Bilo's College Football Week 11 PRS Rankings: FBS

Rank	Points	Team	Record	Opponent
1	2452	Alabama	10-0	Def. Mississippi State 51-3
2	2273	Western Michigan	10-0	Def. Kent State 37-21
3	2189	Louisville	9-1	Def. Wake Forest 44-12
4	2153	Ohio State	9-1	Def. Maryland 62-3
5	2080	Michigan	9-1	Lost to Iowa 14-13
6	1910	Boise State	9-1	Def. Hawaii 52-16
7	1876	Washington	9-1	Lost to Southern California 26-13
8	1803	San Diego State	9-1	Def. Nevada-Reno 46-16
9	1735	Clemson	9-1	Lost to Pittsburgh 43-42
10	1626	Oklahoma	8-2	Def. Baylor 45-24
11	1543	Washington State	8-2	Def. California 56-21
12	1496	Troy	8-1	Def. Appalachian State 28-24
13	1453	Penn State	8-2	Def. Indiana 45-31
14	1419	Colorado	8-2	Def. Arizona 49-24
15	1414	Toledo	8-2	Def. Northern Illinois 31-24
16	1397	Houston	8-2	Def. Tulane 30-18
17	1390	West Virginia	8-1	Def. Texas 24-20
18	1374	Louisiana Tech	8-3	Def. Texas-San Antonio 63-35
19	1360	South Florida	8-2	Def. Memphis 49-42
20	1340	Nebraska	8-2	Def. Minnesota 24-17
21	1283	Western Kentucky	8-3	Def. North Texas 45-7
22	1270	Utah	8-2	Def. Arizona State 49-26
23	1262	Oklahoma State	8-2	Def. Texas Tech 45-44
24	1247	Wisconsin	8-2	Def. Illinois 48-3
25	1202	Florida	7-2	Def. South Carolina 20-7
26	1103	Southern California	7-3	Def. Washington 26-13
27	1083	Auburn	7-3	Lost to Georgia 13-7
28	1060	Appalachian State	7-3	Lost to Troy 28-24
29	1020	Virginia Tech	7-3	Lost to Georgia Tech 30-20
30T	1015	Navy	7-2	Def. Tulsa 42-40
30T	1015	Tulsa	7-3	Lost to Navy 42-40
32	987	Texas A&M	7-3	Lost to Mississippi 29-28
33	968	Stanford	7-3	Def. Oregon 52-27
34	950	North Carolina	7-3	Lost to Duke 28-27
35	946	Wyoming	7-3	Lost to Nevada-Las Vegas 69-66 3 OT's
36	939	Air Force	7-3	Def. Colorado State 49-46
37	931	New Mexico	7-3	Def. Utah State 24-21
38	926	Florida State	7-3	Def. Boston College 45-7
39	910	Old Dominion	8-2	Def. Southern Mississippi 51-35
40	908	Temple	7-3	Bye
41	869	Ohio	7-3	Bye
42	852	Tennessee	7-3	Def. Kentucky 49-36
43	846	Minnesota	7-3	Lost to Nebraska 24-17
44	734	Baylor	6-3	Lost to Oklahoma 45-24
45	635	Louisiaina State	6-3	Def. Arkansas 38-10
46	626	Memphis	6-4	Lost to South Florida 49-42
47	607	Miami (FL)	6-4	Def. Virginia 34-14
48	576	Central Florida	6-4	Def. Cincinnati 24-3
49	572	Pittsburgh	6-4	Def. Clemson 43-42
50	530	Arkansas State	6-3	Def. New Mexico State 41-22
51	507	Brigham Young	6-4	Def. Southern Utah 37-7
52T	507	Eastern Michigan	6-4	Def. Ball State 48-41
52T	501	Iowa	6-4	Def. Michigan 14-13
54	436	Georgia	6-4	Def. Auburn 13-7
55	405	Georgia Tech	6-4	Def. Virginia Tech 30-20
56	383	Texas	5-5	Lost to West Virginia 24-20
57	360	Wake Forest	6-4	Lost to Louisville 44-12
58	352	Texas Christian	5-4	Bye
59	325	Arkansas	6-4	Lost to Louisiana State 38-10
60	309	Kansas State	5-4	Bye
61	234	Idaho	6-4	Def. Texas State 47-14
62	233	Middle Tennessee State	5-5	Lost to Marshall 42-17
63	216	Indiana	5-5	Lost to Penn State 45-31
64	191	Kentucky	5-5	Lost to Tennessee 49-36
65	176	Colorado State	5-5	Lost to Air Force 49-46
66	171	Army	5-5	Lost to Notre Dame 44-6
67	158	Southern Mississippi	5-5	Lost to Old Dominion 51-35
68	141	Northwestern	5-5	Def. Purdue 45-17
69	99	South Carolina	5-5	Lost to Florida 20-7
70	97	Mississippi	5-5	Def. Texas A&M 29-28
71	94	Southern Methodist	5-5	Def. East Carolina 55-31
72	76	Central Michigan	5-5	Bye
73	72	Arizona State	5-5	Lost to Utah 49-26
74	59	North Carolina State	5-5	Def. Syracuse 35-20
75	55	Texas San Antonio	5-5	Lost to Louisiana Tech 63-35
76	25	Maryland	5-5	Lost to Ohio State 62-3
77	21	Notre Dame	4-6	Def. Army 44-6
78	0	Miami (OH)	5-6	Def. Buffalo 35-24
79T	0	California	4-6	Lost to Washington State 56-21
79T	-58	UCLA	4-6	Def. Oregon State 38-24
81	-120	Texas Tech	5-5	Lost to Oklahoma State 45-44
82	-139	Akron	5-6	Lost to Bowling Green State 38-28
83	-202	Louisiana Lafayette	4-5	Def. Georgia Southern 33-26
84	-229	Nevada-Las Vegas	4-6	Def. Wyoming 69-66 3 OT's
85	-234	Georgia Southern	4-6	Lost to Louisiana-Lafayette 33-26
86	-250	South Alabama	4-5	Bye
87	-274	Ball State	4-6	Lost to Eastern Michigan 48-41
88	-278	Missouri	4-6	Def. Vanderbilt 26-17
89	-307	Vanderbilt	4-6	Lost to Missouri 26-17
90	-313	Mississippi State	4-6	Lost to Alabama 51-3
91	-351	Duke	4-6	Def. North Carolina 28-27
92	-365	Louisiana Monroe	5-5	Def. Georgia State 37-23
93	-376	North Texas	4-6	Lost to Western Kentucky 45-7
94	-377	Charlotte	4-6	Lost to Rice 22-21
95	-409	Syracuse	4-6	Lost to North Carolina State 35-20
96	-451	Cincinnati	4-6	Lost to Central Florida 24-3
97	-464	Boston College	4-6	Lost to Florida State 45-7
98	-511	Northern Illinois	3-7	Lost to Toledo 31-24
99	-557	Hawaii	4-7	Lost to Boise State 52-16
100	-646	Oregon	3-7	Lost to Stanford 52-27
101	-654	Florida International	3-7	Bye
102	-666	East Carolina	3-7	Lost to Southern Methodist 55-31
103	-677	Michigan State	3-7	Def. Rutgers 49-0
104	-700	Marshall	3-7	Def. Middle Tennessee State 42-17
105	-702	Tulane	3-7	Lost to Houston 30-18
106	-737	Nevada-Reno	3-7	Lost to San Diego State 46-16
107	-751	Utah State	3-7	Lost to New Mexico 24-21
108	-758	New Mexico State	2-7	Lost to Arkansas State 41-22
109	-763	Connecticut	3-7	Bye
110	-768	Florida Atlantic	3-7	Def. Texas-El Paso 35-31
111	-799	San Jose State	3-7	Bye
112	-810	Kent State	3-7	Lost to Western Michigan 37-21
113	-827	Purdue	3-7	Lost to Northwestern 45-17
114	-835	Illinois	3-7	Lost to Wisconsin 48-3
115	-863	Texas-El Paso	3-7	Lost to Florida Atlantic 35-31
116	-973	Iowa State	2-8	Def. Kansas 31-24
117	-1031	Texas State	2-7	Lost to Idaho 47-14
118	-1036	Virginia	2-8	Lost to Miami (FL) 34-14
119	-1086	Oregon State	2-8	Lost to UCLA 38-24
120	-1095	Georgia State	2-8	Lost to Louisiana Monroe  37-23
121	-1151	Massachusetts	2-8	Bye
122	-1153	Bowling Green State	2-8	Def. Akron 38-28
123	-1164	Rice	2-8	Def. Charlotte 22-21
124	-1165	Buffalo	2-8	Lost to Miami (OH) 35-24
125	-1216	Arizona	2-8	Lost to Colorado 49-24
126	-1332	Rutgers	2-8	Lost to Michigan State 49-0
127	-1502	Fresno State	1-9	Bye
128	-1598	Kansas	1-9	Lost to Iowa State 31-24

Commentary: Crash and Burn Saturday Creates Chaos

     When November comes around, there is always a chance that chaos will show its ugly face and run amok over the college football landscape. I had brought this up about a week or so ago, but never did I expect it to come all at once, all in one weekend package. If chaos is your thing, there was nothing better. If you like things a bit more tidy, you were suffering a migraine all weekend just trying to keep up with what is now a completely fluid playoff picture. This was all far less complicated when we were only concerning ourselves with bowl slots.
    We should have known as early as Thursday that there were some demons running about on the gridiron. A North Carolina loss to Duke should not have rattled any cages, and for certain it largely did not, but it created a chance for Virginia Tech to simply beat Georgia Tech at Lane Stadium, something that was highly attainable, and the Hokies would lock up a trip to the ACC title game to play Clemson (in all likelihood). What transpired was that the Hokies trailed to the Yellow Jackets 20-0 at the half on the way to a 30-20 implosion at home, which stretched the ACC Coastal title another week.
     The ACC disaster did not end there. Clemson needed to win out to remain in the conversation for a playoff birth. They were by far the most vulnerable of the four remaining major undefeated teams (sorry, Western Michigan). Clemson had been running on a fuel called luck for weeks now, and there was always a shot of that luck running out, which, of course, it did on Saturday night at home, as Pitt kicked a FG with 0:08 remaining to run out of town with a 43-42 win under their belt, and now Clemson was left hanging as well. Even though Clemson had already beaten Louisville, Louisville now ranks ahead of them in many projections. It would seem that their out of conference strength of schedule would have something to say about that. Louisville never played an FCS opponent this season, while Clemson played South Carolina State. Oops. The ACC could still end up with a Clemson/Virginia Tech title game, but it could end up with a Louisville/North Carolina game as well, something that would totally seem out of left field.
     The Big 10 had such a disaster of a night, that Penn State now looks like a potential Big 10 East title holder, with help of course. Michigan was bitten by the chaos bug as well, as they largely flailed and missed at Iowa in a 14-13 loss that also ended with a last second field goal. Michigan now finds themselves in a three way tie for the East lead, and while they hold the tiebreaker against Penn State, a loss to Ohio State in the finale would hand it all to the Nittany Lions, of course only if Penn State wins out, because, as chaos would have it, Penn State beat Ohio State already. Even if the Buckeyes win out and beat Michigan, they would literally be handing the keys to the title game over to Penn State, if PSU wins out.
     Out West, the PAC-12 was not to be left out, as Washington, the fourth team in the playoff rankings, found a way to be absolutely inept at home in a 26-13 loss to USC. With that loss, it basically ensured that the PAC-12 would be left out of the playoffs, again. It also gave Washington State the upper hand in the North, and that is always a stinger in Seattle. If the Huskies lose one more game, and the Cougars even split their remaining games, the Cougars win out.
     Looking at other things that were never supposed to happen in 2016, Navy will likely win the AAC West over Houston, Wake Forest has a say in who wins the ACC Atlantic, Oklahoma is unbeaten in the Big 12 after a 1-2 start and Bedlam potentially has meaning, Minnesota could still win the Big 10 West (with a ton of help), Old Dominion could win 9 games, Notre Dame will go without a bowl with just one more loss, Army will go to a bowl with one more win, Miami (Ohio) could go bowling, while Bowling Green will not with just 2 wins, and Northern Illinois is already home for the holidays with 7 losses, New Mexico could win the Mountain West Mountain Division, Colorado could win the PAC-12 South, and nobody wants to win the dumpster fire that is the SEC East.
     The biggest bit of chaos that has ensued is...Paul Haynes of Kent State HAS STILL NOT BEEN FIRED!!!!!
     We still have three more weeks of regular season football before conference title games. God help us all!

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: PAC-12

PAC-12

North: Washington State, Washington
When I projected that Washington State could win the North this season, I was called crazy by some. With 2 games left in the season, the Cougars are all alone in 1st. Washington State Led Cal at the half 28-7, and rolled on to a 56-21 win at home to move to 7-0 in conference play. The rest of the schedule is grueling for the Cougs, as they get Colorado on the road, and then wrap up at home in the most important Apple Cup in years against Washington.
Washington was not themselves yesterday. The Huskies offense never got on track, and Jake Browning was frustrated all night in an eventual 26-13 loss to USC in Seattle. That loss likely knocks the Huskies out of a playoff spot, and may have cost them a PAC-12 title if they cannot beat Washington State in the Apple Cup. It will all come down to that game in Pullman, and it does not matter what the Cougars do next week, unless they win and the Huskies lose, because that would hand the North title to Washington State before the Apple Cup.

South: Colorado, USC, Utah
Colorado has stayed the course all year, but now comes a meat grinder to finish up the year, and they have to win out to get that South title. Colorado had no trouble with Arizona last night in a 49-24 win, but now comes a home game with Washington State, and a finale at home against Utah. The good news is that both games are in Boulder, but the bad news is that both teams are ranked, and Colorado would need a win over Utah, and a loss by USC to claim the division if the Buffs lose to Washington State.
USC is continuing on with their red hot streak after beating Washington in Seattle last night. The Trojans have been unstoppable after their horrible start to the season, and could very well come back to steal the South with some help. The Trojans have already lost to Utah, so they lack a tiebreaker there, but if Colorado beats the Utes, but loses to Washington State, USC is the winner in the division. The Trojans only have one conference game remaining, and that is next week against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
Utah still has some serious power in the South. Like Colorado, they are completely in control of their own destiny moving forward, despite trailing the Buffaloes by a game. Utah needs wins over both Oregon and Colorado, and they can claim the South title. It is win out, or go home. Utah hammered Arizona State this week, 49-26.

Bowl Eligible: Washington State, Washington, Stanford, Colorado, USC, Utah
Bowl Ineligible: Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: Mountain West

Mountain West

Mountain: Boise State, Wyoming, New Mexico
Boise State's loss to Wyoming is still looming large, but the Broncos stayed in the race by beating Hawaii 52-16, as the Rainbow Warriors continue on their late season implosion. The Broncos have no choice but to win out against UNLV and Air Force, and then hope for a Wyoming loss.
Speaking of Wyoming, the Cowboys are still in control of their destiny, but losing in 3 OTs to UNLV 69-66 this week was not a good look for them. It was the first loss in MWC play for the Cowboys, and that sets them in must win mode now with a brutal upcoming slate against San Diego State and New Mexico. I would not bet heavy on them right now.
New Mexico has an easier path. The Lobos are 7-3 overall, and are red hot as of this moment. The problem is that UNM needs to win out against Colorado State and Wyoming, but they need a Boise State loss in the process, as New Mexico last loss before their current five game winning streak was against the Broncos. The Lobos can easily win out, but betting on Boise to lose to UNLV or Air Force may be heavy dreaming.

West: San Diego State
The Aztecs locked up the horrible West Division last week, but they did not rest easy this week, as they hammered Nevada 46-16 in Reno. The RB trio of Thunder, Lightning, and Wind rounded up over 400 yards rushing in the win. The Aztecs travel to Wyoming this week, and then wrap up at home with Colorado State on 11/26 before playing in the MWC title game.

Bowl Eligible: Boise State, New Mexico, Wyoming, Air Force, San Diego State
Bowl Ineligible: Utah State, Hawaii, San Jose State, Nevada, Fresno State

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: SEC

SEC

East: Florida, Tennessee
Florida was not exactly impressive on senior day in beating South Carolina 20-7. The Gators are looking more and more vulnerable, and if they fall against LSU next week, the Gators could lose the SEC East to Tennessee.
Tennessee still has two more conference games left against Missouri and Vanderbilt, and should be favored to win both. If they do that, and LSU does them a huge favor next week, Tennessee is taking the East and moves on to face Alabama in the SEC title game with 3 conference losses. That's all you need to know as to how bad the East has become.

West: Alabama
Maurice Smith returned a pick 6 for Georgia, and the former Alabama player did his former team a huge favor by beating Auburn to give the Tide the SEC West title, no matter what happens against Auburn now. Alabama dominance continues unabated. Alabama did themselves a huge favor as well today, as they wrecked Mississippi State 51-3 at home.

Bowl Eligible: Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Arkansas
Bowl Ineligible: Missouri

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: MAC

MAC

East: Ohio, Miami (Ohio)
Ohio still has some interesting games left against Central Michigan and Akron, but they have already beaten Miami, so the Bobcats are in control of the situation. Ohio had a bye week this week, but as long as they don't lose twice, they are in the MAC title game.
Miami would need two Ohio losses based on having lost to them earlier this season. They have just one game remaining, which will be on 11/22 against Ball State. They need to win that game to be bowl eligible, and also to have an outside shot at the division title.

West: Western Michigan, Toledo
Western Michigan is one of two unbeaten teams left in the nation this week, and they have two games left to play. If WMU wins next week against Buffalo, they win the division with a Toledo loss. If Toledo wins, everything comes down to the season finale between the two.

Bowl Eligible: Ohio, Western Michigan, Toledo, Eastern Michigan
Bowl Ineligible: Kent State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Northern Illinois

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: Conference USA

Conference USA

East: Western Kentucky, Old Dominion
Western Kentucky destroyed North Texas 45-7 today, and they have already beaten Old Dominion. WKU already had beaten ODU, so they control their own destiny should they beat Marshall next week. If the Hilltoppers win that game, they lock up the division. If they lose, and Old Dominion wins out their final two games against FAU and FIU, the Monarchs could steal the division, but Marshall beating WKU is a long shot next week.

West: Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech has officially locked up the West, and will play in the CUSA title game. The Bulldogs picked up the win over UTSA, 63-35, and now takes a bye week before wrapping up on 11/25 at Southern Mississippi.

Bowl Eligible: Western Kentucky, Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech
Bowl Ineligible: FIU, FAU, Marshall, UTEP, Rice

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: Big 10

Big 10

East: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State
Despite Michigan falling to Iowa tonight, the Wolverines still control their own destiny. If the Wolverines beat Indiana next week, which they should, they must beat Ohio State in the finale to win the division. That seems like a tall order at this point, but the world is askew in college football right now, so there is always hope for them.
Ohio State needs some help, even if they win out against Michigan State and Michigan, the Buckeyes would need Penn State to lose one of their final games against Rutgers or Michigan State (either seems highly unlikely) to claim the West. Ohio State lost to Penn State, and they own the tiebreaker. Penn State could win out, but they need Ohio State to beat Michigan to claim the division, as they lost to Michigan. Penn State winning out is about the only thing I would bet on in this group moving forward.

West: Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota
Wisconsin has held on for weeks now, and they are on the cusp of winning the East. The Badgers destroyed Illinois today, will play Purdue next week (Badgers should easily win this), and will wrap up in a must win game against Minnesota. If that happens, Wisconsin wins the West.
Nebraska beat Minnesota today 24-17, and stays tied with Wisconsin, but the Huskers need to win out, and they need a Badger loss to claim the West. Nebraska is no lock to win out with games coming up with Maryland and Iowa remaining. Maryland is reeling, but Iowa is a challenge for certain after tonight's win over Michigan.
Minnesota did not help themselves by losing to Nebraska, but can still get some help with a Nebraska loss or two, and by beating Wisconsin. If Nebraska loses out, and the Gophers beat Wisconsin, Minnesota is in the title game under that scenario.

Bowl Eligible: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa
Bowl Ineligible: Michigan State, Rutgers, Illinois, Purdue

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: Big 12

Big 12

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia
The Big 12 has turned into a 2 week playoff for Oklahoma, as they can start by knocking out West Virginia next week after blowing out Baylor 45-24 today. Oklahoma plays the Mountaineers next week, and then finishes with Bedlam the following week for what could be a conference title game. After the win today, Oklahoma is now 23-3 all-time against Baylor.
Oklahoma State stayed alive in the conference race by holding off Texas Tech 45-44 today after a missed PAT by the Red Raiders late in the game was followed by the Cowboys holding on to an onside kick. OSU takes on a resurgent TCU next week, and if they win, the Bedlam game becomes the Big 12 title game. Remember, the Cowboys have already beaten West Virginia, so WVU needs to beat Oklahoma, and then have Oklahoma beat Oklahoma State to stay in it. No pressure.
West Virginia took care of some business today, beating Texas 24-20 in Austin to stay in the race.

Bowl Eligible: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor
Bowl Ineligible: Iowa State, Kansas

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: ACC

ACC

Atlantic: Louisville, Clemson
Clemson could have put things to bed tonight with a win at home over Pitt, but a Panther FG with 0:08 left gave the Panthers a 43-42 win over the Tigers, not only bringing chaos to the ACC title chase, but also to the playoff rankings.
Clemson still owns the tiebreaker over Louisville, having beaten them, but if Clemson loses their ACC finale next week at Wake Forest, Louisville is the Atlantic Division champion.
Louisville is now done in ACC play despite having two more games on the schedule. Louisville wraps against Houston and Kentucky in non con play, but they have no pressure on them after beating Wake Forest. Other than already having lost to Clemson, and that being their only league loss, Louisville is in a solid position, and they have done all they can. Now they wait, and hope Wake Forest can rebound for a huge upset next week.

Coastal: Virginia Tech, North Carolina
All Virginia Tech had to do today was beat Georgia Tech at home. They headed into the half already down 20-0 to the Yellow Jackets, and could not find a way to bounce back from that deficit. Before they knew it, Virginia Tech had lost to Georgia Tech 30-20, and blew their chance to lock up an appearance in the ACC title game.
North Carolina could have taken advantage of this loss by beating Duke on Thursday night. They did not. Despite dominating early against the Blue Devils, UNC allowed them to claw back and hang around, and Duke won 28-27. It is still a 2 team race as we head to the end of the season, and Virginia Tech owns the tiebreaker, but the Hokies cannot lose their final game, because if UNC wins, and the Hokies lose, Tech has blown it and UNC heads to the ACC title hame.

Bowl Eligible: Louisville, Clemson, Florida State, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech
Bowl Ineligible: Virginia

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: American Athletic Conference

AAC

East: Temple, USF, UCF
Temple was idle this week, but they control their own destiny at this point. They have already beaten USF, who they are tied with at the top of the East, and they have also beaten UCF already this season. Temple still has to win out, or get another loss from USF, and they would be in the AAC title game.
USF got all they could handle today against the Memphis Tigers, and held on to win 49-42 on the road. Quinton Flowers passed for 263 yards and 2 scores, and rushed for another 210 yards and 3 more scores to act as a one man show for the Bulls in the win. USF still needs a Temple loss, and also needs to win out, but they are still in the thick of things.
UCF absolutely needs Temple to lose out, and needs to beat USF in order to steal the division as well. UCF held Cincinnati out of the end zone, which extends the Bearcats end zone futility to 10 quarters now. The Knights beat UC 24-3 in Orlando today, as they forced 3 Bearcat turnovers in an otherwise ugly win.

West: Navy, Houston, Tulsa
Navy now controls their own destiny in the West after holding off Tulsa 42-40 today. Will Worth rushed for 3 TDs and passed for one more, as the Middies took control of the division. They have now beaten both Houston and Tulsa, and can clinch the division with a win next week.
Houston needs some help right now, but if Navy were to lose their final 2 league games, Houston could sneak back in and steal the division. Houston jumped out to a 28-10 lead over Tulane at the half, and then really fell off the radar with just 2 points in the second half in a 30-18 win over the Green Wave.
Tulsa has now lost to both Houston and Navy, but 2 losses by Navy, one loss by Houston, and Tulsa winning out would hand the division to the Golden Hurricane. If Navy wins next week, this is also all moot.

Bowl Eligible: USF, Temple, UCF, Navy, Houston, Tulsa, Memphis
Bowl Ineligible: East Carolina, U Conn, Tulane

Bilo's College Football Conference Title Chase Reports: Sun Belt Week 11

Troy, Arkansas State, Appalachian State

Troy took control of their own destiny this today, when they beat Appalachian State at home, 28-24. Jordan Chunn rushed for 129 yards and a TD, and the Trojans used a late rushing score to stay unbeaten, and also won their 7th straight. Troy will now take on Arkansas State this coming week, and if they win, they control the Sun Belt race, and will likely lock up a conference title.
Arkansas State can still win the conference title, but they need to knock off Troy on the 17th to get there. The Red Wolves have now won 5 straight, and Justice Hanson passed for 257 yards and 2 TDs in an easy 41-22 win over New Mexico State. This scenario would have seemed ridiculous a few short weeks ago, but ASU has pushed on to a huge showdown.
Appalachian State is out of this race. They could still tie for the league title by winning out, but Arkansas State would win on tie breaker if they should tie with App State, and if Troy wins out, the whole point is moot.

Bowl Eligible: Troy, Appalachian State, Idaho
Bowl Ineligible: New Mexico State, Georgia State, Texas State

Bilo's College Football: FCS Playoff Projections

With just two weeks left in the FCS football regular season, here are my projections as to who may be selected into the 24 team field for the playoffs. Remember that the Ivy League, MEAC, and SWAC do not participate in the playoffs. Here are the 24 teams I a projecting as in right now:

1.       North Dakota: Current Big Sky leader

2.       Liberty: Current Big South Leader

3.       James Madison: Current CAA Leader

4.       North Dakota State: Currently tied for Missouri Valley Lead

5.       St. Francis: Northeast Leader

6.       Jacksonville State: Ohio Valley Leader

7.       Lehigh: Patriot League Leader

8.       San Diego: Pioneer League Leader

9.       Citadel: Southern Leader

10.   Sam Houston State: Southland Leader

11.   Eastern Washington: 8-1, currently ranked 3rd in FCS PRS Rankings

12.   Central Arkansas: 8-1, currently ranked 4th in FCS PRS Rankings

13.   Chattanooga: 8-1, currently ranked 12th in FCS PRS Rankings

14.   Villanova: 7-2, currently ranked 15th in FCS PRS Rankings

15.   Richmond: 7-2, currently ranked 19th in FCS PRS Rankings

16.   Montana: 6-3, currently ranked 23rd in FCS PRS Rankings

17.   South Dakota State: 6-3, currently ranked 24th in FCS PRS Rankings

18.   UT-Martin: 6-4, currently ranked 25th in FCS PRS Rankings, brutal non-con schedule, SOS

19.   New Hampshire: 6-3, currently ranked 26th in FCS PRS Rankings

20.   Cal Poly: 6-3, currently ranked 27th in FCS PRS Rankings

21.   Samford: 6-3, currently ranked 28th in FCS PRS Rankings

22.   Youngstown State: 6-3, currently ranked 29th in FCS PRS Rankings

23.   Western Illinois: 6-3, currently ranked 30th in FCS PRS Rankings

24.   Wofford: 6-3, currently ranked 32nd in FCS PRS Rankings

Bubble: Tennessee State, Sacred Heart, Kennesaw State, Duquesne, Fordham, Charleston Southern, Maine

Bilo's College Football: As the Carousel Turns

The Coaching Carousel season starts earlier and earlier every year, and this season is no exception. There are five current jobs open on the FBS level alone, and it is time to update everyone on where those job searches are, and where they may be headed according to multiple sources, some of which include my own personal sources. Here is the first ride of the year on the Carousel...

Fresno State
Tim DeRuyter was very unlikely to make it out of this season, and so it was no surprise in October that he was dismissed after a 1-7 start.
There really was no comprehensive search. Jim Bartko focused in on Jeff Tedford, formerly of California and the BC Lions. Tedford is the only target that ever was approached, and Fresno State moved swiftly, making the hire this week.
The issue with Tedford to watch is academics in the end. Cal forced Tedford out on the merits of wins and losses in the end, but the real bullet to get him out was that Cal slipped below the minimal APR scores in the football program under his watch, and that was unacceptable.
If Tedford can focus on the whole package, on and off the field, there is no reason to think that he cannot succeed, and he had better, as at $1.6 million per year, the highest salary in the Mountain West, he will have no margin for error.

Baylor
It is unlikely that Jim Grobe was ever hired with more than a year in mind. Baylor would love to ake a huge splash with someone like Tom Herman, but that is not very likely. Baylor got some good, rather undeserved news this week when the Wall Street Journal reported that the NCAA was unlikely to make any moves against the school in regards to their off field issues regarding sexual assault (as they did with Penn State).
The stain on the program after all of the issues that have occurred in Waco will likely keep Baylor on the back burner when it comes to who they can hire. There has been virtually zero buzz as to who will be after this job. That's not good news for this program, but stay tuned, because Baylor will likely open the check book to draw someone decent out.

FIU
Ron Turner failed big time at FIU, and it may be the last coaching gig he gets. Turner was fired after an 0-4 start, and Ron Cooper has taken over. After a 3 game winning streak to start the Cooper era, the Panthers have now lost 3 straight games to fall to 3-7. Cooper will not be the guy.
The major story brewing right now is that FIU and Pete Garcia have zeroed in their search on former Miami and Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis.
There have been some discussions, but late this week, something hit a snag, and it is more than likely money. Davis is still very much involved here, but stand by on that one, because it is not a done deal just yet.

LSU
Despite the loss last week to Alabama, Ed Orgeron is still very much the leading candidate at LSU for the permanent job. It would seem that maybe his 3rd interim job is the charm. The Tigers are not talking with anyone else at this time, and that leads me to believe that they are putting all of their focus on Orgeron...for now. If LSU falls to Arkansas this week, things may change quickly.

Purdue
Purdue is ready to spend big on a football coach this time around, and PJ Fleck will likely be their first target. Purdue could also target Ohio State coordinators Ed Warriner and Greg Schiano, and also could target Western Kentucky head coach Jeff Brohm as well. Troy Calhoun seemed to be a solid candidate earlier on, but that seems very unlikely now. One other name that has come to me is Troy Coach Neal Brown, who would have been a candidate at Kentucky if Mark Stoops had been fired, but it would seem that Stoops is safe for now. Brown would amp up the offense in a big way, as would Brohm. Lane Kiffin has also been mentioned, as had Les Miles. Miles could be a candidate here if better options do not materialize. Many of the jobs that were thought to be opening up six weeks ago, are not opening now, which limit his options, and Miles does not want to sit out.

Bilo's College Football Commentary: One Loss Teams and the Playoffs

   During my weekly appearance on the Mitch and Pritch show on ESPN 1100 and 100.9 in Las Vegas today, I was posed a very good question as to whether or not there is ever a time that a one loss team should be given a playoff spot over a team with one loss. I have been all over the place on this issue, and the answer is varied from year to year. Some years the answer is a stunning yes, while others, it is not so clear. Allow me to explain.
     First, I should explain that my view on being undefeated in any year is that it is the most difficult thing in sports to do. Whatever strength of schedule a team has, finishing without a loss is a grueling march through the mud. Even if you have a weak schedule, it is so amazingly easy to trip up in a game that you could be favored trap game by more than 20 points. It has happened on numerous occasions, and that kind of loss has on many occasions ruined great seasons.
     The discussion this year centered around Washington, and how they were ranked behind Texas A&M last week, and finished ahead of Ohio State this season. I do believe that Washington should be ranked ahead of Ohio State (5th this week in playoff rankings) or Louisville (6th). I believe this based on the fact that Ohio State is in the Big 10 East, which is obviously the same conference and division as Ohio State. Louisville is in the same conference and division as Clemson. Obviously, there is no scenario in which Ohio State and Michigan will share the division title. Same said for Louisville and Clemson.
     The playoff was not created in a 4 team format to take on teams who have not won divisional or conference titles. In an 8 team format, this could be acceptable. It would be acceptable if instead of a Big 10 East program were in the conversation, the representative program were from the West, and if the ACC team were from the Coastal division, one could see the scenario in which two teams from the same conference could be ranked in the top 4, as the two division leaders could settle matters in their conference title game, which would eliminate one from the final 4.
     The only way to settle this issue is playoff expansion, which could be minimally 8 teams, but 16 would be more preferable. Of course, that would also signal the end of the bowl era, but we all know the greed and outdated sense of loyalty to a dying system will not allow this to happen.
     We also discussed 2 loss teams. Unless there is some massive November chaos that takes place, that is not a consideration worth speaking of. Wisconsin and Colorado are two programs that come to mind when discussing this issue, but Oklahoma would likely leap ahead of both, as they are undefeated in Big 12 play. This is not going to happen, but would maybe be how it would all go down. Unless all of the wheels fall off the wagon, 2 loss teams will not be a topic of conversation.
     All in all, I value undefeated seasons, as I do not believe that any loss is a good loss, especially when you are fielding 4 teams out of 128 in a playoff. Good losses are a thing for FCS and D2 playoffs, as they don't have a ridiculous bowl system to cling to.
     I do, however, think that strength of schedule does have a place in the conversation. Mitch Moss brought up Baylor as a hypothetical team, and based on years of horrible scheduling, he has a point. Baylor rarely ever plays a schedule, specifically out of conference, that rattles the nerves. It is a rare season that Baylor plays a Power Five program in non con play, and that is a shameful thing. In the case where you have a team that just historically refuses to play anyone of matter out of conference, than my opinion does change on undefeated teams ranking ahead of one loss, but it would have to have a historical precedence of "Baylor's" having not played anyone of worth.
     This is a question that will not be answered with certainty anytime soon, but it is ongoing debate that is a worthy one, and I am glad that the question was presented. I am certain that this is not the last time that we will speak on the topic. I have included the link to today's appearance below, so enjoy the debate!

http://www.lvsportsnetwork.com/episode/119-mitch-and-pritch-scott-bilo-int/

Bilo's College Football Week 11 Picks: FBS and FCS Straight Up

After an 80-25 week last week, here are my straight up winner picks in FBS and FCS football for week 11:

Utah over Arizona W
North Carolina over Duke L
Georgia Southern over UL-Lafayette L
Navy over Tulsa W
UCF over Cincinnati W
SMU over East Carolina W
Houston over Tulane W
USF over Memphis W
Florida State over Boston College W
Clemson over Pittsburgh L
Louisville over Wake Forest W
Virginia Tech over Georgia Tech L
NC State over Syracuse W
Miami over Virginia W
Oklahoma over Baylor W
Oklahoma State over Texas Tech W
West Virginia over Texas W
Iowa State over Kansas W
Michigan over Iowa L
Ohio State over Maryland W
Wisconsin over Illinois W
Penn State over Indiana W
Nebraska over Minnesota W
Michigan State over Rutgers W
Northwestern over Purdue W
Charlotte over Rice L
Old Dominion over Southern Miss W
Western Kentucky over North Texas W
Louisiana Tech over UTSA W
UTEP over FAU L
Middle Tennessee over Marshall L
Miami (Ohio) over Buffalo W
Boise State over Hawaii W
Wyoming over UNLV L
New Mexico over Utah State W
Air Force over Colorado State W
San Diego State over Nevada W
Washington over USC L
Colorado over Arizona W
Washington State over California W
Stanford over Oregon W
UCLA over Oregon State W
Alabama over Mississippi State W
Texas AM over Ole Miss L
Auburn over Georgia L
Arkansas over LSU L
Tennessee over Kentucky W
Florida over South Carolina W
Vanderbilt over Missouri L
UL-Monroe over Georgia State W
Arkansas State over New Mexico State W
Appalachian State over Troy L
Idaho over Texas State W
Coastal Carolina over Bryant W
BYU over Southern Utah W
Notre Dame over Army W (41-14)

FCS

North Dakota over Northern Arizona W
Montana over Northern Colorado L
Cal Poly over Weber State L
Montana State over UC Davis W
Eastern Washington over Idaho State W
Portland State over Sacramento State L
Kennesaw State over Presbyterian W
Liberty over Charleston Southern L
William and Mary over Towson L
New Hampshire over Albany L
James Madison over Villanova W
Elon over Rhode Island L
Stony Brook over Maine L
Richmond over Delaware W
Harvard over Penn L
Dartmouth over Brown L
Princeton over Yale W
Cornell over Columbia W
Hampton over Savannah State W
NC Central over Howard W
South Carolina State over Norfolk State L
North Carolina AT over Delaware State W
Florida AM over Morgan State W
Youngstown State over Southern Illinois W
Illinois State over Missouri State W
Western Illinois over Northern Iowa L
South Dakota State over South Dakota W
North Dakota State over Indiana State W
Duquesne over Sacred Heart W
St. Francis over Central Connecticut State W
Wagner over Robert Morris W
Jacksonville State over Murray State W
UT Martin over SE Missouri State W
Tennessee State over Tennessee Tech L
Eastern Kentucky over Austin Peay W
Colgate over Lafayette W
Fordham over Holy Cross W
Georgetown over Bucknell L
Dayton over Marist W
Campbell over Morehead State W
Drake over Butler W
Jacksonville over Valporaiso L
San Diego over Stetson W
Alcorn State over Mississippi Valley State W
Southern over Prairie View W
Texas Southern over UA Pine Bluff W
Jackson State over Alabama AM L
Grambling over Alabama State W
East Tennessee State over Cumberland W
Citadel over VMI W
Chattanooga over Wofford L
Samford over Mercer W
Western Carolina over Furman L
Stephen F Austin over Houston Baptist L
Central Arkansas over Nicholls State W
Lamar over Incarnate Word L
Sam Houston State over Northwestern State W
SE Louisiana over Abilene Christian W (38-20, 79-34)

Bilo's College Football Picks Week 11: Against the Spread

I had a solid week in week 10, finishing 16-11. That takes me to 102-97-4 on the season. Here are my ATS picks for week 11:

North Carolina -10.5 Duke
Utah -6 Arizona State
Penn State -7 Indiana
Wake Forest +35 Louisville
Iowa State -10 Kansas
SMU +7 East Carolina
NC State -5 Syracuse
Virginia Tech -13.5 Georgia Tech
Oklahoma State -12.5 Texas Tech
Wyoming -7.5 UNLV
Arkansas +7 LSU
Stanford -3 Oregon
Miami -10 Virginia
Washington State -14.5 California
USC +9.5 Washington
Middle Tennessee -9 Marshall
West Virginia +1.5 Texas
USF -3 Memphis
Michigan -22 Iowa
Houston -24.5 Tulane
Colorado -16.5 Arizona
New Mexico +2.5 Utah State
San Diego State -24 Nevada

Bilo's College Football #PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chases: Sun Belt

Appalachian State, Troy, Arkansas State
Appalachian State's only losses this season have been to Tennessee (let that one get away), and Miami. They are undefeated in Sun Belt play, and are at the top of the conference by one half game. Their biggest challenge in league play is coming up this week, as the Mountaineers must travel to Troy, who is also unbeaten in SBC play. If they can win this game, they have UL-Monroe and New Mexico State left, and those should both be easy wins to wrap up a Sun Belt title, given that they should win the tiebreakers against Arkansas State should they win out.
Troy has been a great story this season, as Neal Brown has turned the corner with this program about a year early. The Trojans, however, have a tougher road than Appalachian State does, as they have to play both the Mountaineers and Arkansas State, and also have games against Texas State and Georgia Southern remaining. Texas State should be a win, but Georgia Southern could end up another spoiler to completely dump Troy out of the race.
Arkansas State had a horrific start to their season, but SBC play has been a nice tonic for what ailed them. Although just 4-4 overall, the Red Wolves are 4-0 in league play, and are in the chase. They do not play App State, but they do get Troy on 11/17. Arkansas State should be favored in their other games against New Mexico State, UL-Lafayette, and Texas State, but one issue for them is the schedule itself, as they play their final three games on the road in conference play, which is terrible scheduling on part of the league.

Bowl Eligible: Appalachian State, Troy
Bowl Ineligible: Georgia State

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chases: SEC

East: Florida, Kentucky
Apparently, nobody wants to win the SEC East. Florida has a slight lead over Kentucky, who they have already beaten, but that loss to Arkansas over the weekend was a bit stunning. The Gators have a couple of tough challenges remaining. They get South Carolina coming up, and that is no shoe in win. Florida then gets LSU on the road, and will wrap up against Florida State. There is no clear path here, and projecting Florida as the SEC East winner just is not possible here.
Kentucky can help Florida win by being who they are, a middling program. Mark Stoops has held this thing together with smoke and mirrors all season long, but the Wildcats are down to their final conference game of the season this week, as they take on Tennessee. If UK can win this game, and then hold on for two Florida losses, which could happen, Kentucky steals the SEC East and plays for their first SEC championship in the modern era of college football. Kentucky wraps up their final two games against Austin Peay and Louisville.

West: Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, LSU
Alabama is dominating the field, and having already beaten Texas A&M and LSU, the Tide is focusing on winning out, and that includes a finale with Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Alabama will play Mississippi State this week, and I do not foresee them tripping against the Bulldogs like Texas A&M did last weekend. They then take on FCS member Chattanooga, and will wrap against Auburn.
Auburn has knocked off LSU, but fell to Texas A&M. They are still doing some looking over their shoulder in that regard. That being said, A&M was their only loss, so a win against Alabama in the season finale, barring that they take out Georgia in Athens this weekend first, and Auburn would win the West. Auburn's only other remaining game is a meaningless FCS tilt against Alabama A&M.
Texas A&M and LSU are strictly on the fringe at this point, both having lost to Alabama. Alabama will not likely lose enough to see both sneak back in, but mathematically, they just have not been removed without tiebreakers yet. THat will likely change after this week.

Bowl Eligibility: Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, Arkansas
Bowl Ineligible: Missouri

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: PAC-12

North: Washington, Washington State
The North race is likely down to the Apple Cup game on 11/25. Washington still has dates against USC and and Arizona State at home before heading east to play the Cougars in Pullman. If Washington can win out in these three final games, and win the conference title game, they will play in the national semifinals.
Washington State is getting better weekly, and will have the benefit of playing the Huskies at home, but first, they must beat Cal (they should), and Colorado. Even if the Cougars fall to Colorado, they can still win the North by beating Washington. The reality is that WSU has a tougher path to the division title.

South: Colorado, USC, Utah
Colorado has been a huge story this season, and leading the South is just beyond imagination for many regarding this program. The Buffs are charging forward into the most difficult part of their schedule, and it is brutal. Colorado should have an easy time against Arizona in their next game, but then comes back to back games against Washington State and Utah, and those games will tell the tale. It will still be a great season for Colorado at 8-4, it just won't be a conference title season.
USC has already beaten Colorado, and are just a half game back with two of their own conference games remaining. USC has a tough road this week, as they travel to Seattle to play Washington. They wrap up with a likely win over UCLA in conference play before wrapping the season against Notre Dame.
Utah also still has a path to winning the South. They wrap the season against Colorado, but they need to win out to get there. The Utes have two very winnable games against Arizona State and Oregon, and then, if they can win out, they get Colorado for what should be a divisional title game. Utah has already beaten USC.

Bowl Eligble: Washington, Washington State, Stanford. Colorado, USC, Utah
Bowl Ineligible: Oregon State, Arizona

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: Mountain West

Mountain: Wyoming, Boise State, New Mexico, Colorado State

Wyoming is holding onto a very tenuous position at the top of the Mountain Division. The Cowboys have a one game lead over both Boise State and New Mexico, and they hold a two game lead over Colorado State. The Cowboys should be heavily favored over UNLV this week, but then there are two perilous games against San Diego State at home, and then New Mexico on the road on 11/26. Wyoming will not likely be favored to beat SDSU, and New Mexico could punce on that in the finale to steal some ground.
Boise State has lost to Wyoming this season, and so they need Wyoming to lose both games against SDSU and New Mexico to take back the title in the division. The Broncos have the virtue of having beaten both Colorado State and New Mexico, but they are in this frustrating position based on losing by a safety to the Cowboys. Boise State should be favored in each of their final three games against Hawaii, UNLV, and Air Force.
New Mexico has that Boise State loss, and can gain breathing room against Colorado State on 11/19. Utah State is on the slate this week, and this is a game that the Lobos should win. Should the Lobos and Wyoming both win out, the season finale on 11/26 would be that divisional title game.
Colorado State needs some serious help, and could be eliminated this week when they travel to Air Force. After that, the Rams get New Mexico and San Diego State, and that seems too large a mountain to climb.

West: San Diego State
The race is over in West, as San Diego State has locked up a division title and a spot in the MWC title game. They still have some say in who can win that race, however, as after they play Nevada, they get games against both Wyoming and Colorado State to wrap up the regular season, and with wins on both games, San Diego State could dictate that they play Boise State or New Mexico in that title game rather than Wyoming.

Bowl Eligible: Wyoming, Boise State, New Mexico, Air Force, San Diego State
Bowl Ineligible: San Jose State, Fresno State

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase: MAC

East: Ohio, Miami (Ohio)
Ohio is in complete control in the East division, and for all practical purposes, could lock down the East this week. Miami is pushing them, but short of losing their final two games against Central Michigan and Akron. Ohio should be favored in those final two games, and short of a total implosion, the Bobcats lock up this division on 11/15.
Miami is mentioned only because anything could still happen. Chuck Martin looked to be fired heading into MAC play, but he has completely saved his job by making a huge charge in conference play. The Red Hawks need to win their final two games to go bowling, and both games are certainly winnable games against Ball State and Buffalo. A bowl for Miami would be huge, and if Ohio does implode and lose out, Miami would crash the MAC title game. Don't count on that, but the scenario does exist.

West: Western Michigan, Toledo, Northern Illinois
Western Michigan is a great story in 2016, but we largely believed that this was possible. WMU is now 10-0 after beating Kent State tonight, which moves them to 1.5 games ahead of Toledo. The Broncos get Buffalo in their next game, which looks like an easy win, and then comes the showdown against Toledo.
Toledo can knock Northern Illinois out tomorrow night, and then they will follow up with games against Ball State (should be heavily favored), and Western Michigan in the finale. If both WMU and Toledo win out until that final game, this game is a divisional title game in the season finale, which is amazing for the MAC.

Bowl Eligible: Ohio, Western Michigan, Toledo, Eastern Michigan
Bowl Ineligible: Kent State, Buffalo, Bowling Green

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: Conference USA

Conference USA

East: Western Kentucky, Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee, Charlotte

Western Kentucky is in prime position in the East as we are heading through November. If the Hilltoppers win out, they are in the CUSA title game. WKU has already beaten Old Dominion and Charlotte, and does not play Charlotte this season. With only two games left against North Texas and Marshall, WKU has a very clear and manageable path to that goal.

Old Dominion has had a big year in 2016, and are ahead of schedule as far as development of the program was scheduled to be. ODU will not play Middle Tennessee this season, and they have already fallen to WKU. ODU has, however, beaten Charlotte, which helps to some degree. What can happen, is that WKU could lose one of their final games, and ODU could win out, and the Monarchs could shockingly steal the East and play for a CUSA title.

Middle Tennessee’s path just got much harder when QB Brent Stockstill went down with a broken collarbone for the season last week. After a winnable game against Marshall, the Blue Raiders get Charlotte, and then finish with FAU, but that Charlotte game could be a trap door. That one point loss to WKU looks worse all the time, and the Raiders need two WKU losses to advance.

Charlotte has gotten stronger as the season progressed, and they are still in the mix, but consider the 49ers a severe long shot. The 49ers still have a huge game upcoming with MT, but they had already lost to ODU. They need two losses each by WKU and ODU, and they need to beat MT, and then the tiebreakers would have to work out.

West: Louisiana Tech, UTSA, Southern Mississippi

Louisiana Tech completely controls their own destiny as we speak. They have a solid one game lead over rising UTSA now, but the path is loaded with traps. Louisiana Tech has two games remaining. UTSA, and Southern Miss. If they beat UTSA, the Roadrunners are out, which would lead to a divisional title game against Southern Miss.

UTSA has been a surprising team this season under Frank Wilson, and has gotten stronger as the season has progressed. If the Roadrunners beat Louisiana Tech this week, they control the CUSA West by virtue of already having beaten Southern Miss soundly. The key for UTSA is win out against Louisiana Tech and Charlotte. That Texas A&M game that is sandwiched in between is virtually meaningless here.

Southern Mississippi has been a strong letdown team this season, but they still have some control over what can happen in this West race. A loss by UTSA to Louisiana Tech or Charlotte, followed by winning out over Old Dominion, North Texas, and Louisiana Tech, and Southern Miss can win the West themselves. There is a ton of action left in this conference race. If UTSA wins out, however, the Eagles are done.

Bowl Eligible: Western Kentucky, Old Dominion, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech

Bowl Ineligible: FIU, FAU, Marshall. Rice

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: Big 10

Big 10

East: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State

Michigan is currently a clear final four team as they are 9-0 overall and 6-0 in Big 12 play. They vaulted to the top of our PRS rankings this week by virtue of another dominating performance in a 59-3 win over Maryland. With a win over Penn State already in the books, and a rout it was at that, the only thing left to do is beat Ohio State, and the East is won. Of course, there are a couple of other small considerations left over in games against Iowa and Indiana, with Iowa coming on the road, but Michigan should be clear favorites in those games before the final showdown against the Buckeyes in Columbus.

Ohio State ended a bad two week stint last weekend with a resounding 62-3 win over Nebraska. The Buckeyes have a lone loss this season, and that was to Penn State, and so if the Buckeyes finish in a tie with them, that would be a bad thing. Ohio State has to beat Michigan, and they need Penn State to lose one more game. The Buckeyes should be clear favorites the next two weeks against Maryland and Michigan State, even with both games coming on the road.

Penn State is still hanging in there. They still, surprisingly only trail Michigan by one game. They have beaten Ohio State. If Penn State wins out, Ohio State wins out and beats Michigan, that could actually vault Penn State into the Big 10 title game, but only if Michigan loses twice will that be a clear path. Penn State should roll in games against Indiana, Rutgers, and Michigan State to finish the season, so winning out should not be an issue.

West: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Northwestern

I have talked the last couple of weeks about there being a dark horse in the West, and that was Minnesota. The Gophers have sat back quietly awaiting for a scenario to fall into their laps, and this has arrived. If the Gophers win out, they play for their first Big 10 title since expansion. This is going to be a tough road. Minnesota has the following left to play: at Nebraska, Northwestern, and at Wisconsin. Win them all, and there is no doubt, but that is a tall order.

Wisconsin has beaten Nebraska already, but once again, they do not play Minnesota until the finale, and that is a huge looming game, unless Minnesota loses between now and then, which is possible. The Badgers also have a very clear path to that Minnesota game, with only Illinois and Purdue in the way. Wisconsin should roll through both of those games, and then will prep for the Gophers to go back to the Big 10 title game. Of all remaining teams in contention, Wisconsin has the clearest path to that title event, but remember, they had already lost to Michigan this season.

Nebraska has imploded as of late, with back to back losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State. That has cost the Huskers a clear path to winning the West. Nebraska gets to narrow the field somewhat against Minnesota this coming week, but then has challenging games against Maryland and Iowa which could both be tricky.

Iowa and Northwestern, as strange as it sounds, both have a twisted path remaining, as both linger just one game behind the leaders. Iowa has lost to Northwestern and Wisconsin, but they already own a win over Minnesota, and still have Nebraska on the schedule. If they beat Nebraska, and get help from the Badgers and Gophers, Iowa has a path.

Northwestern has already beaten Iowa, but lost to Nebraska and Wisconsin. The Wildcats would need a pair of losses by each to move on, and must win out against Purdue, Minnesota, and Illinois. It is a twisted path, but one exists.

Bowl Eligible: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Bowl Ineligible: Michigan State, Rutgers

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: Big 12

Big 12 Conference

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor

Oklahoma has been cruising in Big 12 play, which has been startling after a 1-2 start eliminated them from the national conversation. The Sooners will still likely not play for a national title shot, of course disregarding any potential November national chaos, but they can still play for a NY6 bowl, and win the Big 12. Oklahoma is all alone and unbeaten (6-0) at the top of the standings, but the meat grinder part of their schedule is upcoming. OU will play Baylor at home this week, and the Bears are coming off two straight losses. A trip to West Virginia comes the following week, which is followed by the Mayhem game with Oklahoma State, who is currently the closest challenger to the Sooners in the conference standings.

Oklahoma State is just one game back, and if they win out, including a win over Oklahoma, they will win the Big 12. The 7-2 Cowboys are 5-1 in conference play, and they have a much easier road to the conference title. OSU plays Texas Tech at home this week, at TCU the following week, and then finishes with the Sooners in Norman for what could be all the marbles.

West Virginia blew their open shot at the conference title with a loss to OSU on the road, but they still have a path, even if they do not control it. The Mountaineers cannot afford another conference loss at this point, but the schedule and path are difficult. Texas has proven to be a tough out the last few weeks, and that is where WVU is headed next. After that, the Mountaineers get Oklahoma at home, Iowa State on the road, and Baylor at home in the finale in early December. There is still a path, but it is a difficult one for them.

Baylor has crashed and burned the last two weeks. One more single loss eliminates the Bears, and every game left on the schedule presents problems for them. The Bears get Oklahoma this week, Kansas State the week after, Texas Tech, and then they close at West Virginia. Like I said, any one loss, and the Bears are done with the chase.

Bowl Eligible: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor

Bowl Ineligible: Iowa State, Kansas

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: ACC

Atlantic Coast Conference

Atlantic Division: Clemson, Louisville, Wake Forest

Clemson can lock up the ACC Atlantic title by winning their next two games, which come against Pitt at home, and Wake Forest on the road. If Clemson can get this done, the Tigers will cruise into the ACC title game, as they had already beaten Louisville. A win over Wake Forest would eliminate them.

Louisville would need two losses from Clemson to steal the Atlantic title, and would absolutely need to win out at the same time to not only achieve that end, but also still be alive for consideration in the national semifinals. Louisville would also need someone other than Clemson to lose in that group to ensure their appearance.

Wake Forest is still alive, technically, but needs multiple losses by both Clemson and Louisville to get by and somehow steal the division. They could be eliminated by the end of this coming week, as the Deacons get Louisville on the road, followed by Clemson at home the following week.

Coastal Division: North Carolina, Virginia Tech

The Hells and Hokies are tied at the top of the Coastal, but UNC needs a Virginia Tech loss, and needs to win out at this point to win the division. The Hokies have already beaten the Tar Heels 34-3, and therefore own the tiebreaker. UNC has Duke and NC State left in conference play, and also has a game outside of conference against FCS member Citadel, while Virginia Tech has league tilts against Georgia Tech and Virginia sandwiched around a non con Notre Dame game. Neither team can afford a slip moving forward, but UNC can afford it the least.

Bowl Eligible: Clemson, Louisville, Wake Forest, Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech

Bowl Ineligible: Virginia

Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Reports Conference Title Chase: American Athletic Conference Week 11

     With the stretch run coming for conference championships, being the month of November, this is the time of year where my PASS/FAIL reports take on a different direction. Instead of concentrating on who has passed or failed for a given week, I start to focus in on those programs that are still in contention for conference titles. There are a total of 57 programs left in contention for conference titles across 10 FBS conferences at this point. Some are loosely in contention, or they need serious help to win their race, and some are in direct contention. One division, the Mountain West (West Division) has seen a champion at this early date in San Diego State, who will play for the Mountain West Title. Here is a look at who is in contention, by conference and division, and this will be a focal point of this report moving forward.

American Athletic

East Division: Temple, USF, UCF

Temple stayed slightly ahead in the East by taking down U Conn 21-0 last week, and remains a half game ahead of USF. The Owls hold the tie breaker in head to head over both the Bulls and UCF, as Temple has beaten both already this season. When looking at the future schedule for Temple (7-3 overall), the Owls should be favored both in games against Tulane and East Carolina, and look to be heavy favorites to play in the AAC title game.

USF, by virtue of losing to Temple, needs to the Owls to drop at least one of those two games, and the Bulls need to win out. The Bulls were idle this week, but they have a brutal slate with three games left, and two of those are on the road in the next two weeks as USF travels to Memphis and SMU before returning home to take on UCF in the finale.

UCF has been on a rebuilding movement under Scott Frost, but the Knight are clearly ahead of schedule. They also need some help from Temple, as the Knights would require two losses for Temple in their final two games played, and UCF would need to win out, including in their finale against UCF. Currently, UCF site 1.5 games back in the East. They have two straight home games coming up against Cincinnati, and against a brutally tough Tulsa club, before finishing on the road at USF.

West Division: Tulsa, Navy, Houston, Memphis, SMU

Yes, all of the above teams are still in it to some degree in the West. Houston was expected to dominate in this division, but that never really happened. Tulsa and Navy are now in control, and they have a date coming up this week with Navy on the road, before hitting the road again the following week to play at UCF. Tulsa needs to win both of these games as things sit. They have already beaten Memphis, but fell to Houston. Without some help, Tulsa is in must win mode moving forward.

Navy has a bit of an easier path if they should defeat Tulsa this week. The Middies have already beaten both Houston and Memphis, but they go on the road for three solid weeks after this game, if you include the non con season finale against Army. Navy plays at East Carolina and at SMU after hosting Tulsa.

Houston has been a flop in my book after beating Oklahoma, and never fully lived up to their ability in conference play. Losses to SMU and Navy have the Cougars on the outside looking in, and they need Tulsa to beat Navy, and then need to get Tulsa to lose to pull into a tie. If that happens, Houston goes to the AAC title game. If Navy beats Tulsa, things start to look bleak for the Cougars, who travel to Memphis in the season finale after taking on Tulane and Louisville (non con game).

Memphis and SMU on fringe candidates, but still have not fallen off the grid. Memphis is just one game back in the West, but they have already lost to Tulsa and Navy, so they are barely hanging on. The Tigers still have Houston at home coming up, but they need some serious help, and it may be too much to ask.

SMU is in the same boat as Memphis, although the Mustangs have beaten Houston. For the Mustangs, it is likely, at 2 games back, going to be more about making a push for a bowl bid. SMU (4-5) still has games against East Carolina, USF, and Navy, making that a tough go.

Bowl Eligible Teams: Temple, USF, Tulsa, Navy, Houston, Memphis

Bowl Ineligible: U Conn