What a way to spend Thanksgiving weekend with thrilling games involving two of the nation’s Top 3 teams.  Third-ranked Texas slugged it out against Texas A&M behind current Heisman front-runner Colt McCoy, while #2 Alabama survived against arch-rival Auburn, 26-21.

Here’s the predictions to close out rivalry Saturday.

Florida State at Florida: Tim Tebow’s final home game and, likely, Bobby Bowden’s final visit to the Swamp.  After watching the Longhorns and Crimson Tide struggle on Thursday and Friday, the Gators leave no doubt.  Florida 42, FSU 20

Notre Dame at Stanford: After gut-wrenching losses over the past several weeks, does the Fighting Irish have anything left in the tank?  Expect Charlie Weis to be relieved from his duties within 48 hours following the conclusion of this game, his sixth loss of the season.  Stanford 34, Notre Dame 27

Georgia at Georgia Tech: After breaking a long losing streak to the Dogs last season, Georgia Tech will be looking to make a statement in this game.  They’re not completely out of the National Championship race, but would need significant help to get in (ala #7 LSU’s rise in 2007).  They won’t be worrying about that as a miserable season keeps getting worse for Georgia.  Georgia Tech 42, Georgia 30

Clemson at South Carolina: Can Clemson focus on this game with their biggest game in 15 years (ACC Championship vs. Georgia Tech) looming next week?  Spurrier and company pull out all the stops, but CJ Spiller makes the difference.  Clemson 24, South Carolina 20

Miami at South Florida: Jacory Harris and the ‘Canes keep South Florida from being the second-best team in the state.  Miami 31, South Florida 17

Utah at Brigham Young: Technically, BYU is still “under consideration” for a berth in a Bowl Championship Series game, although it’s extremely unlikely.  After “The Holy War” on Saturday, it’s completely out of the questions.  Utah 35, BYU 31

Arkansas at LSU: All week long, everyone has been questioning Les Miles’ play-calling in the final minutes of last week’s loss to Ole Miss.  The questions don’t get any easier as the likely All-SEC QB Ryan Mallett steals the show with a huge day and secures a berth in the AT&T Cotton Bowl.  Arkansas 34, LSU 24

UCLA at USC: The Bruins need this game to solidify their position in the bowl pecking order as well as backing up Rick Neuheisel’s claim that “The LA football dynasty is over”.  They’re still two years away from making the happen.  Southern Cal 38, UCLA 17

Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know who your winners are below.

As we wind down the regular season, this weekend starts with a couple of key College Football rivalry games.

Ohio State at Michigan: Wolverines coach Rich Rodriguez could definitely use this win to close on a high note and earn a bowl bid. Won’t happen as the Buckeyes overpower their interstate rivals who are a year away. Ohio State 28, Michigan 13

Connecticut at Notre Dame: The Huskies have been on the short end if too many losses this season, both on and off the field. Charlie Weis’ fate is sealed at the conclusion of this game. Connecticut 24, Notre Dame 20

Ole miss at LSU: The Tigers were in a stupor last week against Louisiana Tech, trailing at the half before coming back to win. The Rebels wrap up a Cotton Bowl berth with Dexter McCluster running wild. Ole Miss 30, LSU 27

Clemson at Virginia: Two years ago, Clemson was a win away from the ACC Championship game before letting it slip away. C.J. Spiller won’t let that happen on Saturday and solidifies an invitation to New York for the Heisman ceremony. Clemson 41, Virginia 20

Cal at Stanford: Tobey Gerhart is the nation’s best player that fans on the East Coast are just hearing about. Problems at QB for Jeff Tedford and the Golden Bears continue as the Cardinal stay alive for a Rose Bowl berth. Stanford 35, Cal 17

Oregon at Arizona: The winner of this game will emerge as the odds on favorite to earn a Rose Bowl berth versus Ohio State. Jeremiah Masoli gets back on track in Tucson. Oregon 30, Arizona 20

Minnesota at Iowa: Although the Hawkeyes won’t be headed to the Rose Bowl, they still have an opportunity to play in a premier bowl game – likely the Orange Bowl or Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Kirk Ferentz’s squad makes their case for the BCS. Iowa 24, Minnesota 10

Oklahoma at Texas Tech: Both teams are 6-4 and playing for a “better” bowl position. The Sooners maintain their poise and make it happen against the Red Raiders in Lubbock. Oklahoma 27, Texas Tech 24

Agree or disagree? Let me know – and why – below.

Although there wasn’t a huge shake up in our College Football BCS Bowl Projections this week, a number of Saturday’s games impacted some of the other 29 bowls including:

• Cal’s win against Arizona
• Stanford’s blowout over Southern Cal
• Georgia’s victory against Auburn
• Ole Miss’ drubbing of Tennessee
• Central Florida’s win against Houston

Here’s our latest BCS bowl predictions:

BCS National Championship Game: Florida vs. Texas

Allstate Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Cincinnati

FedEx Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs. TCU

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Iowa vs. Boise State

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Agree?  Disagree?  Let us know below.

The regular season is winding down and late-season losses can make the difference between playing for the National Championship, a BCS football game or missing the postseason altogether.

Here’s our picks for this weekend’s games.

Georgia Tech at Duke: Last week’s heroics by Jonathan Dwyer (not to mention a great 4th down call by Paul Johnson) let the Jackets slim BCS title hopes alive. A victory this weekend would secure a spot in the ACC Title Game and likely an Orange Bowl berth. No other motivation required. Georgia Tech 30, Duke 13

Alabama at Miss State: The Bulldogs have played very well at home this season and easily could have posted victories over Florida and LSU. This should be close fir a half, but Mark Ingram will be too much for the boys from Starkville to handle. Alabama 34, Miss State 17

Florida at South Carolina: South Carolina always starts the year with a flurry and seems to fade late in the year. No Black Magic for the Gamecocks, just fade to black. Florida 24, South Carolina 13

Utah at TCU: There wont be a more exciting game on Saturday than this one. Win, and the Horned Frogs have cleared their biggest remaining hurdle to a BCS bowl game. Should Texas lose, the BCS rankings will get interesting for the 4th ranked Horned Frogs. TCU 23, Utah 17

Iowa at Ohio State. Two weeks ago, the Hawkeyes had arguably the Big 10′s best QB. Now, Ricky Stanzi is injured and Terrelle Pryor has found his mojo once more. That doesn’t bode well for Iowa. Ohio State 30, Iowa 10

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh: Lose this one and the Irish are looking for a new coach – likely named Nick Saban or Urban Meyer. Panthers RB Dion Lewis runs wild and creates a ton of headaches in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa. Pitt 28, Notre Dame 24

Stanford at USC: Two years ago, the Cardinal pulled off one of the most improbable victories ever against the Trojans. Both of these teams are still alive for a Rose Bowl berth, but need some help. Pete Carroll and the Trojans will keep Tobey Gerhart in check as USC stays on track for an at-large BCS berth. USC 27, Stanford 17

Agree? Disagree? Let me know your thought below.

LSU at Alabama: It’s hard for the two head coaches, Les Miles and Nick Saban, to not be the headline story on this game. That’s impressive given that the winner is a virtual lock for the SEC Championship Game. In Tuscaloosa, Mark Ingram and the Tide roll on. Alabama 24, LSU 20.

Florida State at Clemson: Amazingly, these two teams are both in the running to still make an appearance in the ACC Title Game. Clemson’s C.J. Spiller, who should be a significant Heisman candidate, has been a difference maker all season. Saturday is no exception. Clemson 34, FSU 31.

Ohio State at Penn State: Has anyone’s stock fallen faster than Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor? Once a rising star, now many around the program question if he can still lead the team. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions continue their quest for a BCS berth. Penn State 27, Ohio State 17.

Oklahoma at Nebraska: This game used to be one of the season’s biggest. Now, the loser is out of the running for the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma 30, Nebraska 24.

Navy at Notre Dame: With the Big XII, ACC and Pac-10 all sending (likely) one team to the BCS, the door could be opened for Notre Dame – if they can win out. Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Stanford still pose threats, but the Irish earn some redemption. Notre Dame 30, Navy 23.

Oregon at Stanford: Early in the season it appeared that Stanford would be the better team in this matchup. The Ducks and Jeremiah Masoli need to keep winning big in the hopes of earning a BCS Championship bid. Oregon 41, Stanford 24.

USC at Arizona State: After last week’s destruction at Autzen against the Ducks, the Trojans need some big wins to get back into the BCS conversation instead of being relegated to the Holiday Bowl. It will be anything but a holiday on Saturday for the Sun Devils. Southern Cal 38, Arizona State 17.

Florida at Mississippi State: Gators head coach Urban Meyer this week stated that even though his team looks good on paper “we still don’t feel like we’re operating at the highest level of efficiency.” Mississippi State seems to help teams with that problem. It’s a dangerous game, though, with Florida’s former offensive coordinator, Dan Mullen, now leading the Bulldogs (see Washington vs. USC) Tim Tebow leads the Gators to their first victory in Starkville since 1985. Florida 34, Miss State 13.

Tennessee at Alabama: This rivalry was big before Lane Kiffin arrived in Knoxville. Jonathan Compton gets gobbled up by the Tide defense. Alabama 30, Tennessee 17.

Oregon State at USC: Pete Carroll says he’s not into revenge for one happened last year. He just wants his team to play up to their ability. Mission accomplished. USC 28, Oregon State 14.

TCU at BYU: The Horned Frogs are gaining more and more respect each week – not to mention a rise in the ratings as they are poised to enter the Top 5 in the weeks ahead. This game looked a lot more dangerous before Florida State went in and exposed the Cougar defense. TCU wins it the old fashioned way – with defense. TCU 20, BYU 10.

Auburn at LSU: The last two games on the Bayou in this series came down to the final play. It’s not going to be that way Saturday night in Death Valley. Auburn’s offense starts to rebound, but not soon enough. LSU 24, Auburn 17.

Clemson at Miami: For all of the mystery surrounding Clemson’s record, they seem to have finally found some answers last weekend against Wake Forest. In the surprise of the ACC season, the Tigers send the Hurricanes out to sea and keep a glimpse of an ACC Championship alive. Clemson 23, Miami 20.

Georgia Tech at Virginia: Amazingly, the Jackets haven’t won in Charlottesville in 19 years – the same season they won the UPI National Championship. After making some early season adjustments, Paul Johnson and his team will roll over a resurgent Cavalier squad. Georgia Tech 34, Virginia 24.

Penn State at Michigan: The Wolverines have one of the most dominating home atmospheres which contributes to a lot of questions regarding their recent home performance. Something’s got to give on Saturday when the Nittany Lions, who haven’t won in Ann Arbor in 13 years, come to town. Penn State 24, Michigan 23.

South Florida at Pittsburgh: With a win on Saturday, the Panthers will match their best start since NFL Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino was under center. The 20th-ranked Pitt squad is also 3-0 in the conference, but have a tough closing stretch with Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincinnati to close out the regular season. But that’s another story. As for Saturday, RB Dion Lewis continues to deliver and puts the Bulls out to pasture. Pitt 27, South Florida 20.