So it’s Week 12. We’re deep into November. One would expect, then, that we’d have at least a few interesting games on the schedule this week.

Sadly, that’s simply not the case.

With the notable exception of the big Texas-Oklahoma State game out in Big 12 country, this week is clearly lacking in big-time matchups. It’s a shame, really.

But anyway, enough whining. And on with my picks.

Indiana at No. 22 Wisconsin (noon, ESPN2): Conventional wisdom says that Indiana has no chance here; after all, if any Big Ten power has owned the Hoosiers in recent years, it has been the Badgers.


The reason, of course, is simple: Wisconsin plays a power game that the Hoosiers are simply incapable of competing against. And while that particular dynamic has not changed, I do believe the Hoosiers have a chance here, if only because they absolutely need to win in order to get to 6-6 and qualify for a bowl. For the Hoosiers, yes, that matters. A lot. They’ll make it close. And then their defense will let them down. Again. Wisconsin 42, Indiana 38

Purdue at Penn State (noon, BTN): Penn State has an awful defense and an offense that seems to be regressing, rather than progressing. But Purdue has nothing. I mean, this has to be one of the worst Big Ten football teams in the modern era. Good luck, Darrell Hazell. Penn State 31, Purdue 10

Syracuse at No. 2 Florida State (3:30, ABC/ESPN2): I still can’t get past the fact that Syracuse now plays in the ACC. And after this one, I’m sure everyone associated with Orange nation will question the wisdom of their decision to join the ACC. Florida State 52, Syracuse 17

No. 25 Georgia at No. 7 Auburn (3:30, CBS): How, exactly, is Georgia ranked? Is it just because they play in the SEC? Is it just because they started the year regarded so highly? Is it because they have nice uniforms and a lovable mascot? I mean, it certainly has nothing to do with their current football abilities. Auburn is trending upward. Georgia is ... not. Auburn 31, Georgia 27

No. 12 Oklahoma State at No. 24 Texas (3:30, FOX): Well, you have to give the guy credit. When all seemed lost for Mack Brown, way back in September, he never once lost his cool. He said his Texas squad would be just fine, and he said he fully expected the Longhorns to wind up battling for the Big 12 championship. Here we are in November, as it turns out, Mack was right. Their unexpected run will continue this week. Texas 24, Oklahoma State 21

Texas Tech at No. 5 Baylor (7 p.m., FOX): Speaking of unexpected runs … what of Baylor? Coach Art Briles just keeps on working miracles in Waco, and last week’s beatdown of Oklahoma went a long way toward legitimizing the Bears in the eyes of College Football Nation. Baylor still has plenty of work to do, and their stretch run will indeed be rough, but this team is for real. Voters are starting to realize that, too. (And no, Ohio State, that is certainly not good news for you). Baylor 52, Texas Tech 35

No. 4 Stanford at USC (8 p.m., ABC): Say this much for the Trojans: They’re certainly playing a lot better since You Know Who was let go a few weeks back. USC in its current iteration is not by any means a great team, and given the restrictions the program has been operating under for the past few years, the Trojans won’t be a great team for at least a couple more seasons. But as always, there is talent at USC. Enough to keep this game close, at least, if not nearly enough to actually win it. If you hadn't noticed, Stanford is really quite good. Stanford 28, USC 17