NCAA College Football Week 12 Picks late games

NCAA College Football 2006 Week 12 Picks

Fearless Rick's NCAA College Football Week 12 Picks - Late Games

Rick Gagliano | 11/14/06

For games of 11/18/06

All times Eastern - Click here for Thursday, Friday and early Saturday games

Saturday November 18, 2006

3:30 pm Auburn (-3, 40) at Alabama - Don't forget the rivalry aspect of this game. That's why Auburn is only a 3-point favorite. The Tigers hammered Alabama last season, but this year they are on the road and have been dismantled twice by SEC foes - Arkansas and Georgia.

The Tigers just don't generate enough offense to remain competitive, though, admittedly, neither do the Crimson Tide. But this is the game of the year for Alabama and the home fans will have the players fired up to put out their best defensive effort of the season.

Prediction: Crimson Tide 23 Tigers 13

3:30 pm Michigan at Ohio St. (-6.5, 40.5) - All eyes will be on this game with both the Buckeyes and Wolverines at 11-0. The winner gets an automatic berth in the national championship while the loser may still be under consideration, though probably not, unless the margin of victory is razor thin.

That's not going to be a concern here as the Buckeyes are simply the best team in the nation and will prove their mettle right here. Michigan is good, though not even on the same page, but the concern for Ohio State is certainly on the running game. The Wolverines have allowed an absurdly low 329 yards rushing this season (no, that's not a misprint).

Common opponents, since they play in the same conference, holds the key. Against Minnesota, the Wolverines won 28-14, Ohio State 44-0. Penn State: Wolverines 17-10; Buckeyes 26-10. Northwestern: Wolverines 17-3; Buckeyes 54-10. Iowa: Wolverines 20-6; Buckeyes 38-17.

What's clear is that the Buckeyes can score on anybody, including Penn State, Texas, etc. What's not so well-known is that the Buckeyes will make life miserable for Michigan QB Chad Henne, who is only adequate, not exceptional. Ohio State has All-Americans on offense, and will be unstoppable once they get the lead. This could be over by the 3rd quarter.

Prediction: Buckeyes 35 Wolverines 17

7:00 pm Virginia Tech (-2, 38.5) at Wake Forest - This could easily be the most exciting game of the week as both teams are well coached and will bring their "A" games for this one. Wake Forest is on the verge of capturing the ACC Atlantic division, while the Hokies, despite only two losses, have been eliminated from contention in the Atlantic.

The game still looms large for the Hokies, simply from a pride and bowl selection perspective. It's as evenly matched as the line indicates, but the Demon Deacons have to be given a slight edge not only for home field, but for the way they've risen to every occasion this season. It could be an historic win for the Wake Forest program and they are a very deserving, and overlooked squad.

Overall team speed and lights out defense gives Wake Forest the edge.

Prediction: Demon Deacons 24 Virginia Tech 17

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7:30 pm South Florida at Louisville (-16.5, 55) - Louisville must rebound from their loss last week at Rutgers and show some poise for bowl consideration. They still have a legitimate shot at a share of the Big East title and should not allow the loss to creep into their thinking against the Bulldogs who are capable of springing the upset.

South Florida is 7-3 and have not been outclassed by anyone this season. They nearly upset Rutgers, losing 22-20, and they beat Pitt, 22-12. They play solid defense and can score on anybody, so the Cardinals had better be well-prepared for a fight.

Louisville will probably be a little less prepared than usual and not entirely ready emotionally for the Bulldogs, but will find the winning formula at home, though just barely.

Prediction: Cardinals 34 Bulldogs 27

7:45 pm Rutgers (-7, 39) at Cincinnati - Rutgers hasn't missed a trick this season, and after beating Louisville last week may be riding high, but there is still work to do. In addition to this tough road test, they still have games remaining against Syracuse and the season finale at West Virginia. But the task at hand is handling the Bearcats.

Cincinnati has only one home loss, not a lot of offense, and has not fared well against ranked teams, with losses to Ohio State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Louisville. Only one of those losses was by less than 16 points, a 23-17 decision at Louisville.

Being on home turf gives the Bearcats somewhat of a boost, but the Scarlet Knights have answered every call and will likely hold Cincy to one of their lowest point totals of the season. Rutgers may not be perfectly sharp here, but their undefeated record will remain intact.

Prediction: Scarlet Knights 33 Bearcats 14

8:00 pm California at USC (-5.5, 55) - This game lost some of its luster when Cal unexpectedly dropped the ball in a 24-20 loss at Arizona last week. The matchup is still very important as the winner will likely be crowned PAC-10 champion as each team has just one conference loss.

The teams are evenly matched, despite the 5 1/2 point edge Vegas has given to the Trojans. Cal's hiccup last week may actually work to their advantage as they have worked extra hard in preparation of this contest.

While a USC home win would not be a surprise, the Golden Bears have a knack for showing up big in big games and there is none bigger than this. Cal will play their best game of the year win with authority.

Prediction: Golden Bears 31 Trojans 21

All times Eastern - Click here for Thursday, Friday and early Saturday games

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