Notes From Week 12
The Jamies Winston Scandal
I have had a lot of searches on my site this week about the Jamies Winston sex scandal that everyone was talking about last week, but I chose to avoid it for the time being. I have very little to say on the topic, because, frankly, I am not entirely buying that it happened. This isn't because I am an athlete apologist, because for those who have been reading me for a while now know, that's not me at all. What I am saying is that many details of the case don't add up.
What I will say is that Jamies Winston needs to cooperate with the authorities on every level possible, because any failure to do so on his part lends credibility to the claims, even if they are false. When word got out the other day that Winston wasn't talking to the cops, it gave me a weird feeling. He needs to ride the train that most people aren't buying the claims, and give everything that he can to the investigators. Failure to do so would certainly taint his image, and he doesn't need that right now.
Nothing would surprise me if he were found to be allegedly involved, but right now, I'm not buying what the claims are selling whatsoever.
UCF Controls Their Destiny
UCF can get to what will be their only BCS bowl (the system goes away in 2014) in school history by winning out, as they have beaten Louisville and Houston, and nobody else stands in their way. Early projections show the Knights headed to the Sugar Bowl, where I believe they will play Missouri.
Duke Also Controls Their Own Fate
Just a few short weeks ago, nobody would have seen this coming, but after pounding Miami at home yesterday 48-30, the Blue Devils could win their own division, only to fall hard in the ACC title game against Florida State in Charlotte. Stranger things have happened, and yes, technically Duke could beat FSU, but I don't see that happening. Duke, even as the loser, could replace FSU in the Orange Bowl, unless the BCS people take Clemson instead, which would be criminal in my book. Duke, as the overall conference runner up, should go to the Orange, with Clemson heading to the Chik-Fil-A Bowl.
Now, here's a look at the overall conference breakdowns for FBS, and we also take a look at the FCS playoff picture with just one week to go in the regular season.
AAC
Bowl Slots Available: BCS + 4
Bowl Eligible: 4 (UCF, Louisville, Cincinnati, Houston)
Still Alive: 3 (SMU, Rutgers, Memphis)
The AAC should be able to fill their 5 total bowl slots, and it looks like UCF will be representing the conference in the final BCS turn. My projections early would have UCF heading to the Sugar Bowl, where they should likely face Missouri if the Tigers win out. The Knights have just about locked up the conference title, and would have to collapse to end the season to relinquish their BCS spot, which would end up as the only appearance in school history. See below to find out where everyone else may be headed.
ACC
Bowl Slots Available: BCS + 8
Bowl Eligible: 8 (Florida State, Clemson, Boston College, Maryland, Duke, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Miami)
Still Alive: Syracuse, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Pittsburgh
The ACC will likely have two teams in BCS bowls, with Florida State probably heading to the national championship game. With the Seminoles playing for a title, the other spot will be up between Clemson or Duke depending on what happens between now and the end of the season. In my opinion, with Duke heading to the ACC title game, with the likelihood that they would fall to FSU in that game, Duke would be the ACC runner up, and would be the team that I'd send to the Orange Bowl, with Clemson heading to the Chik-Fil-A. Of course, Clemson would fall ahead in the overall rankings, and that would create a mess on selection day.
There is still one spot that the ACC hasn't qualified a team for, and that spot could be filled in the next week by anyone amongst Syracuse, UNC, and Pitt.
Big 10
Bowl Slots: BCS + 7
Bowl Eligible: 7 (Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa)
Still Alive: Indiana, Northwestern
Ohio State doesn't seem to be in shape to take over a spot in the national title game, but they could if Auburn pulls an upset over Alabama. If that happens, the final title game spot could be between Baylor and the Buckeyes. As of this minute, Ohio State is heading to the Rose Bowl.
For the final 7 slots, the Big 10 has qualified only 6 teams, and it's iffy at best that a 6th team would qualify.
Indiana has struggled to get to 4 wins, and could get to 5 with a win over Purdue, but with two games coming against Ohio State and Wisconsin, the Hoosiers could fall short.
Northwestern has lost 6 straight, and they are skidding off of the road, and they would be the only other qualify. Nothing is a given with them.
Big 12
Bowl Slots: BCS + 6
Bowl Eligible: 6 (Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas Tech)
Still Alive: None
It's been established that the Big 12 will not be able to fill all of their bowl slots. There are only 6 teams that can g bowling, and with one committed to the BCS, there are only 5 left to fill 6 slots.
After Texas lost to Oklahoma State, the Big 12 is up for grabs between Baylor and Oklahoma State, with Texas still hanging on.
If the selections happened today, Baylor would be in the BCS, and heading to what would probably be the Fiesta Bowl. I would place Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl after that.
Conference USA
Bowl Slots: 6
Bowl Eligible: 6 (East Carolina, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Rice, Tulane)
Still Alive: FAU, UTSA, Louisiana Tech
CUSA will fill their bowl slots this season, which is a miracle in and of itself. It gets more interesting when you figure that with just one more win from UTSA would get them qualified as well. There will be bowl slots to steal from other leagues like the Big 10 and Big 12 who may not be able to fill their obligations, so there will be opportunity for the Roadrunners. That being said, UTSA would be better off winning both their final games than just one.
MAC
Bowl Slots: 3
Bowl Eligible: 6 (Bowling Green, Buffalo, Ohio, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Toledo)
Still Alive: Central Michigan
Buffalo was in control in the east before getting hammered this week, and Bowling Green has now stolen their place in charge of the east.
In the west, Northern Illinois cemented their spot on top, and they should be considered for the non-AQ bowl spot right now ahead of Fresno State, according to our rankings. Ball State has still lost just twice this season, and therefore, would be in solid position to head to a really decent bowl.
With the MAC qualifying 6 teams for bowls, Buffalo, Ohio, and Toledo will be stealing slots.
Mountain West
Bowl Slots: 6
Bowl Eligible: 5 (Boise State, Colorado State, Utah State, Fresno State, San Diego State)
Still Alive: Wyoming, San Jose State, UNLV
As of now, the MWC will be one short in qualifiers. They could actually be two short in their obligations, as Fresno State is the favorite to end up in the BCS (Fiesta Bowl) as the highest ranked non-AQ team in the BCS rankings, although our rankings favor Northern Illinois.
San Jose State and UNLV are both one win away from qualifying, but UNLV has been trying, and failing, for two weeks to get that win. Wyoming is falling like a rock, and San Jose State could end up filling the final spot, if their defense doesn't fail them.
PAC-12
Bowl Slots: BCS + 6
Bowl Eligible: 8 (Oregon, Stanford, Washington, Oregon State, Arizona State, UCLA, USC, Arizona)
Still Alive: Colorado, Utah, Washington State
The PAC-12 is in great position this season, and could even still get two teams in the BCS, even with no undefeated teams left in the rankings. Oregon is a lock for the Rose Bowl right now, and with a bounce back, Stanford could sneak back into the picture.
Here's an amazing thing, Washington State is just one win away from bowling. The Utah game is in Pullman, and you never can tell who will win the Apple Cup against Washington. The Cougars could get there in only the second season under Mike Leach, who just had his contract extended.
SEC
Bowl Slots: BCS + 9
Bowl Eligible: 9 (Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss)
Still Alive: Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi State
Alabama is heading to the BCS title game, unless they completely chunk it against Auburn, which could happen. That would open up the Sugar Bowl slot to either Missouri or Auburn, and Auburn is passing the Tigers by in the BCS rankings. This race is going to the wire.
The problem would be that the SEC could come up two short towards their obligations. That's odd for this power conference.
If Auburn heads to the Sugar Bowl, Missouri heads to the Cotton.
Mi
Sun Belt
Bowl Slots: 2
Bowl Eligible: 4 (UL-Lafayette, Arkansas State, Texas State, Western Kentucky)
Still Alive: UL-Monroe, Troy, South Alabama
ULL is just about ready to lock up another trip to the New Orleans Bowl. Arkansas State will most likely take the second bowl spot for the conference. More cloudy is the futures of Texas State, and WKU, neither of which are in the top 4 of the SBC standings, which could make it delicate at best for them getting a bowl invite. Better teams have been ignored, and that could yet happen, especially with the PAC-12 over shooting their obligations this season. This is a wait and watch situation at best.
We will be taking a closer look at individual bowls next week in our Week 13 Under Review Piece!
FCS Playoff Glance
Let's now take a look at who we believe will be the 24 teams participating in the FCS Playoffs in the quest for the 2013 National Title!
Big Sky Champ: Eastern Washington
Big South Champ: Coastal Carolina
Colonial Champ: Maine
Missouri Valley Champ: North Dakota State
MEAC Champ: Bethune-Cookman
Northeast Champ: Sacred Heart
Ohio Valley Champ: Eastern Illinois
Patriot Champ: Fordham
Pioneer Football Champ: San Diego
Southern Champ: Chattanooga
Southland Champ: SE Louisiana
At Large Teams
Towson...Ranked 7th in PRS
McNeese State...Ranked 12th in PRS
Charleston Southern...Ranked 13th in PRS
Montana...Ranked 15th in PRS
Sam Houston State...Ranked 17th PRS
Youngstown State...Ranked 18th PRS
Northern Arizona...Ranked 19th PRS
Lehigh...Ranked 21st PRS
Jacksonville State...Ranked 26th PRS
Tennessee State...Ranked 27th PRS
Southern Utah...Ranked 28th PRS
Samford...Ranked 30th PRS
UT-Martin...Ranked 31st PRS
Bubble Teams
Montana State, Liberty, William & Mary, New Hampshire, Delaware, South Dakota State, South Carolina State, Georgia Southern
Monday, November 18, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
As the Carousel Turns: November Openings
There have been several firings already for 2013, and that means that the Carousel has started turning early. In our opinion, that's never a terrible thing. There are six openings so far, with many more to certainly come in the upcoming weeks. Let's take a look at where we stand, and what we think will transpire when it comes to hiring replacements.
USC
We start with the biggest opening thus far, which is the USC job. Is it the most desirable job? It won't be when the smoke clears, which means that the Trojans are pipe dreaming about who they can get. The first target is Kevin Sumlin of Texas A&M.
Sumlin is absolutely not coming to USC. Let's get this clear right out of the gate. There are multitudes of reasons about why Sumlin won't be leaving for the USC job, but the core of it is that he has a better job in the SEC, and the Aggie administration will pay Sumlin more than whatever USC will offer, even if it's just on principle.
Others mentioned for the job right now are broadcaster Jon Gruden, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, and Denver interim coach Jack Del Rio. Here's another shot of truth. USC won't likely get any of these guys either.
One name that is surfacing, because I myself has put it out there, is Tim DeRuyter of Fresno State. The Bulldogs are on the verge of busting into the BCS, and in two short years, he has made waves with the Bulldogs. He is also a guy who is gettable for the Trojans without having to break the bank and do something crazy as far as payroll is concerned. Let's not forget that he's a damned good coach who could bring credibility instantly with recruits.
In the end, the guarantee is that the Trojans will do what they did when hiring Pete Carroll. They will shoot very high, and hit somewhere in the middle range of what they want.
UConn
The search in Storrs has been relatively quiet. The truth of the matter is that the Huskies are worried about who they will be competing with when the Carousel gets into full motion.
Being real, the UConn job is not a great job. The facilities are fine, but the money is probably on the lower end for BCS level coaches, and the recruiting base is putrid. UConn is in need of a splashy young coach who can get into recruiting circles outside of New England to get decent athletes. With no major candidates having been announced yet, let me post my list.
My first target would be Towson head coach Rob Ambrose. Ambrose was a former assistant for the Huskies under Randy Edsell, and he took an absolutely horrible program at Towson and turned them into a perennial playoff contender in the FCS ranks in one of the two best conferences in FCS football. He knows the school, and would likely have the reach outside of New England to be able to put the program back on track.
Jack Cosgrove of Maine is another solid coach who has a long tenure under his belt, and the Black Bears have had a better season than Towson in the Colonial. Cosgrove is a winner, and Maine has been competitive against FBS opponents.
My third candidate for now would be Harvard coach Tim Murphy. Murphy, like Cosgrove, has been able to field dominant teams in the greater New England area, and ha been listed as a solid candidate for several jobs, including Notre Dame. It's time for Murphy to move on to a bigger challenge, and UConn would be a solid fit, both from an athletics standpoint, and from an academic one as well.
Florida Atlantic
The most shocking firing has been Carl Pelini at FAU. His drug use, and weird behavior post resignation/firing was a major development, and now Patrick Chung is looking for a new leader. He actually has solid candidates in the pipeline.
The rumor last week was that Chung has interviewed Luke Fickell, the former interim head coach and current assistant at Ohio State. Fickell and Chung have a relationship from Ohio State, and he would be a solid hire for the Owls.
Another candidate who would be a huge splash would be former FIU coach and current Alabama assistant Mario Christobal. Christobal was a hot candidate for several jobs until he was dumped after his last season went just a bit awry. The firing was unjustified in my book, and many people feel that his work at FIU, and his contribution to Alabama would make him a short timer at Bama until he lands another job as the head guy. FAU could be the spot.
Eastern Michigan
Ron English was fired last week after allegedly firing off gay slurs at players in team meetings. He was fired just before the Eagles won their first game of the season against equally lowly Western Michigan. Stan Parrish is the interim coach, but wouldn't likely get the job after the season.
The real reason English was fired is simply because the record was abysmal, and it wasn't getting any better. His unfortunate rant at his players was simply frustration boiling over. It appears to me that this was simply a mechanism to fire an African American coach, because the administration was afraid to simply fire him because his record was garbage. I'm sure that English would have appreciated the honesty, and had to know that he was as good as gone anyway.
I am working on a candidate list for this job, but the Eagles will struggle to make a solid hire, as this is a terrible job, and the new administration has proven a knack for having to go through back channels just to fire a guy. We all knew he was going, but the way it went down was pure crap.
FCS
Grambling State
This is going to be a terribly difficult job to fill, as I am guessing that the current administration is not high on lists of people that coaches across America want to work for. The program and the department (and the university as a whole) is a terrible mess, and funding is not there. There will be no money in this job, and the only notoriety would be that someone can come in and clean up the program and get it winning again before moving on.
If Earnest Collins is fired at Northern Colorado, he's be a solid get for Grambling despite his losing ways at UNC. He is a former SWAC coach (Alcorn State) who understands the limitations of a cash strapped program.
Valporaiso
This is the absolute worst job in America. Dale Carlson was fired on Friday after winning just 3 games total during his tenure. Nobody is going to line up for this job, but we will work out a list of potential candidates shortly. Stay tuned.
More to come as more news develops. Expect several firings to take place in the next couple of weeks, and the Carousel will pick up steam!
USC
We start with the biggest opening thus far, which is the USC job. Is it the most desirable job? It won't be when the smoke clears, which means that the Trojans are pipe dreaming about who they can get. The first target is Kevin Sumlin of Texas A&M.
Sumlin is absolutely not coming to USC. Let's get this clear right out of the gate. There are multitudes of reasons about why Sumlin won't be leaving for the USC job, but the core of it is that he has a better job in the SEC, and the Aggie administration will pay Sumlin more than whatever USC will offer, even if it's just on principle.
Others mentioned for the job right now are broadcaster Jon Gruden, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, and Denver interim coach Jack Del Rio. Here's another shot of truth. USC won't likely get any of these guys either.
One name that is surfacing, because I myself has put it out there, is Tim DeRuyter of Fresno State. The Bulldogs are on the verge of busting into the BCS, and in two short years, he has made waves with the Bulldogs. He is also a guy who is gettable for the Trojans without having to break the bank and do something crazy as far as payroll is concerned. Let's not forget that he's a damned good coach who could bring credibility instantly with recruits.
In the end, the guarantee is that the Trojans will do what they did when hiring Pete Carroll. They will shoot very high, and hit somewhere in the middle range of what they want.
UConn
The search in Storrs has been relatively quiet. The truth of the matter is that the Huskies are worried about who they will be competing with when the Carousel gets into full motion.
Being real, the UConn job is not a great job. The facilities are fine, but the money is probably on the lower end for BCS level coaches, and the recruiting base is putrid. UConn is in need of a splashy young coach who can get into recruiting circles outside of New England to get decent athletes. With no major candidates having been announced yet, let me post my list.
My first target would be Towson head coach Rob Ambrose. Ambrose was a former assistant for the Huskies under Randy Edsell, and he took an absolutely horrible program at Towson and turned them into a perennial playoff contender in the FCS ranks in one of the two best conferences in FCS football. He knows the school, and would likely have the reach outside of New England to be able to put the program back on track.
Jack Cosgrove of Maine is another solid coach who has a long tenure under his belt, and the Black Bears have had a better season than Towson in the Colonial. Cosgrove is a winner, and Maine has been competitive against FBS opponents.
My third candidate for now would be Harvard coach Tim Murphy. Murphy, like Cosgrove, has been able to field dominant teams in the greater New England area, and ha been listed as a solid candidate for several jobs, including Notre Dame. It's time for Murphy to move on to a bigger challenge, and UConn would be a solid fit, both from an athletics standpoint, and from an academic one as well.
Florida Atlantic
The most shocking firing has been Carl Pelini at FAU. His drug use, and weird behavior post resignation/firing was a major development, and now Patrick Chung is looking for a new leader. He actually has solid candidates in the pipeline.
The rumor last week was that Chung has interviewed Luke Fickell, the former interim head coach and current assistant at Ohio State. Fickell and Chung have a relationship from Ohio State, and he would be a solid hire for the Owls.
Another candidate who would be a huge splash would be former FIU coach and current Alabama assistant Mario Christobal. Christobal was a hot candidate for several jobs until he was dumped after his last season went just a bit awry. The firing was unjustified in my book, and many people feel that his work at FIU, and his contribution to Alabama would make him a short timer at Bama until he lands another job as the head guy. FAU could be the spot.
Eastern Michigan
Ron English was fired last week after allegedly firing off gay slurs at players in team meetings. He was fired just before the Eagles won their first game of the season against equally lowly Western Michigan. Stan Parrish is the interim coach, but wouldn't likely get the job after the season.
The real reason English was fired is simply because the record was abysmal, and it wasn't getting any better. His unfortunate rant at his players was simply frustration boiling over. It appears to me that this was simply a mechanism to fire an African American coach, because the administration was afraid to simply fire him because his record was garbage. I'm sure that English would have appreciated the honesty, and had to know that he was as good as gone anyway.
I am working on a candidate list for this job, but the Eagles will struggle to make a solid hire, as this is a terrible job, and the new administration has proven a knack for having to go through back channels just to fire a guy. We all knew he was going, but the way it went down was pure crap.
FCS
Grambling State
This is going to be a terribly difficult job to fill, as I am guessing that the current administration is not high on lists of people that coaches across America want to work for. The program and the department (and the university as a whole) is a terrible mess, and funding is not there. There will be no money in this job, and the only notoriety would be that someone can come in and clean up the program and get it winning again before moving on.
If Earnest Collins is fired at Northern Colorado, he's be a solid get for Grambling despite his losing ways at UNC. He is a former SWAC coach (Alcorn State) who understands the limitations of a cash strapped program.
Valporaiso
This is the absolute worst job in America. Dale Carlson was fired on Friday after winning just 3 games total during his tenure. Nobody is going to line up for this job, but we will work out a list of potential candidates shortly. Stay tuned.
More to come as more news develops. Expect several firings to take place in the next couple of weeks, and the Carousel will pick up steam!
Bilo's Picks: Week 12
Last week, I finished 82-27 picking FBS and FCS winners. We start with Friday's schedule, and work through the weekend for week 12, as conference races are coming to a boil...
FBS
Friday
UCLA over Washington
Saturday
Penn State over Purdue
Rutgers over Cincinnati
UCF over Temple
Central Michigan over Western Michigan
Ohio State over Illinois
West Virginia over Kansas
Oklahoma over Iowa State
Ole Miss over Troy
Wisconsin over Indiana
Vanderbilt over Kentucky
Boston College over NC State
Pittsburgh over North Carolina
Virginia Tech over Maryland
FAU over Southern Mississippi
Akron over UMass
Old Dominion over Campbell
East Carolina over UAB
UL-Lafayette over Georgia State
Arizona over Washington State
SMU over UConn
BYU over Idaho State
Duke over Miami
Florida State over Syracuse
Navy over South Alabama
Auburn over Georgia
Kansas State over TCU
Michigan State over Nebraska
Michigan over Northwestern
Texas over Oklahoma State
Oregon over Utah
Colorado over California
Louisville over Houston
South Carolina over Florida
South Florida over Memphis
Baylor over Texas Tech
Rice over Louisiana Tech
Colorado State over New Mexico
Arkansas State over Texas State
Alabama over Mississippi State
UTEP over FIU
Stanford over USC
Arizona State over Oregon State
Boise State over Wyoming
San Jose State over Nevada
San Diego State over Hawaii
FCS
Delaware over Richmond
Harvard over Penn
Monmouth over Bryant
Sacred Heart over Robert Morris
St. Francis over Wagner
Duquesne over C. Connecticut State
Brown over Dartmouth
Maine over Rhode Island
Coastal Carolina over Presbyterian
Citadel over VMI
Cornell over Columbia
North Carolina A&T over Savannah State
Eastern Illinois over Jacksonville State
Eastern Kentucky over UT-Martin
Bucknell over Georgetown
Lehigh over Colgate
Butler over Morehead State
Princeton over Yale
Jacksonville over Stetson
Mercer over Marist
Charleston Southern over Gardner-Webb
William & Mary over Towson
Wofford over Appalachian State
Montana over Weber State
Northern Iowa over Missouri State
South Dakota State over South Dakota
North Dakota State over Youngstown State
Florida A&M over Delaware State
Norfolk State over North Carolina Central
SE Missouri State over Austin Peay
Dayton over Valporaiso
Prairie View over Abilene Christian
Alabama A&M over UA-Pine Bluff
Alabama State over Mississippi Valley State
Western Illinois over Indiana State
Southern Illinois over Illinois State
Howard over Texas Southern
Tennessee State over Murray State
Georgia Southern over Elon
Chattanooga over Samford
Jackson State over Alcorn State
Incarnate Word over Angelo State
Liberty over Brevard
James Madison over Stony Brook
Fordham over Lafayette
Furman over Western Carolina
New Hampshire over Albany
Eastern Washington over Cal Poly
Bethune-Cookman over Hampton
San Diego over Drake
Central Arkansas over Nicholls State
Sam Houston State over SE Louisiana
Portland State over Sacramento State
Northern Arizona over Northern Colorado
Montana State over Southern Utah
UC-Davis over North Dakota
Stephen F. Austin over Lamar
Southern over Clark
McNeese State over Northwestern State
Coming Up Next: As the Carousel Turns
FBS
Friday
UCLA over Washington
Saturday
Penn State over Purdue
Rutgers over Cincinnati
UCF over Temple
Central Michigan over Western Michigan
Ohio State over Illinois
West Virginia over Kansas
Oklahoma over Iowa State
Ole Miss over Troy
Wisconsin over Indiana
Vanderbilt over Kentucky
Boston College over NC State
Pittsburgh over North Carolina
Virginia Tech over Maryland
FAU over Southern Mississippi
Akron over UMass
Old Dominion over Campbell
East Carolina over UAB
UL-Lafayette over Georgia State
Arizona over Washington State
SMU over UConn
BYU over Idaho State
Duke over Miami
Florida State over Syracuse
Navy over South Alabama
Auburn over Georgia
Kansas State over TCU
Michigan State over Nebraska
Michigan over Northwestern
Texas over Oklahoma State
Oregon over Utah
Colorado over California
Louisville over Houston
South Carolina over Florida
South Florida over Memphis
Baylor over Texas Tech
Rice over Louisiana Tech
Colorado State over New Mexico
Arkansas State over Texas State
Alabama over Mississippi State
UTEP over FIU
Stanford over USC
Arizona State over Oregon State
Boise State over Wyoming
San Jose State over Nevada
San Diego State over Hawaii
FCS
Delaware over Richmond
Harvard over Penn
Monmouth over Bryant
Sacred Heart over Robert Morris
St. Francis over Wagner
Duquesne over C. Connecticut State
Brown over Dartmouth
Maine over Rhode Island
Coastal Carolina over Presbyterian
Citadel over VMI
Cornell over Columbia
North Carolina A&T over Savannah State
Eastern Illinois over Jacksonville State
Eastern Kentucky over UT-Martin
Bucknell over Georgetown
Lehigh over Colgate
Butler over Morehead State
Princeton over Yale
Jacksonville over Stetson
Mercer over Marist
Charleston Southern over Gardner-Webb
William & Mary over Towson
Wofford over Appalachian State
Montana over Weber State
Northern Iowa over Missouri State
South Dakota State over South Dakota
North Dakota State over Youngstown State
Florida A&M over Delaware State
Norfolk State over North Carolina Central
SE Missouri State over Austin Peay
Dayton over Valporaiso
Prairie View over Abilene Christian
Alabama A&M over UA-Pine Bluff
Alabama State over Mississippi Valley State
Western Illinois over Indiana State
Southern Illinois over Illinois State
Howard over Texas Southern
Tennessee State over Murray State
Georgia Southern over Elon
Chattanooga over Samford
Jackson State over Alcorn State
Incarnate Word over Angelo State
Liberty over Brevard
James Madison over Stony Brook
Fordham over Lafayette
Furman over Western Carolina
New Hampshire over Albany
Eastern Washington over Cal Poly
Bethune-Cookman over Hampton
San Diego over Drake
Central Arkansas over Nicholls State
Sam Houston State over SE Louisiana
Portland State over Sacramento State
Northern Arizona over Northern Colorado
Montana State over Southern Utah
UC-Davis over North Dakota
Stephen F. Austin over Lamar
Southern over Clark
McNeese State over Northwestern State
Coming Up Next: As the Carousel Turns
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Coaches Swimming In the Dead Pool
We're getting closer to the carousel season, but this year, parts of it started early with the firings at USC and UConn taking place a and month in. Let's see who else is heading out the door at the conclusion of the 2013 season, as these coaches will be swimming in our Dead Pool...
Mike London, Virginia
It has become evident that London will likely be replaced, and that the Cavs administration will kindly wait until the conclusion of the season to make it official. London has a terrible 3 year record, and his overall record at this point is just 18-29 at UVA in his 4th season. Neither the Miami game, nor the Virginia Tech game look winnable, so a 2-10 record overall is the probable outcome, which would have London finish at 18-31 after 4 seasons. The time has come for London to relent to the swirling waters of the Pool.
Paul Rhoades, Iowa State
The Cyclones barely scraped into a bowl game last season, and they are now just 1-8 on the season. Rhoades has lost the team, and the ship is sinking fast. The reality is to make a move, and make it sooner than later. A probable 2-10 finish is on the line, which would make his record just 26-35 after 5 seasons. I'm not being myopic about how much better ISU should be, but I am asking for relative competitive football, which isn't happening here.
Doug Martin, New Mexico State
NMSU is playing offense now, but their defense is a mess, and they have lost two games in a row that were winnable. The Aggies are just 1-9 right now, and Martin's overall coaching record is an abysmal 30-62 at this point. He's not the guy that will lead the Aggies out of the depths. Maybe he's back in 2014, but he won't be back beyond that.
Norm Chow, Hawaii
The mistake that keeps on giving appears to be Norm Chow. The Rainbows fell again to Navy, and there is no hope in sight. UH is a wondrous 0-9 in 2013, making Chow's record 3-18 into his second season. He'll be 3-20 when the season ends.
Charlie Molnar, UMass
This is another mistake that keeps on presenting itself in the worst possible way. The Minutemen are now just 1-8, making his second season record 2-20. Molnar has to go, and there are plenty of great New England area coaches to replace him (Tim Murphy of Harvard anyone?)
Will Muschamp, Florida
Before you wonder what I am talking about, Ron Zook was fired with similar results at Florida. Muschamp is a mess, is unlikable, and is chasing off ticket buyers faster than, well, an angry and hungry Gator. Florida is just 4-5, and will lose to Florida State, making the best possible finish 6-6. On top of all of that, Jeremy Foley gave the cursed vote of confidence today, and it gets worse, as it was an overzealous vote. Uh oh.
Already Gone
Don Treadwell, Miami (Ohio); Lane Kiffin, USC; Paul Pasqualoni, UConn, Ron English, Eastern Michigan; Doug Williams, Grambling; Dale Carlson, Valporaiso
Mike London, Virginia
It has become evident that London will likely be replaced, and that the Cavs administration will kindly wait until the conclusion of the season to make it official. London has a terrible 3 year record, and his overall record at this point is just 18-29 at UVA in his 4th season. Neither the Miami game, nor the Virginia Tech game look winnable, so a 2-10 record overall is the probable outcome, which would have London finish at 18-31 after 4 seasons. The time has come for London to relent to the swirling waters of the Pool.
Paul Rhoades, Iowa State
The Cyclones barely scraped into a bowl game last season, and they are now just 1-8 on the season. Rhoades has lost the team, and the ship is sinking fast. The reality is to make a move, and make it sooner than later. A probable 2-10 finish is on the line, which would make his record just 26-35 after 5 seasons. I'm not being myopic about how much better ISU should be, but I am asking for relative competitive football, which isn't happening here.
Doug Martin, New Mexico State
NMSU is playing offense now, but their defense is a mess, and they have lost two games in a row that were winnable. The Aggies are just 1-9 right now, and Martin's overall coaching record is an abysmal 30-62 at this point. He's not the guy that will lead the Aggies out of the depths. Maybe he's back in 2014, but he won't be back beyond that.
Norm Chow, Hawaii
The mistake that keeps on giving appears to be Norm Chow. The Rainbows fell again to Navy, and there is no hope in sight. UH is a wondrous 0-9 in 2013, making Chow's record 3-18 into his second season. He'll be 3-20 when the season ends.
Charlie Molnar, UMass
This is another mistake that keeps on presenting itself in the worst possible way. The Minutemen are now just 1-8, making his second season record 2-20. Molnar has to go, and there are plenty of great New England area coaches to replace him (Tim Murphy of Harvard anyone?)
Will Muschamp, Florida
Before you wonder what I am talking about, Ron Zook was fired with similar results at Florida. Muschamp is a mess, is unlikable, and is chasing off ticket buyers faster than, well, an angry and hungry Gator. Florida is just 4-5, and will lose to Florida State, making the best possible finish 6-6. On top of all of that, Jeremy Foley gave the cursed vote of confidence today, and it gets worse, as it was an overzealous vote. Uh oh.
Already Gone
Don Treadwell, Miami (Ohio); Lane Kiffin, USC; Paul Pasqualoni, UConn, Ron English, Eastern Michigan; Doug Williams, Grambling; Dale Carlson, Valporaiso
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Here is a mid-week look at our Coaches On the Hot Seat. If anyone on this list played last weekend, they lost. It's been a terrible week on the Hot Seat, and this week, one more gets added to the list.
Randy Edsell, Maryland
Edsell is now just 1-4 since that awful loss to Florida State that kicked off ACC play for the Terps. Edsell had a shot to pull out a 6th win in a winnable game and get the Terps back bowling for the first time since Ralph Friedgen was shown the door, but he failed miserably in 20-3 loss. With 3 games to play in 2013, Edsell is just 11-22 in his 3rd season, and Maryland has been terrible since the start of October.
Tim Beckman, Illinois
Beckman is new to the list this week, even though he is in his second season. After finishing 2-10 in 2012, the Illini are 3-6 this season. Word out of Chicago via the Sun Times is that Beckman must win two of his final three games this month, or else he is out. Beckman said in this week's Big 10 coach call that he says some development from his club, but it obviously hasn't been enough for the administration or a rather myopic fan base that really has no concept of what kind of program this is. Pushing Beckman out this soon would scare off other potential hires. Who wants to work for a school with a quick trigger finger? Especially when talent isn't very good on the roster, and the competition is fierce.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Where Illinois has no patience, the Wildcats have plenty. Fitzgerald's teams have been known for mid-season collapses that usually last until the end of the season, and this season is no different. The Ohio State loss in Evanston was the first of 5 straight, and not only has Northwestern not won a Big 10 game, they also haven't won since you could go out at night without a coat in greater Chicagoland.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Another week, and another Big 12 loss for Weis and Kansas. Weis' record at KU is now 3-18 overall, with an 0-14 record in conference play. I haven't heard a word on what's going on in Lawrence, but they can't be happy about this. He likely gets 2014 to figure it out.
Garrick McGee, UAB
Blazer fans (yes, they exist) are not happy with McGee so far, and they are taking to the web in searches for news on his job status. I'm getting online inquiries in form of searches on this site, so yeah, things are getting heated in Birmingham. UAB is just 5-16 so far including his second season in 2013. Patience is wearing out quickly, with little in the way of improvement showing.
Ron Turner, FIU
You don't have to go far to feel the temps rising under Turner. He's in his first year, but it's largely looking like a mistake hire of a guy who had a 42-61 overall record entering 2013. At 1-8, it's not looking good. Turner, however, should get one more season to put something together. According to online searches and trending, many don't feel as I do.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
After what was a surprising 2012, it's been a nightmarish 2013, with the Golden Hurricane sitting at just 2-7. This season has been a disaster, with Tulsa falling short of just about every stat throughout from last season, and this wasn't supposed to happen. Blankenship is still playing with largely the same club from a before he took over, but as his guys bleed into the system, it feels like the life is bleeding out of the program. I believe that he gets 2014 to make it right, but the heat is on now.
Rich Ellersen, Army
I haven't heard any news coming out of West Point for a while. We can probably blame poor QB play, with Trent Steelman graduating after last season, and let's face it, Angel Santiago is no Trent Steelman. However, there's more to Army's fall, and someone will have to figure it out. Ellersen is a West Point man, so I see another season for him, but it'll be bowl or bust.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
The Cowboys are yet another team in a collapsing mess. After a hot start, they now find themselves at 4-5, and that is a year after Christensen was a chronic hot seater who somehow finagled another season out of his administration. He's in his 5th season, with a record of just 26-33. That's a failure, and with another loss, it'll be a dip in the Dead Pool.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Largely popular at the Academy, Calhoun is feeling some pressure in a season that shows wins over just Colgate and Army. He's in his 7th season, but could things be getting stale? Calhoun is saved largely from his popularity, and from an overall 49-39 record. I feel that he comes back in 2014, but there will be a serious fire burning.
Bobby Hauck, UNLV
This may be a one week stay on the Hot Seat, but Hauck has struck out the last two weeks in getting to 6 wins, and if UNLV falls in their final two games, the Rebels would miss a bowl yet again. If that happens, Hauck could be on the outside, especially with a new AD coming on un Vegas.
Mark Richt, Georgia
Richt is 6-3 this season, but so much more was expected. Remember, UGA fired Jim Donnan with a solid record. The Bulldogs are not afraid to fire successful coaches, and Richt has been an underachiever.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
Mullen has not been the savior in Starkville that many felt he would be, and that's bad news for Mullen. In his 5th season, he is currently just 33-27, which is fairly almost irrelevant in the SEC West. Pressure is rising, and many sources have him on the radar for potentially being gone.
Todd Berry, UL-Monroe
With a 5-5 record in 2013, Berry is just 22-25 overall in his 4th season, and is just 27-67 for his career. If ULM misses out on a bowl, it may be time to think about another direction.
Larry Blakeney, Troy
The Hot Seater with the longest tenure, Blakeney is in his 13th season with the Trojans. He is 82-74 overall, but the last three years have seen this program hit the skids, despite having all everything QB Corey Robinson. There may be a change with a failure to reach a bowl, and Troy has just two remaining games to make that happen, sitting currently at just 5-5.
Coming Up Tomorrow...Bilo's Week 12 Picks, and Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool
Randy Edsell, Maryland
Edsell is now just 1-4 since that awful loss to Florida State that kicked off ACC play for the Terps. Edsell had a shot to pull out a 6th win in a winnable game and get the Terps back bowling for the first time since Ralph Friedgen was shown the door, but he failed miserably in 20-3 loss. With 3 games to play in 2013, Edsell is just 11-22 in his 3rd season, and Maryland has been terrible since the start of October.
Tim Beckman, Illinois
Beckman is new to the list this week, even though he is in his second season. After finishing 2-10 in 2012, the Illini are 3-6 this season. Word out of Chicago via the Sun Times is that Beckman must win two of his final three games this month, or else he is out. Beckman said in this week's Big 10 coach call that he says some development from his club, but it obviously hasn't been enough for the administration or a rather myopic fan base that really has no concept of what kind of program this is. Pushing Beckman out this soon would scare off other potential hires. Who wants to work for a school with a quick trigger finger? Especially when talent isn't very good on the roster, and the competition is fierce.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Where Illinois has no patience, the Wildcats have plenty. Fitzgerald's teams have been known for mid-season collapses that usually last until the end of the season, and this season is no different. The Ohio State loss in Evanston was the first of 5 straight, and not only has Northwestern not won a Big 10 game, they also haven't won since you could go out at night without a coat in greater Chicagoland.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Another week, and another Big 12 loss for Weis and Kansas. Weis' record at KU is now 3-18 overall, with an 0-14 record in conference play. I haven't heard a word on what's going on in Lawrence, but they can't be happy about this. He likely gets 2014 to figure it out.
Garrick McGee, UAB
Blazer fans (yes, they exist) are not happy with McGee so far, and they are taking to the web in searches for news on his job status. I'm getting online inquiries in form of searches on this site, so yeah, things are getting heated in Birmingham. UAB is just 5-16 so far including his second season in 2013. Patience is wearing out quickly, with little in the way of improvement showing.
Ron Turner, FIU
You don't have to go far to feel the temps rising under Turner. He's in his first year, but it's largely looking like a mistake hire of a guy who had a 42-61 overall record entering 2013. At 1-8, it's not looking good. Turner, however, should get one more season to put something together. According to online searches and trending, many don't feel as I do.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
After what was a surprising 2012, it's been a nightmarish 2013, with the Golden Hurricane sitting at just 2-7. This season has been a disaster, with Tulsa falling short of just about every stat throughout from last season, and this wasn't supposed to happen. Blankenship is still playing with largely the same club from a before he took over, but as his guys bleed into the system, it feels like the life is bleeding out of the program. I believe that he gets 2014 to make it right, but the heat is on now.
Rich Ellersen, Army
I haven't heard any news coming out of West Point for a while. We can probably blame poor QB play, with Trent Steelman graduating after last season, and let's face it, Angel Santiago is no Trent Steelman. However, there's more to Army's fall, and someone will have to figure it out. Ellersen is a West Point man, so I see another season for him, but it'll be bowl or bust.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
The Cowboys are yet another team in a collapsing mess. After a hot start, they now find themselves at 4-5, and that is a year after Christensen was a chronic hot seater who somehow finagled another season out of his administration. He's in his 5th season, with a record of just 26-33. That's a failure, and with another loss, it'll be a dip in the Dead Pool.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Largely popular at the Academy, Calhoun is feeling some pressure in a season that shows wins over just Colgate and Army. He's in his 7th season, but could things be getting stale? Calhoun is saved largely from his popularity, and from an overall 49-39 record. I feel that he comes back in 2014, but there will be a serious fire burning.
Bobby Hauck, UNLV
This may be a one week stay on the Hot Seat, but Hauck has struck out the last two weeks in getting to 6 wins, and if UNLV falls in their final two games, the Rebels would miss a bowl yet again. If that happens, Hauck could be on the outside, especially with a new AD coming on un Vegas.
Mark Richt, Georgia
Richt is 6-3 this season, but so much more was expected. Remember, UGA fired Jim Donnan with a solid record. The Bulldogs are not afraid to fire successful coaches, and Richt has been an underachiever.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
Mullen has not been the savior in Starkville that many felt he would be, and that's bad news for Mullen. In his 5th season, he is currently just 33-27, which is fairly almost irrelevant in the SEC West. Pressure is rising, and many sources have him on the radar for potentially being gone.
Todd Berry, UL-Monroe
With a 5-5 record in 2013, Berry is just 22-25 overall in his 4th season, and is just 27-67 for his career. If ULM misses out on a bowl, it may be time to think about another direction.
Larry Blakeney, Troy
The Hot Seater with the longest tenure, Blakeney is in his 13th season with the Trojans. He is 82-74 overall, but the last three years have seen this program hit the skids, despite having all everything QB Corey Robinson. There may be a change with a failure to reach a bowl, and Troy has just two remaining games to make that happen, sitting currently at just 5-5.
Coming Up Tomorrow...Bilo's Week 12 Picks, and Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool
Monday, November 11, 2013
Week 11 PRS Rankings (FBS and FCS)
As we get closer to the end of the season, we can start to see how the rankings are breaking down in comparison with where the BCS rankings sit, and we can start to see how accurate or inaccurate the mainstream rankings may be. Here's the latest breakdown:
FBS
1. Florida State 9-0, 2175...The Noles have been red hot lately. Smashing their way into title game.
2. Alabama 9-0, 2141...Tide is right behind the Noles, and they are looking like a title game lock.
3. Northern Illinois 9-0, 2028...The Huskies lead Fresno State by 113 points. Slim margin.
4. Ohio State 9-0, 1989...The Buckeyes can get into BCS title game, but looks like BCS has it right.
5. Fresno State 9-0, 1915...Trailing NIU in our rankings for that precious non-AQ spot.
6. Baylor 8-0, 1874...Bears can't get into top 3, but have one more to play than the others.
7. Missouri 9-1, 1766...Tigers can finish in top 5, but winning out is a must to win SEC East.
8. Ball State 9-1, 1761...BSU is MAC team nobody's talking about. Great season for Pete Lembo.
9. Oregon 8-1, 1753...Ducks loss to Stanford was painful not just for them, but for conference profile.
10. Auburn 9-1, 1706...Tigers are one of the most surprising teams in nation. Look out Bama!
11. Louisville 8-1, 1603...Cards have underperformed week in and out. Record is deceiving.
12. Stanford 8-1, 1599...Cardinal got huge win over Oregon, but top 5 in BCS is nuts.
13. Oklahoma State 8-1, 1596...Been a quiet season for OSU, who can still win Big 12.
14. Clemson 8-1, 1529...Tigers lost some wind after FSU loss, but they are still strong.
15. Central Florida 7-1, 1457...Knights can climb much higher with 4 left. Sugar Bowl likely.
16. Texas 7-2, 1398...Horns survived tough test in Morgantown. Still unbeaten in Big 12 okay.
17. Michigan State 8-1, 1377...The Spartans are a shocking challenger for Big 10 title.
18. Texas A&M 8-2, 1360...Aggies are surviving, not dominating. Manziel has been a pick machine.
19. UCLA 7-2, 1352...Bruins used defense on offense to win with Myles Jack. It worked.
20. South Carolina 7-2, 1279...Gamecocks are still not out of it in SEC East.
21. Arizona State 7-2, 1204...Devils, not UCLA, control the PAC-12 South race.
22. Minnesota 8-2, 1201...The Gophers are a huge shock in 2013. Best team in years.
23. Wisconsin 7-2, 1183...Badgers handled BYU at home. Better than they should be.
24. Oklahoma 7-2, 1179...The Sooners are forgotten about in Big 12, and looked horrible this week.
25. Houston 7-2, 1176...Cougs lost out on AAC title with loss to UCF. Still a solid season.
The Next Ten
North Texas, East Carolina, UL-Lafayette, USC, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Duke
The Bottom Ten
Hawaii, FIU, UConn, Idaho, Purdue, California, Southern Mississippi, New Mexico State, Miami (Ohio), Georgia State
FCS
1. Fordham 10-0, 2348
2. Eastern Illinois 9-1, 2252
3. Coastal Carolina 9-1, 2043
4. North Dakota State 9-0, 1996
5. Maine 9-1, 1951
6. SE Louisiana 8-2, 1843
7. Charleston Southern 10-1, 1830
8. Towson 8-2, 1782
9. Youngstown State 8-2, 1734
10. Sam Houston State 8-2, 1693
11. Old Dominion 7-3, 1692
12. Eastern Washington 8-2, 1679
13. Bethune-Cookman 8-2, 1595
14. Jackson State 8-2, 1564
15. Princeton 7-1, 1563
16. McNeese State 8-1, 1522
17. Chattanooga 8-2, 1497
18. Jacksonville State 8-2, 1491
19. Harvard 7-1, 1458
20. Montana 8-2, 1387
21. Sacred Heart 9-2, 1324
22. Northern Arizona 7-2, 1318
23. Marist 7-3, 1221
24. Lehigh 7-2, 1200
25. Alcorn State 8-3, 1192
The Next Ten
Montana State, Delaware, William & Mary, Tennessee State, South Carolina State, Samford, San Diego, Mercer, Southern Utah, UT-Martin
The Bottom Ten
Georgetown, Stetson, Albany, Austin Peay, Grambling State, Northern Colorado, Savannah State, Valporaiso, Columbia, Davidson
FBS
1. Florida State 9-0, 2175...The Noles have been red hot lately. Smashing their way into title game.
2. Alabama 9-0, 2141...Tide is right behind the Noles, and they are looking like a title game lock.
3. Northern Illinois 9-0, 2028...The Huskies lead Fresno State by 113 points. Slim margin.
4. Ohio State 9-0, 1989...The Buckeyes can get into BCS title game, but looks like BCS has it right.
5. Fresno State 9-0, 1915...Trailing NIU in our rankings for that precious non-AQ spot.
6. Baylor 8-0, 1874...Bears can't get into top 3, but have one more to play than the others.
7. Missouri 9-1, 1766...Tigers can finish in top 5, but winning out is a must to win SEC East.
8. Ball State 9-1, 1761...BSU is MAC team nobody's talking about. Great season for Pete Lembo.
9. Oregon 8-1, 1753...Ducks loss to Stanford was painful not just for them, but for conference profile.
10. Auburn 9-1, 1706...Tigers are one of the most surprising teams in nation. Look out Bama!
11. Louisville 8-1, 1603...Cards have underperformed week in and out. Record is deceiving.
12. Stanford 8-1, 1599...Cardinal got huge win over Oregon, but top 5 in BCS is nuts.
13. Oklahoma State 8-1, 1596...Been a quiet season for OSU, who can still win Big 12.
14. Clemson 8-1, 1529...Tigers lost some wind after FSU loss, but they are still strong.
15. Central Florida 7-1, 1457...Knights can climb much higher with 4 left. Sugar Bowl likely.
16. Texas 7-2, 1398...Horns survived tough test in Morgantown. Still unbeaten in Big 12 okay.
17. Michigan State 8-1, 1377...The Spartans are a shocking challenger for Big 10 title.
18. Texas A&M 8-2, 1360...Aggies are surviving, not dominating. Manziel has been a pick machine.
19. UCLA 7-2, 1352...Bruins used defense on offense to win with Myles Jack. It worked.
20. South Carolina 7-2, 1279...Gamecocks are still not out of it in SEC East.
21. Arizona State 7-2, 1204...Devils, not UCLA, control the PAC-12 South race.
22. Minnesota 8-2, 1201...The Gophers are a huge shock in 2013. Best team in years.
23. Wisconsin 7-2, 1183...Badgers handled BYU at home. Better than they should be.
24. Oklahoma 7-2, 1179...The Sooners are forgotten about in Big 12, and looked horrible this week.
25. Houston 7-2, 1176...Cougs lost out on AAC title with loss to UCF. Still a solid season.
The Next Ten
North Texas, East Carolina, UL-Lafayette, USC, Cincinnati, Buffalo, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Duke
The Bottom Ten
Hawaii, FIU, UConn, Idaho, Purdue, California, Southern Mississippi, New Mexico State, Miami (Ohio), Georgia State
FCS
1. Fordham 10-0, 2348
2. Eastern Illinois 9-1, 2252
3. Coastal Carolina 9-1, 2043
4. North Dakota State 9-0, 1996
5. Maine 9-1, 1951
6. SE Louisiana 8-2, 1843
7. Charleston Southern 10-1, 1830
8. Towson 8-2, 1782
9. Youngstown State 8-2, 1734
10. Sam Houston State 8-2, 1693
11. Old Dominion 7-3, 1692
12. Eastern Washington 8-2, 1679
13. Bethune-Cookman 8-2, 1595
14. Jackson State 8-2, 1564
15. Princeton 7-1, 1563
16. McNeese State 8-1, 1522
17. Chattanooga 8-2, 1497
18. Jacksonville State 8-2, 1491
19. Harvard 7-1, 1458
20. Montana 8-2, 1387
21. Sacred Heart 9-2, 1324
22. Northern Arizona 7-2, 1318
23. Marist 7-3, 1221
24. Lehigh 7-2, 1200
25. Alcorn State 8-3, 1192
The Next Ten
Montana State, Delaware, William & Mary, Tennessee State, South Carolina State, Samford, San Diego, Mercer, Southern Utah, UT-Martin
The Bottom Ten
Georgetown, Stetson, Albany, Austin Peay, Grambling State, Northern Colorado, Savannah State, Valporaiso, Columbia, Davidson
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Week 11 Under Review: FBS Bowl and FCS Playoff Countdown
We have now put week 11 into the books officially, and what a strange ride it was. Up was down and down was up once again, and like last weekend, several bowl and playoff spots were up for grabs. There has been some separation in some conferences, while there is just as much confusion and more in others. Here is a look at what transpired, and where the bowl and FCS playoff spots stand.
FBS
AAC
Bowl Eligible: UCF, Louisville, Cincinnati, Houston
UCF has taken control of the AAC race after beating Houston this weekend. Both teams were fighting for a place in the final BCS spot ever, and UCF edged out the Cougars to take control.
Only Cincinnati has a shot at the AAC title now, but must get a UCF loss or two, and must win out themselves to lock it down. Louisville and Houston are bowl bound, but have both already fallen to UCF this season. As of now, it looks like the AAC will struggle overall to fill their 5 spots, with Rutgers probably skidding in at the last moment.
Still Alive: Rutgers, SMU, USF, Memphis
Rutgers is still one win away from qualifying, but they have 4 games left on the schedule to get it. The Scarlet Knights are a lock in my book to get that 6th win needed. SMU fell to Cincinnati, and is still way back at 3-5, needing 3 wins in their final 4 games, which is highly unlikely at this point. USF and Memphis are both 2-6, and need to win out. One loss, and both the Mustangs and Tigers join UConn and Temple at home for the holidays.
Home For the Holidays: UConn, Temple
ACC
Bowl Eligible: Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Duke, Miami
The Seminoles have now officially won the Atlantic Division of the ACC, and will play in the conference title game. There wasn't much drama in doing so, as the Seminoles locked it down with a 59-3 win over hapless Wake Forest. Georgia Tech leads the Coastal Division by a half game over Virginia Tech, but neither team looks to threaten FSU and a conference crown, which would likely send FSU to the BCS title game against Alabama. Clemson looks likely headed to the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, my favorite non-major bowl game.
Of the remaining two teams not mentioned, Duke is streaking (7th win), while Miami is fading fast with their second consecutive loss. Duke's David Cutliffe has gone from our Hot Seat to a contender for our Coach of the Year award in the ACC.
Still Alive: Syracuse, Boston College, Wake Forest, Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh
Mathematically, several teams are still alive, but let's talk reality. Of this group, most can get there with realistic chances, except for Wake Forest, who is just about as bad as it gets, and NC State, who remains winless in ACC play. Syracuse and BC are improving every week, despite BC's near fatal loss to New Mexico State before pulling away. Syracuse now has a winning streak, and they are playing excellent defense against bad teams. Pitt and UNC got much needed wins this weekend, although Pitt's win over an average Notre Dame team was more impressive. UNC tore up Virginia, which has become the doormat to the rest of the ACC under soon to be probably fired Mike London.
Maryland, who started out 4-0, is now just 1-4 since that time, and I am beginning to wonder if they can just pull out one win in their final 3 to get eligible.
Home For the Holidays: Virginia
Big 10
Bowl Eligible: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan
Congrats to the Iowa Hawkeyes, who became eligible with a win over Purdue this week. They give the Big 10 7 teams that will play in bowls this season. Here's the rub...the Big 10 has 8 bowl slots.
Ohio State is likely headed to the Big 10 title game, having already beaten Wisconsin. NO other team is in range of striking, so the Buckeyes seem a lock right now.
In the Legends Division (they will change these stupid divisional names one day, right?) it's now between Michigan State and Nebraska next Saturday for the likely birth in the conference title game to play the Buckeyes. With a little luck in their pocket, red hot Minnesota could steal the division still, but sits 2 games out.
Michigan is fading out quickly, and is now just 2-3 in Big 10 play, but 6-3 overall. The Wolverines are in collapse mode after falling to Nebraska with just over 2 minutes left on Saturday, 17-13 being the final score.
Still Alive: Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern
Again, we have to look at reality here. None of these teams seem likely to qualify for bowls, leaving the Big 10 one team short in fulfilling their bowl slots. No worries, as the MAC, MWC, and Sun Belt will fill the gap happily. Indiana needs 3 wins, as does Illinois, and Northwestern hasn't won since late September.
Home For the Holidays: Penn State, Purdue
Big 12
Bowl Eligible: Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
The Big 12 has 7 bowl slots, and right now can only fill 5. We'll get to that below. Texas remained unbeaten in Big 12 play with a well earned OT win over West Virginia. WVU isn't very good, but winning in Morgantown is still an accomplishment not to be tossed aside. The Horns final three games are against Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Baylor, all in that order. Brutal!
Baylor should remain unbeaten until the finale against Texas, but their schedule is tough as well. They handled Oklahoma with ease this week, but they still get Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas on the schedule. Baylor looks golden to the end, but there are challenges ahead.
Oklahoma State still looks solid, but they play Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma still.
Texas Tech has faded from view quicker than an 80's fad, with their 3rd consecutive loss at the hands of Kansas State.
Still Alive: Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia
After beating Texas Tech, Kansas State is just one win away from getting to a bowl, and it loks likely that Bill Snyder's Wildcats will make it happen. TCU and WVU on the other hand, don't look likely to help their conference fill that 7th slot.
Home For the Holidays: Kansas, Iowa
Conference USA
Bowl Eligible: East Carolina, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Rice, Tulane
CUSA is primed to fill all of their bowl slots this season, which is great news considering some of the unexpected teams that have come so far this year.
East Carolina has a half game lead over Marshall in the East, and must travel to play the Herd in the season finale for what should be all of the marbles and a birth in the CUSA title game. MTSU isn't out of it, but they will need some help. The Blue Raiders became bow eligible just this weekend.
In the West, North Texas has a full game lead over Rice, but Tulane and UTSA are still very much alive in the hunt.
Still Alive: FAU, Louisiana Tech, UTSA
The amazing UTSA Roadrunners are now 5-5 in only their second full season in FBS play. One more win, and CUSA has 7 bowl eligible teams for only 6 slots. CUSA will take a spot from another conference, and will do so with a smile. UTSA will get that 6th win, and are still on the edge of the hunt for the West Division title.
While technically still in the race for a bowl bid, reality states that FAU and Louisiana Tech are really just in the hunt in name only.
Home For the Holidays: UAB, FIU, Southern Mississippi, Tulsa, UTEP
Independents
Bowl Eligible: Notre Dame, BYU
Neither the Irish or the Cougars did themselves any favors with road losses to Pitt and Wisconsin this week. For Notre Dame, they likely played themselves out of a BCS spot. A New Year's Day Bowl is still in range, but BCS is done.
For BYU, it matters not, as they will still play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, their designated bowl spot, against a team from the PAC-12.
Still Alive: Navy
Navy rolled past Hawaii this weekend, 42-28, and is now just one win away from playing in the Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas, their designated bowl slot for 2013.
Home For the Holidays: Army, New Mexico State, Idaho
MAC
Bowl Eligible: Buffalo, Bowling Green, Ohio, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Toledo
The MAC has 6 eligible teams for 3 spots, so they will be filling some spots that other conferences will fail to fill.
Buffalo controls their fate in the east, with a one game lead over Bowling Green. The Bulls and Falcons meet in the season finale for what would be a division title and a birth in the MAC title game.
In the East, it's all coming down to an epic battle between Ball State and last week's PRS number one ranked team, Northern Illinois. They meet this Wednesday night with NIU hosting. It's going to be a must watch game to send one of these two teams to a date in the MAC title game.
Ohio fell flat this week in a loss to Buffalo, but will most definitely be making a bowl appearance somewhere. Toledo is just behind two power brokers in the West, but they are bowling as well.
Still Alive: Central Michigan
While still alive by the math, CMU will likely not make a 7th bowl team for the MAC, as they would have to win their 3 remaining games just to qualify as they sit at 3-6 after falling to Ball State.
Home For the Holidays: Akron, UMass, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan
Mountain West
Bowl Eligible: Utah State, Boise State, Fresno State
The MWC has 6 slots to fill, and has only filled half of that so far. Fresno State could be in a BCS game, which would mean that the conference could have to fill a 7th slot. That could still happen, but it's getting late in the game.
Fresno State stayed alive in their BCS quest by hammering Wyoming Saturday, while Utah State squeaked by at UNLV to get eligible. USU also took a half game lead on Boise State, but that's not likely to last. My prediction remains Fresno State playing Boise State in the first ever MWC title game.
Still Alive: Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV
4 teams could qualify for bowls with their next win in Colorado State, San Diego State, San Jose State, and UNLV. The first three are locks in my book, but UNLV has been trying for two weeks to get their 6th win, and they keep falling short. That being said, they need one win in their final two games. It's getting tight. If UNLV can get that win, they will give the MWC their 7th eligible team for 6 bowl slots.
Home For the Holidays: Air Force, Nevada, Hawaii
PAC-12
Bowl Eligible: Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Arizona State, UCLA, USC, Arizona
The PAC-12 has 7 bowl slots, and they have 8 teams ready to bowl. It's a great problem to have in what has been a strong showing for the conference.
Stanford is the group villain after knocking Oregon from the BCS title picture this week, even though the Cardinal did everything they could to give the game away late. Stanford remains in the BCS title picture, but with one loss, they'd need a lot of help that is likely not to come. They look targeted for the Rose Bowl.
Oregon could still fit into the BCS bowl picture somehow by winning out, but they really fell flat at Stanford on Thursday, and now they are playing for peanuts compared to a title.
Oregon State and Washington are in spoiler roles, but are going bowling for certain.
In the South, Arizona State barely held onto their edge by rallying to beat Utah. They still have UCLA and Arizona on the schedule, so they are far from a lock to play Stanford in the conference title game.
UCLA decided that what their offense needed was great defense in their 31-26 win at Arizona, so they put in packages containing several defensive players on offense, and it worked brilliantly, with the super talented Myles Jack leading the way with 120 yards and a TD on just 6 carries. He also recorded 8 tackles, 2 defended passes, and a fumble recovery after Arizona fumbled on the UCLA one yard line. Jack also nearly broke free on a fake punt, and was overthrown despite being all by himself in the open field. The loss took Arizona out of the South title chase, but they too will still bowl.
Here's the kicker to the whole mess. USC can still win the South, play in a conference title game, and go to the Rose Bowl. Blocking their way would be games against Stanford on the road, and UCLA at home in the season finale on November 30th. Yeah..not going to happen, but anything is possible.
One thing to note here is that the South is one hell of a lot better now than it was a year ago, and it's getting better.
Still Alive: Washington State, Utah, Colorado
WSU has to win 2 of 3 to finish the season to get that 6th win, and while possible, it's not likely to happen. Utah is in the same boat, and they look more in line with a team that can pull it off, even though they have struggled with consistency. The two play each other on the 23rd in what could decide which team could end up bowling.
Colorado is unlikely to win their final three games, but despite getting hammered 59-7 at Washington yesterday, the Buffaloes are a team that will be much improved in 2014.
Home For the Holidays: California
SEC
Bowl Eligible: Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss
I am not a big believer of any conference owning 10 bowl slots, but that's what we have here. Right now, the SEC can fill 8 of the 10.
Missouri cruised to a huge win over Kentucky, which was hardly surprising. Mizzou knocked UK out of bowl consideration in the process. The Tigers still control the SEC East race, but South Carolina is still nipping at their heels. If the Tigers slip up, South Carolina can steal the SEC East crown and would likely play Alabama in the SEC title game.
Georgia is the only other team in the east that has qualified, and they cruised to a 45-6 win over Appalachian State, who is playing their final season as an FCS program.
Alabama dominated LSU, and for a change, someone actually scored points in this game this season. Bama is in control, and nobody has what it takes to beat them.
The only team left on Alabama's schedule that can challenge them would be Auburn, and Auburn made short work of Tennessee, all on the ground and on special teams. The Tigers are the only team left that can steal the west from the Tide.
Texas A&M, LSU, and Ole Miss all picked up wins on Saturday, but none of them are in range to challenge.
Still Alive: Florida, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Mississippi State
If there is one team on this list that I see as a qualifier, it has to be Vanderbilt. They handled the Gators in Gainesville 34-17 this weekend, and perhaps destroyed what's left of Florida's season. The Gators will certainly fall to Florida State in the finale, and that would give them 6 losses. Will Muschamp has lost the faithful, and they may lose him when it's all said and done.
Tennessee and Mississippi State are two teams on downward trends, and the Vols are one loss away from being eliminated. Mississippi State has a grace period of one loss, but two more and it's game over until 2014. Will Dan Mullen be back for more if that's the case?
Home For the Holidays: Kentucky, Arkansas
Sun Belt
Bowl Eligible: UL-Lafayette, Texas State, Western Kentucky
There are only two bids owned by the Sun Belt, and right now there are three teams that are eligible. Here's an issue that I see. While UL-Lafayette is a lock, and leads the league, Texas State and Western Kentucky are further down in the standings, with Texas State 5th, and WKU 6th. I really cannot see those two schools finishing so low in the standings, and still getting bowl invites. Especially if the teams that are above them and are still alive manage to qualify.
Still Alive: Arkansas State, UL-Monroe, Troy, South Alabama
Even though the three teams that are eligible are already there, three of four of these teams are ahead of Texas State and WKU in the standings. Arkansas State, ULM, and Troy are all one win away from qualifying. Any one of these teams manages to get that 6th win, and you can forget about TSU and WKU getting into the postseason.
Home For the Holidays: Georgia State
FCS
Big Sky
There was finally some separation at the top this weekend when Eastern Washington took out Montana State. There could be as many as 5 bids out of the Big Sky.
In: Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Montana State, Montana
Bubble: Southern Utah
Big South
There was a major shift this weekend, when Charleston Southern defeated Coastal Carolina. The Buccaneers now control the Big South title, but there may be two bids anyway.
In: Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina
Bubble: Liberty
Colonial
James Madison fell out of contention, but could be on the bubble with a win in their season finale. There could only be 4 bids this season, but there's still an open door for more.
In: Maine, William & Mary, Delaware, Towson
Bubble: New Hampshire, James Madison
MEAC
Bethune-Cookman's weekend loss didn't stabilize anything, but luckily they've already beaten SC State. One more loss, however...
In: Bethune-Cookman
Bubble: South Carolina State
Northeast
Sacred Heart has done the unthinkable thing this season, and by beating Duquesne 10-0, they have taken charge in the NEC.
In: Sacred Heart
Bubble: None
Ohio Valley
The conference title is likely headed to Eastern Illinois, as the Panthers now control a two game lead.
In: Eastern Illinois, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State
Bubble: None
Patriot
Fordham is still hanging on to control, and the number one ranking in out PRS rankings, and will likely be the lone team in the playoffs. That being said, Lehigh is still on the fringe.
In: Fordham
Bubble: Lehigh
Pioneer Football
There is still a 3 way tie at the top of the conference. There are two weeks left to sort it out.
In: Butler
Bubble: San Diego, Marist
Southern
Let's face it, it's been a terrible year in the SoCon. It could be a one bid year, two at the most.
In: Chattanooga
Bubble: Samford, Wofford
Southland
It's been a tremendous year at the top of the SLC, and SE Louisiana is having their best season since 1982. They will be rewarded.
In: SE Louisiana, Sam Houston State, McNeese State
Bubble: None
FBS
AAC
Bowl Eligible: UCF, Louisville, Cincinnati, Houston
UCF has taken control of the AAC race after beating Houston this weekend. Both teams were fighting for a place in the final BCS spot ever, and UCF edged out the Cougars to take control.
Only Cincinnati has a shot at the AAC title now, but must get a UCF loss or two, and must win out themselves to lock it down. Louisville and Houston are bowl bound, but have both already fallen to UCF this season. As of now, it looks like the AAC will struggle overall to fill their 5 spots, with Rutgers probably skidding in at the last moment.
Still Alive: Rutgers, SMU, USF, Memphis
Rutgers is still one win away from qualifying, but they have 4 games left on the schedule to get it. The Scarlet Knights are a lock in my book to get that 6th win needed. SMU fell to Cincinnati, and is still way back at 3-5, needing 3 wins in their final 4 games, which is highly unlikely at this point. USF and Memphis are both 2-6, and need to win out. One loss, and both the Mustangs and Tigers join UConn and Temple at home for the holidays.
Home For the Holidays: UConn, Temple
ACC
Bowl Eligible: Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Duke, Miami
The Seminoles have now officially won the Atlantic Division of the ACC, and will play in the conference title game. There wasn't much drama in doing so, as the Seminoles locked it down with a 59-3 win over hapless Wake Forest. Georgia Tech leads the Coastal Division by a half game over Virginia Tech, but neither team looks to threaten FSU and a conference crown, which would likely send FSU to the BCS title game against Alabama. Clemson looks likely headed to the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, my favorite non-major bowl game.
Of the remaining two teams not mentioned, Duke is streaking (7th win), while Miami is fading fast with their second consecutive loss. Duke's David Cutliffe has gone from our Hot Seat to a contender for our Coach of the Year award in the ACC.
Still Alive: Syracuse, Boston College, Wake Forest, Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh
Mathematically, several teams are still alive, but let's talk reality. Of this group, most can get there with realistic chances, except for Wake Forest, who is just about as bad as it gets, and NC State, who remains winless in ACC play. Syracuse and BC are improving every week, despite BC's near fatal loss to New Mexico State before pulling away. Syracuse now has a winning streak, and they are playing excellent defense against bad teams. Pitt and UNC got much needed wins this weekend, although Pitt's win over an average Notre Dame team was more impressive. UNC tore up Virginia, which has become the doormat to the rest of the ACC under soon to be probably fired Mike London.
Maryland, who started out 4-0, is now just 1-4 since that time, and I am beginning to wonder if they can just pull out one win in their final 3 to get eligible.
Home For the Holidays: Virginia
Big 10
Bowl Eligible: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan
Congrats to the Iowa Hawkeyes, who became eligible with a win over Purdue this week. They give the Big 10 7 teams that will play in bowls this season. Here's the rub...the Big 10 has 8 bowl slots.
Ohio State is likely headed to the Big 10 title game, having already beaten Wisconsin. NO other team is in range of striking, so the Buckeyes seem a lock right now.
In the Legends Division (they will change these stupid divisional names one day, right?) it's now between Michigan State and Nebraska next Saturday for the likely birth in the conference title game to play the Buckeyes. With a little luck in their pocket, red hot Minnesota could steal the division still, but sits 2 games out.
Michigan is fading out quickly, and is now just 2-3 in Big 10 play, but 6-3 overall. The Wolverines are in collapse mode after falling to Nebraska with just over 2 minutes left on Saturday, 17-13 being the final score.
Still Alive: Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern
Again, we have to look at reality here. None of these teams seem likely to qualify for bowls, leaving the Big 10 one team short in fulfilling their bowl slots. No worries, as the MAC, MWC, and Sun Belt will fill the gap happily. Indiana needs 3 wins, as does Illinois, and Northwestern hasn't won since late September.
Home For the Holidays: Penn State, Purdue
Big 12
Bowl Eligible: Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech
The Big 12 has 7 bowl slots, and right now can only fill 5. We'll get to that below. Texas remained unbeaten in Big 12 play with a well earned OT win over West Virginia. WVU isn't very good, but winning in Morgantown is still an accomplishment not to be tossed aside. The Horns final three games are against Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, and Baylor, all in that order. Brutal!
Baylor should remain unbeaten until the finale against Texas, but their schedule is tough as well. They handled Oklahoma with ease this week, but they still get Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas on the schedule. Baylor looks golden to the end, but there are challenges ahead.
Oklahoma State still looks solid, but they play Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma still.
Texas Tech has faded from view quicker than an 80's fad, with their 3rd consecutive loss at the hands of Kansas State.
Still Alive: Kansas State, TCU, West Virginia
After beating Texas Tech, Kansas State is just one win away from getting to a bowl, and it loks likely that Bill Snyder's Wildcats will make it happen. TCU and WVU on the other hand, don't look likely to help their conference fill that 7th slot.
Home For the Holidays: Kansas, Iowa
Conference USA
Bowl Eligible: East Carolina, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Rice, Tulane
CUSA is primed to fill all of their bowl slots this season, which is great news considering some of the unexpected teams that have come so far this year.
East Carolina has a half game lead over Marshall in the East, and must travel to play the Herd in the season finale for what should be all of the marbles and a birth in the CUSA title game. MTSU isn't out of it, but they will need some help. The Blue Raiders became bow eligible just this weekend.
In the West, North Texas has a full game lead over Rice, but Tulane and UTSA are still very much alive in the hunt.
Still Alive: FAU, Louisiana Tech, UTSA
The amazing UTSA Roadrunners are now 5-5 in only their second full season in FBS play. One more win, and CUSA has 7 bowl eligible teams for only 6 slots. CUSA will take a spot from another conference, and will do so with a smile. UTSA will get that 6th win, and are still on the edge of the hunt for the West Division title.
While technically still in the race for a bowl bid, reality states that FAU and Louisiana Tech are really just in the hunt in name only.
Home For the Holidays: UAB, FIU, Southern Mississippi, Tulsa, UTEP
Independents
Bowl Eligible: Notre Dame, BYU
Neither the Irish or the Cougars did themselves any favors with road losses to Pitt and Wisconsin this week. For Notre Dame, they likely played themselves out of a BCS spot. A New Year's Day Bowl is still in range, but BCS is done.
For BYU, it matters not, as they will still play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, their designated bowl spot, against a team from the PAC-12.
Still Alive: Navy
Navy rolled past Hawaii this weekend, 42-28, and is now just one win away from playing in the Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas, their designated bowl slot for 2013.
Home For the Holidays: Army, New Mexico State, Idaho
MAC
Bowl Eligible: Buffalo, Bowling Green, Ohio, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Toledo
The MAC has 6 eligible teams for 3 spots, so they will be filling some spots that other conferences will fail to fill.
Buffalo controls their fate in the east, with a one game lead over Bowling Green. The Bulls and Falcons meet in the season finale for what would be a division title and a birth in the MAC title game.
In the East, it's all coming down to an epic battle between Ball State and last week's PRS number one ranked team, Northern Illinois. They meet this Wednesday night with NIU hosting. It's going to be a must watch game to send one of these two teams to a date in the MAC title game.
Ohio fell flat this week in a loss to Buffalo, but will most definitely be making a bowl appearance somewhere. Toledo is just behind two power brokers in the West, but they are bowling as well.
Still Alive: Central Michigan
While still alive by the math, CMU will likely not make a 7th bowl team for the MAC, as they would have to win their 3 remaining games just to qualify as they sit at 3-6 after falling to Ball State.
Home For the Holidays: Akron, UMass, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan
Mountain West
Bowl Eligible: Utah State, Boise State, Fresno State
The MWC has 6 slots to fill, and has only filled half of that so far. Fresno State could be in a BCS game, which would mean that the conference could have to fill a 7th slot. That could still happen, but it's getting late in the game.
Fresno State stayed alive in their BCS quest by hammering Wyoming Saturday, while Utah State squeaked by at UNLV to get eligible. USU also took a half game lead on Boise State, but that's not likely to last. My prediction remains Fresno State playing Boise State in the first ever MWC title game.
Still Alive: Colorado State, Wyoming, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV
4 teams could qualify for bowls with their next win in Colorado State, San Diego State, San Jose State, and UNLV. The first three are locks in my book, but UNLV has been trying for two weeks to get their 6th win, and they keep falling short. That being said, they need one win in their final two games. It's getting tight. If UNLV can get that win, they will give the MWC their 7th eligible team for 6 bowl slots.
Home For the Holidays: Air Force, Nevada, Hawaii
PAC-12
Bowl Eligible: Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Arizona State, UCLA, USC, Arizona
The PAC-12 has 7 bowl slots, and they have 8 teams ready to bowl. It's a great problem to have in what has been a strong showing for the conference.
Stanford is the group villain after knocking Oregon from the BCS title picture this week, even though the Cardinal did everything they could to give the game away late. Stanford remains in the BCS title picture, but with one loss, they'd need a lot of help that is likely not to come. They look targeted for the Rose Bowl.
Oregon could still fit into the BCS bowl picture somehow by winning out, but they really fell flat at Stanford on Thursday, and now they are playing for peanuts compared to a title.
Oregon State and Washington are in spoiler roles, but are going bowling for certain.
In the South, Arizona State barely held onto their edge by rallying to beat Utah. They still have UCLA and Arizona on the schedule, so they are far from a lock to play Stanford in the conference title game.
UCLA decided that what their offense needed was great defense in their 31-26 win at Arizona, so they put in packages containing several defensive players on offense, and it worked brilliantly, with the super talented Myles Jack leading the way with 120 yards and a TD on just 6 carries. He also recorded 8 tackles, 2 defended passes, and a fumble recovery after Arizona fumbled on the UCLA one yard line. Jack also nearly broke free on a fake punt, and was overthrown despite being all by himself in the open field. The loss took Arizona out of the South title chase, but they too will still bowl.
Here's the kicker to the whole mess. USC can still win the South, play in a conference title game, and go to the Rose Bowl. Blocking their way would be games against Stanford on the road, and UCLA at home in the season finale on November 30th. Yeah..not going to happen, but anything is possible.
One thing to note here is that the South is one hell of a lot better now than it was a year ago, and it's getting better.
Still Alive: Washington State, Utah, Colorado
WSU has to win 2 of 3 to finish the season to get that 6th win, and while possible, it's not likely to happen. Utah is in the same boat, and they look more in line with a team that can pull it off, even though they have struggled with consistency. The two play each other on the 23rd in what could decide which team could end up bowling.
Colorado is unlikely to win their final three games, but despite getting hammered 59-7 at Washington yesterday, the Buffaloes are a team that will be much improved in 2014.
Home For the Holidays: California
SEC
Bowl Eligible: Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss
I am not a big believer of any conference owning 10 bowl slots, but that's what we have here. Right now, the SEC can fill 8 of the 10.
Missouri cruised to a huge win over Kentucky, which was hardly surprising. Mizzou knocked UK out of bowl consideration in the process. The Tigers still control the SEC East race, but South Carolina is still nipping at their heels. If the Tigers slip up, South Carolina can steal the SEC East crown and would likely play Alabama in the SEC title game.
Georgia is the only other team in the east that has qualified, and they cruised to a 45-6 win over Appalachian State, who is playing their final season as an FCS program.
Alabama dominated LSU, and for a change, someone actually scored points in this game this season. Bama is in control, and nobody has what it takes to beat them.
The only team left on Alabama's schedule that can challenge them would be Auburn, and Auburn made short work of Tennessee, all on the ground and on special teams. The Tigers are the only team left that can steal the west from the Tide.
Texas A&M, LSU, and Ole Miss all picked up wins on Saturday, but none of them are in range to challenge.
Still Alive: Florida, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Mississippi State
If there is one team on this list that I see as a qualifier, it has to be Vanderbilt. They handled the Gators in Gainesville 34-17 this weekend, and perhaps destroyed what's left of Florida's season. The Gators will certainly fall to Florida State in the finale, and that would give them 6 losses. Will Muschamp has lost the faithful, and they may lose him when it's all said and done.
Tennessee and Mississippi State are two teams on downward trends, and the Vols are one loss away from being eliminated. Mississippi State has a grace period of one loss, but two more and it's game over until 2014. Will Dan Mullen be back for more if that's the case?
Home For the Holidays: Kentucky, Arkansas
Sun Belt
Bowl Eligible: UL-Lafayette, Texas State, Western Kentucky
There are only two bids owned by the Sun Belt, and right now there are three teams that are eligible. Here's an issue that I see. While UL-Lafayette is a lock, and leads the league, Texas State and Western Kentucky are further down in the standings, with Texas State 5th, and WKU 6th. I really cannot see those two schools finishing so low in the standings, and still getting bowl invites. Especially if the teams that are above them and are still alive manage to qualify.
Still Alive: Arkansas State, UL-Monroe, Troy, South Alabama
Even though the three teams that are eligible are already there, three of four of these teams are ahead of Texas State and WKU in the standings. Arkansas State, ULM, and Troy are all one win away from qualifying. Any one of these teams manages to get that 6th win, and you can forget about TSU and WKU getting into the postseason.
Home For the Holidays: Georgia State
FCS
Big Sky
There was finally some separation at the top this weekend when Eastern Washington took out Montana State. There could be as many as 5 bids out of the Big Sky.
In: Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Montana State, Montana
Bubble: Southern Utah
Big South
There was a major shift this weekend, when Charleston Southern defeated Coastal Carolina. The Buccaneers now control the Big South title, but there may be two bids anyway.
In: Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina
Bubble: Liberty
Colonial
James Madison fell out of contention, but could be on the bubble with a win in their season finale. There could only be 4 bids this season, but there's still an open door for more.
In: Maine, William & Mary, Delaware, Towson
Bubble: New Hampshire, James Madison
MEAC
Bethune-Cookman's weekend loss didn't stabilize anything, but luckily they've already beaten SC State. One more loss, however...
In: Bethune-Cookman
Bubble: South Carolina State
Northeast
Sacred Heart has done the unthinkable thing this season, and by beating Duquesne 10-0, they have taken charge in the NEC.
In: Sacred Heart
Bubble: None
Ohio Valley
The conference title is likely headed to Eastern Illinois, as the Panthers now control a two game lead.
In: Eastern Illinois, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State
Bubble: None
Patriot
Fordham is still hanging on to control, and the number one ranking in out PRS rankings, and will likely be the lone team in the playoffs. That being said, Lehigh is still on the fringe.
In: Fordham
Bubble: Lehigh
Pioneer Football
There is still a 3 way tie at the top of the conference. There are two weeks left to sort it out.
In: Butler
Bubble: San Diego, Marist
Southern
Let's face it, it's been a terrible year in the SoCon. It could be a one bid year, two at the most.
In: Chattanooga
Bubble: Samford, Wofford
Southland
It's been a tremendous year at the top of the SLC, and SE Louisiana is having their best season since 1982. They will be rewarded.
In: SE Louisiana, Sam Houston State, McNeese State
Bubble: None
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool
And here is our list of Dead Pool candidates for the end of 2013. These guys are on the way out the door, and they shouldn't let it hit them in the ass on the way out. Their firings are just around the corner.
Mike London, Virginia
London has already been given the dreaded vote of confidence from his AD, so there's that, and it came right before a seven TD loss to Clemson. London is done, and UVA is already out of bowl contention at 2-7. Just counting the days now.
Paul Rhoades, Iowa State
It's just gotten ugly for the Cyclones this season, and they are routinely getting blown out week by week. ISU needs yet another change, and another shot in the arm, because Rhoades has simply lost this team.
Doug Martin, New Mexico State
Martin is the only guy on this list who may survive to see 2014, and that's only because nobody else really wants this go nowhere job. Las Crucas is a coaching graveyard that has never seen a coach go on to bigger and better in the modern era (dating back to the 80's). This is a terrible job, and it won't get better anytime soon. That being said, even Martin will have to show something eventually, and I am not seeing it.
Norm Chow, Hawaii
Chow has been on the list since last season, and he ma not see another. At 0-8, the Rainbows are a disgrace, and even their timid fan base will start to demand better, as most fans already have. Hawaii could be a winning program, but are we still asking why Chow wasn't made a head coach years ago? The answer to that is right in front of us all.
Charlie Molnar, UMass
UMass is, like Iowa State, a weekly blow out candidate. The Minutemen are horrible and getting worse, and Molnar is not the guy that will lead them out of this black hole that they find themselves in. UMass will likely find the cash to make a move, and try to turn the corner. Yes, there are solid candidates for this job.
Ron English, Eastern Michigan
The clock is ticking, and every week that goes by that he hasn't been fired is a surprise to me. He will likely coach out the final three games, and will then get the axe. This firing is a dead on certainty, but like New Mexico State, it's a pretty terrible job.
Already Drowned in 2013
Lane Kiffin, USC; Paul Pasqualoni, UConn; Carl Pelini, Florida Atlantic; Doug Williams, Grambling State
Side Note: Expect Bo Pelini to be a casualty if Nebraska falls to Michigan this week. Every loss will magnify the target on his back.
Mike London, Virginia
London has already been given the dreaded vote of confidence from his AD, so there's that, and it came right before a seven TD loss to Clemson. London is done, and UVA is already out of bowl contention at 2-7. Just counting the days now.
Paul Rhoades, Iowa State
It's just gotten ugly for the Cyclones this season, and they are routinely getting blown out week by week. ISU needs yet another change, and another shot in the arm, because Rhoades has simply lost this team.
Doug Martin, New Mexico State
Martin is the only guy on this list who may survive to see 2014, and that's only because nobody else really wants this go nowhere job. Las Crucas is a coaching graveyard that has never seen a coach go on to bigger and better in the modern era (dating back to the 80's). This is a terrible job, and it won't get better anytime soon. That being said, even Martin will have to show something eventually, and I am not seeing it.
Norm Chow, Hawaii
Chow has been on the list since last season, and he ma not see another. At 0-8, the Rainbows are a disgrace, and even their timid fan base will start to demand better, as most fans already have. Hawaii could be a winning program, but are we still asking why Chow wasn't made a head coach years ago? The answer to that is right in front of us all.
Charlie Molnar, UMass
UMass is, like Iowa State, a weekly blow out candidate. The Minutemen are horrible and getting worse, and Molnar is not the guy that will lead them out of this black hole that they find themselves in. UMass will likely find the cash to make a move, and try to turn the corner. Yes, there are solid candidates for this job.
Ron English, Eastern Michigan
The clock is ticking, and every week that goes by that he hasn't been fired is a surprise to me. He will likely coach out the final three games, and will then get the axe. This firing is a dead on certainty, but like New Mexico State, it's a pretty terrible job.
Already Drowned in 2013
Lane Kiffin, USC; Paul Pasqualoni, UConn; Carl Pelini, Florida Atlantic; Doug Williams, Grambling State
Side Note: Expect Bo Pelini to be a casualty if Nebraska falls to Michigan this week. Every loss will magnify the target on his back.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Coaches on the Hot Seat
It's no November, and we're heading into the stretch run, and the seats just get hotter from here for several college coaches around the country. Let's take a look at our weekly tracker to see who's feeling the heat once again in week 11...
June Jones, SMU
The Mustangs enter this week's road trip at 3-4, and they are 8.5 point dogs to boot. Cincinnati seems to be heating up at the right time, which could be bad news for Jones and SMU. Every game is a must win now, and failure to reach a bowl would be bad news for Jones.
Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
The Deacons sit at 4-5 entering this week, and with leading receiver Michael Campanaro out of the season, it doesn't look good for Grobe. The Deacons must win two of their final three games to qualify for a bowl, and I am not seeing a good chance of that happening.
Randy Edsell, Maryland
At this point, the Terps are 5-3, and need just one win to hit a bowl. That will likely keep Edsell around for another season, but the Terps have been bad since the beginning of October. ACC play has been brutal, and you can't blame injury for all of it. Edsell can get to a bowl, but the heat will be much more intense in 2014, as he will have to build off of his successes that 2013 did manage to bring. A complete collapse, however, between now and the end of the season could have the administration thinking differently.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Before you wonder about what I am smoking, realize that I am not saying that he's going anywhere. What I am saying is that this year has been a huge disappointment in the midst of a five game losing streak dating back to that unfortunate loss at home against Ohio State. Fitzgerald has some damage to control, and next season is going to see eyes upon him like never before, even if they do love him in Evanston.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Kansas hasn't won a Big 12 game since Nebraska and Colorado were still in the conference, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. We are heading into the end of Weis' second season in Lawrence. His Hot Seat status will carry over into 2014, which will be a make or break year. So far, it's been all break and broken.
Garrick McGee, UAB
If you've been looking for a light at the end of the tunnel in Birmingham, you are still as blind as can be in the dark, because there has been little spark out of McGee's Blazers. Next season will bring some expectations, and they will be high (yeah, six wins would be high).
Ron Turner, FIU
Some would say that the Dead Pool would be more a home for Turner these days, but here's why he's not going anywhere. FIU would still be paying the bill for both Mario Chritsobal and Turner of they fired him now, and money is not flush at FIU. Turner comes back for 2014, but it's anyone's guess what happens beyond that.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
It may be a little knee jerk to put too much on Blankenship right now, but the farther into his tenure he gets, the worse it seems to be. I was hard on this hire, because other than being an inside guy when he was brought on, I felt he brought little else to the table. It's starting to look as if I was right.
Rich Ellerson, Army
Sometime bringing a guy into the program just because he has ties doesn't work. Ellersen is an Army guy through and through, and of course he no longer has Trent Steelman triggering his wishbone offense, but seriously, Army was supposed to be better, and losing to Air Force last week to drop to 3-6 is just crap.
Dan Enos, Central Michigan
Enos started to get some play from his guys the last few weeks, but Ball State made it clear once again as to how bad the Chippewas have been under Enos. He has taken all of the progress made under Brian Kelly and Butch Jones, and flushed it right down the toilet. One more loss, and it's the Dead Pool for certain.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
Christensen may be closer to Dead Pool than Hot Seat, as the Cowboys took a red hot start and squandered it in October to sit at 4-4. With Fresno State on the docket this week, it looks as if 4-5 is a very real situation. A missed bowl game, and Christensen takes a swim in the Dead Pool.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Back to back wins over Army and New Mexico (especially Army) has reduced the heat factor some for Calhoun, but the Falcons will have to show real progress to finish the season, and get a hot start in 2014 for him to last much longer. Air Force is better than this, or should be.
Will Muschamp, Florida
He is not well thought of in Gainesville, or just about anywhere right now, and Florida sitting at 404 is rather Zook-esque. Muschamp has the favor of a hot season in 2012 that he can parlay into another season, unless, of course, they find a way to lose more than two more games to close out 2013. It is possible.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
They really believed that they got a steal when they hired Mullen away from Florida, but it's been the same old crap in Starkville since Mullen came onboard. The Bulldogs are sitting at 4-4 right now, but it was supposed to get better, not stay stagnant, and it certainly has grown stale at MSU. Growth or development must be shown to close out 2013.
Larry Blakeney, Troy
Although Blakeney has been at Troy for forever, the program has failed to take the opportunities that a QB like Corey Robinson should have given it, and the days of Troy dominance in the Sun Belt are long past. The Trojans are just 5-5, and if they miss a bowl, Blakeney could make the Dead Pool list.
June Jones, SMU
The Mustangs enter this week's road trip at 3-4, and they are 8.5 point dogs to boot. Cincinnati seems to be heating up at the right time, which could be bad news for Jones and SMU. Every game is a must win now, and failure to reach a bowl would be bad news for Jones.
Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
The Deacons sit at 4-5 entering this week, and with leading receiver Michael Campanaro out of the season, it doesn't look good for Grobe. The Deacons must win two of their final three games to qualify for a bowl, and I am not seeing a good chance of that happening.
Randy Edsell, Maryland
At this point, the Terps are 5-3, and need just one win to hit a bowl. That will likely keep Edsell around for another season, but the Terps have been bad since the beginning of October. ACC play has been brutal, and you can't blame injury for all of it. Edsell can get to a bowl, but the heat will be much more intense in 2014, as he will have to build off of his successes that 2013 did manage to bring. A complete collapse, however, between now and the end of the season could have the administration thinking differently.
Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
Before you wonder about what I am smoking, realize that I am not saying that he's going anywhere. What I am saying is that this year has been a huge disappointment in the midst of a five game losing streak dating back to that unfortunate loss at home against Ohio State. Fitzgerald has some damage to control, and next season is going to see eyes upon him like never before, even if they do love him in Evanston.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Kansas hasn't won a Big 12 game since Nebraska and Colorado were still in the conference, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. We are heading into the end of Weis' second season in Lawrence. His Hot Seat status will carry over into 2014, which will be a make or break year. So far, it's been all break and broken.
Garrick McGee, UAB
If you've been looking for a light at the end of the tunnel in Birmingham, you are still as blind as can be in the dark, because there has been little spark out of McGee's Blazers. Next season will bring some expectations, and they will be high (yeah, six wins would be high).
Ron Turner, FIU
Some would say that the Dead Pool would be more a home for Turner these days, but here's why he's not going anywhere. FIU would still be paying the bill for both Mario Chritsobal and Turner of they fired him now, and money is not flush at FIU. Turner comes back for 2014, but it's anyone's guess what happens beyond that.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
It may be a little knee jerk to put too much on Blankenship right now, but the farther into his tenure he gets, the worse it seems to be. I was hard on this hire, because other than being an inside guy when he was brought on, I felt he brought little else to the table. It's starting to look as if I was right.
Rich Ellerson, Army
Sometime bringing a guy into the program just because he has ties doesn't work. Ellersen is an Army guy through and through, and of course he no longer has Trent Steelman triggering his wishbone offense, but seriously, Army was supposed to be better, and losing to Air Force last week to drop to 3-6 is just crap.
Dan Enos, Central Michigan
Enos started to get some play from his guys the last few weeks, but Ball State made it clear once again as to how bad the Chippewas have been under Enos. He has taken all of the progress made under Brian Kelly and Butch Jones, and flushed it right down the toilet. One more loss, and it's the Dead Pool for certain.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
Christensen may be closer to Dead Pool than Hot Seat, as the Cowboys took a red hot start and squandered it in October to sit at 4-4. With Fresno State on the docket this week, it looks as if 4-5 is a very real situation. A missed bowl game, and Christensen takes a swim in the Dead Pool.
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Back to back wins over Army and New Mexico (especially Army) has reduced the heat factor some for Calhoun, but the Falcons will have to show real progress to finish the season, and get a hot start in 2014 for him to last much longer. Air Force is better than this, or should be.
Will Muschamp, Florida
He is not well thought of in Gainesville, or just about anywhere right now, and Florida sitting at 404 is rather Zook-esque. Muschamp has the favor of a hot season in 2012 that he can parlay into another season, unless, of course, they find a way to lose more than two more games to close out 2013. It is possible.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
They really believed that they got a steal when they hired Mullen away from Florida, but it's been the same old crap in Starkville since Mullen came onboard. The Bulldogs are sitting at 4-4 right now, but it was supposed to get better, not stay stagnant, and it certainly has grown stale at MSU. Growth or development must be shown to close out 2013.
Larry Blakeney, Troy
Although Blakeney has been at Troy for forever, the program has failed to take the opportunities that a QB like Corey Robinson should have given it, and the days of Troy dominance in the Sun Belt are long past. The Trojans are just 5-5, and if they miss a bowl, Blakeney could make the Dead Pool list.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Bilo's Picks: Week 11
Here is a complete list of all of my picks for FBS and FCS football in week 11 of the 2013 season. Just five weeks to go until we are in the full bowl and playoff schedule, so sit tight, it's going to be a wild ride to the finish. I will update all of my wins and losses for the season this Sunday night!
FBS
Thursday
UL-Lafayette over Troy...Troy would be bowl eligible with the win, but I don't see it happening
Baylor over Oklahoma
Oregon over Stanford
Friday
Louisville over UConn
Air Force over New Mexico...Road Upset Alert!
Saturday
Western Kentucky over Army...WKU gets to bowl eligibility with the win
Cincinnati over SMU
Florida over Vanderbilt
Missouri over Kentucky...Take the Tigers and the 14.5 on the road
Marshall over UAB...I like the Herd and 23.5 as well
Iowa over Purdue...Hawkeyes become bowl eligible with the win
Auburn over Tennessee
Florida State over Wake Forest
TCU over Iowa State
Minnesota over Penn State
Texas Tech over Kansas State...Red Raiders should be a bounce back lock at 3.5
Ole Miss over Arkansas...Rebels get to a bowl with a win, Hogs would be eliminated
Georgia over Appalachian State
North Carolina over Virginia...UVA loss would be their 8th, Mike London on way out
Western Michigan over Eastern Michigan...Week 11 Toilet Bowl, combined records 2-16
UTSA over Tulane...Team with lessor record is the 8.5 point favorite, and I'm taking them
USC over California
Indiana over Illinois
Maryland over Syracuse...Terps need a win, get bowl eligible if they get it
Michigan over Nebraska
Navy over Hawaii
North Texas over UTEP
Texas A&M over Mississippi State
Wisconsin over BYU
Boston College over New Mexico State
Colorado State over Nevada
East Carolina over Tulsa
Duke over NC State
Middle Tennessee over FIU...Blue Raiders certainly picked the right week to try for bowl eligibility
Oklahoma State over Kansas
Arizona State over Utah
Memphis over UT-Martin...Skyhawks won this game last time they played
Old Dominion over Idaho
Miami over Virginia Tech
UCF over Houston
Texas over West Virginia
Louisiana Tech over Southern Miss
UL-Monroe over Arkansas State
Notre Dame over Pittsburgh
Alabama over LSU
Washington over Colorado...Take the Huskies and the win, but take CU at +28.5
UNLV over Utah State...Upset Alert!
UCLA over Arizona
Fresno State over Wyoming
San Jose State over San Diego State
FCS
Thursday
Alcorn State over Prarie View
Saturday
Charlotte over Wesley
Princeton over Penn
Yale over Brown
Bryant over St. Francis
Sacred Heart over Duquesne
Robert Morris over Central Connecticut State
Monmouth over Wagner
Villanova over Rhode Island
James Madison over New Hampshire
Harvard over Columbia
Lehigh over Holy Cross
Coastal Carolina over Charleston Southern...This is the game of the week in FCS football. HUGE!
Stony Brook over Richmond
Gardner-Webb over VMI
Hampton over NC Central
Howard over Savannah State
North Carolina A&T over Morgan State
Eastern Illinois over Murray State
Marist over Campbell
Fordham over Bucknell
San Diego over Morehead State
Butler over Valporaiso
South Carolina State over Florida A&M
Citadel over Elon
Samford over Furman
North Dakota over Northern Colorado
Montana over South Dakota
Tennessee Tech over SE Missouri State
Chattanooga over Wofford
Dayton over Drake
Georgia Southern over Western Carolina
Jackson State over Alabama A&M
Alabama State over Southern
Texas Southern over Mississippi Valley State
Southern Utah over Weber State
Delaware over William & Mary
South Dakota State over Indiana State
Southern Illinois over Missouri State
Tennessee State over Austin Peay
Sam Houston State over Nicholls State
Mercer over Jacksonville
Stetson over Davidson...FCS Toilet Bowl this week
Abilene Christian over Incarnate Word
Eastern Washington over Montana State
Liberty over Presbyterian
North Dakota State over Illinois State
Lafayette over Colgate
UA-Pine Bluff over Grambling
Maine over Albany
Dartmouth over Cornell
Bethune-Cookman over Norfolk State
Jacksonville State over Eastern Kentucky
McNeese State over Stephen F. Austin
Northwestern State over Lamar
Youngstown State over Northern Iowa
Portland State over Idaho State
SE Louisiana over Central Arkansas
Cal Poly over Sacramento State
Last Week's Record: 77-26
FBS
Thursday
UL-Lafayette over Troy...Troy would be bowl eligible with the win, but I don't see it happening
Baylor over Oklahoma
Oregon over Stanford
Friday
Louisville over UConn
Air Force over New Mexico...Road Upset Alert!
Saturday
Western Kentucky over Army...WKU gets to bowl eligibility with the win
Cincinnati over SMU
Florida over Vanderbilt
Missouri over Kentucky...Take the Tigers and the 14.5 on the road
Marshall over UAB...I like the Herd and 23.5 as well
Iowa over Purdue...Hawkeyes become bowl eligible with the win
Auburn over Tennessee
Florida State over Wake Forest
TCU over Iowa State
Minnesota over Penn State
Texas Tech over Kansas State...Red Raiders should be a bounce back lock at 3.5
Ole Miss over Arkansas...Rebels get to a bowl with a win, Hogs would be eliminated
Georgia over Appalachian State
North Carolina over Virginia...UVA loss would be their 8th, Mike London on way out
Western Michigan over Eastern Michigan...Week 11 Toilet Bowl, combined records 2-16
UTSA over Tulane...Team with lessor record is the 8.5 point favorite, and I'm taking them
USC over California
Indiana over Illinois
Maryland over Syracuse...Terps need a win, get bowl eligible if they get it
Michigan over Nebraska
Navy over Hawaii
North Texas over UTEP
Texas A&M over Mississippi State
Wisconsin over BYU
Boston College over New Mexico State
Colorado State over Nevada
East Carolina over Tulsa
Duke over NC State
Middle Tennessee over FIU...Blue Raiders certainly picked the right week to try for bowl eligibility
Oklahoma State over Kansas
Arizona State over Utah
Memphis over UT-Martin...Skyhawks won this game last time they played
Old Dominion over Idaho
Miami over Virginia Tech
UCF over Houston
Texas over West Virginia
Louisiana Tech over Southern Miss
UL-Monroe over Arkansas State
Notre Dame over Pittsburgh
Alabama over LSU
Washington over Colorado...Take the Huskies and the win, but take CU at +28.5
UNLV over Utah State...Upset Alert!
UCLA over Arizona
Fresno State over Wyoming
San Jose State over San Diego State
FCS
Thursday
Alcorn State over Prarie View
Saturday
Charlotte over Wesley
Princeton over Penn
Yale over Brown
Bryant over St. Francis
Sacred Heart over Duquesne
Robert Morris over Central Connecticut State
Monmouth over Wagner
Villanova over Rhode Island
James Madison over New Hampshire
Harvard over Columbia
Lehigh over Holy Cross
Coastal Carolina over Charleston Southern...This is the game of the week in FCS football. HUGE!
Stony Brook over Richmond
Gardner-Webb over VMI
Hampton over NC Central
Howard over Savannah State
North Carolina A&T over Morgan State
Eastern Illinois over Murray State
Marist over Campbell
Fordham over Bucknell
San Diego over Morehead State
Butler over Valporaiso
South Carolina State over Florida A&M
Citadel over Elon
Samford over Furman
North Dakota over Northern Colorado
Montana over South Dakota
Tennessee Tech over SE Missouri State
Chattanooga over Wofford
Dayton over Drake
Georgia Southern over Western Carolina
Jackson State over Alabama A&M
Alabama State over Southern
Texas Southern over Mississippi Valley State
Southern Utah over Weber State
Delaware over William & Mary
South Dakota State over Indiana State
Southern Illinois over Missouri State
Tennessee State over Austin Peay
Sam Houston State over Nicholls State
Mercer over Jacksonville
Stetson over Davidson...FCS Toilet Bowl this week
Abilene Christian over Incarnate Word
Eastern Washington over Montana State
Liberty over Presbyterian
North Dakota State over Illinois State
Lafayette over Colgate
UA-Pine Bluff over Grambling
Maine over Albany
Dartmouth over Cornell
Bethune-Cookman over Norfolk State
Jacksonville State over Eastern Kentucky
McNeese State over Stephen F. Austin
Northwestern State over Lamar
Youngstown State over Northern Iowa
Portland State over Idaho State
SE Louisiana over Central Arkansas
Cal Poly over Sacramento State
Last Week's Record: 77-26
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Week 10 PRS Rankings (FBS, FCS)
Week 10 was an interesting week for many reasons, and one of those reasons was that there were so many teams taking bye weeks, including our top 2 in Alabama and Oregon. Everyone who has come too know our system knows that when you don't play, you don't gain or lose points in the rankings. You stay completely static, and when that happens, there can be seismic shifts. This week saw some serious shifting at the top of the rankings, and our number one team in the nation will shock many, and the controversy will begin to take hold.
One of the story lines we are following is the non-AQ spot in the BCS system. Of course, overall, we don't buy into the BCS, and we never have. But if you are tracking this spot, we are in complete disagreement over who should be ranked higher between Fresno State and Northern Illinois. Take a look at our rankings, and also note in our weekly FCS rankings that our top two teams are separated by just a single point, which is huge as we enter the final few weeks of the season.
FBS PRS Rankings
1. Northern Illinois 9-0, 2028...The Huskies completely destroyed UMass, and used bye weeks in the top 10 to move up. The Huskies, not Fresno State should be currently looking at a BCS bid.
2. Ohio State 9-0, 1989...The Buckeyes used the bye weeks to vault up in the PRS as well. The Buckeyes are dropping statements every week in what is a campaign to get into the title game.
3. Alabama 8-0, 1932...The Tide took the week off, and dropped two spots. Bama still has one more game to play than either NIU or OSU, so look for them to win out and probably take the top spot back.
4. Oregon 8-0, 1889...The Ducks took the week off as well in preparation for Stanford on Thursday night. It's the game of the year in the Pac-12.
5. Florida State 8-0, 1859...The Noles took care of Miami's perfect season, and they have dominated the ACC this season. Somehow they have failed to resonate with the numbers, and are not taking over more than they have. They have four more games to make a run.
6. Baylor 7-0, 1654...The Bears are offensively one of the hottest teams to have ever played this game. They face their toughest challenge to date this week with Oklahoma. If the Bears can get by the Sooners, they may be the spoiler in the top ten that could steal a title in the PRS.
7. Fresno State 8-0, 1629...Let's not forget that Fresno State is missing a game on their schedule right now, having had their game against Colorado postponed. The game hasn't been rescheduled, and it's hurting them here in regards to where they rank against Northern Illinois.
8. Ball State 8-1, 1547...Pete Lembo and Rod Carey are in a dog fight for MAC Coach of the Year, and they haven't battled each other yet. The Cardinals could spoil it all for the Huskies, and are sitting in a prime position right now heading into the final month.
9. Clemson 8-1, 1529...The Tigers haven't looked nearly as strong since they were blown out against Florida State, but they had an easy time of Virginia last weekend. Clemson needs FSU to lose twice in ACC play, and that's not likely to happen.
10. Missouri 8-1, 1487...The Tigers came back in a big way this week in blowing out Tennessee. Mizzou is still in position to win the SEC East and would likely play Alabama in the conference title game. Missouri to the Sugar Bowl is looking strong.
The Rest of the Top 25
11. Auburn 8-1, 1419
12. Stanford 7-1, 1417
13. Michigan State 8-1, 1377
14. Oklahoma State 7-1, 1368
15. Louisville 7-1, 1351
16. Oklahoma 7-1, 1346
17. Houston 7-1, 1317
18. Central Florida 6-1, 1283
19. South Carolina 7-2, 1279
20. Miami 7-1, 1190
21. Notre Dame 7-2, 1165
22. Texas A&M 7-2, 1149
23. Texas 6-2, 1144
24. LSU 7-2, 1131
25. Texas Tech 7-2, 1122
The Next Ten
UCLA, Michigan, BYU, Wisconsin, Arizona State, Arizona, North Texas, UL-Lafayette, East Carolina and Rice are tied at 35th.
The Bottom Ten
Western Michigan, UConn, Purdue, Eastern Michigan, UMass, Miami (Ohio), California, New Mexico State, Southern Mississippi, Georgia State
FCS PRS Rankings
1. Fordham 9-0, 2173
2. Coastal Carolina 9-0 2172
3. Eastern Illinois 8-1, 1995
4. Youngstown State 8-1, 1866
5. North Dakota State 8-0, 1800
6. Towson 8-2, 1782
7. Bethune-Cookman 8-1, 1774
8. Maine 8-1, 1712
9. Charleston Southern 9-1, 1644
10. SE Louisiana 7-2, 1558
11. Sam Houston State 7-2, 1469
12. Eastern Washington 7-2, 1450
13. Delaware 7-2, 1375
14. Jackson State 7-2, 1332
15. Montana State 7-2, 1326
16. Northern Arizona 7-2, 1318
17. Chattanooga 7-2, 1317
18. Princeton 6-1, 1313
19. Old Dominion 6-3, 1312
20. Samford 6-3, 1231
21. McNeese State 7-1, 1222
22. Jacksonville State 7-2, 1215
23. Harvard 6-1, 1190
24. Sacred Heart 8-2, 1154
25. Montana 7-2, 1152
The Next Ten
Alabama State, Eastern Kentucky, Lehigh, UT-Martin, Alcorn State, Marist, William & Mary, South Carolina State, Tennessee State, James Madison
The Bottom Ten
Mississippi Valley State, Georgetown, VMI, Savannah State, Grambling State, Northern Colorado, Valporaiso, Columbia, Stetson, Davidson
One of the story lines we are following is the non-AQ spot in the BCS system. Of course, overall, we don't buy into the BCS, and we never have. But if you are tracking this spot, we are in complete disagreement over who should be ranked higher between Fresno State and Northern Illinois. Take a look at our rankings, and also note in our weekly FCS rankings that our top two teams are separated by just a single point, which is huge as we enter the final few weeks of the season.
FBS PRS Rankings
1. Northern Illinois 9-0, 2028...The Huskies completely destroyed UMass, and used bye weeks in the top 10 to move up. The Huskies, not Fresno State should be currently looking at a BCS bid.
2. Ohio State 9-0, 1989...The Buckeyes used the bye weeks to vault up in the PRS as well. The Buckeyes are dropping statements every week in what is a campaign to get into the title game.
3. Alabama 8-0, 1932...The Tide took the week off, and dropped two spots. Bama still has one more game to play than either NIU or OSU, so look for them to win out and probably take the top spot back.
4. Oregon 8-0, 1889...The Ducks took the week off as well in preparation for Stanford on Thursday night. It's the game of the year in the Pac-12.
5. Florida State 8-0, 1859...The Noles took care of Miami's perfect season, and they have dominated the ACC this season. Somehow they have failed to resonate with the numbers, and are not taking over more than they have. They have four more games to make a run.
6. Baylor 7-0, 1654...The Bears are offensively one of the hottest teams to have ever played this game. They face their toughest challenge to date this week with Oklahoma. If the Bears can get by the Sooners, they may be the spoiler in the top ten that could steal a title in the PRS.
7. Fresno State 8-0, 1629...Let's not forget that Fresno State is missing a game on their schedule right now, having had their game against Colorado postponed. The game hasn't been rescheduled, and it's hurting them here in regards to where they rank against Northern Illinois.
8. Ball State 8-1, 1547...Pete Lembo and Rod Carey are in a dog fight for MAC Coach of the Year, and they haven't battled each other yet. The Cardinals could spoil it all for the Huskies, and are sitting in a prime position right now heading into the final month.
9. Clemson 8-1, 1529...The Tigers haven't looked nearly as strong since they were blown out against Florida State, but they had an easy time of Virginia last weekend. Clemson needs FSU to lose twice in ACC play, and that's not likely to happen.
10. Missouri 8-1, 1487...The Tigers came back in a big way this week in blowing out Tennessee. Mizzou is still in position to win the SEC East and would likely play Alabama in the conference title game. Missouri to the Sugar Bowl is looking strong.
The Rest of the Top 25
11. Auburn 8-1, 1419
12. Stanford 7-1, 1417
13. Michigan State 8-1, 1377
14. Oklahoma State 7-1, 1368
15. Louisville 7-1, 1351
16. Oklahoma 7-1, 1346
17. Houston 7-1, 1317
18. Central Florida 6-1, 1283
19. South Carolina 7-2, 1279
20. Miami 7-1, 1190
21. Notre Dame 7-2, 1165
22. Texas A&M 7-2, 1149
23. Texas 6-2, 1144
24. LSU 7-2, 1131
25. Texas Tech 7-2, 1122
The Next Ten
UCLA, Michigan, BYU, Wisconsin, Arizona State, Arizona, North Texas, UL-Lafayette, East Carolina and Rice are tied at 35th.
The Bottom Ten
Western Michigan, UConn, Purdue, Eastern Michigan, UMass, Miami (Ohio), California, New Mexico State, Southern Mississippi, Georgia State
FCS PRS Rankings
1. Fordham 9-0, 2173
2. Coastal Carolina 9-0 2172
3. Eastern Illinois 8-1, 1995
4. Youngstown State 8-1, 1866
5. North Dakota State 8-0, 1800
6. Towson 8-2, 1782
7. Bethune-Cookman 8-1, 1774
8. Maine 8-1, 1712
9. Charleston Southern 9-1, 1644
10. SE Louisiana 7-2, 1558
11. Sam Houston State 7-2, 1469
12. Eastern Washington 7-2, 1450
13. Delaware 7-2, 1375
14. Jackson State 7-2, 1332
15. Montana State 7-2, 1326
16. Northern Arizona 7-2, 1318
17. Chattanooga 7-2, 1317
18. Princeton 6-1, 1313
19. Old Dominion 6-3, 1312
20. Samford 6-3, 1231
21. McNeese State 7-1, 1222
22. Jacksonville State 7-2, 1215
23. Harvard 6-1, 1190
24. Sacred Heart 8-2, 1154
25. Montana 7-2, 1152
The Next Ten
Alabama State, Eastern Kentucky, Lehigh, UT-Martin, Alcorn State, Marist, William & Mary, South Carolina State, Tennessee State, James Madison
The Bottom Ten
Mississippi Valley State, Georgetown, VMI, Savannah State, Grambling State, Northern Colorado, Valporaiso, Columbia, Stetson, Davidson
Monday, November 4, 2013
Week 10 Under Review: Countdown to the Postseason (FBS, FCS)
We are now closing in on the final full month of College Football's regular season. It seems like such a short time ago that we were looking at the opening week of the season, but now we are in crunch time. As we get closer to the season's close, we will redirect our focus in the Week under Review pieces to focus on who will be continuing on into the bowl season, and also who will be continuing on in the FCS playoff race and the chase for the national title. Gone will be the Winners and Losers part of the piece, as we start to look at strengths rather than weaknesses. For those who are eliminated from postseason consideration, we leave them for the postseason analysis that will be coming for certain.
Here is our look at who the bowl and FCS playoff teams are shaping up to be by conference. As always, please feel free to tell us what you think about the November format by emailing direct to scott.bilo@powerratedsports.com.
Week 10 Under Review: Countdown to the Bowls (FBS)
AAC
Bowl Eligible: Houston, UCF, Louisville, Cincinnati
Still Alive: Rutgers, SMU, Memphis
Out of the Running: UConn, Temple
There are plenty of scenarios at the top as to who could represent the conference in the final BCS appearance of the era. Houston remains in front after taking down USF on Halloween night. They have a narrow half game lead over UCF in the standings, and UCF has already beaten Louisville. It's crunch time for the Cougars, who must play at UCF this week, at Louisville on the 16th, and they get Cincinnati at home on the 23rd. It's going to be brutal.
UCF controls the race with a home win over Houston this week, having already taken down Louisville. Cincinnati and Louisville are on the outside looking in as far as the conference title is concerned, but Louisville is currently ranked ahead of both Houston and UCF in our PRS rankings.
Of the teams still alive for bowl bids, only Rutgers seems a logical choice to get there, as SMU would need to go 3-2 just to hit .500 for the season. The Scarlet Knights may have trouble winning the next two weeks against Cincy and UCF, but they are in position for a bowl with just one win. Memphis is just one more loss from being out of play.
ACC
Bowl Eligible: Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Duke,
Still Alive: Syracuse, Boston College, Wake Forest, Maryland, Pittsburgh, NC State, North Carolina
Out of the Running: Virginia
Most everyone is still alive in the bow bid race, but let's be real. Only Florida State is legitimate when it comes to talk about the outright ACC title. The Seminoles have been dominant in conference play, and are the clear favorite to win out and head to the BCS.
Look for Clemson to most likely end up in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, as they are the second best team in the conference. It's a shame that they couldn't play FSU once again in the ACC title game. That spot is likely to go to Miami barring a complete collapse by the overrated Hurricanes.
Georgia Tech is still in play to knock Miami out of the conference title game, while Virginia Tech is fading fast after falling to Boston College.
The biggest surprise in the group is Duke, who is playing their best football in years and could still win as many as 8 games to close out the regular season, a huge accomplishment.
Maryland has been awful since the start of conference play, but is just one win shy of qualifying for a much needed bowl bid. This season has seen some issues for the Terps, but Randy Edsell has made some improvements, and has saved his job in the process. Syracuse and Boston College are both sitting at 4-4, and could make a run to get to improbable bowl bids by both. Wake Forest is also two wins shy, but only has three games left to get them as they sit at 4-5.
Big 10
Bowl Eligible: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan
Still Alive: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern
Out of the Running: Purdue, Penn State
I am projecting an Ohio State-Michigan State Big 10 final, with Ohio State making their way into the Rose Bowl. Michigan State has been an improbable runner towards a division title, while struggling much on offense most of the season. It has been a grinding defense that has saved the Spartans, and they could give the Buckeyes their toughest challenge.
The biggest surprise of the group comes from Minnesota, that has largely played without coach Jerry Kill for most of the season, and was entering 2013 with incredibly low expectations. '
Wisconsin has been nothing if not consistent, but Nebraska and Michigan will enter a bowl game with serious flaws.
Of the teams that still live, Iowa is the most reasonable team that I see making the turn to get to a bowl, as they currently sit at 5-4. Indiana and Illinois will likely fall short, while Northwestern has been in a complete collapse since the start of conference play, having lost 5 straight.
Big 12
Bowl Eligible: Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech
Half of the conference is now bowl eligible to start November in what has been a stellar season for the Big 12 minus 2. Texas has been a solid story, turning the corner after a solid win over Oklahoma that saved Mack Brown's job. Texas and Baylor are in the driver's seat as of now, but the November slate is brutal in conference play.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are hanging within range of striking for the conference crown, but both need a little help along the way. They get their opportunities this month.
Texas Tech has been fading fast the last couple of weeks, losing two in a row, and is now likely just an observer, but considering that most had the Red Raiders no higher than 6th going into the season, they have cruised well and above where they should have ended up.
Still Alive: Kansas State, West Virginia, TCU, Kansas
Kansas State and West Virginia must now win two games to qualify for bowls, and are in must win mode now. WVU picked up a huge win over TCU on the road in OT this weekend, and they now sit at 4-5. They must win two of three just to qualify at .500 right now. Kansas State must at least finish on a 2-2 run to do the same. TCU and Kansas are one loss away from being home for the Holidays.
Out of the Running: Iowa State
Conference USA
Bowl Eligible: East Carolina, North Texas, Rice, Tulane
ECU has a pretty easy path to their season finale showdown with Marshall, which should be for all the marbles in the East Division. With Tulsa and UAB on the conference slate, and NC State out of conference, there's no reason to believe that the Pirates can't roll off three in a row to get to 9 wins before facing the Herd in Huntington.
In the West, it's a collection of surprises, as North Texas, Rice, and Tulane are all tied at the top heading into November. You couldn't find three more unlikely bowl teams heading into the final month, and it's going to be a race to the championship bid in conference play.
Still Alive: Marshall, Middle Tennessee, FAU, UAB, UTSA, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa
Marshall is just one win away from qualifying for a bowl, and looks likely to get it shortly. MTSU is just barely scraping by, and at 5-4, also looks likely to nab a spot, with a 2-1 finish well within reach to hit 7 wins. Out of the rest of the bunch, only UTSA looks like they could have an outside shot, sitting at 4-5, but playing solid football coming off of a trashing of Tulsa. FAU, UAB, and Tulsa re all one loss away from being knocked out of the postseason.
Out of the Running: FIU, Southern Miss, UTEP
Independents
Bowl Eligible: Notre Dame, BYU
The Irish got to their 7th win by barely surviving Navy, who pushed the Irish all day long. Notre Dame is likely to land one of their usual solid bowl bids on New Year's Day with a strong finish, which seems likely.
BYU was idle this weekend, but is already set to play what will likely be a PAC-12 opponent in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco.
Still Alive: Navy, Army
Navy has lost a few head scratchers this season, but seems logical to get to yet another bowl. The Middies had Notre Dame on the ropes before falling short 38-34 this week.
Army is on the flip side of the coin, and is out of a bowl with one loss. The loss to Air Force was staggering this week, and Army looks to be bowing out any moment now.
Out of the Running: Idaho, New Mexico State
MAC
Bowl Eligible: Buffalo, Ohio, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Toledo
It has been a solid season for the upper half of the MAC, and the conference looks set again to steal some bids from conferences who fail to qualify enough teams for their selected slots.
Buffalo has been a huge surprise over the last month, and is now in for certain. They are also lining themselves up for a run at the conference title game, with a full game lead over Ohio, who still looks to play spoiler.
Northern Illinois and Ball State will have to knock each other out of the race for not only the West title, but Ball State has a shot to knock NIU out of the BCS race. If NIU can win out, and steal the MAC title game, Ball State could win out and possible supplant the East winner in the Motor City Bowl. It doesn't matter right now, because the Cardinals are headed somewhere regardless.
Toledo has made a nice comeback this season, and is still in position to throw a wrench into some plans. They qualified with a win over Eastern Michigan this week.
Still Alive: Central Michigan, Bowling Green
The Chippewas are alive, but just barely at 3-5. Without a strong November run (3-1 at worst) they will fall short of qualifying.
The Falcons get in with one win, but they have flopped in big game opportunities this season. Still, I see them getting their 6th win and heading to a bowl with a strong crop of MAC contenders.
Out of the Running: UMass, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan
Mountain West
Bowl Eligible: Boise State, Fresno State
BSU and Fresno State are still on a collision course for the first Mountain West Title Game in what would be a rematch of Fresno State's win earlier this season in Fresno. Boise State is tied with Utah State for the division lead in the Mountain, but holds the tie breaker by virtue of having beaten the Aggies. Either way, Fresno State is playing for not just a conference title, but a shot at a BCS bid as well. The Bulldogs are currently the highest ranked non-AQ school right now, and could be headed to the Fiesta Bowl if they can hold on. That being said, Fresno State is ranked ahead of Northern Illinois in the BCS, but not in our PRS rankings.
Still Alive: Utah State, Wyoming, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Jose State, San Diego State, UNLV, Nevada
There are a large group of teams still fighting to qualify, but only Utah State, San Jose State, and UNLV could qualify in week 11. UNLV and Utah State play each other in a huge conference game Saturday. San Jose State is currently the hottest of the three, having beaten UNLV 34-24 in week 10.
Out of the Running: Air Force, Hawaii
PAC-12
Bowl Eligible: Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, USC
The conference looks like a strong contender to land 7 teams in bowls at a minimum, and Oregon is still more than alive in the BCS title game chase. If the Ducks can survive Stanford this weekend on the Farm, there is nobody else equipped to stop their run. As it stands, Stanford is the favorite to head to the Rose Bowl is Oregon makes the run.
Oregon State has fallen flat as of late, with two consecutive losses. They are strictly an outsider now, but they will still bowl.
Arizona State is in control of their own destiny in a run to the conference title game, as they now lead the South. Arizona, UCLA, and USC are all a game back, so the margin is thin, with games against UCLa and Arizona still on the slate for the Sun Devils.
Still Alive: Washington, Washington State, Utah, Colorado
Washington needs just one win right now to bowl, while WSU and Utah still need two wins. WSU has to win two of three to get there, but like WSU, bowl or not both the Cougars and Buffaloes are far better than they were a year ago, and are rising teams.
Out of the Running: California
SEC
Bowl Eligible: Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M
The top of the SEC is as great as always, but the middle of the conference is severely muddled and losing steam. That said, Alabama is the best team until proven otherwise, and will likely cruise to the SEC title this season, giving them yet another BCS appearance in the final year of the system.
Nobody has surprised in this group more than Missouri, who bounced back from their first loss with a shelling of Tennessee, 31-3.
South Carolina is still hanging around in the East, and is the only other relevant team in the division. Auburn is better than we thought they'd be, while LSU and Texas A&M seem to struggle with identity issues at times.
Still Alive: Georgia, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas
There is a muddy pool that contains these teams. Georgia is the best of the bunch, winning their 5th game this season, beating Florida 23-20 in a brawl marred game. Kentucky and Arkansas are both one loss away from tapping out for the year. Florida, Vandy, and Tennessee all need two wins in the final month, as does Mississippi State. Ole Miss gets in with one more win.
Out of the Running: None
Sun Belt
Bowl Eligible: UL-Lafayette, Texas State
Mark Hudspeth has done another remarkable job at ULL this season, and the Cajuns could win out to take the Sun Belt title and head off to the New Orleans Bowl.
Texas State is back a bit in the race, but the Bobcats have been a remarkable surprise, as Dennis Franchione has turned the program into a contender in the conference. TSU will go bowling for the first time in 2013.
Still Alive: UL-Monroe, Arkansas State, Troy, Western Kentucky, South Alabama
ULM and Troy could qualify for bowls with one more win each in a year where both teams desperately needed to do so for their coaches. That is a reachable goal with each team only having three games on the schedule a piece. WKU could also qualify for a bowl with one more win, which would get Bobby Petrino to a bowl in his first season.
Out of the Running: Georgia State
FCS Playoffs At a Glance
Big Sky
The league title is up for grabs heading into November, with Montana State and Eastern Washington tied at the top. I can see multiple bids coming out of the league once again, as the league is as strong as ever at the top.
Projected Teams In: Montana State, Eastern Washington, Montana
Bubble: Northern Arizona, Southern Utah
Big South
In one of the strongest seasons ever in Bog South play, this could be the year of dual bids for this conference. Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern both reside in our PRS top ten, and could both very well take bids.
Projected Teams In: Coastal Carolina, Charleston Southern
Bubble: None
Colonial
It's been a bumpy ride in the CAA in 2013, and some teams could play their way in or out of the playoffs in the final month, including Towson.
Projected Teams In: Towson, Maine, Delaware
Bubble: William & Mary, James Madison
Missouri Valley
It has not been a quality season top to bottom in 2013 for the Valley, with more teams failing to live up than not. There is supreme quality at the top, however.
Projected In: North Dakota State, Youngstown State
Bubble: None
MEAC
Oh yes, the MEAC will be back in the hunt this month. There are two teams that I love in the playoffs, but one will likely get in.
Projected In: Bethune-Cookman
Bubble: South Carolina State
Northeast
There will only be one team in from the NEC this season, but there will be a race to the finish to see who gets it.
Projected In: Duquesne
Bubble: Sacred Heart (Ranked 24th in this week's PRS)
Ohio Valley
As many as five teams enter November with at least an outside shot at stealing the conference title. It's still too cloudy to pick, but here's a look.
Projected In: Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State
Bubble: Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, UT-Martin
Patriot League
It's clearly a one bid league in 2013, and that team is ranked number one in our PRS rankings once again this week, but only by a single point.
Projected In: Fordham
Bubble: None
Pioneer Football
The expansion was set up to get the PFL into an AQ bid this season, but is there really one team that deserves it? Butler, who is in first place, is only ranked 44th in our PRS rankings.
Projected In: Marist (Ranked 31st)
Bubble: Butler, San Diego both tied for first, but only one bid, if any, gets in.
Southern
It's hardly been a conventional season, with all new faces likely to represent in the playoffs.
Projected In: Chattanooga, Samford
Bubble: Wofford (In with a strong finish)
Southland
Yet another strong run at the top of the SLC this season, however with a new face leading the charge.
Projected In: SE Louisiana, Sam Houston State
Bubble: McNeese State (Could get in with a strong finish to give the SLC three in teams)
Here is our look at who the bowl and FCS playoff teams are shaping up to be by conference. As always, please feel free to tell us what you think about the November format by emailing direct to scott.bilo@powerratedsports.com.
Week 10 Under Review: Countdown to the Bowls (FBS)
AAC
Bowl Eligible: Houston, UCF, Louisville, Cincinnati
Still Alive: Rutgers, SMU, Memphis
Out of the Running: UConn, Temple
There are plenty of scenarios at the top as to who could represent the conference in the final BCS appearance of the era. Houston remains in front after taking down USF on Halloween night. They have a narrow half game lead over UCF in the standings, and UCF has already beaten Louisville. It's crunch time for the Cougars, who must play at UCF this week, at Louisville on the 16th, and they get Cincinnati at home on the 23rd. It's going to be brutal.
UCF controls the race with a home win over Houston this week, having already taken down Louisville. Cincinnati and Louisville are on the outside looking in as far as the conference title is concerned, but Louisville is currently ranked ahead of both Houston and UCF in our PRS rankings.
Of the teams still alive for bowl bids, only Rutgers seems a logical choice to get there, as SMU would need to go 3-2 just to hit .500 for the season. The Scarlet Knights may have trouble winning the next two weeks against Cincy and UCF, but they are in position for a bowl with just one win. Memphis is just one more loss from being out of play.
ACC
Bowl Eligible: Florida State, Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Duke,
Still Alive: Syracuse, Boston College, Wake Forest, Maryland, Pittsburgh, NC State, North Carolina
Out of the Running: Virginia
Most everyone is still alive in the bow bid race, but let's be real. Only Florida State is legitimate when it comes to talk about the outright ACC title. The Seminoles have been dominant in conference play, and are the clear favorite to win out and head to the BCS.
Look for Clemson to most likely end up in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl, as they are the second best team in the conference. It's a shame that they couldn't play FSU once again in the ACC title game. That spot is likely to go to Miami barring a complete collapse by the overrated Hurricanes.
Georgia Tech is still in play to knock Miami out of the conference title game, while Virginia Tech is fading fast after falling to Boston College.
The biggest surprise in the group is Duke, who is playing their best football in years and could still win as many as 8 games to close out the regular season, a huge accomplishment.
Maryland has been awful since the start of conference play, but is just one win shy of qualifying for a much needed bowl bid. This season has seen some issues for the Terps, but Randy Edsell has made some improvements, and has saved his job in the process. Syracuse and Boston College are both sitting at 4-4, and could make a run to get to improbable bowl bids by both. Wake Forest is also two wins shy, but only has three games left to get them as they sit at 4-5.
Big 10
Bowl Eligible: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan
Still Alive: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Northwestern
Out of the Running: Purdue, Penn State
I am projecting an Ohio State-Michigan State Big 10 final, with Ohio State making their way into the Rose Bowl. Michigan State has been an improbable runner towards a division title, while struggling much on offense most of the season. It has been a grinding defense that has saved the Spartans, and they could give the Buckeyes their toughest challenge.
The biggest surprise of the group comes from Minnesota, that has largely played without coach Jerry Kill for most of the season, and was entering 2013 with incredibly low expectations. '
Wisconsin has been nothing if not consistent, but Nebraska and Michigan will enter a bowl game with serious flaws.
Of the teams that still live, Iowa is the most reasonable team that I see making the turn to get to a bowl, as they currently sit at 5-4. Indiana and Illinois will likely fall short, while Northwestern has been in a complete collapse since the start of conference play, having lost 5 straight.
Big 12
Bowl Eligible: Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech
Half of the conference is now bowl eligible to start November in what has been a stellar season for the Big 12 minus 2. Texas has been a solid story, turning the corner after a solid win over Oklahoma that saved Mack Brown's job. Texas and Baylor are in the driver's seat as of now, but the November slate is brutal in conference play.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are hanging within range of striking for the conference crown, but both need a little help along the way. They get their opportunities this month.
Texas Tech has been fading fast the last couple of weeks, losing two in a row, and is now likely just an observer, but considering that most had the Red Raiders no higher than 6th going into the season, they have cruised well and above where they should have ended up.
Still Alive: Kansas State, West Virginia, TCU, Kansas
Kansas State and West Virginia must now win two games to qualify for bowls, and are in must win mode now. WVU picked up a huge win over TCU on the road in OT this weekend, and they now sit at 4-5. They must win two of three just to qualify at .500 right now. Kansas State must at least finish on a 2-2 run to do the same. TCU and Kansas are one loss away from being home for the Holidays.
Out of the Running: Iowa State
Conference USA
Bowl Eligible: East Carolina, North Texas, Rice, Tulane
ECU has a pretty easy path to their season finale showdown with Marshall, which should be for all the marbles in the East Division. With Tulsa and UAB on the conference slate, and NC State out of conference, there's no reason to believe that the Pirates can't roll off three in a row to get to 9 wins before facing the Herd in Huntington.
In the West, it's a collection of surprises, as North Texas, Rice, and Tulane are all tied at the top heading into November. You couldn't find three more unlikely bowl teams heading into the final month, and it's going to be a race to the championship bid in conference play.
Still Alive: Marshall, Middle Tennessee, FAU, UAB, UTSA, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa
Marshall is just one win away from qualifying for a bowl, and looks likely to get it shortly. MTSU is just barely scraping by, and at 5-4, also looks likely to nab a spot, with a 2-1 finish well within reach to hit 7 wins. Out of the rest of the bunch, only UTSA looks like they could have an outside shot, sitting at 4-5, but playing solid football coming off of a trashing of Tulsa. FAU, UAB, and Tulsa re all one loss away from being knocked out of the postseason.
Out of the Running: FIU, Southern Miss, UTEP
Independents
Bowl Eligible: Notre Dame, BYU
The Irish got to their 7th win by barely surviving Navy, who pushed the Irish all day long. Notre Dame is likely to land one of their usual solid bowl bids on New Year's Day with a strong finish, which seems likely.
BYU was idle this weekend, but is already set to play what will likely be a PAC-12 opponent in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco.
Still Alive: Navy, Army
Navy has lost a few head scratchers this season, but seems logical to get to yet another bowl. The Middies had Notre Dame on the ropes before falling short 38-34 this week.
Army is on the flip side of the coin, and is out of a bowl with one loss. The loss to Air Force was staggering this week, and Army looks to be bowing out any moment now.
Out of the Running: Idaho, New Mexico State
MAC
Bowl Eligible: Buffalo, Ohio, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Toledo
It has been a solid season for the upper half of the MAC, and the conference looks set again to steal some bids from conferences who fail to qualify enough teams for their selected slots.
Buffalo has been a huge surprise over the last month, and is now in for certain. They are also lining themselves up for a run at the conference title game, with a full game lead over Ohio, who still looks to play spoiler.
Northern Illinois and Ball State will have to knock each other out of the race for not only the West title, but Ball State has a shot to knock NIU out of the BCS race. If NIU can win out, and steal the MAC title game, Ball State could win out and possible supplant the East winner in the Motor City Bowl. It doesn't matter right now, because the Cardinals are headed somewhere regardless.
Toledo has made a nice comeback this season, and is still in position to throw a wrench into some plans. They qualified with a win over Eastern Michigan this week.
Still Alive: Central Michigan, Bowling Green
The Chippewas are alive, but just barely at 3-5. Without a strong November run (3-1 at worst) they will fall short of qualifying.
The Falcons get in with one win, but they have flopped in big game opportunities this season. Still, I see them getting their 6th win and heading to a bowl with a strong crop of MAC contenders.
Out of the Running: UMass, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan
Mountain West
Bowl Eligible: Boise State, Fresno State
BSU and Fresno State are still on a collision course for the first Mountain West Title Game in what would be a rematch of Fresno State's win earlier this season in Fresno. Boise State is tied with Utah State for the division lead in the Mountain, but holds the tie breaker by virtue of having beaten the Aggies. Either way, Fresno State is playing for not just a conference title, but a shot at a BCS bid as well. The Bulldogs are currently the highest ranked non-AQ school right now, and could be headed to the Fiesta Bowl if they can hold on. That being said, Fresno State is ranked ahead of Northern Illinois in the BCS, but not in our PRS rankings.
Still Alive: Utah State, Wyoming, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Jose State, San Diego State, UNLV, Nevada
There are a large group of teams still fighting to qualify, but only Utah State, San Jose State, and UNLV could qualify in week 11. UNLV and Utah State play each other in a huge conference game Saturday. San Jose State is currently the hottest of the three, having beaten UNLV 34-24 in week 10.
Out of the Running: Air Force, Hawaii
PAC-12
Bowl Eligible: Oregon, Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona State, Arizona, UCLA, USC
The conference looks like a strong contender to land 7 teams in bowls at a minimum, and Oregon is still more than alive in the BCS title game chase. If the Ducks can survive Stanford this weekend on the Farm, there is nobody else equipped to stop their run. As it stands, Stanford is the favorite to head to the Rose Bowl is Oregon makes the run.
Oregon State has fallen flat as of late, with two consecutive losses. They are strictly an outsider now, but they will still bowl.
Arizona State is in control of their own destiny in a run to the conference title game, as they now lead the South. Arizona, UCLA, and USC are all a game back, so the margin is thin, with games against UCLa and Arizona still on the slate for the Sun Devils.
Still Alive: Washington, Washington State, Utah, Colorado
Washington needs just one win right now to bowl, while WSU and Utah still need two wins. WSU has to win two of three to get there, but like WSU, bowl or not both the Cougars and Buffaloes are far better than they were a year ago, and are rising teams.
Out of the Running: California
SEC
Bowl Eligible: Missouri, South Carolina, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M
The top of the SEC is as great as always, but the middle of the conference is severely muddled and losing steam. That said, Alabama is the best team until proven otherwise, and will likely cruise to the SEC title this season, giving them yet another BCS appearance in the final year of the system.
Nobody has surprised in this group more than Missouri, who bounced back from their first loss with a shelling of Tennessee, 31-3.
South Carolina is still hanging around in the East, and is the only other relevant team in the division. Auburn is better than we thought they'd be, while LSU and Texas A&M seem to struggle with identity issues at times.
Still Alive: Georgia, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas
There is a muddy pool that contains these teams. Georgia is the best of the bunch, winning their 5th game this season, beating Florida 23-20 in a brawl marred game. Kentucky and Arkansas are both one loss away from tapping out for the year. Florida, Vandy, and Tennessee all need two wins in the final month, as does Mississippi State. Ole Miss gets in with one more win.
Out of the Running: None
Sun Belt
Bowl Eligible: UL-Lafayette, Texas State
Mark Hudspeth has done another remarkable job at ULL this season, and the Cajuns could win out to take the Sun Belt title and head off to the New Orleans Bowl.
Texas State is back a bit in the race, but the Bobcats have been a remarkable surprise, as Dennis Franchione has turned the program into a contender in the conference. TSU will go bowling for the first time in 2013.
Still Alive: UL-Monroe, Arkansas State, Troy, Western Kentucky, South Alabama
ULM and Troy could qualify for bowls with one more win each in a year where both teams desperately needed to do so for their coaches. That is a reachable goal with each team only having three games on the schedule a piece. WKU could also qualify for a bowl with one more win, which would get Bobby Petrino to a bowl in his first season.
Out of the Running: Georgia State
FCS Playoffs At a Glance
Big Sky
The league title is up for grabs heading into November, with Montana State and Eastern Washington tied at the top. I can see multiple bids coming out of the league once again, as the league is as strong as ever at the top.
Projected Teams In: Montana State, Eastern Washington, Montana
Bubble: Northern Arizona, Southern Utah
Big South
In one of the strongest seasons ever in Bog South play, this could be the year of dual bids for this conference. Coastal Carolina and Charleston Southern both reside in our PRS top ten, and could both very well take bids.
Projected Teams In: Coastal Carolina, Charleston Southern
Bubble: None
Colonial
It's been a bumpy ride in the CAA in 2013, and some teams could play their way in or out of the playoffs in the final month, including Towson.
Projected Teams In: Towson, Maine, Delaware
Bubble: William & Mary, James Madison
Missouri Valley
It has not been a quality season top to bottom in 2013 for the Valley, with more teams failing to live up than not. There is supreme quality at the top, however.
Projected In: North Dakota State, Youngstown State
Bubble: None
MEAC
Oh yes, the MEAC will be back in the hunt this month. There are two teams that I love in the playoffs, but one will likely get in.
Projected In: Bethune-Cookman
Bubble: South Carolina State
Northeast
There will only be one team in from the NEC this season, but there will be a race to the finish to see who gets it.
Projected In: Duquesne
Bubble: Sacred Heart (Ranked 24th in this week's PRS)
Ohio Valley
As many as five teams enter November with at least an outside shot at stealing the conference title. It's still too cloudy to pick, but here's a look.
Projected In: Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State
Bubble: Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, UT-Martin
Patriot League
It's clearly a one bid league in 2013, and that team is ranked number one in our PRS rankings once again this week, but only by a single point.
Projected In: Fordham
Bubble: None
Pioneer Football
The expansion was set up to get the PFL into an AQ bid this season, but is there really one team that deserves it? Butler, who is in first place, is only ranked 44th in our PRS rankings.
Projected In: Marist (Ranked 31st)
Bubble: Butler, San Diego both tied for first, but only one bid, if any, gets in.
Southern
It's hardly been a conventional season, with all new faces likely to represent in the playoffs.
Projected In: Chattanooga, Samford
Bubble: Wofford (In with a strong finish)
Southland
Yet another strong run at the top of the SLC this season, however with a new face leading the charge.
Projected In: SE Louisiana, Sam Houston State
Bubble: McNeese State (Could get in with a strong finish to give the SLC three in teams)
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Coaches on the Hot Seat
Here is our latest Hot Seat tracker...it's heading into crunch time, and the heat is intense this week!
June Jones, SMU
Jones has won two straight in AAC play, but the wins have come over Temple and Memphis. Folks in Dallas are getting tired of the low or mid tier status for the Mustangs and are seeking results. Anything short of a bowl game, and SMU could shove Jones into the Dead Pool.
Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
Grobe has climbed out of the Dead Pool in recent weeks, and would be off the Hot Seat too if the Deacons had just held on against Miami. This week's roadie at Syracuse is a tipping point game for Grobe.
Randy Edsell, Maryland
Remember when Maryland was unbeaten early in the season, and then got wrecked by Florida State? Seems like it's been a long time since that horrible game, and the Terps still haven't recovered, starting just 1-3 in league play.
Mike London, Virginia
The Wahoos are 0-4 in conference play, and 2-6 overall. One more loss, and it's home for the Holidays...again. London's three year record at UVA is pretty abysmal also, so there's that. London is trending towards Dead Pool territory.
Bo Pelini, Nebraska
If the Huskers lose to Northwestern this week, we won't be talking about a hot seat, it'll be the Dead Pool for Pelini, where he can join his idiot, drug addled brother. This week is a must win for both Pelini and Nebraska.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Weis is not changing the culture quickly enough at Kansas, and the heat is rising. He'll likely be back in 2014, but things have to change, and a reshuffling of the staff won't be enough.
Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee
A last second TD may have saved MTSU against Marshall last week, but the heat is still on at 4-4. MTSU needs a run, and they need it now.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
I don't see Blankenship falling this season, but things are not going well at Tulsa for him. A loss to UTSA this weekend may be even more problematic.
Rich Ellerson, Army
Ellerson is an Army guy, but this season has been a disappointment, as much as last season was. A loss to Air Force would be a huge letdown this week, even on the road.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
Wyoming had a hot start that has been followed by an utter collapse. The Cowboys may not be done collapsing, and that could cost Christensen his job. Another loss may push him into the Dead Pool. Who am I kidding? It definitely will!
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Calhoun's record has been on the skids, and at 1-7, the Falcons are out of a bowl for certain. A loss to Army this week would darken the cloud over the Academy. These Falcons are grounded.
Will Muschamp, Florida
Do you really think people are being quiet about a 4-3 team in the swamp? Hell, they don't even like Muschamp all that much in Gainesville.
Mark Richt, Georgia
One more loss will put Richt in the Dead Pool. No, I am not kidding. A 4 loss Bulldog team after a top ten start to the season would be a massive failure in Athens, and Richt will be held accountable.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
MSU bounced back with a win over Kentucky last week, and that took some pressure off of Mullen, but the pressure will build again as the losses continue.
Coming up tomorrow...Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool!
June Jones, SMU
Jones has won two straight in AAC play, but the wins have come over Temple and Memphis. Folks in Dallas are getting tired of the low or mid tier status for the Mustangs and are seeking results. Anything short of a bowl game, and SMU could shove Jones into the Dead Pool.
Jim Grobe, Wake Forest
Grobe has climbed out of the Dead Pool in recent weeks, and would be off the Hot Seat too if the Deacons had just held on against Miami. This week's roadie at Syracuse is a tipping point game for Grobe.
Randy Edsell, Maryland
Remember when Maryland was unbeaten early in the season, and then got wrecked by Florida State? Seems like it's been a long time since that horrible game, and the Terps still haven't recovered, starting just 1-3 in league play.
Mike London, Virginia
The Wahoos are 0-4 in conference play, and 2-6 overall. One more loss, and it's home for the Holidays...again. London's three year record at UVA is pretty abysmal also, so there's that. London is trending towards Dead Pool territory.
Bo Pelini, Nebraska
If the Huskers lose to Northwestern this week, we won't be talking about a hot seat, it'll be the Dead Pool for Pelini, where he can join his idiot, drug addled brother. This week is a must win for both Pelini and Nebraska.
Charlie Weis, Kansas
Weis is not changing the culture quickly enough at Kansas, and the heat is rising. He'll likely be back in 2014, but things have to change, and a reshuffling of the staff won't be enough.
Rick Stockstill, Middle Tennessee
A last second TD may have saved MTSU against Marshall last week, but the heat is still on at 4-4. MTSU needs a run, and they need it now.
Bill Blankenship, Tulsa
I don't see Blankenship falling this season, but things are not going well at Tulsa for him. A loss to UTSA this weekend may be even more problematic.
Rich Ellerson, Army
Ellerson is an Army guy, but this season has been a disappointment, as much as last season was. A loss to Air Force would be a huge letdown this week, even on the road.
Dave Christensen, Wyoming
Wyoming had a hot start that has been followed by an utter collapse. The Cowboys may not be done collapsing, and that could cost Christensen his job. Another loss may push him into the Dead Pool. Who am I kidding? It definitely will!
Troy Calhoun, Air Force
Calhoun's record has been on the skids, and at 1-7, the Falcons are out of a bowl for certain. A loss to Army this week would darken the cloud over the Academy. These Falcons are grounded.
Will Muschamp, Florida
Do you really think people are being quiet about a 4-3 team in the swamp? Hell, they don't even like Muschamp all that much in Gainesville.
Mark Richt, Georgia
One more loss will put Richt in the Dead Pool. No, I am not kidding. A 4 loss Bulldog team after a top ten start to the season would be a massive failure in Athens, and Richt will be held accountable.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
MSU bounced back with a win over Kentucky last week, and that took some pressure off of Mullen, but the pressure will build again as the losses continue.
Coming up tomorrow...Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Bilo's Week 10 Picks
Here we go...another Saturday as we begin the stretch November run. Several teams can qualify for bowl games this season (17 in all), and the FBS playoff crunch will begin to take significant shape. Let's take a look at my picks for the upcoming Saturday action!
FBS
Virginia Tech over Boston College
Marshall over Southern Mississippi
Northern Illinois over UMass
Penn State over Illinois
Ohio State over Purdue
Rutgers over Temple
Wisconsin over Iowa
Army over Air Force
South Carolina over Mississippi State
North Carolina over NC State
Wake Forest over Syracuse
Western Kentucky over Georgia State...(There's no bigger lock on the board)
Middle Tennessee over UAB
Akron over Kent State
Minnesota over Indiana...Upset Alert! IU is a home favorite
Michigan State over Michigan
Notre Dame over Navy
Clemson over Virginia...Tigers should be able to cover the -18
Kansas State over Iowa State
Nebraska over Northwestern
TCU over West Virginia
Texas over Kansas
UTSA over Tulsa...Roadrunners get the road win and cover at +2.5
Arizona over California...Wildcats look strong as 15.5 point favorites
Georgia over Florida
Utah State over Hawaii
UNLV over San Jose State...Stakes are high for Rebels as they try to qualify for bowl bid
Tulane over FAU...If you can still find this game on a board, take Tulane heavy
UL-Lafayette over New Mexico State
Texas State over Idaho
East Carolina over FIU
Auburn over Arkansas
Georgia Tech over Pittsburgh
Toledo over Eastern Michigan
Missouri over Tennessee
Texas Tech over Oklahoma State
Kentucky over Alabama State
South Alabama over Arkansas State
UCLA over Colorado
Florida State over Miami...FSU by 21 hardly seems crazy
Boise State over Colorado State
San Diego State over New Mexico
Texas A&M over UTEP
Fresno State over Nevada
FCS
Yale over Columbia
Bethune-Cookman over North Carolina Central
Robert Morris over Bryant
Penn over Brown
Maine over Stony Brook
Hampton over Morgan State
North Carolina A&T over Virginia-Lynchburg
Eastern Illinois over Tennessee Tech
Tennessee State over Eastern Kentucky
Sacred Heart over Monmouth
Jacksonville over Marist
Colgate over Bucknell
Dayton over Butler
Fordham over Holy Cross
Lafayette over Georgetown
San Diego over Valporaiso
Georgia Southern over Furman
Princeton over Cornell
Wagner over Central Connecticut State
Mercer over Davidson
Campbell over Stetson
William & Mary over New Hampshire
Gardner-Webb over Warner
Charleston Southern over Presbyterian
Illinois State over Northern Iowa
Missouri State over Indiana State
Youngstown State over South Dakota
Southern Illinois over Western Illinois
Delaware State over Howard
Norfolk State over Florida A&M
South Carolina State over Savannah State
Murray State over UT-Martin
SE Missouri State over Urbana
Drake over Morehead State
Samford over Citadel
Old Dominion over Rhode Island
James Madison over Villanova
Coastal Carolina over Charlotte
Mississippi Valley State over Grambling
Incarnate Word over McMurry
Liberty over VMI
Chattanooga over Appalachian State
Montana State over Northern Colorado
Richmond over Albany
Sam Houston State over Stephen F. Austin
Portland State over Weber State
Montana over Sacramento State
Harvard over Dartmouth
Jacksonville State over Austin Peay
Alcorn State over Alabama A&M
Eastern Washington over Idaho State
Duquesne over St. Francis
Northern Arizona over North Dakota
UC-Davis over Cal Poly
Towson over Delaware...Huge CAA showdown!
Nicholls State over Lamar
McNeese State over SE Louisiana...Huge Southland Showdown!
Central Arkansas over Northwestern State...UCA needs a win to stay alive for postseason
FBS
Virginia Tech over Boston College
Marshall over Southern Mississippi
Northern Illinois over UMass
Penn State over Illinois
Ohio State over Purdue
Rutgers over Temple
Wisconsin over Iowa
Army over Air Force
South Carolina over Mississippi State
North Carolina over NC State
Wake Forest over Syracuse
Western Kentucky over Georgia State...(There's no bigger lock on the board)
Middle Tennessee over UAB
Akron over Kent State
Minnesota over Indiana...Upset Alert! IU is a home favorite
Michigan State over Michigan
Notre Dame over Navy
Clemson over Virginia...Tigers should be able to cover the -18
Kansas State over Iowa State
Nebraska over Northwestern
TCU over West Virginia
Texas over Kansas
UTSA over Tulsa...Roadrunners get the road win and cover at +2.5
Arizona over California...Wildcats look strong as 15.5 point favorites
Georgia over Florida
Utah State over Hawaii
UNLV over San Jose State...Stakes are high for Rebels as they try to qualify for bowl bid
Tulane over FAU...If you can still find this game on a board, take Tulane heavy
UL-Lafayette over New Mexico State
Texas State over Idaho
East Carolina over FIU
Auburn over Arkansas
Georgia Tech over Pittsburgh
Toledo over Eastern Michigan
Missouri over Tennessee
Texas Tech over Oklahoma State
Kentucky over Alabama State
South Alabama over Arkansas State
UCLA over Colorado
Florida State over Miami...FSU by 21 hardly seems crazy
Boise State over Colorado State
San Diego State over New Mexico
Texas A&M over UTEP
Fresno State over Nevada
FCS
Yale over Columbia
Bethune-Cookman over North Carolina Central
Robert Morris over Bryant
Penn over Brown
Maine over Stony Brook
Hampton over Morgan State
North Carolina A&T over Virginia-Lynchburg
Eastern Illinois over Tennessee Tech
Tennessee State over Eastern Kentucky
Sacred Heart over Monmouth
Jacksonville over Marist
Colgate over Bucknell
Dayton over Butler
Fordham over Holy Cross
Lafayette over Georgetown
San Diego over Valporaiso
Georgia Southern over Furman
Princeton over Cornell
Wagner over Central Connecticut State
Mercer over Davidson
Campbell over Stetson
William & Mary over New Hampshire
Gardner-Webb over Warner
Charleston Southern over Presbyterian
Illinois State over Northern Iowa
Missouri State over Indiana State
Youngstown State over South Dakota
Southern Illinois over Western Illinois
Delaware State over Howard
Norfolk State over Florida A&M
South Carolina State over Savannah State
Murray State over UT-Martin
SE Missouri State over Urbana
Drake over Morehead State
Samford over Citadel
Old Dominion over Rhode Island
James Madison over Villanova
Coastal Carolina over Charlotte
Mississippi Valley State over Grambling
Incarnate Word over McMurry
Liberty over VMI
Chattanooga over Appalachian State
Montana State over Northern Colorado
Richmond over Albany
Sam Houston State over Stephen F. Austin
Portland State over Weber State
Montana over Sacramento State
Harvard over Dartmouth
Jacksonville State over Austin Peay
Alcorn State over Alabama A&M
Eastern Washington over Idaho State
Duquesne over St. Francis
Northern Arizona over North Dakota
UC-Davis over Cal Poly
Towson over Delaware...Huge CAA showdown!
Nicholls State over Lamar
McNeese State over SE Louisiana...Huge Southland Showdown!
Central Arkansas over Northwestern State...UCA needs a win to stay alive for postseason
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