The Morning After - Winning the Opener

Welcome back to The Morning After, a Sunday staple of BENched. TMA began as a way for me to provide my thoughts on the previous day's Clemson game. It morphed into writing about the national landscape.

A new season is upon us and I'm going with a new format. There will be four quarters and an overtime, followed by "Tiger Tweets."  The first quarter will be all Clemson. The second through fourth quarters will be a look at the most important games from the weekend. Overtime will be some quick hits of the other action. Tiger Tweets will be a condensed game thread of some of my personal favorite tweets about the game.

There are still a few games to go over the holiday weekend. None should really impact the Playoff race, but a couple could turn the burner a little higher on some already hot seats.

1st Quarter
If you read my season-opening post, you know I'm high on my Tigers. It all stems from knowing Dabo Swinney loves the underdog role. With all the offensive firepower gone, pundits across the nation are hesitant to pick Clemson for a third straight Playoff run. That's understandable, but Swinney plays that chip on his shoulder better than most.

Kelly Bryant showed off his arm and his wheels
to lead Clemson in a blowout win over Kent State.
(Photo courtesy AP)

I realize Kent State is not a barometer for this team, but as Swinney mentioned during postgame this team played a relatively clean game. It was good to see Kelly Bryant lead the offense to three straight scoring drives. One of Clemson's strengths is its offensive line (returning four of five starters). Bryant had time to throw and the lanes were wide open to run through. The Tigers were very balanced and played 91 players in the game. Getting the youth playing time will pay dividends down the road. Clemson scored 56 points, gained 665 yards (312 passing, 353 rushing), all four running backs scored a rushing touchdown along with Bryant, and the passing game was on point.

Kent State managed 120 total yards and threw just five passes, completing one for one yard. I don't know why the Golden Flashes stuck to the running game against one of the best defensive front sevens in the country, but it's hard to get a read on the Tiger D when a team is voluntarily one-dimensional.

There is lots of promise for this team. The talent is there, but these next four games to close September are a different animal than what these youngsters have seen at the collegiate level. Clemson has Auburn visiting Saturday, then travels to Louisville, home vs. Boston College, and at Virginia Tech. Buckle-up, Tiger fans.

As always, one game at a time. Beat Auburn.

2nd Quarter
The GOAT (Greatest Opener of All-Time) was quite the DUD. Early on, it looked like we'd have a competitive game. But as it wore on, it was clear the Alabama was a step above Florida State. The Tide stuffed the Noles running game, holding FSU to 40 yards on the ground. Ultimately, offense and special teams blunders doomed the Seminoles. Good teams, like Alabama, take advantage of those mistakes.

Where FSU was impressive was on defense. Despite being put in terrible situations much of the second half, the Noles stiffened up and kept the deficit from growing. Alabama outgained FSU by just 19 yards. Jalen Hurts only threw 18 passes, completing 10 for 96 yards and a TD - seven of those completions and the TD were to playmaker Calvin Ridley. But Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, and Hurts combined for 39 rushes for 168 yards (4.3 yards per carry).

FSU would have had a long way to go to reach an ACC Championship this year before Deandre Francois got hurt. If his knee injury is serious, the Noles may be in rebuild mode with a young backfield. I feel bad for Francois. He's done nothing but get pounded into the ground since he put on that uniform. I hope his career isn't ruined because FSU can't block for him.

I'm also not completely sold that Alabama looks like the best team in the country just yet. In year's past, they destroyed their opening week competition. On Saturday, they struggled and were practically gifted some points off turnovers.

Still, I think both teams will be in the conversation in November.

3rd Quarter
Another team that impressed many but I'm holding back on is Michigan. The Wolverines had a hard time getting things going against a stout Florida defense. Starting QB Wilton Speight threw two pick-sixes that would have sunk Michigan against any other opponent with an offensive pulse. Lucky for the Maize and Blue, this was Florida. Quarterbacks not named Tim Tebow or Danny Wuerffel, umm, aren't good. Somehow, the Gators put up 181 passing yards, but only ran for 11.

Yes, Florida was without a lot of suspended players, including its starting running back and star wideout. However, at a place like Florida it's inexcusable not to have backups ready to fill in and take over.

On the other sideline, the stats show Michigan dominated this game. The scoreboard told me it was a nine-point game late in the fourth quarter. How do you only give up three offensive points and find yourself needing a defensive score to seal the deal? Michigan is a young squad and this win will go a long way for confidence-building. I still think Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin are above them in the Big Ten right now.

4th Quarter
I dislike preseason predictions and prognostications (despite myself picking the Playoff teams last week). I think it places expectations on teams that haven't stepped on the field yet. Then, we judge a season-opening game based on those expectations and that's simply not fair. Take USC and Sam Darnold for example. Many anointed Darnold as the Heisman favorite based on last year. They have USC pegged as the Pac-12 representative for the Playoff. Maybe that got to the Trojans heads a bit, as they were deadlocked at 28 midway through the fourth quarter with Western Michigan.

Ohio State is another example. The preseason No. 2 team and favorite to win the national championship by many, trailed 14-13 at halftime at Indiana. The Buckeyes won going away, 49-21. Despite holding the Hoosiers to 17 rushing yards, OSU allowed 420 through the air. It took the offense three quarters to hit its stride, but that happens.

Let's hold off on the hot takes for another couple weeks until we see some of these teams against better competition. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Overtime
Most of the top teams played cupcake games. However, there were some other interesting results. I'll start with South Carolina knocking off NC State. The Wolfpack doubled the Gamecocks' yardage output 504-246, but shot themselves in the foot too many times. Deebo Samuel made some huge plays for USC and Jake Bentley showed off his skillset. But once again, hold your horses. South Carolina got the win, but there are plenty of question marks. NC State took the loss, but much like a season ago, one play here or there can turn this team into a conference contender.

The conference debate was a major talking point in the offseason. The ACC finished 2016 on top, but that quickly went south. Aforementioned FSU and NC State lost to SEC schools, North Carolina lost at home to Cal, Pittsburgh needed overtime to pull out a win against Youngstown State, and Louisville squeaked by Purdue. The Big Ten had the best weekend, getting out of conference wins away from home over Florida and Texas by Michigan and Maryland, respectively. Purdue's loss to the Cards looked respectable and even Rutgers managed to hang with No. 8 Washington for a half.

Like I said, it's a marathon still. Lots can happened between now and conference championship weekend.

Tiger Tweets

👀#ALLIN 🐅🐾 pic.twitter.com/LcRHDH4O9F

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 2, 2017

Want to see a dead guy @BarstoolClemson? pic.twitter.com/pdv2UeZiKS

— 5th Year (@5thYear) September 2, 2017

That deep throw by Bryant was as pretty as you will see...hit Deon Cain in stride. Mercy

— David Hood (@MDavidHood) September 2, 2017

Guess the secrets out the KB2 can throw the ball... 😂😂😂 #Back2Back ?

— Eric Mac Lain (@Mr_Clemson) September 2, 2017

This Kelly Bryant kid is pretty good, huh? pic.twitter.com/Uvc68o16md

— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) September 2, 2017

Kent State is on the board with a field goal, making them the team from Ohio with the most points against Clemson in the last 365 days.

— Shakin the Southland (@STSouthland) September 2, 2017

Feaster 47-yard TD with a track meet head-dip at the finish line. 42-3 #clemsonvskentst @GreenvilleNews @independentmail pic.twitter.com/CM7a0gdMC6

— Ken Ruinard (@ClickingKen) September 2, 2017

Overall Clemson's run game: 32 carries, 305 yards, 5 TDs.

— #DaHale (@DavidHaleESPN) September 2, 2017

#9 looks the part. That's for sure.

— Tiger Commenter (@TigerCommenter) September 2, 2017

1 yard passing for Kent State.

— Seldom Used Reserve (@seldomusedrsrv) September 2, 2017

Clemson Wins!

Win The Opener: ✅#ALLIN 🐾🐅 pic.twitter.com/dDcMwXIdYU

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 2, 2017

No. 5 Clemson beat Kent State 56-3, holding the Golden Flashes to 1 Pass yard (fewest by a losing FBS team in the last 5 seasons). pic.twitter.com/MgiJOvzXqw

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 2, 2017

Clemson is just fine, y'all.

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 2, 2017

I have an SEC problem

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Well folks, I'm here to tell you, I have a problem. An SEC problem.

A little background for those who don't know me. I grew up in Columbia, SC. I was raised in a house divided - Mom was a Gamecock, Dad was a Tiger. I think somewhere around sixth or seventh grade, I finally picked sides. I cut myself one day to check and sure enough, my blood runneth orange! (I really didn't cut myself).

Growing up in South Carolina, particularly Columbia, you hear all the crowing about the SEC, but never see what all the fuss is about. Gamecock fans yell "SEC! SEC! SEC!" more than any other fan base. And as it has been noted, they have an "Alabama mouth and a Vanderbilt trophy case" - and that might be demeaning to Vandy.

This talkative bunch won their first bowl game in 1995 and hadn't experienced success until Steve Spurrier came along. Before he arrived, South Carolina's overall record was sub-.500. Since he left, they've slid back into mediocrity-at-best. Clemson owns the overall series record over South Carolina 68-42-4. In my lifetime, the Tigers are 19-11-1 against the Gamecocks, including last year's 56-7 thumping. Against other SEC foes since 2011, Clemson is 6-2 with wins over LSU, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama.

I tell you all that because that's where my personal disdain for the conference began. Thanks a lot, Gamecock fans.

On a whole, since the ACC didn't decide to become a "football conference" until very recently, ACC football was always looked down upon with the exception of Florida State. Many schools were on the verge of breaking through yet never did. The addition of Miami and Virginia Tech was supposed to upgrade the conference, but the Canes took five steps backward and Virginia Tech was barely relevant nationally early on in their ACC marriage.

Thus, SEC football was the king of the south. And everyone else had to deal with it.

I despise the SEC. I loathe it. The constant "we're better than thou" attitude despite the fact that most of them aren't. The "we won seven straight national titles" when it was four teams who won, not 14. Sorry, Georgia and Tennessee and South Carolina and Kentucky and Vanderbilt and Mississippi State and Ole Miss and Arkansas and Missouri and Texas A&M, but you didn't win a championship. As for LSU (2003 and 2007) and Florida (2006 and 2008), we're going on 10 years since you last won a title.

Most of all, I hate the arrogance that fans of SEC schools have, who don't give credit to other teams and conferences. Sure, a few SEC teams have been on top and are tough to beat, but that doesn't mean the success of others should be downplayed. Nor does it mean that everyone in your conference are world beaters. That's just Alabama.

Yes, the SEC experienced unprecedented success with the seven straight championships and the 2011 rematch in the title game between LSU and Bama. But the fans haven't come down as far as the play on the field has in the past few years.

There have been three CFB Playoff years. The ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 have sent two different teams each to the first three semifinal matchups. Alabama is the only SEC representative to make the Playoff (all three years). In all likelihood, the Tide will once again represent the SEC in 2017. Not so favorable for the crowd screaming "The SEC has the most depth." Seems to me that a deep conference would be represented by more than just one school in college football's ultimate prized tournament.

But wait, there's more...

SEC media bias
Yes, ESPN has agreements with pretty much every conference, including the little guys like the MAC. But which one has the ESPN invested more money in? Which one did ESPN start a TV network for?

There is a media bias for the SEC, like it or not. Pick any college football Saturday this coming season and see which games are on in primetime. More often than not, you'll find SEC games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU in prime slots (read: after 3:30 PM ET).

Oh, and guess who spent the entire week at SEC Media Days with a full crew for not one, but two different shows (SEC Now and College Football Live). The four-letter network again.

Now, I'm not saying every analyst is told to pick SEC teams for this or promote an SEC player for that. I'm saying when your company has invested more money and more time in one conference, it's going to get way more play, eye balls across the country are going to see way more SEC coverage, and people are going to fall into the trap that is watching SEC more than other games.

Switch over to Fox or FS1 a few times this season and see how varying their coverage is. You won't get SEC crammed down your throat, I promise.

"We get beat up by the brutal SEC schedule"
Ah, the old "we're not good by the end of the season because we got roughed up early on" argument. Yeah, okay. This is what you will hear when an SEC team loses in a bowl game or a late regular season rivalry matchup. It's totally contradictory to the argument when an SEC team wins those games and they boast that the SEC has depth and is strong top to bottom. Also, what's the argument for when you lose one of the first few games of the season?

Let me get this straight, if you win it's because your conference prepared you for it, but if you lose it's because it's too tough and beat you up? I guess you can spin anything to make it fit your stance.

For one, I'd love for Clemson to play an SEC schedule. Heck, I'd love to see any team play an SEC schedule. I'd also love to see LSU or Alabama or Florida or Georgia play an ACC or Big Ten schedule. Or heck, go play the wide-open spread offenses in the Big 12 week in and week out.

Recall that Texas A&M and Missouri - two former Big 12 schools - entered the SEC, with Missouri winning the SEC East twice and A&M beating big, bad Alabama on their home field. Next.

"They're built like an SEC team"
This phrase is regularly used to justify another team being great. So they're built like Missouri? Kentucky? Mississippi State? Or do you really mean they're built like Alabama? To pump up your entire conference as if all 14 teams are in the Top 5 is ridiculous.

What does this even mean anyway? That only SEC teams produce fast, physical, athletic players? I'll give you that more players are drafted in the NFL than any other conference, but that doesn't mean Michigan and Oklahoma are producing minor leaguers. The best NFL running back in the last 15 years - Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (Big 12). The best NFL quarterback - Tom Brady, Michigan (Big Ten). The best receiver - Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (ACC).

These things are cyclical. Twenty years ago, people wanted to be "built like" Nebraska and Florida State. When Tennessee won in 1998, nobody said they were built like a Big 12 or ACC team. Fifteen years ago, it was Miami. When LSU won in 2003, no one proclaimed the Tigers to be "built like a Big East team." Twelve years ago, USC was the darling. No one was going around when Florida won in 2006 saying, "They're built like a Pac-12 team."

So stop. Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, and several others aren't built like an SEC team. They're built like a Top 5 CFB Playoff contender.

"It Just Means More"
I'll end on this one because it's my favorite. By now you've seen or heard this moniker from coast to coast. I'm not here to argue that it doesn't mean more than it does in Austin or Norman or Eugene or Ann Arbor.

I'm here to tell you to own it. If you're going to go around beating your chest that "It Just Means More" to you in the SEC, then don't get your panties in a wad when a non-SEC team beats your beloved school and does a little MORE bragging than usual.

Whatever it is might mean more to you, but it also means more to us to beat you.

This past season, you weren't first. You were second. You can't spell second with S-E-C. And that's a fACCt!

-BtW

Wait 'til this year?

Is this the year? Can the Clemson Tigers top the college football mountain for the second time in program history? Is this season National Championship or bust?

It sure feels like that's where they're headed.

After four straight seasons of 10+ wins, Clemson burst into the National Championship picture in 2015 with an undefeated regular season, an ACC championship, and a College Football Playoff berth. The Dabo Swinney-led Tigers defeated Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl to earn a shot at the ultimate prize.

Deshaun Watson had the best championship game in college football history statistically, but Clemson fell short against Alabama.

That's all led to preseason hype surrounding the Tigers that hasn't been seen in Upstate South Carolina in decades. Many prognosticators have Clemson in the top two of their preseason polls, including the Amway Coaches Poll where the Tigers are No. 2 behind Alabama.

Offensively, Clemson is loaded. Watson is enough of a force to be reckoned with, but he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

Defensively, there are question marks. Most are due to a lack of experience, but certainly not a lack of talent. The Tigers have aimed high in recruiting and it's paid off. How that talent translates to the field this fall will be the storyline.

Dexter Lawrence is one of many newcomers who will have to
step up on the defensive side of the ball for Clemson.
(Photo courtesy TigerNet.com)

The schedule isn't difficult, but it won't be a cake-walk either. It has a few tricky spots - namely at Georgia Tech on a Thursday night early in the year (Sept. 22) and at Florida State on Oct. 29. Clemson opens at Auburn, which in normal years would be a true measuring stick, but the SEC Tigers haven't been up to snuff the past couple years. Louisville, Pitt and in-state rival South Carolina all visit Death Valley, where Clemson has won 16 straight home games.

Like a season ago, there will be "if" games, as I like to call them. "If" Clemson wins at Auburn ... "If" the Tigers handle the Yellow Jackets ... "If" they get by Louisville ... it goes on all season.

But the big one is in Tallahassee (of course, "If" Clemson is undefeated at that point). Win against the 'Noles and plans to visit Atlanta in late December (for the Peach Bowl) and Tampa on Jan. 9 (for the CFP National Championship) will begin being made by the Tiger faithful.

One game at a time, my orange-clad friends. Just make sure to BYOG to each one!

-BtW

College Football's Ever-Changing Landscape

In the digital age in which we live, conference realignment has gained major notoriety. Teams have switched conferences on and off since the beginning of college athletics, really.

However, only recently have college football enthusiasts begun discussing the idea of a new landscape.

Friends, brace yourselves. Here's my prediction on what will occur in the next 5-10 years.

Could more of this be on the way soon?
(Photo courtesy Business Insider)

First, a little background. The Atlantic Coast Conference recently announced a new TV deal with ESPN. The 14 full-time schools and faux-ACC member Notre Dame have granted their media rights to the conference through 2036. Along with the powers in the Big Ten and SEC, whose own networks are money-making machines (Big Ten Network and SEC Network), it appears those three conferences are set for a while. No one is leaving the ACC, Big Ten or SEC anytime soon.

That leaves us with the other two Power 5 conferences, the Pac-12 and Big 12. We start on the West Coast, where the Pac-12 has its own issues with its TV network. Many praised Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott when the conference unveiled the Pac-12 Network, but years later, the conference has yet to agree on distribution with certain providers and the cash flow is, how do you say, minimal.

It was reported last week that Big 12 school Kansas State, which has a third-tier media right to its "K-StateHD.TV" channel online, receives more revenue than UCLA does. This, of course, sparked rumors that UCLA would be a candidate to bolt and join the soon-to-be-expanding Big 12.

Yeah. No.

All that to say, it is my belief that the Big 12 will expand to 12 or 14 teams, as reported everywhere, until its media rights run out - or perhaps a few years before they do - in 2025. That also coincides with the end of the current deal for the College Football Playoff contract.

At first, I thought about taking the current Power 5 conferences plus Notre Dame, which would be 65 teams, and trying to come up with four super-conferences of 16 teams. I think that might be a little tight when you consider there are teams like BYU, Houston, Boise State, and a few others out of the Group of 5 conferences who could compete with the "big boys" in college football.

I've expanded my thought to include all the Power 5 teams, Notre Dame, and a few others. The four Super-Conferences (or the Super 4) would be either 18 or 20 teams, based mostly on the current structure of the conferences and geography, and would alleviate any scheduling concerns.

Teams would be split into 9- or 10-team divisions and play each team in their division. The two division winners would face off in a conference championship game, which would be a de facto quarterfinal round. The four conference winners advance to what is now known as the College Football Playoff, or a semifinal round, and so on.

If there are 18-team conferences, each team would play all eight teams from its division plus one rotating opponent from the opposite intraconference division. Teams would be required to play two teams from the other three Super 4 conferences and allowed to play one game of their choosing against a lesser football subdivision.

This would equal the 12-game schedule format currently in place, but add some excitement of non-conference matchups and force teams to play higher level games instead of three or four non-conference games against the Central Michigans and New Mexico States of the world.

With 20-teams in a conference, just add one more division game and scrap the two games against other conference opponents and require just one. Therefore, 10 conference games (nine in division, one non-division), one non-conference Super 4, and the remaining pick your own game.

Here's how I see these Super 4 conferences shaking out. Keep in mind, this is not perfect, but just a guess as to what the new structure could look like:

ACC
North Division

1. Boston College
2. Cincinnati*
3. Louisville
4. Notre Dame
5. Pittsburgh
6. Syracuse
7. Virginia
8. Virginia Tech
9. West Virginia*

South Division

1. Central Florida*
2. Clemson
3. Duke
4. Florida State
5. Georgia Tech
6. Miami
7. NC State
8. North Carolina
9. Wake Forest

SEC
East Division

1. Alabama
2. Auburn
3. Florida
4. Georgia
5. Kentucky
6. Memphis*
7. South Carolina
8. Tennessee
9. Vanderbilt

West Division

1. Arkansas
2. Houston*
3. LSU
4. Mississippi State
5. Missouri
6. Oklahoma*
7. Ole Miss
8. Texas A&M
9. TCU*

Big Ten
East Division

1. Illinois
2. Indiana
3. Maryland
4. Michigan
5. Michigan State
6. Ohio State
7. Penn State
8. Purdue
9. Rutgers

West Division

1. Illinois
2. Iowa
3. Iowa State*
4. Kansas*
5. Kansas State*
6. Minnesota
7. Nebraska
8. Northwestern
9. Wisconsin

Pacific Coast
East Division

1. Arizona
2. Arizona State
3. Baylor*
4. BYU*
5. Colorado
6. Oklahoma State*
7. Texas*
8. Texas Tech*
9. Utah

West Division

1. Boise State*
2. Cal
3. Oregon
4. Oregon State
5. Stanford
6. UCLA
7. USC
8. Washington
9. Washington State

*New to conference; could be replaced with a team below

Here are some other realignment candidates either to replace some on the list above or to be added if there are 20 teams in each conference:

1. Air Force
2. Army
3. Colorado State
4. Connecticut
5. East Carolina
6. Fresno State
7. Louisiana Tech
8. Marshall
9. Navy
10. Nevada
11. Northern Illinois
12. SMU
13. South Florida
14. Southern Miss
15. Temple
16. Tulane
17. Tulsa
18. Western Kentucky

If 16-team Super-Conferences result in the ideal number, there will be some teams left out in the cold. As it stands right now, there are a total of 64 teams in the Power 5 conferences - ACC (14), Big 12 (10), Big Ten (14), Pac-12 (12) and SEC (14). That'd be perfect to combine them and split into four 16-team conferences. However, that 64 does not include Notre Dame. The Irish will be included one way or another. As also mentioned, teams like BYU, Boise State, Houston, Cincinnati, etc., are going to want their fair share into the new major football conferences.

Friends, brace yourselves. Things are just heating up.

-BtW

PTW - Prediction Time Wednesday

Because it's Bowl Season! And that means wacky weekdays filled with college football games. I averted from picking all 40 bowl games and instead am bringing you my picks from the best of the remaining matchups. I mean, how can anyone rightfully pick games involving 6-6 MAC and Conference USA teams?

Anyway, a couple picks up front from games that happened yesterday (Tuesday). I posted these on Twitter to ensure the selections were made before the games took place.

Championship week's record: 7-1

Overall: 76-30 (.717 win %)
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings

Tuesday, Dec. 29
Russell Athletic Bowl - Orlando, Fla.
No. 10 North Carolina vs. No. 17 Baylor (Line: North Carolina -3)
*This game has already been played. My prediction: North Carolina 45, Baylor 35
FINAL: Baylor 49, North Carolina 38

Texas Bowl - Houston, Texas
No. 20 LSU vs. Texas Tech (Line: LSU -7)
*This game has already been played. My prediction was: LSU 34, Texas Tech 28
FINAL: LSU 56, Texas Tech 27

Wednesday, Dec. 30
Birmingham Bowl - Birmingham, Ala.
Auburn vs. Memphis (Line: Auburn -3)
Memphis, which beat Ole Miss early, struggled late in the season, losing three straight to the top three teams in the AAC to fall to B-ham. Auburn was predicted by the media to win the SEC during preseason. Instead, both are here. Paxton Lynch is the X-factor in this one. Memphis 42, Auburn 27

Belk Bowl - Charlotte, N.C.
NC State vs. Mississippi State (Line: Mississippi State -6)
The Wolfpack did not beat a conference team with a winning record. The Bulldogs lost two of their final three, and should have lost the third. Each team could use a win to head into the offseason with some momentum. NC State 48, Mississippi State 47

Music City Bowl - Nashville, Tenn.
Texas A&M vs. Louisville (Line: Louisville -4.5)
The Aggies are in disarray and can't keep a quarterback to stay in College Station. Bobby Petrino played musical chairs with his quarterbacks, but seemed to settle on Lamar Jackson. The Cards defense should be able to come up with enough stops against Jake Hubenak. Louisville 27, Texas A&M 20

Holiday Bowl - San Diego, Calif.
No. 25 USC vs. Wisconsin (Line: USC -3.5)
How much does USC want to be here instead of about 90 miles north in Pasadena? Not sure. The Trojans, though, were much better under Clay Helton, who now has the full-time gig. Wisconsin's record is in part because it plays in the much maligned Big Ten West. USC 42, Wisconsin 24

Thursday, Dec. 31
Peach Bowl - Atlanta, Ga.
No. 18 Houston vs. No. 9 Florida State (Line: Florida State -7)
Tom Herman has Houston flexing its collective muscle, hoping anyone from the Big 12 will take notice. Greg Ward Jr. is a phenomenal athlete and fits perfectly in Herman's system. The Noles, however, are a powerhouse with talent across the board. This is the best team the 'Cougs will have seen. Florida State 41, Houston 31

Orange Bowl - Miami Gardens, Fla.
No. 4 Oklahoma vs. No. 1 Clemson (Line: Oklahoma -3.5)
The first of the Playoff Semifinals pits the Big 12 champion Sooners against the ACC champion Tigers. Both have great quarterbacks. Both have outstanding defenses. Both are extremely talented at the skill positions. And both are here for that reason. I've been back and forth on this and may flip my decision again before it's all said and done. Clemson 34, Oklahoma 27

The four teams in their Nike Mach Speed uniforms for the College Football Playoff.
(Photo courtesy Nike)

Cotton Bowl  - Arlington, Texas
No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Alabama (Line: Alabama -10)
Alabama is one-dimensional on offense. But that one dimension is a freak running back in Derrick Henry who happened to win the Heisman Trophy. Michigan State did nothing but win the big games it needed to, including at Michigan, at Ohio State, and in the Big Ten Championship against Iowa. Does Sparty have another last-minute miracle? Alabama 21, Michigan State 13

Friday, Jan. 1
Outback Bowl - Tampa, Fla.
No. 13 Northwestern vs. No. 23 Tennessee (Line: Tennessee -8.5)
Tennessee is here because it couldn't close out fourth quarter leads against Florida, Oklahoma, or Alabama. The Vols won five straight to close the year and beating a solid Northwestern team would boost Butch Jones' squad into the spring. The Wildcats, as good as their 10-2 record is, were blown out by a combined 78-10 in their two losses to Michigan and Iowa. Tennessee's offense is rolling right now, so watch out. Tennessee 49, Northwestern 21

Citrus Bowl - Orlando, Fla.
No. 14 Michigan vs. No. 19 Florida (Line: Michigan -4.5)
Michigan was humbled in a 42-13 loss at home to rival Ohio State. The Wolverines, though, have played great defense for much of the year. That bodes well against a Gator team still searching for an offensive identity. Florida dropped its final two against Florida State and Alabama, scoring one offensive TD in the two games. Michigan 27, Florida 16

Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, Ariz.
No. 8 Notre Dame vs. No. 7 Ohio State (Line: Ohio State -6.5)
Call this the game of Oh-So-Close teams. Notre Dame's two losses game to the teams ranked No. 1 and No. 6 by a combined four points. Ohio State would be in the Playoff if it hadn't lost at home on a last-second field goal to Michigan State. Either way, two very talented teams in what should be a fun chess match between Urban Meyer and Brian Kelly. Ohio State 37, Notre Dame 31

Rose Bowl - Pasadena, Calif.
No. 6 Stanford vs. No. 5 Iowa (Line: Stanford -6)
The hottest ticket this bowl season is not a Playoff game, but the Rose Bowl. Stanford and Iowa match styles offensively. Kudos to Kirk Ferentz for getting his team to the Rose Bowl for the first time in several decades. Christian McCaffrey finished second in the Heisman voting. I'm going to love watching this one. Stanford 27, Iowa 24

Sugar Bowl - New Orleans, La.
No. 16 Oklahoma State vs. No. 12 Ole Miss (Line: Ole Miss -7)
Chad Kelly kept Ole Miss afloat and the Rebels are out to avenge a 42-3 loss in the Peach Bowl to another Big 12 team (TCU) a year ago. The Cowboys may or may not have their gunslinger Mason Rudolph for the game. If he's there, this could be a shootout. If not, what OSU does with JW Walsh, who is mostly a running quarterback, but can sling it himself. Ole Miss 42, Oklahoma State 34

Saturday, Jan. 2
Taxslayer Bowl- Jacksonville, Fla.
Penn State vs. Georgia (Line: Georgia -6.5)
Georgia is without its head coach and both coordinators, and never could find rhythm on offense all year. Penn State never could win the big game, losing to the top three teams in its division. The guess here is the Dawgs are able to get to Christian Hackenberg ... a lot. Georgia 24, Penn State 7

Liberty Bowl - Memphis, Tenn.
Kansas State vs. Arkansas (Line: Arkansas -13)
The Hogs finished strong again, including pulling off wins over Ole Miss and LSU on the road down the stretch after a rough 2-4 start. K-State fell in the bottom tier of the Big 12, just above Iowa State and Kansas. The Wildcats won't have enough to slow down Alex Collins. Arkansas 35, Kansas State 20

Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, Texas
No. 15 Oregon vs. No. 11 TCU (Line: Pick 'em)
Trevone Boykin and Vernon Adams Jr. should provide fireworks. The two quarterbacks are exciting to watch. Oregon won six in a row, including knocking off Stanford, once Adams came back healthy. Boykin was the Heisman front-runner until an injury derailed his campaign and TCU's season. The Frogs will be without star receive Josh Doctson, and that might hurt TCU in this fireworks show. Oregon 55, TCU 44

Cactus Bowl - Phoenix, Ariz.
West Virginia vs. Arizona State (Line: West Virginia -1)
A de facto home game for the Sun Devils, who get to stay in the Phoenix for this one. Dana Holgorsen's Mountaineers fell in the middle of the Big 12, but never threatened the top tier. Arizona State was a popular Top 15 pick, but the formula for success never came together. Will it in the final game? Arizona State 37, West Virginia 27

Championship Weekend Update

Championship Weekend is just around the corner and most of the slots for the major conference championship games are set. Several of these matchups have huge implications on the College Football Playoff and New Year's Six bowl games. Here's a breakdown by conference. Note: Big 12 and Sun Belt do not have conference championship games

American Athletic Conference (AAC) - Dec. 5 at TBD (Site awarded to division winner with best conference record)
East: Temple or South Florida
West: Navy or Houston 
Scenarios
-Temple needs win vs. UConn
-USF needs win at Central Florida AND Temple loss
-Winner-take-all battle Friday at Houston

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) - Dec. 5 in Charlotte
Atlantic: Clemson
Coastal: North Carolina

Big Ten - Dec. 5 in Indianapolis
East: Michigan State or Michigan or Ohio State
West: Iowa
Scenarios
-Michigan State needs win vs. Penn State
-Michigan needs win vs. Ohio State AND Michigan State loss
-Ohio State needs win at Michigan AND Michigan State loss

Conference USA - Dec. 5 at TBD (Site awarded to division winner with best conference record)
East: Western Kentucky or Marshall
West: Southern Miss or Louisiana Tech
Scenarios 
-Winner-take-all battle Friday at Western Kentucky
-Winner-take-all battle Saturday at Louisiana Tech

Mid-American Conference (MAC) - Dec. 4 in Detroit
East: Bowling Green
West: Northern Illinois or Toledo
Scenarios
-Northern Illinois needs win vs. Ohio
-Toledo needs win vs. Western Michigan AND Northern Illinois loss to Ohio

Mountain West - Dec. 5 at TBD (Site awarded to division winner with best conference record)
Mountain: Air Force
West: San Diego State

Pac-12 - Dec. 5 in Santa Clara, Calif.
North: Stanford
South: USC or UCLA
Scenarios
-Winner-take-all battle at USC

Southeastern Conference (SEC) - Dec. 5 in Atlanta
East: Florida
West: Alabama or Ole Miss
Scenarios
-Alabama needs win at Auburn
-Ole Miss needs win at Mississippi State AND Alabama loss

-BtW

Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Rankings - Week 3

For the third straight week, Deshaun Watson
has the Clemson Tigers atop the rankings.
(Photo courtesy The Greenville News)

The Top 4 remained unchanged, which isn't very surprising. Clemson hangs on to the No. 1 spot with Alabama second and Ohio State third.

Clemson needs to skate through to the ACC Championship Game, where it will have one final chance to lock up a Playoff spot.

Alabama might be looking better every week, but their résumé takes a hit with every LSU and/or Ole Miss loss. And those two teams play each other this weekend.

Ohio State can likely reclaim at least the No. 2 spot with wins in its final two regular season games - at home against Michigan State and at Michigan.

This is where it gets interesting...

Notre Dame remained in the Top 4 with Iowa No. 5 and Oklahoma State No. 6.

Oklahoma moves up to No. 7, which I believe was expected. The Sooners jump Florida, but remain behind Notre Dame, Iowa and Oklahoma State.

What we know is OU and Oklahoma State will play each other in the final week, with one getting a huge win to potentially propel it up the rankings. Both teams also get a chance to pick up Top 20 wins this weekend with Baylor visiting Stillwater and TCU visiting Norman. We also know someone ahead of those two will lose - either Iowa of Ohio State.

Should the scenario play out that OU wins out and its résumé is compared with Notre Dame, who also wins out, it will be one of the most hotly debated topics in America. They have one common opponent: Texas. Notre Dame defeated Texas in Week 1 by a score of 38-3. OU's only blemish is to the Horns, a 24-17 defeat in the Cotton Bowl in early October.

My argument, though, is you can't compare one game on a schedule of 12. Oklahoma's wins at the end of the season would be much more impressive than Notre Dame's, even if the Irish defeat Stanford to close the season.

Obviously, if it is Oklahoma State winning out and finishing as an undefeated Power 5 conference champion, the Cowboys are in.

Rounding out the Top 10 are No. 8 Florida, No. 9 Michigan State, and No. 10 Baylor. The Gators wrap up the season with Florida Atlantic and Florida State. MSU goes to the Horseshoe to take on Ohio State this week, then finishes with Penn State. Baylor, as mentioned, goes to Oklahoma State, then has a road trip to TCU before closing the season with Texas.

Only three rankings remain until we find out who will make their way to South Florida and North Texas. Buckle up.

-BtW

PTF: Prediction Time Friday - Week 11

Not a good week picking games last week, so I expect a big bounce-back week. College football can be crazy and November is the time for it to go bonkers. Five of the 11 undefeated teams fell last week. It's another big week with several ranked matchups and other intriguing battles which should provide some clarity for the Playoff picture.

Last week's record: 6-7

Overall: 35-14
*Rankings below are CFB Playoff Committee rankings

No. 3 Ohio State at Illinois (Line: Ohio State -16.5)
After a game suspension, JT Barrett is back to start at quarterback for the Buckeyes. This is the last tuneup for Ohio State before closing the season with the Michigan schools. Early kickoff, on the road, trying to get back in rhythm ... all factors that could lead to a slow start in Champaign. Ohio State 34, Illinois 17

No. 11 Florida at South Carolina (Line: Florida -7.5)
The Gators clinched the SEC East last week despite their offense managing very little against the Commodores. This game would be of much more interest if Steve Spurrier was still coaching the Gamecocks. Florida should be able to score on South Carolina, but the feeling here is the Gamecocks, which beat the Gators in Gainesville last year, won't be a pushover. Florida 23, South Carolina 20

Georgia at Auburn (Line: Auburn -1.5)
Not the game everyone expected back in August, is it? Georgia and Auburn were to contend for the SEC, but neither is ranked and the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has no meaning in the conference race. Auburn got a big win at Texas A&M last week and should carry that momentum back home. Georgia also scored a much-needed win over Kentucky to fan the flames on the "Fire Mark Richt" crowd. Which team needs it more? Tough to call... Auburn 27, Georgia 23

No. 1 Clemson at Syracuse (Line: Clemson -28)
Clemson looks to have a clear path to the College Football Playoff. At the very least, last week's win over Florida State should give the Tigers some breathing room until a potential matchup with North Carolina in the ACC title game. This is a game Clemson needs to open up the offense, clamp down on defense, and do whatever it wants in the Carrier Dome. If the Tigers are for real, they should roll over the 'Cuse, which has lost six straight games. Anything less than a sixth straight 500-yard performance would be a disappointment. Clemson 55, Syracuse 10

No. 2 Alabama at No. 17 Mississippi State (Line: Alabama -8)
The Crimson Tide had two weeks to think about LSU and Leonard Fournette. They heard about the running back 'til it made them sick. And they completely manhandled the Tigers last Saturday. This is the classic hangover game - on the road against a team starting to get on a roll and is doing so behind the best quarterback in the conference in Dak Prescott. Oh yeah, those cowbells will be ringing louder than ever. Upset of the week in Starkvegas. Mississippi State 31, Alabama 18

Wake Forest at No. 4 Notre Dame (Line: Notre Dame -27)
To be honest, I pick all the Top 10 teams games, which is why this one makes the cut. But it won't be close. Notre Dame might need to find a waterboy to play at some point, as the Irish keep losing starters to injury. The most recent, running back CJ Prosise, who cleared concussion protocol and is expected to be on the sidelines Saturday ready to go. He should stay there, though. This one shouldn't be close. Notre Dame 49, Wake Forest 7

No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State (Line: Oklahoma State -14)
Remember 2011, when undefeated Oklahoma State made a trip to Ames? The Cowboys left with a loss, and ultimately helped lead the demise of the BCS. That was four years ago. This is now. And now, the Cowboys are coming off their biggest win of the season in which they forced four turnovers and scored four touchdowns of 48 yards or longer. The quarterback duo of JW Walsh and Mason Rudolph is enough to keep teams honest. Despite the Cyclones knocking off Texas two weeks ago at home, 24-0, Oklahoma State has much more to play for and has a chip on its shoulder thanks to a lower-than-expected ranking by the Playoff Committee. Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 17

No. 14 Michigan at Indiana (Line: Michigan -13)
Indiana has come oh so close to knocking off the big boys in the Big Ten. Losers of five straight, this is the last chance to take down a powerhouse. Michigan was given new life in the East division when Nebraska upset Michigan State. Big Blue needs another Spartan loss and to win out. Jake Rudock was sharp against Rutgers last week with over 300 yards and two TDs through the air. Another performance like that will lead to another big Wolverine win. Michigan 37, Indiana 24

Miami at No. 23 North Carolina (Line: North Carolina -13)
What exactly did Miami's eight-lateral win over Duke mean? For one, it sets up a chance for the Canes to take down the ACC Coastal's top dog and creep closer to a berth in the ACC Championship game. Marquise Williams and the Tar Heels are playing their best ball of the season, though. Knowing what Clemson did to Miami earlier, this one should scare Hurricanes fans. A win by the Heels and a Pitt win at Duke sends UNC to the title game in December. North Carolina 45, Miami 27

No. 21 Memphis at No. 24 Houston (Line: Houston -7)
This game lost a little luster when Memphis was blown out by Navy last week. Houston is still in line for a perfect season, but this is their toughest test to date, at least by record (the Cougars defeated Louisville on the road in the second game of the year). Memphis can remain in the hunt for the AAC West hunt, but still needs the Midshipmen to fall twice in their final three conference games. Houston, on the other hand, needs this win to improve its résumé for a potential New Year's Six Bowl. These two offensive teams could provide fireworks. Houston 47, Memphis 44

Arkansas at No. 9 LSU (Line: LSU -7.5)
How will LSU and Leonard Fournette bounce back from their disappointing performance at Alabama? Well, last year the Tigers followed up a tough loss to the Tide by getting shutout by Arkansas, 17-0. The good news this time around is LSU returns home for a night game. The bad news is Arkansas is has strung together three wins in a row and is riding momentum from the season's latest installment of "How did they win that game?!" Is that an upset brewing on the bayou? Nope, just whole roasted hog. LSU 24, Arkansas 17

Oregon at No. 7 Stanford (Line: Stanford -10)
Another matchup that in the preseason looked to have more at stake than it does now. The Ducks just don't have the same quack as in years past, although they can still light up the scoreboard. Stanford has looked like the best team in the Pac-12 behind Heisman contender Christian McCaffrey. The Cardinal's schedule sets up nicely with three straight at home against rivals Oregon, Cal, and Notre Dame. Oregon is still dangerous and still has playmakers on offense, but Stanford is the more complete team. Stanford 38, Oregon 30

Minnesota at No. 5 Iowa (Line: Iowa -11.5)
As mentioned in another post, Iowa keeps winning and proving doubters wrong. Clearly the Committee thinks highly of the Hawkeyes, placing Iowa just outside the Top 4 this week after ranking them ninth in the initial rankings. Minnesota pulled the interim tag and named Tracy Claeys its permanent head coach. The Gophers still don't have enough to keep up with an undefeated Hawkeyes team. The only game remaining that could be an upset is the trip to Lincoln at the end of the season. Leading up to it, Iowa continues to do Iowa things. Iowa 21, Minnesota 10

No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 6 Baylor (Line: Baylor -2.5)

Can Baker Mayfield lead OU to an upset of Baylor?
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

The Sooner Schooner rolls down I-35 full steam ahead with hopes of ending a drought in Waco - the Sooners have lost their last two trips to Baylor and three of four overall. Bears QB Jarrett Stidham was impressive in his first collegiate start on the road against Kansas State. This is a whole different ballgame, though, as ESPN's College GameDay will be in town and McLane Stadium will provide as electric an atmosphere as ever. Baker Mayfield has the Sooners humming - OU is averaging 58 points per game in its last four outings. Defensively, Oklahoma is playing the best of any Big 12 team and will give Baylor its biggest test. The intriguing matchups all over the field should make this one fun to watch. And if one team goes up by 21, don't turn the channel. Waco is about to get wacky. Oklahoma 56, Baylor 51

No. 10 Utah at Arizona (Line: Utah -6)
Utah might be the forgotten one-loss team, just kind of sitting there while the talk revolves around other teams looking to remain in Playoff contention. A tricky trip to the desert for the Utes, who have impressed since an ugly loss at USC. Utah remains on top of the Pac-12 South and is eyeing a chance to win the conference crown. Arizona might have something to say about that. The Wildcats have lost three straight and need to beat either Utah or Arizona State on the road to reach bowl eligibility. The way the Utes are playing, that might be another week. Utah 37, Arizona 31

Embrace the moment, Tiger fans

A season ago, three teams from the SEC resided in the Top 4 of first-ever College Football Playoff Rankings released Oct. 28, 2014. Two of those teams were from the state of Mississippi.

Exactly one of those initial top four made the Playoff in January. That was Florida State. The three SEC schools - Mississippi State (1), Auburn (3) and Ole Miss (4) - finished no higher than No. 7 in the final rankings before bowl season.

We are still one week away from the first rankings of the 2015 season and by all expert guesses, the Clemson Tigers will take up one of the top four spots.

Be afraid, Tiger Nation. But embrace this moment.

Embrace the fact that the folks who follow the sport for a living have their eyes on Clemson every week. They want to believe in this team.

Yet, they have every right not to. That's fine. Dabo Swinney is out to prove everyone wrong, whether he admits it or not.

It's in his blood. It's how he was brought up. He won't tell the outside world that they affect how he is driven each day ... but they do and he is.

The exciting part about all this for Clemson is this wasn't supposed to be the Tigers' year. After losing eight starters from the No. 1 defense and offensive coordinator Chad Morris, Clemson was relegated to rebuilding mode. At the very best, the Tigers were going to try to figure things out this year and be better prepared for national run in 2016. Yours truly even said before the season a 9-3, 10-2 type of year is likely expected. Anything better would be cake.

It may still turn out that way.

Just don't let the over-analyzing fool you. This Clemson team is good. Real good. Deshaun Watson is running the offense as if he were a fifth-year starter. Saturday at NC State will be just his 13th start. That defense that was depleted? That unit is currently No. 4 in the nation in total defense giving up 262.3 yards per game. Last season's No. 1 defense allowed 259.6 yards per game.

I'm not purchasing my tickets to Glendale, Ariz., but I certainly feel like with the parity in college football this year and the way Clemson has played to this point, there is a chance. There is a chance Clemson would wind up somewhere in the Top 4 at season's end and play for a chance at the crystal odd-shaped football trophy.

As a Clemson alum, I will embrace that for now. And hope for the best from here on out.

-BtW

PTF: Prediction Time Friday - Week 8

A fluke play and a couple upsets were all that stood between me and a perfect week of picks. I whiffed on Ole Miss being more talented than Memphis. Utah's 20-point fourth quarter derailed my upset special. And then there was the Blunder at the Big House.

That's OK. I'll take an 11-3 week and move right along. This week presents a challenge as only two Top 25 teams play each other. There will likely be upsets. But who will fall?

Iowa State at No. 2 Baylor
Poor Iowa State. Paul Rhodes' teams typically play up to one opponent each season. Could that have been last weekend when they were tied at 21 with TCU? Perhaps. But don't expect the Cyclones to waltz into McLane Stadium and slow down this group of Bears. Baylor QB Seth Russell and WR Corey Coleman have connected on 16 TD passes already this season. Guess here is they get a few more Saturday. Baylor continues to roll over weak opponents, setting up that brutal November stretch. Baylor 65, Iowa State 14

No. 6 Clemson at Miami
This is the game that has to worry Clemson fans more than any remaining game on the schedule. Sure, FSU is a much more talented and tougher team. But if the Tigers want to keep the "C" word away, it can ill-afford a let down here. These two have met four times since Miami joined the ACC and the road team has won each game. Three of the four were won in overtime. The noon start means it will be a weak crowd - well, the fact that it's in Miami means the crowd will be lacking. Dabo Swinney brought a new acronym to the fold - BYOE for Bring Your Own Energy. The Canes are in search of a signature win. Al Golden could use this to keep his job for at least another week. Miami's backs are against the wall here. I just think Clemson and its progressing offense led by Deshaun Watson, is focused on redefining "Clemsoning." Clemson 37, Miami 27

No. 23 Duke at Virginia Tech
Duke, one of just four ranked ACC teams, can stick a dagger in the Hokies' season. The job David Cutcliffe has done in Durham is spectacular. He's had the Blue Devils in ACC Coastal contention the last two years, winning the division in 2013, and now we find out how good Duke will be this season. The meat of their schedule is still ahead of them. It starts in Blacksburg against a Hokie team with a few black eyes. Virginia Tech has lost three of four, including gaining just 100 yards against Pitt and struggling to get anything going at Miami. Duke boasts the nation's No. 4 defense, a category Virginia Tech used to roam in the Top 10 year after year, but not so much anymore. The Devils win in a slugfest. Duke 17, Virginia Tech 10

Indiana at No. 7 Michigan State
Indiana gave a scare to Ohio State a few weeks ago. Michigan State needed a miracle to stay unbeaten. Sparty went from 10 seconds from being beaten by their in-state rival to epically etching their name in college football lore. They'll have to refocus this week to ensure they avoid a letdown against the Hoosiers. I'd give Indiana a fighting chance if this was in Bloomington. Michigan State 34, Indiana 20

Tennessee at No. 8 Alabama
What used to be known at the "Third Saturday in October" rivalry is being played on the fourth Saturday in October. The Vols have had two weeks to prepare for their trip to Tuscaloosa. Tennessee had a chance to enjoy its thrilling win over Georgia two weeks ago. The Tide have been up and down this season - losing at home to Ole Miss, dominating Georgia, struggling with Arkansas, and laying the hammer on Texas A&M. This would be the week they take a step back, if the trend continues. It won't. Alabama 28, Tennessee 16

Texas Tech at No. 17 Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield against his former squad. Which Oklahoma team will show up - the one who flopped against Texas or the one who walloped Kansas State? It's air raid vs. air raid. Two teams and a scoreboard operator are about to get a workout. The difference here is OU's defense. The Sooners had their mettle tested following the loss to the Longhorns. They answered the bell in a big way in the Little Apple. In the end, this back and forth affair should fall the Sooners' way. Oklahoma 48, Texas Tech 41

Western Kentucky at No. 5 LSU
What a weird game for Oct. 24. First, why is LSU playing Western Kentucky in the middle of the season? Secondly, the 6-1 Hilltoppers shouldn't be taken lightly. WKU already has one win over an SEC team (albeit, Vanderbilt). They may give LSU fits into the second half, but let's be honest, Leonard Fournette will have the final say. If he can get 180 yards on Florida's defense, I don't see any way Western Kentucky can find a way to stop him. LSU 45, Western Kentucky 31

No. 9 Florida State at Georgia Tech
The trap game of all trap games. Florida State looked to put it together last week in the second half against Louisville. The light bulb turned on for Everett Golson and Dalvin Cook did Dalvin Cook things. Now comes a night game in Atlanta against five-straight-loss Georgia Tech and the triple-option attack that has given the Noles fits in recent years. In the past, this game is one Georgia Tech bowed up and pulled off the stunning upset. I just think FSU isn't the type of team to let that happen. A win gives the Noles their 29th straight ACC win, a feat only accomplished by ... Florida State from 1992-95. Florida State 24, Georgia Tech 17

No. 15 Texas A&M at No. 24 Ole Miss
The only matchup of the week between ranked teams is a head-scratcher. How is Ole Miss still ranked after the beatdown in Memphis? Since knocking off Alabama and rising to No. 3, the Rebels have wins over Vanderbilt and New Mexico State and were embarrassed at Florida and stunned by the AAC Tigers. The Aggies, on the other hand, just threw another pick-6 to Alabama's defense. I'm not sold on Texas A&M and even a win here wouldn't prove much. But I do think they get it done in Oxford. Texas A&M 41, Ole Miss 35

No. 3 Utah at USC
Many have this pegged as the upset of the week despite the oddsmakers believing in USC and pitting them as a three-point favorite. USC is back home after playing an inspired game in South Bend against rival Notre Dame. Despite the loss, the Trojans proved they will fight for their interim coach the rest of this season. Utah is the surprise team in college football. The Utes are the only unbeaten team in the Pac-12. They have five wins over teams with winning records. Is this where the clock strikes midnight for Cinderella? USC 35, Utah 31

No. 1 Ohio State at Rutgers
JT Barrett finally gets the start for the top-ranked Buckeyes. His leadership and abilities outweigh Cardale Jones'. I fully expect this offense to light it up this week. If they do, Ohio State should get a firm grip on the No. 1 ranking because this is the team we all expected the Buckeyes to be. The Scarlet Knights have been in disarray all year with injuries, scandals, and who knows what else is going on. Just don't see them hanging around long in this one. Ohio State 60, Rutgers 20

Washington at No. 10 Stanford
Stanford looks like a team on a mission. That mission: To prove their opening game loss to Northwestern was a complete and utter fluke. Washington, coming off the loss to Oregon, can't be feeling good about itself. The Huskies are running into a machine. Christian McCaffrey should have another Heisman-esque game and the Cardinal have scored 40-plus points in all four Pac-12 games. Chalk up another one. Stanford 49, Washington 17

Stanford's Chris Owusu made the catch of the year last Thursday against UCLA.
(Photo courtesy Pac-12.com)

-BtW

What we've learned at the halfway point of the college football season

Incredible catches. Thrilling runs. Bone-crunching hits. Upsets. Blowouts. Shocking losses. Shocking wins.

Jubilation. Melancholy.

Ah, college football. This much we know. But now that the season has reached its halfway point, what have we learned that we didn't know back in August?

ACC
What we thought we knew: Clemson, Florida State and Georgia Tech would give the ACC three legitimate Playoff contenders.
What we learned: Georgia Tech, losers of five straight and in danger of not even being bowl eligible, was a big fat fraud. Clemson and FSU remain the class of the league, while everyone else plays catch-up. One-loss Duke, UNC and Pitt are vying for the Coastal crown and could help improve the ACC's image.

Big Ten

Michigan State escaped the Big House with a play for the ages.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

What we thought we knew: Ohio State didn't just have "The Best Damn Band in the Land," but also the "Best Damn Team in the Land." The Buckeyes had Nov. 21 circled as their premier game of the season against Michigan State.
What we learned: OSU has yet to put together a complete game and is no longer the unanimous No. 1 team. In fact, some have them on the outside looking in for the College Football Playoff. Michigan is lightyears ahead of schedule under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh. Now, the Bucks have Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 circled. Sparty needed a blunder in the Big House to stay unbeaten, but miracles sometimes have to happen along the way to a miraculous season.

Big 12
What we thought we knew: TCU and Baylor might be two of the best teams in the country. Someone from the Big 12 will step up, though, and give them a run for their money. However, it won't be until November until we find out anything about the upper-echelon of the Big 12.
What we learned: TCU and Baylor still might be two of the best teams in the country. Only one other undefeated team remains: Oklahoma State. Do the Pokes have what it takes? November is still half a month away, so stay tuned...

Pac-12
What we thought we knew: Oregon would take a step back after losing Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota to the NFL. USC and UCLA could step up and lead the South back to prominence.
What we learned: Oregon didn't just take a step back, it fell off a cliff. There is a team from the South Division that starts with "U" that looks the part of a national title contender, but it's neither USC nor UCLA. Welcome to the show, Utah.

SEC
What we thought we knew: Alabama, Auburn and Georgia would be unstoppable - except of course against each other. Arkansas and Tennessee were darkhorses in their respective divisions.
What we learned: Alabama lost. Auburn and Georgia lost twice. Only one unbeaten stands tall in the all-the-sudden normal SEC: that's Leonard Fournette-led LSU. The Fightin' Jim McElwain's (Gators) are ahead of schedule, but the conference is lacking that pop its TV-rights owner likes to tell you it has. Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi State have one quality win between them (Tennessee over Georgia), and all three are once again "a year away."

Independents
What we thought we knew: Notre Dame and BYU could be X-factors in the Playoff race.
What we learned: Notre Dame, aside from a wild loss in a hurricane in Death Valley, still could run the table and have a shot at one of the Top 4 spots. BYU's magic ran out after a couple Hail Mary's (er, Joseph Smith's?).

Group of 5
What we thought we knew: Houston and Boise State were the best chances for this group to crash the party.
What we learned: Houston still has a good shot, but the Broncos chances ended with a horrible loss to Utah State. Joining the Cougars now are fellow undefeated AAC members Temple and Memphis. The Tigers turned the college football world upside down by manhandling Ole Miss, which weeks prior solved the Crimson Tide in the house the Bear built.

Closing thoughts
There are still 14 undefeated teams remaining in college football. Many of those still play each other, so the number will slowly decrease in the coming weeks. The best weekend of games appears to be Nov. 7, coincidentally the Saturday following the first poll released by the Playoff Committee. That weekend we'll see LSU at Alabama, FSU at Clemson, Duke at UNC, Notre Dame at Pitt, and TCU at Oklahoma State, among a few other intriguing games. At the very least, we'll know a lot more about a few conference races and who will still be alive for the coveted College Football Playoff.

-BtW

PTF: Prediction Time Friday

Big weekend that some are calling "Separation Saturday" across college football. Let's get to the picks!

No. 17 Iowa at No. 20 Northwestern
Sneaky good game early in the Big Ten. Northwestern looking to bounce back at home after being exposed by Michigan last week. Iowa tries to remain unbeaten for a miraculous season. Expect the Hawkeyes to pull it off here. Iowa 24, Northwestern 17

West Virginia at No. 2 Baylor
West Virginia gave Baylor its only regular season loss last year. This is a revenge game for the Bears at home. Baylor big. Baylor 59, West Virginia 27

No. 13 Ole Miss at Memphis
Tricky game for the Rebels, although much of Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium will be full of red. Big game for undefeated Memphis with a chance to add a gold star to the résumé. Just a tad too much talent from the visitors. Ole Miss 42, Memphis 34

Louisville at No. 11 Florida State
Hangover game for FSU, coming off a win over its rival and having a noon kickoff here. Louisville, still trying to get back on track, is searching for a signature win. This could be it in Tallahassee, but only if Everett Golson turns the ball over. Close, but no cigar. Florida State 27, Louisville 17

No. 10 Alabama at No. 9 Texas A&M
Texas A&M finally has a chance to prove who they are. Their win over Arizona State in the opener is losing value and the rest of their schedule is brutal. Are the Aggies for real? Meanwhile, Alabama is playing Jekyll & Hyde. At Georgia, they looked determined. Against Arkansas, they looked frazzled until late in the game. Expect the Tide to play their best game. But so will the Aggies. Alabama 38, Texas A&M 35

No. 7 Michigan State at No. 12 Michigan
Game of the weekend? Perhaps. Michigan looks like it is back. The job Jim Harbaugh has done with a complete 180 turnaround is spectacular. But this game won't be easy. The Spartans own the recent history - winners of 6 out of 7 - and aren't afraid of "Big Brother" anymore. Slight edge to the Wolverines, though, because it's in the Big House. Michigan 27, Michigan State 24

No. 19 Oklahoma at Kansas State
This game feels like it has the potential to catapult or derail OU's season. After losing to Texas, the Sooners face an uphill battle with the best of the Big 12 yet to come. The SnyderCats are reeling after back-to-back blown leads to Oklahoma State and TCU. Oklahoma hasn't lost in Manhattan under Bob Stoops (5-0). He makes it 6-0. Oklahoma 34, Kansas State 24

No. 8 Florida at No. 6 LSU
The build-up to this game lost its luster when the NCAA suspended Gator QB Will Grier for a year after a failed drug test. Backup Treon Harris has proven he's a liability. Plenty of "DBU" trash-talk in this one, but the night game in Deaf Valley (yes, that's its original name) will prove too much for Florida. Oh yeah, and there's that Leonard Fournette guy. LSU 28, Florida 17

No. 3 TCU at Iowa State
Trap game for TCU, coming off the emotional comeback win at K-State. Iowa State always plays up to its competition and the Cyclones will be fired up for this one. Too much Trevone Boykin, who continues to his Heisman campaign. TCU 55, Iowa State 10.

Boston College at No. 5 Clemson
BC boasts the nation's best defense, statistically. Offensively, though, the Eagles are worse off than Paul Johnson's Yellow Jackets. BC has scored one touchdown in three conference games this season and will be starting a first-year QB in a night game in Death Valley. It's a tricky game for Clemson because of BC's physicality, but this one won't be close. Clemson 41, BC 9

Missouri at Georgia
The loser of this one is effectively eliminated from the SEC East race. Both teams have two conference losses - Georgia still has to play Florida; Missouri has several trip-up games left. If this game were in Columbia, Mo., the Tigers might have a chance. But, the Dawgs are an angry bunch following two-straight losses. Georgia 31, Missouri 17

USC at No. 14 Notre Dame
Credit Brian Kelly and the Irish for sticking to their game plan despite all the injuries suffered. One wild finish at Clemson is the difference between ND being in the Top 3. USC on the other hand is a mess. I don't see this one being that close and it will be the cherry on top of the Trojans' week. Notre Dame 35, USC 17

Penn State at No. 1 Ohio State
Just over here waiting on Ohio State to show me why they are the supposed No. 1 team in the land. The Buckeyes need a statement win. Not that beating Penn State is a huge accomplishment these days, but winning big over the Nittany Lions will validate the rankings. Penn State took OSU to double OT last year and has steadily improved this season after the opening week loss to Temple. Closer than the experts think. Ohio State 33, Penn State 24

Arizona State at No 4 Utah
The Utes are out to prove this season is no fluke. Arizona State is out to prove they deserved their No. 15 preseason ranking. Even with five interceptions against Cal, Utah barely hung on to remain unbeaten last week. The Sun Devils already have one upset road win at UCLA. We'll call this the upset special of the week. Arizona State 37, Utah 30

Top 5 College Football Coaches

Interesting question posed on sports radio yesterday in Oklahoma City: Who are the top 5 college football coaches right now?

Callers and hosts alike stated the obvious duo: Alabama's Nick Saban and Ohio State's Urban Meyer. The other spots on the list were debated and mostly agreed upon. At the very least, arguments made were valid for any of the candidates to round out the Top 5.

A few of the names mentioned were Baylor's Art Briles, Michigan's Jim Harbaugh, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, and LSU's Les Miles.

That got me thinking (and yes, it hurt). Who do I consider the Top 5 college coaches today? The basis for my rankings consists of many factors, but record over the last three years (this year included) weighed heavily.

*NOTE: Conference records below do not include conference championship games

1) Urban Meyer - Ohio State (4th season)
Record at current school: 44-3 overall, 26-0 Big Ten

Record since 2012: 44-3 overall, 26-0 Big Ten 

Conference titles at current school: 1

National titles at current school: 1

Ubran Meyer ranks at the top of my list.
Photo courtesy The Washington Post.

When Meyer led OSU to the National Championship with his third-string QB, he overtook Nick Saban for this spot. Again, this ranking is based on many things, mostly those being factored in the last few years. But is there a coach who has accomplished more at three different programs? He led Utah to its first BCS game and win - something no non-AQ team had done. He won two National Titles at Florida and coached Heisman winner Tim Tebow. And he's got three losses and another National Title in his three-plus seasons at Ohio State.

2) Nick Saban - Alabama (9th season)
Record at current school: 91-18 overall, 52-12 SEC

Record since 2012: 41-6 overall, 23-4 SEC

Conference titles at current school: 3

National titles at current school: 3

As aforementioned, Saban would have held the No. 1 spot had he not faltered in the Sugar Bowl last year against Meyer. But Saban is still held with the highest regard around college football. He's really 1B. Saban has four National Championships (three with Bama, one with LSU), hasn't had fewer than 10 wins in a season since 2007, and brought Bama back to glory with three championships in four years. He's won or tied for the West Division crown five of his eight full seasons. 

3) Art Briles - Baylor (8th season)

Record at current school: 60-34 overall, 35-27 Big 12

Record since 2012: 35-9 overall, 22-7 Big 12

Conference titles at current school: 2

National titles at current school: 0

Was there even a football program at Baylor before Briles? The Bears are a force to be reckoned with, and nobody thought that was possible before Briles arrived on campus. Briles has led Baylor to more Big 12 titles since 2010 than Oklahoma and Texas combined. He's got a way with Texas HS coaches - because he was one - and has built Baylor into a powerhouse. They've poured money into new facilities and he has Baylor in reloading mode. Who'da thunk it? One could argue that what Briles has done at Baylor is more impressive than any other coaching job in the country.

4) Jim Harbaugh - Michigan (1st season)

Record at current school: 5-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten

Record since 2012: 5-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten

Conference titles at current school: 0

National titles at current school: 0

Why is Harbaugh on this list? It is curious. I even questioned myself. In four years under Brady Hoke, the Wolverines went backward from 11-2 his first season in 2011 to 5-7 in 2014. Harbaugh has instilled a winning attitude back into his alma mater almost overnight. I realize he doesn't have the track record at the school yet, but his impressive resume at Stanford and FCS San Diego at the collegiate ranks and what he did in his short time with the 49ers give me reason enough to think Harbaugh is about to turn Big Blue into a blue-blood program again.

5) Jimbo Fisher - Florida State (6th season)

Record at current school: 63-11 overall, 37-6 ACC

Record since 2012: 44-3 overall, 26-1 ACC

Conference titles at current school: 3

National titles at current school: 1

Fisher had the unenvious task of taking over FSU following Seminole coaching legend Bobby Bowden. The Noles are back to their ways of the 1990s and the means winning championships. Fisher has won three straight ACC titles and won FSU's first National Championship since 1999. He had them in the first ever College Football Playoff. Florida State hasn't lost a regular season game since their final one in 2012. If he can control off-the-field problems, he'd be higher on my list.

Rounding out the Top 10: Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Gary Patterson (TCU), Les Miles (LSU), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma), Mark Dantonio (Michigan State)

-BtW

BREAKING: Steve Spurrier retiring

Steve Spurrier is retiring as South Carolina's head coach
effective immediately, multiple outlets are reporting.

Steve Spurrier, one of the greatest coaches in SEC and college football history, dropped a bombshell Monday night when he announced to his team he was retiring effective immediately, per SI.com.

Spurrier was in his 26th season as a head coach at the collegiate level. He finishes his career with a 228-89-2 record, two national championships, seven conference championships, and is the architect of the "Fun 'N Gun" offense - a high-flying attack that took college football by storm in the 1990s.

Midway through his 11th season at the University of South Carolina, Spurrier calls it quits. He just wrapped up arguably the best decade in Gamecock football history. And here's the kicker:

• One division title in 10-plus seasons (2010, lost in SEC Championship Game 56-17 to eventual National Champion Auburn)
• Three double-digit win seasons (11 wins each season from 2011-2013)
• 86-49 overall record (.637 win percentage equates to 7.6 wins per regular season)
• 44-40 SEC record (.524 win percentage)
• 5-4 bowl record

That's it. That's the best decade in South Carolina football history.

An interim coach is expected to be named as early as Tuesday morning. The Gamecocks are 2-4 (0-4 SEC) this season.

Enjoy retirement, Steve.

-BtW

Welcome to my (sports) world

You've been warned.

I can't imagine anyone reading has ever thought this, but if you've ever wondered, "What exactly is Ben thinking?", well, you've come to the right place.

If it's a sports subject in which I'm interested, you can expect to find my thoughts here. 

To get to know me, you must know my background. Or rather, my family's background. We love sports. My father has been taking me to football games since months after I was born. He was also drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the late '60s. My mother would watch late night Saturday college football and cheer for Fresno State because she "liked David Carr." No, not because David Carr was good looking. She actually enjoyed watching him play football. I played sports through college and was simply known as the "sports almanac" in grade school. 

Sports are what bring my family together. It's in my DNA. And it's a passion of mine that bleeds through on a daily basis.

I'll be bringing you plenty of Clemson football analysis, other college football thoughts, and Postseason baseball throughout the fall. I'll sprinkle in some NFL and NBA, too. When springtime comes around, plenty of baseball, including lots of Red Sox info. 

This blog stemmed from my Facebook page. Every Sunday morning following college football games, I posted "The Morning After...". You see, being a Clemson fan and grad, I often needed time to let my emotions simmer before I typed anything and clicked Post. I would wait until Sunday morning to post my thoughts on the previous day's games.

As time wore on, my posts grew longer. Thus, my faithful readers - and likely unimpressed and annoyed Facebook friends - recommended I start a blog instead of clog their News Feed. There may also be a podcast developing over time. Stay tuned.

So here we are. On the Bench, er, my couch. Analyzation of the sports world. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to reading your comments.

-BtW