Week 12 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

We are down to 2 undefeated teams as Ohio State trips up at home, Oklahoma State gets exposed by Baylor, and Houston loses inexplicably in Connecticut. The Big 12 has killed each other by injuring at least one of each team’s quarterbacks, the Pac-12 has continued to cannibalize itself, and Clemson just continues to roll along as the top team in the nation. It is going to be an exciting final couple weeks of the regular season! Check out Week 12 below…

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Air Forice, LSU, Mississippi, Utah, Western Kentucky

Dropped from the rankings: USC (19), LSU (21), Utah (22), Memphis (25)

25 (NR). Florida State (9-2) – They beat up on a weak opponent, and they aren’t worthy of this spot, but there just aren’t enough worthy 3-loss teams either.

24 (24). Toledo (9-1) – The problem they are going to run into is the fact that all Northern Illinois has to do is beat Ohio for Toledo to get left out of the MAC Championship Game, which will end their hopes of a New Year’s Six Bowl.

23 (23). Wisconsin (8-3) – The loss to Northwestern had some questionable calls in the end, so they don’t really need to drop.

22 (NR). BYU (8-3) – The Cougars are still plugging away after their ugly couple losses midseason. They are going to be a tough out in a bowl.

21 (NR). UCLA (8-3) – Another impressive win for UCLA puts them back into the rankings. The Bruins are one of those teams that no one really wants a part of, but they underachieve enough to never really be a threat nationally.

20 (NR). Temple (9-2) – South Florida has proved to not be as bad of a loss as we originally thought. Taking out Memphis the way they did has Temple back in the thick of the Group of 5 contenders.

19 (15). TCU (9-2) – With a 2^nd and 3^rd string quarterback, TCU almost won in Norman. Their defense still hasn’t put together a good game all year, though.

18 (20). Oregon (8-3) – Oregon is rolling now with Vernon Adams healthy. They might end up being the best team to play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl or some pathetic equivalent thanks to the Pac-12 beating each other up.

17 (17). Northwestern (9-2) – The Wildcats still have those two bad losses on their record, but they continue to win and do it on the road.

16 (11). Florida (10-1) – Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina didn’t exactly carry the banner for the SEC with an overtime win against 2-9 Florida Atlantic, a close call against Georgia Southern, and a loss to The Citadel, but Florida only has one loss. Ugh.

15 (14). Washington State (8-3) – They might have lost Luke Falk for a while, but the Cougs have certainly gained the respect of the nation with their recent run.

14 (18). Stanford (9-2) – Stanford had a nice win in their rivalry game against Cal. They play the best football in the conference, but it is going to be an uphill climb for them to get in the playoff.

13 (4). Houston (10-1) – A loss at UConn is strange and uncalled for. They are another team who is out their starting QB, and at a smaller program like Houston, that is much more difficult to recover from.

12 (16). Michigan (9-2) – The Wolverines set up a big matchup with Ohio State next week after surviving against a pesky Penn State squad.

11 (13). Navy (9-1) – Navy might not lose again. This is almost certainly out Group of 5 representative in the big bowls.

10 (7). Oklahoma State (10-1) – Baylor had a 2^nd and 3^rd string QB, and they still were able to take out the Cowboys. They were always slightly fraudulent, but they have yet to really look unworthy.

9 (10). North Carolina (10-1) – They needed to hang on to beat VT in Beamer’s final home game in Blacksburg, but they still look mighty impressive, even though their opening loss to South Carolina might be the worst single loss among all one-loss teams, including Houston.

8 (9). Iowa (11-0) – They are going to have their hands full in Lincoln. I can’t see them making it past Nebraska and whoever wins the East.

7 (5). Ohio State (10-1) – The playcalling and starting quarterback did Ohio State in on Saturday. Does anyone else still want JT Barrett running that offense? If Cardale Jones starts, they win out and win the national title.

6 (12). Michigan State (10-1) – Sparty had to call upon their 2^nd stringer to take out Ohio State in Columbus, maybe the most impressive win of the year.

5 (8). Baylor (9-1) – Baylor moves back up after using a couple inexperienced quarterbacks to still romp all over Oklahoma State’s defense.

4 (6). Oklahoma (10-1) – Oklahoma has a worse loss than Baylor, but the head-to-head puts them one spot ahead. The Sooners also needed their backup QB to hold on against TCU. It is a rash of QB injuries in the Big 12 and beyond.

3 (3). Alabama (10-1) – They rolled all over one of the best FCS teams, so…yeah I don’t know what to really do with them. They stay here.

2 (2). Notre Dame (10-1) – The Irish had to hang on against BC while losing their star RB in the process. This is the most complete team in the country.

1 (1). Clemson (11-0) – I don’t think anyone really believes they are #1, but they beat arguably the best team and are undefeated. That’s good enough.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. UCLA (#21) at USC, 12:30PM ABC – This has been a fierce rivalry recently. This is going to decide the Pac-12 South and who gets to take a shot at Stanford in the Pac-12 Championship.

PREDICTION: UCLA 35-31

4. Navy (#11) at Houston (#13), FRI 9:00AM ABC – This game is going to decide who gets to play in the AAC Championship against Temple. It should be entertaining. I like Houston at home, despite not having Greg Ward playing, but I just feel this Navy team is special.

PREDICTION: Navy 28-23

3. Oklahoma (#4) at Oklahoma State (#10), 5:00PM ABC – Bedlam looks to decide the Big 12 Championship, unless Baylor wins. Oklahoma controls their destiny, however.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 49-38

2. Notre Dame (#2) at Stanford (#14), 4:30PM FOX – This annual rivalry has more implications than ever before. Both teams need this game and need to look good to stay in the playoff picture.

PREDICTION: Stanford 24-16

1. Ohio State (#7) at Michigan (#12), 9:00AM ABC – Sparty controls their destiny in the division, but should they lose, this game will decide the division (and let’s be honest, Iowa, it decides the conference).

PREDICTION: Ohio State 23-21

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Keenan Reynolds, QB, Navy – It might be considered a career award, but he is having a marvelous season for the Midshipmen. He deserves to be in NewYork.

4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford – He has continued to put up one of the best all around seasons in modern college football. He is what the award is all about.

3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma – Even though he got injured against TCU, he made some big plays and showed his true value to the hottest team in the nation.

2. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama – A game against Charleston Southern isn’t exactly a showcase, but he had great YPC in the game and didn’t do anything to hurt his chances.

1. DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson – He is somehow a quiet contender, despite being the best dual threat in the country on the nation’s #1 team.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Navy over North Carolina

Rose Bowl: Ohio State over Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: Baylor over Clemson

Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame over Mississippi

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Stanford over Alabama

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): Oklahoma over Michigan State

National Championship Game: Oklahoma over Stanford

What did you think of this week? Which rivalry games are you most looking forward to? Let me know!

Week 11 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

It was a weekend of upsets and top teams underwhelming in trap games. It is going to set up a highly entertaining and intriguing final few weeks. Check out the Week 11 rundown below:

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: BYU, Florida State, Temple

Dropped from the rankings: Temple (18), UCLA (24)

25 (20). Memphis (8-2) – They blew a big lead to Houston, but there is no shame in that. Houston is elite on both sides of the ball.

24 (NR). Toledo (8-1) – IDLE

23 (23). Wisconsin (8-2) – IDLE

22 (11). Utah (8-2) – Arizona came in reeling, and Utah still got tripped up. The Utes have got to find consistency on the road if they want to ever take the Pac-12 Conference.

21 (13). LSU (7-2) – LSU got absolutely manhandled by Arkansas, which is sort of pathetic. Supposedly the Tigers were fraudulent. Never could have guessed that…sarcasm…

20 (NR). Oregon (7-3) – The Ducks with Vernon Adams look like a team that could contend for the conference title. It’s hard to justify their defensive woes, but beating Stanford on in Palo Alto is a big deal.

19 (21). USC (7-3) – They struggled for three quarters against Colorado, but they still got it done. Clay Helton might be the answer at head coach.

18 (6). Stanford (8-2) – Oregon came to play, and Stanford looked a step slow against them for the first time in about 5 years. This Stanford defense has been overrated all year.

17 (25). Northwestern (8-2) – The Wildcats just keep plugging away. Their two big losses seem like head-scratching outliers at this point.

16 (19). Michigan (8-2) – They survived at Indiana in double overtime. The biggest take away from that game is that the Hoosiers exposed a flaw in the Wolverine run defense that had previously been impenetrable.

15 (14). TCU (9-1) – The Frogs lost Boykin to injury, but you still can’t only beat Kansas by 6. That is inexcusable.

14 (22). Washington State (7-3) – At this point, the Cougars might be playing the best ball in the country. Everyone is slow to take them seriously because they lost to Portland State, but their offense is for real, and it travels well. They are a scary team.

13 (16). Navy (8-1) – Navy’s offense is playing as well as they ever had under Keenan Reynolds, who set the all time rushing TD record on Saturday. It might be the best option attack of this millennium.

12 (15). Michigan State (9-1) – The Spartans understandably slugged around against a weaker opponent on Saturday. Their season will be defined by if they can take down Ohio State or not.

11 (12). Florida (9-1) – The Gators are one of the teams that just hangs around and piles up wins. I really cannot get a read on them.

10 (17). North Carolina (9-1) – North Carolina is the most forgotten team in the nation. Their offense is crushing souls, and the Gene Chizek defense has performed well. Take away the fluke opening loss to South Carolina, and this team has an argument for the top 4.

9 (10). Iowa (10-0) – You simply cannot continue to play like that and get respect. Not all undefeated seasons are equal.

8 (4). Baylor (9-1) – The Bears got taken out by an inspired and feisty Sooner club. No shame in Baylor losing that game, but I fear that the committee will see it differently.

7 (3). Oklahoma State (10-0) – When are teams going to stop underestimating Iowa State playing at home? The Cowboys almost had their second season-ending loss in Ames in 4 years.

6 (8). Oklahoma (9-1) – The Sooners are the best team going right now, but you can’t overlook a loss to Texas. Rivalry game, yes, but still inexcusable.

5 (7). Ohio State (10-0) – The Buckeyes looked decent, and their defense looked like an NFL squad. They are going to be tough to beat, but Barrett looked a bit lost after his suspension.

4 (9). Houston (10-0) – This is a bit too high for them, I admit. There is just no one else deserving. Houston has another couple chances to shine down the stretch. We will see if the committee responds.

3 (5). Alabama (9-1) – No surprise that they hammered Mississippi State. Happens every year.

2 (2). Notre Dame (9-1) – They struggled with a bad Wake Forest squad, but it was a predictable trap game.

1 (1). Clemson (10-0) – The defense for Clemson continues to get exposed, but they are the only team deserving of this spot.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Northwestern (#17) at Wisconsin (#23), 12:30PM TBD – There are a bunch of ranked games this week. This will be an ugly defensive struggle, a classic Big Ten matchup.

PREDICTION: Northwestern 17-14

4. USC (#19) at Oregon (#20), 12:30PM ESPN – A month ago, this would have been a snoozer. Now, both teams are rolling. This will be an offensive show.

PREDICTION: USC 48-41

3. TCU (#15) at Oklahoma (#6), 5:00PM ABC – TCU coming off a pathetic showing lessens this game a bit, but the Frogs have been good on the road.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma 41-31

2. Baylor (#8) at Oklahoma State (#7), TBD – Oklahoma State is going to decide the Big 12 with everyone traveling to Stillwater. Can Baylor rebound?

PREDICTION: Baylor 34-28

1. Michigan State (#12) at Ohio State (#5), 12:30PM ABC – This has been the game on everyone’s radar since week one. Sparty tripped up in Lincoln, which makes this game an elimination game for the Big Ten. Who takes advantage? If Connor Cook plays, I like Michigan State.

PREDICTION: Michigan State 28-24 with Cook / Ohio State 38-21 without Cook

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma – In the “year of the running back”, quarterbacks are starting to come to the forefront. Mayfield looked like an animal against Baylor. He might have knocked Corey Coleman out of the running, and he may well be the frontrunner if they win out.

4. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State – Falk continues to be ice on the road. His numbers are mind-boggling, and he hits about 15 different receivers per game.

3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State – Elliott cannot be held under 100 yards. He is the most talented and still somehow underutilized back in the nation.

2. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama – He has separated himself from the rest of the SEC backs. He will probably win this, but he is about the 5^th most talented back in the nation. He just has an NFL line ensuring that he won’t be touched until the second level.

1. DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson – Watson is Clemson. Clemson is #1. Watson is #1.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Oklahoma State over North Carolina

Rose Bowl: USC over Michigan State

Fiesta Bowl: Baylor over Clemson

Sugar Bowl: Houston over Alabama

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Florida over Notre Dame

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): Oklahoma over Iowa

National Championship Game: Oklahoma over Florida

Those bowl projections are assuming a few results, most notable UNC over Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, Michigan State over Ohio State, Florida over Clemson, Stanford over Notre Dame, and Oklahoma winning out. What do you think? Who are your top 4? Your Heisman top 5? Comment.

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

Alabama knocks out LSU, Navy shocks Memphis, Arkansas throws a lateral 25 yard lateral on 4th and 25 to win on overtime, and Nebraska takes down Michigan State in a controversial miracle. Just another week in college football. Check out the rundown below:

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Bowling Green, Boise State, BYU, Florida State, Mississippi State, Toledo

Dropped from the rankings: Toledo (18), Mississippi (20), Florida State (21), Appalachian State (23), Marshall (25)

25 (NR). Northwestern (7-2) – The Wildcats return to the top 25 for the first time since their ugly two-game skid. They continue to surprise each week.

24 (NR). UCLA (7-2) – This is probably the most forgotten team in the nation. They are beginning to get healthy, and they control their own destiny in the South.

23 (NR). Wisconsin (8-2) – When you start to look at a team whose only losses are to an unbeaten team and arguably the best team in the nation, you start to take notice. They are the quietest team in the Big 10.

22 (NR). Washington State (6-3) – Take out the opening loss to Portland State, and this team is one of the scariest teams in the country. In the past, they couldn’t defend. This team has some fight on D.

21 (NR). USC (6-3) – The Trojans are one of the most talented teams in the country, and while they have some bad losses, they are piling up impressive wins.

20 (12). Memphis (8-1) – They got handled by Navy, which was pretty shocking. But then again, their win against Ole Miss isn’t all that impressive anymore.

19 (15). Michigan (7-2) – Sparty losing doesn’t help their cause. They are a tough out, but other teams are rising around them.

18 (22). Temple (8-1) – The Owls have the benefit of being in the weaker side of the AAC, so expect them to meet Houston in the biggest conference title game in AAC history.

17 (19). North Carolina (8-1) – Other than the strange opening loss to South Carolina, the Tar Heels have done nothing but impress. Why is no one talking about them?

16 (24). Navy (7-1) – They lost ugly to Notre Dame, but taking out Memphis the way they did really proved something to the nation.

15 (7). Michigan State (8-1) – Losing to an unranked team by giving up 39 points? It was a team that is better than their record, but the flaws in Sparty’s system were exposed.

14 (8). TCU (8-1) – TCU was playing with fire early in the year, and all of that was finally exposed against an inspired and tough Oklahoma State squad.

13 (3). LSU (7-1) – They were never really in the game against Alabama. LSU really hadn’t won any impressive games, but losing the way they did was surprising.

12 (14). Florida (8-1) – Even though they nearly got beat by the worst Power 5 team by far, their defense is still stout enough to cruise through the SEC East.

11 (17). Utah (8-1) – Winning in Seattle is no easy task, especially for a program that has never beaten that team. The Utes seemed to be forgotten after USC trounced them, but they still seem to control their own destiny for the playoff.

10 (13). Iowa (9-0) – Iowa continues to win and win ugly. They are going to need to look good in the Big 10 Championship to even secure one of the big bowl games.

9 (9). Houston (9-0) – This is easily the best team outside of the Power 5. They had a lackluster game, but they are close to complete.

8 (10). Oklahoma (8-1) – This is probably the most talented defense in the Big 12, which puts them as the odds-on favorite to take the conference (out of the playoff).

7 (2). Ohio State (9-0) – I think we have all had enough of watching this team struggle through every weak team and still be ranked in the top 5.

6 (5). Stanford (8-1) – Stanford is the one team in the country where you cannot pinpoint a single flaw. Losing to Northwestern is still going to hold them back until everyone has a loss.

5 (6). Alabama (8-1) – The Tide rolled all over LSU, which was not exactly shocking. Their loss is looking worse and worse every week, though.

4 (1). Baylor (8-0) – Their true freshman replacement QB looked good, but the team almost folded in the end against K-State. I am not sure I see this team losing anyway.

3 (16). Oklahoma State (9-0) – Hammering TCU the way they did was the best win of the year in the Big 12 by far. No one knows what to expect from them, but having everyone tough at home in the final month is huge.

2 (11). Notre Dame (8-1) – They took out a really solid Pitt team, and their loss to Clemson is looking more impressive than ever.

1 (4). Clemson (9-0) – I honestly think Notre Dame is the better team, but it is hard to rank them above an unbeaten team who beat them. Clemson deserves this spot after their impressive game against their nemesis Florida State.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Oregon at Stanford (#6), 4:30PM FOX – This is always an entertaining game, and these teams love to trade heartbreakers. Is this year different? I suspect not.

PREDICTION: Oregon 34-28

4. Washington State (#22) at UCLA (#24), 7:45PM ESPN – The Cougars seem to still be underestimated even though they pass every test. Here is yet another one.

PREDICTION: Washington State 38-35

3. Alabama (#5) at Mississippi State, 12:30PM CBS – Mississippi State has quietly put together a nice season, and while them beating Alabama is rare, they get them at home and are coming off of a strong stretch in October. It won’t be good enough.

PREDICTION: Alabama 31-13

2. Memphis (#20) at Houston (#9), 4:00PM ESPN2 – This is the biggest game this conference has ever had. The hope for the future reputation of the conference rests with Tom Herman’s squad. I think they get it done at home.

PREDICTION: Houston 35-23

1. Oklahoma (#8) at Baylor (#4), 5:00PM ABC – This is going to be a battle. Can the true freshman put up the monster numbers needed to take down a semi-legit defense?

PREDICTION: Baylor 42-34

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Ezekiel Elliot, RB, Ohio State – I feel like he needs to be unbeaten to get invited over someone like DeShaun Watson, but as of right now, he is carrying that team.

4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford – He is the best all-purpose player in years. I find it hard to imagine him not getting an invite.

3. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor – He might be Baylor’s best receiver ever, and this might be the biggest landslide Bilenikoff voting of all time.

2. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama – His numbers are becoming as impressive as anyone in the nation. This is an insane year for running backs.

1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU – Yeah, he lost and it was bad. He still is averaging over 150 yards per game in the SEC. Unless he has a repeat performance, he will be the frontrunner still.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: LSU over Oklahoma State

Rose Bowl: Stanford over Iowa

Fiesta Bowl: Houston over Baylor

Sugar Bowl: Utah over Florida

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Ohio State over Clemson

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): Notre Dame over Alabama

National Championship Game: Ohio State over Notre Dame

What did you think of this weekend? Rankings? Heisman predictions? Let me know below!

Week 7 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

College football doesn’t get more exciting than that Michigan-Michigan State game. The absolutely shocking, absurd, and amazing ending had Jim Harbaugh almost weeping in his khakis. This week also showed us that a team is capable of turning the ball over 7 times in the first half. Way to go Boise. Oh, and Baylor was held to just 62 points. Just another week in college football!

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Arizona, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Marshall, Western Kentucky

Dropped from the rankings: Boise State (16), UCLA (17), Northwestern (18), Arizona State (24)

25 (20). Mississippi (5-2) – Everyone made their loss out to be some big upset, but they were playing on the road in the non-conference in the middle of the season against a borderline elite offense. They were going to lose, and they lost their best player to an injury because they decided to keep playing their DT at RB with a 2 touchdown lead. This team can’t get out of its own way.

24 (NR). North Carolina (5-1) – Their resume is looking stronger each week. This team can really score. Their only loss was an ugly season opener to South Carolina by 4 points.

23 (NR). California (5-1) – IDLE

22 (22). Florida State (6-0) – I cannot buy into this team. They have some real players, but they can’t take over a game. They are the weakest of the unbeatens.

21 (NR). Pittsburgh (5-1) – Pitt has quietly moved up the rankings in the ACC. Their sole loss was against Iowa, which is looking more reasonable with each passing week.

20 (NR). Temple (6-0) – The only time the Owls have appeared to struggle with anyone this year was against Cincinnati. They have one of the most underrated defenses in the land.

19 (21). Houston (6-0) – Any other year, this would be the slam dunk Group of 5 choice. They are dominant in every way. Tom Herman is going to get a great job next year.

18 (23). Toledo (6-0) – Toledo continues to ride the momentum of beating Arkansas to just dismantle every team that steps in their way.

17 (25). Memphis (6-0) – The American Conference is the 4^th best conference in America. Memphis appears to have one of the best offenses in the country, and their defense actually showed up in their whipping of Ole Miss as well.

16 (9). Florida (6-1) – The Gators performed admirably after Will Grier was suspended for a year due to PEDs. Losing in Death Valley is no shame, but their potential going forward looks a little bleak.

15 (6). Texas A&M (5-1) – They simply cannot win big SEC games at home. They rallied in the second half, but Alabama put them away by running the ball down their throat.

14 (3). Michigan (5-2) – There really are no words for their loss. They lead for the entire game...until the last play.

13 (13). Oklahoma State (6-0) – IDLE

12 (15). Iowa (7-0) – Iowa exposed Northwestern on Saturday. Iowa hasn’t really played anyone, and they won’t play anyone. But they are undefeated.

11 (19). Oklahoma (5-1) – Their 55-0 win on the road in Manhattan just shows how much of a fluke losing to Texas was. They played angry, and they took it out on Bill Snyder’s overmatched squad.

10 (14). Notre Dame (6-1) – The Irish looked pretty good against an inspired and upset-minded USC team. They are just going to quietly move along with one-loss until they play Stanford.

9 (11). Alabama (6-1) – They had a mightily impressive win on the road. Their loss to Ole Miss seems less and less like a great loss.

8 (4). TCU (7-0) – TCU simply has no defense. You cannot give up points to Iowa State, especially not 21 in the first quarter.

7 (5). Clemson (6-0) – Clemson struggled a bit with Boston College, which is surprising considering how much they struggle to put any points on the board. They are still one of the best teams out there, and they are probably not going to lose in the regular season.

6 (12). Stanford (5-1) – They are maybe the best team playing right now. That offense has really gotten going. It is just hard to justify their loss to Northwestern given what we now know about both teams.

5 (10). Michigan State (7-0) – Yeah, they won with a lucky last play. They played way better than I thought they were going to, though. Connor Cook is a big game QB.

4 (6). LSU (6-0) – They won differently this week. Fournette did not exactly go off, but Brandon Harris played a strong game at quarterback and proved that this is the team to beat in the SEC.

3 (8). Ohio State (7-0) – The Buckeyes have finally figured it out. Cardale Jones is the starter, and JT Barrett is the red zone guy. They will not lose in the regular season if they keep that up.

2 (2). Utah (6-0) – I was impressed with Utah taking down a pesky, talented, and upset-minded Arizona State squad. They are going to be a force, but they are now the hunted. I would be surprised if they can get through conference play unscathed.

1 (1). Baylor (6-0) – They could drop 50 points on any defense. They can actually stop some people too…not well, but they aren’t giving up 40 points to anybody outside of maybe Oklahoma or TCU. They probably shouldn’t lose, but then again last year I thought the same thing before they got a 14 point loss on the road. This team just seems different.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Western Kentucky at LSU (#4), 4:00PM ESPNU – You know it is a weak slate of games when I am looking for a potentially closer than expected game. WKU can score, and those midseason non-conference mid major games for SEC teams don’t always go as planned.

PREDICTION: LSU 41-27

4. Washington State at Arizona, 1:00PM TBD – The Cougars have been great since getting beat by Portland State to start the year. Arizona has been struggling. This could be a great game, and Gameday said that they will likely be in Pullman on Halloween night if WSU gets past the Cats.

PREDICTION: Washington State 31-28

3. California (#23) at UCLA, THU 6:00PM ESPN – UCLA is still one of the most talented teams out there. They have never been a traditionally good home team. California had a week off after the heartbreaker in Salt Lake. I like this matchup.

PREDICTION: UCLA 24-16

2. Utah (#2) at USC, 4:30PM FOX – I am not sure what else could go wrong for USC. Utah rolls into town, not having exactly been most impressive in recent weeks. Upset?

PREDICTION: USC 35-28

1. Texas A&M (#15) at Mississippi (#25), 4:00PM ESPN – The only matchup of ranked teams has a couple teams coming off tough losses. Ole Miss at home is tough to beat, but A&M can travel.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 34-20

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State – He is the best player on the team, maybe the best player in the ACC. He is single-handedly keeping the team unbeaten when they are not asking the QB to do much of anything.

4. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU – He might not be having the statistical year he had a year ago, but he is still dominant and scoring touchdowns at will.

3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford – He is setting all-purpose records in Palo Alto. His emergence alone has ensured that Stanford will no longer struggle to score. He is a gamebreaker.

2. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor – He is being put in the same sentence as two-time Biletnikoff winners Justin Blackmon and Michael Crabtree. His first half season has been absolutely unreal.

1. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU – He is the best player in the country. The entire defense keys on him, and he still drops 125. He is unstoppable. Only an injury will prevent him from taking the trophy.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Michigan State over Memphis

Rose Bowl: Utah over Iowa

Fiesta Bowl: Toledo over TCU

Sugar Bowl: Alabama over Florida State

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Ohio State over Stanford

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): Baylor over LSU

National Championship Game: Baylor over Ohio State

There you have it! Comment below and give me your take on that Michigan-Michigan State finish, which is, for my money, the craziest walk-off win I have ever seen,

Week 2 College Football Recap: Rankings, Heisman, Playoff Projections

Week 2 brought us a lot of exciting games, including Auburn being exposed against FCS foe Jacksonville State and Arkansas getting upended at home by Toledo. Oklahoma had a huge comeback on the road. Notre Dame escaped with a win, despite losing Heisman frontrunner Malik Zaire for the season. It’s all happening!

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes:  Auburn, Boise State, California, Texas Tech, Toledo, Western Kentucky

Dropped from the rankings: Auburn (18), Boise State (20), Arkansas (21)

25 (25). BYU (2-0) – After a second consecutive miraculous win for the Cougars, they still can’t really rise in the rankings. That type of luck isn’t sustainable.

24 (24). Arizona State(1-1) – They treaded water for four quarters against FCS foe Cal Poly, but they came out on top. The Big Sky is as good as a couple FBS conferences.

23 (NR). Wisconsin (1-1) – The Badgers took out their frustration on Miami Ohio, winning 58-0. They will slowly climb the rankings as the season goes on.

22 (15). Florida State (2-0) – The Seminoles looked really bad against South Florida. Maybe Everett Golson isn’t the right guy under center.

21 (23). Arizona (2-0) – Playing in Nevada seemed like a trap game, but the Wildcats prevailed and really looked a lot better than in week one.

20 (NR). Kansas State (2-0) – K-State has only given up 3 points in the first 2 weeks. Good enough for me…but no one wants to pay attention to Coach Snyder’s squad.

19 (NR). Utah (2-0) – Utah took down in-state foe Utah State in week two. The Utes, unfortunately, are in the best division in college football (5/6 ranked teams).

18 (22). West Virginia (2-0) – The Mountaineers look to have a much better team than their disappointing 2014 campaign. They are going to surprise some teams in the Big 12 with an actual defense to go with the Holgorson offense.

17 (11). Clemson (2-0) – Clemson has been a bit underwhelming early on. They didn’t necessarily do anything to drop in the rankings, but they also didn’t do anything to sustain their spot.

16 (19). Mississippi (2-0) – I am not buying into the Rebels just yet. So what they can score almost 150 points against weak teams…let’s see how they do in Tuscaloosa next week.

15 (17). LSU (1-0) – LSU got a gutsy, close win on the road in their first game of the season. This team could wind up being a playoff contender.

14 (10). Baylor (2-0) – You simply cannot give up 31 points to Lamar.

13 (9). Oregon (1-1) – The Ducks performed admirably in a nearly impossible game to win in East Lansing. I actually have a bit more respect for the Ducks after this game.

12 (12). UCLA (2-0) – I am not going to buy completely into the Bruins like last year until I see them win a big game. They look awfully good so far, though.

11 (16). Northwestern (2-0) – Northwestern followed up their pounding of Stanford with a shutout at home. I might have them a bit high, but that defense is ferocious.

10 (7). Georgia (2-0) – The Bulldogs are going to run the ball on any defense they play, but the defense isn’t quite up to what it needs to be.

9 (13). Oklahoma (2-0) – Coming back from 17 down on the road in a hostile environment was mightily impressive for Baker Mayfield and company. This seems like one of those teams that just will not go away.

8 (14). Georgia Tech (2-0) – The Justin Thomas-led offense is humming like no running attack in years. The Yellow Jackets have got to be the favorite in the ACC, and they have a real shot at the playoffs if they can survive their schedule.

7 (8). Texas A&M (2-0) – The Aggies have a killer offense and a dynamic defensive line. That should be good enough to make real noise in the SEC West.

6 (2). Notre Dame (2-0) – Beating Virginia on the road is ok, but doing it how they did it was a real accomplishment. They lose their starting QB for the season, but their backup comes in and leads the game winning drive with under 30 seconds left. I just can’t see them going unbeaten anymore without Zaire.

5 (5). Alabama (2-0) – Alabama had a sandwich game with Middle Tennessee, and they looked as solid as possible. This team is going to be really tough to beat by anyone.

4 (3). TCU (2-0) – They looked much more potent on offense against an FCS opponent. I am not completely sure what to make of them, but they will get it all working by conference season.

3 (6). Michigan State (2-0) – Sparty had the most impressive win of the season so far, and they made a real case for being the most balanced team out there.

2 (4). USC (2-0) – The Trojans look like world beaters. The defense is playing outstanding, and Cody Kessler is the real deal. Watch out.

1 (1). Ohio State (2-0) – They are the best, scariest team since 2001 Miami. If you vote for anyone else, you are lying.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Stanford at USC (#2), 5:00PM ABC – Stanford may look ugly on offense, but the defense is still there. This has become an interesting game year in and year out, no matter what the teams look like.

PREDICTION: USC 21-13

4. Auburn at LSU (#15), 12:30PM CBS – Yeah, Auburn is the current laughing stock in college football, but never underestimate Gus Malzahn. Remember in their near title run in 2013 they almost lost to Washington State early. They can totally win this game.

PREDICTION: LSU 37-34

3. BYU (#25) at UCLA (#12), 7:30PM FS1 – BYU really put together a schedule that is going to challenge them, and they look really good with a backup QB taking all the snaps. This will be a test for Josh Rosen, true freshman QB for UCLA.

PREDICTION: UCLA 24-17

2. Mississippi (#16) at Alabama (#5), 6:15PM ESPN – Ole Miss will not score 73 against Alabama. They do have the type of offense that give the Tide fits, though, and they did beat them last year. Revenge game? Yes.

PREDICTION: Alabama 31-16

1. Georgia Tech (#8) at Notre Dame (#6), 12:30PM NBC – These are two of the early season surprises. The Notre Dame defense is terrifying, as is the Yellow Jacket rushing attack. I love this matchup.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 23-21

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama – In that offense, he is going to be able to do whatever he wants. He might be splitting carries, but he is going to have the ball when it matters. Sometimes, that is enough.

4. Justin Thomas, QB, Georgia Tech – He is the leader of that relentless rushing attack, and maybe the best throwing quarterback that Paul Johnson has had. If they come out on top against Notre Dame, then we will hear a lot about him.

3. Cody Kessler, QB, USC – He is the best quarterback in the nation, and it is a quarterback award usually. He could be on his way to being the most efficient quarterback of all time.

2. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State – I am not sure if it is possible for him to finish with under 100 yards in any game, no matter the number of carries.

1. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia – He is going to put up insane numbers in that offense. If they can keep winning, this might be an easy vote.

College Football Playoff Projections

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: Georgia Tech over Texas A&M

Rose Bowl: Michigan State over UCLA

Fiesta Bowl: TCU over Western Kentucky

Sugar Bowl: Oregon over Mississippi

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Ohio State over Oklahoma

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): USC over Alabama

National Championship Game: Ohio State over USC

What did you think of this week 2? Who is your Heisman frontrunner? Let me know below!

Complete 2015 College Football Preview

It feels so good hearing about college football again. Unlike the NFL, there is not wall-to-wall coverage on every channel talking about the same topics for hours and hours in primetime during the offseason. College football is more of a treat. It doesn’t matter who is talking or what topic it is, if I hear college football, I pay attention. I can’t get enough. This is my favorite article to write every year, and it is also the most expansive and overlong one. But it is complete. Take a look at what the upcoming season could look like. I know I will be referring back to this article several times throughout the season. Enjoy!

Conference Rankings

Atlantic Coast Conference (#5)

ATLANTIC

7. Wake Forest Demon Decans (HC: Dave Clawson, 2nd season) – The team has a bunch of returning starters, but those starters only won 3 games last year. They are a team to watch in the future, but right now there will be more tough sledding.

6. Syracuse Orangemen (HC: Scott Shafer, 3rd season) – The Orange lost the majority of the offensive output to graduation, but they do have 5^th-year QB Terrel Hunt returning, so you have to assume that last year’s 3 wins will at least be topped.

5. NC State Wolfpack (HC: Dave Doeren, 3rd season) – The season for the Wolfpack will ride on the shoulders of Jacoby Brissett, the breakout star from last year’s insanely high scoring affair when the Pack led Florida State for the majority of the game.

4. Boston College Eagles (HC: Steve Addazio, 3rd season) – BC is going to struggle on offense, with many of their key pieces departing, but they can stand their ground on defense. Addazio has the team going in the right direction, but Addazio is going to need someone to step up to be his next horse at RB.

3. Clemson Tigers (HC: Dabo Swinney, 8th season) – The Tigers might have a slight step back with their defense losing their rock Vic Beasley, but they do have rising ACC star Deshaun Watson at QB, who can almost single-handedly take them to 8-9 wins.

2. Louisville Tigers (HC: Bobby Petrino, 2nd season) – The majority of the defense is gone that finished in the top 10 last year, but Petrino constantly surprises with how well he can get his players to buy in and perform well individually. Expect a surprise run by Louisville in ACC play.

1. Florida State Seminoles (HC: Jimbo Fisher, 6th season) – Getting Everett Golson in the offseason was big, seeing as he is a winner and a gamer. He will not be as loved or controversial as Jameis Winston, but he should be able to direct that offense of top recruits to the top of the division. They have not lost a conference game since 2012, and I can see that streak continuing.

 

COASTAL

7. Virginia Cavaliers (HC: Mike London, 6th season) – The Cavaliers have hit a wall with Mike London. Their disastrous run in ACC play last year has him squarely on the hot seat. With their main defensive players leaving early, watch for this struggling program stay in the cellar for another season.

6. North Carolina Tar Heels (HC: Larry Fedora, 4th season) – The team is always loaded with talent, but they constantly underachieve. Adding Gene Chizek as DC is huge for a team that was awful on defense a year ago.

5. Pittsburgh Panthers (HC: Pat Narduzzi, 1st season) – The Panthers have a couple returning studs in WR Tyler Boyd and RB James Conner. It is just unfortunate that the team is stuck in a coaching change after a decent 2014 with Paul Chryst jumping ship after three seasons to Wisconsin.

4. Virginia Tech Hokies (HC: Frank Beamer, 29th season) – The last team to beat Ohio State (still boggles the mind how that happened) needs to gain some consistency on offense to help out a pretty strong Bud Foster defense in order to get back to their previous resting place atop the Coastal division.

3. Miami Hurricanes (HC: Al Golden, 5th season) – Miami has to deal with the departure of all-time leading rusher Duke Johnson, and they could have a tough time at it. They are certainly the biggest question mark in the ACC. They do have ACC Freshman of the Year Brad Kaaya returning under center, at least.

2. Duke Blue Devils (HC: David Cutcliffe, 8th season) – Replacing a QB like the productive Anthony Boone and a WR like Jamison Crowder can be difficult, but Cutcliffe has really recruited well at Duke. Look for the program to remain a threat in the division as long as he is the head coach.

1. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (HC: Paul Johnson, 8th season) – Georgia Tech is one of those teams that is overlooked at the start of every season, but then they end up getting a few good road wins and wind up right there in the thick of the conference race. Having returning starting QB Justin Thomas, the option attack should be humming early on despite losing talent at the other skill positions.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh

Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State

Coach of the Year: Bobby Petrino, Louisville

Conference Championship Game: Florida State over Georgia Tech

Big Ten Conference (#4)

EAST

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (HC: Kyle Flood, 4th season) – After winning only one game in conference last year, it is clear that Rutgers is a bit overmatched in the B1G. They are also replacing four-year starter Gary Nova at QB, but that is a good thing. He was awful. Look for the program to have another rough season.

6. Indiana Hoosiers (HC: Kevin Wilson, 5th season) – The program is always a trendy pick to be on the rise, but they just can’t put a whole season together. They abandoned the air attack in favor of giving the ball to the best back in school history (Tevin Coleman), who is now playing on Sundays. The defense might be improved, but it is not good enough yet.

5. Maryland Terrapins (HC: Randy Edsall, 5th season) – The Terps had a nice season, but they have a lot of talent to replace on the roster. Edsall is a great coach, but their gauntlet in the East division is going to be a tall task.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions (HC: James Franklin, 2nd season) – The depth on the team is finally stabilizing, particularly on the worst offensive line in the Big Ten a year ago. Hackenberg makes the team go, and he has to perform more like his freshman campaign than his stale sophomore effort.

3. Michigan Wolverines (HC: John Harbaugh, 1st season) – Harbaugh walks into a program loaded with top recruits and bad player development. The offense is going to be a work in progress while breaking in a new quarterback, but the defense should be solid. This team should be rolling by late October.

2. Michigan State Spartans (HC: Mark Dantonio, 9th season) – Anything less than a second place finish in the conference would be a failure for Sparty. They have arguably the best pocket passer in the nation, and they have a stout defense, despite losing longtime coordinator Pat Narduzzi and their top three players on that side of the ball. Double digit wins should already be penciled in, however.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (HC: Urban Meyer, 4th season) – The defending National Champions have a problem. Well, it isn’t really a problem. They have three Heisman candidates at one position. Braxton Miller is rumored to be moving to receiver, however, so maybe just two. They had the best roster in the nation last year, and they were supposedly a year away. If this team loses any games, it will be a horrible disappointment.

 

WEST

7. Purdue Boilermakers (HC: Darrell Hazell, 3rd season) – The good news for the Boilermakers is that they have a lot of returning players. The bad news is that very few of them have much talent. They have won only one game in the Big Ten under Hazell.

6. Iowa Hawkeyes (HC: Kirk Ferentz, 17th season) – Kirk Ferentz is on the hot seat. He has a couple conference titles and a couple BCS wins, but most seasons are 7-5 at best, so it might be time to look for a change at the top if that trend continues another year. The offense is going to be ugly, replacing 3 year starter Jake Rudock at QB and pounding Mark Weisman at RB.

5. Illinois Fighting Illini (HC: Tim Beckman, 4th season) – The program is constantly improving under Beckman, even if it is slowly. Wes Lunt should be healthy to be the bonafide starting signal caller this year, and the defense is finally developing a bit of depth. Is it too much to ask for seven wins for the Illini?

4. Northwestern Wildcats (HC: Pat Fitzgerald, 10th season) – They undisputedly have the best coach in the division, and while they are replacing some great players on both sides of the ball, their roster is good enough to compete. But when is Fitzgerald going to be asked to do more? He is always working with less, but being a threat to win the division has to be called for at some point.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers (HC: Mike Riley, 1st season) – New coach Mike Riley should bring a different feel to the team, especially after getting an offensive coordinator with NFL experience. The defensive front should be a load, but the team is going to win or lose with the offense. Can Riley’s tendency to start slow be nixed in Lincoln?

2. Minnesota Golden Gophers (HC: Jerry Kill, 5th season) – This is probably the toughest team to figure out in the conference. They are constantly undermanned on talent, at least that’s what “experts” think. You watch them play, and they are scrappy and hard-nosed, like their head coach(es). Their top two players on offense in TE Maxx Williams and RB David Cobb are in the NFL, so Mitch Leidner is going to have a lot on his plate, but he is good enough to take them to second in the division.

1. Wisconsin Badgers (HC: Paul Chryst, 1st season) – The transition to Paul Chryst should be seamless since he had spent years in Madison as OC before going to Pitt. Anyone who isn’t familiar with the Badgers would think that there will be a drop-off with Melvin Gordon going pro, but they haven’t seen Corey Coleman. He and that monster O-line should have this team coasting to the divisional crown.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Ohio State’s Starting Quarterback (JT Barrett or Cardale Jones)

Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State

Coach of the Year: Urban Meyer, Ohio State

Conference Championship Game: Ohio State over Wisconsin

Pacific-12 Conference (#3)

NORTH

6. Oregon State Beavers (HC: Gary Andersen, 1st season) – If there is anyone who can make Corvallis relevant, it is a coach like Gary Andersen. However, he is going to want to change up the offensive culture, so the transition may take a few years. I wouldn’t be surprised if they are fighting for a division title by 2018.

5. Washington State Cougars (HC: Mike Leach, 4th season) – Luke Falk quietly became a reason for hope in Pullman when QB Connor Halliday went down with injury a season ago. He has the tools to run Leach’s air raid offense, but losing arguably the best receiver in program history Vince Mayle is going to sting a bit. The defense will be the key to whether they can get back to a bowl game or not.

4. California Golden Bears (HC: Sonny Dykes, 3rd season) – Jared Goff has created a lot of NFL Draft hype after his electrifying breakout season last year, so he will need to capitalize on that. Dykes seems to finally be getting his offense established, but as usual with the Bears, the success will hinge on whether they can stop anyone.

3. Washington Huskies (HC: Chris Petersen, 2nd season) – Last year’s starting QB Cyler Miles retired, so the Dawgs are looking for a new option for Petersen to play with. The rest of the offense remains intact, but the defense got decimated with four players taken in the first two rounds of the draft. This will be Petersen’s toughest coaching job of his career, so can he earn his stripes?

2. Stanford Cardinal (HC: David Shaw, 5th season) – Kevin Hogan had a disappointing junior season last year, so the Cardinal need him to return to his gamer status of the previous year for them to take the division. The best defense in the league has most of its key pieces returning as well.

1. Oregon Ducks (HC: Mark Helfrich, 3rd season) – They will have a slight step back without Heisman winner Marcus Mariota calling the shots, but Eastern Washington transfer (and the #1 rated passer in FCS) Vernon Adams is a great option in Helfrich’s offense. The defense will have to replace a few NFL draftee spots, but it should be good enough to let the high-flying offense win most games.

 

SOUTH

6. Utah Utes (HC: Kyle Whittingham, 11th season) – It may raise some eyebrows having someone other than Colorado in the cellar of the South, but Utah really is at a crossroads. They had their best Pac-12 season last year, but they still have uncertainty at QB with Travis Wilson, and both of their coordinators jumped ship. The defense must replace some key pieces as well. Look for a disappointing season for Whittingham’s Utes.

5. Colorado Buffalos (HC: Mike MacIntyre, 3rd season) – Sefo Liufau really lit it up last year when calling the plays for the 40^th best offense in the nation. If The Buffs get some stability at RB and on their defensive front, then they can start to pile up a few conference wins.

4. UCLA Bruins (HC: Jim Mora, 4th season) – The Bruins are breaking in a new starter at quarterback, which may take some adjusting, but the rest of the offense returns. The team is going to struggle on the defensive side of the ball, despite do-everything LB Myles Jack entering his junior (and probably final) season in Pasadena.

3. Arizona Wildcats (HC: Rich Rodriguez, 4th season) – Rich Rodriguez finally has a QB that he can groom with real talent. Anu Solomon led the team to the Pac-12 Title Game and was the only team to beat Oregon in the regular season. With Scooby Wright leading a tough defensive group, the Wildcats should be in contention for another double-digit win season.

2. USC Trojans (HC: Steve Sarkisian, 2nd season) – This team is loaded with returning talent, even though their two best players from 2014 are now in the NFL. Cody Kessler should rip up every defense he faces, and the defense should be stout. Sarkisian has yet to prove that he can take a team over-the-top, however. This is the best team that he has ever coached.

1. Arizona State Sun Devils (HC: Todd Graham, 3rd season) – The success of the Sun Devils really depends on Mike Bercovici, the new starting QB who filled in well for Taylor Kelly last year when called upon. The most underrated part of this program is the recruiting, which has stacked the roster with defensive talent and incredible athletes. Look for the Devils to represent the South in the title game.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State

Defensive Player of the Year: Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona

Coach of the Year: Todd Graham, Arizona State

Conference Championship Game: Arizona State over Oregon

Southeastern Conference (#2)

EAST

7. Vanderbilt Commodores (HC: Derek Mason, 2nd season) – Vanderbilt was one of the worst offensive teams in the nation last year, and without continuity at QB, there is no really reason to think that they will be much better. The defense should be slightly improved, but look for another winless conference season for the Commodores.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (HC: Steve Spurrier, 11th season) – Even though the team had one of its worst seasons under Spurrier last year, this season might even be worse. They lost all of their offensive talent, and their defense, which was one of the worst in the nation, did little to improve other than fire their coordinator.

5. Kentucky Wildcats (HC: Mark Stoops, 3rd season) – Kentucky is slowly improving under Stoops, and this will be his most talented team. Boom Williams will attempt to fill the void from departed stud Braylon Heard at tailback, and the defense should be able to reload due to Stoops and his commendable recruiting in Lexington.

4. Florida Gators (HC: Jim McElwain, 1st season) – Florida did show improvement last year, but not enough. They have their coach now, but the lack of real talent will prevent them from contending in the division just yet. The offense will be improved, but the defense might take a step back without Muschamp’s influence. However, they still have Vernon Hargreaves, who is an NFL CB still in college.

3. Tennessee Volunteers (HC: Butch Jones, 3rd season) – Everyone is hyping Tennessee, which happens every other year it seems. I am not as impressed by Joshua Dobbs as everyone else. It almost reminds me of Chris Relf at Mississippi State a while back. He is just a big-bodied athletic QB returning from a nice season, and he gets benched halfway through the year. Maybe I will be wrong. The team will win on defense, though, with a stout D-line and one of the best secondaries in the SEC.

2. Missouri Tigers (HC: Gary Pinkel, 15th season) – Missouri is the team that we love to overlook, but they have made the last two SEC Championship games. Maty Mauk is the grittiest and most successful QB in the program’s recent history. The team might struggle some on the defensive side, but Pinkel is the best coach in this division. The team will be playing well by midseason.

1. Georgia Bulldogs (HC: Mark Richt, 15th season) – Richt is always on the hot seat, but this year he needs to win the division or he may well take that hot seat to the boiling point. Nick Chubb is the best RB in the SEC. They have Brian Schottenheimer as their new coordinator. The defense is far better than previous seasons. It is all or nothing for the Bulldogs this year.

WEST

7. Texas A&M Aggies (HC: Kevin Sumlin, 4th season) – The Aggies struggled to find stability at QB in 2014, as well as find any sort of defensive pressure. Kyle Allen might be the answer under center, but despite all of the moves Sumlin made on defense, they are a couple years away from really having a unit that can compete in this division.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs (HC: Dan Mullen, 7th season) – For a program that was ranked #1 for about a month last season, it seems weird to have them ranked 6^th in their own division. Dak Prescott, Heisman candidate, returns at QB, but that is about it. Josh Robinson must be replaced at RB, as well as a ton of players on defense. It is a rebuilding year for Mullen.

5. Mississippi Rebels (HC: Hugh Freeze, 4th season) – Freeze’s team has a ton of talent at WR and on the defensive line, but they must replace popular QB Bo Wallace. They have the top-ranked JC-transfer QB, but those players usually take time to really get going. I expect the team to struggle early on offense, but the defense should be ready immediately.

4. Arkansas Razorbacks (HC: Bret Bielema, 3rd season) – It didn’t take too long for Bielema to get his style rolling at Arkansas. They have Brandon Allen back under center, a backfield loaded with talent, and a monster offensive line. Their top 10 defense from a year ago has some players to replace in the front seven, but they should still be a tough unit that will not lose them any games on their own.

3. Auburn Tigers (HC: Gus Malzahn, 3rd season) – Auburn will have a more balanced offense with Jeremy Johnson at QB, and the defense should be much better than the putrid efforts we have seen in the past few years. Will Muschamp will make an immediate impact and put this team in position to win the division with some luck.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (HC: Nick Saban, 9th season) – A five-way competition at QB is not healthy. I am sure that one of them will emerge and be a great player in this conference, but it is not the way you want to open camp. They have NFL talent all over the field, led by Derrick Henry at RB and Reggie Ragland at MLB.

1. LSU Tigers (HC: Les Miles, 11th season) – The Tigers do not have a bonafide starter at quarterback, but Miles has shown in the past that he is one of the rare coaches who can make splitting snaps actually work. Leonard Fournette talks a big game, but he actually backed it up late in 2014. The offense should be better than last year’s 13^th-ranked SEC squad, and the defense should take another step forward. This may be a surprise, but I really think they have the most talented roster in the conference.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia

Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

Coach of the Year: Gary Pinkel, Missouri

Conference Championship Game: Georgia over LSU

Big 12 Conference (#1)

10. Kansas Jayhawks (HC: David Beaty, 1st season) – The perennial worst team in the Big 12 looks to stay there for at least another couple seasons. The new offense showed a couple flashes last year, but the defense is still abysmal and they only return five starters. If they win a game in conference, I would be surprised.

9. Iowa State Cyclones (HC: Paul Rhodes, 7th season) – Mark Mangino’s offense has now had a bit of time to be installed, so the team will likely not be winless in conference play in 2015 as they were a year ago. The team was one of the absolute worst defenses in the nation last year. They can only go up, and at least they have one team they know they can beat in Kansas.

8. Kansas State Wildcats (HC: Bill Snyder, 24th season) – The cornerstone offensive players for Snyder’s offense departed in the offseason, so they will have a tough time scoring until they really settle in. The defense should be strong, however. The Wildcats will likely take one step back before charging forward again to compete in the conference.

7. Texas Tech (HC: Kliff Kingsbury, 3rd season) – We are still not sure who their quarterback will be, but the offense is stuffed with returning starters. The team is never going to be good on defense, so if they can outscore teams, they can win games in the Big 12.

6. West Virginia Mountaineers (HC: Dana Holgorson, 5th season) – The Mountaineers are breaking in a whole new offensive crew, but if anyone can have a team ready by week one, it is Holgorson. The team just needs to get a defense. If they can get even a competent unit to take pressure off the offense, then they will be a contender year in and year out.

5. Texas Longhorns (HC: Charlie Strong, 2nd season) – The offense will be lead by Jonathan Gray at running back, but they have yet to really have a QB emerge. Despite a few lopsided losses last year, the defense will be what the team relies on.

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys (HC: Mike Gundy, 11th season) – The positive for Oklahoma State’s substandard 2014 was that they were extremely young. Almost all of their talent is back, and especially the offense will be humming early. They are a sleeper in the stacked Big 12.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (HC: Bob Stoops, 17th season) – The Sooners probably have the best overall roster in the league. The offense will look somewhat different, but one thing we know is that Samaje Perine will be a stud at tailback. The defense has some holes to fill, but they are loaded, especially at linebacker. They are going to be a tough team in 2015.

2. TCU Horned Frogs (HC: Gary Patterson, 16th season) – The Frogs will have one of the elite offenses in the nation with almost their entire unit returning. Surprisingly, the issue last year was defense and depth. If they can fill the void of their departed NFL talent, they can cruise through the conference and gain a spot in the College Football Playoff.

1. Baylor Bears (HC: Art Briles, 8th season) – Seth Russell is the new QB who will put up unholy amounts of yards and touchdowns for the twice-defending top offense in the nation. Almost all of the pieces are back from a team that should have been in the playoff, but the defense is still what might hold them back. They have one of the top D-linemen in the league in Shawn Oakman returning, and even the secondary returns all four starters. Look for Baylor to run the table.

 

Offensive Player of the Year: Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU

Defensive Player of the Year: Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State

Coach of the Year: Art Briles, Baylor

Conference Champion: Baylor

Top 5 College Football Playoff Busters

5. Houston Cougars – The Cougars had a horrible offense in 2014, but hiring Tom Herman from Ohio State will certainly help that cause. They had a top 10 defense, and most of that unit is returning. Their schedule is cake. If they can take down Louisville, they can potentially run the table if the offense clicks.

                Toughest games: at Louisville, vs Vanderbilt, vs Cincinnati, vs Navy

4. Navy Midshipmen – The key to this team is that 4-year starting QB Keenan Reynolds is back. He can single-handedly take the team to eight wins. Can they win the AAC in their first season in the conference? I wouldn’t doubt it.

                Toughest games: at Notre Dame, at Memphis, at Houston

3. Cincinnati Bearcats – Cincinnati returns stud QB Gunner Kiel and a potent offense. They had a horrendous defense last season, but they roll into 2015 as the favorite in the American Athletic Conference regardless.

                Toughest games: at Memphis, vs Miami, at BYU, at Houston

2. Utah State Aggies – The big positive for the Aggies is getting back QB Chuckie Keeton. He was a fringe Heisman candidate in 2013 before losing his entire 2014 due to injury. Defense is usually strong in this program as well. They get Boise at home. Watch out for another potential double-digit win season for Matt Wells and his Aggies.

                Toughest games: at Utah, at Washington, vs Boise State, at San Diego State

1. Boise State Broncos – The Broncos are absolutely the best team (other than Notre Dame) outside of the Power 5 conferences. They return nine starters on offense, but the two they are missing are QB and RB. They should have the best defense in the Mountain West as well. Looking at their schedule, an unbeaten year is definitely doable.

                Toughest games: vs Washington, at BYU, at Virginia, at Utah State

Top 5 Defenses

5. Mississippi Rebels – Look at any list of the best defensive players in the country, and Mississippi is sprinkled through all of them. On paper, they are maybe the best in the nation. The same could have been said about Georgia in 2012 with All Americans all over, but they were not a team. I fear the same could be true here, but we shall see.

4. Stanford Cardinal – The best defense a year ago in the Pac-12 returns most of its unit, but it doesn’t matter anyway. Other than Ohio State, this is the deepest defense in the nation.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes – I have said since early 2014 that Ohio State had the best roster in FBS, and they were all young. This defense is going to be scary good. I can’t see too many teams breaking 21 points on them.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide – Alabama once again has to reload on this side of the ball, but that should not be much of an issue. The Tide play so many players in rotation that when called upon to start the next season, the 5 star recruits jump right in and perform like seasoned All-SEC players. The same is true of this year’s group.

1. Michigan State Spartans – The Spartans own what is almost undisputedly the best defensive line in the nation. They were one of only two teams to average giving up less than 100 yards rushing in 2014 (Boston College), and their secondary is nearly as stout. If any team can take down Ohio State in the regular season, it is this defense.

Top 5 Offenses

5. Auburn Tigers – Gus Malzahn is going to have fun with this group. With a host of returning talent and a quarterback who can actually convert third downs through the air, look for this team to put up 35 on most SEC defenses.

4. Oregon Ducks – The Ducks have some options. Their backfield is stacked as usual, but their situation at quarterback is interesting. They can have one of two styles. Either way, they will be borderline unstoppable in the Pac-12.

3. TCU Horned Frogs – The Frogs have essentially their entire offense back. Ever since Patterson decided to revamp the roster and make it a spread air raid attack, they have absolutely scorched the opposition. Trevon Boykin, barring an unforeseen regression, should be a Heisman candidate all year.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes – Whoever ends up quarterbacking this team is going to look like the best player in the nation. With Braxton Miller moving to wide out, the options are the record-setter JT Barrett and the mightily impressive Cardale Jones. The offense could have a slightly different look either way they go, but Urban Meyer’s offense will be nearly impossible to handle.

1. Baylor Bears – The Bears have had the #1 ranked offense each of the past two seasons. They lead in basically every category other than time of possession. This year will be no different, barring a learning curve for QB Seth Russell.

Top 5 Coach of the Year Contenders

5. Gary Pinkel, Missouri – If Missouri can make another run at the SEC Championship Game, then the nation may finally have to recognize how great of a coach this guy is. It would be his most impressive feat yet if he can pull it off with this team, but doubt them at your own risk.

4. Todd Graham, Arizona State – The Sun Devils are absolutely good enough to win the Pac-12. Most of the time, this award goes to the most extreme defying of expectations, and that would absolutely be if ASU makes a legitimate run at the CFP.

3. Mark Richt, Georgia – Richt is always maligned and doubted, but this is potentially his best team in Athens. An SEC Championship would catapult him into the discussion for this award.

2. Urban Meyer, Ohio State – He didn’t win last year. How? You got me…

1. Art Briles, Baylor – He is going to be in the press all year, and suddenly the pressure is squarely on him and his team. They are the twice defending conference champions, and they are going to start the year in the top 5. If he can put up that kind of offense and do it on national TV every week, it is going to be incredibly hard to not give him this award.

Top 5 NFL Draft Prospects

5. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida – 5’11’’ 192 LB. The kid is a star at corner, maybe even better than Janoris Jenkins was in Gainesville. He will likely lead the SEC in most relevant categories if the QBs are inclined to throw his direction.

4. Jalen Ramsey, S, Florida State – 6’1’’ 194 LB. Ramsey has pretty much been the best player on that defense for two seasons. Word is that he is going to play more of a corner position this year for the Seminoles, which just makes him more versatile, in more plays, and an even better NFL prospect.

3. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State – 6’4’’ 218 LB. He is the most seasoned quarterback in college football. It would not exactly be a sexy pick to take him in the top five in the 2016 draft, but it would be a smart move if your team needs leadership and stability. All the guy does is convert third downs. It is the most frustrating thing to watch if you are a fan of the other team.

2. Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Mississippi – 6’5’’ 293 LB. He was a former #1 ranked recruit, and his 2014 play reflected that ranking. The guy is an absolute monster and has the perfect measurables to be the top pick in the draft.

1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State – 6’6’’ 276 LB. Yes, he was suspended for the first game, but that will not hurt his draft stock after he wreaks havoc on the Big 10 and all other teams. He is virtually unblockable, almost a JJ Watt-type player and his motor is that of Ndamukong Suh. He will be the top pick in the draft unless someone really needs a quarterback.

Top 10 Heisman Contenders

10. Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State – If Arizona State is going to have the kind of season that I am predicting, then Bercovici must have had a whale of a year statistically.

9. Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin – Filling in for Melvin Gordon is difficult, but in his backup time last year Clement showed burst and a ton of talent. Paul Chryst loves to run the ball as much as Bielema and Andersen did.

8. Cody Kessler, QB, USC – The Heisman voters love USC quarterbacks, and Kessler has the potential to be the best one since Matt Leinart. If he continues to develop with that trend, then he will be an easy Heisman candidate.

7. Jeremy Johnson, QB, Auburn – Manning Gus Malzahn’s crazy offense isn’t easy, but he actually has the dual threats to really light it up.

6. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State – His breakout season a year ago definitely puts him in the thick of this discussion. He is one of the most talented backs in the nation, and we know he will have his opportunities in Meyer’s ingenious offense.

5. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia – For my money, Chubb is the best running back in college football. In limited time when Todd Gurley was on and off the field, he was a superstar and immediately became the best player on that offense. The team is going to lean on him this year.

4. Seth Russell, QB, Baylor – In the Baylor offense, you are going to put up stats. If your team is approaching an undefeated season, you are a Heisman candidate. That is the only difference there was between Bryce Petty and Nick Florence. Or you can just have flash and a flair for the dramatic like RGIII.

3. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU – He should be the frontrunner, but he was so improved last year that it is hard to see him completely replicating his record-setting year at TCU. I understand why he is the Vegas odd-on favorite, though.

2. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State – If he starts, I expect him to win the Heisman. He is likeable, a true dual threat, and his audition in the three biggest games of the year were as impressive as any I can remember.

1. JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State – If he starts, I expect him to win the Heisman. Once he got that ugly game against Virginia Tech out of the way, he was statistically the best quarterback in Ohio State history. A second season in that offense, barring health layovers, should produce all the awards imaginable.

Preseason Top 25

Others receiving votes: Louisville, Missouri, Penn State, Texas, Utah State

25. UCLA

24. Mississippi

23. Duke

22. Minnesota

21. Arizona

20. Boise State

19. Oklahoma State

18. Oklahoma

17. Clemson

16. Stanford

15. LSU

14. Georgia Tech

13. Arkansas

12. Florida State

11. Arizona State

10. Notre Dame

9. USC

8. Oregon

7. Michigan State

6. Auburn

5. Georgia

4. Alabama

3. TCU

2. Baylor

1. Ohio State

Bowl Predictions

Chik-fil-A Peach Bowl: USC over Boise State

Rose Bowl: Michigan State over Arizona State

Fiesta Bowl: TCU over Alabama

Sugar Bowl: LSU over Oregon

College Football Playoff Semifinal #1 (Orange Bowl): Georgia over Ohio State

CFB Playoff Semifinal #2 (Cotton Bowl): Baylor over Florida State

National Championship Game: Georgia over Baylor

 

Thoughts? Complaints? Overlooks? Let me know in the comments!