearly the superior team here.
California v. Stanford: A match-up that will have any PAC-10 afficianado salivating. Although both teams have identical records, Stanford showed in their decimation of USC last week that they are quite the force to reckon with. Add the home advantage and the Cardinal should be home and dry (no pun) over the Bears. Stanford
Kentucky v. Georgia: Another great match-up from the SEC. The first signs of UGa's faltering season came when they barely managed to hold on against the ASU Sun Devils at home - tomorrow's match against the Wildcats will be another test. I pick Georgia, if only out of sympathy for the recent loss of their mascot.
Oregon v. Arizona: The PAC-10 matchup of the day. Definitely one to watch; Oregon have been the story of the West so far, but Arizona have quietly been climbing up the rankings and playing some good football. If Arizona can control Oregon's running game, they have as good a chance of getting close as anyone in the conference. Playing at their decidedly small home stadium (and not Autzen) will help no doubt. I still pick Oregon.
Arizona State v. UCLA: I have to do this. Might not be as interesting a matchup to the rest of the country, but Samson Szakacsy will be interesting to to watch as he starts for the first time. Both teams are trying to avoid a losing season, with UCLA trying to stay bowl eligible. At least a chance for ASU to play at the Rose Bowl (albeit in a non-glam game). Sentiment overrides reason to say ASU.
I'll be counting - you should too. Here's to Football Caturday!

