Organized Chaos

On another note, this is my 300th post since starting this blog in 2006. Thanks to everyone who participated and I look forward to 300 more. Feel free to check the archives.

Contrary to popular belief, there is more than just the Southeastern Confernce Championship Game happening this weekend. The ACC, MAC, Conference USA and Big 12 also will decide its champions, with two of those securing Bowl Championship Series berths.

Boston College and Virginia Tech meet in the ACC Championship Game for the second straight season. This goes to show that everything settles down and often comes full circle, even when the regular season provided more ups and downs than an escalator.

This time the Eagles should be considered the slight favorite. They won their final three games to secure the Atlantic Division title. They also possess one of the better defenses in the conference, and they have upped their play of late. (Feel free to read my preview story on the Eagles)

Virginia Tech isn’t as imposing as in year’s past. Special teams, surprsingly, have been a problem for Frank Beamer and his crew. Plus, there was much instability at key positions. (Here’s my story on the Hokies)

This is a rematch of an October thriller won by Boston College.

Unlike the SEC title affair, this one should be low-scoring. Key plays will need to come on defense or special teams. Boston College has been better in that regard, with seven straight games with at least one non-offensive touchdown.

My pick: Boston College, 17-14.

Now to the rest of the weekend, and I’ll start with that little game in Atlanta.

SEC: Florida vs. Alabama

Conventional wisdom says the winner will lock up a spot in the BCS title game. But there has been some discussion as to a possibility where Florida could be left out with a close win and a big Oklahoma victory.

Yes, Florida’s offense is good (second-best in the country behind Oklahoma). Yes, Alabama has had a dream season. But this game is not going to be the blowout many are expecting.

Alabama’s defense is really good. The Crimson Tide will prove a few points here against an offense that will be hampered by the loss of or a less-than-healthy Percy Harvin. And the Crimson Tide have shown they can score too, if needed.

The key is how Florida will respond in a close game. And it will be even more interesting to see how they respond if they are trailing.

My pick: Alabama, 24-21

Big 12: Oklahoma vs. Missouri

Many are saying this could be the game Oklahoma falls flat. Yeah, and I weigh 150 pounds and can run a mile in four minutes.

Are you kidding me? Oklahoma is scary. And the BCS title game is ripe for the taking.

Missouri will put up a fight, but it will likely be the same fight as recent opponents for Oklahoma. Those recent opponents were Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. The Sooners dropped 65 and 61 points on those highly-ranked teams.

My pick: Oklahoma, 54-24

MAC: Ball State vs. Buffalo

Speaking of dream seasons, Ball State sits one game away from a 13-0 record. However, playing in the MAC didn’t help them in the polls or computers so they will be out of the BCS mix. It’s still a nice story, though.

My pick: Ball State, 34-14

CUSA: Tulsa vs. East Carolina

This game pits the early-season darling East Carolina against Tulsa, which showed it can’t play with the big boys in a loss to Arkansas.

Tulsa’s offense has been good, but it’s defense has been equally bad in recent games. It gave up 70 to Houston and 35 to Marshall. East Carolina will have a stern test and they won’t be able to match Tulsa score for score, however.

My pick: Tulsa, 40-24

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