Everything Matters this weekend
We have reached the time of the season where football gets that extra bit of anticipation and excitement stirring in fans.
On the NCAA side of things we have two national championship games and in the NFL, it's now win or go home time!
Ok....let's jump right in and pick 'em! Starting with the NCAA side of the equation.
NCAA FCS Championship
Youngstown State vs James Madison
The Dukes of James Madison have proven their worth this season in impressive fashion, conquering all before them with the exception of FBS bowl team North Carolina.
JMU ran up big numbers including scoring 80 points in a game to open the season and topping that with an 84 point performance against Rhode Island in late October.
Though Youngstown State had three losses, they were to FBS school West Virginia and FCS stalwarts South Dakota State and North Dakota State. The Penguins impressed in the snow by pulling out a late game win over Eastern Washington on the road to reach the title game.
For this one, I think JMU will simply be too strong and will take the FCS title to Virginia.
James Madison 41-26
CFP National Championship
Clemson (2) vs Alabama (1)
Firstly, we have the rematch that everyone was looking forward too. There were times in the season where Clemson looked shaky but the Tigers came good when it counted and put themselves back in a position to take the title.
This season, the roles have been reversed, Clemson came into the Football Four as a one loss number two seed and Alabama as the undefeated number one seed. In the national semi finals, Alabama put on a solid, strong performance to beat Washington while Clemson made Ohio State re-think being there by shutting them out easily.
Will freshman jitters finally hit 'Bama QB Jalen Hurts? The question may be moot if Clemson signal caller Deshaun Watson has the game some are thinking he will against the the defense of the Crimson Tide.
While much is said about the Tide defense, it could well be the Clemson "D" that turns the game. ACC...ACC...ACC!!
Clemson 30-24
NFL Wildcards
Oakland @ Houston
Untimely injuries have seen the Raiders go from possible number one seed in the AFC to possible elimination this weekend. They face the leagues toughest defense on the road in a game that could be an ugly ground and pound affair. Sad to see a good season go to waste.
Texans 27-14
Detroit @ Seattle
The Lions have had their best season in a while but good things sometimes end abruptly. Going to Seattle on a three game losing streak does not bode well for the visitors!
Seahawks 30-21
Miami @ Pittsburgh
The Dolphins quietly went about their business to put together a ten win season but now must step into the spotlight in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will be eager to reverse a 30-15 regular season loss and the weather won't do Miami any favours.
Steelers 28-23
NY Giants @ Green Bay
Eli and Co fell just short in Titletown earlier in the season so they will be looking for a different ending this time around.The Packers have peaked after a four game slup, going on a division winning run to end the season.
This one could come down to a game winning drive at the end which either squad is capable of.
The weather will not adversely affect the Giants and they have been slightly better defensively so calling a road win for the G-Men
Giants 31-27
Enjoy, and I'll be back next week with continued NFL picks...
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