College Football Week 11 Recap

    The college football season is winding down, but the action is only heating up as conference races are becoming more clear.

    The five bowl-eligible undefeated teams were cut down to just three. #10 Louisville had an ugly loss to Syracuse. The Cardinals were not in much discussion of the national title yet, but the loss derails any hopes of it. A BCS-berth is still in the mix though.

Texas A&  M quarterback Johnny Manziel

    But the biggest upset was #1 Alabama's loss to #15 Texas A& M. The Aggies were under question as to whether they could compete in the nation's best conference. They solidified themselves in the SEC with a win over one of the most dominate teams with the win over Alabama. 

    Aggie's freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel's play has given him national attention, but he has had games similar to this one many times this season. Manziel, who was just a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com, has taken college football by storm and has a very bright, Heisman-type, future ahead of him.

     With the losses by Alabama and Louisville, it leaves Kansas State, Notre Dame, and Oregon as the only undefeated teams renaming  Ohio State still is 10-0 but is intelligible for the postseason. It would be very interesting to see how the Buckeyes would be viewed with the other three if they were bowl eligible. But as for the other three, there is no clear-cut decision on who the best two are.

    Notre Dame has played the toughest schedule this season, and the only tough game left is vs. USC. The Irish have impressive wins over Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (FL), Stanford, BYU, and Oklahoma. But there are some close wins that could hurt them to Purdue and a 3OT win over Pittsburgh.

    Oregon has the toughest remaining schedule, with games vs Stanford, Oregon State, and Pac-12 South champion. That game will either be vs. UCLA or USC, who play each other this Saturday. Oregon already has a win over USC this year but has not played UCLA. Schedule wise, the Ducks have wins over Arizona, Washington, and USC - quite a few less then Notre Dame. Wins over Stanford and Oregon State, along with a Pac 12 championship win, will close that gap however.

    Kansas State also has tough games coming up vs. Baylor and Texas. The Big 12 has been brutal to teams, and Kansas State has been the only one to avoid a loss. Impressive wins include Miami (FL), Oklahoma, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU. A win over Texas will add to that list.

    In the end, I see all three of these teams winning out. That is where serious problems arise. All have a good case for a spot in the big game. Oregon is the best team in my opinion, and second is Notre Dame. That would create the best-possible title game at this point. A loss to one of these schools will clear up a lot of confusion, and like what we saw happen to #2 Oklahoma State last year, you can't sleep on any of these remaining opponents.


Top 25

1. Oregon 10-0
2. Notre Dame 10-0
3. Kansas State 10-0
4. Ohio State 10-0
5. Georgia 9-1
6. Florida State 9-1
7. Florida 9-1
8. Alabama 9-1
9. Texas A&M 8-2
10. Clemson 9-1
11. LSU 8-2
12. Stanford 8-2
13. South Carolina 8-2
14. Oklahoma 7-2
15. Texas 8-2
16. Nebraska 8-2
17. Louisiana Tech 9-1
18. USC 7-3
19. UCLA 8-2
20. Kent State 9-1
21. Louisville 9-1
22. Oregon State 7-2
23. Kent State 9-1
24. Michigan 7-3
25. Texas Tech 7-3

Next 5 In:

Northern Illinois 9-1
Central Florida 8-2
Cincinnati 7-2
Wisconsin 7-3
Rutgers 8-1

Other Schools to Watch:

Northwestern 7-3
Tulsa 8-2
Boise State 8-2
San Diego State 8-3
Ohio 8-2
Toledo 8-2
Mississippi State 7-3
Utah State 8-2
San Jose State 8-2


What To Watch

Toledo (8-2) @ Northern Illinois (9-1)
Wednesday, 9:00pm ET, ESPN2

Quietly, the MAC is having its best season as a conference in a long time. Toledo and Northern Illinois are two of the top teams in the conference, and they will have a big clash this Wednesday. A win for Northern Illinois clinches the MAC West division and puts them in Detroit for the MAC title game, and they should clinch that with a win over the Rockets.

Northern Illinois 45 Toldeo 37

Rutgers (8-1) @ Cincinnati (7-2)
12:00pm ET, Big East Network/ESPN3

Rutgers does not have a conference loss this year, and that gives them the small edge over Louisville for the Big East championship. But will that hold? This Cincinnati Bearcats squad is one of the most underrated in the country, and they should drop Rutgers.

Cincinnati 31 Rutgers 20

#18 USC (7-3) @ #19 UCLA (8-2)
3:05pm ET, FOX

A loss for USC will ruin all hopes the Trojans have for a BCS-berth, and they desperately need a win here. UCLA has quietly had a very good season, but USC is just too powerfull. They may not have played to their full abilities this season, but they should this week and take down their rival.

USC 48 UCLA 27

#12 Stanford (8-2) @ #1 Oregon (10-0)
8:00pm ET, ABC

The two best teams in the Pac-12 North go at it, and Oregon's explosive offense should give them another win on their way to the title game. Stanford will put up a fight, but this one won't be very close.

Oregon 56 Stanford 39


Other Predictions

Ball State 35 Ohio 26
North Carolina 28 Virginia 19
#4 Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 17
Michigan State 24 Northwestern 20
#6 Florida State 38 Maryland 10
#24 Michigan 28 Iowa 14
#23 Kent State 27 Bowling Green 24
Central Florida 37 Tulsa 35
Mississippi St. 35 Arkansas 28
Washington 42 Colorado 17
Arizona State 37 Washington State 20
Miami (FL) 34 South Florida 21
Georgia Tech 17 Duke 15
#2 Notre Dame 24 Wake Forest 7
#11 LSU 31 Ole Miss 14
#16 Nebraska 37 Minnesota 14
#25 Texas Tech 37 Oklahoma State 31
#10 Clemson 31 NC State 13
Purdue 21 Illinois 14
#17 Louisiana Tech 44 Utah State 40
Missouri 36 Syracuse 34
#14 Oklahoma 34 West Virginia 28
#3 Kansas State 52 Baylor 27
UTEP 24 Southern Miss 14
Arizona 39 Utah 34
BYU 23 San Jose State 20
#22 Oregon State 35 California 27


BCS Bowl Projections:
Projections based on predicted team performance for rest of season.
* = At large selection

Championship: #1 Oregon over #3 Kansas State

Rose: #2 Notre Dame* over #16 Nebraska

Fiesta: #5 Georgia* over #14 Oklahoma*

Sugar: #8 Alabama over #10 Clemson*

Orange: #6 Florida State over #21 Louisville


   

College Football Week 9 Recap

    The season presses on as we head into week 10 and have a look back on a big week 9.

    #4 Notre Dame took on #9 Oklahoma and proved all doubters wrong with a very strong showing, beating the Sooners 30-13. The Irish have played the hardest schedule this season, and are now 8-0. There are people, however, that have said they have not played anyone, and their record is a fluke.

Notre Dame QB Everette Gholson

    But the Irish have wins vs. Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (FL) #13 Stanford, BYU, and now have one over #14 Oklahoma. All critics should be silenced, and Notre Dame should win it's next four games vs. Pitt, Boston College, Wake Forest, and #16 USC.  Note Dame has the best chance out of the other three undefeated schools with legit title hopes (Alabama, Oregon, and Kansas State), to win out, and they have taken a stake in the national title talks.

    Former #3 Florida was taken down by Georgia, and could quite possibly ruin the Gator's title hopes. #14 Oregon State was upset by Washington, and the Beavers title hopes are gone as well. I think Oregon State was always overrated, and the high rankings in the BCS and AP polls were way too high to me. The loss brings them back down, and the Huskies get a much-needed conference win.

    #6 USC lost all their title hopes too to a crushing defeat to Arizona. The Trojans play #2 Oregon this weekend and hope to salvage a spot in the BCS.


Top 25

1. Alabama 8-0
2. Oregon 8-0
3. Notre Dame 8-0
4. Kansas State 8-0
5. Ohio State 9-0
6. Georgia 7-1
7. LSU 7-1
8. Florida State 8-1
9. Florida 7-1
10. Clemson 7-1
11. Louisville 8-0
12. South Carolina 7-2
13. Stanford 6-2
14. Oklahoma 5-2
15. Texas AM 6-2
16. USC 6-2
17. Boise State 7-1
18. Mississippi State 7-1
19. Texas Tech 6-2
20. Texas 6-2
21. Nebraska 6-2
22. Oregon State 6-1
23. Arizona 5-3
24. Louisiana Tech 7-1
25. Oklahoma State 5-2

Next 5 In:

West Virginia 5-2
Kent State 7-1
Michigan 5-2
UCLA 6-2
Toledo 8-1

Dropped Out:

Rutgers (#17)
Michigan (#20)
NC State (#21)
Ohio (#23)
West Virginia (#25)


Non-BCS schools to watch:

Tulsa 7-1
Northern Illinois 8-1
Louisiana-Monroe 6-2
Utah State 7-2
Ohio 7-1
San Jose State 6-2

What To Watch:

#15 Texas AM (6-2) @ #18 Mississippi St. (7-1)
12:00 pm ET, ESPN

Mississippi State was blown out of the water by Alabama, and they will look to show they are an elite force in the SEC. Texas AM will try to continue their winning streak. The Aggies will make it close, but Mississippi State is just too good, and will shut down the Aggies' high powered offense.

Prediction: Mississippi St. 24 TAMU 16

TCU (5-3) @ West Virginia (5-2)
3:00pm ET, FOX

It's now or never for West Virginia to salvage this season, and now or never for Geno Smith to get back into the Heisman race. Smith's season reminds of Baylor's RGIII last year. He started off very strong but abruptly fell off the map, as did his team. But then he came back at the end, won the Heisman, and the #2 pick in the draft. That very well could be the same for Smith this year, and it could start this week. A bye should help West Virginia get the W.

Prediction: West Virginia 35 TCU 21

#2 Oregon (8-0) @ #16 USC (6-2)
7:00 pm ET, FOX

The two best teams in the PAC 12 square off in Pasadena, and the Ducks have a lot to prove as they have been passed over in favor of Kansas State and Notre Dame in most polls. A big win over a down Trojan squad will go a long way. USC has a good chance of a win here, but Oregon has the upper-hand. 

Prediction: Oregon 47 USC 44

#1 Alabama (8-0) @ #7 LSU (7-1)
8:00 pm ET, CBS

A rematch of last year's title game - this will be Alabama's hardest game of the season so far, and LSU needs a win to keep their title hopes alive. It should be another low scoring game, but Alabama has a better offense. They also have a slightly better defense, and they should roll over LSU like they did last January. 

Prediction: Alabama 13 LSU 6

#25 Oklahoma State (5-2) @ #3 Kansas State (8-0)
8:00 pm ET, ABC

Kansas State has another test vs. a very good Big 12 school. The Wildcats should come away with another win, but we have seen all of the Big 12 beat up on each other week in and week out. It has been hard to distinguish a clear-cut favorite in the Big 12, but a win over the Cowboys could give K-State that label. Don't sleep on an Oklahoma State upset, but Kansas State should win this one. 

Prediction: Kansas State 51 Oklahoma State 41

#23 Arizona (5-3) @ UCLA (6-2)
10:30 pm ET, Pac-12 Network

You never know who will beat who in the Pac 12 this year, and aside from Oregon, the Pac 12 resembles the Big 12. Everyone is beating up on everyone else. Arizona is fresh off a huge win over #16 USC, and will try to also beat the Trogan's rival UCLA. The Bruins are a talented team though, and I am calling an upset here.

Prediction: UCLA 42 Arizona 36

Other Predictions:

Virginia Tech 27 Miami (FL) 21
Washington 27 California 24
#5 Ohio State 38 Illinois 25
Michigan State 24 #21 Nebraska 20
#9 Florida 35 Missouri 10
#14 Oklahoma 38 Iowa State 21
#11 Louisville 27 Temple 18
Michigan 42 Minnesota 7
ECU 36 Houston 30
Air Force 35 Army 26
Tennessee 38 Troy 14
Arkansas 36 Tulsa 28
Auburn 45 New Mexico State 14
Georgia Tech 24 Maryland 17
#13 Stanford 41 Colorado 7
Kent State 35 Akron 14
Utah 27 Washington State 14
#6 Georgia 28 Ole Miss 7
#3 Notre Dame 38 Pittsburgh 10
#20 Texas 38 #19 Texas Tech 36
#24 Louisiana Tech 49 UTSA 14
#10 Clemson 38 Duke 10
UCF 38 SMU 28
Southern Miss 24 UAB 13
#17 Boise State 24 San Diego State 10
#22 Oregon State 35 Arizona State 31
Ohio 42 Eastern Michigan 27

BCS Bowls Today:

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Oregon

Rose: #21 Nebraska vs #3 Notre Dame

Fiesta: #4 Kansas State vs #13 Stanford

Sugar: #6 Georgia vs #10 Clemson

Orange: #8 Florida State vs #11 Louisville

College Football Week 8 Recap

    We push on into the college football season, and week eight brought us big games with surprising results.

    #14 West Virginia was coming off its first loss of the season, a 49-14 throttling at the hands of #19 Texas Tech. This week, West Virginia took on #7 Kansas State, who has shocked some with it's 6-0 record coming in. 

Kansas State QB Colin Klein

    Geno Smith, West Virginia's QB, has had a great season so far, and came in without a single interception. But it was another rough game for all of West Virginia's team, as their defense was exposed again, and Kansas State won 55-14. Geno Smith threw his first two interceptions of the year. 

     But the real star, who has taken all of Smith's stardom this week, was Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein. Klein went 19/21, with 323 yards, and three touchdown passes. On top of that, Klein also ran for an astonishing four touchdowns on only 12 carries. Klein now looks like the Heisman favorite this week, and Geno Smith has fallen out of the conversation. 

    West Virginia as a team also looks bad, especially its defense. The Mountaineers are in a midst of playing the Big 12's best six teams, six straight weeks. They are 1-2 so far. They have a win over Texas (who is having big problems of their own), but have terrible losses at the hands of #19 Texas Tech, and now #7 Kansas State. Next week it is TCU, followed by Oklahoma State, and #10 Oklahoma. If they do not turn their defense around, which will be hard to do, a 5-5 record after the gauntlet of talented teams is very likely.

    #8 LSU also had their problems vs #25 Texas AM, and they still look like the fourth or even fifth best team in the SEC. As for the best, #1 Alabama still holds that spot after a big win over Tennessee. Number two though, now is #4 Florida who had a huge 44-11 win over a banged-up #9 South Carolina squad. 

    Florida has a huge test next week vs #11 Georgia, but a win gives them the SEC East. Alabama has game vs an undefeated #16 Mississippi State. Both have some very tough contests to finish the year, but it's looking like Florida and Alabama will face off in the SEC title game for a spot in the national title.

Top 25

1. Alabama 7-0
2. Oregon 7-0
3. Florida 7-0
4. Notre Dame 7-0
5. Kansas State 7-0
6. USC 6-1
7. Ohio State 8-0
8. LSU 7-1
9. Oklahoma 5-1
10. Georgia 6-1
11. Florida State 7-1
12. Clemson 6-1
13. Mississippi State 7-0
14. Oregon State 6-0
15. Texas Tech 6-1
16. Louisville 7-0
17. Rutgers 7-0
18. South Carolina 6-2
19. Stanford 5-2
20. Michigan 5-2
21. N.C State 5-2
22. Texas 5-2
23. Ohio 7-0
24. Boise State 6-1
25. West Virginia 5-2

Next 5 in:

Arizona State 5-2
Texas AM 5-2
Louisiana Tech 6-1Nebraska 5-2
Penn State 5-2

Dropped Out:

Cincinnati (#20)
Arizona State (#24)
Texas AM (#25)


What To Watch

Cincinnati (5-1) @ #16 Louisville (7-0)
Friday, 8:00 pm ET, ESPN

Cincinnati was undefeated before an under-the-radar upset to Toldeo last week dropped them out of the polls. This is the same team that beat Virginia Tech and will give Louisville a fight as two of the three best teams in the Big East square off. Louisville can gain momentum with a big win on their way to a possible Big East championship.

Prediction: Louisville 30 Cincinnati 27

#3 Florida (7-0) @ #10 Georgia (6-1)
3:30 pm ET, CBS

Florida is fresh off a giant win over #18 South Carolina and a win over Georgia, and with a win here will have beaten the two teams who pose a threat to take the SEC East title. Florida should roll with another big performance.

Prediction: Florida 28 Georgia 14

#15 Texas Tech (6-1) @ #5 Kansas State (7-0)
3:30 pm ET, FOX

Expect another huge scoring affair but with a little more defense then we have seen recently. Texas Tech is a suprise team this year, and Colin Klein looks to build off the huge game he had last week vs West Virginia.

Prediction: Kansas St. 48 Texas Tech 41

#7 Ohio State (8-0) @ Penn State (5-2)
5:30 pm ET, ESPN

Both schools are under penalty from the NCAA. Ohio State is having a great season with eight wins despite some concerning play thus far. Penn State is on a five game winning streak and looks to take down another Big 10 foe. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller should be back after the head injury sufferd vs Purdue last week, and that will be the key factor in the Buckeye's improving to 9-0.

Prediction: Ohio State 38 Penn State 14

#22 Michigan (5-2) @ Nebraska (5-2)
8:00 pm ET, ESPN2

The winner of this game will most likely represent the Legends division in the Big 10 title game, unless Northwestern has something to say about it. But Michigan and Nebraska's fate lie in this game. Nebraska has underachieved this year and should slow down Michigan, but I see the Wolverines squeaking one out.

Prediction: Michigan 17 Nebraska 13

#4 Notre Dame (7-0) @ #9 Oklahoma (5-1)
8:00 pm ET, ABC

It isn't usual to see such a big non-conference game in midseason, but we have one this weekend between Notre Dame and Oklahoma. If you are not sold on Notre Dame yet, this game will do it. The Irish will assert their dominance and continue as a title favorite this year with a huge win over Oklahoma.

Prediction: Notre Dame 37 Oklahoma 14

#13 Mississippi St. (7-0) @ #1 Alabama (7-0)
8:00 pm ET, ESPN

Mississippi State has a chance to pull the biggest upset in school history, and with this talented team they have a chance. But Alabama is just too good, and intimidation could be a huge factor here. The Tide will roll in a defensive battle.

Prediction: Alabama 24 Mississippi St. 10


Other Predictions:

#12 Clemson 45 Wake Forest 17
Nevada 35 Air Force 33
Northwestern 27 Iowa 21
Missouri 28 Kentucky 27
Pittsburgh 26 Temple 21
#22 Texas 46 Kansas 21
#18 South Carolina 25 Tennessee 14
Northern Illinois 35 Western Michigan 24
#21 NC State 27 North Carolina 23
Southern Miss 34 Rice 25
Arizona State 37 UCLA 35
BYU 14 Georgia Tech 6
#2 Oregon 63 Colorado 8
#6 USC 47 Arizona 35
#11 Florida State 27 Duke 22
Wisconsin 21 Michigan State 17
#23 Ohio 27 Miami (Oh) 15
Oklahoma State 37 TCU 35
#19 Stanford 42 Washington State 17
Texas AM 38 Auburn 34
Vanderbilt 45 UMass 7
UCF 37 Marshall 35
California 35 Utah 32
#14 Oregon State 38 Washington 24

BCS Bowls

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Oregon

Rose: #6 USC vs #9 Oklahoma

Sugar: #3 Florida vs #4 Notre Dame

Fiesta: #5 Kansas State vs #20 Michigan

Orange: #16 Louisville vs #11 Florida State

College Football Week 7 Recap

    The midway point of the season is past, and the national picture is taking shape as we head into the second half of the season.

    #5 Notre Dame and #19 Stanford went at it in their annual rivalry. In overtime, Notre Dame went up 20-13 with a touchdown on their first possession. Stanford got the ball to the inch line, and it was 4th and goal. Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor appeared to have been stuffed short, and Notre Dame began celebrating. But when the replays started, it looked like Taylor had gotten the ball over the goal line. After review though, the play stood as called and the Irish stayed undefeated.

Stanford RB Stephan Taylor (with ball) during the goal line stand by ND

    #4 West Virginia went to Lubbock, Texas to take on Big 12 foe Texas Tech. Most people expected West Virginia to roll over the Red Raiders, but Texas Tech became the first team to shut down Gino Smith and WVU. Smith still didn't throw his first pick of the season, but they couldn't get the offense going. Texas Tech was able to get their going, and blew out the #4 team in the country 49-14.

    Smith still has remarkable numbers for the season, even after the rough game. He has a 75.3% completion percentage, 25 touchdowns and no interceptions. He still is the Heisman favorite for many people.

    #12 LSU beat #3 South Carolina, creating more parity behind Alabama in the SEC. #18 Mississippi State is still undefeated, and their match up with #1 Alabama in two weeks will decide the SEC West. But LSU is still close behind.


Top 25

1. Alabama 6-0
2. Oregon 6-0
3. Notre Dame 6-0
4. Florida 6-0
5. USC 5-1
6. Ohio State 7-0
7. Kansas State 6-0
8. LSU 6-1
9. South Carolina 6-1 
10. Oklahoma 4-1
11. Georgia 5-1
12. Florida State 6-1
13. Clemson 5-1
14. West Virginia 5-1
15. Oregon State 5-0
16. Mississippi State 6-0
17. Louisville 6-0
18. Rutgers 6-0
19. Texas Tech 5-1
20. Cincinnati 5-0
21. Stanford 4-2
22. Michigan 4-2
23. N.C. State 4-2
24. Arizona State 5-1
25. Texas AM 5-1

Next 6 in:

Texas 4-2
Ohio 7-0
Louisiana Tech 5-1
TCU 5-1
Tulsa 6-1
Northwestern 6-1

Dropped Out:

Texas (#15)
Michigan State (#22)
Louisiana Tech (#25)


What To Watch

#2 Oregon (6-0) @ #24 Arizona State (5-1)
Thursday, 9:00 pm ET, ESPN

Oregon tries to keep their title hopes alive vs a suprising Arizona State squad. The Ducks are just too explosive, and should roll over ASU.

Prediction: Oregon 45 Arizona St 17

#8 LSU (6-1) @ #25 Texas AM (5-1)
12:00 pm ET, ESPN

Texas AM has a huge test this week vs LSU, and if they can stay competitive, they can show doubters that they can play in the SEC. LSU looks to build off a big win vs South Carolina, and should succeed in College Station.

Prediction: LSU 24 TAMU 14

Virginia Tech (4-3) @ #13 Clemson (5-1)
12:00 pm ET, ABC

Virginia Tech has had a bad start to their season and a big upset over Clemson could change that. But Clemson just is too good, and the Tigers should roll over VT.

Prediction: Clemson 37 Virginia Tech 25


#9 South Carolina (6-1) @ #4 Florida (6-0)
3:30 pm ET, CBS

South Carolina has a chance to get back into the title race after a loss at LSU, and a win over Florida would give them a win over the top two teams in the SEC East. A win for Florida confirms their spot as the second best team in the SEC so far. I think South Carolina and their stellar defense will pull it out over the Gators.

Prediction: South Carolina 23 Florida 17


#19 Texas Tech (5-1) @ TCU (5-1)
3:30 pm ET, ABC

Texas Tech was blown out by a powerhouse team a couple of weeks ago in Oklahoma, then blew out a power house team last week vs West Virginia. Can they beat another Big 12 powerhouse? TCU looks to continue their rebound from the Iowa State loss. 

Prediction: TCU 35 Texas Tech 21

#7 Kansas State (6-0) @ #14 West Virginia (5-1)
7:00 pm ET, FOX

The Big 12 is giving us big games every week and has another one here. Kansas State is the only undefeated team left in the Big 12, and most  analysts had them as the fifth best team in the conference this pre-season behind Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, and TCU. Kansas State already have taken down Oklahoma, and have a chance to take down another on their way to the Big 12 title. West Virginia will try to show signs of life after the embarrassing defeat last week, but KSU should win by a small amount. Could see this go either way, however.

Prediction: Kansas State 56 West Virginia 53


Other Predictions:

Houston 41 SMU 37
Syracuse 24 Uconn 20
#6 Ohio State 41 Purdue 24
Oklahoma St. 37 Iowa State 32
#18 Rutgers 30 Temple 21
Wisconsin 39 Minnesota 10
Auburn 24 Vanderbilt 17
#21 Stanford 34 California 21
Boise State 34 UNLV 7
Nebraska 35 Northwestern 27
#3 Notre Dame 28 BYU 3
#17 Louisville 34 South Florida 19
#23 NC State 27 Maryland 13
Tulsa 42 Rice 21
Indiana 35 Navy 10
#5 USC 49 Colorado 7
#11 Georgia 37 Kentucky 24
Duke 23 North Carolina 20
#10 Oklahoma 37 Kansas 17
#16 Mississippi St. 35 Mid Tennessee St. 14
Air Force 28 New Mexico 26
Louisiana Tech 45 Idaho 14
#20 Cincinnati 27 Toledo 24
Texas 48 Baylor 20
Penn State 17 Iowa 13
#12 Florida State 34 Miami (FL) 21
#15 Oregon State 35 Utah 27
Washington 34 Arizona 30
Nevada 35 San Diego St. 17


BCS Bowls Today:

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Oregon

Rose: #5 USC vs #10 Oklahoma

Orange: #12 Florida State vs #17 Louisville 

Fiesta: #7 Kansas State vs #22 Michigan

Sugar: #4 Florida vs #5 Notre Dame

College Football Week 3 Recap

    The College Football season rolls on, and week 3 just wrapped up last weekend.

    We saw #1 USC fall to #21 Stanford, in the second huge upset this season (UL Monroe beating Arkansas was the first). USC will fall in the rankings, but they still can take the PAC 12 crown. The loss was early in the season, and their title hopes are still strong.

Stanford after their upset of #1 USC

    #2 Alabama shut out Arkansas by a score of 52-0. Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson did miss the game, but that is not an excuse to loose by 52 at home. If Arkansas was truly worthy of a #9 preseason ranking, they should be able to compete with Alabama, even with Wilson out. A top 10 team doesn't loose like that at home when only the starting QB is out. Right now, it looks like Arkansas is far from taking down Alabama and LSU in the SEC West.


    #3 Florida State made a statement with a 52-0 beat down over Wake Forest, Utah was able to rebound and beat BYU, and Florida proved they are more powerful than Tennessee in the SEC East. It remains to be seen if they are as good as #8 Georgia and #7 South Carolina, and can reclaim the top of the SEC East.

    #20 Notre Dame visited #9 Michigan State, and embarrassed Sparty in East Lansing. Michigan State was shut down on offense, and there has been a big drop off at QB from Kirk Cousins to Andrew Maxwell. When Le'Veon Bell is unable to run the ball like he was vs Notre Dame, Maxwell is not a reliable option to take the reigns and lead the offense. Having poor WR play doesn't help much either though.

    A very surprising upset was Pittsburgh beating #10 Virginia Tech. Pitt was 0-2, with a bad loss to FCS Youngstown State during week 1, 31-17. During week 2, they lost to Cincinnati 34-10 on Thursday night. Most people had given up on Pitt, but with this upset over VT, the Panthers appear to be back.


Top 25:

1. Alabama 3-0
2. Florida State 3-0
3. LSU 3-0
4. Oklahoma 2-0
5. Oregon 3-0
6. South Carolina 3-0
7. Georgia 3-0
8. Texas 2-0
9. Clemson 3-0
10. West Virginia 2-0
11. USC 2-1
12. Stanford 3-0
13. Notre Dame 3-0
14. Ohio State 3-0
15. TCU 2-0
16. Michigan 2-1
17. Louisville 3-0
18. Michigan State 2-1
19. Kansas State 3-0
20. N.C. State 2-1
21. Northwestern 3-0
22. Florida 3-0
23. Mississippi State 3-0
24. UCLA 3-0
25. Boise State 1-1

Next 5 In: Virginia Tech 2-1, Nebraska 2-1, Utah 2-1, Arizona 3-0, Cincinnati 2-0



What To Watch:

BYU (2-1) @ #25 Boise State (1-1)
9:00pm ET, ESPN 

This will be Boise State's chance to redeem itself after the loss to Michigan State. If they cannot win this game, the Broncos will only prove they are not the same power they were in the past.

Prediction: BYU 28 Boise 16

Missouri (2-1) @ #6 South Carolina (3-0)
3:30pm ET, CBS

Missouri has another chance to show it can hang with the SEC heavy weights. South Carolina can show they deserve a top 10 ranking with a win.

Prediction: South Car 37 Mizz 20

Oregon State (1-0) @ #24 UCLA (3-0)
3:30pm ET, ABC/ESPN2

Both are two teams from the PAC 12 that emerged with multiple week 2 upsets. Oregon State has only played one game, and UCLA has played three. The Beavers may have gotten lucky vs a Wisconsin team that is nowhere near as good as we thought, but Oregon State is still not a very good team. UCLA should roll.

Prediction: UCLA 37 OSU 17

#16 Michigan (2-1) @ #13 Notre Dame (3-0)
7:30pm ET, NBC

This could be the last chance for Michigan to prove they are a BCS-contender. If they loose, they will be written off for the season and be counted as another very disappointing team from the Big Ten this year. Notre Dame has a chance to prove they are back as one of the top teams in the country.

Prediction: ND 28 Mich 20

#19 Kansas State (3-0) @ #3 Oklahoma (2-0)
7:50pm ET, FOX

Both teams have a lot to prove in this game. The Sooners had a shaky game week 1 vs UTEP. They rolled over Florida A& M in week 2, so we have yet to see this team tested. Kansas State can prove they are a BCS contender and not stuck behind Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas for the Big 12 crown. I could see the upset here, but Oklahoma should get the win.

Prediction: OU 36 KSU 30

#9 Clemson (3-0) @ #2 Florida State (3-0)
8:00pm ET, ABC

The first test for FSU. They will have to show they are a title contender with a win over Clemson. Clemson is out to show they are the kings of the ACC. If Florida State can win this, the Seminoles are back to national prominence. This should be close and already has the feels of a classic.

Prediction: FSU 28 Clem 25

   

SEC Preview

    
ACC   Big East   Big 10   Big 12   Pac 12   Other Conferences   Bowls and Top 50
    
    
    The SEC is hands down the best conference in college football, and a SEC member has won the last six BCS titles. They will once again have many teams in the top 10, with almost all teams making a bowl game.

    The best team is defending national champion Alabama. Despite losses to the NFL, they won't hurt much at all and have a very solid chance of an undefeated season. But with USC and Oklahoma most likely winning all of their games too, the Tide will need to win out to have a chance of repeating.

Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

    LSU is down a bit this year, but still an elite program. They may not make the BCS, but will be one of the top teams in the SEC. Arkansas, led by Tyler Wilson, will challenge Bama and LSU for the top spot in the SEC West, but are just not as good as those two. 

     Auburn may surprise people this year and put up eight to ten wins. Crazy as it sounds, the Tigers are the most likely team to knock off Alabama this year. The Tide get LSU at home, and should get by Arkansas. I still think the Tide will win the Iron Bowl, but Auburn may spoil Alabama's season in the last week.

     To round out the West, Mississippi State is an underrated team, and could pull an upset or two. But the SEC West is the toughest division in football by far and it will be hard for the Bulldogs to post more then seven or eight wins. Texas A & M is a new comer this season. The Aggies are better then Ole Miss, but will most likely win six or seven games. Ole Miss will be at the bottom once again.

     The SEC East is not as stacked as the West. South Carolina is being overlooked by some in favor of Georgia, but the Gamecocks are the best team in the East, and the fourth best team in the SEC. They have a very good chance of making a BCS bowl, and the SEC championship this season. They do not draw Alabama and get Georgia at home. A road trip to Florida could spoil it. LSU and Arkansas will be tough games as well, but the Gamecocks should be in the SEC title game.

     Georgia is also a very good team that could get into the SEC title game for the second straight year. But the Bulldogs drop games often in the early season, and a road trip to Missouri on September 8th could be a recipe for disaster for Georgia.

    After those two teams is Florida. The Gators are in a slump right now and are heading into the season without a full time starting QB named. A team will not win many games when multiple QBs are used every game, and this may be another disappointing season for the Gators. A bowl game is still a given though.

    After those three is Vanderbilt, who is only getting better. Tennessee and Missouri are next, and both of them will be in a bowl game with six or seven wins this season. Kentucky is at the bottom, and they will struggle this year.

Projected Standings:

East:

1. South Carolina 10-2 (7-1)

2. Georgia 9-3 (5-3)

3. Vanderbilt 7-5 (4-4)

T4. Missouri 7-5 (3-5)

T4. Tennessee 7-5 (3-5)

T4. Florida 6-6 (3-5)

7. Kentucky 3-9 (1-7)

West:

1. Alabama 12-0 (8-0)

2. LSU 10-2 (7-2)

3. Arkansas 9-3 (5-3)

4. Auburn 8-4 (4-4)

T5. Mississippi State 7-5 (3-5)

T5. Texas A & M 6-6 (3-5)

7. Ole Miss 4-8 (1-7)

SEC Championship: Alabama over South Carolina

College Football Week 4 Recap

    After not being able to put up a recap for weeks 2 & 3, I have one for week 4. There were some good games with a lot of ranked teams going at it, and even a few upsets.

    The biggest and most exiting one was Texas A& M and Oklahoma State. Texas A& M went out to a huge lead at half and most people assumed Oklahoma State really was overrated. But next thing you know Oklahoma State had surged back and taken the lead, and stole the win from the Aggies on the same week A& M joined the SEC. Justin Blackmon again had a 100 yard receiving day for the Cowboys as they are sure to gain some spots in the ranks.

    Other big games were Florida State and Clemson. Clemson had just joined the Top 25 after beating Auburn, and Florida State had just lossed to Oklahoma. I had always thought Florida State was much overrated for their preseason ranking, and these two losses only proved it as the Seminoles fell to 2-2. Clemson is 4-0 for the first time since 2007.

    LSU blew out West Virginia but no surprise their, and Alabama took down Arkansas by a surprisingly high margin. A good weekend for college football to say the least.

    This weekend also has some good games between ranked opponents, as Alabama and Florida, Nebraska and Wisconsin, and Clemson and Virginia Tech play.


Top 25
1. LSU 4-0
2. Alabama 4-0
3. Oklahoma 3-0
4. Boise State 3-0
5. Stanford 3-0
6. Wisconsin 4-0
7. Oregon 3-1
8. Oklahoma State 4-0
9. Nebraska 4-0
10. South Carolina 4-0
11. Virginia Tech 4-0
12. Texas A& M 2-1
13. Florida 4-0
14. Baylor 3-0
15. Clemson 4-0
16. South Florida 4-0
17. Texas 3-0
18. TCU 3-1
19. Arkansas 3-1
20. Georgia Tech  4-0
21. Michigan 4-0
22. Ohio State 3-1
23. Houston 4-0
24. Florida State 2-2
25. Arizona State 3-1

Next 5 in: West Virgina 3-1, Michigan State 3-1, Illinois 4-0, Penn State 3-1, Iowa 3-1

What To Watch:


#12 Texas A& M @ #19 Arkansas, 12:00 PM, ESPN, Prediction: TAM 37 ARK 35

Auburn @ #10 South Carolina, 3:30 PM, CBS, Prediction: AUB 41 SC 33

Michigan State @ #22 Ohio State, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN, Prediction: OSU 24 MSU 15

#15 Clemson @ #11 Virginia Tech, 6:00 PM, ESPN2, Prediction: VT 34 CLEM 28

#17 Texas @ Iowa State, 7:00 PM, FX, Prediction: TEX 45 ISU 13

#2 Alabama @ #13 Florida, 8:00 PM, CBS, Prediction: ALA 28 FLOR 14

Game Of The Week


#9 Nebraska @ #6 Wisconsin


8:00 PM ET, ABC

Prediction: Wisconsin 32 Nebraska 24

Wisconsin wins this game due to the fact they are just a better team on offense and have a slight edge in defense. Russell Wilson is playing great football, and Wisconsin can run with anyone in the country. It will be close, and could be a high scoring affair or a low scoring one. But in the end the Badges spoil Nebraska's inaugural Big 10 game.