Week 14 Predictions

We finally made it.  The season finale.  It's been a tough season, with highs and (lots of) lows, but the end is finally here.

Since KU doesn't have any more games after this week, I think this will be the last prediction post for football this season.  If you guys want me to do one next week (or maybe some during the bowl season), let me know and I'll reconsider.

All Times in Jayhawk (Central) Standard Time

Kansas (3-8, 1-7 Big 12) @ #12 Kansas State (8-2, 6-1 Big 12)  3:00pm TV: FOX Sports 1

Jim Hammen: Can KU recover from last week's Oklahoma disaster and finish Clint Bowen's interim season strong? I'm strangely optimistic about it. I think KU plays solid from start to finish, maybe not quite as good as they were against TCU, but close. K-State is too much for the Jayhawks in the end, but a respectable loss caps off a (mostly) respectable audition for Bowen. The real question: Was it enough for Bowen to be win the head coaching job permanently? Kansas State 31, Kansas 21.

mikeville: I hate this game. I hate this game so very, very much. Every year I come into it with such hope. And every year, the ‘Hawks get killed. I can't wait until Snyder retires (again). The man just slashes our throats - Every. Single. Year. My brain tells me to go with a semi-close game, something like, 31-20. But that's just not how this series has gone lately for the Jayhawks. Prove me wrong, guys. But until you do, I'll go with KState 45, Kansas 17.

dnoll5: I think KU can keep it close at the beginning, but as the game moves on, K-State will simply wear KU out. Sure, Bowen might get the guys to come out firing, but KSU has a good defense and Bill Snyder seems to take pride in not letting KU even get a sniff at local dominance. I just don;t see it happening this year, especially with the conference title still in play for K-State. Wildcats 42, Jayhawks 14.

misterbrain: This one is tough because every single one of the seniors knows that this is their last opportunity to suit up in the uniform. The talent disparity is pretty big, but Kansas State may get caught looking ahead to the Baylor game, even though they need this one to ensure a chance to split the Big 12 title.  I think KU can keep this one close, but I just don't see the upset happening.  K-State 27, KU 20

#16 Georgia Tech (9-2) @ #9 Georgia (9-2)  11:00am  TV: SEC Network

Georgia Tech has been quite the surprise this year.  Georgia has just kept on going, even after losing their start running back twice during the season.  Give me Georgia in a rout. Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 20.

West Virginia (6-5, 4-4 Big 12) @ Iowa State (2-8, 0-7 Big 12)  11:00am TV: FOX Sports 1

Barring a monumental upset next week against TCU, this is likely the only chance ISU has to get a conference victory this year.  Unfortunately, it's not a particularly good chance. West Virginia 45, Iowa State 24

#4 Mississippi State (10-1, 6-1 SEC) @ #19 Mississippi (8-3, 4-3 SEC)  2:30pm TV: CBS

Earlier this year, this looked like it would be for the rights to go to the championship game. Instead, Ole Miss is trying to play spoiler.  They do and make a push for a top tier bowl. Mississippi 27, Mississippi State 24.

Florida (6-4) @ #3 Florida State (11-0)  2:30pm  TV: ESPN

Florida State is trying to go undefeated in back-to-back seasons.  Florida is trying to salvage a disappointing season by spoiling their rival's chance at the CFP. As much as I want to, I just can't pick the Gators here.  Florida State 35, Florida 21

#7 Baylor (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) @ Texas Tech (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) 2:30pm TV: ABC/ESPN2

Baylor has been rolling , Texas Tech showed improvement against Iowa State last week.  Unfortunately for them, Baylor has too much talent to be caught flatfooted, even if they do look ahead to the huge matchup with Kansas State. Baylor 56, Texas Tech 17

#18 Minnesota (8-3, 5-2 Big Ten) @ #14 Wisconsin (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten)  2:30pm TV: BTN

Winner makes it to the Big 10 Championship against Ohio State.  This game usually is heated, but the added stakes should make this one great to watch.  Ultimately, the Badgers defend home turf. Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 21

#15 Auburn (8-3, 4-3 SEC) @ #1 Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC)  6:45pm TV: ESPN

Alabama tries to avenge the last second loss from last year.  Auburn is trying to spoil Alabama's chance to make the playoffs. As much as my gut is telling me to take Auburn, my head interrupts and calls itself an idiot for even entertaining picking against this defense. Alabama 20, Auburn 13