Fans Weekend Guide - Week Twelve

The Conference Title is on the Line When…
Maryland Hosts North Carolina (November 15, 3:30, ABC): With their win over the Yellow Jackets, the Tar Heels created a three-way tie atop the Coastal Division with Virginia Tech, Miami and the Heels all 3-2 in conference play. Mean-while, the Terps’ loss to Virginia Tech was their second in ACC play – prior to that, they were the lone one loss team. Maryland is now a half game behind both Florida St. and Wake Forest, but Ralph Freidgen’s squad does control its own destiny and is 5-0 at home with three wins over (then) ranked foes. Having lost to the Hokies themselves, UNC needs help. They are 2-1 on the road, with their lone loss coming in overtime at Virginia, so this one should be a dandy. Keep an eye on junior wide outs Hakeem Hicks and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Don’t Call it an Upset When…
BYU Visits Air Force (November 15, 3:30, CBS College Sports): Heading into the season, the BYU Cougars were the numero uno “BCS Buster”. However, a loss to TCU quickly changed that. The team on top is now their in-state rival, Utah, who the Cougars play next Saturday, but they best not look ahead. When Utah made the trip to Colorado Springs, they found themselves in a tie game before crossing the goal line in the final minute, proving the Falcons are no walkover. While BYU does it mostly with the arm of Max Hall, Air Force gains 76 percent of their yards on the ground. The Academy’s leading receiver, Josh Cousins, has 11 receptions, a number BYU tight end Dennis Pitta (67 receptions, 879 yards, six touchdowns) has equaled twice in a single game this season. And Pitta isn’t even the Cougars’ leading receiver – that would be Austin Collie with his 78 receptions for 1,185 yards and 13 touchdowns. While they do it in far different ways, expect both teams to find the end zone often in a thriller.

The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is…
Ohio St. Visiting Illinois (November 15, 12:00, ESPN): What could the Buckeyes be looking ahead to? For starters they are in the BCS hunt and could win a conference title if Penn St. is to fall to say…Michigan St., whom the Buckeyes defeated. Oh yeah, they play hated border rival Michigan AKA “that school up north” next week.

The Team on the Cusp is…
Kentucky Hosting Vanderbilt (November 15, 8:00, ESPN2): Or Vanderbilt visiting Kentucky – take your pick. With a win, the ‘Dores become bowl eligible for the first time since 1982 and after starting the season 5-0, Vandy is desperate for a victory. Kentucky has already secured their sixth win, but would be wise to add one more to the ‘W’ column to secure what would be their third straight bowl appearance, something they’ve done only once (from 1950-1952).

Photo Credit: UNC Athletic Communications