CCG picks:
Northern Illinois vs. Bowling Green: Yes, I am aware this would be a big upset. Yes, I am aware BGSU lost to Indiana, Mississippi State, and Toledo this year. But I think NIU finally gets knocked off here. This one may look foolish eventually, but I'll take the Falcons by 3.
Marshall @ Rice: Marshall has lost three games by a combined 7 points, so they could easily be undefeated this year. They put up a ton of points with a very balanced offense. The Thundering Herd win the C-USA title by 4.
Auburn vs. Missouri: Auburn has had lightning strike twice over the last two weeks, but I think their run ends in Atlanta. Missouri is a very, very solid team with a deep, talented receiving corps and a top-flight defensive line. The (Missouri) Tigers take the SEC title by 3.
Stanford @ Arizona State: Another one that might seem like a semi-upset based on the name recognition alone, but ASU has put together a great season and are ranked third in Sagarin's ratings. Sparky will be missing Marion Grice for the CCG, which is a huge blow. But I think Taylor Kelly and Will Sutton bring it home for ASU and send them to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1996. Sun Devils by a touchdown at home.
Florida State vs. Duke: David Cutcliffe's squad is a nice story this year, but make no mistake: FSU will blast them. Florida State knows a national championship bid is on the line, and there will be no letdown. Seminoles bury the Blue Devils in Charlotte by 24 points.
Ohio State vs. Michigan State: OSU makes its first appearance in the B1GCCG, while MSU is making its second in three years. This game along with the SECCG will be the two highlights of the weekend. Michigan State has an incredible defense along with an adequate offense, but the OSU train keeps rolling all the way to the national title game. Buckeyes by 4.
Utah State @ Fresno State: The other FSU playing this weekend just saw their perfect season end with a shootout loss to San Jose State last weekend. I think they'll bounce back here, especially with the homefield advantage. The Aggies will hang tough for a while, but Derek Carr will put up a ton of yards and points. Bulldogs by 7.