College Football Postseason Wrap, Top 25, and more

It was another incredible college football season. We can finally say adios to the BCS, which caused much more headaches and debates than it ever ought to have. We got a few of the most memorable games in recent memory, and another breakout star freshman Heisman winner. Below is my postseason wrap-up, highlighting the best coaches, players, teams, and games of the year. Check it out…and happy offseason!

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: Northern Illinois, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin

Dropped from the rankings: Northern Illinois (15), Wisconsin (18), Fresno State (19), Marshall (22)

25 (NR). North Texas (9-4) – The Mean Green finished with a top 10 defense and a couple really nice wins on their schedule. They were the best of the mid majors.

24 (20). Duke (10-4) – The Blue Devils got handled by Florida State, yet they put a serious fight into Texas A&M with the whole country watching. It took a furious “last hurrah”-type comeback from Johnny Football to take them down.

23 (NR). Texas A&M (9-4) – Whether Manziel returns or not, this team will never reach the top of the SEC without focusing on defense.

22 (NR). Nebraska (9-4) – Beating Georgia did wonders for this team, who was heading into another disappointing offseason with potentially four straight bowl losses. Now they have some momentum and a host of returning players.

21 (NR). USC (10-4) – They stifled that potent Fresno State offensive attack and completed a nice year, given the early season struggles. Coach Sark should get them back to the top of the conference in a couple years.

20 (10). Arizona State (10-4) – They ended their season with a couple bad losses. They were looking at a potential Rose Bowl, instead they end with a bad loss against the freefalling Red Raiders. They were just a different team when Grice was healthy.

19 (NR). Notre Dame (9-4) – They are the only team that defeated Michigan State. Looking back on their results, they had an impressive run. It was definitely not a disappointment after losing their starting QB before the season. When he returns, they could make their way back into the National Championship picture.

18 (25). Washington (9-4) – They looked mighty impressive in their bowl win over a solid BYU club. With Chris Petersen taking over the program, they could move from the second tier to the elite within a few years. Watch out next year even.

17 (21). LSU (10-3) – The team took out its counterpart in the Big Ten, which was a hard-fought and entertaining game. Without a rash of injuries, this team could have been one of the truly great teams out there. Cam Cameron did wonders for that offense.

16 (5). Oklahoma State (10-3) – After the Bedlam loss and getting taken apart by the Missouri offense, the Cowboys still had a good season. Mike Gundy usually wins his big games, so don’t count on a collapse next year. He needs to settle on one QB in the offseason and let him lead, though. What he did this year killed the rhythm of the team.

15 (8). Baylor (11-2) – They got shell-shocked by UCF, who blew the doors off the solid Bears defense. They are always just one or two games away from being great every year. If Petty returns, then they should be in the preseason top 5.

14 (14). UCLA (10-3) – I still believe that this team can beat anyone on any day. They are just too inconsistent. Watch out for Brett Hundley returning for his junior year…he should dominate the conference alongside Myles Jack.

13 (2). Ohio State (12-2) – Two straight losses after 24 in a row? Nice. That defense was pretty terrible in their last three games. With any help on that side of the ball, this team would not have lost at all.

12 (13). Clemson (11-2) – The Orange Bowl win proved that this team was a lot better than we originally thought. That is two straight big bowl wins for Dabo Swinney and company, proving that the ACC is not really all that bad.

11 (9). Stanford (11-3) – The Cardinal had another great year, beat Oregon, and still had those couple preventable losses that prevent us from seeing them finally compete for a national title.

10 (4). Alabama (11-2) – I really thought this was still maybe the best team in the nation, right up until kickoff of the Sugar Bowl. Their defensive inefficiencies were eye-opening.

9 (17). Louisville (12-1) – The Cardinals had another impressive win a key bowl game against a Florida school. This team will be a real threat in the ACC next year.

8 (6). Missouri (12-2) – The Tigers showed that their defense was overrated in the SEC Championship Game, and they showed that it was actually pretty good in the Cotton Bowl. Their success is the most damning evidence against the SEC’s perceived dominance of the sport.

7 (16). UCF (12-1) – Whipping Baylor the way they did showed not only that they were legitimate, but that the conference may have been as well. Who knew?

6 (11). Oregon (11-2) – The Ducks ended with another easy win over a team with a lot of motivation. If only they hadn’t tripped up in Arizona, we would have been talking about another BCS trip for the guys in green.

5 (24). Oklahoma (11-2) – Who really thought the Sooners had a chance to beat Alabama? Hell, who thought they could score a point after that head-scratching Bedlam win? Not me. They looked like they could beat anyone on that day.

4 (12). South Carolina (11-2) – This is one of the most confusing and tough-minded teams I have come across. They still make no sense, but looking at their wins, they must have been something special.

3 (3). Auburn (12-2) – The miracles finally came to an end for the Tigers, who had probably the most impressive turnaround in college football history.

2 (7). Michigan State (13-1) – They might be the best team in the nation, and probably would have won a tournament if there was one (and if they were invited). All they do is convert 3^rd downs and prevent offenses from doing so. They among the most unglamorous and nasty teams I have seen.

1 (1). Florida State (14-0) – They are National Champs and had perhaps one of the most dominant seasons in the BCS era.

Top 3 Worst Preseason Predictions

3. Butch Jones as Coach of the Year in the SEC and a National Coach of the Year Candidate

2. Duke finishing last in the ACC Atlantic

1. Missouri finishing last in the SEC East

Top 3 Best Preseason Predictions

3. Entire Pac-12 North correctly ranked, with only the top 2 teams flipped

2. AJ McCarron as 2^nd in the Heisman

1. Texas A&M finishing 4^th in the SEC West, despite a preseason top 10 ranking

Top 5 Coaches of the Year

5. George O’Leary, UCF – The school’s first year in a “major” conference could not have gone better. Honestly, they were a South Carolina comeback away from being unbeaten and having a real argument for being in the BCS Championship Game…

4. David Cutcliffe, Duke – He took a school that doesn’t care about football and won the division. This is a team who had almost two decades between bowl games. He should get himself a real job in the near future.

3. Jimbo Fisher, Florida State – The landmines that the team has experienced the past few years were not only dodged, but became completely irrelevant. Until the championship game, they didn’t win by less than 2 touchdowns.

2. Gus Malzahn, Auburn – 3-9 with ZERO conference wins to playing for a national championship. That is all there is to say. He is an offensive genius.

1. Mark Dantonio, Michigan State – Early in the year, they could not move the ball. They ended with an efficient offense and still dominated the line of scrimmage on defense. Dantonio did more with less than I have ever seen. If Connor Cook had been starting all year, they would be national champs.

2014 Heisman Trophy Watchlist

5. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin – He had a huge year, and next year the backfield will be all his. He could have a 2000 yard season if they totally commit to the run the way they should behind that O-line.

4. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor – Their offense is always going to be humming. He is going to have a second year under the tutelage of Art Briles, so he could be even more efficient. Look for some RGIII-level stats next year.

3. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – He was the frontrunner this year, yet a couple midseason losses took him out of the running. He will return for his junior year, which promises to just as good as his outstanding first two seasons.

2. Myles Jack, RB/LB, UCLA – He is the most versatile player in the country, and when he started playing offense, that team took it to another level. The kid is a freak.

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State – The reigning Heisman winner and national champion will be in the spotlight all offseason and all of next season…just like Johnny Manziel was. I get the feeling that he is going to handle the pressure better, as will his coaching staff and teammates, given how the midseason scandal was taken care of.

Top 5 Games of 2013-2014

5. Clemson 38 – Georgia 35 – It was Week 1, and it was a matchup of top 10 teams. This was a huge game in the national landscape at the time, well before both teams were exposed defensively. This felt like a monster game, and it lived up to the hype. There is nothing quite like a night game in Clemson. It was a memorable scene and a brilliant display of potent offenses.

4. Ohio State 41 – Michigan 40 – It is always a nice idea to go for 2 and the win, but it almost never happens. Brady Hoke rolled the dice and came up short, but it was tremendous to watch. It is why we all love college football. One team is looking for a perfect season, and the other team is not great. They are rivals, so they both play their best and it is the most important game of the year for both teams. This is their most memorable matchup since the #1 vs #2 game back in ’06.

3. UCF 38 – Louisville 35 – At the time, this might not have been on anyone’s radar. After seeing UCF against South Carolina, it was clear that they were under-the-radar and maybe for real. This game proved to have a lot of twists and turns, and looking back on the year, there might not have been a more important October matchup. It was a back-and-forth affair, and it was decided in the final minute. Who would have thought this game would feature potentially the top 2 QBs in the NFL Draft?

2. Michigan State 24 – Stanford 20 – The Rose Bowl looked like the best bowl game heading in, and it turned out to be just that. It was the most brilliant display of pure football all year. If these two teams met 10 times, it would be a one-score game every time. They are mirrors of each other. There was no better matchup for the 100^th Rose Bowl.

1. Auburn 34 – Alabama 28 – This was maybe the best game of the BCS era. If there was a better one, it would be the Texas-USC National Championship, but this was definitely the best regular season game I have ever seen. The quality of play, drama, and final sequence of plays…it exemplifies what college football is and what it means to so many people.

Thoughts on the season? Your favorite moments/games? Let me know!

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

Down goes Oregon! On behalf of all fans of the University of Washington…thank you Stanford! It was an interesting week in college football. The two big games on Thursday night ended up being a total of about 115 minutes of uncompetitive football. Baylor rolled all over the overrated Sooners, and Stanford slugged the hell out of Oregon before nearly letting them take the game over late in the 4^th quarter. You just never know with the Ducks. You cannot give them hope. They are too explosive. The game may have also cost Marcus Mariota the Heisman, given that the national stage spawned the worst game of his 2 year career. See how the rest of the Saturday slate shook out, and check out the updated Heisman and BCS projections at the bottom!

NOTE: Next week, there may not be an article. I will be out of town again. I will be attending the Legends Division showdown between Michigan State and my Nebraska Cornhuskers. There will still be a top 25 added to the site, but if there is an article, it will not be until Tuesday.

Top 25 Poll

Others receiving votes: BYU, Houston, Nebraska, North Texas, Oklahoma, Washington

Dropped from the rankings: Oklahoma (19), Texas Tech (22), Houston (25)

25 (23). LSU (7-3) – They put up a valiant fight in Tuscaloosa. They had the game in their hands, but the inexperience and turnovers cost them. I knew that this was the type of offense that could challenge the Tide, but it just didn’t happen. They should feel encouraged by their performance.

24 (10). Miami (7-2) – I knew all along that this team just was not all that good. Losing to Virginia Tech, who looked horrible the past few weeks, showed that their 7-0 start was a fluke. You can’t just keep riding that Florida win to legitimacy. You know, that awful 4-5 team in the SEC? Yeah, good win…

23 (NR). Texas (7-2) – I don’t know how this team just keeps winning. They got destroyed twice early in the year, but now they are unbeaten in conference, despite never really looking that strong against anyone but Oklahoma. Their veteran leadership is certainly showing up, potentially saving Mack Brown’s job once again.

22 (NR). Ball State (9-1) – IDLE. Next week: at Northern Illinois

21 (NR). Minnesota (8-2) – Is it just me, or did the team get even tougher when Jerry Kill left the team? Clays is a calm assassin on the sideline. This is not the same team that lost twice early in the year. No one will want to see this team down the stretch.

20 (24). Arizona State (7-2) – They survived the trap that everyone saw coming. It took a fourth quarter rally, but they got it done. This could be a Rose Bowl team.

19 (21). Michigan State (8-1) – IDLE. Next week: at Nebraska.

18 (18). UCLA (7-2) – Arizona is one of the tougher places to win in the Pac-12, and they got it done in a shootout. They are still one of the most talented and dangerous teams in the conference.

17 (20). Wisconsin (7-2) – Beating BYU by 10 is an impressive feat. That Cougar team does not lay down for anyone. This running game is scary good, and if not for that strange officiating gaffe against ASU, they COULD be still looking at an outside shot at a BCS Championship berth.

16 (17). Northern Illinois (9-0) – IDLE. Next week: vs Ball State

15 (15). Louisville (8-1) – The Cardinals continue to roll along. Basically every game has the same format and box score. They play a little sluggish early, then force turnovers and pass for a few second half touchdowns, winning by about 21 points. They deserve the ACC next year. They are sleepwalking through the AAC.

14 (13). South Carolina (7-2) – IDLE. Next week: vs Florida.

13 (12). Texas A&M (8-2) – Manziel’s last home game as a college player went about how you could expect it to. It was another high-scoring affair. Manziel threw 5 TDs and 3 INTs. That team’s defense is so bad. I don’t know how they keep getting wins.

12 (16). Oklahoma State (8-1) – It is becoming more clear that losing in West Virginia is not all that detrimental. That team adds something special when they are in front of that Morgantown crowd. The Cowboys still control their destiny in the conference. They are good enough to take down Baylor.

11 (14). UCF (7-1) – Upending Houston on Saturday night all but clinched the AAC for the second best team in Florida. They are a tough team and could very well win whatever BCS game they are put in.

10 (11). Fresno State (9-0) – After a slow start, the offense exploded. They deserve to play in a BCS game. They just need to stay above UCF.

9 (9). Missouri (9-1) – Ask any Big 12 fan (including Mizzou fans) whether the Tigers are a top program. They will all laugh and say NO. This is just proof that the SEC is not great this year. When Missouri can just dominate teams with a freshman at QB, then you know it is a down year.

8 (8). Auburn (9-1) – I don’t quite understand this team, but they have looked impressive recently. Their sole loss was in LSU. They are not good enough to beat Alabama in the Iron Bowl, but they could push them a bit.

7 (7). Clemson (8-1) – IDLE. Next week: vs Georgia Tech.

6 (1). Oregon (8-1) – I have never been more confused by a game than a team just pounding and embarrassing the unstoppable Ducks offense. It is clear that Stanford just has their number. They are the only team in the nation that has it.

5 (5). Ohio State (9-0) – IDLE. Next week: at Illinois.

4 (6). Stanford (8-1) – Clearly the loss in Utah is looking like less of a disaster. When they play their game, which they didn’t against the Utes, they cannot be stopped. They are bigger and stronger than, yet still as athletic as, any team in the nation. I want a BCS Championship between Bama and Stanford. It would be an NFL game.

3 (4). Baylor (8-0) – The offense is just ridiculous. They can put up 40 on any team. They need people to lose too, which is unfortunate. If they were called Oklahoma, they would be in position to play for a national title.

2 (3). Florida State (9-0) – Every player on the roster looks like it could play on Sundays. This team is stacked.

1 (2). Alabama (9-0) – There really isn’t much to say. They are the best, most balanced, most physical, most experienced, and best coached team in the nation. It is going to take a perfect storm to beat them.

Top 5 Games for Next Weekend

5. Oklahoma State (#12) at Texas (#23), 12:30PM FOX – This is the battle between teams who want to stay alive in the Big 12. Texas has not lost. Oklahoma State has one loss. It should be a good old-fashioned Texas shootout. PREDICTION: Texas 37-31

4. Stanford (#4) at USC, 5:00PM ESPN – The Trojans have lost just one game since Lane Kiffin was let go. Stanford is coming off the biggest win of the season. Can the Trojans spring the huge upset? PREDICTION: Stanford 31-28

3. Michigan State (#19) at Nebraska, 12:30PM ABC/ESPN2 – For all intensive purposes, this is for the Legends Division and a chance to ruin Ohio State’s BCS chances. Last year was a tough game and comeback win in East Lansing. This year, Sparty comes in hot. This should be quite a game, even if it will probably look pretty ugly. PREDICTION: Nebraska 24-20

2. Ball State at Northern Illinois (#16), WEDNESDAY 5:00PM ESPN2 – This game will likely decide who will win the MAC, and it is a perfect chance to see one of the coolest players in the nation, Jordan Lynch. PREDICTION: Northern Illinois 49-42

1. Houston at Louisville (#15), 4:00PM ESPNU – This is the battle between the second and third best teams in the AAC. We will see which team is more inspired to stay mathematically alive in the conference. Look for some offense in this one. PREDICTION: Louisville 34-28

Heisman Trophy Watch

5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon – He is going to need a bunch of losses ahead of him, but you can’t just go from odds-on favorite to not in contention, right?

4. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama – He is beginning to get more and more credit for the dominance by the Tide. He deserves it, too. He has been orchestrating some of the biggest beatdowns of the seasons and putting up NFL-type numbers.

3. Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor – If we go by stats, then he would be the winner. I am beginning to think that with RGIII, Nick Florence, and now Petty that anyone placed in that offense could put up 5000+ yards total offense.

2. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M – He continues to put up video game numbers and may be the most exciting player we have seen in the game since Reggie Bush. He will get his votes. How much have the voter’s forgotten about the offseason issues?

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State – With Mariota losing, Wisnton takes control. Unless there is some unforeseen disastrous loss, then he will win the Heisman.

BCS Projections

Rose Bowl – Stanford over Ohio State

Orange Bowl – Oregon over Clemson

Sugar Bowl – Fresno State over Missouri

Fiesta Bowl – Baylor over UCF

BCS Championship Game – Florida State over Alabama

What did you think of this weekend? How far should Oregon drop? New Heisman predictions? Let me know below!