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Here are the games to watch on TV this week, and yes, they are loaded with Big 12 games because, well, there are a lot of intriguing games in our fine conference. Here you go:
Texas at #4 TCU
If you're like me, you'll be tuning into this one hoping that Texas figures out another heartbreaking way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (ok, maybe not victory, but a chance at a win in OT) in the final seconds. It would surely be the most gut-wrenching of them all, and remember, TCU knows a little something about breaking the hearts of their foes at the end of games. This game airs on ABC at 11:00 AM CT.
#23 West Virginia at #15 Oklahoma
This is definitely the game of the weekend in the Big 12, at least on paper. West Virginia has a pretty stout defense, but they haven't taken on a team of Oklahoma's caliber, and they certainly haven't played in an environment like they will find when they kickoff in Norman, Oklahoma. This game will give us a good idea of what kind of team West Virginia is, win or lose. It's another 11:00 AM CT kickoff, so have those remote controls handy. This one is on Fox Sports One.
Texas Tech at #5 Baylor
The over/under for this game started at 90.5. For those wondering, that's the highest over/under this season. It has since dropped to 88.5, but come on, you know you want to see both teams score in the 50's in this one. Both teams have high flying offenses and suspect defenses. I'm not a betting man, so I'll stay out of it, but man, do I want to see the over on this one. See if anyone can stop anyone from scoring at 2:30 PM CT on ESPN2.
#13 Alabama at #8 Georgia
We venture out of the Big 12 for a look at this tasty SEC match-up between Alabama and Georgia. As I look through the team stats of these two squads, I notice that statistically, they are virtually identical. From total yards, to rushing yards, to defensive yards allowed, these teams show very little separation on paper. But alas, the games are not played on paper, they are played on a football field and this one happens to be being played in Athens, Georgia. Does that give the Bulldogs a decisive edge and the possibility of knocking Alabama out of the playoff picture? Find out at 2:30 CT on CBS.
#3 Mississippi at #25 Florida
More SEC action here as Ole Miss travels to The Swamp to take on Florida. Mississippi was ranked similarly high at this point last season when they traveled to a difficult road environment and lost. Will it happen again, this time to the resurgent Gators? You can watch it at 6:00 CT on ESPN.
#6 Notre Dame at #12 Clemson
This game is crucial to both teams, but maybe more so for Clemson. After all, Notre Dame has enough national cache to make it to the playoff with a loss to a highly ranked team, but does Clemson? The ACC might not be powerful enough to feature a one-loss champion in the playoffs. If the Tigers win, however, they'll be well on their way to a chance to represent their conference in the final four. This game kicks off at 7:00 CT on ABC.