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

NCAA Basketball 2011-12 Pre-Season Field of 68

The 2011-12 NCAA Men's Basketball Season is right around the corner.  From November to March, teams will compete for the 68 coveted spots in the "Big Dance".  Last year, I attempted my first ever Pre-Season Field of 68, correctly picking 44 of the 68 teams.  That becomes my goal to beat this year.

We go into the 2011-12 season with a clear favorite in North Carolina.  The story for the Tar Heels might be whether they can complete an unbeaten season.  Behind them will be worthy challengers.  So who will those challengers be?  Let's take a look....

ACC (6 bids) - I have already mentioned clear-cut #1 North Carolina, who should win the ACC and overall #1 seed in the tournament barring a significant injury.  Duke should be their main competition in the ACC, especially if Austin Rivers is the real deal.  Florida State is my last pre-season lock from the conference, but the Seminoles are going to win ugly this year, so be advised.  4th to 8th in the ACC could go any which way between Clemson, Miami, North Carolina State, Virginia and Virginia Tech.  The ACC could go as a 5 or 6 bid league depending on overall non-conference results and of course, conference tournament upsets.  My pick for #4 is a veteran Virginia team that appears ready to re-enter the dance under Tony Bennett.  Miami is hoping Jim Laranaga can bring some of his George Mason magic to South Beach and returns a veteran roster.  My final ACC team in, but squarely on the bubble is perennial bubble loser Virginia Tech, who has one of their strongest recruiting classes ever, one that I think is going to break the NCAA jinx.

Big 12 (6 bids) - The Big 12 looks to be wide-open this year, with conceivably six teams that could win the conference title.  I am going with the sheik pick for first with Baylor, a team that missed out on the Big Dance a year ago, but adds super frosh Quincy Miller to super soph Perry Jones.  Texas A&M will be solid and a sleeper in a year when there is potentially no Big 12 superpower.  That is because Kansas might be down with the Morris twins in the NBA, errr, playing pick-up games, and two freshman suspended as non-qualifiers.  The cupboard is never completely bare in Lawrence and the Jayhawks should still be relevant in the Big 12 race.  Missouri returns almost everybody from a 23-win team, but were dealt a big blow recently with a season-ending injury to forward Laurence Bowers.  My pick for national freshman of the year is LeBryan Nash, who should lead Oklahoma State back to the dance after a one-year hiatus.  And what to make of Texas, who lost a ton to the NBA, but always seems to re-load with great freshmen like Myck Kabongo.  Iowa State will be known as team transfer and will be bubblicious come March.  Kansas State is the last team with a tourney shot from the Big 12, but the loss of Jacob Pullen leaves them without a proven go-to player.

Big East (8 bids) - After snatching 11 bids a year ago, the Big East should settle back to the 8 or 9 range this season.  Defending National Champ Connecticut should lead the way this year despite the loss of Kemba Walker and be in the running for a #1 seed.  Syracuse and Pittsburgh will be right there challenging UConn for the Big East crown with veteran squads and a mix of talented newcomers.  Louisville, Cincinnati and Marquette should also be safely in the tournament and one could emerge with a top 3 finish.  I really like the Bearcats if they can find enough offense and Pitino's Cardinals are always dangerous.  The final lock from the Big East is Villanova, who struggled late last year, but has a good mix of returning players and freshman to stay relevant.  The Big East bubble teams reside at Notre Dame, St. John's and West Virginia, as Georgetown lost way too much and Rutgers appears a year away.  The Fighting Irish are going to find it tough to replace Ben Hansborough, among others.  The Mountaineers return Kevin Jones, but a tough schedule and loss of some glue guys will make it a tough mountain to climb in 2011-12.  I am going out on a small limb and going with St. John's for the final Big East bid, despite losing almost everybody from a season ago.  The Red Storm add 6 top 100 recruits and a JUCO All-American in God's Gift Achiuwa.  Seems wrong not to trust God's Gift.

Big Ten (5 bids) - The Big Ten looks to be Ohio State and then anyone's guess.  The Buckeyes are loaded again and are primed for a #1 seed and potentially the biggest challenger to the Tar Heels.  Wisconsin and Michigan appear next in line behind Ohio State, but each have flaws that will make a top 4 seed a challenge.  I have a hard time figuring how Michigan State will be better, but you don't doubt the Izzo, so they will likely be dancing.  Spots 5 to 9 are wide open and the main reason I am not sure the Big Ten will go beyond 5 bids.  Many think Illinois will be in the hunt, but former role players, freshman and transfers must emerge.  Minnesota has a top-notch frontcourt, but we all know what happens in College Basketball when your backcourt is subpar.  Northwestern has been on the verge of their NCAA breakthrough, but keeps coming up short.  I really liked Indiana, with the addition of Cody Zeller, but another Maurice Creek injury leaves them a little shy on talent.  Finally there is Purdue, who loses JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore, but gets Robbie Hummel back from injury.  Still, where are the points going to come from for the Boilermakers?  In the end, it will be Northwestern that does not come up short in 2011-12.

PAC-12 (5 bids) - The PAC-12, like the Big 12, looks to be a wide-open race.  While the league has struggled a bit in perception the past few years, talented teams still reside here.  The bottom of the conference is a bit weak and the additions of Utah and Colorado in what appear to be down years will not help.  The key to 5 bids will be for the 5 top teams to take care of business against the bottom half of the league.  UCLA and Arizona once again appear as though they will lock horns for conference supremacy.  Both teams suffered personnel losses but also add incoming talent.  California returns more key players than the aforementioned two and could easily supplant them at the top.  Washington also suffered key personnel losses, but now seems to be a program in re-load vs re-build mode.  The team most likely to take a step forward is Oregon, who is returning and building talent to make an NCAA run this season.  The Ducks and Huskies may be around the bubble for much of the season, but in the end, they make my field.

SEC (6 bids) - The SEC may be second to the Big East in conference strength this season and it starts at the top with 3 Top 10 teams that could all win the conference title and a likely #1 seed.  Kentucky is up to their usual tricks, adding a superior group of freshman to a few key returning players and star Terrence Jones.  Vanderbilt returns all five starters from a solid but disappointing team a year ago.  If Vandy can get better in close games and make one small leap forward, they could dislodge UK from the top spot.  If you want guards, Florida has them.  The Gators will be led by an experienced and talented backcourt that adds transfer Mike Rosario.  If the frontcourt can find some pieces, it might be Florida in the SEC.  Alabama is not far behind in talent and the non-conference schedule is definitely stronger this year for the Tide.  Mississippi State was an enigma a year ago, but if Renardo Sidney can be the talent all expect, the Bulldogs will be safely in the dance.  The final SEC team I am projecting is Arkansas, who under new coach Mike Anderson might be ready to make the leap.  The Razorbacks have a fairly soft early non-conference schedule and the key to their resume will be notching victories over Vandy, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi State and/or Michigan when they visit Arkansas.

Atlantic 10 (3 bids) - The A-10 would appear to be a lock to have two teams dancing in March.  Due to the strength of those teams, a 3rd team will have a good chance at joining them.  Xavier appears loaded this year, with Tu Holloway leading the way and the addition of some talented transfers and freshman.  The Musketeers will be right there for a top-4 seed.  Not far behind will be Temple, who looks to build off Fran Dunphy's long awaited tourney victory.  Four starters return for the Owls, who will be right there challenging Xavier all season long.  A third bid is out there for George Washington, St. Louis or St. Bonaventure.  The Colonials and Bonnies have the flashy stars in Tony Taylor and Andrew Nicholson, respectively.  The Billikens return all five starters and get a sixth back from 2009-2010, but must make a leap from 11th in the conference.  The schedule lines up for St. Louis, as they have GW, the Bonnies and Temple at home in their only meetings and have enough decent non-conference games to have an at-large opportunity.

Colonial (2 bids) - Two Final Four runs in 6 years have officially put the Colonial on the map.  Regular-season champ George Mason is the favorite once again and should be good enough to earn an at-large bid if they falter in the Colonial Tourney.  Drexel, Old Dominion and last year's darling, Virginia Commonwealth figure to battle for the #2 spot in the conference.  Both ODU and VCU suffered big graduation losses, but these two always seem to be in the mix in the Colonial.  Drexel is a popular pick for the second spot and a tourney berth, but has anyone looked at the Dragons non-conference slate?  Fairfield is not a resume-builder, and yes, that is the strongest non-conference opponent.  VCU has a stronger schedule and Shaka Smart will once again get the Golden Rams into the tournament, potentially in the First Four once again.

Conference USA (2 bids) - Even in a down year, C-USA was able to get two teams into the NCAA Tournament last year.  This year, Memphis should be back challenging the nation's elite and the conference will likely receive multiple bids once again.  The Tigers return a slew of talent and will once again have impact newcomers that should put Memphis in the running for a top-4 seed.  The three challengers for the second bid should be Central Florida, Marshall and Tulsa.  I look for a veteran Marshall team to make their first NCAA Tournament since 1989.

Missouri Valley (2 bids) - The Missouri Valley seems to reside as about the 10th best conference on an annual basis, typically sending one or two dangerous teams into the tournament every few years.  This may be one of those years with Creighton.  The Blue Jays return four starters and add some quality newcomers to establish themselves as a favorite in the MVC after a 23-win season a year ago.  The second bid out of the MVC should go to Wichita State, who returns a veteran, balanced team that needs to avoid the disappointing  and devastating upset losses from last season.  The non-conference schedule has games against Colorado, UNLV, UAB, Tulsa and Utah State, which should give them ample opportunity to build a decent resume.

Mountain West (2 bids) - The defections of BYU and Utah will hurt the MWC and San Diego State will take a step back after their break-out season in 2010-11.  I still exepct the MWC to garner multiple bids, with New Mexico and UNLV being the recipients. 

West Coast (2 bids) - The addition of BYU strengthens the conference profile in the WCC and should provide enough quality wins to get 2 or 3 teams in the dance.  Gonzaga is the favorite with Elias Harris and Robert Sacre leading the way for the Bulldogs.  The race for second should be interesting, with BYU, St. Mary's and Santa Clara vying for that spot.  The Cougars are adjusting to a new conference and LWJ, Life Without Jimmer.  St. Mary's has a lot of veteran pieces and Santa Clara was an improving force toward the end of last season.  I wanted to give this bid to Santa Clara, but BYU has the far superior resume building games for me to make that call at this point in time.

One Bid Leagues (19 bids)

America East - Boston U.
Atlantic Sun - Belmont
Big Sky - Weber State
Big South - UNC-Asheville
Big West - Long Beach State
Horizon - Detroit (sorry, no Butler this year)
Ivy - Harvard
Metro Atlantic - Iona
Mid-American - Western Michigan (sleeper two-bid league with Kent State)
Mid-Eastern - Coppin State
Northeast - Long Island
Ohio Valley - Tennessee Tech
Patriot - Bucknell
Southern - Chattanooga
Southland - Texas San-Antonio
SWAC - Alabama State
Summit - Oral Roberts
Sun Belt - Florida Atlantic
WAC - Utah State

East Regional
(1) North Carolina vs (16) Coppin State/Texas-San Antonio
(8) George Mason vs (9) Washington
(5) Michigan vs (12) BYU
(4) Cincinnati vs (13) Detroit
(6) Temple vs (11) Marshall
(3) Pittsburgh vs (14) Bucknell
(7) Texas vs (10) Virginia
(2) Florida vs (15) Long Beach State

West Regional
(1) Connecticut vs (16) Boston U.
(8) Mississippi State vs (9) Kansas
(5) Wisconsin vs (12) Harvard
(4) UCLA vs (13) Western Michigan
(6) Oklahoma State vs (11) Oregon
(3) Xavier vs (14) Oral Roberts
(7) New Mexico vs (10) Villanova
(2) Duke vs (15) Chattanooga

Midwest Regional
(1) Ohio State vs (16) UNC-Asheville/Alabama State
(8) Missouri vs (9) Creighton
(5) Florida State vs (12) St. John's/St. Louis
(4) Louisville vs (13) Iona
(6) Arizona vs (11) Northwestern
(3) Baylor vs (14) Utah State
(7) Gonzaga vs (10) Miami
(2) Vanderbilt vs (15) Tennessee Tech

South Regional
(1) Kentucky vs (16) Weber State
(8) Michigan State vs (9) UNLV
(5) Marquette vs (12) Virginia Tech/Virginia Commonwealth
(4) Texas A&M vs (13) Belmont
(6) Alabama vs (11) Wichita State
(3) Memphis vs (14) Florida Atlantic
(7) California vs (10) Arkansas
(2) Syracuse vs (15) Long Island

College Football Rewind - Week 9

Last week, I was Clemson's kiss of death.  This week, its Oklahoma State.  I have had the Cowboys beating the Sooners in the season finale from day 1 and now I no longer see a trip up before that date for Oklahoma State.  I also had Alabama in my pre-season National Title Game, so I am sticking with them over LSU, although LSU might be the slightly more talented of the two.

This week I look at Conference Races and Bowl Bubble Teams.

Overall Pick Record:  398-132, 75% (36-18 Last Week)

Conference            Week      Overall     Non-Conf     BCS Non-Conf
ACC                         6-6          59-41           29-11                 6-7
Big East                     3-3          37-25           25-13                 4-9
Big 12                       5-5          51-27           27-3                   6-3
Big 10                       6-6          60-39           34-13                 6-5
PAC-12                    6-6          53-44           22-13                 6-8
SEC                          5-5          62-35           31-4                   6-2
C-USA                     6-6          48-51           21-24                 5-16
MWC                       4-3          31-29           20-18                 2-7
MAC                        4-4          50-59           21-30                 3-26
WAC                        3-3          26-37           12-23                 2-12
Sun Belt                    4-4          31-40           11-20                 2-15
Independent              2-2          16-17           15-16                 5-7

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) route to bowl-eligibility is a win at Boston College plus a home win vs either North Carolina, or more likely, Maryland.  Miami (2 more wins) has very winnable home games vs Duke and Boston College, plus a road game at South Florida.  Both project to be bowl-eligible.
Bowl Changes: Virginia back in, Georgia Tech moves up.  My Current Bowl Order:  Clemson, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Miami, Virginia, Wake Forest, NC State.
My record: 47-23
This Week:  Florida State over Boston College, Virginia over Maryland, North Carolina over North Carolina State, Miami(FL) over Duke, Notre Dame over Wake Forest

Big East
Conference Race:  While many scenarios can still play out, the November 12th game with West Virginia at Cincinnati appears like it will decide the Big East Champion.
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) needs to take care of Connecticut this week, or the South Florida game might become a bowl-elimination game.  Pittsburgh (2 more wins) has to deal with a Ray Graham injury, the two Big East front-runners, a home game vs Syracuse and a potential bowl-elimination game at Louisville.  Louisville (2 more wins) only has Pittsburgh at home, with road tilts at Connecticut and South Florida .
Bowl Changes:  My current Bowl Order:  Cincinnati, West Virginia, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, South Florida.
My Record: 33-17
This Week:  Cincinnati over Pittsburgh, Rutgers over South Florida, West Virginia over Louisville, Syracuse over Connecticut

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) likely 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.  Baylor (two more wins) plays at Kansas, and then must win one out of their other four, with home games vs Missouri and Texas and a neutral site game with Texas Tech.  Iowa State (2 more wins) has a home game with Kansas to get to 5, but 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, Missouri, Texas Tech, Baylor.
My Record: 42-12
This Week:  Texas over Texas Tech, Iowas State over Kansas, Oklahoma over Texas A&M, Missouri over Baylor, Oklahoma State over Kansas State

Big Ten
Conference Race:  This is the one conference that is clear as mud, in both divisions.  In the Legends Division, the November 19th tilt between Nebraska and Michigan in Ann Arbor looms as the key game.  Michigan State will be Wolverine fans that day as they can make the title game by winning out and Nebraska losing once.  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.  Iowa (one more win) would not be here if they beat lowly Minnesota, but now must beat either Michigan school at home or Purdue or Nebraska on the road.  The Iowa at Purdue game may be a bowl-elimination game.
Bowl Changes: Current Bowl Order:  Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois, Iowa, Purdue.
My Record: 55-18
This Week:  Michigan State over Minnesota, Ohio State over Indiana, Michigan over Iowa, Nebraska over Northwestern, Wisconsin over Purdue

PAC-12
Conference Race:  The PAC-12 North showdown between Oregon and Stanford in Palo Alto November 12th will likely determine Arizona State's opponent in the inaugural PAC-12 Championship Game.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Utah (2 more wins) has home games vs UCLA and Colorado, plus winnable road games at Arizona and Washington State.  California (2 more wins) has home games vs Washington State and Oregon State that are likely must-wins for bowl-eligibility.  UCLA (two more wins) needs to take care of Colorado at home and upset Arizona State (home), Utah (road) or USC (road).
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Oregon, Stanford, Arizona State, Washington, Utah, California.
My Record: 50-16
This Week: USC over Colorado, Stanford over Oregon State, California over Washington State, Arizona over Utah, Arizona State over UCLA, Oregon over Washington

SEC
Conference Race:  You may have heard that Alabama and LSU play on Saturday.  That's this Saturday at 7 PM CST if you had not heard.  You may also not be aware that there is an SEC East.  Georgia has home games with Auburn and Kentucky to finish with one conference loss.  South Carolina would win the tie-breaker with Georgia, but must win at Arkansas or home vs Florida to finish at one loss.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Mississippi State (2 more wins) has home games vs Tennessee-Martin and Ole Miss to get to bowl-eligibility.  Florida (2 more wins) has home games with Vanderbilt and Furman, or will need to beat South Carolina or Florida State.  Vanderbilt (2 more wins) has a home game vs Kentucky, plus must win at Tennessee, Florida or Wake Forest.  Tennessee (3 more wins) has Middle Tennessee this week to get to 4.  They then must likely win vs Vandy and at Kentucky to get to 6.
Bowl Changes: Tennessee out.  Current Bowl Order:  Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Auburn, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt.
My Record: 54-12
This Week:  Florida over Vanderbilt, Georgia over New Mexico State, Ole Miss over Kentucky, Tennessee over Middle Tennessee, Arkansas over South Carolina, Mississippi State over Tennessee-Martin, Alabama over LSU

Conference USA
Conference Race:  Southern Miss has established themselves as the favorite in the East, and all but lock-up a spot in the C-USA Championship Game by winning at East Carolina this week and vs Central Florida next 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 4-0 at home, and has Tulsa and UTEP visiting in the final 4 weeks.  They are 0-4 away from home and may need to win at East Carolina to qualify for a bowl.  East Carolina (2 more wins) has their tougher games at home, with Southern Miss and UCF.  Trips to UTEP and Marshall, two other Bowl Bubble Squads, might be crucial.  Marshall (2 more wins) needs a road win at Memphis to set-up a Bowl Showdown with East Carolina at home in their finale.  The next two weeks are big for UTEP (2 more wins) with a road game at Rice and then ECU at home.  If they only garner a split, the finale against UCF could be another Bowl Showdown.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Tulsa, Houston, Southern Mississippi, SMU, UTEP, Marshall, East Carolina.
My Record: 59-13
This Week:  Tulsa over Central Florida, SMU over Tulane, UTEP over Rice, Southern Miss over East Carolina, Houston over UAB

Mountain West
Conference Race:  The November 12th 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 requisite wins necessary for bowl-eligibility.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Boise State, TCU, San Diego State, Air Force, Wyoming
My Record: 38-11
This Week: TCU over Wyoming, Air Force over Army, San Diego State over New Mexico, Boise State over UNLV

MAC
Conference Race:  It is showdown week in the MAC, as Northern Illinois visits Toledo for front-runner status in the West and Temple visits Ohio for the same status in the East.  Miami(OH) is on the outside looking in, but can change things with a road sweep of Temple and Ohio.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  With only 3 guaranteed spots, the MAC will fill their quota.  They should also qualify at least 3 other teams for any unfilled spots.
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Toledo, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Temple, Ohio.  Western Michigan (alternate).
My Record: 60-20
This Week:  Toledo over Northern Illinois, Ohio over Temple, Miami(OH) over Akron, Kent State over Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan over Ball State

WAC
Conference Race:  Nevada hosts Hawaii on November 12th to likely decide the WAC.
Bowl Bubble Teams:  Louisiana Tech and San Jose State have the best shot at a third WAC bid, but both must beat Fresno State to have the opportunity. 
Bowl Changes:  Current Bowl Order:  Nevada, Hawaii, Louisiana Tech.
My Record: 35-14
This week:  Louisiana Tech over Fresno State, San Jose State over Idaho, Georgia over New Mexico State, Hawaii over Utah State

Sun Belt
Conference Race:  Arkansas State hosts Louisiana-Lafayette on November 12th 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: 38-13
This Week:  LA-Lafayette over LA-Monroe, Navy over Troy, Western Kentucky over Florida International, Arkansas State over Florida Atlantic, Tennessee over Middle Tennessee

Independents
Bowl Changes:  Notre Dame and BYU all remain projected bowl-eligible.
My Record: 24-8
This Week: Air Force over Army, Navy over Troy, Notre Dame over Wake Forest

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