Week 15 predictions

Last week: 3-3; Season: 44-30

Pitt vs. Connecticut: I’m 1-4 in games when I pick against Pitt this season, a fact that one dedicated Panthers fan keeps reminding me about. The only time I was right was when I picked the Panthers to get beat at Cincinnati. Why stop now that the regular season is wrapping up? Bill Stull takes a knee at the Connecticut 1-yard line as time expires and the Huskies win, 27-21.  

South Florida at West Virginia: Things have not gone as planned in Morgantown this season. It’s been a disappointing end for the seniors who experienced so much success early in their careers. The seniors will be fired up to play well in their home send-off, and they’ll be victorious against a South Florida team that has lost four of its past six. WVU will win, 24- 23.

Army vs. Navy: Navy has dominated this series of late, winning the past six games by an average margin of 28 points per game. It doesn’t look like it will get any better for the Cadets, who bring an uninspiring 3-8 record into the game. Among the teams that beat Army this season: New Hampshire, Temple and Louisiana Tech. Ouch. Navy wins in a romp, 42-7.

Ball State vs. Buffalo: Two first-time participants in the MAC championship game. The Cardinals are undefeated and going for an historic season. The Bulls are looking to go to their first bowl game since moving to Division I-A in 1999. Ball State will remain among the few uneaten teams, 35-17.

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech: After a regular season of competitive games produced parity (or was it mediocrity?) in the ACC, it comes down to the Eagles and Hokies for the championship. Funny how those former Big East teams keep winning ACC championships, huh? Boston College beat Virginia 28-23 in Chestnut Hill early in the year. I’ll take the Hokies to win the rematch, 23-20.

Alabama vs. Florida: Quick, name Alabama’s biggest win of the year. Still thinking? How about the opening victory over Clemson? OK, how about the win at Georgia? Now how about Florida’s best win? That would also be a victory at Georgia, the same Bulldogs teams that lost their season finale to Georgia Tech. All the more reason we should have a playoff. I’m not convinced that either team is worthy of playing in a national title game. But one has to go, so I’ll take the Gators because of Tim Tebow, 30-21.

Oklahoma vs. Missouri: The Paper Tigers have been getting ripped week in their big games down the stretch. They allowed 40 points to Kansas last week, 56 to Texas and 28 to Oklahoma State. Now they face the highest scoring team of all in the Big 12. The Sooners will march into the BCS title game, 63-21.

USC at UCLA: You can tune in for the retro look of the Trojans and Bruins both wearing their home colors for this game. After the opening introductions, you might want to switch the channel. USC beats its cross-town rival with ease, 42-20.