A Football Fan’s Four-Pack - Week Thirteen

By JOHN GARRETT

Michigan @ Ohio St. (November 22, 12:00, ABC): Often referred to as the greatest rivalry in sports, this will mark the 105th meeting between the two schools. With the Wolverines (3-8, 2-5 in Big Ten play) having a rough year under first-year head coach Rich Rodriguez, the No. 10 Buckeyes (9-2, 6-1 in Big Ten play) will have little sympathy for their hated rivals. But as with any good rivalry, you can throw the season record out the window and expect a battle. Ohio State can win a share of the Big Ten championship with a victory – their fourth straight – and Michigan would love nothing more than to rain on the Buckeyes’ parade after missing out on a bowl appearance for the first time in 33 years. Look for defensive standouts James Laurinaitis (in the running for six national honors), and Malcolm Jenkins (semifinalist for the Thorpe award) to be thorns in the side of the Wolverines all afternoon.

Super Senior: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Star of Tomorrow: Obi Ezeh, LB, Michigan

Boston College @ Wake Forest (November 22, 3:30, ABC): The Demon Deacons (6-4, 4-3 in ACC play) will be trying to keep their hopes alive for a berth in the ACC Championship Game, while also trying to go three straight seasons with seven wins or more for the first time in school history. Wake Forest needs a win over Boston College (7-3, 3-3 in ACC play) as well as a pair of losses by Maryland in order to reach Tampa Bay on Dec. 6. The Eagles find themselves in a solid position heading into Winston-Salem after last week’s 27-17 victory over Florida State, and control their own destiny in the ACC Atlantic.

Super Senior: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Star of Tomorrow: Mark Herzlich, LB, BC

Mississippi @ LSU (November 22, 3:30, CBS): In the first game of the newly created Magnolia Bowl series, the No. 18 Tigers (7-3, 3-3 in SEC play) will host the Rebels (6-4, 3-3 in SEC play) in the 97th all-time meeting between the two squads, dating back to 1894. While LSU has won the last six-straight meetings and three in a row at Tiger stadium, the last three have been decided by three points or less. With Ole’ Miss being bowl eligible for the first time since 2003 and having something to play for, look for another exciting finish.

Super Senior: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Star of Tomorrow: Shay Hodge, WR, Mississippi

Florida St. @ Maryland (November 22, 7:45, ESPN): The Terrapins (7-3, 4-2 in ACC play) are the only team in the nation this season with four wins over ranked opponents, but after last week’s loss to Boston College, the Seminoles (7-3, 4-3 in ACC play) have more to worry about than just statistics. Florida State would love nothing more than to leave College Park with a win and the possibility of spoiling Maryland’s chances at the ACC Championship Game. However, that chance at winning the ACC championship for the first time since 2001, should have Maryland looking to defend its home turf at all costs.

Super Senior: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Star of Tomorrow: Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland

Photo Credit: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film