The Stage is Set for Conference Title Games

The season 1 conference title games begin tonight! With a plethora of BCS title game hopefuls remaining, the outcomes of the conference title games will determine who winds up in Glendale to battle it out for all the marbles. All RUTS teams will be pulling for Clemson to defeat the #2 VA Tech Hokies in the ACC title game. The Big XII and SEC title games feature perennial season 1 powers against upstart underdogs who hope to dash the BCS dreams of Alabama and Ohio State.

Big XII Championship Game

#1 Ohio State vs. #15 Miami

Who would have thought the Hurricanes would be in this game? After starting the season 2-5, the Canes have reeled off 5 consecutive wins, and risen to #15 in the BCS poll. Miami's 5 losses this season have come to the current #1, #2, #3, #4 teams, and Florida State, who was ranked #5 at the time...so their brutal schedule has helped them overcome adversity, and they find themselves poised, confident and ready to upset the nation's #1 team tonight at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. In their Week 7 game, Miami started strong and kept the game close into the 4th quarter before Ohio State (playing at home) raced ahead for a 34-14 victory that was much closer than the final score indicated. Miami will rely on a heavy dose of senior RB Graig Cooper and a passing attack to their TE. They must also contain Terrelle Pryor and Heisman hopeful RB Brandon Saine. Besides having the nation's #1 scoring offense and the #1 scoring defense, the Buckeyes biggest advantage may be their crazy turnover margin. On the season, the Buckeyes have a +29 turnover ratio, which is an NCAA record. Simply put, they don't turn the ball over often and force 3 turnovers per game. In order to win, Miami is going to have to take care of the ball and hope to force a turnover or two. This game will be close....can the Canes muster up enough mojo to keep their hot streak alive?!

Corso Predicts: Ohio State 27, Miami 24

#3 Alabama vs. #25 North Carolina

SEC Championship Game

The mighty mighty Crimson Tide head to Atlanta with a chip on their shoulder. Ranked #2 last week, the Tide got passed up by undefeated VA Tech and now find themselves on the outside looking in and needing some help to squeeze into the BCS Title game. Also standing in their way is an angry bunch of Tarheels, who after climbing all the way up to #11 last week, fell hard after Miami upset them in Dolphins Stadium. So, we have 2 angry teams heading to the GA Dome tonight looking to make a statement and prove a point. Alabama will lean heavily on Heisman favorite Mark Ingram and a stellar defense that is fast, physical and takes after their Head Coach StuBucksman...relentless manlihood. UNC will provide a challenge though. These two teams did not meet in the regulear season, so we anticipate Coach ChrisHicks21 to have a few trick plays up his sleeve. The Tarheels boast a strong D-line who will challenge the Bama ground attack. If Bama can get the win, they will be on pins and needles awaiting the final score of the VT/Clemson game.

Corso's Prediction: Alabama 49, UNC 28