Non-BCS Football Week 13 Breakdown
Houston versus Tulsa
WHY YOU’LL WATCH?
This is the whole enchilada for Houston. Case Keenum and company have continuously been on top of the country in every major offensive category. They gain 618 yards per game, including 447 yards per game through the air. This team is on fire. They are undefeated going into this game against Tulsa. They would make the BCS standings at least a little interesting if they were to keep winning. But let’s not count out Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane is 8-3 and undefeated in Conference USA. They win the West Division outright if they take out the Cougars. They have a great shot. Their only three losses came from top-10 teams at the time they played (all within the first four weeks). This will certainly be the stiffest competition Houston has faced. The best team they’ve faced out of conference all year has been UCLA. This one could be a high-flying show. There’s no better way to get over a turkey coma than to watch a competitive football game.
Eastern Michigan versus Northern Illinois
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
If Northern Illinois loses, they open the door for Toledo to win the MAC West. Hopes for a conference title and a good bowl bid would be dashed. They don’t have such an easy game on Friday either. Eastern Michigan comes in at 6-5 with a 13th ranked rushing attack behind primary carriers Javonti Greene and quarterback Alex Gillett. Gillett’s mobility has provided a nice dimension to the Eagles offense that has been their bread-and-butter all season. Their passing attack has suffered as a result (they are 12th in the conference). Northern Illinois comes in trying to add to their third straight winning season. They also have a high-powered rushing offense, which happens to score 41.5 points per game. This game will come down to which team’s defense makes more plays. After beating Toledo in a shootout 63-60 a few weeks back, Northern Illinois set themselves up to be in this position at the end of the season. Now they just need to close.
Toledo versus Ball State
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
The best part about this game is that it is packaged with the game above. The MAC West standings are on the line. Toledo needs to win this game and hope Eastern Michigan can defeat Northern Illinois. Should that happen, Toledo would find itself vying for the conference title. It has been quite the season for the Rockets. They come in with a 6-1 conference record with their only loss coming to the pesky Huskies of Northern Illinois. They average 42 points per game in a quick-fire offense that has two legitimate quarterbacks that have contributed. Terrance Owens has 11 touchdowns and Austin Dantin has thrown 15. Collectively, they only have six interceptions. They are the best in the conference at turnover margin, and that has been a gigantic part of their success. Ball State comes in at 6-5 with their last two losses being heartbreakers (45-35 shootout to Western Michigan; 41-38 versus Northern Illinois). Despite having pedestrian statistics, this is a team that has found ways to be in games, high-scoring or otherwise. Pete Lembo has this team thinking they can out-duel their opponents. Still, it won’t be easy for them against a team like Toledo who can score nearly at will. Ball State is dead last in the conference at stopping opponents.
Wyoming versus Boise State
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
If for no other reason than for Wyoming to prove its worth in the Mountain West, this might be a good one to check out. Wyoming is often overlooked as a school that has any relevance in football. Yet they come into this game with Boise at 7-3 and poised for a top-3 finish in the conference. They took it to the lowly New Mexico Lobos last week, 31-10. Their last lost was to conference leader TCU, 31-20. They average 28 points a game and have a really solid freshman at quarterback. Brett Smith has been the real deal. The Cowboys have to be excited about their future with this guy under center. He has 15 touchdowns to only five interceptions. The success of this team hinges on the defense forcing turnovers and they lead the Mountain West with a 1.5 turnover margin. They don’t always light up the scoreboard, but the Cowboys take the ball. That’s why they are staring Boise in the face and saying “Come get me.” We all know how good Boise State is. Kellen Moore is continuing to shine in his storied career. This is a good game and a good test for the Broncos. Maybe the Cowboys have an upset in them.
Louisiana versus Arizona
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
In a curious final-game-of-the-season matchup, Louisiana has a better record than Arizona in an underrated conference. Maybe they can get a signature win against a big program on the road to finish off the 2011 regular season. Unfortunately for Louisiana, there isn’t too much on the line for them if they win. They would get to nine wins, but they blew a big opportunity last week against Sun Belt leader Arkansas State. Had they won that game, this game would have been that much more crucial. As it stands, this would be a great way to cap off an impressive season for the Ragin’ Cajuns. They rank second in the Sun Belt in scoring at 31.9 points per game and have forced 21 turnovers for the year on defense. They don’t always blow people out, but they find a way to win. They face an Arizona team that has had a forgettable season. Mike Stoops was fired and they recently signed offensive-minded Rich Rodriguez to replace him. The Wildcats are 3-8 despite great play from their pro-prospect at quarterback in Nick Foles. He has been great with 3,982 yards and 25 touchdowns. Louisiana will look to slow him down and make 2011 a memorable season.
Tulane versus Hawaii
WHY YOU’LL WATCH
This game has no bearing on any conference standing. It will be interesting to see, however, how the Rainbow Warriors respond on the field after these point shaving accusations have arisen. For a team that usually flies high and racks up wins, a 5-6 record is curious. Tulane isn’t a very good team. People will be watching Hawaii with a keen eye.
