It's not technically the final week of the college football regular season but it is for most programs. It's also ‘Hate Week' and that can only mean one thing. Rivalry games.
Most of the nation's top programs are facing their bitter rivals making for an exciting and unpredictable ending to the regular season. There is three top 25 matchups worth nothing: (in bold).
No. 1. Alabama (11-0) at No. 5 Auburn (10-1), 12:30 p.m.
No. 2. Florida State (11-0) at Florida (4-7), 9 a.m.
No. 3. Ohio State (11-0) at Michigan (8-3), 9 a.m.
No. 4. Clemson (10-1) at No. 9 South Carolina (9-2), 4 p.m.
No. 6. Missouri (10-1) vs. No. 21 Texas A&M (8-3), 4:45 p.m.
No. 8. Baylor (9-1) at Texas Christian (4-7), 12:30 p.m.
No. 10. Stanford (9-2) vs. Notre Dame (8-3), 4 p.m.
No. 11. Michigan State (10-1) vs. Minnesota (8-3), 9 a.m.
No. 14. Wisconsin (9-2) vs. Penn State (6-5), 12:30 p.m.
No. 18. Arizona State (9-2) vs. Arizona (7-4), 6:30 p.m.
No. 22. UCLA (8-3) at No. 23 Southern California (9-3), 5 p.m.
No. 24. Duke (9-2) at North Carolina (6-5), 9 a.m.
No. 1. Alabama @ No 5. Auburn:
The Iron Bowl hasn't been much of a contest the last few years as Alabama has dominated the Tigers by a combined score of 91-14.
- Hasean (Ha-Ha) Clinton-Dix is possibly the best safety prospect in the country. The 6-1, 208lbs junior is a true free safety. With many NFL defenses utilizing hybrid safeties it's not beyond the realm of possibility (although I'd guess unlikely) to think the Niners could target Clinton-Dix to pair with last year's first round pick Eric Reid
- Defensive end Ed Stinson would be an ideal mid round target. The senior stands 6-3 weighs in a 292lbs - an ideal body size for a 5-technique defensive end. You an never have to much depth on either line.
No. 4 Clemson @ No. 9 South Carolina:
- Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins and Carolina defensive end Jadaveon Clowney are the most notable prospects in this top ten matchup. Both figure to be top 10 selections and barring a trade up (Way up!) the draft board it's unlikely end up on the Niners' roster in 2014.
- Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley entered the much anticipated mid-October matchup with Florida State tied for the lead in sacks with eight. Since getting shut out that night, Beasley has only recorded one sack. Still, pass rushers are always over-drafted based on potential. Beasley is a bit small (only 235lbs) but he plays much bigger. He'll be an intriguing selection possibly in the first round but likely the second or third.
No. 6 Missouri @ No. 21 Texas A&M
- Missouri cornerback EJ Gaines could be one of the first five corners selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. He has decent size at 5-10, 195lbs and has shown ability to play both off and press coverage in man-to-man schemes. However, he's not the best tackler and we know that is a must in the 49ers secondary.
- I recently ranked Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans as my number one overall receiver available this year. He's a monster with just about every trait one can desire when selecting a receiver in the first round.
Happy Saturday!