Week 10 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, BCS Projections

Week 10 was not too eventful at the top of the rankings, but there were some interesting developments. Oregon’s defense was finally exposed. The Tide got tested. Colin Klein got injured and the team still won fairly big. Notre Dame escaped with an ugly win against Pitt. The SEC’s mid-level teams struggled with average non-AQ teams. Boise lost at home for the 4^th time since 2000. It was a surprising and interesting week. Welcome to college football in November! Oh, and remember that time when Arizona was ranked? Good times.

Top 25

Others receiving votes: Boise State, Nevada, South Carolina, TCU, Texas Tech

Dropped from the rankings: Boise State (10), Texas Tech (19), West Virginia (25)

25. (NR) Washington (5-4) – How many teams can say have multiple top 10 wins? Forget the SEC West. The Pac-12 North is the class of college football.

24. (24) Toledo (8-1) – A bye week finally came for the potent offense, but not too serious of a bye. They play Tuesday night against scrappy Ball State.

23. (23) Rutgers (7-1) – They need to stay focused so that season finale against Louisville means something.

22. (14) Mississippi State (7-2) – They have now has two big losses in a row. But they were to arguably the two toughest matchups in the conference. One more loss and they may completely unravel.

21. (21) USC (6-3) – They performed admirably on offense and dreadfully on defense. Not surprising.

20. (NR) Texas (7-2) – I thought this team was dead, but that win in Lubbock is impressive.

19. (22) Oklahoma (6-2) – Their last four games are among the best offenses in the country. We will see how that defense holds. The bye week could not have come at a better time.

18. (18) Nebraska (7-2) – A nice, ugly, squeaked-out road win is exactly what this team needed. They have no cushion in the division…that is until Michigan loses to the Buckeyes.

17. (NR) UCLA (7-2) – Their win against Nebraska is looking better, but I still cannot completely take them seriously until I figure out that loss to Cal.

16. (11) LSU (7-2) – They showed some fight against Bama, but the whole time it just felt like a fluke. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lose one more before the postseason.

15. (20) Northern Illinois (9-1) – Jordan Lynch and company continue their dominance of the MAC.

14. (17) Louisiana Tech (8-1) – How amazing would a LT-NIU Famous Idaho Potato Bowl be to kick off the bowl season? Forget last year’s Alamo Bowl. These teams could go for 80 apiece!

13. (16) Texas A&M (7-2) – This offense is going to be an interesting match against the Tide, who just finished their first real physical game of the year. Upset alert?

12. (16) Stanford (7-2) – The Cardinal are the real darkhorse in the Pac. Eventually they will be able to close out a game against Oregon. Is it this year? Their defense is stout and not like any the Ducks have faced so far.

11. (8) Florida (8-1) – Struggling against Missouri is not what the Gators needed. Questions about that offense are beginning to arise, as well as their tackling ability on defense.

10. (12) Clemson (8-1) – This team is looking at an at-large bid if they win out.

9. (13) Oregon State (7-1) – They had a really nice win against ASU last night, and they seem to have found their best option at QB. No one wants to play this team.

8. (9) Louisville (9-0) – Teddy Bridgewater is the real deal. This team is going to have quite the showdown with the dominant defense in the conference Rutgers to close the season.

7. (7) Georgia (8-1) – Their defense is still beyond suspect, but take away that horrid first quarter against the Gamecocks, and this team is likely undefeated.

6. (5) Florida State (8-1) – The week off will help them refocus and lock up that ACC Championship Game appearance.

5. (6) Ohio State (10-0) – There is almost no chance they lose this season. So if they were eligible, would they be number 2 in the polls? I kinda think so…

4. (4) Notre Dame (9-0) – They are one win away from an automatic BCS Bowl bid. I hate that rule. Eventually, though, these ugly wins are just going to be wins. Ask 2010 Auburn.

3. (3) Oregon (9-0) – Wow, did you see that “improved” Duck defense?! They aren’t the same Ducks as the past couple years! Oh, wait…

2. (2) Kansas State (9-0) – Even when Klein got injured, they still looked like they were in control, despite only scoring 6 points during that span. The Wildcat defense is stronger than anyone thinks.

1. (1) Alabama (9-0) – They survived a scare and barring a huge upset by Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa, the Tide will roll to the Championship.

Heisman Trophy Watch

This race is shaping up great. The five main candidates are from different conferences. Hopefully, however, the voters will not be biased and vote for the best player, like last year when RG3 even had the majority of SEC-country’s votes. Here is how the obvious top 5 rank right now:

5. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State – He is going to lead his team to one of the easiest unbeaten seasons ever. His rushing and passing are both vastly improved from last year. It is scary to think what he could do as a junior and senior under Urban Meyer.

4. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – He led the game-winning TD drive in a matchup of top 5 teams. Heisman moment, anyone?

3. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame – He had a quiet game in Notre Dame’s struggle against Pitt. But he is still the best player on the team. How often are all the candidates on unbeaten teams?

2. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon – He finally showed what his stats look like when he needs more than 15 carries. 300+ rushing yards and 5 TDs. Most of those yards were before contact, so it is probably mostly the O-line, but those numbers are just sick. That is normally enough to get votes. Just ask Monte Ball.

1. Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State – If he is not too seriously injured and has a solid last few games (and goes 12-0), then he should coast to the win.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – Nebraska (Big Ten) over Oregon State (At-large)

Orange Bowl – Florida State (ACC) over Rutgers (Big East)

Sugar Bowl – LSU (At-large) over Notre Dame (At-large)

Fiesta Bowl – Kansas State (Big 12) over Clemson (At-large)

BCS Title Game – Alabama (SEC) over Oregon (Pac-12)

What do you think? Give me your rankings in the comments!

Week 9 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, BCS Projections

We had a very interesting week in college football. A few teams are unbeaten no more. The real best teams in the nation rose up, while the overrated pretenders (Oklahoma) showed their true colors. Here is what the national landscape looks like right now:

Top 25

Others receiving votes: Arizona, Louisiana-Monroe, Nevada, South Carolina, TCU, UCLA

Dropped from the rankings: Ohio (18), South Carolina (24)

25. (22) West Virginia (5-2) – That bye week is just what the doctor ordered for the Mountaineers to get their act together for a late-season run.

24. (25) Toledo (8-1) – That season-opening OT loss at Arizona is looking better for the Rockets.

23. (12) Rutgers (7-1) – A classic trap game came up to bite them. I hate how teams schedule cakewalk teams in the middle of conference games.

22. (14) Oklahoma (6-2) – Getting beat by Notre Dame was expected, but getting completely shut down and scored on the way they did…Sooner fans should start to worry.

21. (6) USC (6-2) – That loss at Arizona was discouraging. Just shows that all the flash and stats on offense cannot always lead to wins.

20. (NR) Northern Illinois (8-1) – No team would want to play Jordan Lynch and this high-powered spread attack in a bowl game.

19. (16) Texas Tech (6-2) – They got demoralized by Colin Klein and company early. It happens.

18. (NR) Nebraska (6-2) – The home win against Michigan all but clinched a Big Ten Championship appearance for the Huskers, setting up an inevitable rematch with Wisconsin.

17. (21) Louisiana Tech (7-1) – Like NIU, this team’s offense can score on anyone. They are consistently an exciting watch.

16. (23) Stanford (6-2) – They survived a scare against the upset-minded Cougs to keep their impressive season alive. They are still in control of their destiny in the North.

15. (17) Texas A&M (6-2) – Like many before them, they destroyed Auburn. This team’s offense is scary at times.

14. (11) Mississippi State (7-1) – Everyone gets blown out by the Tide. Nothing to worry about.

13. (7) Oregon State (6-1) – Losing in Seattle is nothing to be ashamed of. Ask Stanford.

12. (19) Clemson (7-1) – Clemson continues to impress offensively, which will be enough to win out in the putrid ACC.

11. (9) LSU (7-1) – The merit of their loss to Florida took a bit of a hit yesterday, but it won’t matter. Expect the Tide to roll all over the Tigers at Death Valley.

10. (13) Boise State (7-1) – This team’s defense is just incredible. If Southwick played half as good in their opening loss to Michigan State, then this team would be busting the BCS again.

9. (15) Louisville (8-0) Their win against Cincy was a great showcase for them. That conference is wide open. It will still come down to the Cardinals and Rutgers, however.

8. (4) Florida (7-1) – Their true offensive colors were shown in their big “neutral” site loss to Georgia. Their defense is still tough, though.

7. (20) Georgia (7-1) – They are still a fraud, but beating the Gators was a big deal for them. If their defense can play like that more often, then they will take that division for sure.

6. (8) Ohio State (9-0) – They just keep winning, and none of us really know why. They are going to be undefeated when they play Michigan to close the season. The Wolverines would love nothing more than to spoil the only thing that the Buckeyes are playing for.

5. (10) Florida State (8-1) – If not for a dreadful 2^nd half collapse at NC State, this team would be looking just as dominant as K-State. That win against the Blue Devils was big.

4. (5) Notre Dame (8-0) – They showed Oklahoma and the rest of the nation that this team is absolutely for real on defense and that their young QB is growing up. They can almost coast until they play USC at the Coliseum.

3. (3) Oregon (8-0) – They continue to destroy their opposition, but who knows what they will do if they have to play more than 2 quarters. Maybe USC will finally give them that test.

2. (2) Kansas State (8-0) – This team plays good first halves then just completely dismantles the opponents in the second half. Their BCS resume might be most impressive thus far.

1. (1) Alabama (8-0) – I don’t think I have ever seen a team dominate both sides of the line of scrimmage like this team. One of the most impressive teams I have ever watched. If they lose this season, I will be shocked.

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon – His yards per carry and other stats are absurd. If that is what the voters are looking for, then he stands a good chance at winning over at least the West Coast region of voters.

4. Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State – Miller is dominating the Big Ten, but not having the luxury of playing during conference championship week might hurt his chances.

3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – He just continues to methodically demolish teams by not making mistakes. He will get his votes, but I doubt he could ever win the thing.

2. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame – Another huge game under the national spotlight only furthered his candidacy. Can he be the first defensive Heisman winner in 15 years?

1. Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State – If the Wildcats win out, this will be one of the biggest landslides ever.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – Oregon (Pac-12) over Nebraska (Big Ten)

Orange Bowl – Florida State (ACC) over Rutgers (Big East)

Sugar Bowl – Notre Dame (At-large) over Georgia (At-large)

Fiesta Bowl – West Virginia (At-large) over Clemson (At-large)

BCS Title Game – Alabama (SEC) over Kansas State (Big 12)

What do you think? Give me your rankings in the comments!

Week 8 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, BCS Projections

There has been quite a shakeup in the past couple weeks. West Virginia represented one of the National Championship and Heisman favorites, and that is all but dead now. Florida is just taking care of business. Texas apparently has no defense. Notre Dame is struggling to score. It will be an interesting couple weeks coming up. Check out how I break down the national landscape as of right now:

Top 25

Others receiving votes: Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Northern Illinois, TCU, Wisconsin

25. Toledo (7-1) – Their only loss came against a pretty solid Arizona squad in overtime. This team can really score.

24. South Carolina (5-2) – A couple losses in a row, the last one being a beatdown in the Swamp. They get Tennessee at home next week to prevent their team from unraveling.

23. Stanford (5-2) – Their loss to Notre Dame was nothing to be ashamed about. They are still a tough out for anyone.

22. West Virginia (5-2) – A couple straight blowout losses to a couple great teams in obviously the best, deepest conference in America. It happens. Welcome to the Big 12.

21. Louisiana Tech (6-1) – They passed the test against A&M with flying colors, losing on a failed 2-point conversion in the final moments. This team is going to be a scary bowl matchup for a big conference team.

20. Georgia (6-1) – They are such a fraud. Just because they have NFL prospects on defense doesn’t mean that they are great. They almost blew a game against the 1-7 Kentucky Wildcats. Their offense is potent at time, however.

19. Clemson (6-1) – They still cannot stop anyone, but Tajh Boyd is becoming one of the more reliable QB threats in the country.

18. Ohio (7-0) – They are a tough team. Their win against Penn State is looking more and more impressive.

17. Texas A&M (5-2) – They looked incredible for about a quarter against the stout LSU defense. If they can keep that tempo for the duration of their SEC games, they could finally squash that myth about the SEC dominating the sport.

16. Texas Tech (6-1) – They are always a tough home team, but that win at TCU was very impressive, even if their top-ranked D got shredded.

15. Louisville (7-0) – They keep finding ways to win. That conference is going to have a bunch of interesting games in the coming weeks.

14. Oklahoma (5-1) – They are still overrated, but when their running game is clicking, they are scary.

13. Boise State (6-1) – No one wants to give them as much credit as they deserve. They have a top 10 defense and Southwick is finally getting the hang of that offense. That meeting with Nevada is going to be huge again.

12. Rutgers (7-0) – This is the best defense in the nation other than Alabama. They may well run the table and create a little welcomed chaos.

11. Mississippi State (7-0) – I still do not buy in completely, but they are a good team. That second half against Middle Tennessee State was very impressive.

10. Florida State (7-1) – They may slip up another time or two because of immaturity, but their defense is going to keep them from really taking one on the chin.

9. LSU (7-1) – Shutting down that prolific A&M offense was great, but LT scored 57 on the Aggies. You could only manage low 20s? Bama will rape this team.

8. Ohio State (8-0) – They keep finding a way to squeak out wins. They are a fluke, but I can’t see them losing a game this year, even with Miller out for a while. Big Ten is that bad.

7. Oregon State (6-0) – Credit will not be given to this team unless they go unbeaten and beat USC in the Pac-12 Title game. And they still probably won’t play for the BCS Title.

6. USC (6-1) – The Trojans are the only real legitimate chance there is of Oregon getting beaten in the regular season, but I just can’t see that happening this year. The rematch will be a war.

5. Notre Dame (7-0) – Their defense is keeping them in the picture, but they just do not pass the eye test on offense. Neither QB option is good enough to keep up with some of these teams.

4. Florida (7-0) – They have laid the wood on their last two teams, so now they can coast until that inevitable in-state rivalry game and take their best shot at the Tide in the SEC Title game.

3. Oregon (7-0) – They almost seem to be getting better, if that is possible. I can start to see how this team could maybe give Bama a real shot.

2. Kansas State (7-0) – That win in Morgantown was the most impressive win any team has had this year. Shows that they have the athletes on defense to stop even the most prolific of offenses.

1. Alabama (7-0) – What else is there to say? They have potential trap games, so they take it easy and squeak past with a 31 point romp at Tennessee. It’s just not fair.

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Matt Barkley, QB, USC – He appeared to be out of the race a few weeks ago, but his record-breaking numbers are always something the voters look for. He is playing some of the best football of his career right now.

4. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – He is better than anyone thought he could have been. He is already potentially the best spread quarterback Oregon has had.

3. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – He is the most under-the-radar quarterback in the SEC. He hasn’t thrown a pick yet, and it is not all handing the ball off. He is the key to this offense…other than Barrett Jones and Chance Warmack.

2. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame – The voters like awarding undefeated squads. He is just everything for the Irish. His stats match up with the best linebackers in recent years.

1. Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State – There is no doubt who is leading this race at the moment. Add 7 more touchdowns to the ledger and another incredible win. He is passing the ball so much more accurately than anyone thought he could. He is the real deal.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – Nebraska (Big Ten) over Oregon State (At-large)

Orange Bowl – Florida State (ACC) over Rutgers (Big East)

Sugar Bowl – Florida (At-large) over Oklahoma (At-large)

Fiesta Bowl – Kansas State (Big 12) over Notre Dame (At-large)

BCS Title Game – Alabama (SEC) over Oregon (Pac-12)

What do you think? Give me your rankings in the comments!

2012 Oscar Predictions: Final (Arts and Techs)

Best Cinematography

The Artist

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Predicted winner: War Horse

Best Art Direction

Anonymous

The Artist

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Hugo

War Horse

Predicted winner: Hugo

Best Costume Design

The Artist

The Help

Hugo

My Week with Marilyn

W.E.

Predicted winner: The Artist

Best Sound

The Artist

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Predicted winner: War Horse

Best Editing

The Artist

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

Moneyball

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Predicted winner: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Best Sound Effects Editing

The Adventures of Tintin

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Super 8

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

War Horse

Predicted winner: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Best Visual Effects

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Hugo

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

The Tree of Life

X-Men: First Class

Predicted winner: Hugo

Best Makeup

Albert Nobbs

Anonymous

The Artist

Predicted winner: Albert Nobbs

Best Original Song

“Lay Your Head Down” – Albert Nobbs

“Collision of Worlds” – Cars 2

“The Living Proof” – The Help

“Life’s a Happy Song” – The Muppets

“Gathering Stories” – We Bought a Zoo

Predicted winner: “The Living Proof” – The Help

Best Original Score

The Adventures of Tintin

The Artist

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

War Horse

Predicted winner: The Artist

Best Documentary Feature

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

Paradise Lose 3: Purgatory

Project Nim

Undefeated

We Were Here

Predicted winner: Undefeated

Best Animated Feature

The Adventures of Tintin

Arthur Christmas

Cars 2

Chico & Rita

Rango

Predicted winner: The Adventures of Tintin

Best Foreign Language Film

In Darkness

Monsieur Lazhar

Omar Killed Me

A Separation

Where Do We Go Now?

Predicted winner: A Separation

Predicted nominations count:

The Artist: 12 noms / 4 wins

Hugo: 10 noms / 2 wins

The Help: 7 noms / 2 wins

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: 7 noms / 1 win

The Descendants: 5 noms / 2 wins

War Horse: 5 noms / 2 wins

Moneyball: 4 noms

The Adventures of Tintin: 3 noms / 1 win

Albert Nobbs: 3 noms / 1 win

Midnight in Paris: 3 noms / 1 win

My Week with Marilyn: 3 noms

The Tree of Life: 3 noms

A Separation: 2 noms / 1 win

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: 2 noms / 1 win

Anonymous: 2 noms

Cars 2: 2 noms

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2: 2 noms

J. Edgar: 2 noms

Beginners: 1 nom / 1 win

The Iron Lady: 1 nom / 1 win

Undefeated: 1 nom / 1 win

Arthur Christmas: 1 nom

Chico & Rita: 1 nom

Drive: 1 nom

The Ides of March: 1 nom

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front: 1 nom

In Darkness: 1 nom

Monsieur Lazhar: 1 nom

The Muppets: 1 nom

Omar Killed Me: 1 nom

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory: 1 nom

Project Nim: 1 nom

Rango: 1 nom

Shame: 1 nom

Super 8: 1 nom

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: 1 nom

Transformers: Dark of the Moon: 1 nom

W.E.: 1 nom

Warrior: 1 nom

We Bought a Zoo: 1 nom

We Were Here: 1 nom

Where Do We Go Now?: 1 nom

Win Win: 1 nom

X-Men: First Class: 1 nom

Young Adult: 1 nom