Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 All-Bilo Defensive Back of the Year Award! Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Anthony Harris-Virginia
Lorenzo Doss-Tulane
Damante Horton-Washington State
Tim Bennett-Indiana
D'Joun Smith-Florida Atlantic
BJ Lowery-Iowa
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year Award! Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Keith Smith-San Jose State
Cody Peterson-Navy
Tyler Matakevich-Temple
Ryan Shazier-Ohio State
Trent Murphy-Stanford
Anthony Barr-UCLA
Coming up next...Semi-finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Back of the Year!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Keith Smith-San Jose State
Cody Peterson-Navy
Tyler Matakevich-Temple
Ryan Shazier-Ohio State
Trent Murphy-Stanford
Anthony Barr-UCLA
Coming up next...Semi-finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Back of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Lineman of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS Defensive Lineman of the Year Award! The finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Marcus Smith-Louisville
Hau'oli Kikaha-Washington
Jackson Jeffcoat-Texas
Aaron Donald-Pittsburgh
Kareem Martin-North Carolina
DeMarcus Lawrence-Boise State
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Marcus Smith-Louisville
Hau'oli Kikaha-Washington
Jackson Jeffcoat-Texas
Aaron Donald-Pittsburgh
Kareem Martin-North Carolina
DeMarcus Lawrence-Boise State
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kicker of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kicker of the Year Award! Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Nate Freese-Boston College
Jeremiah Detmer-Toledo
Robert Aguayo-Florida State
Zane Gonzalez-Arizona State
Jeff Budzien-Northwestern
Shawn Moffitt-UCF
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Lineman of the Year!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Nate Freese-Boston College
Jeremiah Detmer-Toledo
Robert Aguayo-Florida State
Zane Gonzalez-Arizona State
Jeff Budzien-Northwestern
Shawn Moffitt-UCF
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Lineman of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punter of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punter of the Year Award! Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Austin Rehkow-Idaho
Zac Murphy-Miami (Ohio)
Drew Kaser-Texas A&M
Pat O'Donnell-Miami (FL)
Spencer Roth-Baylor
Justin Manton-UL-Monroe
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists 2013 All-Bilo PK of the Year!
Semi-finalists are as follows:
Austin Rehkow-Idaho
Zac Murphy-Miami (Ohio)
Drew Kaser-Texas A&M
Pat O'Donnell-Miami (FL)
Spencer Roth-Baylor
Justin Manton-UL-Monroe
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists 2013 All-Bilo PK of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kick Returner of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kick Returner of the Year. Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Carlos Wiggins, New Mexico
Ty Montgomery-Stanford
DeVon Edwards-Duke
Autrey Golden-UTEP
Brandon Smith-Texas State
Victor Bolden-Oregon State
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS Punter of the Year!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Carlos Wiggins, New Mexico
Ty Montgomery-Stanford
DeVon Edwards-Duke
Autrey Golden-UTEP
Brandon Smith-Texas State
Victor Bolden-Oregon State
Coming up next...Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS Punter of the Year!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punt Returner of the Year
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS Punt Returner of the Year Award! Finalists and winners will be announced next weekend!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Ryan Switzer-North Carolina
Nelson Agholar-USC
Josh Stewart-Oklahoma State
Jamison Crowder-Duke
Jalen Saunders-Oklahoma
Devon Smith-Marshall
Bruce Natson-Utah State
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS Kick returner of the Year!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Ryan Switzer-North Carolina
Nelson Agholar-USC
Josh Stewart-Oklahoma State
Jamison Crowder-Duke
Jalen Saunders-Oklahoma
Devon Smith-Marshall
Bruce Natson-Utah State
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS Kick returner of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo TE of the Year Award
Here are our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Tight End of the Year Award! Finalists and winners will be announced this weekend!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Jace Amaro-Texas Tech
Eric Ebron-North Carolina
Devin Funchess-Michigan
Gator Hoskins-Marshall
Coming up next...Semi-finalists Punt Returner of the Year!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Jace Amaro-Texas Tech
Eric Ebron-North Carolina
Devin Funchess-Michigan
Gator Hoskins-Marshall
Coming up next...Semi-finalists Punt Returner of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year Award
Here are our finalists for the 2013 FBS All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year Award! Once again, the finalists and winner will be named this weekend!
The semifinalists are as follows:
Brandin Cooks-Oregon State
Davante Adams-Fresno State
Allen Robinson-Penn State
Willie Snead-Ball State
Chandler Jones-San Jose State
Mike Evans-Texas A&M
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Tight End of the Year Award!
The semifinalists are as follows:
Brandin Cooks-Oregon State
Davante Adams-Fresno State
Allen Robinson-Penn State
Willie Snead-Ball State
Chandler Jones-San Jose State
Mike Evans-Texas A&M
Coming up next...Semi-finalists 2013 FBS All-Bilo Tight End of the Year Award!
Semi-Finalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo RB of the Year
Here are our semi0finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Running Back of the Year Award. Finalists and the winner will be announced this weekend!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Andre Williams-Boston College
Ka'Deem Hardy-Arizona
Bishop Sankey-Washington
Kapri Bibbs-Colorado State
Ty Gaffney-Stanford
Tre Mason-Auburn
Coming up next: Semi-Finalists 2013 All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year!
The semi-finalists are as follows:
Andre Williams-Boston College
Ka'Deem Hardy-Arizona
Bishop Sankey-Washington
Kapri Bibbs-Colorado State
Ty Gaffney-Stanford
Tre Mason-Auburn
Coming up next: Semi-Finalists 2013 All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year!
Semi-Finalists: FBS All-Bilo QB of the Year 2013
I am a bit delayed announcing our semi-finalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo QB of the Year Award. My apologies for the delay. Finalists and the winner will be announced next weekend!
The semi-finalists for the award are as follows:
Teddy Bridgewater-Louisville
Derek Carr-Fresno State
Shane Carden-East Carolina
Sean Mannion-Oregon State
Johnny Manziel-Texas A&M
Jameis Winston-Florida State
Once again, expect the finalists and the winner to be named next weekend before the national title game!
The semi-finalists for the award are as follows:
Teddy Bridgewater-Louisville
Derek Carr-Fresno State
Shane Carden-East Carolina
Sean Mannion-Oregon State
Johnny Manziel-Texas A&M
Jameis Winston-Florida State
Once again, expect the finalists and the winner to be named next weekend before the national title game!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
If I Ran the Bowl System...
I've been a huge opponent of how many bowls there are, and I've been an even bigger opponent of the BCS system, and what is sure to be a failure early on of this new playoff system that will go into place. Being a man over the age of 40, I remember a day when there wasn't a push to have an absolute #1 team at the end of the season, and almost every bowl had meaning to it. .500 teams weren't considered bowl worthy, unless they got hot in conference play like UCLA did in 1984 when at 6-4-1, the Bruins won the PAC-10, and routed Illinois 45-14 in the Rose Bowl.
As far as that national championship thing, we didn't care back in those days. If you had a split title, it was water cooler talk for the entire off-season. A healthy debate as to who you sided with ensued, and it extended the season for months in our minds as we talked endlessly about proving who the better team was the following year. It was fun. The modern day system is anything but fun, and non-deserving teams get peachy bowl slots, while deserving teams play before Christmas.
If I were college football king, here is the bowl schedule that I would allow, and trust me, there will be little scope on commercialism, and more scope on tradition and value.
My bowl schedule is posted below, with who would be playing in said games this season:
January 1 Games
Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford
Cotton Bowl: Baylor vs. Ohio State
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Alabama
Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs. Oregon
Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs. Oklahoma
Outback Bowl: Louisville vs. Clemson
Capital One Bowl: Duke vs. South Carolina
Gator Bowl: Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
December 31
Peach Bowl: Miami vs. Arizona State
Liberty Bowl: Rice vs. Northern Illinois
Sun Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Wisconsin
December 30
Independence Bowl: Marshall vs. LSU
Holiday Bowl: Fresno State vs. Ball State
Alamo Bowl: UCLA vs. Houston
Texas Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Iowa
December 29
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Texas
Aloha Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah State
Pizza Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Minnesota
December 28
New Orleans Bowl: UL-Lafayette vs. Middle Tennessee
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: BYU vs. Boise State
Las Vegas: USC vs. Navy
Russell Athletic Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
December 27
California Bowl (San Francisco): Vanderbilt vs. Washington
Sunshine Bowl (Pasadena): North Texas vs. Texas A&M
I have replaced some existing bowls with new bowls, but overall, I have cut the bowl schedule from 39 games to 24, and I have kept all bowls to the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Notice there would be no games after New Year's in keeping with tradition. The schedule also allows athletes to enjoy Christmas with their families before traveling for Bowls.
In this schedule, there are no teams below 8 wins. Only Western Kentucky, at 8-4, gets left out of a bowl. Every other program left out would have been 7-5 or worse. If this would have been your program, I don't apologize, as teams who are 7-5 and 6-6 hardly deserve to be bowling outside of winning a conference title.
Also notice that other than conference champion destinations, every other slot is filled by an at-large team, much like the old days. Other than these conference championship slots, there will be no conference affiliations in my bowl system, allowing a wide variety of schools to enjoy a more varied destination system yearly.
The start date of December 27th also extends the amount of time that teams would be able to practice for bowls, and also gives bowls more time to actually promote their bowls. In the current system, a team can play in a bowl as soon as two weeks after their final game.
College football is a journey, and while the destination is meaningful, so is that journey. By starting after Christmas, the opportunity is provided to actually enjoy that journey.
As far as that national championship thing, we didn't care back in those days. If you had a split title, it was water cooler talk for the entire off-season. A healthy debate as to who you sided with ensued, and it extended the season for months in our minds as we talked endlessly about proving who the better team was the following year. It was fun. The modern day system is anything but fun, and non-deserving teams get peachy bowl slots, while deserving teams play before Christmas.
If I were college football king, here is the bowl schedule that I would allow, and trust me, there will be little scope on commercialism, and more scope on tradition and value.
My bowl schedule is posted below, with who would be playing in said games this season:
January 1 Games
Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford
Cotton Bowl: Baylor vs. Ohio State
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. Alabama
Sugar Bowl: Auburn vs. Oregon
Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs. Oklahoma
Outback Bowl: Louisville vs. Clemson
Capital One Bowl: Duke vs. South Carolina
Gator Bowl: Missouri vs. Oklahoma State
December 31
Peach Bowl: Miami vs. Arizona State
Liberty Bowl: Rice vs. Northern Illinois
Sun Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Wisconsin
December 30
Independence Bowl: Marshall vs. LSU
Holiday Bowl: Fresno State vs. Ball State
Alamo Bowl: UCLA vs. Houston
Texas Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Iowa
December 29
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs. Texas
Aloha Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah State
Pizza Bowl: Bowling Green vs. Minnesota
December 28
New Orleans Bowl: UL-Lafayette vs. Middle Tennessee
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: BYU vs. Boise State
Las Vegas: USC vs. Navy
Russell Athletic Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
December 27
California Bowl (San Francisco): Vanderbilt vs. Washington
Sunshine Bowl (Pasadena): North Texas vs. Texas A&M
I have replaced some existing bowls with new bowls, but overall, I have cut the bowl schedule from 39 games to 24, and I have kept all bowls to the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Notice there would be no games after New Year's in keeping with tradition. The schedule also allows athletes to enjoy Christmas with their families before traveling for Bowls.
In this schedule, there are no teams below 8 wins. Only Western Kentucky, at 8-4, gets left out of a bowl. Every other program left out would have been 7-5 or worse. If this would have been your program, I don't apologize, as teams who are 7-5 and 6-6 hardly deserve to be bowling outside of winning a conference title.
Also notice that other than conference champion destinations, every other slot is filled by an at-large team, much like the old days. Other than these conference championship slots, there will be no conference affiliations in my bowl system, allowing a wide variety of schools to enjoy a more varied destination system yearly.
The start date of December 27th also extends the amount of time that teams would be able to practice for bowls, and also gives bowls more time to actually promote their bowls. In the current system, a team can play in a bowl as soon as two weeks after their final game.
College football is a journey, and while the destination is meaningful, so is that journey. By starting after Christmas, the opportunity is provided to actually enjoy that journey.
Bilo's Picks: 2013-14 Bowls
Sorry for the lateness of this post, as I was suffering from an inconvenient flu bug all week...here are my picks for the bowl season!
Las Vegas Bowl
Fresno State wins this game if they can use their offensive firepower aggressively and early. David Carr must get the ball to his talented receivers, and spread the field to neutralize the tough and rigid USC defense, which was the only bright spot for the Trojans in another down season.
USC is on their third coach this season, and that could effect the groove that USC can start on. If the defense can contain the Bulldogs using tight zones and blitzing, the Trojans could pull this one off..
My Pick: Fresno State
New Mexico Bowl
Washington State favors the pass. Colorado State can stop the run, but struggles against the pass. Washington State won't likely run all that much, so the edge goes to Mike Leach and company here.
My Pick: Washington State
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Buffalo was the surprise team in the MAC East this season, and they were in the race for the MAC title until the very end. San Diego State started the season by being blown out by FCS member Eastern Illinois, but put enough of a run together in the last 6 weeks to push for a bowl bid. Buffalo is the hotter hand here.
My Pick: Buffalo
New Orleans Bowl
This is a Tulane home game, with the Green Wave coming in as one of a number of surprise teams in CUSA. UL-Lafayette won the Sun Belt handily this season, and is now the reigning power in that conference. Once again, I am going hot hand here.
My Pick: UL-Lafayette
Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Ohio struggled for much of the season in the MAC, and really struggled to get to a bowl in 2013. East Carolina was the overwhelming favorite in CUSA, and they have one of the best QB/WR combos in the country.
My Pick: East Carolina
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
I am still trying to figure out how Pitt got to a bowl this season after struggling much of the year despite the play of DE Aaron Donald. Bowling Green stuck around all season, and finally bounced Buffalo and Northern Illinois to win the MAC. Even though the Falcons are the hotter hand here, I like Pitt's defense to control the tempo.
My Pick: Pittsburgh
Hawaii Bowl
Who really wants to play in a bowl in the most non-Christmas place in the country on Christmas Eve? This bowl will probably suffer low ratings, and no buzz. Boise State is limping into this game this season, and Oregon State has been awful for the last 6 weeks, despite the play of Mannion and Cooks on offense.
My Pick: Boise State
Poinsettia Bowl
Utah State has one of the bets defenses in the country, and survived after the loss of QB Chuckie Keeton. Northern Illinois was a shoe in for the Fiesta Bowl before Bowling Green ruined their season in the MAC title game. If NIU and Jordan Lynch are suffering a hangover, anything can happen.
My Pick: Utah State
Military Bowl
Marshall took down CUSA favorite East Carolina behind the play of QB Rakeem Cato. Maryland was awful for weeks on end, and only gets here by virtue of a hot start to their season. Hot hand again.
My Pick: Marshall
Texas Bowl
Syracuse impresses me not at all, and barely scraped their way into this bowl with a .500 record. Minnesota had a huge season despite not having head coach Jerry Kill for most of the season. Interim Head Coach Tracy Klaes would have been a coach of the year candidate in most circles, and will be considered for our Big 10 award.
My Pick: Minnesota
Fight Hunger
This is probably the most interesting early bowl matches between Washington and BYU. BYU QB Taysom Hill is a dual threat QB on the rise, and Keith Price has had a very nice career that he's wrapping up. UW is going into the game with an interim coach before Chris Petersen arrives, so that gives the edge to...
My Pick: BYU
Pinstripe Bowl
This is one of the more "who cares" bowls of the season. I won't waste much time here. Rutgers is awful, and Notre Dame is passable at best right now.
My Pick: Notre Dame
Belk Bowl
Again, this bowl has very little buzz, and very little effect on the big picture. Again, a low energy game between Cincinnati and North Carolina.
My Pick: Cincinnati
Russell Athletic BowlNeither Louisville nor Miami lived up to expectations, and Miami was just plain flat the last few weeks of the season. Louisville barely scraped by in several high profile games, with Teddy Bridgewater's season looking highly average despite some nice numbers. If it weren't for Bridgewater, Louisville would have been a mess. Still, Miami slumped despite having Stephen Morris, who in my opinion, has been one of the most overhyped QBs in America.
My Pick: Louisville
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
Michigan completely collapsed in Big 10 play this season, and Brady Hoke is feeling some heat heading into 2014. Kansas State was a team that most people paid no attention to this season, and despite being highly average, they seem to just find a way to hurt people at weird times.
My Pick: Kansas State
Armed Forces Bowl
Middle Tennessee had a slow start in 2013, but got hot in the second half, and comes into this bowl at 8-4. Navy was up and down, and never really got a rhythm going in 2013. That being said, Navy looks intriguing with an offense that can explode at any given time.
My Pick: Navy
Music City Bowl
Ole Miss and Georgia Tech both limp into the game having lost their rivalry games in situations where both should have won said games. I'll be honest, I won't be building my schedule around this tilt.
My Pick: Ole Miss
Alamo Bowl
You have to know that neither team really wants to be in San Antonio after all of the expectations that both fan bases had for the season. Texas will be coached by Mack Brown for the final time after he resigned last week, but do the Horns have the tools to keep up with Marcus Mariota and company?
My Pick: Oregon
Holiday BowlArizona State came up severely flat in the PAC-12 title game loss to Stanford, but Texas Tech is Flat Stanley coming into the bowl season. After a red hot start, GQ head coach Kliff Kingsbury must now find a way to motivate his team rather than concentrate on all the attention he's getting for looking like a movie star. Here's a side story...will Todd Graham still be coaching the Sun Devils, or will he have already bolted to join his old boss, Steve Patterson, at Texas?
My Pick: Arizona State
Independence Bowl
Here's the story line...Arizona's BJ Denker and Ka'Deem Carey against Boston College's Andre Williams. This could be fun, and is one of the more interesting matches, despite neither team being anything huge on a national scene.
My Pick: Arizona
Sun Bowl
UCLA may have fallen short of taking the PAC-12 South for the 3rd straight season, but they are coming off of two straight seasons of beating USC. The Bruins are coming in hot, and Virginia Tech is coming in after having been highly average for most of the season. For once, the Hokies may have found their match in the special teams game.
My Pick: UCLA
Liberty Bowl
Another no buzz game. Rice was a nice surprise in CUSA, but Mississippi State is as average as they come, only getting here by virtue of a last game win over Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl.
My Pick: Rice
Chik-Fil-A Bowl
As wonderful a story as Duke was over the final half of the season, they are outmatched on an athletic level once again. I usually like this bowl, but I feel a bad game coming on this year.
My Pick: Texas A&M
Gator Bowl
I can't really pick two teams who may be less deserving to be playing on New Year's Day than Nebraska and Georgia. In the old days, this would not have occurred. Too Many bowls?
My Pick: Georgia
Heart of Dallas Bowl
UNLV is taking a $200,000 loss playing this game. North Texas hardly has to travel. Again, a bowl that I would dump. UNLV was traded here after being originally touted for the Military Bowl, but the bowl couldn't have Middle Tennessee playing North Texas (both CUSA members). Hence, the trade.
My Pick: North Texas
Capital One BowlWisconsin had a solid season, and had it not been for a stronger Michigan State team, Wisconsin would likely be in the Rose Bowl. South Carolina hung around in the SEC East all season, pressing Missouri until the final game. This will be a battle, but don't expect a ton of points.
My Pick: Wisconsin
Outback Bowl
I am not exactly hyped about an Iowa-LSU matchup. Again, two teams who hardly deserve a New Year's Day bout.
My Pick: LSU
Rose Bowl
Always the best game on the bowl schedule. and to me, the only one that usually sets my schedule. It's the oldest, the grandest, and the king of all bowls. Stanford-Michigan State will be a fantastic tilt between two old school, smash mouth styled football teams. This is what the Rose Bowl is all about.
My Pick: Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl
This is the garbage plate bowl for the BCS, and has rarely ever gotten a top tiered matchup during the BCS era, which ends this year. This year we get Baylor, one of the more fun teams to watch in college football, against UCF, who, while solid, hardly matches up athletically with the Bears.
My Pick: Baylor
Sugar Bowl
This would have been a huge game in 1975. Not so much today. Alabama is a junior NFL team that had a bad moment against Auburn. Not that I'm complaining, but Alabama could have very well been playing in the title game. Don't expect Nick Saban to let the Tide have a letdown moment against an Oklahoma team who, let's face it, have hardly been a BCS bowl juggernaut.
My Pick: Alabama
Orange Bowl
This could be the best Orange Bowl in years, but the last time Clemson went to Miami for a bowl, they were crushed against West Virginia. This game has all of the makings of a solid tilt between two teams who love to play up tempo football. Expect lots of points between Clemson and Ohio State here.
My Pick: Ohio State
Cotton Bowl
The only reason that there is a Heart of Dallas Bowl is because this game got pulled out of the Cotton Bowl stadium and moved to the ridiculous megaplex that the Jerry Dome is. The Cotton Bowl should be played in the original stadium, and on New Year's morning. Despite all that, this Missouri-Oklahoma State match will be a blast to watch.
Oklahoma State failed miserably to hold off Oklahoma for a BCS birth, while Mizzou fell flat in the SEC title game. Both teams want the win here, but both could be flat as well.
My Pick: Oklahoma State
BBVA Compass Bowl
Another bowl that nobody asked for, except for maybe ESPN for advertising money. This may be one of their more enticing matches in this game's history, however, pitting Houston against Vanderbilt. Will James Franklin still be the coach of the Commodores?
My Pick: Vanderbilt
GoDaddy Bowl
I hope I have something else to do this night. Nobody really cares about this bowl game. Between Ball State and Arkansas State, BSU has the best news heading into the game, because they still have their head coach (Pete Lembo) after Bryan Harsin bolted ASU for Boise State.
My Pick: Ball State
National Title Game
Florida State and Auburn are intriguing for so many reasons. Auburn is red hot, but Florida State was never challenged by anyone all season. That being said, Auburn probably played the tougher schedule by far. Jameis Winston needs this game as a showcase for what he can do, but Auburn's run game, lead by option QB Nick Marshall, will have something to say about this title thing.
My Pick: Florida State
Las Vegas Bowl
Fresno State wins this game if they can use their offensive firepower aggressively and early. David Carr must get the ball to his talented receivers, and spread the field to neutralize the tough and rigid USC defense, which was the only bright spot for the Trojans in another down season.
USC is on their third coach this season, and that could effect the groove that USC can start on. If the defense can contain the Bulldogs using tight zones and blitzing, the Trojans could pull this one off..
My Pick: Fresno State
New Mexico Bowl
Washington State favors the pass. Colorado State can stop the run, but struggles against the pass. Washington State won't likely run all that much, so the edge goes to Mike Leach and company here.
My Pick: Washington State
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Buffalo was the surprise team in the MAC East this season, and they were in the race for the MAC title until the very end. San Diego State started the season by being blown out by FCS member Eastern Illinois, but put enough of a run together in the last 6 weeks to push for a bowl bid. Buffalo is the hotter hand here.
My Pick: Buffalo
New Orleans Bowl
This is a Tulane home game, with the Green Wave coming in as one of a number of surprise teams in CUSA. UL-Lafayette won the Sun Belt handily this season, and is now the reigning power in that conference. Once again, I am going hot hand here.
My Pick: UL-Lafayette
Beef O'Brady's Bowl
Ohio struggled for much of the season in the MAC, and really struggled to get to a bowl in 2013. East Carolina was the overwhelming favorite in CUSA, and they have one of the best QB/WR combos in the country.
My Pick: East Carolina
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
I am still trying to figure out how Pitt got to a bowl this season after struggling much of the year despite the play of DE Aaron Donald. Bowling Green stuck around all season, and finally bounced Buffalo and Northern Illinois to win the MAC. Even though the Falcons are the hotter hand here, I like Pitt's defense to control the tempo.
My Pick: Pittsburgh
Hawaii Bowl
Who really wants to play in a bowl in the most non-Christmas place in the country on Christmas Eve? This bowl will probably suffer low ratings, and no buzz. Boise State is limping into this game this season, and Oregon State has been awful for the last 6 weeks, despite the play of Mannion and Cooks on offense.
My Pick: Boise State
Poinsettia Bowl
Utah State has one of the bets defenses in the country, and survived after the loss of QB Chuckie Keeton. Northern Illinois was a shoe in for the Fiesta Bowl before Bowling Green ruined their season in the MAC title game. If NIU and Jordan Lynch are suffering a hangover, anything can happen.
My Pick: Utah State
Military Bowl
Marshall took down CUSA favorite East Carolina behind the play of QB Rakeem Cato. Maryland was awful for weeks on end, and only gets here by virtue of a hot start to their season. Hot hand again.
My Pick: Marshall
Texas Bowl
Syracuse impresses me not at all, and barely scraped their way into this bowl with a .500 record. Minnesota had a huge season despite not having head coach Jerry Kill for most of the season. Interim Head Coach Tracy Klaes would have been a coach of the year candidate in most circles, and will be considered for our Big 10 award.
My Pick: Minnesota
Fight Hunger
This is probably the most interesting early bowl matches between Washington and BYU. BYU QB Taysom Hill is a dual threat QB on the rise, and Keith Price has had a very nice career that he's wrapping up. UW is going into the game with an interim coach before Chris Petersen arrives, so that gives the edge to...
My Pick: BYU
Pinstripe Bowl
This is one of the more "who cares" bowls of the season. I won't waste much time here. Rutgers is awful, and Notre Dame is passable at best right now.
My Pick: Notre Dame
Belk Bowl
Again, this bowl has very little buzz, and very little effect on the big picture. Again, a low energy game between Cincinnati and North Carolina.
My Pick: Cincinnati
Russell Athletic BowlNeither Louisville nor Miami lived up to expectations, and Miami was just plain flat the last few weeks of the season. Louisville barely scraped by in several high profile games, with Teddy Bridgewater's season looking highly average despite some nice numbers. If it weren't for Bridgewater, Louisville would have been a mess. Still, Miami slumped despite having Stephen Morris, who in my opinion, has been one of the most overhyped QBs in America.
My Pick: Louisville
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
Michigan completely collapsed in Big 10 play this season, and Brady Hoke is feeling some heat heading into 2014. Kansas State was a team that most people paid no attention to this season, and despite being highly average, they seem to just find a way to hurt people at weird times.
My Pick: Kansas State
Armed Forces Bowl
Middle Tennessee had a slow start in 2013, but got hot in the second half, and comes into this bowl at 8-4. Navy was up and down, and never really got a rhythm going in 2013. That being said, Navy looks intriguing with an offense that can explode at any given time.
My Pick: Navy
Music City Bowl
Ole Miss and Georgia Tech both limp into the game having lost their rivalry games in situations where both should have won said games. I'll be honest, I won't be building my schedule around this tilt.
My Pick: Ole Miss
Alamo Bowl
You have to know that neither team really wants to be in San Antonio after all of the expectations that both fan bases had for the season. Texas will be coached by Mack Brown for the final time after he resigned last week, but do the Horns have the tools to keep up with Marcus Mariota and company?
My Pick: Oregon
Holiday BowlArizona State came up severely flat in the PAC-12 title game loss to Stanford, but Texas Tech is Flat Stanley coming into the bowl season. After a red hot start, GQ head coach Kliff Kingsbury must now find a way to motivate his team rather than concentrate on all the attention he's getting for looking like a movie star. Here's a side story...will Todd Graham still be coaching the Sun Devils, or will he have already bolted to join his old boss, Steve Patterson, at Texas?
My Pick: Arizona State
Independence Bowl
Here's the story line...Arizona's BJ Denker and Ka'Deem Carey against Boston College's Andre Williams. This could be fun, and is one of the more interesting matches, despite neither team being anything huge on a national scene.
My Pick: Arizona
Sun Bowl
UCLA may have fallen short of taking the PAC-12 South for the 3rd straight season, but they are coming off of two straight seasons of beating USC. The Bruins are coming in hot, and Virginia Tech is coming in after having been highly average for most of the season. For once, the Hokies may have found their match in the special teams game.
My Pick: UCLA
Liberty Bowl
Another no buzz game. Rice was a nice surprise in CUSA, but Mississippi State is as average as they come, only getting here by virtue of a last game win over Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl.
My Pick: Rice
Chik-Fil-A Bowl
As wonderful a story as Duke was over the final half of the season, they are outmatched on an athletic level once again. I usually like this bowl, but I feel a bad game coming on this year.
My Pick: Texas A&M
Gator Bowl
I can't really pick two teams who may be less deserving to be playing on New Year's Day than Nebraska and Georgia. In the old days, this would not have occurred. Too Many bowls?
My Pick: Georgia
Heart of Dallas Bowl
UNLV is taking a $200,000 loss playing this game. North Texas hardly has to travel. Again, a bowl that I would dump. UNLV was traded here after being originally touted for the Military Bowl, but the bowl couldn't have Middle Tennessee playing North Texas (both CUSA members). Hence, the trade.
My Pick: North Texas
Capital One BowlWisconsin had a solid season, and had it not been for a stronger Michigan State team, Wisconsin would likely be in the Rose Bowl. South Carolina hung around in the SEC East all season, pressing Missouri until the final game. This will be a battle, but don't expect a ton of points.
My Pick: Wisconsin
Outback Bowl
I am not exactly hyped about an Iowa-LSU matchup. Again, two teams who hardly deserve a New Year's Day bout.
My Pick: LSU
Rose Bowl
Always the best game on the bowl schedule. and to me, the only one that usually sets my schedule. It's the oldest, the grandest, and the king of all bowls. Stanford-Michigan State will be a fantastic tilt between two old school, smash mouth styled football teams. This is what the Rose Bowl is all about.
My Pick: Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl
This is the garbage plate bowl for the BCS, and has rarely ever gotten a top tiered matchup during the BCS era, which ends this year. This year we get Baylor, one of the more fun teams to watch in college football, against UCF, who, while solid, hardly matches up athletically with the Bears.
My Pick: Baylor
Sugar Bowl
This would have been a huge game in 1975. Not so much today. Alabama is a junior NFL team that had a bad moment against Auburn. Not that I'm complaining, but Alabama could have very well been playing in the title game. Don't expect Nick Saban to let the Tide have a letdown moment against an Oklahoma team who, let's face it, have hardly been a BCS bowl juggernaut.
My Pick: Alabama
Orange Bowl
This could be the best Orange Bowl in years, but the last time Clemson went to Miami for a bowl, they were crushed against West Virginia. This game has all of the makings of a solid tilt between two teams who love to play up tempo football. Expect lots of points between Clemson and Ohio State here.
My Pick: Ohio State
Cotton Bowl
The only reason that there is a Heart of Dallas Bowl is because this game got pulled out of the Cotton Bowl stadium and moved to the ridiculous megaplex that the Jerry Dome is. The Cotton Bowl should be played in the original stadium, and on New Year's morning. Despite all that, this Missouri-Oklahoma State match will be a blast to watch.
Oklahoma State failed miserably to hold off Oklahoma for a BCS birth, while Mizzou fell flat in the SEC title game. Both teams want the win here, but both could be flat as well.
My Pick: Oklahoma State
BBVA Compass Bowl
Another bowl that nobody asked for, except for maybe ESPN for advertising money. This may be one of their more enticing matches in this game's history, however, pitting Houston against Vanderbilt. Will James Franklin still be the coach of the Commodores?
My Pick: Vanderbilt
GoDaddy Bowl
I hope I have something else to do this night. Nobody really cares about this bowl game. Between Ball State and Arkansas State, BSU has the best news heading into the game, because they still have their head coach (Pete Lembo) after Bryan Harsin bolted ASU for Boise State.
My Pick: Ball State
National Title Game
Florida State and Auburn are intriguing for so many reasons. Auburn is red hot, but Florida State was never challenged by anyone all season. That being said, Auburn probably played the tougher schedule by far. Jameis Winston needs this game as a showcase for what he can do, but Auburn's run game, lead by option QB Nick Marshall, will have something to say about this title thing.
My Pick: Florida State
Sunday, December 15, 2013
As the Carousel Turns: December Edition 4 (Mack Brown Edition)
By now, we all know the direction that the drama in Austin, Texas has taken, and Mack Brown is remaining on at Texas after the Alamo Bowl as an advisor to President Bill Powers at a tune of roughly $500,000 per year. Let us break down what happened and what is ongoing at Texas, as well as what else is happening and what has happened in the coaching carousel over the last couple of days.
Texas
The Longhorn administration and faithful can go on all day long about who they want and who they believe they will hire, but let us look at what the reality is here.
Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin have both flatly turned down overtures and interest in the job. Harbaugh has told the 49ers that he won't be leaving for any job anywhere. Tomlin, who has some heat on him right now with the Steelers, has also said that he has no interest in being a college coach. Pete Carroll is another name that has surfaced, but that isn't happening either.
How about Jimbo Fisher and Gus Malzahn? With Malzahn, he's from Texas, so he's got to be interested, right? Flatly speaking, highly unlikely being where he has Auburn at the moment, and Auburn can pay him whatever Texas can. Fisher? Why would he leave Florida State right now, as he is playing for a national title, and has built a recruiting base that could have FSU as a top 5 program for a decade.
How about Jim Mora of UCLA...yet another name that has been tossed around senselessly, because we all know that Mora has such deep connections with the state of Texas, right? Seriously? Why don't we just name every coach who has had success anywhere in the last 5 years as a candidate. Soon enough you'll have a joke of a candidate list much like North Dakota's "candidate list".
There are two names that make some sense that have been tossed about. They are Mark Dantonio of Michigan State, and James Franklin of Vanderbilt. Franklin was on USC's early wish list, but something didn't click there, and according to the Vandy administration, nobody ever contacted them about Franklin. Franklin is getting a lot of credit for turning the Commodores into a competitive program in the SEC East, but there is a glass ceiling at Vandy, and Franklin certainly has to know that.
There is no such glass ceiling at Michigan State, but Dantonio could be had for a staggering sum of cash after leading the Spartans to their first Rose Bowl since 1988. MSU certainly cannot match a truck load of gold that Texas could offer, even with Big 10 network money backing them up. Texas is a job of infinite resources, which Dantonio, also a Texas native (but really, that probably has little to no play in this) would be hard pressed to ignore at this stage of his career. Dantonio is a winner, a solid guy, and would be a very nice fit.
On the Dantonio note, Pat Narduzzi was an absolute frontrunner for the UConn job, but pulled out at the last minute to stay on at MSU. Narduzzi is an absolute when it comes to head coaching material, and MSU has made a power play to keep him, even as a DC. What this means to me is that MSU is keeping him around, because they fear that if Dantonio leaves for Texas, they would need Narduzzi to step up as head coach, not just for the Rose Bowl, but for the full time job as well. Narduzzi is entrenched in East Lansing, and could very well be their next head coach.
My final bet on this job is that it'll come down to Franklin or Dantonio, with an outside shot that the game's biggest mercenary, Todd Graham of Arizona State could toss his name in the hat at the 11th hour as well, and join his old boss Steve Patterson.
Penn State
There is a large amount of information, especially from CBS Sports that the Vikings and Texans have reached out to Bill O'Brien about becoming their next head coach. CBS is also reporting that the Redskins could be next if they remove Mike Shanahan, who has already seen his son Kyle resign effective at the end of the season as Washington OC.
If this happens, Penn State could go a couple of ways. They could promote from the existing staff (continuity would be a huge bonus), or there are two candidates that could be in play here that would fit into the needs of this program. Those names would be Pat Narduzzi, if he hasn't been named Michigan State head coach, and Ball State's Pete Lembo. Both names have been mentioned for numerous jobs thus far, and both could be back in play once again, if not now, then in 2014.
Florida Atlantic
In yet another turn of events that seems senseless, FAU has agreed with Arkansas OL Coach Charlie Partridge on a deal as head coach for the Owls. Partridge's name had been dismissed in regards to this job, only to have him appear with job in hand less than three days later (See Bryan Harsin, Boise State). This hiring is by far not the best move that could have been made here, and it would appear that after everyone else turned down this job, and OC Brian Wright had been dismissed as a candidate, that FAU ended up picking someone who just wouldn't say no. That's always the path to greatest success...Yes, they are still FAUcked.
Alabama
Of course, as I had spoken about last time, Nick Saban has officially been extended at Alabama. Seems about the time that Saban was going to be outed with just how much time he spent considering the Texas job, he jumped at the chance to sign that extension worth $7 million annually, and is more than willing to speak about how he never intended to go to Texas. If Saban's lips are moving, you should take the other side of the story, as we all know too well (again, see Miami Dolphins).
FCS Jobs
North Dakota State
After pounding Coastal Carolina 48-14 yesterday, NDSU named DC Chris Klieman as the next head coach for the Bisons, who are a major power house program in FCS football. Klieman will replace Craig Bohl, who is bound for Wyoming at the end of the FCS playoff run.
Stephen F. Austin
Central Arkansas coach Clint Conque, who I felt would be a major candidate for the Arkansas State job, has now taken the job coaching the Lumberjacks. This is a strange move, because it seems like a lateral choice for Conque, who moves to another school in the same conference (Southland). Conque had been at UCA for a decade, and was amazingly successful in helping transition the Bears from D2 to FCS football.
Weber State
The Wildcats have hired Utah TE/ST coach Jay Hill, and Hill will be bringing some Ute staffers with him for the ride. Weber State is replacing Jody Sears, who was given the job when John L. Smith jolted the Cats for Arkansas without ever coaching a game. One note of interest was that Gary Crowten was also a candidate for this job.
North Carolina Central
This job has been getting play lately, and the latest name to interview is South Alabama WR coach Jerry Mack. Connell Maynor, a former Arena League MVP and current Winston-Salem State coach, is still my favorite for this job. He has won big at WSSU, a former MEAC member who dropped down to D2.
James Madison
JMU has released a list of candidates, and it's not as impressive as I figured it would be. Oakland Raiders QB coach John DeFilippo, Arizona Cardinals OC Rod Smith, and current JMU OC Mike O'Cain are the latest candidates mentioned. I'm not jumping up and down about anyone on this list.
Texas
The Longhorn administration and faithful can go on all day long about who they want and who they believe they will hire, but let us look at what the reality is here.
Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin have both flatly turned down overtures and interest in the job. Harbaugh has told the 49ers that he won't be leaving for any job anywhere. Tomlin, who has some heat on him right now with the Steelers, has also said that he has no interest in being a college coach. Pete Carroll is another name that has surfaced, but that isn't happening either.
How about Jimbo Fisher and Gus Malzahn? With Malzahn, he's from Texas, so he's got to be interested, right? Flatly speaking, highly unlikely being where he has Auburn at the moment, and Auburn can pay him whatever Texas can. Fisher? Why would he leave Florida State right now, as he is playing for a national title, and has built a recruiting base that could have FSU as a top 5 program for a decade.
How about Jim Mora of UCLA...yet another name that has been tossed around senselessly, because we all know that Mora has such deep connections with the state of Texas, right? Seriously? Why don't we just name every coach who has had success anywhere in the last 5 years as a candidate. Soon enough you'll have a joke of a candidate list much like North Dakota's "candidate list".
There are two names that make some sense that have been tossed about. They are Mark Dantonio of Michigan State, and James Franklin of Vanderbilt. Franklin was on USC's early wish list, but something didn't click there, and according to the Vandy administration, nobody ever contacted them about Franklin. Franklin is getting a lot of credit for turning the Commodores into a competitive program in the SEC East, but there is a glass ceiling at Vandy, and Franklin certainly has to know that.
There is no such glass ceiling at Michigan State, but Dantonio could be had for a staggering sum of cash after leading the Spartans to their first Rose Bowl since 1988. MSU certainly cannot match a truck load of gold that Texas could offer, even with Big 10 network money backing them up. Texas is a job of infinite resources, which Dantonio, also a Texas native (but really, that probably has little to no play in this) would be hard pressed to ignore at this stage of his career. Dantonio is a winner, a solid guy, and would be a very nice fit.
On the Dantonio note, Pat Narduzzi was an absolute frontrunner for the UConn job, but pulled out at the last minute to stay on at MSU. Narduzzi is an absolute when it comes to head coaching material, and MSU has made a power play to keep him, even as a DC. What this means to me is that MSU is keeping him around, because they fear that if Dantonio leaves for Texas, they would need Narduzzi to step up as head coach, not just for the Rose Bowl, but for the full time job as well. Narduzzi is entrenched in East Lansing, and could very well be their next head coach.
My final bet on this job is that it'll come down to Franklin or Dantonio, with an outside shot that the game's biggest mercenary, Todd Graham of Arizona State could toss his name in the hat at the 11th hour as well, and join his old boss Steve Patterson.
Penn State
There is a large amount of information, especially from CBS Sports that the Vikings and Texans have reached out to Bill O'Brien about becoming their next head coach. CBS is also reporting that the Redskins could be next if they remove Mike Shanahan, who has already seen his son Kyle resign effective at the end of the season as Washington OC.
If this happens, Penn State could go a couple of ways. They could promote from the existing staff (continuity would be a huge bonus), or there are two candidates that could be in play here that would fit into the needs of this program. Those names would be Pat Narduzzi, if he hasn't been named Michigan State head coach, and Ball State's Pete Lembo. Both names have been mentioned for numerous jobs thus far, and both could be back in play once again, if not now, then in 2014.
Florida Atlantic
In yet another turn of events that seems senseless, FAU has agreed with Arkansas OL Coach Charlie Partridge on a deal as head coach for the Owls. Partridge's name had been dismissed in regards to this job, only to have him appear with job in hand less than three days later (See Bryan Harsin, Boise State). This hiring is by far not the best move that could have been made here, and it would appear that after everyone else turned down this job, and OC Brian Wright had been dismissed as a candidate, that FAU ended up picking someone who just wouldn't say no. That's always the path to greatest success...Yes, they are still FAUcked.
Alabama
Of course, as I had spoken about last time, Nick Saban has officially been extended at Alabama. Seems about the time that Saban was going to be outed with just how much time he spent considering the Texas job, he jumped at the chance to sign that extension worth $7 million annually, and is more than willing to speak about how he never intended to go to Texas. If Saban's lips are moving, you should take the other side of the story, as we all know too well (again, see Miami Dolphins).
FCS Jobs
North Dakota State
After pounding Coastal Carolina 48-14 yesterday, NDSU named DC Chris Klieman as the next head coach for the Bisons, who are a major power house program in FCS football. Klieman will replace Craig Bohl, who is bound for Wyoming at the end of the FCS playoff run.
Stephen F. Austin
Central Arkansas coach Clint Conque, who I felt would be a major candidate for the Arkansas State job, has now taken the job coaching the Lumberjacks. This is a strange move, because it seems like a lateral choice for Conque, who moves to another school in the same conference (Southland). Conque had been at UCA for a decade, and was amazingly successful in helping transition the Bears from D2 to FCS football.
Weber State
The Wildcats have hired Utah TE/ST coach Jay Hill, and Hill will be bringing some Ute staffers with him for the ride. Weber State is replacing Jody Sears, who was given the job when John L. Smith jolted the Cats for Arkansas without ever coaching a game. One note of interest was that Gary Crowten was also a candidate for this job.
North Carolina Central
This job has been getting play lately, and the latest name to interview is South Alabama WR coach Jerry Mack. Connell Maynor, a former Arena League MVP and current Winston-Salem State coach, is still my favorite for this job. He has won big at WSSU, a former MEAC member who dropped down to D2.
James Madison
JMU has released a list of candidates, and it's not as impressive as I figured it would be. Oakland Raiders QB coach John DeFilippo, Arizona Cardinals OC Rod Smith, and current JMU OC Mike O'Cain are the latest candidates mentioned. I'm not jumping up and down about anyone on this list.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Back of the Year Award
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Back of the Year Award! Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with the winner named championship weekend!
Anthony Harris-Virginia
Lorenzo Doss-Tulane
D'Joun Smith-Florida Atlantic
Bobby McCain-Memphis
Justin Gilbert-Oklahoma State
Tim Bennett-Indiana
BJ Lowery-Iowa
Ronald Zamort-Western Michigan
Nevin Lawson-Utah State
Michael Mudoh-Tulsa
Cody Prewitt-Ole Miss
Blake Countess-Michigan
Derron Smith-Florida State
Rashaad Reynolds-Oregon State
Ricardo Allen-Purdue
Steven Nelson-Oregon State
Kendall Fuller-Virginia Tech
Jimmie Ward-Northern Illinois
Robert Nelson-Arizona State
Anthony Harris-Virginia
Lorenzo Doss-Tulane
D'Joun Smith-Florida Atlantic
Bobby McCain-Memphis
Justin Gilbert-Oklahoma State
Tim Bennett-Indiana
BJ Lowery-Iowa
Ronald Zamort-Western Michigan
Nevin Lawson-Utah State
Michael Mudoh-Tulsa
Cody Prewitt-Ole Miss
Blake Countess-Michigan
Derron Smith-Florida State
Rashaad Reynolds-Oregon State
Ricardo Allen-Purdue
Steven Nelson-Oregon State
Kendall Fuller-Virginia Tech
Jimmie Ward-Northern Illinois
Robert Nelson-Arizona State
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year Award
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Linebacker of the Year Award. Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with the winner announced on championship weekend!
Keith Smith-San Jose State
Jake Doughty-Utah State
Tyler Matakavich-Temple
Ryan Shazier-Ohio State
Trent Murphy-Stanford
Shaquil Barrett-Colorado State
Khalil Mack-Buffalo
Anthony Barr-UCLA
Shawn Jackson-Tulsa
Chris Young-Arizona State
Ejiro Ederaine-Fresno State
Xavius Boyd-Western Kentucky
Kyle Van Noy-BYU
Keith Smith-San Jose State
Jake Doughty-Utah State
Tyler Matakavich-Temple
Ryan Shazier-Ohio State
Trent Murphy-Stanford
Shaquil Barrett-Colorado State
Khalil Mack-Buffalo
Anthony Barr-UCLA
Shawn Jackson-Tulsa
Chris Young-Arizona State
Ejiro Ederaine-Fresno State
Xavius Boyd-Western Kentucky
Kyle Van Noy-BYU
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Lineman of the Year
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with out winner being named championship weekend!
Marcus Smith-Louisville
Jeremiah Attaochu-Georgia Tech
Vic Beasley-Clemson
Jackson Jeffcoat-Texas
Ryan Mueller-Kansas State
Kareem Martin-North Carolina
Aaron Donald-Pittsburgh
Demarcus Lawrence-Boise State
Carl Bradford-Arizona State
Nikita Whitlock-Wake Forest
Michael Sam-Missouri
Will Clark-West Virginia
Marcus Smith-Louisville
Jeremiah Attaochu-Georgia Tech
Vic Beasley-Clemson
Jackson Jeffcoat-Texas
Ryan Mueller-Kansas State
Kareem Martin-North Carolina
Aaron Donald-Pittsburgh
Demarcus Lawrence-Boise State
Carl Bradford-Arizona State
Nikita Whitlock-Wake Forest
Michael Sam-Missouri
Will Clark-West Virginia
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punter of the Year
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punter of the Year Award! Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with the winner announced on championship weekend!
Austin Rehkow-Idaho
Drew Kaser-Texas A&M
Pat O'Donnell-Miami
Zac Murphy-Miami (Ohio)
Spencer Roth-Baylor
Justin Manton-UL-Monroe
Ben Skaer-New Mexico
Tom Hornsey-Memphis
Austin Rehkow-Idaho
Drew Kaser-Texas A&M
Pat O'Donnell-Miami
Zac Murphy-Miami (Ohio)
Spencer Roth-Baylor
Justin Manton-UL-Monroe
Ben Skaer-New Mexico
Tom Hornsey-Memphis
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kick Returner of the Year Award
Here are our finalists for the 2013 FBS All-Bilo Kick Returner of the Year Award. Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with the winner being named championship weekend!
Carlos Wiggins-New Mexico
Ty Montgomery-Stanford
DeVon Edwards-Duke
Brandon Smith-Texas State
Autrey Golden-UTEP
Victor Bolden-Oregon State
Demarcus Ayers-Houston
Odell Beckham, Jr.-LSU
DeAndre Reeves-Marshall
George Atkinson III-Notre Dame
Carlos Wiggins-New Mexico
Ty Montgomery-Stanford
DeVon Edwards-Duke
Brandon Smith-Texas State
Autrey Golden-UTEP
Victor Bolden-Oregon State
Demarcus Ayers-Houston
Odell Beckham, Jr.-LSU
DeAndre Reeves-Marshall
George Atkinson III-Notre Dame
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punt Returner of the Year
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Punt Returner of the Year. Semifinalists will be announced next weekend, with the winner being named on championship weekend!
Ryan Switzer-North Carolina
Nelson Agholar-USC
Jamison Crowder-Duke
Josh Stewart-Oklahoma State
Bruce Natson-Utah State
Christion Jones-Alabama
Jalen Saunders-Oklahoma
Kevonte Martin-Manley-Iowa
Bralon Addison-Oregon
Isaiah Burse-Fresno State
Levi Norwood-Baylor
Rashard Smith-NC State
Ryan Switzer-North Carolina
Nelson Agholar-USC
Jamison Crowder-Duke
Josh Stewart-Oklahoma State
Bruce Natson-Utah State
Christion Jones-Alabama
Jalen Saunders-Oklahoma
Kevonte Martin-Manley-Iowa
Bralon Addison-Oregon
Isaiah Burse-Fresno State
Levi Norwood-Baylor
Rashard Smith-NC State
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo TE of the Year
Here are quarterfinalists for our 2013 FBS All-Bilo Tight End of the Year Award! Semifinalists will be named next weekend, with the winner being named championship weekend!
Jace Amaro-Texas Tech
Eric Ebron-North Carolina
Devin Funchess-Michigan
Gator Hoskins-Marshall
Nick O'Leary-Florida State
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins-Washington
Jace Amaro-Texas Tech
Eric Ebron-North Carolina
Devin Funchess-Michigan
Gator Hoskins-Marshall
Nick O'Leary-Florida State
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins-Washington
Quarterfinalists: 2013 FBS All-Bilo WR of the Year Award
Here are our quarterfinalists for our FBS All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year Award! Semifinalists will be announced next weekend, with the winner being named on championship weekend!
| Josh Huff-Oregon |
| Tommy Shuler-Marshall |
| Jeremy Johnson-SMU |
| Jamison Crowder-Duke |
| Brandin Cooks-Oregon State |
| Davante Adams-Fresno State |
| Allen Robinson-Penn State |
| Willie Snead-Ball State |
| Chandler Jones-San Jose State |
| Paul Richardson-Colorado |
| Jordan Matthews-Vanderbilt |
| Mike Evans-Texas A&M |
| Jeremy Gallon-Michigan |
| Sammy Watkins-Clemson |
| Justin Hardy-East Carolina |
| Antwan Goodley-Baylor |
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Quarterfinalists: 2013 All-Bilo FBS Running Back of the Year
Here are our quarterfinalists for our 2013 All-Bilo FBS Running Back of the Year Award:
Andre Williams-Boston College
Ka'Deem Hardy-Arizona
Bishop Sankey-Washington
Antonio Andrews-Western Kentucky
Carlos Hyde-Ohio State
Kapri Bibbs-Colorado State
Ameer Abdullah-Nebraska
Tyler Gaffney-Stanford
Melvin Gordon-Wisconsin
Travis Greene-Bowling Green State
Branden Oliver-Buffalo
Trey Watts-Tulsa
Tre Mason-Auburn
Semifinalists will be announced next week!
Next up: Quarterfinalists 2013 All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year!
Andre Williams-Boston College
Ka'Deem Hardy-Arizona
Bishop Sankey-Washington
Antonio Andrews-Western Kentucky
Carlos Hyde-Ohio State
Kapri Bibbs-Colorado State
Ameer Abdullah-Nebraska
Tyler Gaffney-Stanford
Melvin Gordon-Wisconsin
Travis Greene-Bowling Green State
Branden Oliver-Buffalo
Trey Watts-Tulsa
Tre Mason-Auburn
Semifinalists will be announced next week!
Next up: Quarterfinalists 2013 All-Bilo Wide Receiver of the Year!
Quarterfinalists: All-Bilo FBS QB of the Year 2013
Here are our quarterfinalists for our FBS All-Bilo Quaterback of the Year Award for 2013:
Jordan Lynch-Northern Illinois
Blake Bortles-UCF
Teddy Bridgewater-Louisville
Marcus Mariota-Oregon
Jameis Winston-Florida State
Bryce Petty-Baylor
Johnny Manziel-Texas A&M
Shane Carden-East Carolina
Keith Wenning-Ball State
David Fales-San Jose State
Sean Mannion-Oregon State
Derek Carr-Fresno State
Semifinalists will be announced next week!
Next Up: Quarterfinalists, All-Bilo FBS Running Back of the Year
Jordan Lynch-Northern Illinois
Blake Bortles-UCF
Teddy Bridgewater-Louisville
Marcus Mariota-Oregon
Jameis Winston-Florida State
Bryce Petty-Baylor
Johnny Manziel-Texas A&M
Shane Carden-East Carolina
Keith Wenning-Ball State
David Fales-San Jose State
Sean Mannion-Oregon State
Derek Carr-Fresno State
Semifinalists will be announced next week!
Next Up: Quarterfinalists, All-Bilo FBS Running Back of the Year
As the Carousel Turns: December Edition 3
It's been interesting today. Nothing makes sense right now, as there were some hirings that were completely out of left field, and screwed up the general equation of things. Let's take a look at what transpired today...
UConn
Once UConn was turned down by Pat Narduzzi this morning (smart move in my book), the Huskies moved on, but instead of making a move on either Ball State's Pete Lembo or Towson's Rob Ambrose, Warde Manuel went with Notre Dame DC Bob Diaco instead.
I'm sure Diaco is a fine coach, but once again, this is a hire made seemingly out of desperation, and could be constituted as a reach. This is a low grade hire by what has become a low grade program.
One note to add, apparently the Huskies are dishing out $1.5 million per year on Diaco, to a guy who has never coached on this level before. Yet another stellar decision by an incompetent organization that knows nothing about football.
Eastern Michigan
Speaking of low grade hires by low grade programs, Eastern Michigan had looked at Eastern Illinois coach Dino Babers and Colorado State Pueblo head coach Jeff Wristen, and instead reached low for Drake's Chris Creighton. Creighton hasn't won a thing at Drake, and when you had better options, this surely makes zero sense. Creighton wasn't even on any radars until today.
Basically, this job is a graveyard, so I guess EMU decided not to shoot to high.
FAU
In another move that makes minimal sense, AD Patrick Chung has informed interim coach Brian Wright that he will not be considered for the full time job. Wright didn't do too much, as he only drove this putrid program up from the toilet to get them bowl eligible AFTER they fired their drug abusing head coach, but hey, you can't ask for too much, especially when all of your other candidates keep pulling themselves from consideration. This program is bleeding a sense of massive dysfunction. They are absolutely FAUcked.
Arkansas State
DC John Thompson, a venerable veteran of the program after spending two years on the staff, will be the interim head coach after Bryan Harsin did a 180 and bolted for Boise State after telling everyone he was staying at ASU. Thompson will also be a candidate for the full time job, because, seriously, someone needs to stick around for a while. Whoever the new coach is will be their fifth head coach in five years. The door swings often in Jonesboro.
Other names tossed around in consideration for the job are Auburn OC Rhett Lashlie, Cincinnati OC Eddie Gran (he recently turned down the FAU job), Ed Orgeron, Clay Helton, and others.
Texas
Yeah, Mack is on his way out the door, and no, nobody has confirmed it or will. Yeah, they are apparently wooing Nick Saban from Alabama for an amount of money that would fund some third world countries, but no, Saban won't confirm or deny anything, including Alabama's offers of an extension that would fund whatever third world countries that Texas' offer wouldn't fund. In other words, lots has happened, and yet it didn't. Stay tuned, while staying confused. While the saying goes "Don't mess with Texas", you don't have to, because Texas seems messed up all on their own.
One thing that came to mind about this job is this. Pat Narduzzi has turned down UConn, and in passing, Mark Dantonio's name has come up lightly in consideration for this job from some circles. Could Narduzzi be staying on at Michigan State because he's been offered the head job in East Lansing if Dantonio is a fall back for the Texas job? Again, stay tuned.
FCS Jobs
Drake
With Chris Creighton off to Eastern Michigan (are we really serious about this?), Rick Fox has been elevated from assistant to the full time head job. Nobody else was interviewed obviously.
Elon
Ball State OC Rich Skrosky has been named the head coach of the Phoenix today. This is an interesting hire, and Elon got a solid grab here. Probably the best hire of the day by a mile.
North Carolina Central
Former Arena League QB and Winston-Salem State coach Connell Maynor has met with officials about the job. This would be a huge grab for NCCU if they go this way. Maynor has built a machine at WSSU.
North Dakota
The application process closed today, and the list contains a who's who that resembles applicants for an open dishwasher's job at Denny's. Seriously, there is a guy on the list who currently works at Aetna, a high school teacher who isn't currently coaching football, and a list of JC coaches and High School assistants from all over America. Out of 43 applicants, maybe five are serious. It's just funny. That being said, there are some really interesting guys on a very short portion of the list, so stay tuned on this one.
On that note...stay tuned for the next edition of "As the Carousel Turns"...
UConn
Once UConn was turned down by Pat Narduzzi this morning (smart move in my book), the Huskies moved on, but instead of making a move on either Ball State's Pete Lembo or Towson's Rob Ambrose, Warde Manuel went with Notre Dame DC Bob Diaco instead.
I'm sure Diaco is a fine coach, but once again, this is a hire made seemingly out of desperation, and could be constituted as a reach. This is a low grade hire by what has become a low grade program.
One note to add, apparently the Huskies are dishing out $1.5 million per year on Diaco, to a guy who has never coached on this level before. Yet another stellar decision by an incompetent organization that knows nothing about football.
Eastern Michigan
Speaking of low grade hires by low grade programs, Eastern Michigan had looked at Eastern Illinois coach Dino Babers and Colorado State Pueblo head coach Jeff Wristen, and instead reached low for Drake's Chris Creighton. Creighton hasn't won a thing at Drake, and when you had better options, this surely makes zero sense. Creighton wasn't even on any radars until today.
Basically, this job is a graveyard, so I guess EMU decided not to shoot to high.
FAU
In another move that makes minimal sense, AD Patrick Chung has informed interim coach Brian Wright that he will not be considered for the full time job. Wright didn't do too much, as he only drove this putrid program up from the toilet to get them bowl eligible AFTER they fired their drug abusing head coach, but hey, you can't ask for too much, especially when all of your other candidates keep pulling themselves from consideration. This program is bleeding a sense of massive dysfunction. They are absolutely FAUcked.
Arkansas State
DC John Thompson, a venerable veteran of the program after spending two years on the staff, will be the interim head coach after Bryan Harsin did a 180 and bolted for Boise State after telling everyone he was staying at ASU. Thompson will also be a candidate for the full time job, because, seriously, someone needs to stick around for a while. Whoever the new coach is will be their fifth head coach in five years. The door swings often in Jonesboro.
Other names tossed around in consideration for the job are Auburn OC Rhett Lashlie, Cincinnati OC Eddie Gran (he recently turned down the FAU job), Ed Orgeron, Clay Helton, and others.
Texas
Yeah, Mack is on his way out the door, and no, nobody has confirmed it or will. Yeah, they are apparently wooing Nick Saban from Alabama for an amount of money that would fund some third world countries, but no, Saban won't confirm or deny anything, including Alabama's offers of an extension that would fund whatever third world countries that Texas' offer wouldn't fund. In other words, lots has happened, and yet it didn't. Stay tuned, while staying confused. While the saying goes "Don't mess with Texas", you don't have to, because Texas seems messed up all on their own.
One thing that came to mind about this job is this. Pat Narduzzi has turned down UConn, and in passing, Mark Dantonio's name has come up lightly in consideration for this job from some circles. Could Narduzzi be staying on at Michigan State because he's been offered the head job in East Lansing if Dantonio is a fall back for the Texas job? Again, stay tuned.
FCS Jobs
Drake
With Chris Creighton off to Eastern Michigan (are we really serious about this?), Rick Fox has been elevated from assistant to the full time head job. Nobody else was interviewed obviously.
Elon
Ball State OC Rich Skrosky has been named the head coach of the Phoenix today. This is an interesting hire, and Elon got a solid grab here. Probably the best hire of the day by a mile.
North Carolina Central
Former Arena League QB and Winston-Salem State coach Connell Maynor has met with officials about the job. This would be a huge grab for NCCU if they go this way. Maynor has built a machine at WSSU.
North Dakota
The application process closed today, and the list contains a who's who that resembles applicants for an open dishwasher's job at Denny's. Seriously, there is a guy on the list who currently works at Aetna, a high school teacher who isn't currently coaching football, and a list of JC coaches and High School assistants from all over America. Out of 43 applicants, maybe five are serious. It's just funny. That being said, there are some really interesting guys on a very short portion of the list, so stay tuned on this one.
On that note...stay tuned for the next edition of "As the Carousel Turns"...
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
As the Coaching Carousel Turns: December Edition 2
There has been more movement this week, but one thing that has shocked me thus far is that there have been far fewer moves made in terms of firings are concerned. Schools like Virginia and Hawaii could very well make moves, and could make them still, but for whatever reason, they are still holding on. It makes zero sense.
Let's take a look at what's happened in the last week, and check some rumors and information that are coming across my email from multiple sources...
Wake Forest
The Deacons may have moved just a bit too quickly this week in hiring Bowling Green's Dave Clawson. There were certainly better candidates available (Pete Lembo, anyone?) Clawson's record at Bowling Green was just 31-31, with one MAC title.
Clawson's experience at schools like Fordham and Richmond wore on the decision, as Clawson had some success at private schools with academic standards, but that alone is hardly a great reason for this hire.
Wyoming
The Cowboys made a major splash by picking up North Dakota State's Craig Bohl, who will continue to coach NDSU through the playoffs. Bohl built NDSU into a super power in the FCS ranks, but before we get too excited about that, remember Bobby Hauck's struggles in transitioning from Montana to UNLV. It's not a lock by any means, but Bohl was a great get for a Wyoming program that is trying to turn pages from mediocrity to annual power in the northwest.
Hawaii
One of my best sources still believes that Norm Chow has got to go and will soon. One name he brought to my attention was June Jones, who may decide to leave SMU, and could be persuaded to return to the Islands for another go in Rainbowville. Jones is not happy at SMU, and my source mentioned the botched attempt at the Arizona State job as proof.
UConn
Pat Narduzzi and Pete Lembo have both interviewed for the job in Atlanta over the last 36 hours. Narduzzi just won the Broyles Award, and is likely now the front runner. Rob Ambrose is rumored to have interviewed at some point, but could get one more look. Narduzzi is now clearly the front runner.
Notre Dame DC Bob Diaco has now had his name attached to this job as well.
Fordham's Joe Moorhead is one candidate who is now out of the running, as he accepted an extension through 2020 to remain at Fordham.
Boise State
Dirk Koetter appears to be the front runner here. He could be offered sometime tonight, if it hasn't happened already. Justin Wilcox appears not to be expecting a shot at the job, and former assistant (and current Arkansas State coach) Bryan Harsin has dropped out of the running.
In a late note, Jeff Tedford has been rumored to have interviewed, but apparently has not. Tedford appears to be a plan B if Koetter doesn't work out.
Texas
There are conflicting reports that Mack Brown intends to step down by the end of the week. This has been confirmed, and denied, by many different sources. We are on a wait and see approach. One report had Texas ready to offer Nick Saban $100 million over seven seasons and a 1% share in Longhorn Network profits. I don't see Saban leaving Alabama, but he's hardly dependable when he denies a story (see Miami Dolphins).
Alabama
The Tide is prepared to offer Saban $7 million a year to stay, so I am guessing that the $100 million rumor from Texas is way off. Saban will stay for that money.
Eastern Michigan
Jeff Wristen from Colorado State-Pueblo has interviewed for the job, but now Dino Babers of Eastern Illinois now seems to be a hot name for the job, and he has interviewed, along with Louisville RB coach Kenny Carter.
FAU
The Owls are sill spinning their wheels trying to hire a coach, and three names have dropped out of the running in Eddie Gran, Mario Christobal, and Charlie Partridge from Arkansas. Luke Fickell could still be the target, but names keep on spinning around this job.
Valporaiso
Lehigh OC Dave Cecchini is the new head coach at Valporaiso, a place that has been a graveyard for years. This program is a mess, but this is a solid hire for the Crusaders.
Bowling Green
It's early, but the first name out is Tennessee OC Mike Bajakian. He's a guy who had some success while at Cincinnati, and could be a solid get fro the Falcons. It's possible that Dino Babers could shift his attention here as well. BGSU is certainly a better job than Eastern Michigan right now.
Southern Utah
Ed Lamb has been extended at SUU through 2020. He's a solid coach who deserved this, getting the Thunderbirds to the FCS playoffs in year one competing in the Big Sky.
Mercer
Bobby Lamb has received an extension after leading the Bears to 10 years in the first season of competition for the program. His extension reaches to 2019.
More later in the week!
Let's take a look at what's happened in the last week, and check some rumors and information that are coming across my email from multiple sources...
Wake Forest
The Deacons may have moved just a bit too quickly this week in hiring Bowling Green's Dave Clawson. There were certainly better candidates available (Pete Lembo, anyone?) Clawson's record at Bowling Green was just 31-31, with one MAC title.
Clawson's experience at schools like Fordham and Richmond wore on the decision, as Clawson had some success at private schools with academic standards, but that alone is hardly a great reason for this hire.
Wyoming
The Cowboys made a major splash by picking up North Dakota State's Craig Bohl, who will continue to coach NDSU through the playoffs. Bohl built NDSU into a super power in the FCS ranks, but before we get too excited about that, remember Bobby Hauck's struggles in transitioning from Montana to UNLV. It's not a lock by any means, but Bohl was a great get for a Wyoming program that is trying to turn pages from mediocrity to annual power in the northwest.
Hawaii
One of my best sources still believes that Norm Chow has got to go and will soon. One name he brought to my attention was June Jones, who may decide to leave SMU, and could be persuaded to return to the Islands for another go in Rainbowville. Jones is not happy at SMU, and my source mentioned the botched attempt at the Arizona State job as proof.
UConn
Pat Narduzzi and Pete Lembo have both interviewed for the job in Atlanta over the last 36 hours. Narduzzi just won the Broyles Award, and is likely now the front runner. Rob Ambrose is rumored to have interviewed at some point, but could get one more look. Narduzzi is now clearly the front runner.
Notre Dame DC Bob Diaco has now had his name attached to this job as well.
Fordham's Joe Moorhead is one candidate who is now out of the running, as he accepted an extension through 2020 to remain at Fordham.
Boise State
Dirk Koetter appears to be the front runner here. He could be offered sometime tonight, if it hasn't happened already. Justin Wilcox appears not to be expecting a shot at the job, and former assistant (and current Arkansas State coach) Bryan Harsin has dropped out of the running.
In a late note, Jeff Tedford has been rumored to have interviewed, but apparently has not. Tedford appears to be a plan B if Koetter doesn't work out.
Texas
There are conflicting reports that Mack Brown intends to step down by the end of the week. This has been confirmed, and denied, by many different sources. We are on a wait and see approach. One report had Texas ready to offer Nick Saban $100 million over seven seasons and a 1% share in Longhorn Network profits. I don't see Saban leaving Alabama, but he's hardly dependable when he denies a story (see Miami Dolphins).
Alabama
The Tide is prepared to offer Saban $7 million a year to stay, so I am guessing that the $100 million rumor from Texas is way off. Saban will stay for that money.
Eastern Michigan
Jeff Wristen from Colorado State-Pueblo has interviewed for the job, but now Dino Babers of Eastern Illinois now seems to be a hot name for the job, and he has interviewed, along with Louisville RB coach Kenny Carter.
FAU
The Owls are sill spinning their wheels trying to hire a coach, and three names have dropped out of the running in Eddie Gran, Mario Christobal, and Charlie Partridge from Arkansas. Luke Fickell could still be the target, but names keep on spinning around this job.
Valporaiso
Lehigh OC Dave Cecchini is the new head coach at Valporaiso, a place that has been a graveyard for years. This program is a mess, but this is a solid hire for the Crusaders.
Bowling Green
It's early, but the first name out is Tennessee OC Mike Bajakian. He's a guy who had some success while at Cincinnati, and could be a solid get fro the Falcons. It's possible that Dino Babers could shift his attention here as well. BGSU is certainly a better job than Eastern Michigan right now.
Southern Utah
Ed Lamb has been extended at SUU through 2020. He's a solid coach who deserved this, getting the Thunderbirds to the FCS playoffs in year one competing in the Big Sky.
Mercer
Bobby Lamb has received an extension after leading the Bears to 10 years in the first season of competition for the program. His extension reaches to 2019.
More later in the week!
Pre-Bowl FBS PRS Rankings
With most regular season and conference championship games now completely in the books (Army plays Navy Saturday), we present our final pre-bowl FBS PRS Rankings.
There are some surprises in the rankings this week. It would seem that our formula has found an interesting turn of events in that we failed to show a final top two that matched the BCS. of course, we never do. To show how our system does not engage personal votes or human interference other than plugging in equations, our final top two pre-bowl teams in the country ended up being Florida State and Ohio State, despite Ohio State losing the Big 10 title game against Michigan State last Saturday.
Our system has always set out to show that the BCS system was inherently flawed, and teams that lost a late season game were penalized (circa UCLA's loss to Miami in 1999), while teams that had lost early games were still rewarded (Florida State that same season, amongst many others, including Alabama and LSU).
This season it came into play with Auburn having lost early in the season, and Ohio State losing late. Don't get me wrong...We actually are happy with Auburn and Florida State in the BCS final this season. There is nothing wrong with how the season ended up, despite the topsy turvy final weeks when it seemed that nobody wanted to take the number two spot and keep it.
When you look at our rankings, most of the numbers seemed to solidify in the final few weeks, and with so many teams losing late season games, leaving a collection of 9 teams with one loss this week, there was little room for separation heading into the bowls.
Looking at the Ohio State/Auburn differential, one starts with point differential in wins by each. Ohio State won their games by an average of 25 points per game, over 300 points totaled in just point differential for the season. Auburn, on the other hand, only averaged a point differential per game of 12.353 points per game, or just under 200 points for the season.
There is one more factor to consider in that Auburn played 8 home games on the year, with Ohio State playing 7. You get higher point totals for road wins in general. Each team played one home game against an FCS opponent, with the Buckeyes crushing Florida A&M 76-0, which picked up a few more points than Auburn with their win over Western Carolina.
The numbers will accumulate through the bowls, with less than 200 points separating Auburn at number five, and Louisville at ten. There will also be available opportunities to move up with upsets to the top five.
Here are our final regular season rankings for 2013:
There are some surprises in the rankings this week. It would seem that our formula has found an interesting turn of events in that we failed to show a final top two that matched the BCS. of course, we never do. To show how our system does not engage personal votes or human interference other than plugging in equations, our final top two pre-bowl teams in the country ended up being Florida State and Ohio State, despite Ohio State losing the Big 10 title game against Michigan State last Saturday.
Our system has always set out to show that the BCS system was inherently flawed, and teams that lost a late season game were penalized (circa UCLA's loss to Miami in 1999), while teams that had lost early games were still rewarded (Florida State that same season, amongst many others, including Alabama and LSU).
This season it came into play with Auburn having lost early in the season, and Ohio State losing late. Don't get me wrong...We actually are happy with Auburn and Florida State in the BCS final this season. There is nothing wrong with how the season ended up, despite the topsy turvy final weeks when it seemed that nobody wanted to take the number two spot and keep it.
When you look at our rankings, most of the numbers seemed to solidify in the final few weeks, and with so many teams losing late season games, leaving a collection of 9 teams with one loss this week, there was little room for separation heading into the bowls.
Looking at the Ohio State/Auburn differential, one starts with point differential in wins by each. Ohio State won their games by an average of 25 points per game, over 300 points totaled in just point differential for the season. Auburn, on the other hand, only averaged a point differential per game of 12.353 points per game, or just under 200 points for the season.
There is one more factor to consider in that Auburn played 8 home games on the year, with Ohio State playing 7. You get higher point totals for road wins in general. Each team played one home game against an FCS opponent, with the Buckeyes crushing Florida A&M 76-0, which picked up a few more points than Auburn with their win over Western Carolina.
The numbers will accumulate through the bowls, with less than 200 points separating Auburn at number five, and Louisville at ten. There will also be available opportunities to move up with upsets to the top five.
Here are our final regular season rankings for 2013:
| 1 | 3286 | Florida State | 13-0 | Def. Duke 45-7 |
| 2 | 2601 | Ohio State | 12-1 | Lost to Michigan State 34-24 |
| 3 | 2559 | Northern Illinois | 12-1 | Lost to Bowling Green State 47-27 |
| 4 | 2445 | Baylor | 11-1 | Def. Texas 30-10 |
| 5 | 2370 | Auburn | 12-1 | Def. Missouri 59-42 |
| 6 | 2311 | Central Florida | 11-1 | Def. Southern Methodist 17-13 |
| 7 | 2304 | Michigan State | 12-1 | Def. Ohio State 34-24 |
| 8 | 2298 | Fresno State | 11-1 | Def. Utah State 24-17 |
| 9 | 2295 | Alabama | 11-1 | Regular Season Over |
| 10 | 2199 | Louisville | 11-1 | Def. Cincinnati 31-24 |
| 11 | 2172 | Stanford | 11-2 | Def. Arizona State 38-14 |
| 12 | 2064 | Missouri | 11-2 | Lost to Auburn 59-42 |
| 13 | 1997 | Oregon | 10-2 | Regular Season Over |
| 14 | 1907 | Oklahoma | 10-2 | Def. Oklahoma State 33-24 |
| 15 | 1905 | Oklahoma State | 10-2 | Lost to Oklahoma 33-24 |
| 16 | 1863 | Ball State | 10-2 | Regular Season Over |
| 17 | 1818 | Rice | 10-3 | Def. Marshall 41-24 |
| 18 | 1770 | Bowling Green State | 10-3 | Def. Northern Illinois 47-27 |
| 19 | 1725 | Arizona State | 10-3 | Lost to Stanford 38-14 |
| 20 | 1708 | South Carolina | 10-2 | Regular Season Over |
| 21 | 1657 | Clemson | 10-2 | Regular Season Over |
| 22 | 1637 | UCLA | 9-3 | Regular Season Over |
| 23 | 1516 | East Carolina | 9-3 | Regular Season Over |
| 24 | 1512 | Marshall | 9-4 | Lost to Rice 41-24 |
| 25 | 1506 | Duke | 10-3 | Lost to Florida State 45-7 |
| 26 | 1482 | Wisconsin | 9-3 | Regular Season Over |
| 27 | 1400 | Cincinnati | 9-3 | Lost to Louisville 31-24 |
| 28 | 1370 | Louisiana State | 9-3 | Regular Season Over |
| 29 | 1323 | Miami (FL) | 9-3 | Regular Season Over |
| 30 | 1315 | Southern California | 9-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 31 | 1242 | Texas | 8-4 | Lost to Baylor 30-10 |
| 32 | 1239 | North Texas | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 33 | 1132 | Boise State | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 34 | 1087 | Washington | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 35 | 1075 | Notre Dame | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 36 | 1068 | Georgia | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 37T | 1060 | Houston | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 37T | 1060 | Texas A&M | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 39 | 1037 | Louisiana-Lafayette | 8-4 | Lost to South Alabama 30-8 |
| 40 | 1006 | Buffalo | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 41T | 987 | Brigham Young | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 41T | 987 | Western Kentucky | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 43 | 953 | Utah State | 8-5 | Lost to Fresno State 24-17 |
| 44 | 930 | Middle Tennessee State | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 45 | 903 | Iowa | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 46 | 869 | Nebraska | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 47 | 866 | Vanderbilt | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 48 | 858 | Virginia Tech | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 49 | 837 | Minnesota | 8-4 | Regular Season Over |
| 50 | 801 | Navy | 7-4 | Bye |
| 51 | 788 | Michigan | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 52 | 674 | Penn State | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 53 | 668 | Kansas State | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 54 | 655 | Arizona | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 55 | 648 | Texas-San Antonio | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 56 | 621 | Texas Tech | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 57 | 616 | Toledo | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 58 | 562 | Colorado State | 7-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 59 | 558 | Mississippi | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 60 | 538 | San Diego State | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 61 | 530 | Arkansas State | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 62 | 524 | Boston College | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 63 | 514 | Tulane | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 64 | 484 | Nevada-Las Vegas | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 65 | 470 | Georgia Tech | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 66 | 464 | Ohio | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 67 | 445 | Maryland | 7-5 | Regular Season Over |
| 68 | 417 | Florida Atlantic | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 69 | 343 | Oregon State | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 70 | 304 | South Alabama | 6-6 | Def. Louisiana-Lafayette 30-8 |
| 71 | 221 | Troy | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 72 | 191 | North Carolina | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 73 | 181 | San Jose State | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 74 | 143 | Washington State | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 75 | 91 | Central Michigan | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 76 | 89 | Mississippi State | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 77 | 68 | Texas State | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 78 | 63 | Pittsburgh | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 79 | 62 | Rutgers | 6-6 | Def. South Florida 31-6 |
| 80 | 24 | Louisiana-Monroe | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 81 | 21 | Syracuse | 6-6 | Regular Season Over |
| 82 | -214 | Indiana | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 83 | -225 | Wyoming | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 84 | -256 | Utah | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 85 | -274 | Northwestern | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 86 | -289 | Southern Methodist | 5-8 | Lost to Central Florida 17-13 |
| 87 | -371 | Tennessee | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 88 | -393 | Akron | 5-7 | Regular Season Over |
| 89 | -584 | Texas Christian | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 90 | -601 | Florida | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 91T | -642 | Kent State | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 91T | -642 | West Virginia | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 93 | -653 | Nevada-Reno | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 94 | -682 | Louisiana Tech | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 95 | -705 | Illinois | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 96 | -730 | Wake Forest | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 97 | -777 | New Mexico | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 98 | -801 | Army | 3-8 | Bye |
| 99 | -930 | Colorado | 4-8 | Regular Season Over |
| 100 | -951 | Tulsa | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 101 | -986 | Iowa State | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 102 | -1069 | Connecticut | 3-9 | Def. Memphis 45-10 |
| 103 | -1098 | Memphis | 3-9 | Lost to Connecticut 45-10 |
| 104 | -1154 | Arkansas | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 105 | -1237 | North Carolina State | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 106 | -1260 | Temple | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 107 | -1300 | Texas-El Paso | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 108 | -1325 | Kansas | 3-9 | Regular Season Over |
| 109 | -1475 | Alabama-Birmingham | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 110 | -1526 | Air Force | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 111 | -1532 | Kentucky | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 112 | -1557 | Hawaii | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 113 | -1563 | South Florida | 2-10 | Lost to Rutgers 31-6 |
| 114T | -1624 | Eastern Michigan | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 114T | -1624 | Virginia | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 116 | -1667 | New Mexico State | 2-10 | Regular Season Over |
| 117 | -1793 | Southern Mississippi | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 118 | -1813 | Western Michigan | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 119 | -1925 | Idaho | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 120 | -1966 | Massachusetts | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 121 | -1986 | California | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 122 | -2060 | Florida International | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 123 | -2068 | Purdue | 1-11 | Regular Season Over |
| 124 | -2244 | Miami (OH) | 0-12 | Regular Season Over |
| 125 | -2440 | Georgia State | 0-12 | Regular Season Over |
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