Code Orange

Ohio State (10-1) at Michigan (8-3) - 12:00 PM

This is obviously the biggest game this weekend as far as tradition, but it probably isn’t the biggest game in terms of importance.  In any case, this game is for a berth into the Rose Bowl, with the loser probably having to settle for the bowl formally known as the Citrus Bowl.

Missouri (9-1) at Kansas State (5-5) - 12:30 PM

This isn’t so much a game to watch as far as rankings or standings are concerned so much as this is Missouri’s final test before their showdown with Kansas next weekend in Kansas City.  However, a Missouri upset in conjunction with a Kansas win this weekend could give Kansas the Big 12 North title.

Bowling Green (6-4) at Buffalo (4-6) - 1:00 PM

Miami (OH) has already won their division of the MAC, but with only Kent State left to go on their schedule after this, a Buffalo win may mean the unthinkable - the Bulls may actually become bowl eligible.

Vanderbilt (5-5) at Tennessee (7-3) - 2:00 PM

This is an important game for both teams, as Vanderbilt is looking to become bowl eligible as Tennessee needs to only get past one more hurdle (Kentucky) before qualifying for the conference championship game if they can get by the Commodores.   LSU has already clenched the SEC West.

Duke (1-9) at Notre Dame (1-9) - 2:30 PM

I’m interested to see if the Blue Devils can really beat Notre Dame.  That might be the biggest win in program history, even if Notre Dame would be 1-10 afterwards.

Iowa State (3-8) at Kansas (10-0) - 3:30 PM

If Kansas wins this, they had into their final regular season game with Missouri undefeated and ranked #2 - something that may not be all that good.

Boston College (8-2) at Clemson (8-2) - 7:45 PM

All of a sudden, Clemson is back in the picture, thanks to Boston College’s collapse in the last two weeks.  The winner of this game clenches a spot in the ACC Championship game against the winner of the Virginia/Virginia Tech game next weekend.

West Virginia (8-1) at Cincinnati (8-2) - 7:45 PM 

Believe it or not, Cincinnati is still in the running for the Big East title and a BCS bid.  If they can upset the Mountaineers, and then if West Virginia defeats Connecticut next week, Cincinnati would hold the tie breaker.

In sort-of unrelated news.  Pittsburgh, of all teams, is still in the hunt for the conference title.  They’ve defeated Cincinnati and have West Virginia yet to play.  They’d need a lot of help, but if Cinci defeats West Virginia and West Virginia defeats UConn, there would be 4 teams in the Big East with 2 losses - assuming Pitt defeats Rutgers, of course.