My Top 25 College Football 2023 Final – January 8, 2024
1. Michigan (15-0) Beat Washington, Alabama, Iowa, Ohio State, Maryland, Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV 2. Washington (14-1) Lost to Michigan and Beat Texas, Oregon, Washington State, Oregon State, Utah, USC, Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Michigan State, and Tuls 3. Texas (12-2) Lost to Oklahoma and Washington and Beat Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, TCU, Kansas State, BYU. Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Rice, Wyoming, and Alabama 4. Alabama (12-2) Lost to Michigan and Texas and Beat FCS Chattanooga and Beat Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, UTK, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, MTSU, Ole Miss, and USF 5. Florida State (13-1) Lost to Georgia and Beat FCS North Alabama and Beat Louisville, Florida, Miami, FL, Pitt, Wake Forrest, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Boston College, and Southern Miss 6. Georgia (13-1) Lost to Alabama and Beat FCS UT Martin and Beat Florida State, Georgia Tech, UTK, Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina, UAB, and Ball State 7. Missouri (11-2) Lost to Georgia and LSU and Beat FCS South Dakota and Beat Ohio State, Arkansas, Florida, UTK, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Memphis, and Kansas State 8. Oregon (12-2) Lost to Washington and Washington and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Liberty, Oregon State, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Utah, Washington State, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Hawaii 9. Ole Miss (11-2) Lost to Georgia and Alabama and Beat FCS Mercer and Beat Penn State, Mississippi State, Louisiana Monroe, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Tulane 10. LSU (10-3) Lost to Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Grambling and Beat Wisconsin, Texas A&M, Georgia State, Florida, Army, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Arkansas 11. Ohio State (11-2) Lost to Missouri and Michigan and Beat FCS Youngstown State and Beat Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Kentucky 12. Arizona (10-3) Lost to USC, Mississippi State, and Washington and Beat FCS Northern AZ and Beat Oklahoma, Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Washington State, and Stanford 13. Oklahoma State (10-4) Lost to Texas, Iowa State, UCF, and South Alabama and Beat FCS Central Arkansas and Beat Texas A&M, BYU, Houston, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kansas, and Kansas State 14. Notre Dame (10-3) Lost to Louisville, Clemson, and Ohio State and Beat FCS TSU and Beat Oregon State, Stanford, Wake Forrest, Pitt, USC, Duke, Central Michigan, Navy, and NC State 15. Oklahoma (10-3) Lost to Arizona, Oklahoma State, and Kansas and Beat TCU, BYU, West Virginia, UCF, Texas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Arkansas State, and SMU 16. SMU (11-3) Lost to Boston College, Oklahoma, and TCU and Beat FCS Prairie View A&M and Beat Tulane, Navy, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, Tulsa, Temple, Louisiana Tech, East Carolina, and Charlotte 17. Penn State (10-3) Lost to Ole Miss, Michigan, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Delaware and Beat Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Indiana, UMass, Northwestern, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois 18. Memphis (10-3) Lost to Tulane, SMU, and Missouri and Beat FCS Bethune Cookman and Beat Iowa State, Temple, Charlotte, USF, North Texas, UAB, Navy, Boise State, and Arkansas State 19. Miami, OH (11-3) Lost to App State, Miami, FL, and Toledo and Beat FCS Delaware State and Beat Toledo, Ball State, Buffalo, Akron, Ohio, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, UMass, Kent State, and Cincinnati 20. Louisville (10-4) Lost to USC, Kentucky, Florida State, and Pitt and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Miami, FL, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, NC State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Indiana 21. Iowa (10-4) Lost to UTK, Minnesota, Michigan, and Penn State and Beat Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Utah State, Western Michigan, and Iowa State 22. Liberty (13-1) Lost to Oregon and Beat New Mexico State, UTEP, UMass, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, FIU, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and New Mexico State 23. Troy (11-3) Lost to Duke, James Madison, and Kansas State and Beat FCS Stephen F Austin and Beat App State, Southern Miss, Louisiana, Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, Texas State, Army, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Georgia State 24. Ohio (10-3) Lost to Miami, OH, Northern Illinois, and SDSU and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat Georgia Southern, Akron, Central Michigan, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, FAU, Bowling Green, and Iowa State 25. Tulane (11-3) Lost to Virginia Tech, SMU, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat UTSA, FAU, Tulsa, East Carolina, Rice, North Texas, Memphis, South Alabama, UAB, and Southern Miss
Waiting to get into the Top 25: 26. James Madison (11-2) Lost to Air Force and App State and Beat FCS Bucknell and Beat Coastal Carolina, UConn, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Virginia, Utah State, and Troy 27. Toledo (11-3) Lost to Wyoming, Miami, OH, and Illinois and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, OH, Ball State, UMass, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan 28. UTK (9-4) Lost to Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Alabama and Beat FCS Austin Peay and Beat Iowa, Vanderbilt, UConn, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, and UTSA 29. NC State (9-4) Lost to Kansas State, Notre Dame, Duke, and Louisville and Beat FCS VMI and Beat North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forrest, Miami, FL, Clemson, UConn, Marshall, and Virginia 30. Clemson (9-4) Lost to NC State, Duke, Miami, FL, and Florida State and Beat FCS Charleston Southern and Beat Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, FAU, Wake Forrest, and Syracuse 31. App State (9-5) Lost to Troy, Old Dominion, North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wyoming and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat Miami, OH, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Georgia State, Marshall, East Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 32. Air Force (9-4) Lost to Boise State, Hawaii, UNLV, and Army and Beat FCS Robert Morris and Beat James Madison, Colorado State, Navy, Wyoming, SDSU, Utah State, San Jose State, and Sam Houston 33. Wyoming (9-4) Lost to UNLV, Air Force, Boise State, and Texas and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Toledo, Nevada, Hawaii, Colorado State, Fresno State, Texas Tech, New Mexico, and App State 34. New Mexico State (10-5) Lost to Fresno State, Liberty, UMass, Liberty, and Hawaii and Beat FCS Western Illinois and Beat Jacksonville State, Auburn, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, New Mexico, Sam Houston, and FIU 35. Kansas State (9-4) Lost to Iowa State, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS SEMO and Beat NC State, Kansas, Baylor, Houston, TCU, Troy, Texas Tech, and UCF 36. West Virginia (9-4) Lost to Oklahoma, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Houston and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat North Carolina, Baylor, Cincinnati, BYU, UCF, Pitt, TCU, and Texas Tech 37. UTSA (9-4) Lost to Tulane, Army, UTK, and Houston and Beat Marshall, USF, Rice, North Texas, East Carolina, FAU, Texas State, UAB, and Temple 38. Kansas (9-4) Lost to Kansas State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Missouri State and Beat UNLV, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma, UCF, Illinois, BYU, and Nevada 39. Northwestern (8-5) Lost to Iowa, Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, and Rutgers and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Utah, Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, UTEP, Maryland, and Minnesota 40. Fresno State (9-4) Lost to SDSU, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming and Beat FCS Western Washington and Beat New Mexico State, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, Purdue, Kent State, and Arizona State 41. North Carolina (8-5) Lost to West Virginia, NC State, Virginia, Clemson, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Campbell and Beat Duke, Miami, FL, Syracuse, Pitt, South Carolina, Minnesota, and App State 42. Oregon State (8-5) Lost to Notre Dame, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and Washington State and Beat FCS UC Davis and Beat Stanford, Colorado, UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Utah, and SDSU 43. Western Kentucky (8-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Troy, Jacksonville State, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Houston Christian and Beat Old Dominion, FIU, Sam Houston, UTEP, USF, Louisiana Tech, and MTSU 44. Jacksonville St (8-4) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina and Beat FCS ETSU and Beat Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, FIU, Western Kentucky, MTSU, UTEP, Sam Houston, and Eastern Michigan 45. UCLA (8-5) Lost to Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Utah and Beat FCS North Carolina Central and Beat Boise State, USC, Colorado, Stanford, Coastal Carolina, Washington State, and SDSU 46. Coastal Carolina (8-5) Lost to James Madison, Army, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and UCLA and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat San Jose State, Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Arkansas State, Jacksonville State and App State 47. USC (8-5) Lost to UCLA, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame and Beat Louisville, Cal, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford, San Jose State, and Nevada 48. Maryland (8-5) Lost to Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Northwestern, and Illinois and Beat FCS Towson and Beat Auburn, Rutgers, Nebraska, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan State, and Charlotte 49. UNLV (9-5) Lost to Kansas, Boise State, San Jose State, Michigan and Fresno State and Beat FCS Bryant and Beat Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, and UTEP 50. Duke (8-5) Lost to Virginia, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Florida State and Beat FCS Lafayette and Beat Troy, Pitt, Wake Forrest, NC State, Clemson, UConn, and Northwestern
Waiting to get into the Top 50: 51. Utah (8-5) Lost to Northwestern, Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State and Beat FCS Weber State and Beat Colorado, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Florida, UCLA, and Baylor 52. USF (7-6) Lost to UTSA, Memphis, FAU, Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky and Beat FCS Florida A&M and Beat Syracuse, Charlotte, Temple, Rice, UConn, and Navy 53. Texas Tech (7-6) Lost to Texas, BYU, Kansas State, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Oregon and Beat FCS Tarleton State and Beat Cal, UCF, Kansas, Houston, TCU, and Baylor 54. Texas State (8-5) Lost to Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Troy, and Louisiana and Beat FCS Jackson State and Beat Rice, South Alabama, Georgia Southern, Louisiana Monroe, Baylor, Southern Miss, and Nevada 55. Virginia Tech (7-6) Lost to NC State, Louisville, Florida State, Rutgers, Marshall, and Purdue and Beat Tulane, Virginia, Boston College, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Wake Forrest, and Pitt 56. Iowa State (7-6) Lost to Memphis, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Ohio and Beat FCS Northern Iowa and Beat Kansas State, BYU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and TCU 57. Kentucky (7-6) Lost to Clemson, South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, UTK, and Georgia and Beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and Beat Louisville, Mississippi State, Florida, Ball State, Vanderbilt, and Akron 58. Wisconsin (7-6) Lost to LSU, Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Washington State and Beat Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Buffalo, Purdue, and Georgia Southern 59. Miami, FL (7-6) Lost to Rutgers, Louisville, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Bethune-Cookman and Beat Boston College, Virginia, Clemson, Miami, OH, Temple, and Texas A&M 60. Boise State (8-6) Lost to UCLA, Fresno State, Colorado State, Washington, Memphis, and UCF and Beat FCS North Dakota and Beat UNLV, Air Force, Utah State, New Mexico, SDSU, Wyoming, and San Jose State 61. Rutgers (7-6) Lost to Maryland, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat Miami, FL, Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, and Temple 62. Georgia Tech (7-6) Lost to Georgia, Clemson, Boston College, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS SC State and Beat UCF, Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, and Miami, FL 63. Northern Illinois (7-6) Lost to FCS Southern Illinois and Lost to Ball State, Central Michigan, Tulsa, Toledo, and Nebraska and Beat Arkansas State, Kent State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Boston College, Ohio, and Akron 64. South Alabama (7-6) Lost to Texas State, Troy, Louisiana, Central Michigan, James Madison, and Tulane and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Eastern Michigan, Marshall, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 65. Georgia State (7-6) Lost to Old Dominion, LSU, App State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, and Troy and Beat FCS Rhode Island and Beat Utah State, Louisiana, Marshall, UConn, Coastal Carolina, and Charlotte 66. Boston College (7-6) Lost to Miami, Fl, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and Beat FCS Holy Cross and Beat SMU, Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Army 67. Army (6-6) Lost to UMass, LSU, Troy, Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisiana Monroe and Beat FCS Del State and Holy Cross and Beat UTSA, Coastal Carolina, and Air Force 68. San Jose State (7-6) Lost to Coastal Carolina, Boise State, Air Force, USC, Toledo, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Cal Poly and Beat UNLV, SDSU, Fresno State, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah State 69. Bowling Green (7-6) Lost to Minnesota, Toledo, Miami, OH, Liberty, Ohio, and Michigan and Beat FCS Eastern Illinois and Beat Western Michigan, Kent State, Ball State, Georgia Tech, Akron, and Buffalo 70. Texas A&M (7-6) Lost to Oklahoma State, LSU, Ole Miss, UTK, Miami, FL, and Alabama and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, Auburn, and Louisiana Monroe 71. Auburn (6-7) Lost to Maryland, Alabama, New Mexico State, Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Samford and Beat Arkansas, Vanderbilt, UMass, Mississippi State, and Cal 72. Georgia Southern (6-7) Lost to Ohio, App State, Old Dominion, Marshall, James Madison, Texas State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS The Citadel and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Monroe, UAB, Coastal Carolina, and Ball State 73. UCF (6-7) Lost to Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, and Baylor and Beat FCS Villanova and Beat Houston, Oklahoma State, Kent State, Cincinnati, and Boise State 74. Marshall (6-7) Lost to UTSA, South Alabama, App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, and NC State and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and East Carolina 75. Utah State (6-7) Lost to Georgia State, Boise State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Iowa, James Madison, and Air Force and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat New Mexico, Nevada, UConn, SDSU, and Colorado State 76. Louisiana (6-7) Lost to Jacksonville State, Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Georgia State, and Minnesota and Beat FCS NW State and Beat Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, UAB, Texas State, and Buffalo 77. Eastern Michigan (6-7) Lost to South Alabama, Toledo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Central Michigan, and Jacksonville State and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Buffalo, Akron, UMass, Kent State, and Ball State 78. Old Dominion (6-7) Lost to Western Kentucky, Liberty, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Wake Forrest, Marshall, and Virginia Tech and Beat FCS TXA&M Commerce and Beat Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Louisiana, App State, and Southern Miss 79. Cal (6-7) Lost to Texas Tech, Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, and Auburn and Beat FCS Idaho and Beat UCLA, Stanford, North Texas, Washington State, and Arizona State 80. Rice (6-7) Lost to Texas State, UTSA, SMU, Tulane, Texas, UConn, and USF and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat FAU, Charlotte, Houston, Tulsa, and East Carolina 81. Arkansas State (6-7) Lost to Northern Illinois, Marshall, South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma, Troy, and Memphis and Beat FCS Stony Brook and Beat Texas State, Louisiana, Southern Miss, Louisiana Monroe, and UMass 82. Syracuse (6-7) Lost to USF, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Colgate and Beat Wake Forrest, Pitt, Western Michigan, Army, and Purdue
NOT BOWL ELIGIBLE BUT SNUCK IN: 83. Minnesota (6-7) Lost to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and Northwestern and Beat Bowling Green, Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Eastern Michigan
NO BOWL FOR YOU: 84. Florida (5-7) Lost to Florida State, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Kentucky and Beat FCS McNeese and Beat South Carolina, UTK, Vanderbilt, and Charlotte 85. BYU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Iowa State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas, and Kansas and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Texas Tech, Sam Houston, Cincinnati, and Arkansas 86. South Carolina (5-7) Lost to Clemson, Texas A&M, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, UTK, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Furman and Beat Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Jacksonville State 87. Navy (5-7) Lost to SMU, Temple, Air Force, Memphis, USF, and Notre Dame and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat East Carolina, North Texas, UAB, and Charlotte 88. North Texas (5-7) Lost to SMU, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Cal, Navy, and FIU and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat UAB, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, and Temple 89. Washington State (5-7) Lost to Washington, Cal, Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat FCS Northern Colorado and Beat Colorado, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Wisconsin 90. Illinois (5-7) Lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Kansas and Beat Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Maryland, and FAU 91. Nebraska (5-7) Lost to Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado and Beat Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Louisiana Tech 92. Mississippi State (5-7) Lost to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Southern Miss, Arizona, Arkansas, and Western Michigan 93. TCU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Baylor, Houston, BYU, and SMU 94. Colorado State (5-7) Lost to Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force, UNLV, Washington State, Utah State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Utah Tech and Beat Nevada, MTSU, SDSU, and Boise State 95. Western Michigan (4-8) Lost to Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Miami, OH, Minnesota, Iowa, Toledo, and Syracuse and Beat FCS St Francis and Beat Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State 96. Central Michigan (5-7) Lost to Toledo, Ohio, Western Michigan, Ball State, Notre Dame, Buffalo, and Michigan State and Beat FCS New Hampshire and Beat Northern Illinois, South Alabama, Akron, and Eastern Michigan 97. Hawaii (5-8) Lost to Wyoming, San Jose State, New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Stanford and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Colorado State, New Mexico State, Air Force, and Nevada 98. Purdue (4-8) Lost to Northwestern, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Syracuse, Wisconsin, and Fresno State and Beat Indiana, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Illinois 99. UAB (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Navy, Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, Louisiana, Georgia, and Georgia Southern and Beat FCS NCA&T and Beat USF, Temple, and FAU 100. Tulsa (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Tulane, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, Washington, FAU, and Oklahoma and Beat FCS UAPB and Beat East Carolina, Northern Illinois, and Temple 101. SDSU (4-8) Lost to San Jose State, Colorado State, Utah State, Nevada, Air Force, UCLA, Boise State, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and Ohio 102. MTSU (4-8) Lost to Sam Houston, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado State, and Missouri and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Louisiana Tech, UTEP, and FIU 103. Arkansas (4-8) Lost to Missouri, Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and LSU and Beat FCS Western Carolina and Beat Florida, FIU, and Kent State 104. Wake Forrest (4-8) Lost to Syracuse, Notre Dame, NC State, Duke, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Elon and Beat Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Old Dominion 105. Ball State (4-8) Lost to Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Georgia and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Central Michigan, Kent State, and Northern Illinois 106. FIU (4-8) Lost to Western Kentucky, Arkansas, MTSU, Jacksonville State, UTEP, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and Beat FCS Maine and Beat North Texas, Sam Houston, and UConn 107. FAU (4-8) Lost to Rice, Tulane, East Carolina, UAB, UTSA, Ohio, Illinois, and Clemson and Beat FCS Monmouth and Tulsa, Charlotte, and USF 108. Colorado (4-8) Lost to Utah, Washington State, Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, and USC and Beat TCU, Colorado State, Arizona State, and Nebraska 109. Houston (4-8) Lost to UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Rice and Beat Baylor, UTSA, West Virginia, and Sam Houston 110. Michigan State (4-8) Lost to Penn State, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Maryland, Iowa, and Washington and Beat FCS Richmond and Beat Central Michigan, Indiana, and Nebraska 111. Virginia (3-9) Lost to Virginia Tech, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, NC State, Maryland, UTK, and James Madison and Beat FCS William & Mary and Beat Dule and North Carolina 112. Pitt (3-9) Lost to Duke, Syracuse, Florida State, Notre Dame, Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Cincinnati and Beat FCS Wofford and Beat Louisville and Boston College 113. Southern Miss (3-9) Lost to Troy, Mississippi State, App State, South Alabama, Old Dominion, Texas State, Tulane, Arkansas State, and Florida State and Beat FCS Alcorn State and Beat Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana 114. Indiana (3-9) Lost to Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Akron and Wisconsin 115. Charlotte (3-9) Lost to USF, Rice, Memphis, FAU, Navy, SMU, Georgia State, Florida, and Maryland and Beat FCS South Carolina State and Beat East Carolina and Tulsa 116. Cincinnati (3-9) Lost to Kansas, West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Miami, OH and Oklahoma and Beat FCS EKU and Beat Houston and Pitt 117. Arizona State (3-9) Lost to Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, USC, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Washington State and UCLA 118. New Mexico (4-9) Lost to Utah State, Boise State, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Tennessee Tech and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and UMass 119. Temple (3-9) Lost to Memphis, UAB, USF, SMU, North Texas, UTSA, Rutgers, Tulsa, and Miami, FL and Beat FCS Norfolk State and Beat Akron and Navy 120. Louisiana Tech (3-9) Lost to Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Liberty, New Mexico State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, SMU, Nebraska, and North Texas and Beat FCS NW State and Beat FIU and UTEP 121. Sam Houston (3-9) Lost to Western Kentucky, UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, BYU, Houston, and Air Force and Beat FCS Kennesaw State and Beat Louisiana Tech and MTSU 122. UConn (3-9) Lost to James Madison, UTK, Boston College, USF, Utah State, Duke, NC State, FIU, and Georgia State and Beat FCS Sacred Heart and Beat Rice and UMass 123. Baylor (3-9) Lost to West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas, and Utah and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat UCF and Cincinnati 124. UTEP (3-9) Lost to Liberty, MTSU, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, UNLV, Jacksonville St, Arizona, and Northwestern and Beat FCS Incarnate Word and Beat FIU and Sam Houston 125. UMass (3-9) Lost to UConn, Liberty, Penn State, Toledo, Arkansas State, New Mexico, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, and Auburn and Beat FCS Merrimack and Beat New Mexico State, and Army 126. Buffalo (3-9) Lost to FCS Fordham and Lost to Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Liberty and Beat Akron, Kent State, and Central Michigan 127. Stanford (3-9) Lost to FCS Sacramento State and Lost to Notre Dame, Cal, Oregon State, Washington, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat Hawaii, Washington State, and Colorado 128. East Carolina (2-10) Lost to Tulsa, Navy, Tulane, UTSA, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, App State, Michigan, and Marshall and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat FAU 129. Vanderbilt (2-10) Lost to UTK, South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, UNLV, Kentucky, and Wake Forrest and Beat FCS Alabama A&M and Beat Hawaii 130. Akron (2-10) Lost to Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Kentucky, Indiana, and Temple and Beat FCS Morgan State and Beat Kent State 131. Louisiana Monroe (2-10) Lost to Louisiana, Ole Miss, Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Texas State, Texas A&M, South Alabama, and App State and Beat FCS Lamar and Beat Army 132. Nevada (2-10) Lost to FCS Idaho and Lost to Wyoming, Colorado State, Utah State, Hawaii, UNLV, Fresno State, USC, Texas State, and Kansas and Beat SDSU and New Mexico 133. Kent State (1-11) Lost to Northern Illinois, Ball State, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami, OH, UCF, Fresno State, and Arkansas and Beat FCS Central Conn
My final poll of the year is based upon a team’s full body of work for the year, not just bowl season, their biggest game or their worst game of the season.
CELEBRITY GUEST PICKER TIES IN BOWL SEASON BUT WINS OVERALL The four of us have been picking bowl games as a group for the last nine years. Every year, the Celebrity Guest Picker wins. That almost came to an end this year. With Michigan’s win, the Celebrity Guest Picker and Charlie tied to win the bowl season picks going 23-19. Overall, this was the toughest bowl season to pick with transfers, opt out for the NFL, injuries, coaches fired, and coaches leaving for new jobs.
The Celebrity Guest Picker won the overall season picks 163-81. He won the regular season going 113-47, the D2 picks 9-5, and the D3 picks 10-4. Charlie won the FCS picks going 9-5
FINAL 2023 SEASON RESULTS Blake: Bowl Season Totals: Wins: 18 Losses: 24 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 111 Losses: 49 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 8 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 9 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 148 Losses: 96
Celebrity Guest Picker: Bowl Season Totals: Wins: 23 Losses: 19 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 113 Losses: 47 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 10 Losses 4 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 163 Losses: 81
Charlie: Bowl Season Totals: Wins: 23 Losses: 19 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 102 Losses: 58 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 7 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 150 Losses: 94
Dustin: Bowl Season Totals: Wins: 21 Losses: 21 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 102 Losses: 58 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 8 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 146 Losses: 98
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
HOW TO FIX THE CFP AND BOWL SEASON I believe the CFP needs to immediately go to sixteen teams. They will end up there anyhow so why not do it now? Secondly, they need to scrap the plan of first round on campus games. It’s a logistical nightmare for the host schools. Instead, have the current group of bowl communities and possibly new communities bid on hosting the rounds just like you do in basketball. You will see on my simulated bracket (further down) that every game is played at a bowl site.
EIGHT KEYS TO MAKING COLLEGE FOOTBALL MATTER IN DECEMBER AGAIN Bowl season was meaningless this year. Yes, the CFP mattered but the rest of the season was a shell of its former self. Let’s make some major changes to fix this.
1. Change the calendar. Start the playoffs on the second week in December right after the conference championships. If we did that, the playoffs could end on January 1 and the rest of the changes I am about to suggest could take place.
2. Every player that plays FBS football must sign a contract that if they are paid whether as an employee of the school or receive NIL money, they cannot transfer to another school until the completion of their season which will end after the national title game. Not at the end of the regular season. They must also, if healthy, compete in the post season games to receive their pay. You may opt out for the draft. I disagree with opting out for the draft and here is why. If your game against an FCS team at the beginning of the season mattered, then your playoff/bowl game against a stronger opponent should be a better stage to showcase yourself.
3. If a player must stay, so does a coach. Coaches cannot leave their current job for another job until the completion of the season (national title game). Of course, you can fire a coach, but you can’t take a coach from another school until the end of the season.
4. Pay the players for appearing in bowls or post season activities. If you require them to stay you need to compensate them.
5. Move national signing day to after the conclusion of the season. Signing of high school athletes was pretty much ignored this year and that is a shame.
6. Most of the bowls are meant to fill holiday programming for the broadcasters. This can still be done for teams that did not make the playoff. January 1 could be filled with top bowl games that aren’t playoff games. The day would conclude with the national title game.
7. I disagree with putting teams with a losing record in bowl games, but I am willing to concede on this one.
8. Army-Navy falls on what would be my proposed first week of the playoffs (the week after conference championship games). For those that object to putting playoff games on this date because it may detract from the game or keep the teams out of a playoff spot, Army won the game this season and was bowl eligible but did not appear in a bowl game as the bowl selections were made six days before the Army-Navy game was played.
WHO WOULD WIN A SIXTEEN TEAM PLAYOFF? My concept for a sixteen-team playoff utilizes automatic bids (a conference champion that is undefeated or has only one loss) and the at large spots filled according to the CFP rankings. The automatic bids this season would have been Florida State (ACC), Texas (Big12), Michigan (Big 10), Liberty (C-USA), Washington (PAC12), and Alabama (SEC). That leaves ten at large spots that would be filled according to the CFP rankings. (This format would have averaged six automatic bids.)
I used my ranking system instead of the CFP rankings for this simulation. You can see in the bracket below how it worked out as well as the results. The games were simulated using the last version of EA Sports NCAA College Football 2014. Amazingly a decade old game is still relatively accurate in its simulations. (Note: Liberty was not an FBS team in 2013 therefore I was unable to produce a score and awarded Ohio State the win.)
In the end we saw some exciting games and mostly close scores. Georgia was the champion of the simulated playoffs with Washington holding their own. Michigan was upset in the first round by rival Penn State.
PAC 12 LEADS BOWL STANDINGS Heading into Monday’s championship game, the PAC 12 recorded the best bowl record of any of the ten conferences. (Notre Dame is listed as an Independent) The Big 10, Big 12, and SEC are tied for second. The American and C-USA went .500. The ACC was a disappointing 5-6 most likely due to optouts and injuries. The Sun Belt had more teams bowl eligible (12) than any conference but were two losses below. Still quite an accomplishment for probably the most underrated conference in college football.
Conference Bowl Record PAC 12 5-3 Big 10 5-4 Big 12 5-4 SEC 5-4 Independent 1-0 American 3-3 C-USA 2-2 ACC 5-6 Mountain West 3-4 Sun Belt 5-7 MAC 2-4
Look for my final rankings as well as the results of the picks following the conclusion of the championship game on Monday.
THE BOWL PICKS It is nearly impossible to pick the bowl season. When we first started making picks bowl season was somewhat manageable. You would have a few teams that would give up or party too hard then you would have others who would play over their heads. Over the years, more variables entered the mix; players playing for a draft pick, players opting out, players leaving in the transfer porthole, and coaches leaving for a new job or in a few rare cases being fired. Now it is just a mess. Yet one of the folks in our group has had an impeccable record.
Since we started making picks, the Celebrity Guest Picker has won every bowl season except for one. He won all categories except for one in the regular season this year. This is his best season since we started picking games. Expect him to win bowl season as well but by how much? Here are the picks:
BOWL PICKS: Myrtle Beach Bowl: Georgia Southern vs Ohio Georgia Southern for the win.
New Orleans Bowl: Jacksonville State vs Louisiana In their first season of FBS, the Gamecocks have made a name for themselves. Jacksonville State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Louisiana Charlie’s Pick: Jacksonville State Dustin’s Pick: Jacksonville State
Cure Bowl: Miami, OH vs App State App State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: App State Charlie’s Pick: App State Dustin’s Pick: App State
New Mexico Bowl: New Mexico State vs Fresno State This could be an impressive game. New Mexico State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Fresno State Charlie’s Pick: Fresno State Dustin’s Pick: New Mexico State
LA Bowl: UCLA vs Boise State I want to pick Boise State but with the coaching change I’m going to take UCLA for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Boise State Charlie’s Pick: Boise State Dustin’s Pick: UCLA
Independence Bowl: Cal vs Texas Tech This one is a tossup. Texas Tech for the win.
Famous Toastery Bowl: Western Kentucky vs Old Dominion This could be anyone’s game. Old Dominion for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Western Kentucky Charlie’s Pick: Western Kentucky Dustin’s Pick: Western Kentucky
Frisco Bowl: UTSA vs Marshall UTSA took their 2022 C-USA Championship and didn’t win the American. But they made coaches in the conference sweat. UTSA for the win.
Boca Raton Bowl: USF at Syracuse The Orange were another team that fired their head coach after going 6-6 and went bowling. I want USF to win but I believe it will be Syracuse for the win.
Birmingham Bowl: Troy vs Duke Duke turned heads this season, but the Trojans win 11 games and their conference. The only other team in the state of Alabama to win over ten games this season are in the playoff. Troy for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Duke Charlie’s Pick: Duke Dustin’s Pick: Duke
Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State vs Northern Illinois The Red Wolves started the season losing four of their first seven games. They turned it around to become bowl eligible. Arkansas State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Northern Illinois Charlie’s Pick: Arkansas State Dustin’s Pick: Arkansas State
Armed Forces Bowl: James Madison vs Air Force Air Force won their first eight games before losing their next four. It won’t get any easier with an eleven-win Dukes squad. James Madison for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Air Force Charlie’s Pick: James Madison Dustin’s Pick: James Madison
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Georgia State vs Utah State Maybe it’s the altitude. Utah State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Utah State Charlie’s Pick: Georgia State Dustin’s Pick: Utah State
68 Ventures Bowl: South Alabama vs Eastern Michigan Maybe it’s a bowl game in your home stadium. South Alabama for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: South Alabama Charlie’s Pick: South Alabama Dustin’s Pick: Eastern Michigan
Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs Northwestern Utah for the win.
Hawaii Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs San Jose State San Jose State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: San Jose State Charlie’s Pick: Coastal Carolina Dustin’s Pick: San Jose State
Quicklane Bowl: Bowling Green vs Minnesota The Gophers should be sitting at home if it were not for the academic graces of the NCAA. Bowling Green for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Minnesota Charlie’s Pick: Bowling Green Dustin’s Pick: Bowling Green
First Responder Bowl: Texas State vs Rice Rice began their season taking a beating from their first P5 opponent but turning the tables and beating their second P5 foe, Houston. I expected the Owls to be sitting at home when I made my preseason predictions. Yet here they are. The Bobcats also surpassed my expectations. Texas State for the win.
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Tulane Willie Fritz is no longer at Tulane. The Hokies knows what it is like to struggle with change. Virginia Tech for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Virginia Tech Charlie’s Pick: Tulane Dustin’s Pick: Virginia Tech
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: North Carolina vs West Virginia North Carolina for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: North Carolina Charlie’s Pick: North Carolina Dustin’s Pick: North Carolina
Holiday Bowl: Louisville vs USC 2022 Heisman trophy winner Caleb Williams will not play in this game after going 7-5 this season. He is presumably headed for the NFL. Meanwhile the Cardinals exceeded expectations with first year head coach Jeff Brohm going 10-3. Louisville for the win.
Pop-Tarts Bowl: NC State vs Kansas State Ranked vs ranked. Kansas State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Kansas State Charlie’s Pick: NC State Dustin’s Pick: Kansas State
Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs Oklahoma The Wildcats have had quite a season exceeding my preseason expectations. (I had them ranked No. 77 with a projected record of 6-6.) Arizona for the win.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Memphis vs Iowa State I don’t pick Memphis games. So, I am letting my wife pick the winner. (She is a Cyclone.) Iowa State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Iowa State Charlie’s Pick: Memphis Dustin’s Pick: Iowa State
Cotton Bowl: Missouri vs Ohio State How good really are you? How much do you care about the game and your teammates? Is it worth the risk to go out there one more time with pride? If I told you, what was normally an SEC mid-pack team would face Ohio State at a neutral site, naturally you would pick the Luckeyes. But these Tigers are special and haven’t let a ranking or name get in their way. Missouri for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Ohio State Charlie’s Pick: Ohio State Dustin’s Pick: Ohio State
Peach Bowl: Ole Miss vs Penn State Which team or players will show up? Penn State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Ole Miss Charlie’s Pick: Ole Miss Dustin’s Pick: Ole Miss
Music City Bowl: Auburn vs Maryland Remember they lost to Alabama by the same amount of points as Georgia did the following week. Never mind that they got roughed up by New Mexico State on their way to the Iron Bowl. Auburn for the win.
Orange Bowl: Georgia vs Florida State This game is for the national title. If Michigan and Washington lose in the playoffs, I’m crowning the Seminoles my national champions if they score a ”W.” Florida State for the win.
Arizona Bowl: Toledo vs Wyoming Craig Bohl means so much to college football for all the years of winning seasons (a school record six bowl games at Wyoming) and three championships with NDSU. He will retire from coaching after this game. Wyoming for the win.
Citrus Bowl: Iowa vs UTK Will this be a game of defense or will the Vols find a way to score? You can’t spell Citrus without the letters UT. UTK for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Iowa Charlie’s Pick: UTK Dustin’s Pick: The Under and UTK
Rose Bowl: Alabama vs Michigan Nine of the teams that Alabama faced this season have six wins or more. Michigan only has seven. Alabama played five teams in the CFP poll and lost to one of them. Michigan went undefeated but only played three teams in the CFP poll. Alabama for the win.
Sugar Bowl: Texas vs Washington Texas played four teams in the CFP poll losing to one of them in Oklahoma. Washington played only three teams in the poll. The undefeated however played Oregon twice giving them four wins against CFP opponents. Texas for the win.
CFP National Championship: TBA vs TBA SEC vs SEC right? Don’t get ahead of yourself. Its SEC vs Big12. The Tide will avenge their loss earlier this season in “T” town but will not be my No. 1 team. If Florida State beats Georgia as I predict and Alabama beats Michigan and Texas beats Washington, (Also if Liberty loses to Oregon.) I will have no choice but to crown FSU No.1 as the only undefeated team in the country. Back to this game, Alabama for the win.
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
What was done to Florida State was despicable. If every game matters, then why isn’t an undefeated P5 team ahead of a one loss team? The undefeated team took precedence when it came to the G5 teams in the very same poll. So why didn’t it work for FSU? Here are my rankings for the week. After that I give you my CFP poll for an expanded sixteen team playoff.
My Top 25 College Football 2023 Week Thirteen – November 27, 2023
1. Michigan (13-0) Beat Iowa, Ohio State, Maryland, Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV 2. Florida State (13-0) Beat FCS North Alabama and Beat Louisville, Florida, Miami, FL, Pitt, Wake Forrest, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Boston College, and Southern Miss 3. Washington (13-0) Beat Oregon, Washington State, Oregon State, Utah, USC, Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Michigan State, and Tulsa 4. Texas (12-1) Lost to Oklahoma and Beat Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, TCU, Kansas State, BYU. Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Rice, Wyoming, and Alabama 5. Alabama (12-1) Lost to Texas and Beat FCS Chattanooga and Beat Georgia, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, UTK, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, MTSU, Ole Miss, and USF 6. Georgia (12-1) Lost to Alabama and Beat FCS UT Martin and Beat Georgia Tech, UTK, Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina, UAB, and Ball State 7. Liberty (13-0) Beat New Mexico State, UTEP, UMass, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, FIU, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and New Mexico State 8. SMU (11-2) Lost to Oklahoma and TCU and Beat FCS Prairie View A&M and Beat Tulane, Navy, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, Tulsa, Temple, Louisiana Tech, East Carolina, and Charlotte 9. Troy (11-2) Lost to James Madison and Kansas State and Beat FCS Stephen F Austin and Beat App State, Southern Miss, Louisiana, Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, Texas State, Army, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Georgia State 10. Ohio State (11-1) Lost to Michigan and Beat FCS Youngstown State and Beat Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Kentucky 11. Miami, OH (11-2) Lost to Miami, FL and Toledo and Beat FCS Delaware State and Beat Toledo, Ball State, Buffalo, Akron, Ohio, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, UMass, Kent State, and Cincinnati 12. Missouri (10-2) Lost to Georgia and LSU and Beat FCS South Dakota and Beat Arkansas, Florida, UTK, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Memphis, and Kansas State 13. Oklahoma (10-2) Lost to Oklahoma State and Kansas and Beat TCU, BYU, West Virginia, UCF, Texas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Arkansas State, and SMU 14. Ole Miss (10-2) Lost to Georgia and Alabama and Beat FCS Mercer and Beat Mississippi State, Louisiana Monroe, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Tulane 15. Oregon (11-2) Lost to Washington and Washington and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Oregon State, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Utah, Washington State, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Hawaii 16. Penn State (10-2) Lost to Michigan and Ohio State and Beat FCS Delaware and Beat Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Indiana, UMass, Northwestern, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois 17. James Madison (11-1) Lost to App State and Beat FCS Bucknell and Beat Coastal Carolina, UConn, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Virginia, Utah State, and Troy 18. Tulane (11-2) Lost to SMU, Ole Miss and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat UTSA, FAU, Tulsa, East Carolina, Rice, North Texas, Memphis, South Alabama, UAB, and Southern Miss 19. Toledo (11-2) Lost to Miami, OH and Illinois and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, OH, Ball State, UMass, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan 20. Louisville (10-3) Lost to Kentucky, Florida State, and Pitt and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Miami, FL, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, NC State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Indiana 21. LSU (9-3) Lost to Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Grambling and Beat Texas A&M, Georgia State, Florida, Army, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Arkansas 22. Iowa (10-3) Lost to Minnesota, Michigan, and Penn State and Beat Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Utah State, Western Michigan, and Iowa State 23. Oklahoma State (9-4) Lost to Texas, Iowa State, UCF, and South Alabama and Beat FCS Central Arkansas and Beat BYU, Houston, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kansas, and Kansas State 24. New Mexico State (10-4) Lost to Liberty, UMass, Liberty, and Hawaii and Beat FCS Western Illinois and Beat Jacksonville State, Auburn, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, New Mexico, Sam Houston, and FIU 25. Memphis (9-3) Lost to Tulane, SMU, and Missouri and Beat FCS Bethune Cookman and Beat Temple, Charlotte, USF, North Texas, UAB, Navy, Boise State, and Arkansas State
Waiting to get into the Top 25: 26. Arizona (9-3) Lost to USC, Mississippi State and Washington and Beat FCS Northern AZ and Beat Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Washington State, and Stanford 27. NC State (9-3) Lost to Notre Dame, Duke, and Louisville and Beat FCS VMI and Beat North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forrest, Miami, FL, Clemson, UConn, Marshall, and Virginia 28. Ohio (9-3) Lost to Miami, OH, Northern Illinois and SDSU and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat Akron, Central Michigan, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, FAU, Bowling Green, and Iowa State 29. Notre Dame (9-3) Lost to Louisville, Clemson, and Ohio State and Beat FCS TSU and Beat Stanford, Wake Forrest, Pitt, USC, Duke, Central Michigan, Navy, and NC State 30. UNLV (9-4) Lost to Boise State, San Jose State, Michigan and Fresno State and Beat FCS Bryant and Beat Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, and UTEP 31. Clemson (8-4) Lost to NC State, Duke, Miami, FL, and Florida State and Beat FCS Charleston Southern and Beat South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, FAU, Wake Forrest, and Syracuse 32. Oregon State (8-4) Lost to Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and Washington State and Beat FCS UC Davis and Beat Stanford, Colorado, UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Utah, and SDSU 33. UTK (8-4) Lost to Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Alabama and Beat FCS Austin Peay and Beat Vanderbilt, UConn, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, and UTSA 34. Iowa State (7-5) Lost to Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Ohio and Beat FCS Northern Iowa and Beat Kansas State, BYU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and TCU 35. App State (8-5) Lost to Troy, Old Dominion, North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wyoming and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat Georgia Southern, James Madison, Georgia State, Marshall, East Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 36. Utah (8-4) Lost to Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State and Beat FCS Weber State and Beat Colorado, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Florida, UCLA, and Baylor 37. Air Force (8-4) Lost to Boise State, Hawaii, UNLV, and Army and Beat FCS Robert Morris and Beat Colorado State, Navy, Wyoming, SDSU, Utah State, San Jose State, and Sam Houston 38. Wyoming (8-4) Lost to UNLV, Air Force, Boise State, and Texas and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Nevada, Hawaii, Colorado State, Fresno State, Texas Tech, New Mexico, and App State 39. North Carolina (8-4) Lost to NC State, Virginia, Clemson, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Campbell and Beat Duke, Miami, FL, Syracuse, Pitt, South Carolina, Minnesota, and App State 40. Kansas State (8-4) Lost to Iowa State, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS SEMO and Beat Kansas, Baylor, Houston, TCU, Troy, Texas Tech, and UCF 41. Kentucky (7-5) Lost to South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, UTK, and Georgia and Beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and Beat Louisville, Mississippi State, Florida, Ball State, Vanderbilt, and Akron 42. Kansas (8-4) Lost to Kansas State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Missouri State and Beat Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma, UCF, Illinois, BYU, and Nevada 43. UTSA (8-4) Lost to Tulane, Army, UTK, and Houston and Beat USF, Rice, North Texas, East Carolina, FAU, Texas State, UAB, and Temple 44. West Virginia (8-4) Lost to Oklahoma, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Houston and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Baylor, Cincinnati, BYU, UCF, Pitt, TCU, and Texas Tech 45. San Jose State (7-5) Lost to Boise State, Air Force, USC, Toledo, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Cal Poly and Beat UNLV, SDSU, Fresno State, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah State 46. Western Kentucky (7-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Troy, Jacksonville State, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Houston Christian and Beat FIU, Sam Houston, UTEP, USF, Louisiana Tech, and MTSU 47. Fresno State (8-4) Lost to SDSU, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming and Beat FCS Western Washington and Beat Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, Purdue, Kent State, and Arizona State 48. Wisconsin (7-5) Lost to Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Washington State and Beat Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Buffalo, Purdue, and Georgia Southern 49. Northwestern (7-5) Lost to Iowa, Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, and Rutgers and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, UTEP, Maryland, and Minnesota 50. Jacksonville St (8-4) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina and Beat FCS ETSU and Beat Louisiana Tech, FIU, Western Kentucky, MTSU, UTEP, Sam Houston, and Eastern Michigan
Waiting to get into the Top 50: 51. Coastal Carolina (7-5) Lost to James Madison, Army, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and UCLA and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Arkansas State, Jacksonville State and App State 52. UCLA (7-5) Lost to Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Utah and Beat FCS North Carolina Central and Beat USC, Colorado, Stanford, Coastal Carolina, Washington State, and SDSU 53. Maryland (7-5) Lost to Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Northwestern, and Illinois and Beat FCS Towson and Beat Rutgers, Nebraska, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan State, and Charlotte 54. USC (7-5) Lost to UCLA, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame and Beat Cal, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford, San Jose State, and Nevada 55. Duke (7-5) Lost to Virginia, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Florida State and Beat FCS Lafayette and Beat Pitt, Wake Forrest, NC State, Clemson, UConn, and Northwestern 56. Bowling Green (7-5) Lost to Toledo, Miami, OH, Liberty, Ohio, and Michigan and Beat FCS Eastern Illinois and Beat Western Michigan, Kent State, Ball State, Georgia Tech, Akron, and Buffalo 57. Miami, FL (7-5) Lost to Louisville, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Bethune-Cookman and Beat Boston College, Virginia, Clemson, Miami, OH, Temple, and Texas A&M 58. Boise State (8-5) Lost to Fresno State, Colorado State, Washington, Memphis, and UCF and Beat FCS North Dakota and Beat UNLV, Air Force, Utah State, New Mexico, SDSU, Wyoming, and San Jose State 59. Texas State (7-5) Lost to Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Troy, and Louisiana and Beat FCS Jackson State and Beat South Alabama, Georgia Southern, Louisiana Monroe, Baylor, Southern Miss, and Nevada 60. Texas A&M (7-5) Lost to LSU, Ole Miss, UTK, Miami, FL, and Alabama and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, Auburn, and Louisiana Monroe 61. Auburn (6-6) Lost to Alabama, New Mexico State, Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Samford and Beat Arkansas, Vanderbilt, UMass, Mississippi State, and Cal 62. Georgia Southern (6-6) Lost to App State, Old Dominion, Marshall, James Madison, Texas State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS The Citadel and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Monroe, UAB, Coastal Carolina, and Ball State 63. Texas Tech (6-6) Lost to Texas, BYU, Kansas State, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Oregon and Beat FCS Tarleton State and Beat UCF, Kansas, Houston, TCU, and Baylor 64. Navy (5-6) Lost to SMU, Temple, Air Force, Memphis, USF, and Notre Dame and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat East Carolina, North Texas, UAB, and Charlotte 65. UCF (6-6) Lost to Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, and Baylor and Beat FCS Villanova and Beat Houston, Oklahoma State, Kent State, Cincinnati, and Boise State 66. USF (6-6) Lost to UTSA, Memphis, FAU, Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky and Beat FCS Florida A&M and Beat Charlotte, Temple, Rice, UConn, and Navy 67. Virginia Tech (6-6) Lost to NC State, Louisville, Florida State, Rutgers, Marshall, and Purdue and Beat Virginia, Boston College, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Wake Forrest, and Pitt 68. Marshall (6-6) Lost to South Alabama, App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, and NC State and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and East Carolina 69. Syracuse (6-6) Lost to Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Colgate and Beat Wake Forrest, Pitt, Western Michigan, Army, and Purdue 70. Utah State (6-6) Lost to Boise State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Iowa, James Madison, and Air Force and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat New Mexico, Nevada, UConn, SDSU, and Colorado State 71. Louisiana (6-6) Lost to Tory, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Georgia State, and Minnesota and Beat FCS NW State and Beat Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, UAB, Texas State, and Buffalo 72. Eastern Michigan (6-6) Lost to Toledo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Central Michigan, and Jacksonville State and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Buffalo, Akron, UMass, Kent State, and Ball State 73. Northern Illinois (6-6) Lost to FCS Southern Illinois and Lost to Ball State, Central Michigan, Tulsa, Toledo, and Nebraska and Beat Kent State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Boston College, Ohio, and Akron 74. Old Dominion (6-6) Lost to Liberty, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Wake Forrest, Marshall, and Virginia Tech and Beat FCS TXA&M Commerce and Beat Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Louisiana, App State, and Southern Miss 75. Army (5-6) Lost to UMass, LSU, Troy, Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisiana Monroe and Beat FCS Del State and Holy Cross and Beat UTSA, Coastal Carolina, and Air Force 76. Cal (6-6) Lost to Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, and Auburn and Beat FCS Idaho and Beat UCLA, Stanford, North Texas, Washington State, and Arizona State 77. Rice (6-6) Lost to UTSA, SMU, Tulane, Texas, UConn, and USF and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat FAU, Charlotte, Houston, Tulsa, and East Carolina 78. South Alabama (6-6) Lost to Texas State, Troy, Louisiana, Central Michigan, James Madison, and Tulane and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Marshall, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 79. Illinois (6-6) Lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Kansas and Beat Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Maryland, and FAU 80. Georgia State (6-6) Lost to Old Dominion, LSU, App State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, and Troy and Beat FCS Rhode Island and Beat Louisiana, Marshall, UConn, Coastal Carolina, and Charlotte 81. Georgia Tech (6-6) Lost to Georgia, Clemson, Boston College, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS SC State and Beat Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, and Miami, FL 82. Arkansas State (6-6) Lost to Marshall, South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma, Troy, and Memphis and Beat FCS Stony Brook and Beat Texas State, Louisiana, Southern Miss, Louisiana Monroe, and UMass 83. Rutgers (6-6) Lost to Maryland, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, and Temple 84. Boston College (6-6) Lost to Miami, Fl, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and Beat FCS Holy Cross and Beat Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Army
NO BOWL FOR YOU: 85. Florida (5-7) Lost to Florida State, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Kentucky and Beat FCS McNeese and Beat South Carolina, UTK, Vanderbilt, and Charlotte 86. BYU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Iowa State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas, and Kansas and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Texas Tech, Sam Houston, Cincinnati, and Arkansas 87. South Carolina (5-7) Lost to Clemson, Texas A&M, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, UTK, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Furman and Beat Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Jacksonville State 88. North Texas (5-7) Lost to SMU, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Cal, Navy, and FIU and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat UAB, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, and Temple 89. Washington State (5-7) Lost to Washington, Cal, Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat FCS Northern Colorado and Beat Colorado, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Wisconsin 90. Minnesota (5-7) Lost to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and Northwestern and Beat Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Eastern Michigan 91. Nebraska (5-7) Lost to Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado and Beat Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Louisiana Tech 92. Mississippi State (5-7) Lost to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Southern Miss, Arizona, Arkansas, and Western Michigan 93. TCU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Baylor, Houston, BYU, and SMU 94. Colorado State (5-7) Lost to Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force, UNLV, Washington State, Utah State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Utah Tech and Beat Nevada, MTSU, SDSU, and Boise State 95. Western Michigan (4-8) Lost to Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Miami, OH, Minnesota, Iowa, Toledo, and Syracuse and Beat FCS St Francis and Beat Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State 96. Central Michigan (5-7) Lost to Toledo, Ohio, Western Michigan, Ball State, Notre Dame, Buffalo, and Michigan State and Beat FCS New Hampshire and Beat Northern Illinois, South Alabama, Akron, and Eastern Michigan 97. Hawaii (5-8) Lost to Wyoming, San Jose State, New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Stanford and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Colorado State, New Mexico State, Air Force, and Nevada 98. Purdue (4-8) Lost to Northwestern, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Syracuse, Wisconsin, and Fresno State and Beat Indiana, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Illinois 99. UAB (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Navy, Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, Louisiana, Georgia, and Georgia Southern and Beat FCS NCA&T and Beat USF, Temple, and FAU 100. Tulsa (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Tulane, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, Washington, FAU, and Oklahoma and Beat FCS UAPB and Beat East Carolina, Northern Illinois, and Temple 101. SDSU (4-8) Lost to San Jose State, Colorado State, Utah State, Nevada, Air Force, UCLA, Boise State, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and Ohio 102. MTSU (4-8) Lost to Sam Houston, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado State, and Missouri and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Louisiana Tech, UTEP, and FIU 103. Arkansas (4-8) Lost to Missouri, Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and LSU and Beat FCS Western Carolina and Beat Florida, FIU, and Kent State 104. Wake Forrest (4-8) Lost to Syracuse, Notre Dame, NC State, Duke, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Elon and Beat Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Old Dominion 105. Ball State (4-8) Lost to Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Georgia and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Central Michigan, Kent State, and Northern Illinois 106. FIU (4-8) Lost to Western Kentucky, Arkansas, MTSU, Jacksonville State, UTEP, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and Beat FCS Maine and Beat North Texas, Sam Houston, and UConn 107. FAU (4-8) Lost to Rice, Tulane, East Carolina, UAB, UTSA, Ohio, Illinois, and Clemson and Beat FCS Monmouth and Tulsa, Charlotte, and USF 108. Colorado (4-8) Lost to Utah, Washington State, Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, and USC and Beat TCU, Colorado State, Arizona State, and Nebraska 109. Houston (4-8) Lost to UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Rice and Beat Baylor, UTSA, West Virginia, and Sam Houston 110. Michigan State (4-8) Lost to Penn State, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Maryland, Iowa, and Washington and Beat FCS Richmond and Beat Central Michigan, Indiana, and Nebraska 111. Virginia (3-9) Lost to Virginia Tech, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, NC State, Maryland, UTK, and James Madison and Beat FCS William & Mary and Beat Dule and North Carolina 112. Pitt (3-9) Lost to Duke, Syracuse, Florida State, Notre Dame, Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Cincinnati and Beat FCS Wofford and Beat Louisville and Boston College 113. Southern Miss (3-9) Lost to Troy, Mississippi State, App State, South Alabama, Old Dominion, Texas State, Tulane, Arkansas State, and Florida State and Beat FCS Alcorn State and Beat Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana 114. Indiana (3-9) Lost to Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Akron and Wisconsin 115. Charlotte (3-9) Lost to USF, Rice, Memphis, FAU, Navy, SMU, Georgia State, Florida, and Maryland and Beat FCS South Carolina State and Beat East Carolina and Tulsa 116. Cincinnati (3-9) Lost to Kansas, West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Miami, OH and Oklahoma and Beat FCS EKU and Beat Houston and Pitt 117. Arizona State (3-9) Lost to Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, USC, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Washington State and UCLA 118. New Mexico (4-9) Lost to Utah State, Boise State, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Tennessee Tech and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and UMass 119. Temple (3-9) Lost to Memphis, UAB, USF, SMU, North Texas, UTSA, Rutgers, Tulsa, and Miami, FL and Beat FCS Norfolk State and Beat Akron and Navy 120. Louisiana Tech (3-9) Lost to Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Liberty, New Mexico State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, SMU, Nebraska, and North Texas and Beat FCS NW State and Beat FIU and UTEP 121. Sam Houston (3-9) Lost to Western Kentucky, UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, BYU, Houston, and Air Force and Beat FCS Kennesaw State and Beat Louisiana Tech and MTSU 122. UConn (3-9) Lost to James Madison, UTK, Boston College, USF, Utah State, Duke, NC State, FIU, and Georgia State and Beat FCS Sacred Heart and Beat Rice and UMass 123. Baylor (3-9) Lost to West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas, and Utah and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat UCF and Cincinnati 124. UTEP (3-9) Lost to Liberty, MTSU, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, UNLV, Jacksonville St, Arizona, and Northwestern and Beat FCS Incarnate Word and Beat FIU and Sam Houston 125. UMass (3-9) Lost to UConn, Liberty, Penn State, Toledo, Arkansas State, New Mexico, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, and Auburn and Beat FCS Merrimack and Beat New Mexico State, and Army 126. Buffalo (3-9) Lost to FCS Fordham and Lost to Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Liberty and Beat Akron, Kent State, and Central Michigan 127. Stanford (3-9) Lost to FCS Sacramento State and Lost to Notre Dame, Cal, Oregon State, Washington, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat Hawaii, Washington State, and Colorado 128. East Carolina (2-10) Lost to Tulsa, Navy, Tulane, UTSA, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, App State, Michigan, and Marshall and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat FAU 129. Vanderbilt (2-10) Lost to UTK, South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, UNLV, Kentucky, and Wake Forrest and Beat FCS Alabama A&M and Beat Hawaii 130. Akron (2-10) Lost to Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Kentucky, Indiana, and Temple and Beat FCS Morgan State and Beat Kent State 131. Louisiana Monroe (2-10) Lost to Louisiana, Ole Miss, Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Texas State, Texas A&M, South Alabama, and App State and Beat FCS Lamar and Beat Army 132. Nevada (2-10) Lost to FCS Idaho and Lost to Wyoming, Colorado State, Utah State, Hawaii, UNLV, Fresno State, USC, Texas State, and Kansas and Beat SDSU and New Mexico 133. Kent State (1-11) Lost to Northern Illinois, Ball State, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami, OH, UCF, Fresno State, and Arkansas and Beat FCS Central Conn
WHO IS IN MY COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF AND WHY 1. Michigan (13-0)* Notes: The Wolverines had the best FPI but not the strength of schedule of the undefeated teams. They did not beat anyone noteworthy outside of their conference. I put them in at No. 1 because I feel that they have a slightly better chance in winning the playoff than Washington. That said, it’s very possible both teams could fall in the playoffs
2. Florida State (13-0)* Notes: FSU is the only undefeated team to have a ranked win outside of their conference. While they only have two conference ranked wins, I valued their FPI ranking and ability to win no matter who the quarterback is. They were No. 2 last week and that is where I kept them.
3. Washington (13-0)* Notes: Their non-conference games were nothing to write home about but the PAC12 had a stronger group of teams than the Big10. They had the best strength of schedule of the undefeated teams. I placed them at 3rd only because I believe that they are more likely to lose in the playoffs than Michigan.
4. Texas (12-1)* Notes: The Longhorns had the guts to go to Tuscaloosa and walked out with a double digit win. That and their three ranked conference wins are good enough to place them at the top of the one loss teams. No they don’t have a better FPI or strength of schedule but they won where it matters the most, on the field.
5. Alabama (12-1)* Notes: It is my policy to never move teams down when they win. One of the biggest failures of my poll is just that. When I ranked Alabama on October 30, I moved Alabama from the No. 7 spot to the No. 4 spot after Oklahoma State defeated Oklahoma (the previous No. 4) in Bedlam. Texas was No. 11 at the time after they lost to Oklahoma earlier in the season. The Longhorns should have been ranked ahead of the Crimson Tide at point because of the outcome of their game. But I didn’t do that and never did until now. The numbers said Texas could lose up to another two games. They proved me wrong and for that I must now right that wrong and drop Alabama to the No. 5 spot.
The Crimson Tide are the best team in the SEC with four ranked conference wins. They broke Georgia’s streak and have the best combined FPI and strength of schedule. But their loss to Texas at home matters and that is why I put them outside the top four following Texas.
Why is Michigan, Washington, and Florida State ahead of Alabama? They are undefeated. Let’s do some math. Alabama beat Georgia 27-24 last week. The Tide beat Auburn 27-24 the week before. By blind math Georgia and Auburn are now equals. Except, for three weeks ago, the week before the Iron Bowl, Auburn lost to New Mexico State 31-10. Does that mean the Aggies are better than both Georgia and Alabama? Style points? Beauty pageants? Resume? The eye test? Yes, that is why Alabama is out of a four-team playoff in my poll but still around to play in a sixteen-team playoff.
6. Georgia (12-1) Notes: The Bulldogs have been the best team in college football for the last two years hands down. Their non-conference schedule was weak. Their wins over ranked conference foes were impressive. They just couldn’t get by the Crimson Tide when it mattered.
7. Liberty (13-0)* Notes: The Flames have a top 50 FPI and have the worst strength of schedule in the country 133 out of 133. I believe they will get destroyed in their bowl game and do not believe they belong in a four-team playoff. That said, I would be a hypocrite if I did not place them ahead of a two-loss team. I value undefeated teams above all else.
8. SMU (11-2)* Notes: I moved SMU up ahead of teams that could beat them because I value conference champions over those that didn’t play that 13th game. I think they have a fighting chance against Boston College on the frozen tundra of Fenway Park.
9. Troy (11-2)* Notes: The Sun Belt had more teams bowl eligible than any conference. I have rewarded their championship efforts with the 9th spot because they and their conference deserve the recognition.
10. Ohio State (11-1) Notes: The Luckeyes are the highest ranked team that did not play in a championship game. The CFP/AP/Coaches polls all downgraded OSU this week. I kept them where they ended the regular season. Their FPI was the second best in the country and their strength of schedule the 7th best but I beg to differ. They only beat two ranked teams this season in Penn State and Notre Dame. Wisconsin was the only team not formally mentioned on their schedule that had a winning conference record. Wins over Rutgers and Maryland are a little hollow as they could not produce a winning conference record. They also beat sub .500 teams Minnesota, Michigan State, Purdue, and Indiana. Most of all, OSU lost to Michigan when it mattered.
11. Miami, OH (11-2)* Notes: The Red Hawks won the MAC and beat P5 Cincinnati in the process. They avenged their loss to Toledo winning their conference championship. Champions matter in my poll.
12. Missouri (10-2) Notes: The Tigers only losses were to ranked Georgia and LSU. Along the way, they beat ranked UTK, three loss Memphis team, and FCS quarterfinalist South Dakota.
13. Oklahoma (10-2) Notes: The Sooners were the only team to beat Texas in a thriller in the Cotton Bowl at the Texas State Fair. They also handed SMU, the American champion, one of only two losses this season. But Oklahoma stumbled against Kansas and Oklahoma State in Bedlam. That is why they are ranked where they are.
14. Ole Miss (10-2) Notes: The Landsharks beat LSU. The rest of their wins came against unranked teams. Their two losses, however, were to the SEC West and SEC East champions.
15. Oregon (11-2) Notes: Oregon beat every team they faced including ranked Oregon State but lost to Washington… twice.
16. Penn State (10-2) Notes: Penn State beat a ranked Iowa team but lost to the other ranked teams they faced, Michigan and Ohio State.
OUT IN THE COLD 17. James Madison (11-1) 18. Tulane (11-2) 19. Toledo (11-2) 20. Louisville (10-3) 21. LSU (9-3) 22. Iowa (10-3) 23. Oklahoma State (9-4) 24. New Mexico State (10-4) 25. Memphis (9-3) 26. Arizona (9-3) 27. NC State (9-3) 28. Ohio (9-3) 29. Notre Dame (9-3) 30. UNLV (9-3)
Note: *denotes conference champion
WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS Blake: Wins: 5 Losses: 5 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 111 Losses: 49 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 8 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 9 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 130 Losses: 72
Celebrity Guest Picker: Wins: 4 Losses: 6 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 113 Losses: 47 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 10 Losses 4 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 140 Losses: 62
Charlie: Wins: 6 Losses: 4 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 102 Losses: 58 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 7 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 127 Losses: 75
Dustin: Wins: 6 Losses: 4 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 102 Losses: 58 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 8 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 6 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 125 Losses: 77
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
RANKING THE CONFERENCES BY TEAMS THAT ARE BOWL ELIDGEABLE If you look at bowl eligibility, you will be surprised who the best conference is. (Hit: it’s not a conference that signed a near billion-dollar TV contract). If you were to judge a conference solely on how many teams had six wins or more, C-USA would not be at the top. In their defense they only have nine members, but they only put four teams into bowl eligibility.
The MAC did slightly better placing half of their members in the position of going bowling. The American only put six of their fourteen members in. The Mountain West put in seven of their twelve members. The PAC12 put in eight of their twelve members in their final year as we know them.
The Big10 is a week conference. For getting a near billion-dollar TV deal, the former home of leaders and legends could only put in eight of their fourteen teams. There is a drop off in the quality after you get past Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. Iowa and Wisconsin are notable but let’s face it, the rest of the Big10 is there to prop up the top three teams, job to them, and get paid to do so.
It may Just Mean More in the SEC, but the second highest paid conference only got in one more team than the Big10. Five SEC teams are not eligible to go bowling unless they are thrown a lifeline by the NCAA. The Big 12 is not any better only getting nine of fourteen teams in.
The ACC is the best of the Power 5 getting eleven of their fourteen teams to six wins and bowl bids. The conference that does it the best is the Sun Belt. This season the Group of Five conference will place twelve of their fourteen teams with six wins or more leaving only two teams sitting at home because of their records.
Here is a more in-depth look:
SUN BELT: Twelve Teams (James Madison, Troy, App State, Coastal Carolina, South Alabama, Georgia Southern, Arkansas State, Georgia State, Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Louisiana) ACC: Eleven Teams (Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Syracuse) BIG12: Nine Teams (Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Kansas, West Virginia, Iowa State, Texas Tech, UCF) SEC: Nine Teams (Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Ole Miss, LSU, UTK, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn) BIG10: Eight Teams (Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, Northwestern, Rutgers) PAC12: Eight Teams (Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Oregon State, Utah, UCLA, USC, Cal) MOUNTAIN WEST: Seven Teams (UNLV, Fresno State, Air Force, Wyoming, San Jose State, Boise State, Utah State) AMERICAN: Six Teams (Tulane, SMU, Memphis, UTSA, USF, Rice) MAC: Six Teams (Toledo, Miami, OH, Ohio, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan) C-USA: Four Teams (Liberty, New Mexico State, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky)
MY CFP RANKINGS/ THE PICKS Next week is my final CFP Ranking which will set the table for who goes into my sixteen simulated playoff. Here are my CFP rankings for the week:
MY CFP RANKINGS Here are my playoff rankings for the week: (Record is the projected record) 1. Georgia (13-0) Projected SEC Champion 2. Florida State (13-0) Projected ACC Champion 3. Michigan (12-0) Projected Big 10 Champion 4. Alabama (11-2) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 5. Washington (12-1) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 6. Texas (12-1) Projected Big 12 Champion 7. Tulane (12-1) Projected American Champion 8. Liberty (13-0) Projected C-USA Champion 9. Oregon (12-1) Projected PAC 12 Champion 10. Ohio State (11-1) 11. Toledo (12-1) Projected MAC Champion 12. Missouri (10-2) 13. Oklahoma (10-2) 14. Ole Miss (10-2) 15. Louisville (10-3) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 16. Penn State (10-2)
OUT IN THE COLD: 17. James Madison (12-1) NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE PLAYOFF 18. SMU (10-3) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 19. Troy (11-2) Projected Sun Belt Champion 20. Iowa (10-3) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 21. LSU (9-3) 22. Miami, OH (10-3) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 23. Oklahoma State (9-4) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 24. New Mexico State (10-4) (Projected Championship Game Loss) 25. Memphis (9-3) 26. Arizona (9-3) 27. NC State (9-3) 28. Ohio (9-3) 29. Notre Dame (9-3) 30. UNLV (9-4) (Projected Championship Game Loss)
CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK PICKS: C-USA Championship: New Mexico State at Liberty For the first time in school history, Liberty has run the table going undefeated in the regular season. Now they have a chance to be the champions of C-USA after playing as independents and before that in the FCS. New Mexico State knows the independent scene very well. For years teams paid them to come and job for a million-dollar paycheck. It helped the athletic departments funds. Winning was not the usual. Insert Jerry Kill and now for the first time in school history, the Aggies have a ten-win regular season. The numbers point to the Flames winning. They won on September 9th. But New Mexico State is on an eight-game winning streak with wins over Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, and Auburn. Not the University of Auburn-Montgomery. We are talking about the toilet paper throwing… “War Eagle” crying almost Alabama beating Auburn Tigers. The numbers could be wrong. New Mexico State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: New Mexico State Charlie’s Pick: Liberty Dustin’s Pick: New Mexico State
PAC 12 Championship Oregon vs Washington My friend is a Beaver. He and I are upset that the Civil War may be no more. He is angry that it ended like it did. In all honesty, this pick is more about bitterness than who will win. Washington for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Oregon Charlie’s Pick: Washington Dustin’s Pick: Washington
Big 12 Championship Oklahoma State vs Texas I have been a Mike Gundy fan for a while. Much like my PAC12 prediction, my personal feelings are getting in the way of this pick. Texas is due for a fall. Oklahoma State for the win.
MAC Championship Miami, OH vs Toledo Miami, OH lost to Miami, FL to open the season. They also lost to Toledo but not before beating archrival Cincinnati. Caleb Griffin kicked a 29-yard field goal with five seconds on the clock to keep Toledo from upsetting Illinois in Champaign in front of a little more than 48k at the beginning of the season. That was Rockets’ only loss. Toledo for the win.
Sun Belt Championship App State at Troy Back in July and August, my preseason poll and research told me that both teams were the favorites to play in this game. I said App State would go 10-2 and Troy would finish 9-3. The Mountaineers finished 8-4 and the Trojans 10-2. Troy for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: App State Charlie’s Pick: App State Dustin’s Pick: Troy
ACC Championship Louisville vs Florida State I like Louisville, I really do. Like Florida State, they were a great rival in the old Metro Conference. The Cards led the way into the Big East and advocated for Memphis to have a seat at the table. Tiger fans hate them but know they are also one of our best advocates. Maybe one day Memphis can be reunited with their longtime rival in the ACC. You know that Mike Norvell led Memphis to the AAC title and a Cotton Bowl berth, before leaving for FSU. #GTG! Florida State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Florida State Charlie’s Pick: Florida State Dustin’s Pick: Louisville
Big 10 Championship Michigan vs Iowa Let’s review the video tape from the stands. It says take the under. Michigan for the win.
WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS Blake: Wins: 14 Losses: 6 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 106 Losses: 44 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 7 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 8 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 125 Losses: 64
Celebrity Guest Picker: Wins: 13 Losses: 7 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 109 Losses: 41 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 4 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 10 Losses 3 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 135 Losses: 54
Charlie: Wins: 16 Losses: 4 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 96 Losses: 54 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 4 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 6 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 4 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 121 Losses: 68
Dustin: Wins: 11 Losses: 9 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 96 Losses: 54 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 7 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 118 Losses: 71
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
My Top 25 College Football 2023 Week Thirteen – November 27, 2023
1. Georgia (12-0) Beat FCS UT Martin and Beat Georgia Tech, UTK, Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina, UAB, and Ball State 2. Florida State (12-0) Beat FCS North Alabama and Beat Florida, Miami, FL, Pitt, Wake Forrest, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Boston College, and Southern Miss 3. Michigan (12-0) Beat Ohio State, Maryland, Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV 4. Alabama (11-1) Lost to Texas and Beat FCS Chattanooga and Beat Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, UTK, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, MTSU, Ole Miss, and USF 5. Washington (12-0) Beat Washington State, Oregon State, Utah, USC, Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Michigan State, and Tulsa 6. Texas (11-1) Lost to Oklahoma and Beat Texas Tech, Iowa State, TCU, Kansas State, BYU. Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Rice, Wyoming, and Alabama 7. Tulane (11-1) Lost to Ole Miss and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat UTSA, FAU, Tulsa, East Carolina, Rice, North Texas, Memphis, South Alabama, UAB, and Southern Miss 8. Liberty (12-0) Beat UTEP, UMass, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, FIU, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and New Mexico State 9. Oregon (11-1) Lost to Washington and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Oregon State, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Utah, Washington State, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Hawaii 10. Ohio State (11-1) Lost to Michigan and Beat FCS Youngstown State and Beat Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Kentucky 11. Toledo (11-1) Lost to Illinois and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, OH, Ball State, UMass, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan 12. Missouri (10-2) Lost to Georgia and LSU and Beat FCS South Dakota and Beat Arkansas, Florida, UTK, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Memphis, and Kansas State 13. Oklahoma (10-2) Lost to Oklahoma State and Kansas and Beat TCU, BYU, West Virginia, UCF, Texas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Arkansas State, and SMU 14. Ole Miss (10-2) Lost to Georgia and Alabama and Beat FCS Mercer and Beat Mississippi State, Louisiana Monroe, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Tulane 15. Louisville (10-2) Lost to Kentucky and Pitt and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Miami, FL, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, NC State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Indiana 16. Penn State (10-2) Lost to Michigan and Ohio State and Beat FCS Delaware and Beat Michigan State, Rutgers, Maryland, Indiana, UMass, Northwestern, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois 17. James Madison (11-1) Lost to App State and Beat FCS Bucknell and Beat Coastal Carolina, UConn, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Virginia, Utah State, and Troy 18. SMU (10-2) Lost to Oklahoma and TCU and Beat FCS Prairie View A&M and Beat Navy, Memphis, North Texas, Rice, Tulsa, Temple, Louisiana Tech, East Carolina, and Charlotte 19. Troy (10-2) Lost to James Madison and Kansas State and Beat FCS Stephen F Austin and Beat Southern Miss, Louisiana, Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, Texas State, Army, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Georgia State 20. Iowa (10-2) Lost to Minnesota and Penn State and Beat Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Utah State, Western Michigan, and Iowa State 21. LSU (9-3) Lost to Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Grambling and Beat Texas A&M, Georgia State, Florida, Army, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Arkansas 22. Miami, OH (10-2) Lost to Miami, FL and Toledo and Beat FCS Delaware State and Beat Ball State, Buffalo, Akron, Ohio, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, UMass, Kent State, and Cincinnati 23. Oklahoma State (9-3) Lost to Iowa State, UCF, and South Alabama and Beat FCS Central Arkansas and Beat BYU, Houston, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kansas, and Kansas State 24. New Mexico State (10-3) Lost to UMass, Liberty, and Hawaii and Beat FCS Western Illinois and Beat Jacksonville State, Auburn, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, New Mexico, Sam Houston, and FIU 25. Memphis (9-3) Lost to Tulane, SMU, and Missouri and Beat FCS Bethune Cookman and Beat Temple, Charlotte, USF, North Texas, UAB, Navy, Boise State, and Arkansas State
Waiting to get into the Top 25: 26. Arizona (9-3) Lost to USC, Mississippi State and Washington and Beat FCS Northern AZ and Beat Arizona State, Utah, Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Washington State, and Stanford 27. NC State (9-3) Lost to Notre Dame, Duke, and Louisville and Beat FCS VMI and Beat North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Wake Forrest, Miami, FL, Clemson, UConn, Marshall, and Virginia 28. Ohio (9-3) Lost to Miami, OH, Northern Illinois and SDSU and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat Akron, Central Michigan, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, FAU, Bowling Green, and Iowa State 29. Notre Dame (9-3) Lost to Louisville, Clemson, and Ohio State and Beat FCS TSU and Beat Stanford, Wake Forrest, Pitt, USC, Duke, Central Michigan, Navy, and NC State 30. UNLV (9-3) Lost to San Jose State, Michigan and Fresno State and Beat FCS Bryant and Beat Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, and UTEP 31. Clemson (8-4) Lost to NC State, Duke, Miami, FL, and Florida State and Beat FCS Charleston Southern and Beat South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, FAU, Wake Forrest, and Syracuse 32. Oregon State (8-4) Lost to Oregon, Arizona, Washington, and Washington State and Beat FCS UC Davis and Beat Stanford, Colorado, UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Utah, and SDSU 33. UTK (8-4) Lost to Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Alabama and Beat FCS Austin Peay and Beat Vanderbilt, UConn, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, and UTSA 34. Iowa State (7-5) Lost to Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Ohio and Beat FCS Northern Iowa and Beat Kansas State, BYU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and TCU 35. App State (8-4) Lost to Old Dominion, North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wyoming and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat Georgia Southern, James Madison, Georgia State, Marshall, East Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 36. Utah (8-4) Lost to Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State and Beat FCS Weber State and Beat Colorado, Arizona State, USC, Cal, Florida, UCLA, and Baylor 37. Air Force (8-4) Lost to Boise State, Hawaii, UNLV, and Army and Beat FCS Robert Morris and Beat Colorado State, Navy, Wyoming, SDSU, Utah State, San Jose State, and Sam Houston 38. Wyoming (8-4) Lost to UNLV, Air Force, Boise State, and Texas and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Nevada, Hawaii, Colorado State, Fresno State, Texas Tech, New Mexico, and App State 39. North Carolina (8-4) Lost to NC State, Virginia, Clemson, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Campbell and Beat Duke, Miami, FL, Syracuse, Pitt, South Carolina, Minnesota, and App State 40. Kansas State (8-4) Lost to Iowa State, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS SEMO and Beat Kansas, Baylor, Houston, TCU, Troy, Texas Tech, and UCF 41. Kentucky (7-5) Lost to South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, UTK, and Georgia and Beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and Beat Louisville, Mississippi State, Florida, Ball State, Vanderbilt, and Akron 42. Kansas (8-4) Lost to Kansas State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Missouri State and Beat Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma, UCF, Illinois, BYU, and Nevada 43. UTSA (8-4) Lost to Tulane, Army, UTK, and Houston and Beat USF, Rice, North Texas, East Carolina, FAU, Texas State, UAB, and Temple 44. West Virginia (8-4) Lost to Oklahoma, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Houston and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Baylor, Cincinnati, BYU, UCF, Pitt, TCU, and Texas Tech 45. San Jose State (7-5) Lost to Boise State, Air Force, USC, Toledo, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Cal Poly and Beat UNLV, SDSU, Fresno State, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah State 46. Western Kentucky (7-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Troy, Jacksonville State, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Houston Christian and Beat FIU, Sam Houston, UTEP, USF, Louisiana Tech, and MTSU 47. Fresno State (8-4) Lost to SDSU, New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming and Beat FCS Western Washington and Beat Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, Purdue, Kent State, and Arizona State 48. Wisconsin (7-5) Lost to Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Washington State and Beat Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Buffalo, Purdue, and Georgia Southern 49. Northwestern (7-5) Lost to Iowa, Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, and Rutgers and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Illinois, Purdue, Wisconsin, UTEP, Maryland, and Minnesota 50. Jacksonville St (8-4) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina and Beat FCS ETSU and Beat Louisiana Tech, FIU, Western Kentucky, MTSU, UTEP, Sam Houston, and Eastern Michigan
Waiting to get into the Top 50: 51. Coastal Carolina (7-5) Lost to James Madison, Army, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and UCLA and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Arkansas State, Jacksonville State and App State 52. UCLA (7-5) Lost to Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Utah and Beat FCS North Carolina Central and Beat USC, Colorado, Stanford, Coastal Carolina, Washington State, and SDSU 53. Maryland (7-5) Lost to Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Northwestern, and Illinois and Beat FCS Towson and Beat Rutgers, Nebraska, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan State, and Charlotte 54. USC (7-5) Lost to UCLA, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame and Beat Cal, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford, San Jose State, and Nevada 55. Duke (7-5) Lost to Virginia, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Florida State and Beat FCS Lafayette and Beat Pitt, Wake Forrest, NC State, Clemson, UConn, and Northwestern 56. Bowling Green (7-5) Lost to Toledo, Miami, OH, Liberty, Ohio, and Michigan and Beat FCS Eastern Illinois and Beat Western Michigan, Kent State, Ball State, Georgia Tech, Akron, and Buffalo 57. Miami, FL (7-5) Lost to Louisville, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Bethune-Cookman and Beat Boston College, Virginia, Clemson, Miami, OH, Temple, and Texas A&M 58. Boise State (7-5) Lost to Fresno State, Colorado State, Washington, Memphis, and UCF and Beat FCS North Dakota and Beat Air Force, Utah State, New Mexico, SDSU, Wyoming, and San Jose State 59. Texas State (7-5) Lost to Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Troy, and Louisiana and Beat FCS Jackson State and Beat South Alabama, Georgia Southern, Louisiana Monroe, Baylor, Southern Miss, and Nevada 60. Texas A&M (7-5) Lost to LSU, Ole Miss, UTK, Miami, FL, and Alabama and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, Auburn, and Louisiana Monroe 61. Auburn (6-6) Lost to Alabama, New Mexico State, Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Samford and Beat Arkansas, Vanderbilt, UMass, Mississippi State, and Cal 62. Georgia Southern (6-6) Lost to App State, Old Dominion, Marshall, James Madison, Texas State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS The Citadel and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Monroe, UAB, Coastal Carolina, and Ball State 63. Texas Tech (6-6) Lost to Texas, BYU, Kansas State, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Oregon and Beat FCS Tarleton State and Beat UCF, Kansas, Houston, TCU, and Baylor 64. Navy (5-6) Lost to SMU, Temple, Air Force, Memphis, USF, and Notre Dame and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat East Carolina, North Texas, UAB, and Charlotte 65. UCF (6-6) Lost to Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, and Baylor and Beat FCS Villanova and Beat Houston, Oklahoma State, Kent State, Cincinnati, and Boise State 66. USF (6-6) Lost to UTSA, Memphis, FAU, Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky and Beat FCS Florida A&M and Beat Charlotte, Temple, Rice, UConn, and Navy 67. Virginia Tech (6-6) Lost to NC State, Louisville, Florida State, Rutgers, Marshall, and Purdue and Beat Virginia, Boston College, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Wake Forrest, and Pitt 68. Marshall (6-6) Lost to South Alabama, App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, and NC State and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and East Carolina 69. Syracuse (6-6) Lost to Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Colgate and Beat Wake Forrest, Pitt, Western Michigan, Army, and Purdue 70. Utah State (6-6) Lost to Boise State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Iowa, James Madison, and Air Force and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat New Mexico, Nevada, UConn, SDSU, and Colorado State 71. Louisiana (6-6) Lost to Tory, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Georgia State, and Minnesota and Beat FCS NW State and Beat Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, UAB, Texas State, and Buffalo 72. Eastern Michigan (6-6) Lost to Toledo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Central Michigan, and Jacksonville State and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Buffalo, Akron, UMass, Kent State, and Ball State 73. Northern Illinois (6-6) Lost to FCS Southern Illinois and Lost to Ball State, Central Michigan, Tulsa, Toledo, and Nebraska and Beat Kent State, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Boston College, Ohio, and Akron 74. Old Dominion (6-6) Lost to Liberty, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Wake Forrest, Marshall, and Virginia Tech and Beat FCS TXA&M Commerce and Beat Georgia State, Georgia Southern, Louisiana, App State, and Southern Miss 75. Army (5-6) Lost to UMass, LSU, Troy, Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisiana Monroe and Beat FCS Del State and Holy Cross and Beat UTSA, Coastal Carolina, and Air Force 76. Cal (6-6) Lost to Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, and Auburn and Beat FCS Idaho and Beat UCLA, Stanford, North Texas, Washington State, and Arizona State 77. Rice (6-6) Lost to UTSA, SMU, Tulane, Texas, UConn, and USF and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat FAU, Charlotte, Houston, Tulsa, and East Carolina 78. South Alabama (6-6) Lost to Texas State, Troy, Louisiana, Central Michigan, James Madison, and Tulane and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Marshall, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 79. Illinois (6-6) Lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Kansas and Beat Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Maryland, and FAU 80. Georgia State (6-6) Lost to Old Dominion, LSU, App State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, and Troy and Beat FCS Rhode Island and Beat Louisiana, Marshall, UConn, Coastal Carolina, and Charlotte 81. Georgia Tech (6-6) Lost to Georgia, Clemson, Boston College, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS SC State and Beat Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, and Miami, FL 82. Arkansas State (6-6) Lost to Marshall, South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma, Troy, and Memphis and Beat FCS Stony Brook and Beat Texas State, Louisiana, Southern Miss, Louisiana Monroe, and UMass 83. Rutgers (6-6) Lost to Maryland, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, and Temple 84. Boston College (6-6) Lost to Miami, Fl, Pitt, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and Beat FCS Holy Cross and Beat Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Army
NO BOWL FOR YOU: 85. Florida (5-7) Lost to Florida State, Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Kentucky and Beat FCS McNeese and Beat South Carolina, UTK, Vanderbilt, and Charlotte 86. BYU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Iowa State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas, and Kansas and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Texas Tech, Sam Houston, Cincinnati, and Arkansas 87. South Carolina (5-7) Lost to Clemson, Texas A&M, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, UTK, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Furman and Beat Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Jacksonville State 88. North Texas (5-7) Lost to SMU, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Cal, Navy, and FIU and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat UAB, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, and Temple 89. Washington State (5-7) Lost to Washington, Cal, Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat FCS Northern Colorado and Beat Colorado, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Wisconsin 90. Minnesota (5-7) Lost to Wisconsin, Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and Northwestern and Beat Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Eastern Michigan 91. Nebraska (5-7) Lost to Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado and Beat Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Louisiana Tech 92. Mississippi State (5-7) Lost to Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Southern Miss, Arizona, Arkansas, and Western Michigan 93. TCU (5-7) Lost to Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Baylor, Houston, BYU, and SMU 94. Colorado State (5-7) Lost to Colorado State, Wyoming, Air Force, UNLV, Washington State, Utah State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Utah Tech and Beat Nevada, MTSU, SDSU, and Boise State 95. Western Michigan (4-8) Lost to Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Ohio, Miami, OH, Minnesota, Iowa, Toledo, and Syracuse and Beat FCS St Francis and Beat Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State 96. Central Michigan (5-7) Lost to Toledo, Ohio, Western Michigan, Ball State, Notre Dame, Buffalo, and Michigan State and Beat FCS New Hampshire and Beat Northern Illinois, South Alabama, Akron, and Eastern Michigan 97. Hawaii (5-8) Lost to Wyoming, San Jose State, New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Stanford and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Colorado State, New Mexico State, Air Force, and Nevada 98. Purdue (4-8) Lost to Northwestern, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Syracuse, Wisconsin, and Fresno State and Beat Indiana, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Illinois 99. UAB (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Navy, Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, Louisiana, Georgia, and Georgia Southern and Beat FCS NCA&T and Beat USF, Temple, and FAU 100. Tulsa (4-8) Lost to North Texas, Tulane, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, Washington, FAU, and Oklahoma and Beat FCS UAPB and Beat East Carolina, Northern Illinois, and Temple 101. SDSU (4-8) Lost to San Jose State, Colorado State, Utah State, Nevada, Air Force, UCLA, Boise State, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and Ohio 102. MTSU (4-8) Lost to Sam Houston, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado State, and Missouri and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Louisiana Tech, UTEP, and FIU 103. Arkansas (4-8) Lost to Missouri, Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and LSU and Beat FCS Western Carolina and Beat Florida, FIU, and Kent State 104. Wake Forrest (4-8) Lost to Syracuse, Notre Dame, NC State, Duke, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Elon and Beat Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Old Dominion 105. Ball State (4-8) Lost to Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Georgia and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Central Michigan, Kent State, and Northern Illinois 106. FIU (4-8) Lost to Western Kentucky, Arkansas, MTSU, Jacksonville State, UTEP, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and Beat FCS Maine and Beat North Texas, Sam Houston, and UConn 107. FAU (4-8) Lost to Rice, Tulane, East Carolina, UAB, UTSA, Ohio, Illinois, and Clemson and Beat FCS Monmouth and Tulsa, Charlotte, and USF 108. Colorado (4-8) Lost to Utah, Washington State, Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, and USC and Beat TCU, Colorado State, Arizona State, and Nebraska 109. Houston (4-8) Lost to UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Rice and Beat Baylor, UTSA, West Virginia, and Sam Houston 110. Michigan State (4-8) Lost to Penn State, Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Maryland, Iowa, and Washington and Beat FCS Richmond and Beat Central Michigan, Indiana, and Nebraska 111. Virginia (3-9) Lost to Virginia Tech, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, NC State, Maryland, UTK, and James Madison and Beat FCS William & Mary and Beat Dule and North Carolina 112. Pitt (3-9) Lost to Duke, Syracuse, Florida State, Notre Dame, Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Cincinnati and Beat FCS Wofford and Beat Louisville and Boston College 113. Southern Miss (3-9) Lost to Troy, Mississippi State, App State, South Alabama, Old Dominion, Texas State, Tulane, Arkansas State, and Florida State and Beat FCS Alcorn State and Beat Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana 114. Indiana (3-9) Lost to Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Akron and Wisconsin 115. Charlotte (3-9) Lost to USF, Rice, Memphis, FAU, Navy, SMU, Georgia State, Florida, and Maryland and Beat FCS South Carolina State and Beat East Carolina and Tulsa 116. Cincinnati (3-9) Lost to Kansas, West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Miami, OH and Oklahoma and Beat FCS EKU and Beat Houston and Pitt 117. Arizona State (3-9) Lost to Arizona, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, USC, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Washington State and UCLA 118. New Mexico (4-9) Lost to Utah State, Boise State, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Tennessee Tech and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and UMass 119. Temple (3-9) Lost to Memphis, UAB, USF, SMU, North Texas, UTSA, Rutgers, Tulsa, and Miami, FL and Beat FCS Norfolk State and Beat Akron and Navy 120. Louisiana Tech (3-9) Lost to Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Liberty, New Mexico State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, SMU, Nebraska, and North Texas and Beat FCS NW State and Beat FIU and UTEP 121. Sam Houston (3-9) Lost to Western Kentucky, UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, BYU, Houston, and Air Force and Beat FCS Kennesaw State and Beat Louisiana Tech and MTSU 122. UConn (3-9) Lost to James Madison, UTK, Boston College, USF, Utah State, Duke, NC State, FIU, and Georgia State and Beat FCS Sacred Heart and Beat Rice and UMass 123. Baylor (3-9) Lost to West Virginia, TCU, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas, and Utah and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat UCF and Cincinnati 124. UTEP (3-9) Lost to Liberty, MTSU, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, UNLV, Jacksonville St, Arizona, and Northwestern and Beat FCS Incarnate Word and Beat FIU and Sam Houston 125. UMass (3-9) Lost to UConn, Liberty, Penn State, Toledo, Arkansas State, New Mexico, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, and Auburn and Beat FCS Merrimack and Beat New Mexico State, and Army 126. Buffalo (3-9) Lost to FCS Fordham and Lost to Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Liberty and Beat Akron, Kent State, and Central Michigan 127. Stanford (3-9) Lost to FCS Sacramento State and Lost to Notre Dame, Cal, Oregon State, Washington, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat Hawaii, Washington State, and Colorado 128. East Carolina (2-10) Lost to Tulsa, Navy, Tulane, UTSA, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, App State, Michigan, and Marshall and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat FAU 129. Vanderbilt (2-10) Lost to UTK, South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, UNLV, Kentucky, and Wake Forrest and Beat FCS Alabama A&M and Beat Hawaii 130. Akron (2-10) Lost to Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Kentucky, Indiana, and Temple and Beat FCS Morgan State and Beat Kent State 131. Louisiana Monroe (2-10) Lost to Louisiana, Ole Miss, Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Texas State, Texas A&M, South Alabama, and App State and Beat FCS Lamar and Beat Army 132. Nevada (2-10) Lost to FCS Idaho and Lost to Wyoming, Colorado State, Utah State, Hawaii, UNLV, Fresno State, USC, Texas State, and Kansas and Beat SDSU and New Mexico 133. Kent State (1-11) Lost to Northern Illinois, Ball State, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami, OH, UCF, Fresno State, and Arkansas and Beat FCS Central Conn
My polls and rankings are unique as I do not rank teams based solely on how they perform on any given weekend but rather on where they will end up at the end of the year. This system is more accurate than the AP and Coaches poles, which typically have more movement during the season. If you win, I will not move you down. Winning is positive and should be rewarded unlike the AP. This strategy requires me to spend more time to wisely choose who should be at the top, but I think it is a good thing. If you beat an FCS team, I will not move you backwards for taking a week off. However, there is a good chance that I may not move you up in the poll. A team that played an FBS opponent will get a chance to move up quicker and be rewarded for their choice to play a team at their FBS level.
THE PICKS RIVALRY WEEK EDITION/ MY CFP RANKINGS Your rival in college football could be relatively new as in the past ten years. But mostly your rival is one that brings a hundred plus years of hate to the table. Often the schools are close and recruit for the same players in regional small towns. Your rival is hated, so badly, if you saw their bus broken down on the side of the road, there is no way you are stopping to help. Sometimes momma wouldn’t approve of this hate. Other times momma can be the ringleader. It’s a stone-cold hate. A gothic hate reserved for just one weekend a year. This is rivalry week.
I am in my sixtieth season of ranking teams and picking games. This week by far has inspired me to create an expanded version of the picks going from just ten FBS games to pick and upping it to twenty. Plus, it is playoff season in FCS, D2 and D3. My notes are so juicy that I did away with the rest of my normal commentary and went straight to the picks. (My CFP rankings can be found at the end of this section.) It is the final week of the regular season. So, sit back, grab a turkey leg or pecan pie, and enjoy.
WEEK 13 PICKS: Ole Miss at Mississippi State There is a lot to unpack with this rivalry. To start Ole Miss claims their record against their in-state rival is 64-47-6. Mississippi State claims it is 66-46-6. Let’s go back to the 90’s when Ole Miss head coach Billy Brewer called Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherril a “habitual liar.” Sherril responded that he “didn’t know what the name habitual meant.” The war raged on with both teams’ fans reporting the other school for NCAA violations. So much that it eventually led to SEC commissioner Mike Slive telling all teams in the SEC to knock it off. Then there was the case of a Mississippi State fan and author that found a phone number that matched up to an escort service. That Ole Miss issued cell phone belonged to then head coach Hugh Freeze. (Freeze is now the head coach at Auburn). He was fired from Ole Miss. His successor Matt Luke was fired after an Ole Miss player in the Egg Bowl, scored a touchdown, got down on all fours and proceeded to act like he was peeing on the goalpost. That drew an unsportsman like penalty. The ensuing PAT was missed in no doubt because of the added distance. Matt Luke was fired soon after. Yes, the Egg Bowl means everything in the state of Mississippi. Enjoy turkey and then fire up the TV for the first rivalry game of the holiday weekend. Ole Miss for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Ole Miss Charlie’s Pick: Ole Miss Dustin’s Pick: Ole Miss
UTSA at Tulane Three teams are undefeated in American conference play heading into the final week of the season. SMU faces Navy this weekend. The other two teams UTSA and Tulane go head-to-head Friday at Yulman Stadium for a chance to play in the conference championship game next weekend and possibly a NY6 bowl birth. Last year Tulane upset USC in the Cotton Bowl as the G5 representative. All eyes have been on the reigning American Conference champion whose only blemish has been a loss to ranked Ole Miss. Last season, UTSA was the C-USA Champion before moving to the American this season. UTSA has lost three games this season, Houston, Army and a ranked UTK. The thought would be to go with the Green Wave, but the Roadrunners are undefeated in conference play for a reason. Both teams are on winning streaks, nine and seven respectively. The pair has only met once. The Roadrunners defeated the Green Wave 10-7 in San Antonio, TX in 2013. A lot is on the line this weekend. Tulane for the win.
Texas Tech at Texas There is nothing the 6-5 Red Raiders would like to do to the 10-1 Longhorns than send them packing to the SEC with an “L.” Even more than that ruin their chances of getting into the playoff. The likely Big 12 champions lead this series 54-18 winning fifteen of the last twenty years. But the Red Raiders won in 2015, 2017 and most importantly 2022. Texas for the win.
Oregon State at Oregon Like Ole Miss and Mississippi State, both teams disagree on the records. They did away with the name of the rivalry game, Civil War, but fans still refer to it in that manner. In 1998 at Corvallis, a failed fourth down try appeared to give Oregon State the victory. Fans rushed the field only to find out that there was a flag on the play for pass interference. The field was cleared, and overtime ensued after the Ducks scored. Eventually, Oregon State won and fans rushed the field again. The weather calls for chilly with a slight chance of patchy fog. Oregon State for the win.
Ohio State at Michigan I don’t need to tell you about the scandals that Michigan has faced this season. You probably already know about it. Here is what you need to know beyond that. The Wolverines had lost eight straight in the series before winning in 2021. The last time Michigan won three straight against their opponents to the south was 1997, 26 years ago. That’s before any of the players were born. Its not happening this weekend. Before this season started, I spent two months researching the upcoming 2023 college football season. I agonized over this game as I saw it as the pivotal game as to who represented the Big 10 in the CFP. In my preseason poll I had Ohio State at No. 3 with a projected record of 11-1. Michigan was at No. 13 with a projected record of 10-2. No one in my poll was projected to go undefeated. I projected Michigan’s second loss to come at the hands of Ohio State. I have stood by my prediction all season as Ohio State has stayed in the No. 3 spot while the AP, Coaches, and CFP polls have bounced them around. I have stayed consistent in my rankings of the Luckeyes and so will my prediction for this game. Ohio State for the win.
Kentucky at Louisville The Governor’s Cup rivalry was no more after 1924. The game was brought back seventy years later in 1994. Then Kentucky head coach didn’t want it added as it greatly increased the level of stress on the Wildcats schedule on top of the SEC conference games. For Louisville, it provided an opportunity to build the program and make a name for themselves. Louisville for the win.
Arizona at Arizona State This is the 98th meeting for the Territorial Cup, the oldest rivalry trophy in college football. The Cup went missing after the 1899 game only to be found in a church basement in 1980. If Oregon loses to Oregon State, there is a path for the Wildcats to get into the PAC 12 championship game. Arizona for the win.
North Carolina at NC State The 2022 meeting saw the Wolfpack win in double overtime for a back-to-back win in one of the most anticipated football games every year in North Carolina. The Tar Heels lead the series 68-38-6 overall. North Carolina for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: North Carolina Charlie’s Pick: North Carolina Dustin’s Pick: North Carolina
Iowa State at Kansas State This might be the last year for a little while for Farmageddon. The two teams have met every year in football since 1917. Conference realignment and expansion of the Big 12 is pushing this game to the side which is a dam shame in my opinion. It’s not the sexiest game on the college football calendar but 106 years of history should account for something. #saveFarmageddon Kansas State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Kansas State Charlie’s Pick: Kansas State Dustin’s Pick: Kansas State
Virginia Tech at Virginia Both teams have struggled this year. The Commonwealth Cup means a lot for bragging rights. A win by the Hokies puts them in a bowl. Virginia Tech for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Virginia Charlie’s Pick: Virginia Tech Dustin’s Pick: Virginia
Indiana at Purdue Jabroni – One who loses to make the other wrestlers look better. In 2023 college football terms: Jabroni – One who loses to make Penn State’s, Ohio State’s, and Michigan’s records look better. Example: Michigan State, Purdue, and Indiana. Use in a sentence: “These jabronis are not going bowling.” When two jabronis battle it could be called a pillow fight. Grab your PJs. Purdue for the win.
Louisiana Monroe at Louisiana The Battle on the Bayou has been played since 1951. In 2002 they created the Wooden Boot as a trophy for the winner. In past seasons one of these two teams have challenged for the Sun Belt title. Not this year. Louisiana is 5-6 heading into this game. Louisiana Monroe at 2-9 hasn’t won a conference game all year. Louisiana for the win.
Alabama at Auburn Where do I start? There is no bigger rivalry in college football than Alabama and Auburn. No matter who is playing anywhere in the country, the Birmingham television market is in the top ten of the highest rated markets for viewers. In Alabama the rivalry is 24/7 365 days a year. Trees have been poisoned, death threats made, and a Birmingham radio show host became a national football figure. “Hey Pawllllll.” Ohio State vs Michigan is for a chance to go to the CFP. But Alabama at Auburn is for life. Alabama for the win.
Vanderbilt at UTK Missouri is the best football team in the state of Tennessee. For the first time in history, the Tigers beat all four FBS teams in the state in one season earning them the title of state champion. Missouri beat MTSU by 4 points, Memphis by 7 points, Vanderbilt by 17 points, and UTK by 29 points.
Vanderbilt started this season 2-0 before losing the next nine straight. I honestly don’t know how UTK is ranked in the College Football Playoff poll at the 21st spot. The Vols haven’t beaten a ranked team this season. They did lose to three ranked teams as well as a loss to unranked Florida. (CFP Rankings = Beauty Contest) Oh well. UTK for the win.
Wisconsin at Minnesota Bucky Badger drains the lake leaving PJ Fleck nowhere to row and left out of the bowl picture. Meanwhile Luke Fickell leads his Badgers to Paul Bunyan’s Ax and a bowl game in his first season at Sconnie. Wisconsin for the win.
Washington State at Washington The happy story would be for Washington State to crush their instate rivals, winning the last Apple Cup with both teams as PAC12 members and dashing the Huskies hopes of a CFP entry. Sounds nice but it won’t happen. Washington for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Washington Charlie’s Pick: Washington Dustin’s Pick: Washington
Florida State at Florida The Gators are trying to regroup after a season of misfires. A loss here and they too will be shutout from bowl season. For Florida State, they are trying to see about life after Jordan Travis. Spoiler alert, Florida State wins the Sunshine Showdown and beats Louisville in the ACC championship game to punch their ticket to the CFP. Florida State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Florida Charlie’s Pick: Florida State Dustin’s Pick: Florida State
Georgia at Georgia Tech They call this rivalry “Clean, Ole Fashioned Hate,” but I don’t think this game will even be close. Georgia for the win.
Clemson at South Carolina The 2004 Palmetto Bowl stands out in my mind as the definition of rivalry. It was the last time then South Carolina head coach Lou Holtz would ever coach a game. Both teams had their six wins and were bowl bound. But as the game progressed hostilities between players grew resulting in an all-out brawl with law enforcement clearing the field and a six-minute delay of the game. (you can see the full brawl here starting at the 2:11:36 mark)
Players were ejected and they finished the game. Both teams and conferences were so upset about what happened, they cancelled their bowl invites and handed out suspensions.
This season’s version of the Palmetto Bowl will hopefully be more civil. Both teams could have had stellar years, but Clemson has lost four games, and a good South Carolina team needs one more win to become bowl eligible. Clemson for the win.
FCS: Playoffs Sacramento State vs North Dakota UND is 25-2 in the last 27 games at home. The only losses came to eventual FCS champions North Dakota State in 2021 and South Dakota State in 2022. North Dakota for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: North Dakota Charlie’s Pick: North Dakota Dustin’s Pick: North Dakota
D2: Playoffs Delta State vs Valdosta State These two teams met on October 7th this year with the Statesmen getting the W 49-25. Delta State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Valdosta State Charlie’s Pick: Valdosta State Dustin’s Pick: Valdosta State
D3: Playoffs Trinity, TX vs North Central, IL Both teams were undefeated in conference play. Trinity’s only loss came on the road at St John’s to open the season. North Central has won two of the last three NCAA D3 Football Championships. North Central, IL for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Trinity, TX Charlie’s Pick: North Central, IL Dustin’s Pick: North Central, IL
WEEK TWELVE RESULTS Blake: Wins: 7 Losses: 3 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 92 Losses: 38 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 7 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 110 Losses: 56
Celebrity Guest Picker: Wins: 7 Losses: 3 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 96 Losses: 34 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 5 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 4 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 10 Losses 2 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 121 Losses: 45
Charlie: Wins: 3 Losses: 7 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 80 Losses: 50 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 3 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 6 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 4 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 103 Losses: 63
Dustin: Wins: 5 Losses: 5 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 85 Losses: 45 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 105 Losses: 61
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
MY CFP RANKINGS Here are my playoff rankings for the week: (Record is the projected record) 1. Georgia (12-0) Projected SEC Champion 2. Florida State (12-0) Projected ACC Champion 3. Ohio State (11-1) 4. Alabama (11-1) 5. Washington (12-0) Projected PAC12 Champion 6. Michigan (12-0) Projected Big10 Champion 7. Tulane (11-1) Projected American Champion 8. Liberty (12-0) Projected C-USA Champion 9. Texas (11-1) Projected BIG12 Champion 10. Oregon (11-1) 11. Toledo (11-1) Projected MAC Champion 12. Louisville (11-1) 13. Missouri (10-2) 14. Oklahoma (10-2) 15. Ole Miss (10-2) 16. Penn State (10-2)
OUT IN THE COLD: 17. James Madison (11-1) NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE PLAYOFF 18. SMU (10-2) 19. Troy (10-2) 20. Iowa (10-2) 21. LSU (9-3) 22. Miami, OH (10-2) 23. UNLV (10-2) 24. Oklahoma State (9-3) 25. Kansas State (9-3) 26. New Mexico State (10-3) 27. Arizona (9-3) 28. North Carolina (9-3) 29. Memphis (9-3) 30. Fresno State (9-3) 31. Ohio (9-3) 32. Notre Dame (9-3)
My Top 25 College Football 2023 Week Twelve – November 20, 2023
1. Georgia (11-0) Beat FCS UT Martin and Beat UTK, Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina, UAB, and Ball State 2. Florida State (11-0) Beat FCS North Alabama and Beat Miami, FL, Pitt, Wake Forrest, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Boston College, and Southern Miss 3. Ohio State (11-0) Beat FCS Youngstown State and Beat Minnesota, Michigan State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Kentucky 4. Alabama (10-1) Lost to Texas and Beat FCS Chattanooga and Beat Kentucky, LSU, UTK, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, MTSU, Ole Miss, and USF 5. Washington (11-0) Beat Oregon State, Utah, USC, Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Michigan State, and Tulsa 6. Michigan (11-0) Beat Maryland, Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV 7. Tulane (10-1) Lost to Ole Miss and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat FAU, Tulsa, East Carolina, Rice, North Texas, Memphis, South Alabama, UAB, and Southern Miss 8. Liberty (11-0) Beat UMass, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, FIU, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and New Mexico State 9. Texas (10-1) Lost to Oklahoma and Beat Iowa State, TCU, Kansas State, BYU. Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Rice, Wyoming, and Alabama 10. Oregon (10-1) Lost to Washington and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Arizona State, USC, Cal, Utah, Washington State, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Hawaii 11. Toledo (10-1) Lost to Illinois and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, OH, Ball State, UMass, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan 12. Louisville (10-1) Lost to Pitt and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Miami, FL, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, NC State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Indiana 13. Missouri (9-2) Lost to Georgia and LSU and Beat FCS South Dakota and Beat Florida, UTK, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Memphis, and Kansas State 14. Oklahoma (9-2) Lost to Oklahoma State and Kansas and Beat BYU, West Virginia, UCF, Texas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Arkansas State, and SMU 15. Ole Miss (9-2) Lost to Georgia and Alabama and Beat FCS Mercer and Beat Louisiana Monroe, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Tulane 16. Penn State (9-2) Lost to Michigan and Ohio State and Beat FCS Delaware and Beat Rutgers, Maryland, Indiana, UMass, Northwestern, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois 17. James Madison (10-1) Lost to App State and Beat FCS Bucknell and Beat UConn, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Virginia, Utah State, and Troy 18. SMU (9-2) Lost to Oklahoma and TCU and Beat FCS Prairie View A&M and Beat Memphis, North Texas, Rice, Tulsa, Temple, Beat Louisiana Tech, East Carolina, and Charlotte 19. Troy (9-2) Lost to James Madison and Kansas State and Beat FCS Stephen F Austin and Beat Louisiana, Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, Texas State, Army, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Georgia State 20. Iowa (9-2) Lost to Minnesota and Penn State and Beat Illinois, Rutgers, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Utah State, Western Michigan, and Iowa State 21. LSU (8-3) Lost to Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Grambling and Beat Georgia State, Florida, Army, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Arkansas 22. Miami, OH (9-2) Lost to Miami, FL and Toledo and Beat FCS Delaware State and Beat Buffalo, Akron, Ohio, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, UMass, Kent State, and Cincinnati 23. UNLV (9-2) Lost to Michigan and Fresno State and Beat FCS Bryant and Beat Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, and UTEP 24. Oklahoma State (8-3) Lost to Iowa State, UCF, and South Alabama and Beat FCS Central Arkansas and Beat Houston, Oklahoma, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kansas, and Kansas State 25. Kansas State (8-3) Lost to Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS SEMO and Beat Kansas, Baylor, Houston, TCU, Troy, Texas Tech, and UCF
Waiting to get into the Top 25: 26. New Mexico State (9-3) Lost to UMass, Liberty, and Hawaii and Beat FCS Western Illinois and Beat Auburn, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, New Mexico, Sam Houston, and FIU 27. Arizona (8-3) Lost to USC, Mississippi State and Washington and Beat FCS Northern AZ and Beat Utah, Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Washington State, and Stanford 28. North Carolina (8-3) Lost to Virginia, Clemson, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Campbell and Beat Duke, Miami, FL, Syracuse, Pitt, South Carolina, Minnesota, and App State 29. Memphis (8-3) Lost to Tulane, SMU, and Missouri and Beat FCS Bethune Cookman and Beat Charlotte, USF, North Texas, UAB, Navy, Boise State, and Arkansas State 30. Fresno State (8-3) Lost to New Mexico, San Jose State and Wyoming and Beat FCS Western Washington and Beat Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, Purdue, Kent State, and Arizona State 31. Ohio (8-3) Lost to Miami, OH, Northern Illinois and SDSU and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat Central Michigan, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, FAU, Bowling Green, and Iowa State 32. Notre Dame (8-3) Lost to Louisville, Clemson, and Ohio State and Beat FCS TSU and Beat Wake Forrest, Pitt, USC, Duke, Central Michigan, Navy, and NC State 33. Oregon State (8-3) Lost to Arizona, Washington, and Washington State and Beat FCS UC Davis and Beat Stanford, Colorado, UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Utah, and SDSU 34. NC State (8-3) Lost to Notre Dame, Duke, and Louisville and Beat FCS VMI and Beat Virginia Tech, Wake Forrest, Miami, FL, Clemson, UConn, Marshall, and Virginia 35. UTSA (8-3) Lost to Army, UTK, and Houston and Beat USF, Rice, North Texas, East Carolina, FAU, Texas State, UAB, and Temple 36. Air Force (8-3) Lost to Hawaii, UNLV, and Army and Beat FCS Robert Morris and Beat Colorado State, Navy, Wyoming, SDSU, Utah State, San Jose State, and Sam Houston 37. Jacksonville St (8-3) Lost to Liberty, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina and Beat FCS ETSU and Beat Louisiana Tech, FIU, Western Kentucky, MTSU, UTEP, Sam Houston, and Eastern Michigan 38. Clemson (7-4) Lost to NC State, Duke, Miami, FL, and Florida State and Beat FCS Charleston Southern and Beat North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, FAU, Wake Forrest, and Syracuse 39. App State (7-4) Lost to Old Dominion, North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wyoming and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat James Madison, Georgia State, Marshall, East Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 40. UTK (7-4) Lost to Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Alabama and Beat FCS Austin Peay and Beat UConn, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, and UTSA 41. Utah (7-4) Lost to Arizona, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State and Beat FCS Weber State and Beat Arizona State, USC, Cal, Florida, UCLA, and Baylor 42. UCLA (7-4) Lost to Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Utah and Beat FCS North Carolina Central and Beat USC, Colorado, Stanford, Coastal Carolina, Washington State, and SDSU 43. Wyoming (7-4) Lost to UNLV, Air Force, Boise State, and Texas and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Hawaii, Colorado State, Fresno State, Texas Tech, New Mexico, and App State 44. Kansas (7-4) Lost to Kansas State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Missouri State and Beat Iowa State, Oklahoma, UCF, Illinois, BYU, and Nevada 45. West Virginia (7-4) Lost to Oklahoma, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Houston and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Cincinnati, BYU, UCF, Pitt, TCU, and Texas Tech 46. Coastal Carolina (7-4) Lost to Army, Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and UCLA and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Arkansas State, Jacksonville State and App State 47. Texas A&M (7-4) Lost to Ole Miss, UTK, Miami, FL, and Alabama and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, Auburn, and Louisiana Monroe 48. Iowa State (6-5) Lost to Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Ohio and Beat FCS Northern Iowa and Beat BYU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and TCU 49. Kentucky (6-5) Lost to South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, UTK, and Georgia and Beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and Beat Mississippi State, Florida, Ball State, Vanderbilt, and Akron 50. Texas Tech (6-5) Lost to BYU, Kansas State, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Oregon and Beat FCS Tarleton State and Beat UCF, Kansas, Houston, TCU, and Baylor
Waiting to get into the Top 50: 51. Western Kentucky (6-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Troy, Jacksonville State, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Houston Christian and Beat Sam Houston, UTEP, USF, Louisiana Tech, and MTSU 52. Wisconsin (6-5) Lost to Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Washington State and Beat Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, Buffalo, Purdue, and Georgia Southern 53. San Jose State (6-5) Lost to Boise State, Air Force, USC, Toledo, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Cal Poly and Beat SDSU, Fresno State, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah State 54. South Alabama (6-5) Lost to Troy, Louisiana, Central Michigan, James Madison, and Tulane and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Marshall, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 55. Georgia Southern (6-5) Lost to Old Dominion, Marshall, James Madison, Texas State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS The Citadel and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Monroe, UAB, Coastal Carolina, and Ball State 56. Maryland (6-5) Lost to Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, Northwestern, and Illinois and Beat FCS Towson and Beat Nebraska, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan State, and Charlotte 57. Auburn (6-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Samford and Beat Arkansas, Vanderbilt, UMass, Mississippi State, and Cal 58. USC (7-5) Lost to UCLA, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame and Beat Cal, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford, San Jose State, and Nevada 59. Duke (6-5) Lost to Virginia, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Florida State and Beat FCS Lafayette and Beat Wake Forrest, NC State, Clemson, UConn, and Northwestern 60. Illinois (6-5) Lost to Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Kansas and Beat Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Maryland, and FAU 61. Navy (5-5) Lost to Temple, Air Force, Memphis, USF, and Notre Dame and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat East Carolina, North Texas, UAB, and Charlotte 62. Northwestern (6-5) Lost to Iowa, Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, and Rutgers and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Purdue, Wisconsin, UTEP, Maryland, and Minnesota 63. Boise State (6-5) Lost to Fresno State, Colorado State, Washington, Memphis, and UCF and Beat FCS North Dakota and Beat Utah State, New Mexico, SDSU, Wyoming, and San Jose State\ 64. Georgia Tech (6-5) Lost to Clemson, Boston College, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS SC State and Beat Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, and Miami, FL 65. Arkansas State (6-5) Lost to South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma, Troy, and Memphis and Beat FCS Stony Brook and Beat Texas State, Louisiana, Southern Miss, Louisiana Monroe, and UMass 66. Bowling Green (6-5) Lost to Toledo, Miami, OH, Liberty, Ohio, and Michigan and Beat FCS Eastern Illinois and Beat Kent State, Ball State, Georgia Tech, Akron, and Buffalo 67. Georgia State (6-5) Lost to LSU, App State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, and Troy and Beat FCS Rhode Island and Beat Louisiana, Marshall, UConn, Coastal Carolina, and Charlotte 68. Rutgers (6-5) Lost to Penn State, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, and Temple 69. Miami, FL (6-5) Lost to Louisville, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Bethune-Cookman and Beat Virginia, Clemson, Miami, OH, Temple, and Texas A&M 70. Texas State (6-5) Lost to Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Troy, and Louisiana and Beat FCS Jackson State and Beat Georgia Southern, Louisiana Monroe, Baylor, Southern Miss, and Nevada 71. Boston College (6-5) Lost to Pitt, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and Beat FCS Holy Cross and Beat Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Army 72. South Carolina (5-6) Lost to Texas A&M, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, UTK, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Furman and Beat Kentucky, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Jacksonville State 73. Washington State (5-6) Lost to Cal, Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat FCS Northern Colorado and Beat Colorado, Colorado State, Oregon State, and Wisconsin 74. Nebraska (5-6) Lost to Wisconsin, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado and Beat Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Louisiana Tech 75. Florida (5-6) Lost to Missouri, LSU, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Kentucky and Beat FCS McNeese and Beat South Carolina, UTK, Vanderbilt, and Charlotte 76. UCF (5-6) Lost to Texas Tech, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, and Baylor and Beat FCS Villanova and Beat Oklahoma State, Kent State, Cincinnati, and Boise State 77. USF (5-6) Lost to UTSA, Memphis, FAU, Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky and Beat FCS Florida A&M and Beat Temple, Rice, UConn, and Navy 78. Virginia Tech (5-6) Lost to NC State, Louisville, Florida State, Rutgers, Marshall, and Purdue and Beat Boston College, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Wake Forrest, and Pitt 79. Marshall (5-6) Lost to South Alabama, App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, and NC State and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and East Carolina 80. Syracuse (5-6) Lost to Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Colgate and Beat Pitt, Western Michigan, Army, and Purdue 81. Utah State (5-6) Lost to Boise State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Iowa, James Madison, and Air Force and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Nevada, UConn, SDSU, and Colorado State 82. BYU (5-6) Lost to Oklahoma, Iowa State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas, and Kansas and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Texas Tech, Sam Houston, Cincinnati, and Arkansas 83. Central Michigan (5-6) Lost to Ohio, Western Michigan, Ball State, Notre Dame, Buffalo, and Michigan State and Beat FCS New Hampshire and Beat Northern Illinois, South Alabama, Akron, and Eastern Michigan 84. Minnesota (5-6) Lost to Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and Northwestern and Beat Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Eastern Michigan 85. Louisiana (5-6) Lost to Tory, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Georgia State, and Minnesota and Beat FCS NW State and Beat South Alabama, UAB, Texas State, and Buffalo 86. Eastern Michigan (5-6) Lost to Toledo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Central Michigan, and Jacksonville State and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Akron, UMass, Kent State, and Ball State 87. Northern Illinois (5-6) Lost to FCS Southern Illinois and Lost to Ball State, Central Michigan, Tulsa, Toledo, and Nebraska and Beat Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Boston College, Ohio, and Akron 88. TCU (5-6) Lost to Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Baylor, Houston, BYU, and SMU 89. Old Dominion (5-6) Lost to Liberty, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Wake Forrest, Marshall, and Virginia Tech and Beat FCS TXA&M Commerce and Beat Georgia Southern, Louisiana, App State, and Southern Miss 90. Colorado State (5-6) Lost to Wyoming, Air Force, UNLV, Washington State, Utah State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Utah Tech and Beat Nevada, MTSU, SDSU, and Boise State 91. Army (5-6) Lost to UMass, LSU, Troy, Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisiana Monroe and Beat FCS Del State and Holy Cross and Beat UTSA, Coastal Carolina, and Air Force 92. Cal (5-6) Lost to Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, and Auburn and Beat FCS Idaho and Beat Stanford, North Texas, Washington State, and Arizona State 93. Rice (5-6) Lost to UTSA, SMU, Tulane, Texas, UConn, and USF and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Charlotte, Houston, Tulsa, and East Carolina 94. Mississippi State (5-6) Lost to Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Southern Miss, Arizona, Arkansas, and Western Michigan
NO BOWL FOR YOU: 95. MTSU (4-7) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado State, and Missouri and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Louisiana Tech, UTEP, and FIU 96. Arkansas (4-7) Lost to Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and LSU and Beat FCS Western Carolina and Beat Florida, FIU, and Kent State 97. UAB (4-7) Lost to Navy, Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, Louisiana, Georgia, and Georgia Southern and Beat FCS NCA&T and Beat USF, Temple, and FAU 98. North Texas (4-7) Lost to SMU, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Cal, Navy, and FIU and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, and Temple 99. Ball State (4-7) Lost to Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Georgia and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Central Michigan, Kent State, and Northern Illinois 100. Western Michigan (4-7) Lost to Northern Illinois, Ohio, Miami, OH, Minnesota, Iowa, Toledo, and Syracuse and Beat FCS St Francis and Beat Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State 101. Wake Forrest (4-7) Lost to Notre Dame, NC State, Duke, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Elon and Beat Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Old Dominion 102. FIU (4-7) Lost to Arkansas, MTSU, Jacksonville State, UTEP, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and Beat FCS Maine and Beat North Texas, Sam Houston, and UConn 103. FAU (4-7) Lost to Tulane, East Carolina, UAB, UTSA, Ohio, Illinois, and Clemson and Beat FCS Monmouth and Tulsa, Charlotte, and USF 104. Colorado (4-7) Lost to Washington State, Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, and USC and Beat TCU, Colorado State, Arizona State, and Nebraska 105. Houston (4-7) Lost to Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Rice and Beat Baylor, UTSA, West Virginia, and Sam Houston 106. Michigan State (4-7) Lost to Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Maryland, Iowa, and Washington and Beat FCS Richmond and Beat Central Michigan, Indiana, and Nebraska 107. Virginia (3-8) Lost to Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, NC State, Maryland, UTK, and James Madison and Beat FCS William & Mary and Beat Dule and North Carolina 108. Hawaii (4-8) Lost to Wyoming, San Jose State, New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Stanford and Beat FCS Albany and Beat New Mexico State, Air Force, and Nevada 109. Purdue (3-8) Lost to Northwestern, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Syracuse, Wisconsin, and Fresno State and Beat Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Illinois 110. Southern Miss (3-8) Lost to Mississippi State, App State, South Alabama, Old Dominion, Texas State, Tulane, Arkansas State, and Florida State and Beat FCS Alcorn State and Beat Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana 111. Indiana (3-8) Lost to Michigan State, Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Akron and Wisconsin 112. Cincinnati (3-8) Lost to West Virginia, UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Miami, OH and Oklahoma and Beat FCS EKU and Beat Houston and Pitt 113. Charlotte (3-8) Lost to Rice, Memphis, FAU, Navy, SMU, Georgia State, Florida, and Maryland and Beat FCS South Carolina State and Beat East Carolina and Tulsa 114. Arizona State (3-8) Lost to Oregon, Utah, Washington, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, USC, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Washington State and UCLA 115. Pitt (3-8) Lost to Syracuse, Florida State, Notre Dame, Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Cincinnati and Beat FCS Wofford and Beat Louisville and Boston College 116. New Mexico (4-8) Lost to Boise State, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Tennessee Tech and Beat Hawaii, Fresno State, and UMass 117. UTEP (3-8) Lost to MTSU, Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, UNLV, Jacksonville St, Arizona, and Northwestern and Beat FCS Incarnate Word and Beat FIU and Sam Houston 118. Tulsa (3-8) Lost to North Texas, Tulane, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, Washington, FAU, and Oklahoma and Beat FCS UAPB and Beat Northern Illinois and Temple 119. Temple (3-8) Lost to UAB, USF, SMU, North Texas, UTSA, Rutgers, Tulsa, and Miami, FL and Beat FCS Norfolk State and Beat Akron and Navy 120. Baylor (3-8) Lost to TCU, Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas, and Utah and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat UCF and Cincinnati 121. UMass (3-8) Lost to Liberty, Penn State, Toledo, Arkansas State, New Mexico, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, and Auburn and Beat FCS Merrimack and Beat New Mexico State, and Army 122. SDSU (3-8) Lost to San Jose State, Colorado State, Utah State, Nevada, Air Force, UCLA, Boise State, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Hawaii and Ohio 123. Buffalo (3-8) Lost to FCS Fordham and Lost to Miami, OH, Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Liberty and Beat Akron, Kent State, and Central Michigan 124. Stanford (3-8) Lost to FCS Sacramento State and Lost to Cal, Oregon State, Washington, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat Hawaii, Washington State, and Colorado 125. Vanderbilt (2-9) Lost to South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, UNLV, Kentucky, and Wake Forrest and Beat FCS Alabama A&M and Beat Hawaii 126. East Carolina (2-9) Lost to Navy, Tulane, UTSA, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, App State, Michigan, and Marshall and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat FAU 127. Akron (2-9) Lost to Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Kentucky, Indiana, and Temple and Beat FCS Morgan State and Beat Kent State 128. Louisiana Tech (3-9) Lost to Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, Liberty, New Mexico State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, SMU, Nebraska, and North Texas and Beat FCS NW State and Beat FIU and UTEP 129. Louisiana Monroe (2-9) Lost to Ole Miss, Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Texas State, Texas A&M, South Alabama, and App State and Beat FCS Lamar and Beat Army 130. Sam Houston (2-9) Lost to Western Kentucky, UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, BYU, Houston, and Air Force and Beat FCS Kennesaw State and Beat Louisiana Tech 131. UConn (2-9) Lost to James Madison, UTK, Boston College, USF, Utah State, Duke, NC State, FIU, and Georgia State and Beat FCS Sacred Heart and Beat Rice 132. Nevada (2-9) Lost to FCS Idaho and Lost to Colorado State, Utah State, Hawaii, UNLV, Fresno State, USC, Texas State, and Kansas and Beat SDSU and New Mexico 133. Kent State (1-10) Lost to Ball State, Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami, OH, UCF, Fresno State, and Arkansas and Beat FCS Central Conn
My polls and rankings are unique as I do not rank teams based solely on how they perform on any given weekend but rather on where they will end up at the end of the year. This system is more accurate than the AP and Coaches poles, which typically have more movement during the season. If you win, I will not move you down. Winning is positive and should be rewarded unlike the AP. This strategy requires me to spend more time to wisely choose who should be at the top, but I think it is a good thing. If you beat an FCS team, I will not move you backwards for taking a week off. However, there is a good chance that I may not move you up in the poll. A team that played an FBS opponent will get a chance to move up quicker and be rewarded for their choice to play a team at their FBS level.
MY CFP RANKINGS/ THE PICKS Seven three loss teams were ranked above a one loss Tulane. The CFP committee failed the Green Wave and other “G5” teams who have had stellar years but basically do not exist in the CFP’s world. Liberty is undefeated and one loss Toledo do not exist in their rankings. If the computer is right, all three will not lose this season and be their conference champs.
At 10-0, three of Liberty’s wins came over teams with a winning record. I can see the hesitation there. But Toledo and Tulane have better arguments. Toledo’s only loss came on the road as Illinois made a field goal to win 30-28 in the final five seconds of the Rockets first game of the season.
The Green Wave’s only loss was to No. 13 Ole Miss. Tulane led much of the game until the 4th quarter. The fighting Landsharks scored twice in the final 1:53 of the 4th quarter to win 37-20.
These three teams deserve a path to a twelve or my preference, a sixteen-team playoff. If you have one loss or less and are your conference’s champion, you should be in. Based on that, here are my CFP rankings for the week:
MY CFP RANKINGS Here are my playoff rankings for the week: (Record is the projected record) 1. Georgia 12-0 Automatic Bid: Projected SEC Champion 2. Florida State 12-0 Automatic Bid: Projected ACC Champion 3. Ohio State 11-1 Automatic Bid: Projected BIG10 Champion 4. Alabama 11-1 5. Washington 12-0 Automatic Bid: Projected PAC12 Champion 6. Michigan 12-0 7. Tulane 11-1 Automatic Bid: Projected American Champion 8. Liberty 12-0 Automatic Bid: Projected C-USA Champion 9. Texas 11-1 10. Oregon 11-1 11. Toledo 11-1 Automatic Bid: Projected MAC Champion 12. Louisville 10-2 13. Missouri 10-2 14. Oklahoma 10-2 15. Ole Miss 10-2 16. Penn State 10-2
OUT IN THE COLD: 17. James Madison 12-0 (Not eligible for the playoff) 18. SMU 10-2 19. Troy 10-2 20. Oregon State 8-4 21. Fresno State 10-2 22. Miami, OH 10-2 23. Iowa 10-2 24. LSU 9-3 25. Oklahoma State 9-3
Now for this week’s picks:
WEEK 12 PICKS: UCLA at USC The Big 10 loved these two so much that they grabbed them first and started the slow death of the PAC12 as we know it. Both teams are underperforming this season with four losses each. Perfect for the richest conference on the planet. USC for the win.
Illinois at Iowa Iowa’s defense and punter does it again. 130th in passing, 104 in rushing, 122nd points scored but most importantly, 3rd in points allowed out of 133 teams in the FBS. Make fun of it if you want but the Hawkeyes and ranked and will probably finish the season 10-2. Iowa for the win.
Southern Miss at Mississippi State For years the fighting Landsharks and Bulldogs avoided playing the other FBS team in the magnolia state. Good to see State playing their counterparts from the south. Mississippi State for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Mississippi State Charlie’s Pick: Mississippi State Dustin’s Pick: Mississippi State
App State at James Madison This game is worthy of a Gameday visit. James Madison for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: App State Charlie’s Pick: James Madison Dustin’s Pick: James Madison
Georgia at UTK I would love to see the kayos of an upset. Nothing sucks like a big ole orange. Georgia for the win.
Cal at Stanford If Cal loses, they will have seven losses be ineligible for a bowl. Stanford is already in the seven-loss column. Hey look, the band is on the field and this pillow fight is over. But hey they have higher academic standards. Cal for the win.
Celebrity Guest Picker: Cal Charlie’s Pick: Stanford Dustin’s Pick: Stanford
FCS: Montana State at Montana A rivalry game as a primer before the playoffs. Montana for the win.
D3: Playoffs Bethel at Wisconsin Whitewater The first six teams Wisconsin Whitewater faced this season were all ranked. Good practice for the difficult playoff season. This is their 16th playoff appearance. This is Bethel’s 12th playoff appearance and their third in a row. The MIAC champs’ head coach is retiring these years after 34 seasons with the Royals. Wisconsin Whitewater for the win.
WEEK ELLEVEN RESULTS Blake: Wins: 5 Losses: 5 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 85 Losses: 35 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 4 Losses 7 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 100 Losses: 53
Celebrity Guest Picker: Wins: 8 Losses: 2 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 89 Losses: 31 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 4 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 4 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 9 Losses 2 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 112 Losses: 41
Charlie: Wins: 7 Losses: 3 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 77 Losses: 43 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 8 Losses 3 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 7 Losses 4 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 98 Losses: 55
Dustin: Wins: 4 Losses: 6 FBS Total on the Season: Wins: 80 Losses: 40 FCS Total on the Season: Wins 5 Losses 6 D2 Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 5 D3 Total on the Season: Wins 6 Losses 5 Overall, on the Season: Wins: 97 Losses: 56
NOTE: The picks are presented every week for entertainment purposes and for fun. They are not to be used for betting advice. As a matter of fact, the author of the picks strongly discourages any form of sports betting. Again, these picks are made for fun and not for any other reason.
My Top 25 College Football 2023 Week Eleven – November 13, 2023
1. Georgia (10-0) Beat FCS UT Martin and Beat Ole Miss, Missouri, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Auburn, South Carolina, UAB, and Ball State 2. Florida State (10-0) Beat Miami, FL, Pitt, Wake Forrest, Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Clemson, LSU, Boston College, and Southern Miss 3. Ohio State (10-0) Beat FCS Youngstown State and Beat Michigan State, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Maryland, Indiana, Notre Dame, and Western Kentucky 4. Alabama (9-1) Lost to Texas and Beat Kentucky, LSU, UTK, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, MTSU, Ole Miss, and USF 5. Washington (10-0) Beat Utah, USC, Stanford, Arizona State, Oregon, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Michigan State, and Tulsa 6. Michigan (10-0) Beat Penn State, Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Rutgers, East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV 7. Tulane (9-1) Lost to Ole Miss and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Tulsa, East Carolina, Rice, North Texas, Memphis, South Alabama, UAB, and Southern Miss 8. Liberty (10-0) Beat Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, Western Kentucky, MTSU, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston, FIU, Buffalo, Bowling Green, and New Mexico State 9. Texas (9-1) Lost to Oklahoma and Beat TCU, Kansas State, BYU. Houston, Kansas, Baylor, Rice, Wyoming, and Alabama 10. Oregon (9-1) Lost to Washington and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat USC, Cal, Utah, Washington State, Stanford, Texas Tech, Colorado, and Hawaii 11. Toledo (9-1) Lost to Illinois and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, OH, Ball State, UMass, San Jose State, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan 12. Louisville (9-1) Lost to Pitt and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Virginia, Virginia Tech, Duke, Notre Dame, NC State, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Indiana 13. Missouri (8-2) Lost to Georgia and LSU and Beat FCS South Dakota and Beat UTK, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Memphis, and Kansas State 14. Oklahoma (8-2) Lost to Oklahoma State and Kansas and Beat West Virginia, UCF, Texas, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Arkansas State, and SMU 15. Ole Miss (8-2) Lost to Georgia and Alabama and Beat FCS Mercer and Beat Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Tulane 16. Penn State (8-2) Lost to Michigan and Ohio State and Beat FCS Delaware and Beat Maryland, Indiana, UMass, Northwestern, West Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois 17. James Madison (10-0) Beat FCS Bucknell and Beat UConn, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Georgia Southern, South Alabama, Virginia, Utah State, and Troy 18. SMU (8-2) Lost to Oklahoma and TCU and Beat FCS Prairie View A&M and Beat North Texas, Rice, Tulsa, Temple, Beat Louisiana Tech, East Carolina, and Charlotte 19. Troy (8-2) Lost to James Madison and Kansas State and Beat FCS Stephen F Austin and Beat Louisiana Monroe, South Alabama, Texas State, Army, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, and Georgia State 20. Oregon State (8-2) Lost to Arizona and Washington State and Beat FCS UC Davis and Beat Stanford, Colorado, UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, Utah, and SDSU 21. Fresno State (8-2) Lost to San Jose State and Wyoming and Beat FCS Western Washington and Beat Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, Nevada, Purdue, Kent State, and Arizona State 22. Miami, OH (8-2) Lost to Miami, FL and Toledo and Beat FCS Delaware State and Beat Akron, Ohio, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, UMass, Kent State, and Cincinnati 23. Iowa (8-2) Lost to Minnesota and Penn State and Beat Rutgers, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State, Utah State, Western Michigan, and Iowa State 24. LSU (7-3) Lost to Florida State, Alabama, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS Grambling and Beat Florida, Army, Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Arkansas 25. Oklahoma State (7-3) Lost to Iowa State, UCF, and South Alabama and Beat FCS Central Arkansas and Beat Oklahoma, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kansas, and Kansas State
Waiting to get into the Top 25: 26. North Carolina (8-2) Lost to Virginia and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Campbell and Beat Duke, Miami, FL, Syracuse, Pitt, South Carolina, Minnesota, and App State 27. Kansas State (7-3) Lost to Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS SEMO and Beat Baylor, Houston, TCU, Troy, Texas Tech, and UCF 28. Memphis (8-2) Lost to Tulane and Missouri and Beat FCS Bethune Cookman and Beat Charlotte, USF, North Texas, UAB, Navy, Boise State, and Arkansas State 29. UNLV (8-2) Lost to Michigan and Fresno State and Beat FCS Bryant and Beat Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, Vanderbilt, Hawaii, and UTEP 30. Utah (7-3) Lost to Washington, Oregon and Oregon State and Beat FCS Weber State and Beat Arizona State, USC, Cal, Florida, UCLA, and Baylor 31. Air Force (8-2) Lost to Hawaii and Army and Beat FCS Robert Morris and Beat Colorado State, Navy, Wyoming, SDSU, Utah State, San Jose State, and Sam Houston 32. Ohio (7-3) Lost to Miami, OH, Northern Illinois and SDSU and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat Buffalo, Western Michigan, Kent State, FAU, Bowling Green, and Iowa State 33. Notre Dame (7-3) Lost to Louisville, Clemson, and Ohio State and Beat FCS TSU and Beat Pitt, USC, Duke, Central Michigan, Navy, and NC State 34. UTK (7-3) Lost to Florida, Missouri, and Alabama and Beat FCS Austin Peay and Beat UConn, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Virginia, South Carolina, and UTSA 35. New Mexico State (8-3) Lost to UMass, Liberty, and Hawaii and Beat FCS Western Illinois and Beat Western Kentucky, MTSU, Louisiana Tech, UTEP, New Mexico, Sam Houston, and FIU 36. NC State (7-3) Lost to Notre Dame, Duke, and Louisville and Beat FCS VMI and Beat Wake Forrest, Miami, FL, Clemson, UConn, Marshall, and Virginia 37. Kansas (7-3) Lost to Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Missouri State and Beat Iowa State, Oklahoma, UCF, Illinois, BYU, and Nevada 38. UTSA (7-3) Lost to Army, UTK, and Houston and Beat Rice, North Texas, East Carolina, FAU, Texas State, UAB, and Temple 39. Arizona (7-3) Lost to USC, Mississippi State and Washington and Beat FCS Northern AZ and Beat Colorado, UCLA, Oregon State, UTEP, Washington State, and Stanford 40. Coastal Carolina (7-3) Lost to Georgia State, Georgia Southern, and UCLA and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat Texas State, Old Dominion, Marshall, Arkansas State, Jacksonville State and App State 41. Jacksonville St (7-3) Lost to Liberty, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina and Beat FCS ETSU and Beat FIU, Western Kentucky, MTSU, UTEP, Sam Houston, and Eastern Michigan 42. Iowa State (6-4) Lost to Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Ohio and Beat FCS Northern Iowa and Beat BYU, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, and TCU 43. Clemson (6-4) Lost to NC State, Duke, Miami, FL, and Florida State and Beat FCS Charleston Southern and Beat Georgia Tech, Notre Dame, FAU, Wake Forrest, and Syracuse 44. Kentucky (6-4) Lost to Alabama, Missouri, UTK, and Georgia and Beat FCS Eastern Kentucky and Beat Mississippi State, Florida, Ball State, Vanderbilt, and Akron 45. Wyoming (6-4) Lost to UNLV, Air Force, Boise State, and Texas and Beat FCS Portland State and Beat Colorado State, Fresno State, Texas Tech, New Mexico, and App State 46. Auburn (6-4) Lost to Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Samford and Beat Arkansas, Vanderbilt, UMass, Mississippi State, and Cal 47. Georgia Southern (6-4) Lost to Marshall, James Madison, Texas State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS The Citadel and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Monroe, UAB, Coastal Carolina, and Ball State 48. App State (6-4) Lost to Old Dominion, North Carolina, Coastal Carolina, and Wyoming and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat Georgia State, Marshall, East Carolina, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 49. Duke (6-4) Lost to North Carolina, Notre Dame, Louisville, and Florida State and Beat FCS Lafayette and Beat Wake Forrest, NC State, Clemson, UConn, and Northwestern 50. Illinois (5-5) Lost to Wisconsin, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, and Kansas and Beat Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Maryland, and FAU
Waiting to get into the Top 50: 51. West Virginia (6-4) Lost to Oklahoma, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and Houston and Beat FCS Duquesne and Beat BYU, UCF, Pitt, TCU, and Texas Tech 52. UCLA (6-4) Lost to Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State and Utah and Beat FCS North Carolina Central and Beat Colorado, Stanford, Coastal Carolina, Washington State, and SDSU 53. Maryland (6-4) Lost to Penn State, Ohio State, Northwestern, and Illinois and Beat FCS Towson and Beat Nebraska, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan State, and Charlotte 54. USC (7-4) Lost to Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame and Beat Cal, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State, Stanford, San Jose State, and Nevada 55. Bowling Green (6-4) Lost to Miami, OH, Liberty, Ohio, and Michigan and Beat FCS Eastern Illinois and Beat Kent State, Ball State, Georgia Tech, Akron, and Buffalo 56. Georgia State (6-4) Lost to App State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, and Troy and Beat FCS Rhode Island and Beat Louisiana, Marshall, UConn, Coastal Carolina, and Charlotte 57. Rutgers (6-4) Lost to Iowa, Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat Indiana, Michigan State, Northwestern, Virginia Tech, and Temple 58. Miami, FL (6-4) Lost to Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Bethune-Cookman and Beat Virginia, Clemson, Miami, OH, Temple, and Texas A&M 59. Texas State (6-4) Lost to Coastal Carolina, UTSA, Troy, and Louisiana and Beat FCS Jackson State and Beat Georgia Southern, Louisiana Monroe, Baylor, Southern Miss, and Nevada 60. Boston College (6-4) Lost to Virginia Tech, Florida State, Louisville, and Northern Illinois and Beat FCS Holy Cross and Beat Syracuse, UConn, Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Army 61. Texas A&M (6-4) Lost to Ole Miss, UTK, Miami, FL, and Alabama and Beat Mississippi State, South Carolina, Arkansas, New Mexico, Auburn, and Louisiana Monroe 62. Texas Tech (5-5) Lost to BYU, Kansas State, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Oregon and Beat FCS Tarleton State and Beat Kansas, Houston, TCU, and Baylor 63. UCF (5-5) Lost to West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, and Baylor and Beat FCS Villanova and Beat Oklahoma State, Kent State, Cincinnati, and Boise State 64. Western Kentucky (5-5) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Troy, Jacksonville State, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Houston Christian and Beat UTEP, USF, Louisiana Tech, and MTSU 65. USF (5-5) Lost to Memphis, FAU, Alabama, UAB, and Western Kentucky and Beat FCS Florida A&M and Beat Temple, Rice, UConn, and Navy 66. Nebraska (5-5) Lost to Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Colorado and Beat Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, Illinois, and Louisiana Tech 67. Wisconsin (5-5) Lost to Northwestern, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, and Washington State and Beat Illinois, Rutgers, Buffalo, Purdue, and Georgia Southern 68. Florida (5-5) Lost to LSU, Arkansas, Utah, Georgia, and Kentucky and Beat FCS McNeese and Beat South Carolina, UTK, Vanderbilt, and Charlotte 69. San Jose State (5-5) Lost to Boise State, Air Force, USC, Toledo, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Cal Poly and Beat Fresno State, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Utah State 70. South Alabama (5-5) Lost to Troy, Louisiana, Central Michigan, James Madison, and Tulane and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Monroe 71. Virginia Tech (5-5) Lost to Louisville, Florida State, Rutgers, Marshall, and Purdue and Beat Boston College, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Wake Forrest, and Pitt 72. Navy (4-5) Lost to Temple, Air Force, Memphis, USF, and Notre Dame and Beat FCS Wagner and Beat North Texas, UAB, and Charlotte 73. Northwestern (5-5) Lost to Iowa, Nebraska, Duke, Penn State, and Rutgers and Beat FCS Howard and Beat Wisconsin, UTEP, Maryland, and Minnesota 74. Boise State (5-5) Lost to Fresno State, Colorado State, Washington, Memphis, and UCF and Beat FCS North Dakota and Beat New Mexico, SDSU, Wyoming, and San Jose State 75. Marshall (5-5) Lost to App State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, James Madison, and NC State and Beat FCS Albany and Beat Georgia Southern, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion, and East Carolina 76. Syracuse (5-5) Lost to Boston College, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Colgate and Beat Pitt, Western Michigan, Army, and Purdue 77. Utah State (5-5) Lost to San Jose State, Fresno State, Iowa, James Madison, and Air Force and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Nevada, UConn, SDSU, and Colorado State 78. Georgia Tech (5-5) Lost to Clemson, Boston College, Louisville, Bowling Green, and Ole Miss and Beat FCS SC State and Beat Virginia, Wake Forrest, North Carolina, and Miami, FL 79. BYU (5-5) Lost to Iowa State, West Virginia, TCU, Texas, and Kansas and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Texas Tech, Sam Houston, Cincinnati, and Arkansas 80. Central Michigan (5-5) Lost to Western Michigan, Ball State, Notre Dame, Buffalo, and Michigan State and Beat FCS New Hampshire and Beat Northern Illinois, South Alabama, Akron, and Eastern Michigan 81. Arkansas State (5-5) Lost to South Alabama, Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma, Troy, and Memphis and Beat FCS Stony Brook and Beat Louisiana, Southern Miss, Louisiana Monroe, and UMass 82. Minnesota (5-5) Lost to Purdue, Illinois, North Carolina, Michigan, and Northwestern and Beat Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Eastern Michigan 83. Louisiana (5-5) Lost to Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Old Dominion, Georgia State, and Minnesota and Beat FCS NW State and Beat South Alabama, UAB, Texas State, and Buffalo 84. South Carolina (4-6) Lost to Texas A&M, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, UTK, and North Carolina and Beat FCS Furman and Beat Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Jacksonville State 85. Western Michigan (4-6) Lost to Ohio, Miami, OH, Minnesota, Iowa, Toledo, and Syracuse and Beat FCS St Francis and Beat Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State 86. Washington State (4-6) Lost to Cal, Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat FCS Northern Colorado and Beat Colorado State, Oregon State, and Wisconsin 87. Wake Forrest (4-6) Lost to NC State, Duke, Florida State, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia Tech and Beat FCS Elon and Beat Vanderbilt, Pitt, and Old Dominion 88. FIU (4-6) Lost to MTSU, Jacksonville State, UTEP, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Louisiana Tech and Beat FCS Maine and Beat North Texas, Sam Houston, and UConn 89. Eastern Michigan (4-6) Lost to Toledo, Western Michigan, Northern Illinois, Minnesota, Central Michigan, and Jacksonville State and Beat FCS Howard and Beat UMass, Kent State, and Ball State 90. Northern Illinois (4-6) Lost to FCS Southern Illinois and Lost to Ball State, Central Michigan, Tulsa, Toledo, and Nebraska and Beat Eastern Michigan, Boston College, Ohio, and Akron 91. TCU (4-6) Lost to Texas, Texas Tech, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Nicholls and Beat Houston, BYU, and SMU 92. FAU (4-6) Lost to East Carolina, UAB, UTSA, Ohio, Illinois, and Clemson and Beat FCS Monmouth and Tulsa, Charlotte, and USF 93. Old Dominion (4-6) Lost to Liberty, Coastal Carolina, James Madison, Wake Forrest, Marshall, and Virginia Tech and Beat FCS TXA&M Commerce and Beat Louisiana, App State, and Southern Miss 94. Colorado (4-6) Lost to Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Oregon, Stanford, and USC and Beat TCU, Colorado State, Arizona State, and Nebraska 95. Colorado State (4-6) Lost to Wyoming, Air Force, UNLV, Washington State, Utah State, and Colorado and Beat FCS Utah Tech and Beat MTSU, SDSU, and Boise State 96. Army (4-6) Lost to UMass, LSU, Troy, Syracuse, Boston College, and Louisiana Monroe and Beat FCS Del State and Holy Cross and Beat UTSA and Air Force 97. Cal (4-6) Lost to Oregon, USC, Utah, Washington, Oregon State, and Auburn and Beat FCS Idaho and Beat North Texas, Washington State, and Arizona State 98. Rice (4-6) Lost to UTSA, SMU, Tulane, Texas, UConn, and USF and Beat FCS Texas Southern and Beat Houston, Tulsa, and East Carolina 99. Houston (4-6) Lost to Cincinnati, Kansas State, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Rice and Beat Baylor, UTSA, West Virginia, and Sam Houston 100. Mississippi State (4-6) Lost to Texas A&M, Kentucky, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, and South Carolina and Beat FCS SE Louisiana and Beat Arizona, Arkansas, and Western Michigan
NO BOWL FOR YOU: 101. Hawaii (4-7) Lost to San Jose State, New Mexico, SDSU, UNLV, Vanderbilt, Oregon, and Stanford and Beat FCS Albany and Beat New Mexico State, Air Force, and Nevada 102. Purdue (3-7) Lost to Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Iowa, Syracuse, Wisconsin, and Fresno State and Beat Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Illinois 103. Southern Miss (3-7) Lost to App State, South Alabama, Old Dominion, Texas State, Tulane, Arkansas State, and Florida State and Beat FCS Alcorn State and Beat Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana 104. MTSU (3-7) Lost to New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, Western Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado State, and Missouri and Beat FCS Murray State and Beat Louisiana Tech and FIU 105. Indiana (3-7) Lost to Illinois, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan, Louisville, Maryland, and Ohio State and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Akron and Wisconsin 106. Arkansas (3-7) Lost to Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and LSU and Beat FCS Western Carolina and Beat Florida and Kent State 107. UAB (3-7) Lost to Navy, Memphis, UTSA, Tulane, Louisiana, Georgia, and Georgia Southern and Beat FCS NCA&T and Beat USF and FAU 108. Cincinnati (3-7) Lost to UCF, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State, BYU, Miami, OH and Oklahoma and Beat FCS EKU and Beat Houston and Pitt 109. Charlotte (3-7) Lost to Memphis, FAU, Navy, SMU, Georgia State, Florida, and Maryland and Beat FCS South Carolina State and Beat East Carolina and Tulsa 110. North Texas (3-7) Lost to SMU, UTSA, Memphis, Tulane, Cal, Navy, and FIU and Beat FCS Abilene Christian and Beat Louisiana Tech and Temple 111. Arizona State (3-7) Lost to Utah, Washington, Colorado, Cal, Fresno State, USC, and Oklahoma State and Beat FCS Southern Utah and Beat Washington State and UCLA 112. Ball State (3-7) Lost to Bowling Green, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Georgia and Beat FCS Indiana State and Beat Central Michigan and Northern Illinois 113. UTEP (3-7) Lost to Western Kentucky, New Mexico State, Louisiana Tech, UNLV, Jacksonville St, Arizona, and Northwestern and Beat FCS Incarnate Word and Beat FIU and Sam Houston 114. Tulsa (3-7) Lost to Tulane, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, Washington, FAU, and Oklahoma and Beat FCS UAPB and Beat Northern Illinois and Temple 115. Buffalo (3-7) Lost to FCS Fordham and Lost to Ohio, Toledo, Bowling Green, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and Liberty and Beat Akron, Kent State, and Central Michigan 116. Temple (3-7) Lost to USF, SMU, North Texas, UTSA, Rutgers, Tulsa, and Miami, FL and Beat FCS Norfolk State and Beat Akron and Navy 117. Baylor (3-7) Lost to Kansas State, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas, and Utah and Beat FCS Long Island and Beat UCF and Cincinnati 118. UMass (3-7) Lost to Penn State, Toledo, Arkansas State, New Mexico, Eastern Michigan, Miami, OH, and Auburn and Beat FCS Merrimack and Beat New Mexico and Army 119. SDSU (3-7) Lost to Colorado State, Utah State, Nevada, Air Force, UCLA, Boise State, and Oregon State and Beat FCS Idaho State and Beat Hawaii and Ohio 120. Michigan State (3-7) Lost to Ohio State, Minnesota, Michigan, Rutgers, Maryland, Iowa, and Washington and Beat FCS Richmond and Beat Central Michigan and Nebraska 121. Stanford (3-7) Lost to FCS Sacramento State and Lost to Oregon State, Washington, UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Arizona and Beat Hawaii, Washington State, and Colorado 122. East Carolina (2-8) Lost to Tulane, UTSA, Charlotte, SMU, Rice, App State, Michigan, and Marshall and Beat FCS Gardner-Webb and Beat FAU 123. Akron (2-8) Lost to Miami, OH, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Buffalo, Kentucky, Indiana, and Temple and Beat FCS Morgan State and Beat Kent State 124. Virginia (2-8) Lost to Louisville, Georgia Tech, Miami, FL, Boston College, NC State, Maryland, UTK, and James Madison and Beat FCS William & Mary and Beat North Carolina 125. Louisiana Tech (3-8) Lost to Sam Houston, Liberty, New Mexico State, MTSU, Western Kentucky, SMU, Nebraska, and North Texas and Beat FCS NW State and Beat FIU and UTEP 126. Pitt (2-8) Lost to Syracuse, Florida State, Notre Dame, Wake Forrest, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Cincinnati and Beat FCS Wofford and Beat Louisville 127. New Mexico (3-8) Lost to Boise State, UNLV, Nevada, San Jose State, Wyoming, New Mexico State, and Texas A&M and Beat FCS Tennessee Tech and Beat Hawaii and UMass 128. Louisiana Monroe (2-8) Lost to Troy, Southern Miss, Arkansas State, Georgia Southern, Texas State, Texas A&M, South Alabama, and App State and Beat FCS Lamar and Beat Army 129. Sam Houston (2-8) Lost to UTEP, FIU, New Mexico State, Liberty, Jacksonville State, BYU, Houston, and Air Force and Beat FCS Kennesaw State and Beat Louisiana Tech 130. Nevada (2-8) Lost to FCS Idaho and Lost to Utah State, Hawaii, UNLV, Fresno State, USC, Texas State, and Kansas and Beat SDSU and New Mexico 131. Vanderbilt (2-9) Lost to South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, UNLV, Kentucky, and Wake Forrest and Beat FCS Alabama A&M and Beat Hawaii 132. Kent State (1-9) Lost to Bowling Green, Akron, Buffalo, Eastern Michigan, Ohio, Miami, OH, UCF, Fresno State, and Arkansas and Beat FCS Central Conn 133. UConn (1-9) Lost to James Madison, UTK, Boston College, USF, Utah State, Duke, NC State, FIU, and Georgia State and Beat Rice
My polls and rankings are unique as I do not rank teams based solely on how they perform on any given weekend but rather on where they will end up at the end of the year. This system is more accurate than the AP and Coaches poles, which typically have more movement during the season. If you win, I will not move you down. Winning is positive and should be rewarded unlike the AP. This strategy requires me to spend more time to wisely choose who should be at the top, but I think it is a good thing. If you beat an FCS team, I will not move you backwards for taking a week off. However, there is a good chance that I may not move you up in the poll. A team that played an FBS opponent will get a chance to move up quicker and be rewarded for their choice to play a team at their FBS level.
My Top 25 College Football Weblog 