Category: NCAA

With the final week of the regular season in the books, it is time for conference championships. I wanted to review how the committee did stacking the teams and some different scenarios that could play out.

From top to bottom, I think the committee nailed it. I had the same top four, and I think most people did. Everyone wants to see the four best teams in the country make it, and right now, it is these four. Yeah, I know, Alabama isn’t there right now. But things could shake up and have them wind back up in the picture (looking at you Wisconsin).

 

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1.Clemson – Clemson, who in my opinion has been the best team in college football this season, deserves to be in the top spot. Interested to see how they handle the match-up with Miami come Saturday. I see them pulling out the victory after Miami was exposed by a sub-par Pitt defense. With arguably the best defense in the country, Miami’s offense needs a quick turnaround to have any hope.

 

2.Auburn – This two loss Auburn team could be one of the best two-loss college football team ever. Bold statement, I know, but this team is scary good and they are hot at the right time. Need to take care of business against Georgia for the season sweep. Lose and no doubt they’re out.

3.Oklahoma – Baker Mayfield is the front-runner for the Heisman, and Oklahoma is one of the hottest teams in the country. They will be facing a tough TCU team, but I don’t think TCU will be able to handle this potent offense.

 

4.Wisconsin – This team just keeps finding a way to win. Can they keep the momentum going against Ohio State? This is the classic case of win and you’re in. Ohio State on the other hand will need some serious help to go along with a victory. If Clemson and Oklahoma both lose and Ohio State wins, who knows, maybe they sneak in.

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Besides the current top four teams, a number of teams still have a shot of making it. I don’t believe that the top four teams will stay the same, as I can’t picture all four teams winning. We will see who is cut out for the big moment. A lot needs to happen, but here’s how we look:

5. Alabama – Without a conference championship, Bama will be watching from the sidelines this weekend. The Tide will no doubt be pulling for teams like Miami, TCU and Ohio State in order to slide back in.
6. Georgia – Revisiting the matchup from earlier this season, Georgia looks to be in some trouble. I don’t think they have what it takes to beat this Auburn team.
7. Miami – Arguably the biggest matchup of the week, Miami needs a bounce back victory over Clemson to secure a spot. Will the turnover chain show up? Can’t have this offense disappear like it did last week.
8. Ohio State – Even with a win, I think Ohio State is a long shot. A lot would need to happen for them to sneak back in.
9. Penn State – Sorry Penn State, not looking very good.
10. TCU – Well, beat Oklahoma and who knows what happens. Much like Ohio State, they would need some serious help to get in. Doesn’t look too good.

And if you’re wondering, no, USC does not have a chance at making it. I hope everyone has a great day of football on Saturday. Stay tuned for a breakdown next week once the playoff is set.

November 30 marks the four year anniversary of arguably the best college football game ever.  The Iron Bowl usually is one of the most important games of the season anyway (including this year) but the one in 2013 was something special. The two teams were tied with 1 second left with a FG opportunity to send Alabama to their third consecutive National Championship. Nick Saban decides to send out kicker Adam Griffith to kick a 57 yarder to win it all and the rest is history.

 

 

The best tradition in college football, the Army/Navy game, takes place on 12/9 at 3:30 PM at the Linc. Ahead of the game, Navy released this jersey which is absolute fire. I have no preference when it comes to the game and respect both branches easily but tell me Navy is going to lose in these jerseys and I’ll laugh you out of the building. These are easily the best jerseys in college football and it’s a shame that they will only wear them for one game.

Army is coming into this game at 8-3, superior to Navy’s 6-5 record and both teams LOVE to run the ball (Army coming in hot with 335 passing yards on the whole year). The game may not be great but the tradition is awesome and atleast we will get to see these jerseys in action. Bet the farm on Navy.

Welcome to one of the biggest weekends in college football- RIVALRY WEEK. This week brings us some great matchups that include playoff implications. Let’s dive right in to some of the big-time matchups:

5- USF (9-1) @ #15 UCF (10-0)

It’s the battle of some lesser-known Florida teams. UCF is playing at home trying to remain undefeated. If they can win this week and remain undefeated, do they deserve a playoff spot? The answer is no. One player to watch, however, is Shaquem Griffin, who is the reigning AAC defender of the year. Did I mention he only has one hand? I’m taking UCF to remain undefeated.

4- #8 Notre Dame (9-2) @ #21 Stanford (8-3)

While this game will not have any direct impact on the CFP race, it will have an impact on the Pac-12 championship. If Stanford can pull out a win at home, this will hurt the resumes of teams such as Miami and Georgia, who were able to beat Notre Dame. Stanford can clinch a spot in the Pac-12 championship with a Washington win over Washington State. It will be a close game, but the Irish pull out a close one.

3- #3 Clemson (10-1) @ #24 South Carolina (8-3)

This game will be a big test for Clemson, battling against in-state rival South Carolina. With one loss already to Syracuse, Clemson cannot afford to lose again if they hope to make the playoff. From the outside, there will be a lot of South Carolina fans around the country. Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Auburn are playoff hopeful would all greatly benefit from a Clemson loss. Going to be a tough environment on Saturday, Go Gamecocks!

2- #9 Ohio State (9-2) @ Michigan (8-3)

Huge Big Ten matchup to finish off the season. Michigan, one of the most disappointing teams all season, could crush Ohio State’s slim playoff hopes with a win in the Big House. If Ohio State loses and then goes on to beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship, say goodbye to a Big Ten team in the playoff. Ohio State comes out on top in this one.

1- #1 Alabama (11-0) @ #6 Auburn (9-2)

The game everyone has been waiting for- The Iron Bowl. Alabama has taken a lot of heat this year for having a soft schedule, and didn’t look too hot in one of their tougher matchups against Mississippi State a couple weeks ago. Auburn, who is coming in with two losses already, will make the playoffs if they can pull off the win. After two close losses against Clemson and LSU on the road earlier in the season, Auburn blew the doors off top-ranked Georgia and looks to continue that momentum against ‘Bama. I see Auburn winning this one in a close game at home. If Alabama loses, are they out? Would need some assistance from the rest of the country if they can’t get it done come Saturday.