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This week's slate of college action is short on marquee matchups but don't let that discourage you from enjoying a Saturday afternoon of football. There are still good games on tap.
Houston (21) @ UCF - 12:00 Noon Eastern - ESPNNews/Watch ESPN
It is not very often that I get a chance to plug my alma mater, so you can rest assured that I am taking this one. On paper, this one looks to be a one-sided affair. The Cougars are 6-0 while the Knights are winless on the season, but I have a ton of respect for Coach O'Leary and what he can do with his team. The Cougars better not take this one lightly. The two rivals have historically played close games over the years with UCF holding a decided advantage. If Houston takes this one lightly, my old pal and UCF alum Birddog26 will be along to talk some smack. I'll take the Cougars of course but I suspect the game will be decided by less than a touchdown.
Pittsburgh (25) @ Syracuse - 12 Noon Eastern - ESPNU/WatchESPN
This is a rivalry that dates back to the days of the Eastern Independents. Pitt and Syracuse have played each season since the mid 1950s and there have been some good matchups in this series. Pitt currently holds the upper hand and is riding a wave of momentum while the Orange are heading in the opposite direction. Like most rivalry games though, records mean little. This should be another close affair. Look for the Panthers to continue their winning ways but it will be decided late in the contest.
Northwestern @ Nebraska - 12 Noon Eastern - ESPN2/WatchESPN
The Huskers finally managed to put everything together last week against Minnesota and now they set their sights on Northwestern. The Wildcats on the other hand are looking to regain the momentum after being hammered by both Michigan and Iowa. If you prefer bigger named schools, this is the early day contest for you. This should be another close one, but give the edge to the Huskers.
Toledo (19) @ UMass - 3:00 PM Eastern - ESPN3
Toledo is another of those teams that most of us seldom see play but the MSC school has put together an impressive squad this season. The Minutemen on the other hand are a bunch struggling to find their way in D-1 football. This is not one that you are going to watch for the competiveness, rather it is a chance to see what makes the Rockets fly. Their running back, Kareem Hunt, may be the best football player you have never heard of, and certainly he is somebody that the Cowboys are sure to have on their radar. Tune in and check out a great runner as he and his teammates roll to another victory.
Duke (23) @ Virginia Tech - 3:00 PM Eastern - ESPNU
Duke??? That Duke? This is not basketball. The Blue Devils have a ranked football program right now, much to the chagrin of my buddy Tarheel Paul. They also have one of the country's best safety prospects in Jeremy Cash and it also features the ACC's best defense. The Hokies on the other hand are attempting to fight their way back in to the ACC Coastal race. This is a big game for both schools. Sorry Paul, I have to go with Duke in this one. Don't hate on me too hard,OK?
Texas A&M (15) @ Ole Miss (24) - 7:00 Eastern - ESPN
It took all day, but by the time evening rolls around we have the one match up of ranked schools for the weekend, and it is from the SEC. The Aggies will look to regain momentum after a smackdown from the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Rebels are looking to get back on track after an upset loss to Memphis that came on the heels of a big win over the Tide. One of these two schools is going to salvage its standings in the SEC West while the other will find itself out of the hunt. The Rebs are a home favorite, but I am taking the Ags, but you knew that.
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