MSU at Penn State

SH — This one has train wreck written all over it. The Spartans have to close out a disastrous season on the road against a quality opponent, and they might have to do so without their senior leader, Drew Stanton. If MSU couldn't get it done at home against Purdue and Minnesota when they had a bowl game to play for, how in the world can they win this one when there's nothing on the line? The answer: They can't.

Penn State 38, MSU 13

EC — MSU hasn't won in Happy Valley since 1965. What better way to break the spell than with a lame-duck coach and a group of players that is probably anxious for the season to be over? That's how you spell upset.

This game will be a complete and utter disaster. There's absolutely no hope. MSU can consider the game a success if it manages to stay within 30.

Penn State 49, MSU 6

TK — I'm not going to lie: Predicting MSU's game has turned into the most depressing moment of my week. What do you want me to say at this point? The Spartans will rally behind their coach? Said that once, and I was wrong. They'll play for pride? Said that once, and I was wrong. They'll win because they're the better team? Not even true here, but I said it once, and I was wrong.

I'm just closing my eyes and hoping It'll all be over soon.

Penn State 35, MSU 9

GI — Let this be the final nail in the coffin that was the 2006 football season. Let's bury it, say a few kind words. Life goes on.

To the senior players —good luck with your futures.

To the coaches — with hefty severance in hand, the last train leaves East Lansing on Sunday.

To the underclassmen players and the fans — tomorrow is another day. Let's remember how great we all felt for the Detroit Tigers' comeback.

Penn State 30, MSU 14

No. 2 Michigan at No. 1 Ohio State

SH — What are the chances the MSU/Penn State game gets canceled and I can watch this game from my couch? Anyway, here are three simple reasons why Ohio State will win.

1. Jim Tressel will implement some wrinkles in the Buckeyes game plan that will leave Lloyd Carr dumbfounded. 2. Mario Manningham hasn't proven he's back to 100 percent, and without him, Chad Henne not only looks like John Navarre, but he plays like him, too. 3. Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith is magical, and, like other running quarterbacks, he'll make the U-M defense disappear.

Ohio State 27, Michigan 20

EC — Three simple reasons? Isn't just one enough? Here's all you need to know about this game: Jim Tressel owns Lloyd Carr. He has a 4-1 record to prove it. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around, the Buckeyes will be nursing a double-digit lead and running out the clock. And Lloyd will be telling the refs that "his team deserves better."

Even if the coaching matchup were equal, Ohio State still has the best playmaker in college football. This is Troy Smith's chance to put a stranglehold on the Heisman. He's not going to fall at the hands of the Maize and Blue.

Ohio State 24, Michigan 14

TK — I asked my most football-knowledgable friend at U-M what he thought about this game. He said U-M would win, "and win handily." I asked him to elaborate. He said it was just his gut. For the most anticipated college football game in years, I expected more.

I also disagreed with him. The Buckeyes have home-field advantage, a better track record and Troy Smith.

Michigan is undoubtedly the second best team in the country. That just won't get it done in this game.

Ohio State 23, Michigan 16

GI — I was born and raised in Ohio. Ohio State vs. Michigan has always been "The Big Game." This year, it may be the game of the decade. If U-M wins, we (MSU fans) will never hear the end of it, so we must all hope and pray Ohio State wins. With hometown advantage, I give it to Ohio State by a touchdown.

Ohio State 21, Michigan 14

No. 17 Cal at No. 4 Southern Cal

SH — This game lost most of its luster after USC was beaten on Oct. 28 and Cal lost last week. Still, this game will basically decide who wins the Pac-10 and plays in a BCS bowl game. According to Conley — who has been predicting this game all season — Cal will go into the Coliseum and knock off the Trojans. According to me, Conley is an idiot. Sure, USC has been shaky during some of its wins. But the Trojans are in Southern California — would you be focused on football? When the game matters, USC brings it, as evidenced by the combined 77-10 score of its last two games since the loss.

USC 31, California 17

EC — I'm feeling a little shaky about that Cal upset prediction now. I assumed Southern Cal would still be undefeated, but after getting tripped up by Oregon State, the Trojans are playing with renewed vigor.

But Cal still has a chance. Last week's loss to Arizona should be a wake-up call. This could turn out to be a classic, just like the 2003 game, when the Golden Bears prevailed in triple overtime.

I'm sticking to my guns. Cal wins in a shootout.

California 42, USC 37

TK — If I've learned one thing this semester, it's this: Always pick against an Ethan Conley Upset Special. I think we can debunk his latest one with a simple question: Which team needs this game more? For Cal, a win Saturday is the difference between a New Year's Eve bowl and a New Year's Day one. For USC, it's the difference between a New Year's Day bowl and a likely berth in the national championship game. The advantage, once again, goes to the team Conley picks against.

USC 31, California 21

GI — Don't you just love these in-state rivalries? I have not followed these teams, but never bet against USC.

USC 21, Cal 10