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.
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.
It’s time to get that last-minute prognostication in before the season kicks off so I present to you my rankings of all 130 teams in NCAA FBS Football.
If you are new to my rankings, I rank teams based upon how I believe they will finish at the end of the year. Not solely how they played the previous week. I look at their opponents valuing wins over perceived who is better than who. I look at the numbers as they are often quite telling. The two potholes in my rankings, if you are not eligible for the postseason, then you will be ranked in the lower part of my poll. (North Carolina is in the cellar awaiting potential penalties.) Also if you were my top team at the end of the previous season then you automatically start my preseason poll at the top. Oh, also I don’t move winning teams back. If you win I will not punish you like the AP does for crappy wins. This makes me think harder of who I put where in the poll. But I like the challenge. Since 2007, my poll is traditionally more accurate than the AP poll.
This season in addition to ranking I am providing a projected record. I picked every game that all 130 teams play to come up with this record. Also I have notes from my research on each team detailing what I consider what will be critical to each team’s season outcome.
All that said it time to kick off the season. Here are my preseason rankings for 2018.
1. UCF (10-2) Head Coach Josh Heupel will also be the offensive coordinator in addition with his head coaching duties. McKenzie Milton is the best quarterback in the conference. How he will fit into Josh Heupel’s schemes will determine if they run the table again in the American or if they will be in a dog fight for a fourth conference title in six years.
2. Clemson (11-1) The Tigers look to be the favorites to be the ACC Champions. They return most of the key positions on offense and eight of the starters on defense.
3. Georgia (11-1) The Bulldogs could be the best team in the SEC. They return seven offensive and five defensive starters including quarterback Jake Fromm. Expectations are high in Athens, GA.
4. Alabama (11-1) There has been much made about the Crimson Tide’s quarterback drama but that will settle itself out. The Tide starts with a soft schedule. Four of their eight conference games feature first year had coaches. The will return seven starters on the offense. They will only return two starters on the defense. That could be a problem. We will see if the stories are true and Alabama’s underclassmen will be able to step up and gel.
5. Washington (10-2) The Huskies quarterback and running back could have left for the NFL but instead they have returned to try to win the PAC12. Five other starts return to the offense with them. The defense is only missing three starters from 2017. The Huskies are loaded. But can they stay healthy and live up to their potential.
6. Oklahoma (10-2) I poo pooed the Sooners chances last season only to later eat crow. Until what they traditionally do every year. CHOKE! This year it was Iowa State then they tripped themselves up in the playoff to Georgia. That said even though they like to choke.. Choklahoma had a great season blowing my estimations as well as the experts. They need to find a replacement for Baker Mayfield at quarterback but they will still return six starters on offense and four on defense.
7. USC (11-1) The heat is on at USC and that is unfair to Clay Helton who won 21 games in his first two seasons. Just because he didn’t play for USC doesn’t mean he is not worthy of coaching there and winning there. In the last forty years the Trojans have only won two titles in 2003 and 2004. I know LA expects more but they need to back off and let Helton work his magic. The Trojans return six players on the offense and seven on the defense.
8. Michigan State (10-2) Sparty won ten games last season. They return nineteen of twenty-two starters including quarterback Brian Lewerke. With Michigan rebuilding and possible stumbles of PSU and OSU Sparty has a chance.
9. Miami, FL (11-1)It looks like Miami,FL might be back, is that too soon to say? The quarterback returns as well as eleven additional starters.
10. Penn State (10-2) Last season was successful but a lot of those players have now either graduated or left for the NFL. A new offensive coordinator will greet the seven returning offensive starters. Only two starters return on defense. This could be a trying year for James Franklin.
11. Boise State (10-2) The Broncos have the best chance of winning the Mountain West. The Boise State returns six starters on offense including their star quarterback and running back and eight starters on defense.
12. Wisconsin (11-1) The Badgers might have the best potential of any team in the Big 10 to make the conference championship game. They return three All-Americans, their quarterback and the entire offensive line. Defense has been a key pillar in the success of the Badgers. They will return only three defensive starters. If the new players fill the big shoes of their predecessors, the Big 10 West will be theirs for the taking.
13. Auburn (10-2) The Tigers faced three of the four teams in the playoff four times last season. They went 2-2 against the lot and probably had the toughest schedule in football. This season they return the starting quarterback and five other offensive starters. They also return six defensive starters. The four losses in 2017 (including their Peach Bowl loss to UCF) stung. A veteran team should help ease the sting.
14. Stanford (10-2) The Cardinals are loaded with seven returning starters on offense but only four on defense. Their only potential issue, a new offensive coordinator. But sometimes change is good.
15. Virginia Tech (10-2) The letter D is not in the name Hokies but it should be. Bud Foster has ruled the roost there for 24 years. Only five starters will return to Blacksburg, VA this fall but seven starters in the offense including the quarterback and two wide receivers will give Virginia Tech a chance to win the Costal.
16. South Carolina (10-2) Its year three for Will Muschamp in Columbia, SC. Eleven starters return to the Gamecocks including quarterback Jake Bentley.
17. Iowa (10-2) After turning heads with a 31-point beating of Ohio State, Nate Stanley returns for his Junior season. So, does seven starters on the offense. The weak spot may be the young defense who return only three starters.
18. Utah (10-2) Offensive coordinator Troy Taylor was getting his feet wet in 2017 as it was his first year as the team’s offensive coordinator. Year two should bring some improvement with seven returning starters on the offense. Only four starters return on defense so that could be an issue early in the season.
19. FAU (10-2) The Fightin Owls lost three of their first four games last season only to run the table and go undefeated in their conference and win their bowl game. Not bad for their first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. The now veteran college coach will have his work cut out for him in season two as he has new coordinators and a youthful offense (five returning starters). Nine starters return on defense but probably with a new playbook.
20. USF (10-2) Could be the best team in the AAC East. They have won 21 of their last 25 games in the last two years.
21. Notre Dame (9-3) The national publications love Notre Dame this year. Two of them have the guys from South Bend ranked in the top ten. I don’t buy that. They are returning just five starters on the offense but one of them is the quarterback so the offense will be improved. They return seven starters on defense but they veterans will have to learn new schemes as Notre Dame has a new defensive coordinator. The good news is the schedule is favorable for them.
22. Florida (9-3) Dan Mullen is a great coach. Now he will be tested both with his new team of thirteen returning starters and fans with unrealistic expectations. Like other SEC schools Florida wants to know why they aren’t winning national titles like Alabama every other year. Gator fans need to understand that they are not Alabama and they need to concentrate only on the Gator in the mirror. Work every day to improve the program and retain your head coach when in year two he hasn’t won a national title. If they are patient, the Gators time in the spotlight could be just around the corner.
23. Arkansas State (10-2) The Red Wolves have had their way in the Sun Belt the past decade. They have the best chance to win the conference according to ESPN’s computer. Returning is their star quarterback Justice Hansen as well as their running back. The one two combination should help relieve the pressure of the six new starters on offense. The monkey wrench is that only three starters return on offense. If they can get the fourteen new starters up to speed then a conference title could be within reach. Saying they will have a better record at the end of the season than Arkansas is a given.
24. Ohio (10-2) This could be the Bobcat’s year to win the MAC. Ohio returns eight starters on offense including the key positions. On defense it is a different story with only four starters returning. Still Bobcat fans may want to leave their schedules open for a trip to Detroit the first weekend in December.
25. Oklahoma State (9-3) As long as I think about Oklahoma State I will always remember Mike Gundy’s speech “pick on me.. I’m a man.. I’m 40” That was eleven years ago. Now in this thirtieth year with the Cowboys Gundy will face a tough schedule that will have no off days as the season comes to an end. Only five starters return to the offense. That means a new quarterback but that also means a veteran running back in Justice Hill. (Sounds like the name of a type of guy that would burn up the turf in the Big 12). Expect the Cowboys to pass more this season which will help out their young quarterback. The defense may need some work. The Cowboys will return seven starters but will probably have a new playbook with a new defensive coordinator.
Waiting to get into the Top 25:
26. West Virginia (9-3) Seven of the ten schools in the Big 12 will have new quarterbacks this season. The Mountaineers return Will Grier who guided the team to a 7-6 record. He brings with him six starters on offense and four on defense.
27. Appalachian State (10-2) The Mountaineers have adjusted well to FBS football. This season on paper looks promising. The bad news is only nine starters return and they will have a new defensive coordinator.
28. SDSU (9-3) The offense is strong in San Diego as returning starter Christian Chapman may be one of the best quarterbacks in school history. Combine that with two great running backs and four other returning starters and SDSU is one of the teams to beat in the conference. Their defense is stout and returns five starters.
29. LSU (9-3) LSU fans need to calm down and get over Nick Saban. Take this corndog and calm down. Saban is gone. He is not coming back. Its ok.. you have a good coach In Ed Orgeron. Let him do his job. Twelve starters have moved on but ten return for LSU. They also have a new offensive coordinator. The schedule is difficult but is workable. Enjoy the season and your time will come.
30. Arizona (9-3) Texas A&M fans whined about Kevin Sumlin. That was too bad because they lost a great coach. What was the Aggies loss is the Wildcats gain. Sumlin brings a strong line up of coordinators with him to Tucson, AZ. The Wildcats retained their defensive coordinator who will oversee nine returning starters. Seven starters will acclimate to the new schemes on offense.
31. Iowa State (8-4) I will start by confessing that I am a Memphis fan. I was warned how good the Cyclones were and watched them beat my Tigers in the Liberty Bowl. They Cyclones had one of their best seasons in recent memory beating not only Memphis but Texas Tech, TCU and shocking the nation by knocking off Oklahoma 38-31 on the road. The Cyclones lost four of their five games by a touchdown or less. Head coach Matt Campbell who is also the offensive coordinator returns. Starting quarterback Kyle Kempt along with six offensive and six defensive starters return. They will be a force to reckon with in the Big 12. Count on at least one upset this season.
32. TCU (8-4) Highly touted quarterback Shawn Robinson is expected to start in his sophomore season. With him will only be three returning starters on offense and five on defense. Gary Patterson has developed the Horn Frogs into the most powerful program in Texas. The question will be how long will it take the new players to step up.
33. Ohio State (8-4) The Luckeyes are a football powerhouse. Where some teams struggle going to the second string it is truly next man up at OSU. When the starting quarterback went down last season up stepped Dwayne Haskins. Haskins is slated to lead a offense with only four returning starters. Five starters return on defense. Other polls have the Buckeyes ranked in the top 15. I have them at 33 because I believe the distractions in the off season along with the suspension of Urban Myer will have an effect. I have them losing to away from the Horseshoe against TCU and at Penn State, Purdue and Michigan State.
34. Troy (9-3) You probably don’t want to play Troy right now. The Trojans are 21-5 over the last two seasons and return twelve starters. Their opener against Boise State will set the stage for the next step for the program.
35. Houston (9-3) Kendal Briles is the new Offensive Coordinator. The Cougars return only 8 starters from 2017.
36. MTSU (10-2) Injuries killed the Blue Raiders chances of dominating their conference last season. Their line and starting quarterback went down early. When they came back they were tough to beat. Quarterback Brent Stockstill will be back along with all of his starting wide receivers (seven returning starters total on the offense.) Seven returning starters return on defense. Who will win C-USA largely depends on one game. September 29 MTSU hosts FAU. The winner will be in the driver’s seat.
37. Wyoming (9-3) Starting quarterback Josh Allen left for the NFL. But this will not be a rebuilding year. Eight starters return on offense and seven on defense. The key will be making the offense more productive and moving the Freshman quarterback in the right direction.
38. Navy (9-3) What should have been a solid 2017 left a bad feeling for the Midshipmen. The head coach and coordinators return along with the starting quarterback. Only seven starters return but do not be surprised if Navy turns out to be one of the teams to beat in the AAC.
39. Missouri (8-4) The Tigers outperformed my expectations last year. Their success lead to the offensive coordinator to land the job as head coach at UCF. Derek Dooley minus the orange pants will fill the offensive coordinators role with nine starters returning quarterback. Drew Lock. The defense returns six starters and a kicker who is accurate.
40. Utah State (9-3) The Aggies were a .500 team in 2017. Nine starters return on the offense and seven on the defense. The goal is to build on their success.
41. Louisville (8-4) A new starting quarterback and a new defensive coordinator highlight the changes going on with Louisville Football. While that is a signal for a drop, but don’t count them out. Seven returning starters on the offense will have something to say about it.
42. Cal (8-4) Last season the Bears exceeded expectations. Seventeen of the starters return including the key positions. Cal is on the rise.
43. Duke (8-4) Midway through the 2017 campaign things did not look good for the Dukies but they turned the ship around winning their last three games to go 7-6. Quarterback Daniel Jones returns along with six other starters on offense and six starters on defense.
44. Texas (8-4) Last season was a trying rebuilding year for the Longhorns. 2018 might also be another trying season. All of the main coaches return. But youth could still be a problem as the team is searching for a quarterback and is looking to fill twelve additional starting positions.
45. Memphis (8-4) The Tigers had their best season of football since the Spook Murphy era. Yet some change is coming. New Offensive Coordinator Kenny Dillingham takes over with a new starting quarterback and wide receivers. The good news is Defensive Coordinator Chris Ball returns along with seven players on a much-improved defense.
46. Mississippi State (7-5) Normally I poo poo any team that has a new head coach for their ability for success. This is not the case for the Bulldogs. Yes, the team will have to learn a new system but the cupboard is not bare in Starkville. Eight offensive starters return including the quarterback and running back. Six return of defense. The schedule is workable before they face Dan Mullen and Florida at the end of September.
47. Army (9-3) 2017 was the best season at West Point in recent history. The bad news is that only three of last year’s starters return on offense but seven return on defense. The program is going in the right direction. It will be interesting to see how the new starters perform.
48. Fresno State (8-4) Cal fired Jeff Tedford. That was a mistake.. He joined the Bulldogs and turned them from a 1-11 team into a 10-4 team. Fresno State returns seven starters on offense including the quarterback and wide receiver positions. The seven returning starters on defense will work with a new defensive coordinator.
49. Texas A&M (7-5) The Aggie faithful were a little too eager to get did of their coaching staff. They will now reap what they sowed as they will sit through what could be a long season. Only ten starters will return to learn the new system. The good news is that the Aggies have a strong coaching staff. The question is how long will the Aggie faithful wait until they call for Jimbo Fisher’s head?
50. Kansas State (7-5) I was high on Kansas State in the preseason last year. The Wildcats got off to a rough start but recovered beating Oklahoma State at their house. Still there was turnover in the off season with new coordinators. Legendary head coach Bill Snyder returns for his 27thseason. Seven offensive players and five defensive players will return.
Waiting to get into the Top 50:
51. NC State (8-4) The Wolfpack will count on quarterback Ryan Finley to come through with big plays that turn into wins. He has two veteran wide receivers returning to throw to but only two returning starters on the offense.
52. Louisiana Tech (8-4) The Bulldogs endured growing pains being blown out at home yet scoring a record of 7-6. This season should be better as seven starters return on offense including the quarterback and six starters return on defense.
53. North Texas (9-3) If your gonna play football in Texas you gotta have a strong quarterback on the team.. Mason Fine returns to lead a Mean Green team that went 9-5 last season and returns fourteen starters.
54. Michigan (7-5) The Achilles Heel for Michigan has been the quarterback position. This year the troubles could continue. Combine that with a new offensive coordinator and it could make for a long year. The good news is eight starters return on defense.
55. Nevada (8-4) The first year for Jay Norvell was a tough one going 3-9. 2018 should bring better results for the Wolf Pak who return seven starts on the offense at key positions and seven starters on defense.
56. Purdue (7-5) I underestimated the Boilermakers in 2017. I won’t do that again. Jeff Brohm is ahead of track in turning around a program that was basically dead. They will be a factor in 2018 but how much will be determined but how quickly the understudies get up to speed. Purdue must replace twelve starters from 2017.
57. Kentucky (7-5) Kentucky is a basketball school. So, what is Kentucky doing putting together back to back winning seasons? Hard work and good coaching have led to the improvements. Kentucky will have a new quarterback this season but will return seven starters on offense and seven on the defense.
58. Nebraska (6-6) Scott Frost was undeniably the biggest factor in college football last season. His turn around at Central Florida one to remember for a long time. Nebraska has fallen and fallen hard. Frost will be able to resurrect the program to a potential west champion but the Husker fans will need to be patient. New coaches and a depleted offense (Four returning starters) could make for another long season. Just give him time. Better days are ahead for Nebraska.
59. Louisiana Monroe (9-3) The Warhawk team is maturing as the coaches enter their third year with the team. All of the key offensive starters return. Five defensive starters return. Now the only thing lacking on Matt Viator’s resume at ULM is a winning record.
60. Buffalo (8-4) Injuries kept the Bulls from a successful 2017 campaign. Good news the offense returns seven starters including key positions. The bad news, only three starters return on offense.
61. Western Michigan (8-4) The Broncos hope to regain their success of recent years. Newcomers will need to get acclimated to the program if they are going to be successful. A total of ten starters return including the quarterback and two wide receivers.
62. Toledo (8-4) The Rockets won the MAC in 2017. But this year’s campaign may prove to be tougher. Only ten starters (four on offense) return to defend the title.
63. New Mexico State (8-4) The Aggies departed the Sun Belt with a winning record and bowl victory. Now as an Independent, they return six starters on offense and seven on defense.
64. Minnesota (7-5) The Gophers have received no love from the preseason magazines because of gaping holes in veteran leadership positions on the offense. They do return their running back. But that’s about it.. Five starters in total return to the offense. Six to the defense. You can only say HYPRR, Elite and Row the Boat for so long. This year fans will need to see growth.
65. Oregon (7-5) Former offensive coordinator Mario Cristobal is the new head coach at Oregon. Cristobal has retained defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo. The fourteen returning starters will determine if the Ducks float or fly this season.
66. Cincinnati (7-5) Last year brought in new coaches. Now time to build on a foundation.
67. Florida State (6-6) FSU fans were frustrated and some were happy to see Jimbo go. Now with the reset button pushed they will have to be patient while Willie Taggert rebuilds the program
68. Northwestern (6-6) The Wildcats won their last eight games of the season to finish 10-3. The problem is whether the veteran quarterback can remain healthy. Northwestern returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.
69. Colorado (7-5) Only nine starters return and maybe that is a good thing. The Buffaloes need a rebuilding year.
70. Texas Tech (7-5) This could be a make or break season in the panhandle. The Red Raiders have struggled the past few seasons. Gone is the 2017 offensive coordinator. Only five offensive starters return. The good news is the defensive coordinator returns with eight defensive starters on a much-improved defense. The question will be whether the defense has improved enough to make up for a green offense.
71. UAB (7-5) Up from the dead the Blazers came, going 8-5 and striking fear into everyone in their conference. What do you do for an encore? Hit it again and this time harder. Eight returning starters on offense including the quarterback and six on defense should do the trick. The issue will be first year offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent. But hey, after going 8-5 with a team that didn’t exist the year before.. anything is possible.
72. Southern Miss (7-5) I don’t expect total failure for the Golden Eagles but I think fans will need a dose of patience this year. The Golden Eagles return five starters on offense but that is where the good news ends. A new defense coordinator and three returning starters could make for interesting times in Hattiesburg.
73. Indiana (6-6) The Hoosiers have been better than their record has indicated over the last few years. This season will be a struggle as they will be looking for a new quarterback and are also looking to replace eight defensive starters from 2017.
74. Syracuse (6-6) If quarterback Eric Dungey can remain healthy they might make it to a bowl this season.
75. Central Michigan (6-6) Only three starters return on offense and that may be a good thing. Six starters on defense. Expectations are low for the season. That may be a good thing in a rebuilding year.
76. UNLV (6-6) The Rebels opened the 2017 season with a loss to and FCS team. They recovered to finish the season 5-7. The failures cost the Defensive Coordinator their job. The new DC will welcome six returning starters. The offense looks to improve with seven returning starters at key positions including Sophomore Quarterback Armani Rogers.
77. Eastern Michigan (6-6) They return the offensive line but the skill positions are lacking. Six returning starters on offense and six on defense. They will need to tighten down their efforts and try to win in overtime. Something they struggled with in 2017.
78. Temple (6-6) Last year was rebuilding year for Geoff Collins. 2018 looks more promising with 5 on the offense and 5 on the defense returning. The question will be how long it will take for the new QB to feel comfortable and the new defensive coordinator to install his program.
79. Miami, OH (6-6) The Redhawks barely missed out on the post season in 2017. A veteran crew will play a key role in their outcome this year with six offensive and eight defensive starters returning.
80. Old Dominion (6-6) Aren’t they a country group.. yes but not these guys. ODU made the jump to FBS a few years ago and this could be their coming out party. Seven starters return on the offense and defense including key positions like quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Time will tell if the program is ready to attempt to take the lead from FAU and MTSU.
81. Washington State (5-7) This has been a tough off season for the Cougars. Only ten starters return and the team welcomes new assistant coaches including a new defensive coordinator. Hopefully things will be on the way up for WSU.
82. Georgia Tech (5-7) The Yellow Jackets missed the postseason last year for the first time since 1995. Gone is the defensive coordinator. The quarterback and eight starters on the offense return.
83. Wake Forrest (5-7) The big question in Winston-Salem is can the Demon Deacons repeat their success of last season. The will be looking for a new quarterback. They return eight starters on the offense and six on the defense.
84. Arkansas (5-7) You think A&M, LSU, UTK or Florida fans are trigger happy. The Arkansas faithful are psycho going back to Houston Nutt’s final years. Since then Arkansas has had only three out of ten winning SEC seasons. Their choices of head coaches have been questionable. Yet here they are installing another head coach. Someone has to compete with Vanderbilt for the worst team in SEC football.
85. Boston College (5-7) Nine starters return on offense and five on the other side of the ball. Can the quarterback repeat his past success?
86. BYU (5-7) 2017 was a season that BYU wants to forget. In steps a new offensive coordinator. Back are five starters on offense and six on defense. Expect them to improve but the start may be rocky.
87. UMass (5-7) The Minutemen lost the first half of their season but rallied to win four of their last six games. There is momentum in the program that returns all key positions, eight offensive starters in all. They also return six defensive starters
88. Tulsa (5-7) The Golden Hurricanes had a horrid season with the worst record in the AAC. The hope is that the seven offensive starters, three of which are wide receives will make a difference.
89. Colorado State (5-7) This is a rebuilding year for the Rams. Only four starters on offense and four starters on defense return for this season. The Rams also have new offensive and defensive coordinators.
90. Northern Illinois (5-7) Defense won games for the Huskies in 2017. But that defense may struggle in 2018. With a new defensive coordinator and only five returning starters, their success will hinge on how fast the defense develops. The offense returns seven starters.
91. Marshall (5-7) The Thundering Herd rolled off three double digit win seasons before going 3-9 in 2016. They were back on the high horse in 2017 going 8-5. This year could be a speed bump as they will have new coordinators as well as a new starting quarterback. The good news is that they return fifteen starters. How well they adapt to the new plays will decide the fate of their season.
92. FIU (5-7) The Panthers had a great season but were overshadowed but the success of their brothers in the conference. The coaches now have one year under their belts at FIU. The problem, only six starters return to a rebuilding Panther program.
93. UTSA (5-7) The Roadrunners opened the 2017 campaign strong but fell into a dive. Despite the fall off, head coach Frank Wilson was handed an extension. He brings with him new coordinators and only eight returning starters. The rebuilding of the Roadrunners continues.
94. Virginia (4-8) The Cavaliers recorded six wins for the first time since 2011. A remarkable turnaround but they have a long way to go. They will have to replace seven starters on offense including the quarterback and only five on defense.
95. Tulane (4-8) Tulane has not seen a postseason game in over four years. There is hope with a returning staff and eight starters on offense. Defense is the weak spot with only three returning starters.
96. Western Kentucky (4-8) They went bowling in 2017 but it was not the kind of football the Hilltoppers have been used to. It was somewhat expected with a new coaching staff, who return for 2018. The problem, only three starters return of offense and six on defense.
97. Akron (4-8) I expected more of the Zips last season. This year my expectations are lowered. Only three starters return on offense. Seven return on defense but they will probably have new schemes as they will have a new defensive coordinator in 2018.
98. Louisiana Lafayette (4-8) All of the key positions in offense return however the squad will have to learn a whole new system with new head coach Billy Napier. Only three starters return on defense. I would classify this as a rebuilding year.
99. Texas State (4-8) In the first two years he has been there, head coach Everett Withers has gone 4-20. Not stellar but there has been a lot of change in the organization. The offensive coordinator will welcome back six starters in his second season. The defensive coordinator will welcome back five returning starters in his first year.
100. UTK (3-9) The Vols are in a deadspin. The once national champion is now the fourth best football program in the state of Tennessee if you look at wins and losses. In steps the great pumpkin Phil Fulmer who tries to right the ship as athletic director. His pick, Jeremy Pruitt will hopefully will be given time to grow the program to its one-time greatness.
101. New Mexico (3-9) A new offensive coordinator takes over for the Lobos and has only four starters returning. The triple option will be installed hopefully with positive results. On the defensive side six starters return. The question is can head coach Bob Davie comeback from the troubles of his program and try to recover and win.
102. Rutgers (3-9) Improvements have been made over the last few years. The Scarlet Knights have brought in a new offensive coordinator for the season. They also return only 12 of 22 starters from 2018.
103. Georgia State (3-9) The Panthers claimed the program’s first bowl victory in 2018. Six starters return on offense and five on defense from last year’s squad.
104. UConn (3-9) The Huskies are looking to turn around their program. A new Offensive Coordinator will bring some change.
105. Hawaii (3-9) The Rainbow Warriors went 3-9 last season. This season may not be any better. Two returning starters on offense and four on defense with a new defensive coordinator will make for a long season while this young team grows up.
106. East Carolina (3-9) The Pirates will have a new Defensive Coordinator and a handful of players returning. This could be another long season.
107. Ball State (3-9) The injury bug killed the Fighting Cardinals season in 2017. They hope for a better year with youth. There are six starters returning on offense and only four starters returning on defense.
108. Georgia Southern (3-9) After an 0-6 start the Eagles fired their head coach and placed Chad Lunsford as their interim head coach. The interim tag is now gone. New position coaches will great the twelve returning starters from last year’s 2-10 team.
109. Bowling Green (3-9) The Falcons had a horrid season last year. Things will probably get better but don’t make your reservations for Detroit just yet. Five starters return on offense and seven starters return on defense under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Carl Pelini.
110. Coastal Carolina (3-9) This could be a rebuilding season as the Chanticleers welcome a new defensive coordinator and only nine returning starters. On the upside they have completed their transition and will start their first full year in the FBS meaning that if they become postseason eligible they can actually go to the postseason.
111. Baylor (3-9) I used to like the Baylor Bears. I rooted for an underdog team that routinely took down the big boys of their conference. However, if you claim to be on the high ground. If you claim morally high standards then you need to live up to them. I still have not gotten over the level of failure that occurred there. Matt Rhule came in to attempt to clean up the mess going 1-11 last season, losing to the likes of UTSA and Liberty. Their only win came against Kansas. They do return five starters on the offense and defense. The Bears will challenge Kansas for the crown of best bottom feeder in the Big 12.
112. Maryland (3-9) If it wasn’t for bad luck last season, the Turtles would have no luck at all. They will have a new offensive coordinator. They will also bring back only six offensive and four defensive returning starters.
113. UCLA (2-10) Chip Kelly was the man management picked to hit the reset button this year after a .500 season in 2017. Kelly will also make all of the offensive play calls.
114. Pitt (2-10) They upset then undefeated Miami, FL in their final game for the season but fell one win short of the post season. Will this season be any better? Only three starters return on offense. The defense will see a new coordinator.
115. Arizona State (2-10) The Sun Devils have been ridiculed for their choice of Herm Edwards at head coach. I think that is unfair. The best thing Edwards can do is continue to press on. Push through this season and implement his plan for success.
116. Vanderbilt (2-10) It was revealed recently in a CBS Sports article that Vanderbilt has decided to basically stop fundraising for athletic projects and concentrate only on academic projects. So, the SEC pays 40.9 million to the Commodores for fielding a football/athletic program but the administrators are not willing to spend a dime on major improvements to facilities. The SEC arms race continues and Vandy has decided to sit on the sidelines and take the payout. So, what is a head coach to do? As Derek Mason begins his fifth year at the helm, he has only had one winning season. Mason will have to replace his starting quarterback but will welcome back six offensive starters. The Dores will have a new defensive coordinator to work with the four returning starters. It could be a tough season in Nashville.
117. Oregon State (2-10) New coaches will bring change at Oregon State. It could be a long rebuilding year.
118. Air Force (2-10) A new defensive coordinator will lead six returning starters this season. Only four starters return on the offense but the good news is that the quarterback and two wide receivers return. How the new comers acclimate and gel will determine their success.
119. San Jose State (2-10) The Spartans are still growing. Twelve starters return but seven of them will operate under a new offensive coordinator. They need to improve from their 2-11 record of 2017.
120. Rice (2-10) Time to rerack and restack for the Owls. In comes new head coach Mike Bloomgren and coordinators. It will be a full-blown rebuilding year as only for starters return from 2017.
121. South Alabama (2-10) The Jaguars have new coaches for the 2018 campaign. Eleven starters in total return but they as well as the eleven newcomers will have to get acclimated to the new systems.
122. SMU (1-11) Sonny Dykes took over as head coach and will inherit five starters on offense as well as a returning quarterback and six on defense.
123. Kent State (1-11) The Golden Flashes hit the reset button after the 2017 2-10 campaign. Only eight starters return. It may be a long season in Kent, Ohio.
124. Illinois (1-11) Illinois was the worst football team in the Big 10 in 2017. They were quite young and it showed. This year fourteen starters in total return leaving ten sports to fill coming into camp. The biggest question will be who will quarterback this team. It may be another long season.
125. Kansas (1-11) The Jayhawks are dumping a ton of money into their football program. They may be the worst “power five” program. There is good news. Twelve starters including their quarterback return. The big question is will they be better than fellow bottom feeder Baylor.
126. Charlotte (1-11) The returning starters numbers look good, eight offense and ten defense but there will be new plays with new coordinators at offense and defense.
127. UTEP (1-11) The Miners were the worst team in college football last season. In steps Dana Dimel who will have seven returning starters to set the foundation of a new era in El Paso.
128. North Carolina (5-7) NCAA investigations and losses have taken their toll on the program. But the coaching staff remains intact from last season. The offense will be young with only four returning starters but the defense will return six starters.
NOT ELEGIBLE
129. Ole Miss (5-7) The Rebels are on a one-year bowl ban. Therefore, they and Liberty (who is not bowl eligible until 2019) will not be ranked higher than 129thuntil other teams are forced into the non-bowling category. The Rebels also are limited on scholarships. Ole Miss faithful should be thankful that the punishments were not any stronger. Matt Luke will be hampered by the restrictions for several years.
130. Liberty (2-10) The Flames are now members of the FBS but won’t be eligible for the postseason until 2019. Therefore, they and Ole Miss will not be ranked higher than 129thuntil other teams are forced into the non-bowling category. The Flames have eight returning starters on offense and only four on defense.
I rank teams weekly based upon how I believe they will finish at the end of the season. This is a controversial system but is strangely more accurate than the AP and Coaches poles, which typically have more movement during the season.
Ole Miss is on a one-year bowl ban. Therefore, they and Liberty (who is not bowl eligible until 2019) will not be ranked higher than 129thuntil other teams are forced into the non-bowling category.
Normally I rank the teams in college football. This season in addition to the rankings I will be picking 10 games, for fun of course. Betting on sports where I live is illegal not to mention a waste of time. Now to the games of Week 1.
South Carolina at Vanderbilt:
It’s the opener for the Thursday night football crew on ESPN. Craig James isn’t here. We went into politics and didn’t fare to well. Vandy did well last season by Vandy standards but the Ole Ball Coach will have his team ready to play and Cocky will be happy. South Carolina wins this one.
Minnesota at UNLV:
The Gophers ride into Sin City and if they can stay away from trouble they have a chance. Minnesota is 8-2 in road openers. They win this one two in a close one.
UTK at NC State:
I have the Wolfpack going 8-4 this season and with all of the bad karma surrounding the hill in Knoxville I have a hard time picking the Vols. If NC State can win this one I think they will win the next four. Statistically the SEC has performed better and I have the Vols winning this one in the Georgia Dome.
Boise State at Michigan State:
This is the game of the week in my opinion. Michigan State are one of the favorites to win the Big 10. But this is a play-in game for Boise State. Win this game and run the table and you should get that BCS bid if people remember your win over that ranked team the first game of the season. The Broncos will win this one and run the table on their season. That is why they are number one in my poll.
Marshall at West Virginia:
The Coal Bowl. This is a rivalry game here. It has been close at times but it will be West Virginia all the way in this one.
Southern Miss at Nebraska:
I really like Southern Miss’ new coaching staff and I believe that they will do big things in C-USA but the approaching hurricane to the Pine Belt region will make going to Nebraska a little too much. Nebraska in a hard fought game.
Clemson vs Auburn:
It will be another trying year for Auburn. Evident in their opener where the Clemson Tigers are the winner in this catfight.
Michigan vs Alabama:
Michigan will have one of their best seasons in recent years. The Crimson Tide could struggle right off the bat but they will find a way to get it done.
Kentucky vs Louisville:
This has become a great instate rivalry game in both football and basketball but I like Charlie Strong and Louisville over the Kentucky Wildcats.
Georgia Tech vs Virginia Tech:
I have to look at history here. Virginia Tech is 4-1 over Georgia Tech including two straight wins. The Hookies are also 15-1 in their home openers.
My Top 25 College Football 2012
Preseason – August 14, 2012
1. Boise State (12-0) They will beat Michigan State the first week and run the table winning the Mountain West and a BCS spot. They are number one because they will be the only undefeated team at the end of the season.
2. Alabama (11-1) Win a championship and its tough to retain your assistant coaches. The Tide have a new linebackers coach. They will be strong again but will not run the table. Their former linebackers coach is now at UT Knoxville as the Vols Defensive Coordinator. Write it down, they will lose on the third Saturday in October to the Vols.
3. Nebraska (11-1) This team is either just good enough to go bowling or they are your new Big 10 Champions. I think they will get it together and win the Big 10.
4. USC (11-1) Lane Kiffin is one of the dirtiest players in the game having brought penalties to UT Knoxville before a swift departure to USC. Now he has been caught lying there but the wins will overcome his dirty play. The experts say this is the team to win it all. I think they are thin on the depth chart but good enough to win the PAC 12.
5. Clemson (11-1) If they can get the defense together, the Tigers will be the ACC champs.
6. USF (11-1) Maybe one of the best teams in school history and my pick to win the Big East.
7. Louisiana Tech (11-1) It may be a down year for the WAC but Tech doesn’t care, they will be the WAC champs.
8. Louisville (11-1) Louisville’s only loss will be to USF.
9. LSU (10-2) No Honey Badger but the team should still have a strong year but the loss in on the bayou to Alabama will hurt.
10. Florida State (10-2) With an easier schedule, they are the expert’s favorites to win it all. I choose a different route. They will lose at USF and Virginia Tech.
11. South Carolina (10-2) Will win the SEC East dropping at LSU and Clemson
12. Oklahoma State (10-2) They are missing some key players but Mike Gundy will reload and win the Big 12. Pick on him, he’s a man and over 40.
13. Oregon (10-2) On paper the Ducks have an easy schedule until November but will be caught looking ahead and drop to Arizona State. They will then pick up the ball and run the table until the Civil War. Even though the Ducks have won 4 straight, the visitor is 3-12. The game is in Corvallis.
14. Michigan State (10-2) Will win the East dropping only to Boise St and Michigan.
15. Georgia (10-2) The Dogs will only stumble against South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
16. Wisconsin (10-2) The schedule looks promising except for a game at Nebraska and home against Michigan State. They drop those two games but still have a good season.
17. Oklahoma (10-2) The experts are picking Oklahoma and it is hard to pick against them but they have earned the nickname “Chokelahoma” for good reason. This year it will be at Iowa State. They will also loose to Oklahoma State at home.
18. BYU (10-2) An easier schedule and a good team returning make for a 10 win season.
19. Ohio (10-2) The best team in the MAC. Beating Penn State in Unhappy Valley but losing late to Miami, OH and Kent State.
20. Troy (10-2) The Trojans are back in their proper place of power atop the Sun Belt.
21. Western Michigan (10-2) Finishing second to Ohio with a great season.
22. Florida (9-3) A great veteran defense returns but can the new offensive coordinator get it done? They only lose to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida State.
23. TCU (9-3) Now in a BCS conference and ready to do damage only losing to Texas Tech, Texas and Oklahoma.
24. Virginia Tech (9-3) The young kids on the team must mature if they want to compete for the ACC title.
25. Michigan (9-3) Road trips will make the difference between a good and a great year.
Waiting to get into the Top 25:
26. Utah (9-3) After a rough start into the PAC 12 the Utes will rebound and go bowling.
27. Texas (9-3) Games away from Austin (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kansas State) will be their only pitfalls.
28. Cincinnati (9-3) A great year for the Bearcats dropping to Virginia Tech, Syracuse and Rutgers.
29. Nevada (9-3) Don’t turn your back on the Wolfpack. The only team that can keep them from winning their conference is Boise State. This season will be too sweeeetttt!
30. Louisiana (Lafayette) (9-3) Strengthen the defense and they will be contenders for the Sun Belt title.
31. No Illinois (9-3) My dark horse for a MAC title.
32. Iowa State (9-3) If you accused me of saying the Cyclones are ranked to high or have too good of a record I would say yes you are probably right as I am married to an ISU alum. That said the Clones will beat Iowa at Iowa and will go bowling.
33. Mississippi State (8-4) The experts are saying State will have a bad season. I really like coach Mullen and am calling for them to be upset at Troy but bounce back only dropping to Alabama, LSU and Arkansas. Most importantly they will win the Egg Bowl.
34. Kansas State (8-4) You just don’t walk into Bill Snyder Family Stadium and automatically expect to win if you are the visiting team. Snyder is 104-25-1 at home and that record will improve as the Wildcats will only lose on the road this season at Iowa State, Oklahoma, West Virginia and TCU.
35. Tulsa (8-4) A new quarterback and an unproven line is all that can keep the Golden Hurricanes from winning the West.
36. NC State (8-4) After dropping their opener to UT Knoxville, their only other losses will be to the power teams in their conference.
37. Washington State (8-4) Mike Leach makes the difference here taking a bad team and making them good enough to go bowling.
38. Southern Miss (8-4) This should be a down year but with the talent at Southern Miss and excellent hires on the coaching staff, the Eagles will be back in the hunt. Look for Tommy West to take the defense back to the days where the Eagles D was feared nationally.
39. Rutgers (8-4) With all of the changes a Big East title is a longshot.
40. East Carolina (8-4) Can the offense live up to the defense?
41. Air Force (8-4) Despite their youth, an easier schedule will have them in a bowl.
42. Navy (8-4) Maybe I picked them to win too many games but I do believe they will be bowling.
43. Stanford (7-5) Not the team they used to be but still a force in the PAC 12. Their losses will come to USC, Oregon, Washington, Washington State and a revived UCLA.
44. UTK (7-5) The new defensive coordinator will have to make a difference for Dooley to keep his job. They will improve and the offense will step up enough. Dooley has never beaten a top 25 team at UT Knoxville. A soft non-conference schedule helps too. The losses come to Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Missouri. Alabama becomes the first top 25 win for the Vols in the Dooley era.
45. Georgia Tech (7-5) If the playmakers make things happen then my prediction may be too low and this team could be headed to an ACC title.
46. Arkansas (7-5) The effects from the loss of Petrino will be felt in what should have been a potential championship year for the Hogs. John L Smith will still get them to a bowl beating Texas A&M, Kentucky and Mississippi State in league play. The losses will come to Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, South Carolina and LSU.
47. Texas Tech (7-5) Tommy Tuberville is on the hot seat and will improve from last years 5-7 record beating West Virginia, TCU, Kansas and Baylor in conference.
48. SMU (7-5) A tough non conference slate will account for the majority of the losses this season. June Jones will win all of his west conference games but fall at UCF and to a grown up Southern Miss.
49. Northwestern (7-5) They have to improve the running back position but a bowl is not out of the question.
50. UCLA (7-5) The new coach will make improvements enough to get his team into a bowl.
Waiting to get into the Top 50:
51. FIU (7-5) One of the best teams in the Sun Belt will make a run at the title but road trips to Louisiana and Try will kill their run.
52. Utah State (7-5) With the loss of a few key teams the former cellar dweller will emerge one of the best teams in the WAC losing only at Colorado State and Louisiana Tech.
53. SDSU (7-5) The returning starters will make the difference between bowling and not bowling.
54. Oregon State (7-5) I failed in my pick for them last year and I am second-guessing my pick this year but I do believe that they will be bowling. The question is am I right in picking them to beat the Ducks? Conference wins over Arizona, Washington State, Utah, Utah, Arizona State, Cal and Oregon.
55. Central Michigan (7-5) After a dismal 2011, improvements are on the way and a bowl is in sight.
56. Colorado State (7-5) The new coach will take advantage of an easier schedule.
57. San Jose State (7-5) This may be their best team in the MacIntyre era and they will be rewarded with a bowl.
58. MTSU (7-5) This will be a more difficult year for the Blue Raiders but a bowl is possible.
59. Bowling Green (7-5) The most improved team in the MAC.
60. Wyoming (7-5) It will be a down year but a bowl is not out of the question.
61. Akron (7-5) Terry Bowden will make the difference here taking a team that should struggle and winning 7 games, 6 of them conference games.
62. Texas A&M (6-6) It will be a difficult first year in the SEC for the proud Aggies. An upset loss to Louisiana Tech will set the tone but a conference win at home in the season finale will have the students kissing in the stands. It may not happen this year but new coach Kevin Sumlin will build A&M into a contender in the SEC west.
63. West Virginia (6-6) Moving to the Big 12 will cause West Virginia to take their lumps beating only Baylor, Kansas State and Kansas in conference.
64. Notre Dame (6-6) The experts love Notre Dame just like they love them every year. They have a challenging schedule and getting to a bowl will not be easy.
65. Auburn (6-6) I have not been impressed with Gene Chizik and I’m not impressed this year. New assistant coaches will help keep the bleeding down but it is only a matter of time until those in power at Auburn are flying around in the middle of the night in their jet looking to steal their next head coach from an unassuming “lower” school.
66. Houston (6-6) With Sumlin gone it will be a down year by Houston’s standards but look for the Cougars to bounce back and be in a bowl by seasons end with the rich talent that still remains.
67. Minnesota (6-6) A bowl will be an improvement for a team that is on the verge of a turnaround. Jerry Kill do something that hasn’t been done in a while and run the table on his non conference games and also pick up wins against Purdue and Illinois. Kill is a good man and a smart coach. I hope they give him the resources he needs to win.
68. Missouri (6-6) The first year in the SEC should be a tough one. Their only SEC wins will come against Vanderbilt, UT Knoxville and Kentucky.
69. Cal (6-6) Youth may be their downfall but they will be good enough to go bowling.
70. Syracuse (6-6) If the offense can’t produce this could be another down year for the Orange.
71. Arkansas State (6-6) No miracle repeat but look for good things to come from Gus Malzahn. They will beat Memphis in Jonesborough.
72. Iowa (6-6) With two new coordinators, Kirk Ferentz hit the reset button. There will be new schemes to learn in this rebuilding year. Iowa has won 11 straight home openers but that streak will come to an end as a team that is still learning the new offense and defense will drop to Iowa State in Iowa City. They will bounce back and beat Minnesota, Penn State and upset Michigan at Michigan to save Ferentz’s job.
73. Pitt (6-6) The new coach will have a tough first year but will win enough to go bowling.
74. Perdue (6-6) They will improve enough to go bowling.
75. Duke (6-6) Improving enough to go bowling.
Will not be Bowl Eligible:
76. Ole Miss (5-7) Hugh Freeze is not the idiot coach he was made out to be in the movie “The Blindside.” He is smart and a motivator that won state titles at Briarcrest, NAIA wins at Lambuth and had a miraculous first season at Arkansas State. He returns to Ole Miss after being their recruiting coordinator while “big Mike” was at student there. He is good at what he does but Ole Miss is stuck in the SEC west where winning is difficult at best. Freeze is a great coach with a bright future, just not this year. They will beat Vanderbilt and have an upset win against Arkansas in Little Rock.
77. Maryland (5-7) They will improve but not much.
78. Washington (5-7) New coaches with new plays will make this a long season.
79. Kent State (5-7) They have the best defense in the MAC but a questionable offense.
80. Arizona (5-7) A new head coach will bring a season of rebuilding.
81. Toledo (5-7) Despite having a new coach they will win a few games.
82. Indiana (5-7) They will improve but this program has a long way to go to contend for a Big 10 title. They will beat Northwestern, Purdue and upset Iowa.
83. Hawaii (5-7) A softer conference will help but make no mistake this is a rebuilding year.
84. Western Kentucky (5-7) With their great running back gone the defense will have to carry the team.
85. Vanderbilt (4-8) After exceeding expectations last season, this year will be more difficult I have them only beating Kentucky in conference play but I have been wrong on them before and I wouldn’t throw them out of the bowl possibilities just yet.
86. UTEP (4-8) A tough conference and non conference schedule could make bowling tough.
87. Wake Forrest (4-8) If they stay healthy they can prove me wrong.
88. Baylor (4-8) They will miss RG3 but need confidence to get more wins.
89. Marshall (4-8) This team is too young to win the conference.
90. Virginia (4-8) I have poo pooed this team for years but they have the opportunity to prove me wrong this year if they shore up their defense.
91. Miami, OH (4-8) The new defensive coordinator will help the Redhawks to a better season.
92. Fresno State (4-8) When you fire a popular longtime head coach the net year is always a struggle. There is a lot of weight on the new coaches shoulders. A 4 win season would be a victory to me.
93. Idaho (4-8) With a young team and new offensive coaches, this could be a long year.
94. Eastern Michigan (4-8) Only two conference wins this season against Kent State and Toledo will make this a long year.
95. Memphis (4-8) I love my Tigers but lack of funding for the program killed Tommy West’s and Larry Porter’s chances of winning. Now the process for literally rebuilding the program as begun. Justin Fuente takes over a program in need of funding, facilities and wins. Losing on the road to Arkansas State and Duke will hurt. Losing 6 conference games will as well but beating UT Martin, MTSU, Rice and Tulane are steps in the right direction. This will be the first year since 1948 that Memphis will not face an SEC foe. This has to change. They need to play at least 1 or 2 SEC teams a year and preferably a top 25 team to get their names back on the map. Moving to the Big East and the new facilities will greatly help but a tougher schedule will put the bow on a commitment for a stronger program.
96. Ball State (4-8) Originally I had the fighting Cardinals as a dog but 4 wins are not out of the question.
97. Miami, FL (3-9) What was once a proud program is rebuilding Again.
98. Kentucky (3-9) This is the dog of the SEC. Losing all of your conference games and beating only Kent State, Western Kentucky and D2 Samford may make Joker Phillips check to see if they have changed the locks on his office by November.
99. Illinois (3-9) After getting rid of Ron Zook, this program will suffer the consequences with a tough season.
100. Louisiana Monroe (3-9) They need to improve and stay healthy if they want to prove me wrong.
101. Arizona State (3-9) Getting rid of Dennis Erickson was a bad move. They will pay for that decision going 1-8 in conference winning only against Colorado, Illinois and D2 Northern Arizona.
102. Tulane (3-9) A new coach and lots of young players make this a rebuilding year.
103. Boston College (3-9) Improvement is ahead although you wont see it this season.
104. UAB (3-9) New coaches and a young team will make this a long season.
105. Conn (3-9) All of the bickering from the boosters will take their toll and bring down the program.
106. North Texas (3-9) The underdog team in the conference.
107. Army (3-9) A tough season is ahead.
108. New Mexico State (3-9) Lots of youth means teaching and losses.
109. Kansas (2-10) This program started their nosedive when they axed Mangino. It still hasn’t recovered from that poor decision.
110. UNLV (2-10) It will be a long season in Vegas.
111. Temple (2-10) Back to where they started and back to losing.
112. New Mexico (2-10) New coaches and system make for a long season.
113. FAU (2-10) A new coach that will have a long road ahead of him.
114. Buffalo (2-10) A lot of work must be done before they can be bowl eligible.
115. Texas State (2-10) First year in D1 will be a wakeup call.
116. South Alabama (2-10) After a successful few seasons in D2 they make the jump. It is a big jump.
117. Colorado (1-11) The administration at UC has not done the program any favors. Another year of rebuilding is at hand.
118. Rice (1-11) Someone hit the reset button and this team may be better in a few years.
119. USTA (3-9) They will have a better record than Massachusetts and Texas State but they are ranked in the same area as a 1-11 team because three of their wins will be to D2 teams.
120. Massachusetts (0-12) Will not win a game all year. Welcome to D1 football.
Ineligible for the Post Season
121. UCF (11-1) This team should be ranked in the top 10 but NCAA sanctions will prevent the best team in UCF history from receiving their proper recognition with a postseason bowl.
122. North Carolina (10-2) One of the best teams in the ACC will not receive their reward due to NCAA sanctions.
123. Ohio State (8-4) It is a rebuilding year for the Luckeyes. There is no pressure on this team. Just learn the new program and try to win on a week by week basis. The coach is good but the NCAA will prevent any rewards this season.
124. Penn State (2-10) The sins of the past and the NCAA sanctions will kill this team. It will take strong coaching and resolve just to get to two wins in Unhappy Valley.
This season UCF, Penn State, North Carolina and Ohio State have been banned from participating in postseason play including their conference championships and the BCS Championship game. Because these teams cannot play for the title, they will be ranked dead last in my weekly poll. I will keep track of their record and their opponents but they will remain is last place in the pole.
I rank teams weekly based upon how I believe they will finish at the end of the season ad by their records. This is a controversial system but is strangely more accurate than the AP and Coaches poles, which typically have more movement during the season.
My Top 25 College Football 2011 Week 5 October 2, 2011
1. Alabama (5-0) Beat Florida, Arkansas, North Texas, Kent State and Penn State
2. LSU (5-0) Beat Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi State, Oregon and Northwestern State
3. Clemson (5-0) Beat Virginia Tech, Florida State, Auburn, Troy and Barely beat AA Wofford
4. Boise State (4-0) Beat Nevada, Tulsa, Georgia and Toledo
5. Oklahoma State (4-0) Beat Texas A&M, Tulsa, Arizona, Louisiana Lafayette
6. Wisconsin (5-0)) Beat Nebraska, South Dakota, Northern Illinois, UNLV and Oregon State
7. Oklahoma (4-0) Beat Ball State, Missouri, Tulsa and Florida State
8. Houston (5-0) Barely beat UTEP and Beat Georgia State, Louisiana Tech, UCLA and North Texas
9. Illinois (5-0) Beat Northwestern in a close one and Beat Western Michigan, Arizona State, Arkansas State and South Dakota State
10. Georgia Tech (5-0) Beat NC State, North Carolina, Kansas, Western Carolina and MTSU
11. Texas (4-0) Beat Iowa State, UCLA, Rice and BYU
12. Stanford (4-0) Beat UCLA, Arizona, San Jose State and Duke
13. Kansas State (4-0) Beat Baylor, Miami, FL, Eastern Kentucky and Kent State
14. Michigan (5-0) Beat Minnesota, SDSU, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan and Notre Dame
15. Texas Tech (4-0) Beat Nevada in a close one and Beat Kansas, Texas State and New Mexico
16. Arizona State (4-1) Beat Oregon State, USC, UC Davis and Missouri and Lost to Illinois
17. Auburn (4-1) Beat South Carolina, FAU, Utah State and Mississippi State and Lost to Clemson
18. South Carolina (4-1) Beat Vanderbilt, Navy, East Carolina and Georgia and Lost to Auburn
19. Florida (4-1) Beat Kentucky, UTK, FAU and UAB and Lost to Alabama
20. West Virginia (4-1) Beat Bowling Green, Maryland, Marshall and Norfolk State and Lost to LSU
21. Arkansas (4-1) Beat Texas A&M, Missouri State, Troy and New Mexico and Lost to Alabama
22. Nebraska (4-1) Beat Wyoming, Washington, Chattanooga and Fresno State and Wisconsin
23. Washington (4-1) Beat Utah, Cal, Eastern Washington and Hawaii and Lost to Nebraska
24. Oregon (3-1) Beat Arizona, Missouri State and Nevada and Lost to LSU
25. Louisiana Lafayette (4-1) Beat FAU, FIU, Nicholls State and Kent State and Lost to Oklahoma State
Waiting to get into the Top 25:
26. Penn State (4-1) Beat Indiana, Eastern Michigan, Temple, Indiana State and Lost to Alabama
27. North Carolina (4-1) Beat East Carolina, James Madison, Virginia and Rutgers and Lost to Georgia Tech
28. USC (4-1) Beat Arizona, Syracuse, Minnesota and Utah in close games and Lost to Arizona State
29. Rutgers (3-1) Beat Syracuse in OT and Beat, Ohio, North Carolina Central and Lost to North Carolina
30. Iowa (3-1) Beat Louisiana Monroe, Pitt and Tennessee Tech and Lost to Iowa State in 3 OTs
31. Ohio (4-1) Beat Kent State, Marshall, New Mexico State and Gardner-Web and Lost to Rutgers
32. SMU (4-1) Beat TCU, Memphis, Northwestern State, UTEP and Lost to Texas A&M
33. South Florida (4-1) Beat UTEP, Florida A&M, Notre Dame and Ball State and Lost to Pitt
34. UTK (3-1) Beat Montana, Buffalo and Cincinnati and Lost to Florida
35. Virginia Tech (4-1) Beat Marshall, Appalachian State, Arkansas State and East Carolina and Lost to Clemson
36. Michigan State (4-1) Beat Michigan State, Youngstown State, Central Michigan and FAU and Lost to Notre Dame
37. SDSU (3-1) Beat Washington State, Cal Poly and Army and Lost to Michigan
38. Cal (3-1) Beat Presbyterian, Fresno State and Beat Colorado in OT and Lost to Washington
39. Southern Miss (4-1) Beat Rice, Virginia, Southeastern Louisiana and Louisiana Tech and Lost to Marshall
40. Cincinnati (4-1) Beat Miami, OH, NC State, Akron and Austin Peay and Lost to UTK
41. Wyoming (3-1) Barely beat Webber State, Bowling Green and Texas State and Lost to Nebraska
42. Baylor (3-1) Beat Stephen F Austin, Rice and TCU and Lost to Kansas State
43. Wake Forrest (3-1) Beat Gardner-Webb, Boston College and NC State and Lost to Syracuse
44. Vanderbilt (3-1) Beat Elon, Ole Miss and Conn and Lost to South Carolina
45. Air Force (3-1) Beat TSU, Navy and South Dakota and Lost to TCU
46. Washington State (3-1) Beat Colorado, Idaho State and UNLV and Lost to SDSU
47. Iowa State (3-1) Barely beat Northern Iowa and Beat Iowa in 3OTs and Beat Conn in a close one and Lost to Texas
48. Georgia (3-2) Beat Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Costal Carolina and Lost to Boise State and South Carolina
49. Texas A&M (2-2) Beat SMU and Idaho and Arkansas and Oklahoma State
50. FIU (3-2) Beat UCF, Louisville and North Texas and Lost to Louisiana Lafayette and Duke
Waiting to get into the Top 50:
51. Utah (2-2) Beat BYU, Montana State and Lost to USC and Washington
52. BYU (3-2) Beat Utah State, UCF and Ole Miss and Lost to Texas and Utah
53. TCU (3-2) Beat Portland State, Air Force and Louisiana Monroe and Lost to Baylor and SMU
54. Florida State (2-2) Beat Louisiana Monroe and Charleston Southern and Lost to Oklahoma and Clemson
55. Ohio State (3-2) Beat Colorado, Akron and Barely Beat Toledo and Lost to Miami, FL and Michigan State
56. Ball State (3-2) Beat Army, Buffalo and Indiana and Lost to South Florida and Oklahoma
57. Notre Dame (3-2) Beat Purdue, Michigan State and Pitt and Lost to South Florida and Michigan
58. Maryland (2-2) Beat AA Towson, Miami, FL and Lost to West Virginia and Temple
59. Missouri (2-2) Beat Western Illinois and Miami, OH and Lost in OT to Arizona St and Oklahoma
60. Western Michigan (3-2) Beat Conn, Central Michigan and Nicholls State and Lost to Michigan and Illinois
61. UCF (2-2) Beat Charleston Southern and Boston College and Lost to FIU and BYU
62. Syracuse (3-2) Beat Toledo, Wake Forrest and Rhode Island and Lost to USC and Rutgers
63. Louisville (2-2) Beat Murray State and Kentucky and Lost to FIU and Marshall
64. Pitt (3-2) Beat South Florida, Buffalo and Maine and Lost to Iowa and Notre Dame
65. Miami, FL (2-2) Beat AA Bethune-Cookman and Ohio State and Lost to Maryland and Kansas State
66. Northwestern (2-2) Beat Boston College and Eastern Illinois and Lost to Army and Illinois
67. Temple (3-2) Beat Maryland, Villanova and Akron and Lost to Penn State and Toledo
68. Navy (2-2) Beat Delaware and Western Kentucky and Lost to South Carolina and Air Force
69. Troy (2-2) Beat UAB and MTSU and Lost to Clemson and Arkansas
70. Hawaii (3-2) Beat UC Davis, Louisiana Tech and Colorado and Lost to Washington and UNLV
71. Eastern Michigan (3-2) Beat Akron, Howard and Alabama State and Lost to Michigan and Penn State
72. Arkansas State (3-2) Beat Western Kentucky, Central Arkansas and Memphis and Lost to Illinois and Virginia Tech
73. Bowling Green (3-2) Beat Miami, OH, Idaho and Morgan State and Lost to Wyoming and West Virginia
74. Colorado State (3-2) Beat Utah State, New Mexico and Northern Colorado and Lost to Colorado and San Jose State
75. Kansas (2-2) Beat McNeese State and Barely Beat No Illinois and Lost to Texas Tech and Georgia Tech
76. Virginia (3-2) Beat William and Mary and Indiana and Idaho in OT and Lost to North Carolina and Southern Miss
77.Purdue (2-2) Beat SEMO and MTSU in a close one and Lost to Rice and Notre Dame
78. Duke (3-2) Beat FIU, Tulane and Boston College and Lost to AA Richmond and Stanford
79. Nevada (1-3) Beat San Jose State and Lost to Boise State, Oregon and Texas Tech
80. Mississippi State (2-3) Beat Louisiana Tech and Memphis and Lost to Georgia, Auburn and LSU
81. East Carolina (1-3) Beat UAB and Lost to South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia Tech
82. Marshall (2-3) Beat Louisville, Southern Miss and Lost to Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Ohio
83. Ole Miss (2-3) Beat Fresno State, Southern Illinois and Lost to Georgia, BYU and Vanderbilt
84. Tulsa (2-3) Beat North Texas and Tulane and Lost to Boise State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State
85. Fresno State (2-3) Beat North Dakota and Idaho and Lost to Cal, Ole Miss and Nebraska
86. Kentucky (2-3) Beat Western Kentucky and Central Michigan and Lost to Louisville, LSU and Florida
87. UTEP (2-3) Beat New Mexico State, Stony Brook and Lost to Houston, SMU and South Florida
88. Rice (1-3) Beat Purdue and Lost to Southern Miss, Texas and Baylor
89. UCLA (2-3) Beat Oregon State and San Jose St and Lost to Houston, Stanford and Texas
90. Army (2-3) Beat Northwestern and Tulane and Lost to Ball State, Northern Ill and SDSU
91. Northern Illinois (2-3) Beat Cal Polly and Army and Lost to Central Michigan, Kansas and Wisconsin
92. Utah State (1-3) Beat Webber State and Lost to Auburn, BYU and Colorado State
93. San Jose State (2-3) Beat Colorado State and New Mexico State and Lost to Nevada, Stanford and UCLA
94. Conn (2-3) Beat Buffalo and Fordham and Lost to Western Michigan, Vanderbilt and Iowa State
95. Tulane (2-3) Beat Southeastern Louisiana and UAB and Lost to Army, Tulsa and Duke
96. Central Michigan (2-3) Beat Northern Illinois and South Carolina State and Lost to Kentucky, Michigan State and Western Michigan
97. Toledo (2-3) Beat Temple and New Hampshire and Lost a close one to Syracuse, Ohio State and Boise State
98. MTSU (1-3) Beat Memphis and Lost to Troy, Purdue and Georgia Tech
99. NC State (2-3) Beat Liberty and South Alabama and Lost to Wake Forrest, Georgia Tech and Cincinnati
100. New Mexico State (2-3) Beat New Mexico, Minnesota and Lost to San Jose State, Ohio and UTEP
101. Louisiana Monroe (1-3) Beat Grambling State and Lost to Florida State, Iowa and TCU
102. UNLV (1-3) Beat Hawaii and Lost to AA Southern Utah and Lost to Wisconsin and Washington State
103. Arizona (1-4) Beat Northern Arizona and Lost to USC, Oregon, Oklahoma State and Stanford
104. Colorado (1-4) Beat Colorado State and Lost to Washington State, Ohio State, Hawaii and Cal
105. Kent State (1-4) Beat South Alabama and Lost to Ohio, Kansas State, Alabama and Louisiana Lafayette
106. North Texas (1-4) Beat Indiana and Lost to Tulsa, FIU, Alabama and Houston
107. Idaho (1-4) Beat North Dakota and Lost to Virginia, Fresno State, Bowling Green and Texas A&M
108. Akron (1-4) Beat VMI and Lost to Eastern Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio State and Temple
109. Buffalo (1-4) Beat Stony Brook and Lost to UTK, Conn, Pitt and Ball State
110. FAU (0-4) Lost to Louisiana-Lafayette, Auburn, Florida and Michigan State
111. UAB (0-4) Lost to Troy, East Carolina, Florida and Tulane
112. Miami, OH (0-4) Lost to Cincinnati, Bowling Green, Missouri and Minnesota
113. Indiana (1-4) Beat South Carolina State and Lost to Penn State, North Texas, Ball State and Virginia
114. Memphis (1-4) Beat Austin Peay and Lost to MTSU, SMU, Mississippi State and Arkansas State
115. Boston College (1-4) Beat AA U Mass and Lost to Duke, Wake Forrest, Northwestern and UCF
116. Minnesota (1-4) Beat Miami, OH and Lost to AA North Dakota State and Lost to Michigan, USC and New Mexico State
117. Louisiana Tech (1-4) Beat AA Central Arkansas in OT and Lost to Hawaii, Mississippi State, Southern Miss and Houston
118. Western Kentucky (0-4) Lost to AA Indiana State and Lost to Arkansas State, Kentucky and Navy 119. Oregon State (0-4) Lost to AA Sacramento State, Arizona, UCLA and Wisconsin
120. New Mexico (0-5) Lost to AA Sam Houston State and Lost to New Mexico State, Texas Tech, Colorado State and Arkansas
My Top 25 College Football 2011 Preseason August 31, 2011
1. TCU
2. Alabama
3. Florida State
4. Boise State
5. Nebraska
6. Virginia Tech
7. Oklahoma State
8. Oregon State
9. Houston
10. Texas A&M
11. UCF
12. Ohio
13. LSU
14. Oklahoma
15. South Carolina
16. Iowa
17. Georgia
18. Oregon
19. Florida
20. West Virginia
21. South Florida
22. Rutgers
23. Missouri
24. NC State
25. Air Force
Waiting to get into the Top 25:
26. Southern Miss
27. Wisconsin
28. Nevada
29. Mississippi State
30. Penn State
31. Texas Tech
32. Utah
33. Arkansas
34. Michigan State
35. BYU
36. Minnesota
37. Navy
38. Illinois
39. Louisville
40. Miami, FL
41. USC
42. FAU
43. SMU
44. Notre Dame
45. Arizona
46. Georgia Tech
47. Fresno State
48. Toledo
49. Arizona State
50. Troy
Waiting to get into the Top 50:
51. Clemson
52. UAB
53. Washington
54. East Carolina
55. Auburn
56. Texas
57. Central Michigan
58. Northwestern
59. Cincinnati
60. Hawaii
61. Army
62. Syracuse
63. UTEP
64. Akron
65. Colorado State
66. Stanford
67. Kentucky
68. FIU
69. Western Michigan
70. UTK
71. UCLA
72. Rice
73. Maryland
74. Marshall
75. Cal
76. Iowa State
77. Louisiana Tech
78. Temple
79. Indiana
80. Duke
81. Eastern Michigan
82. SDSU
83. Ole Miss
84. Louisiana Monroe
85. MTSU
86. Michigan
87. Baylor
88. Kansas State
89. UNLV
90. Pitt
91. Kansas
92. North Carolina
93. Tulane
94. Bowling Green
95. Ohio State
96. Miami, OH
97. Memphis
98. Purdue
99. Wake Forrest
100. Northern Illinois
101. Wyoming
102. North Texas
103. Idaho
104. Utah State
105. Louisiana Lafayette
106. Virginia
107. Boston College
108. Buffalo
109. Conn
110. Washington State
111. Tulsa
112. Ball State
113. New Mexico
114. Colorado
115. Vanderbilt
116. San Jose State
117. Arkansas State
118. New Mexico State
119. Kent State
120. Western Kentucky
My Top 25 College Football Weblog 