Mid Major Game of the Week:
Utah vs. TCU
Why should you watch? This is the second game between ranked Mountain West opponents this season. Utah's only loss is by a touchdown against Oregon, but Utah needs to be cautious about this game. True freshman QB Jordan Wynn is making only his second career start and his first on the road. His first start was against winless New Mexico. This weekend he will be facing undefeated TCU, a team that ranks in the top five nationally in total defense, scoring defense, and pass defense. On the other hand, TCU faces its toughest remaining opponent, and a team that would love to prevent its Mountain West rival from going undefeated, and at the same time placing themselves on the inside track to a second straight conference title. Utah will be trying to end TCU's 12-game home winning streak, and with first place in the Mountain West on the line, look for this game to be a battle from start to finish.
Another Mid Major Notable:
Houston vs. UCF
Houston posseses one of the worst defenses in the country, but have managed to win 8 of their first 9 games, behind potential Heisman candidate Case Keenum. The Cougars will lock up the division by winning their final three games, and UCF will be their biggest remaining challenge. UCF will have to improve its defense, especially against Keenum, after Colt McCoy threw for 470 yards against the Knights in a lop-sided loss. The key for Houston in this one will be their abillity to get field position, and produce a lot of three-and-outs to get that field position. UCF's biggest threat is their pass rush, with Jarvis Geathers and Bruce Miller each having nine sacks. The Knights have been plagued by injuries this season, and their defense will have to work extra hard, but don't expect this one to be an easy win for Houston.
Player on the spot this week:
Souther Miss RB Damion Fletcher is trying to become just the 8th player in major college history to have four consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. He has rushed for 734 yards this season, but has been outdone by both Marshall's Darius Marshall and UTEP's Donald Buckram. Fletcher is coming off of a 119 yard performance against Houston, but with his first 100-yard rushing game since September, he needs to pick up the pace. The Golden Eagles take on Marshall this Saturday, and they will expect a big day from Fletcher especially down the stretch.
Mid Major Madness Picks of the Week:
Fresno State 24 Nevada 21
Houston 31 UCF 24
Southern Miss 27 Marshall 24
Utah 21 TCU 38
Idaho 24 Boise State 28
UTEP 17 SMU 28