National Title Picture Down To Three Games

Picks

Three games over the holiday weekend should determine who plays for the national championship and who wins the Heisman Trophy.

Top-ranked Nebraska plays at home Friday against Oklahoma.

The following day, No. 2 Ohio State visits No. 18 Michigan and No. 6 Florida State is at No. 3 Florida.

If Nebraska wins, it will almost certainly play the Florida-Florida State winner in the Fiesta Bowl.

The only way that won’t happen is if Florida beats Florida State and loses to Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 2.

Then Notre Dame probably would play Nebraska in the Fiesta.

A victory over Michigan would send Ohio State to the Rose Bowl, while a Buckeyes’ loss would put Northwestern in the Rose.

Prediction: Nebraska (minus 33-1/2) routs Oklahoma 48-7, Florida (minus 3) wins a shootout over Florida State 42-34, and Ohio State (minus 9) beats Michigan 24-14.

Then Florida clobbers Arkansas in the SEC title game.

Result: Nebraska-Florida in the Fiesta and Ohio State-Southern Cal in the Rose. Nebraska, Florida and Ohio State would all be undefeated and have a shot at the national title.

As for the Heisman Trophy, Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier and Ohio State tailback Eddie George are in a close race heading into their final games before the voting.

If one has a big day and the other doesn’t, a clear favorite will emerge.

If they both play well, it could be one of the closest votes in recent years.

Prediction: Frazier has a huge game against outmanned Oklahoma, while George is held to less than 100 yards by Michigan.

Result: Frazier is awarded the Heisman Trophy.

Thursday

Baylor (plus 3-1/2) at No. 9 Texas: Longhorns QB James Brown is doubtful with ankle sprain … TEXAS 27-21.

Saturday

Vanderbilt (plus 37-1/2) at No. 5 Tennessee: Vols have won 12 straight over Commodores … TENNESSEE 44-14.

No. 14 Penn St. (minus 7-1/2) at Michigan St.: Victory probably sends Lions to Outback Bowl … PENN ST. 28-24.

No. 15 Texas A&M (minus 11) at TCU: Horned Frogs haven’t beaten Aggies since 1972 … TEXAS A&M 27-20.

No. 22 Syracuse (plus 5) at No. 25 Miami: Winner ties Virginia Tech for Big East title … SYRACUSE 21-17.

Last week: 18-2 (straight); 4-15 (spread).

Season: 170-47 (straight); 104-105 (spread).