Top 10 Sports Related Stories of 2011

10. IRISH EYES WERE SMILING - In a Tiger-like performance, a young, curly-quaffed Irishman blew away the field in June.  Rory McIlroy not only won the U.S. Open in 2011, he set the Open scoring record and obliterated the field, making Sunday anti-climactic except for his final score.  While Woods searches for his game, young players like McIlroy are taking advantage and giving a glimpse of the next era on the links.
9.  A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN - Auburn capped the 2010-11 College Football season with a Championship.  Then the 2011-12 season came and the SEC ruled once again, giving us our first conference re-match in a Championship Game in the BCS era.  Whether right or wrong, one can not argue with the dominance of the SEC.  One can argue about the flaws of the BCS.  One can only hope the BCS has two years remaining in its lifespan.
8.  CAPTAIN 3000 - The club is still exclusive and Derek Jeter is a welcome member to it.  The Yankee shortstop joined the 3,000 hit club in style with a home run, becoming only the second player to do so (Wade Boggs).  In a career full of leadership and rings, Jeter now has a personal accomplishment to add to his team success for those rare days when he chooses to be a little selfish.
7.  CONFERENCE PING PONG - For a second consecutive year, schools are jumping ship to new conferences without a blink of an eye.  Texas A&M and Missouri to the SEC, Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC, TCU and West Virginia to the Big 12 and anyone with a pulse to the Big East.  Wake me when its all done please.
6.  GRIDLOCK!! - The NFL and NBA both experienced pro-longed work stoppages which had unemployed workers and worried fans wondering which greedy hand would grab the most dollars.  The NFL got things done under the wire, with a long overdue change to the rookie wage scale and concessions to workouts and practices for players.  The NBA lost games and the agreement lacks real progress, but they are back on the court and in the end, that is what fans want.
5.  PARTING GIFT - A second World Series title in 6 years for the St. Louis Cardinals was not enough to coax Albert Pujols to stay.  Money, Money, Money.  Albert is taking his talents to Anaheim, talents that undoubtedly will decline during the length of his contract.  He gave Cardinal fans one more magical run, capping a great World Series and riveting month of baseball.
4.  4TH QUARTER MAGIC - It isn't pretty, but is anything more unexplainable than Tebow?  The man with higher powers has willed the Broncos to the brink of the playoffs, overtime victories and last-second scores the norm.  Experts are not sold on his long-term prospects, but for one season, #15 was the talk of the nation.
3.  4TH QUARTER DISAPPEARANCE - Where is LeBron?  He took his talents to South Beach, but for many a 4th quarter in the 2011 NBA Final, King James was catching some rays and deferring to teammates.  The result was a surprise champion in the Mavericks and Dirk Nowitzki finally able to win the big one, cementing his status amongst the games all-time greats.
2.  THE PACK IS BACK - The year started with the return of the Lombardi Trophy to Titletown, an unthinkable title run from the wildcard spot for the injury ravaged Packers.  Aaron Rodgers became both superstar and celebrity.  To follow it up, the Green and Gold ended 2011 at 14-1 after a 13-0 start.  Green Bay is favored to repeat as Super Bowl Champs for the first time in 44 years.
1.  A LEGEND TARNISHED - The Penn State child sex scandal and impending firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno is hands down the biggest sports story of the year.  There is much still unknown, but what we do know is that it wasn't supposed to end this way for JoePa.  It is the unfortunate reality of sports, that real human beings are involved, some tremendously flawed, but on the field we put that aside.  How individuals could put aside what they new regarding this story for so long is unfathomable and still makes my stomach churn.

College Basketball Field of 68 - New Year's Edition

• Syracuse still overall #1, followed by Ohio State, Duke and Kentucky
• Texas A&M needs to beat someone to re-enter the field
• Memphis may still be the class of C-USA, but for now they are out and C-USA is a one-bid league
• It will be interesting to see how the committee treats this Xavier three-game stretch
• Keep in mind Ohio State's one loss was without Sullinger and Vandy is now 2-1 with Festus Ezeli
• The Missouri Valley had a strong non-conference showing, but won't do itself any at-large favors if they all beat-up on each other in conference play
• Who will be the surprise team in conference play this year (the 2012 version of St. John's a year ago)?
• Happy New Year!!

South Regional
(1)  Duke vs (16) Norfolk State
(8)  Vanderbilt vs (9)  Illinois
(5)  Kansas State vs (12)  Southern Mississippi
(4)  Marquette vs (13)  Murray State
(6)  Mississippi State vs (11)  Ohio
(3)  Wisconsin vs (14)  Long Beach State
(7)  Creighton vs (10)  Temple
(2)  Connecticut vs (15)  Robert Morris

West Regional
(1)  Kentucky vs (16)  Lamar
(8)  Xavier vs (9)  Texas
(5)  Virginia vs (12)  Seton Hall/BYU
(4)  Indiana vs (13)  Cleveland State
(6)  Gonzaga vs (11)  Stanford
(3)  Georgetown vs (14)  Middle Tennessee
(7)  San Diego State vs (10) Northwestern
(2)  Baylor vs (15)  Weber State

Midwest Regional
(1)  Ohio State vs (16)  Lehigh/Maine
(8)  Pittsburgh vs (9)  Wichita State
(5)  Florida vs (12)  Virginia Tech/St. Joseph's
(4)  UNLV vs (13)  Virginia Commonwealth
(6)  Michigan vs (11)  Harvard
(3)  Louisville vs (14)  Nevada
(7)  California vs (10)  Florida State
(2)  Missouri vs (15)  Davidson

East Regional
(1)  Syracuse vs (16)  Coastal Carolina/Prairie View
(8)  Purdue vs (9)  St. Louis
(5)  Kansas vs (12)  New Mexico
(4)  Alabama vs (13)  Iona
(6)  West Virginia vs (11)  Northern Iowa
(3)  Michigan State vs (14)  Belmont
(7)  St. Mary's vs (10)  Arizona
(2)  North Carolina vs (15)  Oral Roberts

College Football - Top 5 Players Post-1980 - Other Teams Edition

A few non-bcs schools with notable top fives...

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

1. Tim Brown, WR/KR/PR
2. Raghib Ismail, WR/KR/PR
3. Todd Lyght, CB
4. Chris Zordich, DT
5. Aaron Taylor, OG

BYU Cougars

1. Ty Detmer, QB
2. Jim McMahon, QB
3. Steve Young, QB
4. Robbie Bosco, QB
5. Steve Sarkisian, QB

Houston Cougars

1. Case Keenum, QB
2. Andre Ware, QB
3. David Klingler, QB
4. Kevin Kolb, QB
5. Manny Hazard, WR

SMU Mustangs

1. Eric Dickerson, RB
2. Reggie Dupard, RB
3. Russell Carter, DB
4. Craig James, RB
5. Harvey Armstrong, DT

Boise State Broncos

1. Kellen Moore, QB
2. Eric Helgeson, DE
3. Ian Johnson, RB
4. Brock Forsey, RB
5. Austin Pettis and Titus Young, WR

TCU Horned Frogs

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB
2. Andy Dalton, QB
3. Jerry Hughes, DE
4. Jake Kirkpatrick, C
5. Aaron Schobel, DE

San Diego State Aztecs

1. Marshall Faulk, RB
2. Kyle Turley, OL
3. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, DE
4. Kirk Morrison, LB
5. Ronnie Hillman, RB 

Marshall Thundering Herd

1. Randy Moss, WR
2. Chad Pennington, QB
3. Byron Leftwich, QB
4. Johnathan Goddard, DE
5. Darius Watts, WR

College Basketball Field of 68 - Christmas Edition

• Syracuse is overall #1, followed by Ohio State, Duke and Kentucky
• Rewarded Indiana for their undfeated start with a #3 seed, a spot the second place Big Ten team is likely to earn at the very least after the non-conference performance of the league
• Minnesota fans can hate, but someone has to go 7-11 or 6-12 in league play and I think its the Gophers.
• Three of my "First Four" on the #12 line are from mid-majors, which are seeing some strong non-conference resumes put together.
• Happy Holidays!!

South Regional
(1)  Duke vs (16) Norfolk State
(8)  San Diego State vs (9)  West Virginia
(5)  Michigan State vs (12)  Memphis
(4)  Florida vs (13)  Murray State
(6)  Michigan vs (11)  Wichita State
(3)  Xavier vs (14)  Belmont
(7)  Texas vs (10)  St. Mary's
(2)  Connecticut vs (15)  Robert Morris

West Regional
(1)  Kentucky vs (16)  Lamar
(8)  Florida State vs (9)  Kansas State
(5)  Georgetown vs (12)  Dayton/New Mexico
(4)  Wisconsin vs (13)  Cleveland State
(6)  California vs (11)  Harvard
(3)  Marquette vs (14)  Middle Tennessee
(7)  Gonzaga vs (10) Purdue
(2)  Baylor vs (15)  Weber State

Midwest Regional
(1)  Ohio State vs (16)  Bucknell/Albany
(8)  Stanford vs (9)  Northern Iowa
(5)  Alabama vs (12)  Ohio
(4)  Pittsburgh vs (13)  Virginia Commonwealth
(6)  Virginia vs (11)  Northwestern
(3)  Missouri vs (14)  Long Beach State
(7)  Vanderbilt vs (10)  Temple
(2)  Louisville vs (15)  Davidson

East Regional
(1)  Syracuse vs (16)  Coastal Carolina/Prairie View
(8)  Arizona vs (9)  Illinois
(5)  UNLV vs (12)  Virginia Tech/Southern Mississippi
(4)  Kansas vs (13)  Iona
(6)  Mississippi State vs (11)  St. Louis
(3)  Indiana vs (14)  Nevada
(7)  Creighton vs (10)  Texas A&M
(2)  North Carolina vs (15)  Oral Roberts

35 Bowls, 35 Comments, 35 Picks with Confidence

Okay, 36 Comments.  These are some really good Bowl Match-ups.  I will be disappointed if I get any of the games with 29-35 confidence points incorrect, but the other 28, its anyone's best guess.

Saturday, December 17th
New Mexico Bowl:  Temple vs Wyoming - This one takes me back to the days of Mark Macon and Fennis Dembo.  Winner: Temple, 10 points

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl:  Ohio vs Utah State - Utah State gets to stay at home and should have a definitive crowd advantage.  Winner: Utah State, 16 points

New Orleans Bowl:  Louisiana-Lafayette vs San Diego State - Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Mr. Ronnie Hillman.  Winner: San Diego State, 26 points

Tuesday, December 20th
Beef O'Brady's Bowl:  Florida International vs Marshall - Probably the least compelling game on the bowl docket.  Winner: Florida International, 11 points

Wednesday, December 21st
Poinsettia Bowl:  Louisiana Tech vs TCU - From the Rose to Poinsettia, the Horned Frogs sure love their flowers/flowery plants.  Winner: TCU, 33 points

Thursday, December 22nd
MAACO Bowl:  Arizona State vs Boise State - Kellen Moore's illustrious career comes to a close without a BCS win.  Winner: Boise State, 34 points

Saturday, December 24th
Hawaii Bowl:  Nevada vs Southern Mississippi - Time to play the Brett Favre drinking game with the family on Christmas Eve!!  Winner: Southern Mississippi, 32 points

Monday, December 26th
Independence Bowl:  Missouri vs North Carolina - Tar Heel fans turned their attention to a different sport weeks ago.  Winner: Missouri, 30 points

Tuesday, December 27th
Little Caesars Bowl:  Purdue vs Western Michigan - I used to love the Little Caesars Pizza as a kid, now I am kind of a pizza snob.  Winner: Western Michigan, 18 points

Belk Bowl:  Louisville vs North Carolina State - One last thank you card to the Wolfpack for Russell Wilson.  Winner: North Carolina State, 17 points

Wednesday, December 28th
Military Bowl:  Air Force vs Toledo - Fitting they got the Rockets to play against a Service Academy in this one.  Winner: Air Force, 7 points

Holiday Bowl:  California vs Texas - In England, a "holiday" is a vacation.  I find them a lot of work.  Winner: Texas, 13 points

Thursday, December 29th
Champs Sports Bowl:  Florida State vs Notre Dame - I pegged Florida State for the BCS Title Game...Oops.  Winner: Florida State, 21 points

Alamo Bowl:  Baylor vs Washington - I am going with the Heisman winner, Mr. RG3, as my most confident pick of the bowl season.  Winner: Baylor, 35 points

Friday, December 30th
Armed Forces Bowl:  BYU vs Tulsa - Fitting a school that produced McMahon, Young and Detmer would go to the Armed Forces Bowl.  Winner: Tulsa, 8 points

Pinstripe Bowl:  Iowa State vs Rutgers - Not sure you could put two BCS schools together and get a less exciting match-up.  Winner: Rutgers, 6 points

Music City Bowl:  Mississippi State vs Wake Forest - The Demon Deacons were just throttled by an SEC team.  Winner: Mississippi State, 22 points

Insight Bowl:  Iowa vs Oklahoma - Here is my insight, the Sooners are a much better football team, even if they are not fully-motivated.  Winner: Oklahoma, 24 points

Saturday, December 31st
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl:  Illinois vs UCLA - I doubt Ron Zook and Rick Neuheisel will be resorting to Mac 'n' Cheese.  Winner: UCLA, 9 points

Meineke Car Care Bowl:  Northwestern vs Texas A&M - Larry King was the only person alive the last time the Wildcats won a bowl game.  Winner: Northwestern, 4 points

Sun Bowl:  Georgia Tech vs Utah - Does anyone ever remember that Utah is in the PAC-12 now?  Winner: Georgia Tech, 23 points

Liberty Bowl:  Cincinnati vs Vanderbilt - Better watch out, those Bearcats are fighters.  Winner: Vanderbilt, 15 points

Chick-fil-A Bowl:  Auburn vs Virginia - An un-named publication had all their experts pick Auburn.  Has anyone seen them play lately?  Winner: Virginia, 14 points

Monday, January 2nd
Ticket City Bowl:  Houston vs Penn State - Two teams that got a harsh reality check in their season finale, but one has had a bigger dose in recent months.  Winner: Houston, 19 points

Outback Bowl:  Georgia vs Michigan State - I think the Spartans are a really good football team, unless its a big game on the road or on a neutral field.  Winner: Georgia, 28 points

Capitol One Bowl:  Nebraska vs South Carolina - Nebraska's first Big Ten Season is probably a disappointment.  Winner: South Carolina, 5 points

Gator Bowl:  Florida vs Ohio State - The Buckeyes got Urban Meyer, but can they get revenge for that BCS Title whipping from a few years ago.  Winner: Ohio State, 12 points

Rose Bowl:  Oregon vs Wisconsin - Am I loyal?  Am I a Homer?  Am I an Alum?  Yes, Yes and Yes.  Winner: Wisconsin, 1 point

Fiesta Bowl:  Oklahoma State vs Stanford - Everyone thinks Andrew Luck will go out with a victory, like he's Tebow or something.  Winner: Oklahoma State, 3 points

Tuesday, January 3rd
Sugar Bowl:  Michigan vs Virginia Tech - I wanted to put big points on one BCS bowl and this looked like the best bet.  Winner: Michigan, 31 points

Wednesday, January 4th
Orange Bowl:  Clemson vs West Virginia - A re-match of a first round NCAA Basketball Game from earlier this year, this time the Tigers get proper rest.  Winner: Clemson, 25 points

Friday, January 6th
Cotton Bowl:  Arkansas vs Kansas State - I will call this one the 6th BCS Bowl and I am going to play the no respect card.  Winner: Kansas State, 2 points

Saturday, January 7th
BBVA Compass Bowl:  Pittsburgh vs SMU - Why do they play these next two games right before the Title Game?  Winner: SMU, 27 points

Sunday, January 8th
GoDaddy Bowl:  Arkansas State vs Northern Illinois - Insert your Danica Patrick reference here.  Winner: Northern Illinois, 29 points

Monday, January 9th
BCS Championship Game:  Alabama vs LSU - LSU have to do it again?  Winner: LSU, 20 points

College Football - Top 5 Players Post-1980 - Big East Edition

Not much to add for the Big East teams, as many have less-than-storied histories.

West Virginia Mountaineers

1. Pat White, QB
2. Steve Slaton, RB
3. Aaron Beasley, CB
4. Darryl Talley, LB
5. Major Harris, QB

Pittsburgh Panthers

1. Larry Fitzgerald, WR
2. Bill Fralic, OG
3. Jimbo Covert, OL
4. Antonio Bryant, WR
5. Alex Van Pelt, QB

Cincinnati Bearcats

1. Antwan Peek, DE
2. Gino Giudugli, QB
3. Mike Mickens, CB
4. Reggie Taylor, RB
5. Mardy Gilyard, WR/KR

Louisville Cardinals

1. Elvis Dumervil, LB
2. Sam Madison, CB
3. Chris Redman, QB
4. Brian Brohm, QB
5. Arnold Jackson, WR

South Florida Bulls

1. Matt Grothe, QB
2. Mike Jenkins, CB
3. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE
4. Marquel Blackwell, QB
5. Ben Moffitt, LB

Rutgers Scarlett Knights

1. Ray Rice, RB
2. Marco Battaglia, TE
3. Eric Foster, DL
4. Kenny Britt, WR
5. Brian Leonard, FB

Connecticut Huskies

1. Donald Brown, RB
2. Mark Didio, WR
3. Jordan Todman, RB
4. TaVarr Closs, OT
5. John Dorsey, LB 

Syracuse Orange

1. Dwight Freeney, DE
2. Don McPherson, QB
3. Donovan McNabb, QB
4. Marvin Harrison, WR
5. Rob Moore, WR

College Football 2011 - Top Ten Games of the Year

10.  LSU 9, Alabama 6 OT - Billed as the "Game of the Century", this National Championship Preview comes in as the #10 Game of the Year.  For some reason the "experts" decided they want to see this again.  Four missed field goals, four interceptions, 13 penalties, 534 total yards.  I know these defenses are amazing, but there was a sloppiness aspect to this game.  I really hope the sequel is better.

9.  Northern Illinois 63, Toledo 60 - On the opposite end of the spectrum was the MAC tussle between the Huskies and Rockets.  In a game that ultimately decided the MAC West crown, the teams went back and forth combining for 1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns, including 6 in the fourth quarter when 43 points were scored.  There were a combined 11 touchdown passes and 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns.  Believe it or not, the teams did punt 6 times.  So a little defense was played.  Highlight from ESPN

8.  Michigan 40, Ohio State 34 - The "Big Game" is back.  After a period of Buckeye dominance, the Wolverines announced their return in the season finale, holding off Ohio State and capping a resurgent season.  The game itself went back and forth with the two athletic quarterbacks, Denard Robinson and Braxton Miller, making great play after great play.  Ironically, it was the Michigan defense that held the Buckeyes out of the end zone early in the fourth quarter after a crucial dropped punt, allowing the Wolverine offense to respond with a touchdown and gain the 10 point separation they needed to hold off their rivals.  Highlight from ESPN

7.  Oklahoma State 52, Kansas State 45 - The two best teams in the Big 12 this year provided us a thrilling game in Stillwater in early November.  The Cowboys and Wildcats combined for 1,082 yards on the evening, including a school-record 502 yards passing from Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden.  Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein was not shabby either with 231 yards passing and another 144 yards rushing.  An interesting note, the Cowboys scored 52 points even though they possessed the ball for only 19:11 in the game.  Sure wish they would have had their chance against LSU.  The Final Play courtesy of youtube

6.  Baylor 50, TCU 48 - When Robert Griffin III picks up his Heisman Trophy on Saturday, it will be because of his late-season hot stretch while others were just simmering.  There is no Heisman though, without the spectacular show RG3 put on in the season-opener against TCU.  The future poser threw for 359 yards and 5 TD's against the vaunted Horned Frogs defense, staking the Bears to a 47-23 lead entering the 4th quarter.  TCU stormed back with 25 unanswered points in the 4th to take a 48-47 lead, before RG3 led Baylor down for a game-winning FG with a minute left and the Bear defense held on.  It was a thrilling way to start a great College Football season.  Game-ending highlight from ESPN

5.  Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31 - For three quarters back in September, Notre Dame handled Michigan and appeared to be cruising toward another victory in this great rivalry with a 24-7 lead entering the 4th quarter.  Michigan quickly clawed back and ultimately grabbed a 28-24 lead with 1:12 left on Denard Robinson's 3rd TD pass of the night.  The Fighting Irish quickly responded with a 42 second TD drive to reclaim the lead.  With 30 seconds left, the Wolverines had one more chance...from ESPN

4. Stanford 56, USC 48 3OT - A ho-hum 10-6 game at halftime, this game heated up in the second half and gave us one of the great nail-biters of the season. The Trojans controlled the game several times against the undefeated Cardinal, but Stanford roared back each time, evening the game at 34 with 38 seconds left in regulation. After trading touchdowns in the first two OT's, Stanford converted once again in the 3rd OT, including the mandatory 2-point play and left it up to the Trojans to respond...from youtube

3. TCU 36, Boise State 35 - How would the National Championship Game look if an undefeated Boise State was in the mix? We will never know because of what took place on the "Blue Turf"in November. It was those Horned Frogs again, this time going back and forth with the Broncos in a game nobody led by more than 8 points. Boise State led by 7 late in the 4th quarter when TCU scored on Casey Pachall's 5th TD pass of the day and successfully converted a 2-pt conversion to take the lead. But Kellen Moore got Boise down the field and put the game on the foot of their kicker...Final play from youtube

2.  Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31 - Wisconsin waltzed into East Lansing undefeated in late October and proceeded to stroll to an early 14-0 lead.  Then a strange series of events unraveled that changed the course of a dream season.  Russell Wilson through one of only two relevant interceptions he had the whole season as the Badgers were marching in to go up 21-0.  Soon after Wilson grounded the ball in the end zone for a safety.  The Badgers also botched a FG and had a punt blocked and returned for a TD in State's 23 point second quarter ambush.  The Spartans would control the 3rd and first part of the 4th quarter, before Russell Wilson brought Wisconsin back to tie with 2 touchdown drives, the last a 2 yard pass to Monte Ball with 1:26 remaining.  With the help of some questionable timeouts by the Badgers, Sparty was able to drive to the UW 44 with time for one last play...from ESPN

1.  Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39 - LSU and Alabama take note...the sequel can be as good as if not better than the original.  While Bucky vs Sparty II did not have the dramatic final play, the stakes were higher and the tension was high in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.  Once again, the Cardinal and White jumped out to a 2-TD lead at 21-7 to end the first quarter.  Almost inexplicably, Michigan State put another 22 point ambush on Wisconsin in the second quarter, including one of the headiest plays I've seen from Badger nemesis Keith Nichol.  Once again Russell Wilson was unfazed and led the Badgers on two scoring drives, but a failed 2-point conversion left UW down by two.  After a Spartan FG pushed the lead to five, Wisconsin faced a 4th and 6...from youtube.  Monte Ball would score on the next play to put the Badgers in front 42-39.  After MSU punted back to Wisconsin, the Badgers could not run out the clock and were forced to punt when once again, the break went the way of the team in Red...from youtube.

College Basketball Field of 68 - December 7th Edition

Here is an update to the projected field.  I am still struggling a little with projection vs what have you done for me so far, since the body of work is still developing.  For the most part, the teams included in the field are what they would be if the season inexplicably ended today.  I feel comfortable a 7th, if not 8th Big East team will step forward, so I am still projecting Cincinnati in my field as of today, although this could also very well be Villanova or West Virginia once things play out.  I am leaving Washington in as a 4th PAC-12 team, projecting last night's good showing will propel them to better things.  These is a little more projection in seeding, as once some of these teams start playing each other, some of the gaudy records are sure to suffer.  So yes, Georgetown is off to an awesome start, but if they follow the trend of a 6th place Big East team, they will end up as about a #6-seed. 

I am starting to see some potential interchangeable parts.  Duke and North Carolina for a #1 and #2 seed.  Same with Syracuse, Louisville and Connecticut.  Marquette and Pittsburgh for a 3 and 4.  Mississippi State and Vanderbilt for a 5 and 6.  Arizona and Cal for a 5, 6 or 7 (right now I see the younger Wildcats continuing to develop and winning the PAC-12).

Feel free to comment!!

South Regional
(1)  Kentucky vs (16) Boston U./Lamar
(8)  Florida State vs (9)  Stanford
(5)  Texas A&M vs (12)  Cincinnati/Wichita State
(4)  Wisconsin vs (13)  Cleveland State
(6)  Memphis vs (11)  Virginia Tech
(3)  Xavier vs (14)  Middle Tennessee
(7)  Michigan State vs (10)  Temple
(2)  Louisville vs (15)  Davidson

West Regional
(1)  Duke vs (16)  Campbell/Alabama A&M
(8)  Purdue vs (9)  Kansas State
(5)  Mississippi State vs (12)  George Mason
(4)  Pittsburgh vs (13)  Iona
(6)  UNLV vs (11)  St. Mary's
(3)  Marquette vs (14)  Nevada
(7)  California vs (10) Illinois
(2)  Baylor vs (15)  Weber State

Midwest Regional
(1)  Ohio State vs (16)  Norfolk State
(8)  Virginia vs (9)  Texas
(5)  Arizona vs (12)  New Mexico
(4)  Alabama vs (13)  Belmont
(6)  Vanderbilt vs (11)  Northern Iowa
(3)  Missouri vs (14)  Long Beach State
(7)  Gonzaga vs (10)  Indiana
(2)  Connecticut vs (15)  Bucknell

East Regional
(1)  Syracuse vs (16)  Robert Morris
(8)  San Diego State vs (9)  St. Louis
(5)  Michigan vs (12)  Washington/Marshall
(4)  Kansas vs (13)  Kent State
(6)  Georgetown vs (11)  Northwestern
(3)  Florida vs (14)  Murray State
(7)  Creighton vs (10)  Harvard
(2)  North Carolina vs (15)  Oakland

College Basketball - Updated Field of 68 - End of November Edition

With one more day of College Basketball to play in November, it is time to re-assess the pre-season Field of 68.  My new field is a mixture of what has happened and projection.  For instance, although North Carolina lost, I still project them to be a #1 seed, but since Kentucky and Ohio State have not lost, they are ahead of North Carolina on the S-curve.  I had Connecticut and Syracuse neck-and-neck coming into the season, so here, the Orange have actually jumped the Huskies in a battle that will likely go back and forth all season.  Some of the early season darlings have made their mark in my field, but I am not ready to move St. Louis and San Diego State above a 7-seed or even UNLV above a 6-seed yet.  I was wrong on Purdue and have accommodated my mistake.  And although UCLA has time to recover, I could not place a 1-4 team in my field, unless you are the leader of the SWAC. 

Other things to note that I am learning from my Tournament Tracker...the PAC-12 is really struggling and it will be tough to build great resumes in conference play, which I have reflected with just 4 bids here, but this may fall to 3 if things don't change.  The Colonial is not beating anyone out of conference and despite their darling status last year, this looks like a 1-bid league at this juncture.  I had the Horizon as a 1-bid league and the only thing that has changed is that Cleveland State is building an at-large resume.  The Mountain West is impressing, as is the Atlantic 10.  Finally, the Big Ten and SEC have been most impressive, which is reflected in my bids and seedings.

Feel free to comment.

South Regional
(1)  Kentucky vs (16)  Campbell/Alabama A&M
(8)  Virginia vs (9)  Michigan State
(5)  Texas A&M vs (12)  Georgetown
(4)  Memphis vs (13)  Cleveland State
(6)  Mississippi State vs (11)  Oklahoma State
(3)  Wisconsin vs (14)  Utah State
(7)  San Diego State vs (10)  Washington
(2)  Connecticut vs (15)  Murray State

West Regional
(1)  Syracuse vs (16)  Norfolk State
(8)  St. Louis vs (9)  Virginia Tech
(5)  California vs (12)  Northwestern/Northern Iowa
(4)  Missouri vs (13)  Kent State
(6)  UNLV vs (11)  Cincinnati
(3)  Alabama vs (14)  Bucknell
(7)  Purdue vs (10) Harvard
(2)  Duke vs (15)  Middle Tennessee

Midwest Regional
(1)  Ohio State vs (16)  Long Island
(8)  Temple vs (9)  Texas
(5)  Vanderbilt vs (12)  St. Mary's
(4)  Marquette vs (13)  Belmont
(6)  Florida State vs (11)  Indiana
(3)  Louisville vs (14)  Oral Roberts
(7)  Arizona vs (10)  Marshall
(2)  Baylor vs (15)  Weber State

East Regional
(1)  North Carolina vs (16)  Boston U./Texas San-Antonio
(8)  Creighton vs (9)  Oregon
(5)  Michigan vs (12)  Arkansas/New Mexico
(4)  Pittsburgh vs (13)  Iona
(6)  Gonzaga vs (11)  George Mason
(3)  Xavier vs (14)  Long Beach State
(7)  Kansas vs (10)  Villanova
(2)  Florida vs (15)  Davidson

College Football - Top 5 Players Post-1980 - ACC Edition

Miami Hurricanes

1. Ed Reed, S
2. Vinny Testaverde, QB
3. Bennie Blades, DB
4. Warren Sapp, DT
5. Bryant McKinnie, OT

In 30+ years, there are a lot of great Hurricanes to choose from.  Reed edges out Testaverde for the top of the list, as Reed's team completed the National Championship that Testaverde did not.  Reed was also a two-time consensus All-American who returned 5 of his 21 career interceptions for touchdowns.  Testaverde was 21-1 as a starter.  Blades was also a two-time All-American and Thorpe Award winner, while Sapp won the Lombardi Award and McKinnie the Outland Trophy.

Florida State Seminoles

1. Deion Sanders, CB
2. Marvin Jones, LB
3. Peter Warrick, WR
4. Derrick Brooks, LB
5. Charlie Ward, QB

The Seminoles are another team with a bevy of choices, but Sanders was an easy choice to top the list.  A two-time consensus All-American, Deion was a game-changer at both cornerback and as a punt returner well before his "Prime Time" days.  Jones is the most decorated linebacker in FSU history, even more than the playmaking Brooks.  Warrick sneaks in between them after leaving school as the ACC all-time receiving yardage leader.  Ward won a Heisman, but did not have the overall career stats to match the others, although his leadership was probably second-to-none.

Clemson Tigers

1. Terry Kinard, DB
2. William Perry, DT
3. C.J. Spiller, RB/KR
4. Anthony Simmons, LB
5. Donnell Woolford, CB

Kinard edges out fellow 1980's defensive stand-out Perry for #1 on Clemson's list.  Kinard is Clemson's all-time interception leader, a two-time All-American and NCAA Defensive Player of the Year.  "The Refrigerator" amassed 25 sacks and 60 tackles for loss over his illustrious career.  Spiller was an all-purpose monster, dwarfing #2 on the all-purpose yardage list, as well as being the Tiger's all-time TD leader.  Simmons is #2 all-time in tackles, with 52 of those going for loss.  Woolford was a two-time All-American CB in the late 1980's.

Boston College Eagles

1. Doug Flutie, QB
2. Luke Kuechly, LB
3. Mike Ruth, NT
4. Pete Mitchell, TE
5. Tony Thurman, CB

Flutie gets the nod at #1 with his magical Heisman season and the diminutive Doug still ranks as the school's all-time leading passer.  Ruth was an Outland Trophy winner in 1985 as a dominant nose tackle.  Mitchell is the teams second all-time leading receiver but from the TE position.  Kuechly has been a tackling monster for the current Eagles teams and I could not leave off a player with 25 career interceptions in Thurman.

Virginia Tech Hokies

1. Bruce Smith, DE
2. Corey Moore, DE
3. Michael Vick, QB
4. Cornell Brown, DE
5. Kevin Jones, RB

A trio of defensive ends and a one-of-a-kind quarterback battle for the top of the Virginia Tech list.  Smith had 46 career sacks and 71 tackles for loss in being named a two-time All-American.  Moore was another nightmare for quarterbacks, with 30.5 sacks over his final two years.  Vick played just two years, but made his mark as the most dynamic Hokie ever.  Brown was not as prolific as Smith and Moore, but was dominant nonetheless and Jones was a threat to score each time he touched the ball.

Georgia Tech Yellowjackets

1. Joe Hamilton, QB
2. Calvin Johnson, WR
3. Marco Coleman, LB
4. Ken Swilling, S
5. Pat Swilling, LB

The fight for the top spot came down to two offensive standouts.  I chose Hamilton for #1, as his impact on team success was greater than that of the ultra-talented Johnson.  Hamilton is Tech's all-time passing leader and won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top QB in 1999.  Johnson put up monster numbers in 3 years with Tech, including a 15 TD season in 2006 that earned him the Biletnikoff Award.  Coleman lived in the opponents backfield in his 3 years, while both Swillings anchored the defense in the late 1980's.

North Carolina Tar Heels

1. Julius Peppers, DE
2. Dre' Bly, CB
3. Greg Ellis, DE
4. William Fuller, DT
5. Marcus Jones, DT 

It should be no surprise that a school that produced Lawrence Taylor has a list with a clean sweep by defensive players.  I went back and forth on Peppers and Bly, but chose the 30.5 career sacks in three years over the 20 interceptions over the same length.  Ellis is actually the career sack leader, Fuller had more TFL's than Ellis and Peppers (one less season) and Jones is 3rd on the sack list.

North Carolina State Wolfpack

1. Philip Rivers, QB
2. Torry Holt, WR
3. Mario Williams, DE
4. Levar Fisher, LB
5. Russell Wilson, QB 

Rivers edges Holt out for the #1 spot on the Wolfpack list with over 13,000 yards passing and 95 touchdowns.  Holt holds almost every NC State receiving record and could very easily top the list.  Williams tops the all-time sacks and tackles for loss lists, while Fisher was an All-American tackling machine.  The final spot went to Wilson, who put up gaudy number for 3 years before moving on for his 4th year of eligibility.

Maryland Terrapins

1. E.J. Henderson, LB
2. Torrey Smith, WR
3. Eric Wilson, LB
4. Jermaine Lewis, WR
5. Scott Milanovich, QB

Henderson tops the list as a two-time All-American who is the Terps all-time leader in tackles for loss by 17.5 over the next closest turtle.  Smith is the all-time all-purpose yardage leader, while Wilson is the all-time leading tackler.  Finally, Lewis holds all the Maryland receiving records and Milanovich most of the passing records.

Wake Forest Deamon Deacons

1. Alphonso Smith, DB
2. Aaron Curry, LB
3. Riley Skinner, QB
4. Steve Justice, C
5. Calvin Pace, DE

In a battle of top defenders, Smith beats out Curry for #1 on the Demon Deacon list.  Smith broke the ACC record for career interceptions with 21.  Curry was a great all-around linebacker who won the Butkus Award.  Skinner is Wake's all-time passing leader, while Justice was one of the ACC's great centers and Pace ranks second all-time on the Demon Deacon sack list.

Virginia Cavaliers

1. Chris Slade, DE/LB
2. Shawn Moore, QB
3. Herman Moore, WR
4. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT
5. Jamie Sharper, LB

The early 1990's were the glory days of Cavalier football and the top 3 on this list reflect that time period.  Slade is by far the most dominant defender of my era, registering 40 sacks, 11 more than the next on the all-time list.  While Matt Schaub now owns most passing records, it was Shawn Moore who was a Heisman finalist and led Virginia to consecutive New Year's Day Bowls.  Herman Moore was a favorite target and put up gaudy numbers in 3 years.  Ferguson is the most decorated lineman and Sharper the all-time leading tackler.

Duke Blue Devils

1. Clarkston Hines, WR
2. Mike Junkin, LB
3. Chris Port, T
4. Thaddeus Lewis, QB
5. John Talley, CB

 Hines is the far and away the premier Blue Devil player in the past 30 years.  The two-time All-American holds almost every Duke receiving record.  Junkin was a tackling machine, while Port was a rock in the late 1980's.  Lewis holds all the team passing records, while Talley had 18 interceptions in being named All-ACC First Team twice.

College Football - Week 14 picks

Overall Record:  561-193, 74.4%

West Virginia over South Florida
Northern Illinois over Ohio
Oregon over UCLA
Connecticut over Cincinnati
Pittsburgh over Syracuse
Houston over Southern Miss
Kansas State over Iowa State
Wyoming over Colorado State
TCU over UNLV
Utah State over New Mexico State
Baylor over Texas
North Texas over Middle Tennessee State
Nevada over Idaho
LSU over Georgia
Louisiana-Monroe over Florida Atlantic
Arkansas State over Troy
Boise State over New Mexico
BYU over Hawaii
Virginia Tech over Clemson
San Diego State over Fresno State
Oklahoma State over Oklahoma
Wisconsin over Michigan State

Week 15
Navy over Army

Week 13 - Updated Bowl Predictions

Updated November 29th - I incorrectly read that the Big 12 extra team would be committed to the Military Bowl, but instead it appears they would be the replacement for C-USA in the Ticket City Bowl, therefore Iowa State and Air Force flip spots.  After firing their coach, I am moving Arizona State behind Utah, thus flipping their bowls and removing a 6-7 UCLA team from consideration.

Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game:  Alabama vs LSU
Rose:  Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar:  Michigan vs Houston
Fiesta:  Oklahoma State vs Stanford
Orange:  Louisville vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One:  Arkansas vs Nebraska
Gator:  Florida vs Ohio State
Cotton:  Oklahoma vs Georgia
Alamo: Kansas State vs Washington
Outback:  Michigan State vs South Carolina
Chick Fil-A:  Florida State vs Auburn
Sun:  Georgia Tech vs Utah
Holiday:  Texas vs California
Champs:  Notre Dame vs Clemson
Liberty:  Vanderbilt vs Southern Miss
Belk:  Virginia vs West Virginia
Independence:  North Carolina vs San Diego State
Music City:  North Carolina State vs Mississippi State
Pinstripe:  Rutgers vs Missouri
Kraft Fight Hunger:  Florida International vs Western Michigan
Meineke Car Care:  Texas A&M vs Iowa
Insight:  Penn State vs Baylor
Ticket City:  Purdue vs Iowa State
Little Caesars:  Northwestern vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Ohio vs Utah State
Hawaii:  Nevada vs SMU
Beef O'Bradys:  Pittsburgh vs Marshall
Armed Forces:  BYU vs Tulsa
Las Vegas:  Arizona State vs TCU
Poinsettia:  Boise State vs Louisiana Tech
GoDaddy.com:  Toledo vs Arkansas State
New Orleans:  LA-Lafayette vs Illinois
BBVA Compass:  Cincinnati vs Western Kentucky
New Mexico:  Wyoming vs Temple
Military:  Wake Forest vs Air Force

College Football Rewind - Week 12 - The Computers Have it Right!!

I put my updated Bowl Predictions and Week 13 Picks in separate posts to concentrate this entire section to the real issue - Who Should Play for the National Championship?

The current BCS Standings show LSU at #1, Alabama at #2, Arkansas at #3 and Oklahoma State at #4.  There is absolutely no argument with LSU at #1.

I have a big problem with Alabama at #2.  An LSU-Alabama Championship Game is unnecessary and is actually unfair to the Tigers.  LSU already beat Alabama at Alabama.  But that is not the main argument, as simply voting against a re-match is unfounded if it is clearly the two best teams and there are no other worthy candidates.  The problem is, there is another worthy candidate and they just picked the absolute wrong time and wrong team to lose to.  Oklahoma State should still be ahead of Alabama. 

*This whole argument is assuming LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma State victories in their remaining games.

Reason #1:  Oklahoma State and Alabama would finish with identical 11-1 records.  Oklahoma State would have won the Big 12 Championship.  Alabama would be finishing second in their own division in the SEC.

Reason #2:  The Big 12 was on par with the SEC this season.  Earlier this season, Jabesblog tracked the non-conference records of each conference.  The Big 12 finished the non-conference season at 27-3, with losses to Arizona State, Georgia Tech and Arkansas.  The SEC currently stands at 39-5, with losses to Boise State, Louisville, Clemson, BYU and Louisiana Tech.  Remember, I didn't say the Big 12 was better, I just said on par.  Shouldn't the champion of a conference on par with another get the nod over the 2nd place team from the other?

Reason #3:  Oklahoma State has better wins than Alabama.  Oklahoma State will have beaten at least 8 bowl-eligible teams, 9 if Texas Tech wins one more game.  They have road wins over Tulsa, Texas A&M, Texas and Missouri and would have beaten Oklahoma, Kansas State and Baylor at home.  Alabama would have beaten 6 bowl-eligible teams, 7 if Vandy wins one more game.  Alabama has road wins at Penn State, Florida, Mississippi State and Auburn and home wins against Arkansas and Tennessee. 

Reason #4:  The best QB Alabama has played against is Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson, currently ranked #13 in the Yahoo QB Power Rankings.  They played no other QB ranked in the Top 25.  Oklahoma State will have played against #1, #8, #9, #10, #22 and #24. 

Reason #5:  The computers have Oklahoma State at #2.  Inexplicably and personally, I think very ignorantly, the humans dropped the Cowboys as low as #6.  Really?  One double overtime loss on the road to a bowl-eligible Iowa State team that played out of their minds and all of a sudden you are the worst 1-loss team?  Come on voters.  Do some research.  Heck, read my blog.  Oklahoma State is not the 6th best team.  There is a reason the computers have them #2.  The Computers Have it Right!!!

College Football - Week 13 Picks

Ohio over Miami(OH)
Texas A&M over Texas
South Florida over Louisville
Northern Illinois over Eastern Michigan
Tulsa over Houston
Bowling Green over Buffalo
Nebraska over Iowa
Temple over Kent State
Western Michigan over Akron
Toledo over Ball State
LSU over Arkansas
Utah over Colorado
Miami(FL) over Boston College
UCF over UTEP
West Virginia over Pittsburgh
California over Arizona State
SMU over Rice
Rutgers over Connecticut
Michigan over Ohio State
Oklahoma over Iowa State
Syracuse over Cincinnati
Michigan State over Northwestern
Georgia Tech over Georgia
Tennessee over Kentucky
Western Kentucky over Troy
NC State over Maryland
Boise State over Wyoming
Utah State over Nevada
Auburn over Alabama
Marshall over East Carolina
FIU over Middle Tennessee State
Purdue over Indiana
Missouri over Kansas
Wake Forest over Vanderbilt
Virginia Tech over Virginia
North Carolina over Duke
Illinois over Minnesota
Oregon over Oregon State
Wisconsin over Penn State
Southern Miss over Memphis
UAB over Florida Atlantic
Arizona over LA-Lafayette
Louisiana Tech over New Mexico State
Air Force over Colorado State
Baylor over Texas Tech
Mississippi State over Mississippi
Florida State over Florida
Washington over Washington State
South Carolina over Clemson
San Jose State over Fresno State
Notre Dame over Stanford
USC over UCLA
San Diego State over UNLV
Hawaii over Tulane

College Football - Updated Bowl Predictions

Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game:  Alabama vs LSU
Rose:  Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar:  Michigan vs Kansas State
Fiesta:  Oklahoma State vs Stanford
Orange:  West Virginia vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One:  Arkansas vs Nebraska
Gator:  Florida vs Penn State
Cotton:  Oklahoma vs Auburn
Alamo: Baylor vs Washington
Outback:  Michigan State vs Georgia
Chick Fil-A:  Georgia Tech vs South Carolina
Sun:  Florida State vs UCLA
Holiday:  Texas A&M vs Utah
Champs:  Notre Dame vs Clemson
Liberty:  Houston vs Tennessee
Belk:  Virginia vs Cincinnati
Independence:  NC State vs Wyoming
Music City:  Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
Pinstripe:  Rutgers vs Missouri
Kraft Fight Hunger:  California vs Temple
Meineke Car Care:  Ohio State vs Iowa State
Insight:  Iowa vs Texas
Ticket City:  Purdue vs SMU
Little Caesars:  Northwestern vs Toledo
Humanitarian: Ohio vs Utah State
Hawaii:  Nevada vs Illinois
Beef O'Bradys:  South Florida vs Southern Miss
Armed Forces:  BYU vs Tulsa
Las Vegas:  Arizona State vs TCU
Poinsettia:  Boise State vs Louisiana Tech
GoDaddy.com:  Nothern Illinois vs Arkansas State
New Orleans:  LA-Lafayette vs Marshall
BBVA Compass:  Louisville vs Western Kentucky
New Mexico:  San Diego State vs Pittsburgh
Military:  North Carolina vs Air Force

The Jabesblog Proposal (College Football Playoff)

I now bring to you the Jabesblog Proposal for a 14-Team College Football Playoff.  The Jabesblog Playoff System would still utilize the BCS calculation in determining the top 2 teams (who will receive an automatic bye into the quarterfinals) and the 3 at-large teams that would join the 11 conference champions.  The first round of the playoff is also designed to minimize travel and matches up the 6 BCS conferences with the 5 non-BCS conferences, with the one at-large floater rotated between the six conferences.  The 2 top teams would be replaced by the Top 2 at-large teams in this system, with geographic replacement the top priority. 

Here is how the conferences would match-up on the 6-year rotation, keeping in mind that two at-large teams will replace two of the conference champions.  After the first round, the 8 teams would be re-seeded and play the quarterfinals at the 4 BCS sites as bowls.  The semis and finals would be the two weeks after at selected sites.

Year 1
Sun Belt Champ at SEC Champ
C-USA Champ at ACC Champ
MAC Champ at Big 10 Champ
MWC Champ at Big 12 Champ
WAC Champ at PAC 12 Champ
At-Large #3 at Big East Champ

Year 2

Sun Belt Champ at ACC Champ
C-USA Champ at SEC Champ
MAC Champ at Big East Champ
MWC Champ at Big 10 Champ
WAC Champ at Big 12 Champ
At-Large #3 at PAC 12 Champ

Year 3
Sun Belt Champ at SEC Champ
C-USA Champ at Big East Champ
MAC Champ at Big 10 Champ
MWC Champ at Big 12 Champ
WAC Champ at PAC 12 Champ
At Large #3 at ACC Champ

Year 4
Sun Belt Champ at ACC Champ
C-USA Champ at SEC Champ
MAC Champ at Big East Champ
MWC Champ at PAC 12 Champ
WAC Champ at Big 12 Champ
At-Large #3 at Big 10 Champ

Year 5
Sun Belt Champ at SEC Champ
C-USA Champ at ACC Champ
MAC Champ at Big East Champ
MWC Champ at Big 10 Champ
WAC Champ at PAC 12 Champ
At-Large #3 at Big 12 Champ

Year 6
Sun Belt Champ at ACC Champ
C-USA Champ at Big East Champ
MAC Champ at Big 10 Champ
MWC Champ at PAC 12 Champ
WAC Champ at Big 12 Champ
At-Large #3 at  SEC Champ

So let's apply 2011 as Year 1.  I am going to assume the following conference champions - LSU, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Clemson, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Houston, Arkansas State, No. Illinois, TCU and Nevada.  The 3 at-large teams for this purpose will be Alabama, Stanford and Oklahoma.

With LSU and Oklahoma State receiving byes, the 6 First Round Match-ups would be:

Arkansas State at Alabama*
Houston at Clemson
No. Illinois at Michigan State
TCU at Stanford*
Nevada at Oregon
Oklahoma at Cincinnati

If the 6 Home Teams win, the Quarterfinals would be:

(1)LSU vs (8)Cincinnati (Sugar Bowl)
(4)Oregon vs (5)Clemson (Rose Bowl)
(2)Oklahoma State vs (7)Michigan State (Fiesta Bowl)
(3)Alabama vs (6)Stanford (Orange Bowl)

A slightly different option
The same concept could be applied to a 16 team field, with the pre-determined match-ups and two at-large vs at-large games.  Again, a re-seeding based upon end-of-season BCS rank would happen after the first round.

Arkansas State at LSU
Houston at Clemson
No. Illinois at Michigan State
TCU at Oklahoma State
Nevada at Oregon
Michigan at Cincinnati
Oklahoma at Stanford
Virginia Tech at Alabama

Ultimately, the plus-one format is what we are going to get, if anything.  I, of course, have ideas for all kinds of formats!!

College Football Rewind - Week 12 - Early Edition

Thank you Southern Miss for enduring the prosperity I predicted for you this week.  I still think Houston loses, which opens up one spot in the BCS.  TCU would be the next non-BCS school in line and they are going to be borderline whether they can crack the top 16.  Therefore, I think the winner of this week's Nebraska at Michigan game is the front-runner for the final BCS spot.
Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game:  Oklahoma State vs LSU
Rose:  Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar:  Michigan vs Alabama
Fiesta:  Oklahoma vs Stanford
Orange:  West Virginia vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One:  Arkansas vs Nebraska
Gator:  South Carolina vs Iowa
Cotton:  Kansas State vs Auburn
Alamo: Texas vs Washington
Outback:  Michigan State vs Georgia
Chick Fil-A:  Clemson vs Florida
Sun:  Georgia Tech vs Utah
Holiday:  Baylor vs Arizona State
Champs:  Notre Dame vs Florida State
Liberty:  Mississippi State vs Southern Miss
Belk:  Virginia vs Cincinnati
Independence:  Wake Forest vs Wyoming
Music City:  Miami(FL) vs Vanderbilt
Pinstripe:  Rutgers vs Air Force
Kraft Fight Hunger:  California vs Utah State
Meineke Car Care:  Purdue vs Texas A&M
Insight:  Missouri vs Ohio State
Ticket City:  Illinois vs Houston
Little Caesars:  Northwestern vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Ohio vs Louisiana Tech
Hawaii:  Hawaii vs Louisville
Beef O'Bradys:  South Florida vs SMU
Armed Forces:  BYU vs Tulsa
Las Vegas:  UCLA vs TCU
Poinsettia:  Boise State vs Nevada
GoDaddy.com:  Toledo vs Louisiana-Lafayette
New Orleans:  Arkansas State vs Marshall
BBVA Compass:  Pittsburgh vs Florida International
New Mexico:  San Diego State vs Temple
Military:  North Carolina vs Navy

NCAA Football Tournament??

Every year at this time, we get the talk of a playoff in College Football.  The BCS takes its hits and keeps right on going.  There are whispers that school presidents are actually discussing a +1 format, which in my opinion would be welcomed by everyone.  I am still a proponent of a 16 team playoff that is utilized at other levels, but I know that is a pipe dream.  Want even a bigger pipe dream?  What if...College Football had a tournament to match their basketball counterparts in March? 

What if...College Football had a 64 team tournament?

First 3 rounds played at site of higher seed, pods created to limit travel whenever possible.

LSU Pod (Saturday, Dec 10th, Saturday Dec 17th, Friday Dec 23rd)
LA-Lafayette at LSU
Texas A&M at Tulsa
Illinois at So. Mississippi
Vanderbilt at Florida State

Oklahoma State Pod (Friday, Dec 9th, Thursday Dec 15th, Wednesday Dec 21st)
Louisiana Tech at Oklahoma State
Texas at Arizona State
Pittsburgh at Michigan
Iowa at TCU

Alabama Pod (Wednesday Dec 7th, Tuesday Dec 13th, Monday Dec 19th)
Ohio at Alabama
Virginia at Ohio State
North Carolina at South Carolina
Florida at Georgia Tech

Oregon Pod (Friday, Dec 9th, Thursday Dec 15th, Wednesday Dec 21st)
Air Force at Oregon
BYU at Missouri
California at Boise State
Utah at Nebraska

Oklahoma Pod (Saturday, Dec 10th, Saturday Dec 17th, Friday Dec 23rd)
SMU at Oklahoma
No. Illinois at Washington
Louisville at Wisconsin
Northwestern at Notre Dame

Stanford Pod (Thursday Dec 8th, Wednesday Dec 14th, Tuesday Dec 20th)
San Diego State at Stanford
Nevada at Baylor
Wyoming at Kansas State
UCLA at Houston

Arkansas Pod (Saturday Dec 10th, Friday Dec 16th, Thursday Dec 22nd)
Arkansas State at Arkansas
Miami(FL) at Cincinnati
Mississippi State at Clemson
Purdue at West Virginia

Virginia Tech Pod (Saturday Dec 10th, Friday Dec 16th, Thursday Dec 22nd)
Toledo at Virginia Tech
Rutgers at Auburn
South Florida at Georgia
Wake Forest at Michigan State

Quarterfinals -  Saturday Dec 31st and Monday Jan 2nd- Pasadena, Miami, Glendale, New Orleans
Semi Finals - Saturday Jan 7th and Monday Jan 9th - Dallas, Atlanta
Final - Monday Jan 16th - New Orleans

College Football Rewind - Week 11

With three weekends left, the picture is becoming clearer.  That is, unless Oklahoma State or LSU loses, and then the picture becomes a mess (I for one, don't believe Alabama should be a lock to take one of those spots).  This week, I offer up some observations/predictions that I am not necessarily seeing out there.  Call me crazy...

Observation #1:  Boise State lost, so Houston now projects in a BCS Bowl.  Prediction #1: Not so fast.  Houston has SMU, Tulsa and potentially Southern Mississippi on the remaining schedule.  I say they will lose one of those and will not be in the BCS.  Prediction #2:  Guess who will crash the BCS instead?  The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, who will crack the Top 16 and be rated ahead of the Big East champion and TCU.

Observation #2:  West Virginia's BCS hopes were lost after losing to Louisville.  Prediction #3:  Cincinnati will lose at Rutgers and West Virginia will get the Big East BCS bid by virtue of their season sweep over the Bearcats and Scarlett Knights.

Observation #3:  Clemson dominated Virginia Tech and should win the ACC Championship Game easily.  Prediction #4:  Clemson is not playing as well lately, and although Virginia Tech has not been overly consistent, the Hokies will take the re-match and go to the BCS.

Observation #4:  Texas Tech was a shoe-in for a bowl after beating Oklahoma.  Prediction #5:  Texas Tech will lose their final two games and miss out on the bowls.

Observation #5:  With a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, Mark Dantonio will be pleased with the Spartans bowl destination.  Prediction #6:  After losing the Big Ten Championship Game, Michigan State will be passed over by both Michigan and Nebraska in the Big Ten bowl selection order and Dantonio will cry.

Observation #6:  Even at 8-4, Penn State is an attractive Big Ten bowl squad.  Prediction #7:  With the controversy swirling around Happy Valley, the Board will decide to decline a bowl invitation (if any) after losing their final three games.

Overall Pick Record:  478-162, 75% (42-15 Last Week)

ACC
Conference Race:  Clemson has clinched the ACC Atlantic and will play either Virginia Tech or Virginia if the Cavaliers can win their final two games vs Florida State and Virginia Tech.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  NC State's (2 more wins due to two FCS wins) route to bowl-eligibility is 2 home win vs Clemson and Maryland.  Miami (1 more win) has a very winnable home game vs Boston College, plus a road game at South Florida.  Wake Forest (1 more win) has to beat either Maryland or Vanderbilt at home.
My Current Bowl Order:  Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia, Miami, Wake Forest, North Carolina.
My record: 56-25, 69%
This Week:  Virginia Tech over North Carolina, Georgia Tech over Duke, Wake Forest over Maryland, South Florida over Miami(FL), Clemson over NC State, Notre Dame over Boston College, Florida State over Virginia

Big East
Conference Race:  Cincinnati still has a one-game lead over 5 teams in the loss column.  A loss to Rutgers this week will further scramble the picture and could put West Virginia back in the driver's seat.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  South Florida (1 more win) must beat either Miami(FL), Louisville or West Virginia to achieve bowl-eligibility.  Syracuse (1 more win) must win vs Cincinnati or at Pittsburgh.  Pittsburgh (1 more win) needs to win at either West Virginia or in their home finale vs Syracuse for bowl-eligibility.  Louisville (1 more win) has two road tilts at Connecticut and South Florida.  Connecticut (2 more wins) hosts Louisville and Rutgers before finishing at Cincinnati.
My current Bowl Order:  West Virginia, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Louisville, South Florida.
My Record: 38-20, 66%
This Week:  Louisville over Connecticut, Rutgers over Cincinnati, South Florida over Miami(FL)

Big 12
Conference Race:  The Big 12 race will come down to December 3rd when Oklahoma visits Oklahoma State.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Texas Tech (one more win) needs a road win at  Missouri or a neutral field win vs Baylor.  Iowa State (1 more win) must beat Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or Kansas State to get 6 (ouch).
My current Bowl Order:  Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas, Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M.
My Record: 50-13, 79%
This Week:  Oklahoma State over Iowa State, Texas A&M over Kansas, Missouri over Texas Tech, Oklahoma over Baylor, Kansas State over Texas

Big Ten
Conference Race:  Michigan State is the front-runner in the Legends and will play in the Inaugural Big Ten Championship Game with two wins or a Nebraska loss.  The Leaders Division will come down to the November 26th game with Penn State at Wisconsin.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Purdue (1 more win) finishes at Indiana or could do it by defeating Iowa at home this week.  Northwestern (1 more win) has a 2 home games with Minnesota and Michigan State to gain bowl-eligibility.
Current Bowl Order:  Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue, Iowa, Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State.
My Record: 62-22, 74%
This Week:  Northwestern over Minnesota, Michigan State over Indiana, Michigan over Nebraska, Wisconsin over Illinois, Purdue over Iowa, Ohio State over Penn State

PAC-12
Conference Race:  Oregon needs one win to secure the PAC-12 North.  The PAC-12 South is messy, but Arizona State should still prevail if they can win out.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  UCLA (one more win) needs to take care of Colorado at home or upset USC on the road.
Current Bowl Order:  Oregon, Stanford, Washington, Arizona State, Utah, UCLA, California.
My Record: 58-20, 74%
This Week:  Washington over Oregon State, Washington State over Utah, UCLA over Colorado, Oregon over USC, Arizona State over Arizona, Stanford over California

SEC
Conference Race:  LSU wins the SEC West with a win at home vs Arkansas November 25th (assuming they beat Ole Miss).  Georgia has a home game with Kentucky to finish with one conference loss and the SEC East Championship.  If Georgia loses, South Carolina wins the East.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Mississippi State (1 more win) has a home game vs Ole Miss to get to bowl-eligibility (or win at Arkansas).  Florida (1 more win) should get there with a victory over Furman.  Vanderbilt (1 more win) must win at Tennessee or Wake Forest.  Tennessee (2 more wins) has to win vs Vandy and at Kentucky to get to 6. 
Current Bowl Order:  LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn, Florida, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State.
My Record: 66-14, 83%
This Week:  South Carolina over The Citadel, Alabama over Georgia Southern, Florida over Furman, Auburn over Samford, Georgia over Kentucky, Arkansas over Mississippi State, LSU over Ole Miss, Vanderbilt over Tennessee

Conference USA
Conference Race:  Southern Miss has all but locked-up a spot in the C-USA Championship Game and are now thinking BCS.  The West comes down to a season finale showdown on November 25th when Houston visits Tulsa.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  UCF (2 more wins) is 4-1 at home, and has UTEP visiting, while they are 0-5 away from home and need to win at East Carolina to qualify for a bowl.  East Carolina (2 more wins) has one game remaining at home with UCF and a trip to Marshall, two other Bowl Bubble Squads.  Marshall (2 more wins) needs a road win at Memphis to set-up a Bowl Showdown with East Carolina at home in their finale.  UTEP (1 more win) has a potential showdown in the finale at UCF.
Current Bowl Order:  Southern Mississippi, Houston, Tulsa, SMU, Marshall.
My Record: 67-17, 80%
This Week:  Southern Miss over UAB, Marshall over Memphis, Tulsa over UTEP, Rice over Tulane, Houston over SMU, UCF over East Carolina
 
Mountain West
Conference Race:  TCU needs to beat inferior opponents in Colorado State and UNLV to win the Mountain West.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  None.
Current Bowl Order:  TCU, Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming, Air Force.
My Record: 43-14, 75%
This Week:  Wyoming over New Mexico, TCU over Colorado State, Air Force over UNLV, Boise State over San Diego State

MAC
Conference Race:  Northern Illinois controls the MAC West, while Ohio controls the MAC East.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  With only 3 guaranteed spots, the MAC will fill their quota.  They should also qualify at least 4 other teams for any unfilled spots.
Current Bowl Order:  Northern Illinois, Toledo, Ohio.  Temple, Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Western Michigan (alternates).
My Record: 68-23, 75%
This Week:  Northern Illinois over Ball State, Ohio over Bowling Green, Western Michigan over Miami(OH), Toledo over Central Michigan, Buffalo over Akron, Temple over Army, Kent State over Eastern Michigan

WAC
Conference Race:  Nevada hosts Louisiana Tech on November 19th to likely decide the WAC.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Hawaii (2 more wins) has home games with Fresno State, Tulane and BYU and appears squarely on the bubble.  Utah State (2 more wins) needs to beat Idaho and New Mexico State on the road or upset Nevada at home. 
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Nevada, Louisiana Tech, Hawaii, Utah State.
My Record: 41-17, 71%
This week:  Navy over San Jose State, Nevada over Louisiana Tech, Utah State over Idaho, BYU over New Mexico State, Hawaii over Fresno State

Sun Belt
Conference Race:  Arkansas State needs one more win to clinch the Sun Belt.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  With only 2 guaranteed spots, the Sun Belt will fill their quota.  An additional  2 teams should be available for any unfilled openings.
Current Bowl Order:  Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette.  Florida International and Western Kentucky (alternates).
My Record: 47-14, 77%
This Week:  Arkansas State over Middle Tennessee, Troy over Florida Atlantic, Western Kentucky over North Texas, Louisiana-Monroe over Florida International

Independents
Bowl Order:  Notre Dame and BYU all remain projected bowl-eligible.  Navy (2 more wins) must beat San Jose State and Army, which I currently project they will do.
My Record: 30-9, 77%
This Week:  Notre Dame over Boston College, Navy over San Jose State, BYU over New Mexico State, Temple over Army

Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game:  Oklahoma State vs LSU
Rose:  Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar:  West Virginia vs Alabama
Fiesta:  Oklahoma vs Stanford
Orange:  Southern Mississippi vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One:  Arkansas vs Michigan
Gator:  South Carolina vs Ohio State
Cotton:  Kansas State vs Auburn
Alamo: Texas vs Washington
Outback:  Nebraska vs Georgia
Chick Fil-A:  Clemson vs Florida
Sun:  Georgia Tech vs Utah
Holiday:  Baylor vs Arizona State
Champs:  Notre Dame vs Florida State
Liberty:  Mississippi State vs Houston
Belk:  Virginia vs Cincinnati
Independence:  Wake Forest vs Wyoming
Music City:  Miami(FL) vs Vanderbilt
Pinstripe:  Rutgers vs Northwestern
Kraft Fight Hunger:  California vs Utah State
Meineke Car Care:  Purdue vs Texas A&M
Insight:  Missouri vs Michigan State
Ticket City:  Iowa vs Tulsa
Little Caesars:  Illinois vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Ohio vs Louisiana Tech
Hawaii:  Hawaii vs Louisville
Beef O'Bradys:  South Florida vs Marshall
Armed Forces:  BYU vs SMU
Las Vegas:  UCLA vs TCU
Poinsettia:  Boise State vs Nevada
GoDaddy.com:  Toledo vs Louisiana-Lafayette
New Orleans:  Arkansas State vs Air Force
BBVA Compass:  Pittsburgh vs Florida International
New Mexico:  San Diego State vs Temple
Military:  North Carolina vs Navy

College Football - Top 5 Players Post-1980 - SEC Edition

Alabama Crimson Tide

1. Derrick Thomas, LB
2. Cornelius Bennett, LB
3. Mark Ingram, RB
4. Antonio Langham, CB
5. Bobby Humphrey, RB

Thomas and Bennett were dominant linebackers in the 80's, with the sack-monster Thomas earning the top spot.  A Heisman is good enough to place Ingram 3rd on my list over ballhawk Langham and Humphrey.

 

Auburn Tigers

1. Bo Jackson, RB
2. Carlos Rogers, CB
3. Tracy Rocker, DE
4. Cam Newton, QB
5. Marcus McNeill, OT

Bo knows the #1 spot on my Auburn list after a stellar collegiate career and Heisman trophy with the Tigers.  Newton's one special season is enough to get him in the top 5.

 

Arkansas Razorbacks

1. Billy Ray Smith, LB
2. Darren McFadden, RB
3. Jonathan Luigs, OL
4. Shane Andrews, OL
5. Wayne Martin, DT

The home-run hitting McFadden gets edged out by two-time All-American Smith for the Razorback top gun, followed by some Hogs who did their work in the trenches.

 

LSU Tigers

1. Glenn Dorsey, DT
2. Patrick Peterson, CB
3. Josh Reed, WR
4. Kevin Faulk, RB
5. Wendell Davis, WR

Two signature LSU defenders from their ascension in the 2000's to an elite program top the list, with the dominating Dorsey beating out the shutdown corner and special teams ace Peterson.  Record-setting wideout Reed leads the three offensive players rounding out the list.

 

Florida Gators

1. Tim Tebow, QB
2. Danny Wuerffel, QB
3. Wilber Marshall, LB
4. Emmitt Smith, RB
5. Louis Oliver, S

Tebow is widely renowned as one of the top College Football players of all-time and his gaudy statistics and win totals back it up.  Wuerffel is not far behind in the gaudiness factor.  Unfortunately, Tebow appears to be following Weurffel's non-gaudy NFL footprints.  It's amazing when Smith can only crack the list at #4.

 

Tennessee Volunteers

1. Peyton Manning, QB
2. Reggie White, DE
3. Eric Berry, S
4. John Henderson, DE
5. Dale Carter, CB

Despite failing to win a Heisman and struggling against Florida, Manning had a superb college career and beats out White, who foreshadowed his later success as a man amongst boys at Tennessee in the early 1980's.  Defense is the theme as a trio of All-Americans garner spots 3 thru 5.

 

Georgia Bulldogs

1. Herschel Walker, RB
2. David Pollack, LB
3. Champ Bailey, CB
4. Matt Stinchcomb, OT
5. Terry Hoage, S

Walker is an easy choice here, with a Heisman trophy, three 1600-yd seasons, a freshman rushing record at the time and a National Title.  Pollack was an unstoppable pass-rusher and edges out the do-everything Bailey for the runner-up spot.

South Carolina Gamecocks

1. Sterling Sharpe, WR
2. Kalimba Edwards, LB
3. Alshon Jeffrey, WR
4. Ko Simpson, DB
5. Marcus Lattimore, RB

Sharpe gets my vote as the most recognizable Gamecock of the past 30 years and the only one to have his number retired while still in school.  Interestingly, the two current offensive stars, Jeffrey and Lattimore, make the list as potentially the two most talented offensive players in Gamecock history.

Mississippi State Tigers

1. Fred Smoot, CB
2. Anthony Dixon, RB
3. Walt Harris, CB
4. Derek Sherrod, OT
5. Jerrious Norwood, RB

Apparently Mississippi State churns out corners and running backs, with Smoot standing above the rest.  Dixon is the career leader in most rushing categories over Norwood who rounded out the list.

Ole Miss Rebels

1. Patrick Willis, LB
2. Eli Manning, QB
3. Everett Lindsay, OL
4. Deuce McAllister, RB
5. Michael Oher, OT

While I don't recall much team success, the Rebels have quite an impressive top 5, led by tackling machine Willis who was also a two-time All-American at Ole Miss.  Unlike his brother, the younger Manning can only place 2nd on his team's list.  Maybe Eli will get that second Super Bowl someday and trump his brother in something.  Two extremely talented offensive lineman sandwich the explosive McAllister for the final spots on the Rebel list.

Vanderbilt Commodores

1. Earl Bennett, WR
2. Jamie Duncan, LB
3. Jay Cutler, QB
4. Chuck Scott, TE
5. D.J. Moore, CB

Although most fans probably think of Cutler, it was Bennett who left school as the SEC's all-time leading receiver and earns #1 on the Commodores list.  Duncan was a dominating All-American linebacker, while Cutler stands as the most prolific passer in Vandy history.

 

Kentucky Wildcats

1. Randall Cobb
2. Craig Yeast
3. Tim Couch
4. Derek Abney
5. Paul Calhoun

Kentucky is the place for all-purpose wide receivers, with Cobb and Yeast being the best of the lot.  Cobb gets the #1 spot as Kentucky's all-time leader in TD's with 37 and 4th in all-purpose yards, despite playing only 3 seasons.  Yeast is the all-time leading receiver and 5th all-time in all-purpose yards, while Abney is the all-time all-purpose yardage leader in Kentucky history.  Couch is behind Jared Lorenzen and Andre Woodson on the all-time passing lists, but had the two far superior seasons over his successors.

College Football Rewind - Week 10

Overall Pick Record:  436-147, 75% (38-15 Last Week)

ACC
Conference Race:  The ACC Atlantic will come down to the November 12th game with Wake Forest at Clemson, assuming Wake Forest takes care of lowly Maryland the next week.  The ACC Coastal will likely be decided two days earlier on November 10th with Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech.  If the home teams win, Clemson would get another shot at Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  NC State's (2 more wins due to two FCS wins) route to bowl-eligibility is a win at Boston College plus a home win vs Maryland.  Miami (1 more win) has a very winnable home game vs Boston College, plus a road game at South Florida.  Both project to be bowl-eligible.
Bowl Changes: My Current Bowl Order:  Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, Virginia, North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest.
My record: 51-24, 68%
This Week:  Virginia Tech over Georgia Tech, Clemson over Wake Forest, NC State over Boston College, Virginia over Duke, Florida State over Miami(FL), Notre Dame over Maryland

Big East
Conference Race:  Cincinnati has a one game lead over Louisville, who they have already defeated.  The Bearcats host West Virginia and go to Rutgers the next two weeks.  A split of those games will likely send them to the BCS.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  South Florida (2 more wins) has a key road game at Syracuse, plus home dates vs Louisville and Miami(FL) as their best bets to bowl-eligibility.  Syracuse (1 more win) has South Florida at home this week, otherwise they must win vs Cincinnati or at Pittsburgh.  Pittsburgh (2 more wins) needs to win at either Louisville or West Virginia, plus in their home finale vs Syracuse for bowl-eligibility.  Louisville (1 more win) has Pittsburgh at home and road tilts at Connecticut and South Florida.  Connecticut (2 more wins) hosts Louisville and Rutgers before finishing at Cincinnati.
Bowl Changes:  My current Bowl Order:  Cincinnati, West Virginia, Rutgers, Louisville, South Florida.
My Record: 35-19, 65%
This Week:  South Florida over Syracuse, Louisville over Pittsburgh, West Virginia over Cincinnati, Rutgers over Army

Big 12
Conference Race:  Anything can happen in a deep, defensively-challenged conference.  The Big 12 race in all likelihood will come down to December 3rd when Oklahoma visits Oklahoma State.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Texas Tech (one more win) needs a road win at Texas or Missouri or a neutral field win vs Baylor.  Missouri (two more wins) has a home game vs Kansas, as well as visits from Texas and Texas Tech.  Iowa State (1 more win) must beat Oklahoma, Oklahoma State or Kansas State to get 6 (ouch).
Bowl Changes: My current Bowl Order:  Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Baylor, Missouri, Texas Tech.
My Record: 46-13, 78%
This Week:  Missouri over Texas, Oklahoma State over Texas Tech, Baylor over Kansas, Kansas State over Texas A&M

Big Ten
Conference Race:  This is the one conference that is clear as mud, in both divisions.  In the Legends Division, this weeks Michigan State at Iowa and the November 19th tilt between Nebraska and Michigan in Ann Arbor loom as the first key games.  In the Leaders division, Penn State has a two-game lead, but hosts Nebraska before playing at both Ohio State and Wisconsin.  The November 26th game at Wisconsin will likely determine the Leaders division, with Ohio State still being a player if they can win out.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Purdue (2 more wins) finishes at Indiana, and needs to beat either Iowa or Ohio State at home for the Hoosier game to have meaning.  Northwestern (2 more wins) has home games with Rice and Minnesota the next two weeks to gain bowl-eligibility.
Bowl Changes: Purdue out, Northwestern in.  Current Bowl Order:  Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, Northwestern.
My Record: 58-20, 74%
This Week:  Northwestern over Rice, Nebraska over Penn State, Iowa over Michigan State, Ohio State over Purdue, Wisconsin over Minnesota, Michigan over Illinois

PAC-12
Conference Race:  The PAC-12 North showdown between Oregon and Stanford in Palo Alto on Saturday will likely determine Arizona State's opponent in the inaugural PAC-12 Championship Game.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Utah (1 more win) has home games vs UCLA and Colorado, plus a winnable road game at Washington State.  California (1 more win) has a home game vs Oregon State that is likely a must-win for bowl-eligibility.  UCLA (one more win) needs to take care of Colorado at home or upset Utah or USC on the road.
Bowl Changes:  UCLA in.  Current Bowl Order:  Oregon, Stanford, Arizona State, Washington, Utah, UCLA, California.
My Record: 54-18, 75%
This Week:  Arizona over Colorado, USC over Washington, California over Oregon State, Utah over UCLA, Oregon over Stanford, Arizona State over Washington State

SEC
Conference Race:  LSU wins the SEC West with a win at home vs Arkansas November 25th (assuming they beat Ole Miss).  Georgia has home games with Auburn and Kentucky to finish with one conference loss and the SEC Championship. 
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Mississippi State (1 more win) has a home game vs Ole Miss to get to bowl-eligibility.  Florida (1 more win) should get there with a victory over Furman.  Vanderbilt (2 more wins) has a home game vs Kentucky, plus must win at Tennessee or Wake Forest.  Tennessee (2 more wins) has to win vs Vandy and at Kentucky to get to 6.  Kentucky (2 more wins) can steal bowl-eligibility by winning at Vandy and at home vs Tennessee.
Bowl Changes: Tennessee out.  Current Bowl Order:  LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt.
My Record: 59-14, 81%
This Week:  South Carolina over Florida, Vanderbilt over Kentucky, Georgia over Auburn, Arkansas over Tennessee, LSU over Western Kentucky, Louisiana Tech over Ole Miss, Alabama over Mississippi State

Conference USA
Conference Race:  Southern Miss has all but locked-up a spot in the C-USA Championship Game if they win vs Central Florida this week.  The West is shaping up as a season finale showdown on November 25th when Houston visits Tulsa.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Central Florida (2 more wins) is 4-1 at home, and has UTEP visiting, while they are 0-4 away from home and likely need to win at East Carolina to qualify for a bowl.  East Carolina (2 more wins) has one game remaining at home with UCF and two crucial trips to UTEP and Marshall, two other Bowl Bubble Squads.  Marshall (2 more wins) needs a road win at Memphis to set-up a Bowl Showdown with East Carolina at home in their finale.  UTEP (2 more wins) has ECU at home and a showdown in the finale at UCF.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Tulsa, Houston, Southern Mississippi, SMU, Marshall, East Carolina.
My Record: 63-14, 82%
This Week:  Houston over Tulane, Northwestern over Rice, Tulsa over Marshall, SMU over Navy, Memphis over UAB, Southern Miss over Central Florida, East Carolina over UTEP

Mountain West
Conference Race:  Saturday's showdown between TCU and Boise State on the blue turf will decide the Mountain West.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Air Force, San Diego State and Wyoming should all easily get the one win necessary for bowl-eligibility.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Boise State, TCU, San Diego State, Air Force, Wyoming
My Record: 42-11, 79%
This Week: Air Force over Wyoming, Boise State over TCU, San Diego State over Colorado State, UNLV over New Mexico

MAC
Conference Race:  Northern Illinois controls the MAC West, while Ohio and Miami(OH) meet in the season finale to potentially decide the MAC East.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  With only 3 guaranteed spots, the MAC will fill their quota.  They should also qualify at least 4 other teams for any unfilled spots.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Northern Illinois, Toledo, Ohio.  Temple, Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Western Michigan (alternates).
My Record: 63-22, 74%
This Week:  Northern Illinois over Bowling Green, Toledo over Western Michigan, Miami(OH) over Temple, Ohio over Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan over Buffalo, Kent State over Akron

WAC
Conference Race:  Nevada hosts Louisiana Tech on November 19th to likely decide the WAC.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Hawaii (2 more wins) has home games with Fresno State, Tulane and BYU and appears squarely on the bubble.  Utah State (3 more wins) needs to beat San Jose State at home and then Idaho and New Mexico State on the road. 
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Nevada, Louisiana Tech, Hawaii, Utah State.
My Record: 37-16, 70%
This week:  Utah State over San Jose State, Louisiana Tech over Ole Miss, Fresno State over New Mexico State, BYU over Idaho, Nevada over Hawaii

Sun Belt
Conference Race:  Arkansas State hosts Louisiana-Lafayette on Saturday to decide the Sun Belt.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  With only 2 guaranteed spots, the Sun Belt will fill their quota.  An additional  2 teams should be available for any unfilled openings.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette.  Florida International and Western Kentucky (alternates).
My Record: 43-13, 77%
This Week:  Troy over North Texas, Arkansas State over LA-Lafayette, LA-Monroe over Middle Tennessee, Florida International over Florida Atlantic, LSU over Western Kentucky

Independents
Bowl Changes:  Notre Dame and BYU all remain projected bowl-eligible.
My Record: 27-8, 77%
This Week: Rutgers over Army, SMU over Navy, BYU over Idaho, Notre Dame over Maryland

Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game:  Oklahoma State vs LSU
Rose:  Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar:  Boise State vs Alabama
Fiesta:  Oklahoma vs Stanford
Orange:  Cincinnati vs Clemson
Capitol One:  Arkansas vs Nebraska
Gator:  Florida vs Michigan State
Cotton:  Texas vs Auburn
Alamo: Kansas State vs Arizona State
Outback:  Michigan vs Georgia
Chick Fil-A:  Virginia Tech vs South Carolina
Sun:  Georgia Tech vs Utah
Holiday:  Baylor vs Washington
Champs:  Notre Dame vs Florida State
Liberty:  Vanderbilt vs Tulsa
Belk:  Virginia vs West Virginia
Independence:  North Carolina State vs Air Force
Music City:  Miami(FL) vs Mississippi State
Pinstripe:  Rutgers vs Texas Tech
Kraft Fight Hunger:  California vs Utah State
Meineke Car Care:  Penn State vs Missouri
Insight:  Texas A&M vs Ohio State
Ticket City:  Iowa vs SMU
Little Caesars:  Illinois vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Ohio vs Louisiana Tech
Hawaii:  Hawaii vs Marshall
Beef O'Bradys:  Louisville vs Houston
Armed Forces:  BYU vs Southern Miss
Las Vegas:  UCLA vs TCU
Poinsettia:  San Diego State vs Nevada
GoDaddy.com:  Toledo vs Louisiana-Lafayette
New Orleans:  Arkansas State vs East Carolina
BBVA Compass:  South Florida vs Florida International
New Mexico:  Wyoming vs Wake Forest
Military:  North Carolina vs Northwestern