These are not necessarily "betting games", but they are by all means "bowl elimination games" for both teams featured in the game. If these teams want any shot at making the post-season, they better win this one.
Game #1: Michigan State at Purdue
This is a big salvage game for both squads after dropping some games that they shouldn't have. Purdue lost at Ross-Ade to Northern Illinois and Northwestern as double-digit favorites, in addition to blowing a lead late in the 4th against rival Notre Dame. They went on to somehow beat Ohio State, and haven't looked back by winning 2 of the last 3 and entering the bowl picture. Michigan State has also been hit with the "bad luck blues", losing several games by a TD or less (Central Michigan, at Notre Dame, at Wisconsin, Iowa, at Minnesota) some even on the last play of the game. While Iowa - Ohio State is the "Game of the Week" in the Big Ten, this is by far the most intriguing match-up in the conference.
Game #2: Florida State at Wake Forest
FSU hasn't won the ACC since 2005, and that trend should continue after last week's defeat at Clemson. One of the big reasons why they haven't been a factor in the conference is the somewhat surprising rise of Wake Forest, who has made 3 consecutive bowls under Jim Grobe. More importantly, the Deacons have won 3 straight against the Seminoles after going 2-21-1 pre-2006. This is a golden opportunity for Wake Forest bury FSU for good, giving them their 6th loss on the year and end their consecutive bowl streak baring a minor miracle when they visit Gainesville on November 28th. To make matters worse, The Noles will be without starting QB Christian Ponder, who is out for the year with a shoulder injury.
Game #3: Wyoming at San Diego State
This is a big opportunity for both first-year head coaches to really make a statement in the Mountain West. Both teams sit at 4-5, and need this one to keep their bowl hopes alive with Rivalry games on the horizon. The Cowboys offense has hit a wall, scoring a combined 10 points the last 3 games against Air Force, Utah, and BYU respectively. Most of their offensive woes are due the absence of a dependable passing game, which is averaging 174.6 yards per game. It's a different story for the Aztecs, who average 268.3 in the air, but only 69.3 on the ground. Will Brady Hoke be the one who finally succeeds at San Diego State? Or will Dave Christensen put the Cowboys back in the post-season for the first time since 2004?
Other games include...
Baylor at Texas A&M – Minus star QB Robert Griffin, the Bears have a shot at achieving bowl eligibility.
Arizona State at UCLA – Seat is starting to get hot for both coaches at underachieving programs.
Wake Forest* at Duke - Can the Blue Devils win 6 games for the first time in 15 years?
*pending a Wake Forest victory this week against Florida State
Game #1: Michigan State at Purdue
This is a big salvage game for both squads after dropping some games that they shouldn't have. Purdue lost at Ross-Ade to Northern Illinois and Northwestern as double-digit favorites, in addition to blowing a lead late in the 4th against rival Notre Dame. They went on to somehow beat Ohio State, and haven't looked back by winning 2 of the last 3 and entering the bowl picture. Michigan State has also been hit with the "bad luck blues", losing several games by a TD or less (Central Michigan, at Notre Dame, at Wisconsin, Iowa, at Minnesota) some even on the last play of the game. While Iowa - Ohio State is the "Game of the Week" in the Big Ten, this is by far the most intriguing match-up in the conference.
Game #2: Florida State at Wake Forest
FSU hasn't won the ACC since 2005, and that trend should continue after last week's defeat at Clemson. One of the big reasons why they haven't been a factor in the conference is the somewhat surprising rise of Wake Forest, who has made 3 consecutive bowls under Jim Grobe. More importantly, the Deacons have won 3 straight against the Seminoles after going 2-21-1 pre-2006. This is a golden opportunity for Wake Forest bury FSU for good, giving them their 6th loss on the year and end their consecutive bowl streak baring a minor miracle when they visit Gainesville on November 28th. To make matters worse, The Noles will be without starting QB Christian Ponder, who is out for the year with a shoulder injury.
Game #3: Wyoming at San Diego State
This is a big opportunity for both first-year head coaches to really make a statement in the Mountain West. Both teams sit at 4-5, and need this one to keep their bowl hopes alive with Rivalry games on the horizon. The Cowboys offense has hit a wall, scoring a combined 10 points the last 3 games against Air Force, Utah, and BYU respectively. Most of their offensive woes are due the absence of a dependable passing game, which is averaging 174.6 yards per game. It's a different story for the Aztecs, who average 268.3 in the air, but only 69.3 on the ground. Will Brady Hoke be the one who finally succeeds at San Diego State? Or will Dave Christensen put the Cowboys back in the post-season for the first time since 2004?
Other games include...
Baylor at Texas A&M – Minus star QB Robert Griffin, the Bears have a shot at achieving bowl eligibility.
Arizona State at UCLA – Seat is starting to get hot for both coaches at underachieving programs.
Wake Forest* at Duke - Can the Blue Devils win 6 games for the first time in 15 years?
*pending a Wake Forest victory this week against Florida State