THE LOWE DOWN

The Lowe Down on Week 14: Title contenders get Ws

Matt Lowe

November 28, 2014 at 4:06 pm.

Look for Alabama's defense to make a big impact in the Iron Bowl. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Welcome to Week 14 of The Lowe Down.

It’s Rivalry Week in college football so expect a few upsets over the next three days. There’s a lot of pressure on teams this time of year, especially highly-ranked teams, trying to close out a special season.

There will only be one team left standing in early January, but there are a number of huge games left to be played for all those aspiring to be that team. Playing mistake-free football becomes paramount the bigger the stage. It will be interesting to see which teams perform well in these pressure-packed rivalry games considering an even tougher game awaits some of the first-ever eventual College Football Playoff participants.

Here’s a brief breakdown on Thursday’s games, along with three NFL picks. The weekend games will be posted by Friday morning.

Hope everyone enjoys a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day with their family and friends. Last week’s record was 17-4, bringing the yearly record to 188-70. To the games we go…

 @MattLowe777

No. 16 Georgia Tech (9-2) at No. 9 Georgia (9-2) 11:00 a.m. CT

Last year when these two hooked up it took overtime to decide the outcome— Georgia won 41-34. Will that be the case this season? It might. Both teams enter their final regular season games on a roll and barring one team or the other making a lot of mistakes, this game should go down to the wire. Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas has been playing well during the Yellow Jackets’ four-game winning streak and his decision-making against a talented Bulldogs defense will be a big factor in the game. Conversely, limiting Nick Chubb in the run game will be a major factor for the Yellow Jackets.

The Lowe Down: Georgia Tech 23, Georgia 28

No. 4 Mississippi State (10-1) at No. 19 Ole Miss (8-3) 2:30 p.m. CT

If Mississippi State wants to remain in the College Football Playoff hunt then it must take care of rival Ole Miss. The Rebels really look like they lost their mojo following the heartbreaking loss to Auburn, and it’s hard to see them really competing in this game much less winning it. The Bulldogs are a really good team on both sides of the ball and I expect Dak Prescott to have a big game in the regular season finale.

The Lowe Down: Mississippi State 30, Ole Miss 10

Florida (6-4) at No. 3 Florida State (11-0) 2:30 p.m. CT

You may not like ‘em. In fact you may despise them. But you have to give it to the ‘Noles, all they do is win. Look for Florida to play an inspired game for exiting head coach Will Muschamp, but in the end it won’t be enough against a FSU team that can play despite all the naysayers.

The Lowe Down: Florida 20, Florida State 28

No. 18 Minnesota (8-3) at No. 14 Wisconsin (9-2) 2:30 p.m. CT

If Minnesota tailback David Cobb can’t go for Minnesota, Jerry Kill’s team will have a hard time keeping up with the Badgers. Cobb is one of the nation’s top runners and he’s a significant weapon on a Minnesota offense that doesn’t have a lot of playmakers. Badgers’ quarterback Joel Stave has been making smart decisions with the football after he returned to the lineup and if he keeps that up Wisconsin could win the Big Ten.

The Lowe Down: Minnesota 17, Wisconsin 35

No. 15 Auburn (8-3) at No. 1 Alabama (10-1) 6:45 p.m. CT

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has said numerous times that he enjoys coaching this year’s group of players due to its lack of “energy vampires” —and that’s probably why the Tide is on the verge of yet another SEC West title. When the coach refers to energy vampires he is referring to players that draw attention to themselves (selfish, disruptive etc.) and take away from the team’s productivity. That, to me, tells me he has a team that is locked in on doing everything possible to win. Look for Auburn to hang around in this game with dynamic wideout Duke Williams back in the lineup, but expect Alabama’s defense to play a big role in the Crimson Tide bagging the SEC West title and earning a trip to Atlanta.

The Lowe Down: Auburn 24, Alabama 32

No. 2 Oregon (10-1) at Oregon State (5-6) 7:00 p.m. CT

Oregon State is a capable opponent against most teams but I think Oregon has the Beavers outclassed here. Too much speed and athleticism for the Ducks and too much Marcus Mariota will lead to a big win for UO.

The Lowe Down: Oregon 42, Oregon State 20

In other Saturday games:

Kentucky 17, No. 22 Louisville 34

Michigan 14, No. 6 Ohio State 48

West Virginia 30, Iowa State 23

NC State 31, North Carolina 56 (watch for Larry Fedora at Florida)

La. Lafayette 31, Troy 17 (goodbye to longtime great Larry Blakeney)

San Jose State 20, San Diego State 34

Notre Dame 31, USC 34

No. 7 Baylor 63, Texas Tech 19

UAB 23, Southern Miss 20

No. 10 Michigan State 45, Penn State 21

Kansas 16, No. 12 Kansas State 48

Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 16

BYU 30, Cal 37

Pitt 27, Miami 33

Utah State 10, No. 23 Boise State 30

Washington 38, Washington State 28