Wednesday, October 2, 2013

College Football 2013 - Week 5 Reset

Week 5 of the 2013 College Football season is complete.  Here is a conference-by-conference look that I will update throughout the season.

BIG TEN
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Ohio State
1-0, 5-0
7-1, 12-1
7-1, 12-1
Rose Bowl
Wisconsin
1-1, 3-2
6-2, 9-3
6-2, 9-3
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
Penn State
0-0, 3-1
4-4, 8-4
4-4, 7-5
Indiana
0-0, 2-2
3-5, 6-6
2-6, 4-8
Purdue
0-1, 1-4
1-7, 2-10
0-8, 1-11
Illinois
0-0, 3-1
0-8, 2-10
2-6, 5-7
Nebraska
0-0, 3-1
7-1, 11-2
6-2, 9-3
Gator Bowl
Michigan
0-0, 4-0
6-2, 10-2
7-1, 11-2
Capital One Bowl
Northwestern
0-0, 4-0
6-2, 10-2
6-2, 10-2
Outback Bowl
Michigan State
0-0, 3-1
5-3, 8-4
4-4, 7-5
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Iowa
1-0, 4-1
2-6, 4-8
3-5, 6-6
Heart of Dallas Bowl
Minnesota
0-1, 4-1
1-7, 4-8
1-7, 5-7


 BIG TEN QUICK HITS: 
  • Well, Braxton Miller answered the question.  I have nothing bad to say about Miller or Urban Meyer. Meyer knew who the best quarterback on his team is and it paid dividends.  Miller can probably no longer win the Heisman, but he can still win a National Championship.
  • Wisconsin made physical and mental errors all over the place on Saturday and still only lost by 7, their 12th straight loss by a TD or less.  While the Buckeyes were not lights out, a clean game by the Badgers could have had a different result.  That is what Pat Fitzgerald should be preaching to his club as Ohio State visits this weekend.  Play smart football and you have a chance.
  • If Bradley Roby is an All-American, then Jared Abberderis should be too.  Abberderis dominated Roby all night long and was held for a good portion of it.  Roby gets a lot of pub, but he was outplayed on Saturday.
  • Iowa jumped Minnesota with an easy win and is now looking like not only a bowl eligible team, but a potential tough out in the Legends Division.  It starts with Michigan State this weekend, in a first team to 17 type of game.  With the game in Iowa City, Kirk Ferentz is looking at 2-0.
  • Illinois and Indiana have chances to show they are really improved this weekend.  The Illini go to Nebraska, never an easy place to win, but the Cornhuskers still aren't exactly right.  The Hoosiers host Penn State in a game they have to have to keep their season from going all wrong.

PAC 12
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Oregon
1-0, 4-0
9-0, 13-0
9-0, 13-0
BCS National Championship
Stanford
2-0, 4-0
7-2, 10-2
7-2, 10-2
Rose Bowl
Washington
1-0, 4-0
5-4, 8-4
6-3, 9-3
Holiday Bowl
Oregon State
2-0, 4-1
5-4, 8-4
4-5, 6-6
New Mexico Bowl
California
0-1, 1-3
2-7, 3-9
1-8, 2-10
Washington State
1-1, 3-2
1-8, 3-9
3-6, 5-7
Arizona State
1-1, 3-1
7-2, 9-4
6-3, 9-3
Sun Bowl
UCLA
0-0, 3-0
6-3, 8-4
7-2, 10-3
Alamo Bowl
USC
0-2, 3-2
6-3, 9-4
4-5, 7-6
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl 
Arizona
0-1, 3-1
4-5, 7-5
4-5, 7-5
Las Vegas Bowl
Utah
0-1, 3-1
2-7, 3-9
2-7, 5-7

Colorado
0-1, 2-1
0-9, 1-11
1-8, 4-8*
*Colorado has scheduled a make-up game against Charleston Southern on October 19th.

PAC 12 QUICK HITS: 
  • So long Lane Kiffin and a 2nd lost year for the Trojans.
  • When UCLA takes the field for their first PAC-12 game on Thursday, every other team in the PAC-12 South has one loss and a combined record of 1-6.  It looks like a UCLA/Arizona State race in the South.  But the North is more than a two horse race...
  • Stanford played their most complete game last weekend, much to the chagrin of Washington State.  The Cardinals now prep for Washington on Saturday in a huge game in the PAC-12 North.  Washington got Stanford a year ago and looks to validate themselves with a tough road win.  
  • Three PAC-12 teams have Notre Dame on the remaining schedule.  Arizona State is first up Saturday and looks to build off a huge win over USC.  Both the Sun Devils and the Irish have played big games this year, so the stage should not be a factor.  Taylor Kelly and Marion Grice will be a factor.  

SEC
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
South Carolina
1-1, 3-1
7-1, 11-2
6-2, 9-3
Outback Bowl
Georgia
2-0, 3-1
6-2, 9-3
8-0, 11-2
Capital One Bowl
Florida
2-0, 3-1
5-3, 8-4
5-3, 7-5
Gator Bowl
Vanderbilt
0-2, 3-2
4-4, 8-4
2-6, 6-6
Advocare V100 Bowl
Missouri
0-0, 4-0
2-6, 6-6
3-5, 7-5
Music City Bowl
Tennessee
0-1, 3-2
2-6, 5-7
2-6, 5-7

Kentucky
0-1, 1-3
0-8, 2-10
0-8, 2-10
Texas A&M
1-1, 4-1
8-0, 13-0
7-1, 11-1
Orange Bowl
Alabama
2-0, 4-0
7-1, 11-1
7-1, 12-1
Sugar Bowl
Ole Miss
1-1, 3-1
5-3, 8-4
5-3, 9-3
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
LSU
1-1, 4-1
4-4, 8-4
6-2, 10-2
Cotton Bowl
Auburn
1-1, 3-1
3-5, 7-5
2-6, 6-6
Liberty Bowl
Mississippi State
0-1, 2-2
2-6, 5-7
2-6, 5-7
Arkansas
0-1, 3-2
1-7, 5-7
1-7, 4-8


 SEC QUICK HITS: 
  • Alabama shut down another pretender in Ole Miss and now gets a little cruise through October.  I would hope they look dominant this month to validate their #1 ranking.
  • Georgia survived the toughest stretch of their schedule and now must avoid a slip-up as a favorite.  Aaron Murray is doing everything he can to make up for a young defense and deserves serious Heisman consideration.
  • The key game of the week in the SEC this week is Missouri at Vanderbilt.  The Tigers are looking explosive, but this is their first SEC game.  Vandy is already 0-2 and needs this game.  Last season it was a defensive battle, but I expect more points this year.
  • Tennessee has lost me and I have removed them from bowl-eligibility.  I think it is too much to ask for them to win all of their toss-up games.

Big 12
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Oklahoma State
0-1, 3-1
8-1, 11-1
6-3, 9-3
Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma
1-0, 4-0
7-2, 10-2
8-1, 11-1
Cotton Bowl
Texas
1-0, 2-2
7-2, 10-2
5-4, 6-6
Meineke Car Care Bowl
Baylor
0-0, 3-0
6-3, 9-3
8-1, 11-1
Fiesta Bowl
Kansas State
0-1, 2-2
6-3, 9-3
4-5, 6-6
Pinstripe Bowl
TCU
0-1, 2-2
5-4, 7-5
5-4, 7-5
Holiday Bowl
Texas Tech
1-0, 4-0
3-6, 6-6
5-4, 8-4
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
West Virginia
1-1, 3-2
2-7, 5-7
2-7, 4-8
Iowa State
0-0, 1-2
1-8, 3-9
1-8, 2-10
Kansas
0-0, 2-1
0-9, 1-11
1-8, 3-9

 Big 12 Synopsis: 
  • Maybe it was too much to think a team that was 5-4 in the Big 12 a year ago was ready for a leap back to Championship level.  Oklahoma State got exposed on the road once again Saturday and now faces an uphill battle for that title shot.  The battle is made no easier by the fact that Oklahoma looks really good and Baylor looks even better.
  • Kudos to West Virginia, but I still don't think they are very good.  Same to Iowa State for getting of the schneid, but I also fail to see a lot their either.  Both will probably get one more team I am not expecting, but neither should be bowling.
  • The Big 12 finished their non-conference season 22-8, four games worse than I projected, two of which Texas was responsible.

ACC
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Florida State
2-0, 4-0
8-0, 13-0
8-0, 13-0
BCS National Championship
Clemson
2-0, 4-0
7-1, 10-2
7-1, 11-1
Sugar Bowl
Maryland
0-0, 4-0
4-4, 7-5
5-3, 9-3
Sun Bowl
NC State
0-1, 3-1
3-5, 6-6
3-5, 6-6
Military Bowl
Boston College
1-1, 2-2
2-6, 5-7
2-6, 5-7
Syracuse
0-0, 2-2
2-6, 4-8
2-6, 4-8
Wake Forest
0-2, 2-3
1-7, 3-9
0-8, 2-10
Virginia Tech
1-0, 4-1
7-1, 10-3
6-2, 9-3
Russell Athletic Bowl
Miami FL
0-0, 4-0
6-2, 9-3
7-1, 11-2
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Georgia Tech
2-1, 3-1
5-3, 8-4
5-3, 8-4
Belk Bowl
North Carolina
0-1, 1-3
6-2, 9-3
4-4, 6-6
Advocare V100 Bowl
Pittsburgh
2-1, 3-1
3-5, 6-6
4-4, 7-5
Music City Bowl
Duke
0-2, 3-2
1-7, 4-8
2-6, 5-7
Virginia
0-1, 2-2
1-7, 3-9
1-7, 4-8

 ACC Synopsis:
  • Georgia Tech can't seem to get past Virginia Tech and now must win at Miami, FL to entertain any ACC Championship hopes.  The Hokies meanwhile look like the main contender to Miami in the Coastal.  The VA Tech defense looks formidable and might be one of the best in the Nation.  
  • Poor North Carolina gets a look at that Hokie defense fresh off a drubbing courtesy of East Carolina.  The Tar Heels are now bordering on the edge of a lost season and just hanging on to a projected bowl bid.  
  • Pittsburgh is the current riser, winning a defensive game a week after an offensive showcase.  I know the pedigree of Paul Chryst and have no problem projecting bowl-eligibility for this team after the improvements they have already shown this season.
  • It is still all about Florida State and Clemson though.
  • Maryland visits Tallahassee and hopes to have something to say about it.  While the 'Noles defense was not impressive against Boston College, the offense continues to chug along.

AAC
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Louisville
0-0, 4-0
7-1, 11-1
8-0, 12-0
Orange Bowl
Cincinnati
0-0, 3-1
6-2, 10-2
6-2, 9-3
Pinstripe Bowl
UCF
0-0, 3-1
6-2, 8-4
7-1, 10-2
Russell Athletic Bowl
Rutgers
0-0, 3-1
5-3, 7-5
6-2, 9-3
Belk Bowl
Houston
1-0, 4-0
4-4, 6-6
4-4, 7-5
BBVA Compass Bowl
South Florida
0-0, 0-3
3-5, 5-7
1-7, 1-11
Connecticut
0-0, 0-4
3-5, 4-8
1-7, 1-11
SMU
0-0, 1-3
3-5, 4-8
3-5, 4-8
Memphis
0-0, 1-2
2-6, 4-8
3-5, 5-7
Temple
0-1, 0-4
1-7, 4-8
1-7, 1-11

 AAC Synopsis:
  • Yes, that is three 1-11 teams projected in the AAC.  Not only did Louisville have a weak non-conference schedule, but the bottom of the AAC is horrible.  Memphis might be able to pull-off bowl-eligibility by default.  That, and the fact they are playing un-Memphis like defense.
  • UCF couldn't quite pull-off the upset against South Carolina, but they remain the top threat to Louisville's undefeated march in 2013.
  • Houston is rounding into shape and at least provides a 5th team that could cause some troubles in this conference.  With 59 points this past Saturday, the old high-flying Cougars might be back.  Someone call Andre Ware and David Klingler.
Mountain West
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Boise State
1-1, 3-2
6-2, 9-4
6-2, 9-3
Poinsettia Bowl
Utah State
2-0, 3-2
6-2, 9-3
7-1, 9-4
Las Vegas Bowl
Wyoming
1-0, 3-2
4-4, 7-5
5-3, 7-5
Armed Forces Bowl
Air Force
0-4, 1-4
4-4, 6-6
3-5, 5-7

Colorado State
0-0, 2-3
2-6, 5-8
2-6, 4-9
New Mexico
0-1, 1-3
1-7, 3-9
1-7, 3-9
Fresno State
2-0, 4-0
7-1, 12-1
7-1, 11-1*
Fiesta Bowl
San Jose State
0-1, 1-3
6-2, 9-3
5-3, 7-5
Hawaii Bowl
San Diego State
0-0, 1-3
5-3, 7-5
4-4, 5-7
Nevada
2-0, 3-2
4-4, 5-7
5-3, 6-6
New Mexico Bowl 
UNLV
1-0, 3-2
2-6, 4-8
3-5, 5-7
Hawaii
0-2, 0-4
1-7, 1-11
0-8, 0-12
*No make-up game has been scheduled for the Colorado-Fresno State cancellation.

 Mountain West Synopsis:
  • No style points for Fresno State in beating Hawaii 42-37, but in the end nobody will really remember.  I wouldn't want to be Idaho this week though.
  • For those that don't follow the Mountain West closely, there are a bevy of good quarterbacks, many who are not household names.  Derek Carr, Chuckie Keaton, Brett Smith, Cody Fajardo, David Fales and Joe Southwick are all really good.

C-USA
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
East Carolina
1-0, 3-1
7-1, 10-3
7-1, 11-2
Liberty Bowl
Marshall
0-0, 2-2
6-2, 8-4
6-2, 8-4
Heart of Dallas Bowl
Middle Tennessee
1-0, 3-2
5-3, 7-5
6-2, 8-4
Military Bowl
UAB
0-0, 1-3
4-4, 6-6
4-4, 5-7
Southern Miss
0-0, 0-4
3-5, 4-8
2-6, 2-10
FAU
0-3, 1-4
2-6, 3-9
2-6, 3-9
FIU
0-0, 0-4
0-8, 0-12
0-8, 0-12
Tulsa
0-0, 1-3
7-1, 9-4
5-3, 6-6
Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Rice
1-0, 2-2
6-2, 9-3
7-1, 9-4
New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana Tech
0-1, 1-4
5-3, 7-5
3-5, 5-7

North Texas
0-0, 2-2
4-4, 5-7
5-3, 7-5
Hawaii Bowl 
Tulane
1-0, 3-2
3-5, 5-7
5-3, 7-5
UTEP
0-1, 1-3
2-6, 4-8
1-7, 2-10
UTSA
1-0, 2-3
2-6, 3-9
3-5, 4-8

 C-USA Synopsis:
  • East Carolina finally got the signature non-conference win with a nice victory over North Carolina.  The Pirates and Marshall seem to be the class of C-USA, but nobody is invincible.
  • Tulsa doesn't look as good as past versions, but now that conference play is starting, we may see a different team.  North Texas, UTSA and Tulane are all better than expected.
  • Southern Miss has a scoring average of 9.5 ppg, but actually won't be the lowest in their game this weekend.  FIU and it's 5.8 average plays the Golden Eagles.  Sounds like a 42-41 game to me.

MAC
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Ohio
0-0, 3-1
7-1, 10-3
7-1, 10-3
Little Caesars Bowl
Bowling Green
2-0, 4-1
6-2, 8-4
6-2, 8-4
BBVA Compass Bowl
Buffalo
0-0, 2-2
4-4, 6-6
4-4, 5-7
Kent State
0-1, 1-3
3-5, 5-7
4-4, 6-6
Miami OH
0-0, 0-4
3-5, 3-9
2-6, 2-10
Akron
0-1, 1-4
2-6, 3-9
2-6, 3-9
Massachusetts
0-0, 0-4
1-7, 2-10
1-7, 1-11
Northern Illinois
0-0, 4-0
7-1, 12-1
7-1, 12-1
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Ball State
2-0, 4-1
6-2, 9-3
7-1, 9-3
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Toledo
1-1, 2-3
6-2, 8-4
6-2, 8-4
Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Western Michigan
0-1, 0-5
4-4, 5-7
2-6, 2-10
Central Michigan
0-1, 1-4
3-5, 4-8
3-5, 4-8
Eastern Michigan
0-1, 1-3
0-8, 1-11
1-7, 2-10

 MAC Synopsis:
  • I am beginning to think Northern Illinois is going to run the table.  The defense is not great, but it usually gets better and Jordan Lynch is a special player.
  • Ball State can help the MAC perception some more with a win against Virginia this weekend. 
  • Buffalo beat an AAC team and then they fired their coach.  Probably the first time that has ever happened.  To their credit, the Bulls are an improved team.  Playing Ohio State and Baylot doesn't always show that.
  • The directional Michigan's sit at 2-12 combined.

Sun Belt
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Louisiana-Monroe
0-0, 2-3
6-1, 9-3
4-3, 6-6
Little Caesars Bowl
Louisiana-Lafayette
0-0, 2-2
5-2, 8-4
4-3, 7-5
GoDaddy.com Bowl
Arkansas State
1-0, 2-3
5-2, 7-5
4-3, 6-6
 
Western Kentucky
0-1, 3-2
5-2, 8-4
4-3, 8-4
New Orleans Bowl
Troy
0-1, 2-3
4-3, 5-7
4-3, 6-6

South Alabama
1-0, 2-2
2-5, 3-9
4-3, 5-7
Texas State
0-0, 3-1
1-6, 3-9
4-3, 8-4
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Georgia State
0-0, 0-4
0-7, 1-11
0-7, 0-12

 Sun Belt Synopsis:
  • Currently, I have no idea in the Sun Belt.  Every team seemingly has had it's good and it's bad moments.  Besides Georgia State, they all look the same.  So currently, I am projecting them all the same until someone shows they can take a step forward.

Independents
CURRENT RECORD
PREDICTED RECORD
PROJECTED RECORD
BOWL
PROJECTION
Notre Dame
3-1
9-3
8-4
Poinsettia Bowl
Navy
2-0
7-5
7-5
Armed Forces Bowl
BYU
1-2
6-6
6-6
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
Army
1-3
3-9
4-8
Idaho
0-4
1-11
2-10
New Mexico State
0-4
2-10
1-11

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