Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Poll Released

November 1 has arrived and with it the release of the first College Football Playoff Committee Poll. Let's remind everyone that this is an ever-changing ranking of teams and the Playoff Committee has consistently ranked teams based on a variety of criteria from strength of schedule to body of work to game control to the eye test.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide finished on top last season.
That's where they are once again in the first CFB Playoff Poll.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

It's not surprising that Alabama was ranked No. 1. The Tide's schedule at first glance provided some treacherous spots - at Ole Miss, at Tennessee and vs. Texas A&M.  But of the five ranked teams Alabama played at the time of their game, only one (Texas A&M) is still currently ranked). Still, the Tide have run through their opponents, winning by an average margin of 29 points.

The matter of ranking Clemson vs. Michigan is significant in a lot of ways. The Tigers were ranked No. 2 this week. First, Michigan's schedule going forward could help push the Wolverines ahead of Clemson if both teams win out. Second, if Alabama slips up - and that's an elephant-sized if - the Tigers would move to No. 1 and Michigan up to No. 2. Depending on who the Committee ranks third and fourth in the final poll if both teams finish there, it could affect where the teams go for the semifinal games.

If Clemson were No. 1, there is no doubt the Tigers would go to the Peach Bowl. With Michigan No. 1, however, the Committee could put the Wolverines in the Peach Bowl if they were to face Washington, forcing the Huskies to travel across the country. If Big Blue's opponent is Alabama, the Committee would likely shift that game to the Fiesta Bowl to avoid Michigan, the No. 1 team, having to play in the Tide's backyard of Atlanta.

I digress, though, because there is an entire month of games to go and anything can still happen.

Here's the real head-scratcher: Texas A&M with a 19-point loss to Alabama was placed ahead of unbeaten Washington. Most would argue that Washington has passed the eye test, not to mention the Aggies' loss. Where Washington has been hurt is the lack of strength in the Pac-12. Huge wins over Stanford and Oregon (on the road) don't care much weight when they are a combined 8-8. The Huskies just need to keep on winning, though, and there's a good chance everything shakes out.

As for the rest of the Top 10, I was somewhat surprised by Louisville's ranking at No. 7 and Auburn being in the Top 10. The Cards had been one of the most dominant teams in the early part of the season, with a "quality loss" at Clemson. Louisville, though, doesn't have very many quality wins. The 63-20 thrashing of Florida State has taken a hit with the 'Noles dropping two more games since.

Auburn has two home losses to No. 2 Clemson and No. 4 Texas A&M. The Tigers does own a win over LSU and is on a five-game winning streak. Auburn can make or break its season on Nov. 26 at Alabama.

Last, the Big Ten has four of the Top 10 teams and five of the Top 12 (Penn State is No. 12). Lots of love thrown to the upper Midwest, which will only boost the schedule strength of those teams going forward.

The Playoff Poll Top 10
1)  Alabama
2)  Clemson
3)  Michigan
4)  Texas A&M
5)  Washington
6)  Ohio State
7)  Louisville
8)  Wisconsin
9)  Auburn
10) Nebraska

-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

PTS - Prediction Time Sunday

On the eve of the College Football National Championship Game, I sit in Phoenix trying to wrap my head around the fact that Clemson and Alabama are the final two teams standing. What a fun season it has been. These two teams have proven their worth over the course of 14 games. One final game until we crown our national champion.

Bowl record: 11-7

Overall: 87-37 (.702 win %)

National Championship Game - Glendale, Ariz.

No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Clemson (Line: Alabama -7)

Clemson has had a good team recently, but the Tigers became great with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Watson became just the third player in FBS history to pass for over 3,500 yards and rush for over 1,000. When the Tigers have the ball, the offense runs through Watson. Alabama will key on him and attempt to stuff him and Wayne Gallman to force Clemson into passing downs. Watson is a better than average passer, but too many third-and-longs would be tough to overcome against the Tide.

Dabo Swinney has Clemson in the National Championship Game
for the first time since the 1981 season.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)

For Alabama, it’s all about giving Derrick Henry the ball as many times as possible. Henry, the Heisman Trophy winner, and the Alabama offensive line wear down defenses over the course of the game. They rely on their defense to get stops quickly and get back on the field to pound the ball some more. And just when you think that’s all they do, quarterback Jake Coker puts the ball in the air to many receiving threats, including freshman sensation Calvin Ridley.

Nick Saban seeks his fourth national title with the Crimson Tide.
(Photo courtesy The Associated Press)

I’ve looked at this every way I possibly can and despite the fact that Henry has the Heisman, I truly believe two things: 1) Watson is the best player on the field and 2) Watson is much more important to his team.

That said, this game should be a fun one from all angles. Alabama’s vaunted defense against Clemson’s uptempo, spread offense. The Tide’s power running game against the No. 6 defense in the country. Both teams with proverbial chips on their shoulders. 

A duel in the desert. And Clemson completes the perfect 15-0 season. Clemson 27, Alabama 23

-BtW

I still remember

Dreadful. Agonizing. Embarrassing.

The paralyzing feeling I had walking out of the Georgia Dome the night of August 30, 2008, is something I'd never felt before as a sports fan.

Alabama 34, Clemson 10.

"HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE JUST BEAT THE HELL OUTTA YOU! RAMMER JAMMER YELLOW HAMMER GIVE 'EM HELL ALABAMA!"

It echoes to this day. It haunts my dreams. They sure did beat the hell out of us.

My senior year of school started as the most promising in recent memory in terms of Clemson football. Our Tigers were ranked No. 9 in the preseason polls, what with 16 starters back including every offensive skill player - CJ Spiller, James Davis, Aaron Kelly to name a few - and an incoming class that would produce incredible talent a few years later.

Clemson was on its way to prominence. Opening the season with Alabama in the Dome was a mere blip on the radar.

Nick Saban was entering just his second season in Tuscaloosa. His first produced a 7-6 campaign and the interwebs were abound with rumors of his recruiting tactics. Players were driving in Escalades and receiving $100 handshakes every where they turned.

But the Tide were a year away and the recruits Saban brought to Alabama would need time to develop and turn the 12-time National Champions back into a contender.

--

I ran into more than one obnoxious Alabama fan that Saturday in Atlanta. They were proclaiming they were back, that Saban was a God-send. Well-known recruit Julio Jones was the best player who hadn't played a down in college football. Terrance Cody was the monster inside Bama needed to shore up its defense.

It was all speculative, but Alabama fans aren't ones to hide their optimism. They'd waited more than a decade to get back to relevance and this was it.

I ignored their ramblings and trash talk. Let it all play out on the field. We've got Thunder and Lightning. We've got weapons at receiver and a veteran quarterback. We've got a defense that is ready to jump to the next level.

My brother and me in the Georgia Dome hours before kickoff in 2008.

Sure, it was Alabama. But the Tide were at a breaking point. Another year or two of mediocrity and they'd slip into oblivion just as Notre Dame has done. We were here to prove we could beat more SEC teams than just South Carolina.

This was our time. This was our season. We would have the crowd advantage, the skill player advantage and the scoreboard advantage.

--

After a Tide field goal on the opening drive, it was the Tigers' turn. What an exciting moment this would be. Finally, a long offseason of build-up and chatter about having the best offense in Clemson history would be unleashed.

First down. Incomplete pass.

Second down. Fumble.

Freshman running back Jamie Harper had been reportedly promised the first carry of the season by Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden. He got it. And his Clemson career got off to the rockiest of starts.

The next four Tiger offensive drives resulted in one field goal, one interception and two punts. Total yards: 71.

Halftime score: Alabama 23, Clemson 3.

By that point, it was over. We had nothing. We were doing nothing. This was Alabama's night to party on. We were back to the drawing boards.

I screamed. I cursed. I left my seat about five rows up in the end zone and found a spot in the bowels of the Dome to sulk.

I was embarrassed for my team. We talked the talk and walked with our tiger tails tucked between our legs.

--

Still sitting there fuming over the inevitable, I heard a roar from what sounded like our side of the stadium. Were our fans that silly to be cheering on our team coming back out of the tunnel after halftime?

As I slowly got to my feet, Clemson fans went racing past me having seen the action unfold on one of the concourse TVs. Spiller returned the opening kickoff of the second half 96 yards for a touchdown.

Life was breathed back into the orange faithful. How could I have given up on my team just one half into the season? What kind of fan am I?

The little voice inside my head then screamed at me, "GET BACK IN YOUR SEAT AND WATCH THE SECOND HALF!"

We forced a punt! Oh my goodness, we get the ball back with a chance to get within a touchdown of the lead!

Two drives later, it became crystal clear we weren't going to do this comeback thing. Alabama scored again to extend the lead to 31-10 late in the third quarter.

--

We were bullied on and off the field that night. Final rushing totals - Alabama 239, Clemson 0. Goose egg. Nil. Nada. Zip.

That Rammer Jammer chant grew louder with each verse. I sat on the empty Clemson side and soaked it all in. I made sure to remember the feeling. The clock was well past 0:00. There was little to no orange left inside the Georgia Dome. The party on the Crimson Tide sideline reached fever pitch.

"HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE JUST BEAT THE HELL OUTTA YOU!"

My roommate and I finally got the strength to get up out our seats and walk a lonely walk back to our car. We drove back to Clemson that night in complete silence. I don't know if we couldn't find the words to say or if we simply didn't want to talk about it at all.

Darkness and silence the entire drive up I-85 from Atlanta to Clemson.

--

Eight full seasons later, here we are. The rematch is set.

No. 1 and undefeated Clemson out to shock the world.

No. 2 Alabama seeking its fourth crown under Saban.

It is perfect harmony that these two programs clash for college football's greatest achievement. Two programs headed in completely opposite directions that fateful night in 2008 will renew acquaintances on the biggest stage with the brightest lights.

All the world will be watching as the Tigers and the Tide tango in the desert. You bet your bottom dollar I'll be at University of Phoenix Stadium dressed to the nines in Solid Orange.

It's time to make another memory. It's time to put that nightmare to bed. It's time to make January 11, 2016, be the night that makes us forget August 30, 2008. It's time for Clemson to rise to the top.

Remember 2008. Make them never forget 2016.

It's our time.

National Championship Preview: Alabama O vs. Clemson D

We know when Clemson's offense takes the field against Alabama's defense, it will be one of the most intriguing aspects of the 2016 National Championship Game. The matchup has received the bulk of the analyzing by the talking heads thus far, and rightfully so.

Now, we reverse the script and take a look at when the Crimson Tide possess the ball. On paper, this looks like a mismatch. Clemson boasts the sixth best defense in the country compared to Alabama's 51st ranked offense. Is this where the Tigers have the upperhand?

Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
Total Offense Rank: 51st
Total Yards Per Game: 423.8
Yards Per Play: 5.83
Rushing Offense Rank: 29th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 204.4
Passing Offense Rank: 68th
Passing Yards Per Game: 219.4
Scoring Offense Rank: 33rd
Points Per Game: 34.4

Clemson Tigers Defense
Total Defense Rank: 6th
Total Yards Per Game: 301.6
Yards Per Play: 4.71
Rushing Defense Rank: 18th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 124.4
Passing Defense Rank: 9th
Passing Yards Per Game: 177.2
Scoring Defense Rank: 16th
Points Per Game: 20.0

*Stats/Rankings include bowl games

The surprising stat here is Alabama's rushing offense ranks 29th overall despite having the Heisman Trophy winner in the backfield in Derrick Henry. Through 14 games, Henry has rushed for over 2,000 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Impressively, Henry has 25 touchdown runs, averaged 25 carries a game and was held under 100 yards just four times, three of which came against either non-Power 5 or non-FBS foes.

To say Henry might be all Alabama has wouldn't be far from the truth. Jake Coker had his coming out party in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, throwing for 286 yards and two touchdowns while connecting on 25 of his 30 throws. But while Coker has been very consistent all year and been labeled a game-manager, as many past Tide QBs have, the Alabama offense revolves around Henry.

Following the Tide's loss to Ole Miss, six of the next seven games saw Coker's Adjusted QBR range from 20.1 to 76.8 Compare that to Clemson signal-caller Deshaun Watson, who's QBR never dipped below 74.1 and was under 80 just four games.

What Coker found over the latter part of the season was a weapon at the receiver position. Freshman wideout Calvin Ridley developed into Coker's go-to guy. Ridley leads the team in receptions (83), yards (1,031) and touchdowns (7).

Calvin Ridley could be the key to Alabama taking down Clemson.
(Photo courtesy Reuters)

How does Clemson combat the Heisman winner, a consistent quarterback and elite talent at the skill position?

With a defense that mirrors that of Alabama. We've heard about the depth up front for the Tide. Did you know Clemson has depth too? You didn't?

Neither did anyone who saw Shaq Lawson leave the game after the third drive with a knee injury and watched some freshman trot on the field at the Orange Bowl. That's OK. Austin Bryant filled in nicely for the All-American Lawson and Bryant's not the only guy who has stepped up when his number was called. While Clemson's depth lacks experience, it doesn't lack talent.

What the Tigers have on defense is a group playing every down with a chip on its collective shoulder. After losing eight starters from the nation's best defense a season ago, Brent Venables' crew went to work. All they did was lead the country in tackles for loss and rank second third down defense percentage.

The Tide get all the buzz, but the Tigers have some big boys up front on defense, too.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

When Clemson lines up with Alabama across the field, the Tide may for a split second think they're facing their own defense. Run the ball with Henry? Meet Lawson, Christian Wilkins, Carlos Watkins and Kevin Dodd. Drop back to pass? Hope Ben Boulware or BJ Goodson don't take your head off. Send receivers down field in one-on-one coverage? The secondary is littered with NFL talent from Mackensie Alexander to Jayron Kearse.

Yes, the Tigers have a decided edge when their defense is on the field. The key will be getting off the field on third downs and limiting Alabama's chances in the red zone. I expect Coker to hit some passes and be somewhere around 175-185 yards. I expect Henry will get his yards as well, roughly 125.

If Bama forces its way inside the 20 often, Henry will be fed the rock and will pound away at the Tiger D. Too many red zone trips will result in too many trips to the end zone.

But the Tigers are up to the task. After slowing down a red hot Oklahoma offense, why wouldn't Clemson be able to slow down Alabama?

Advantage: Clemson


-BtW

National Championship Preview - Clemson O vs. Alabama D

Five days from now, the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in all the land square off in the 2016 National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The undefeated Clemson Tigers (14-0) are a touchdown underdog against college football's poster program, the Alabama Crimson Tide (13-1).

Both teams have been ranked in the College Football Playoff Committee Top 4 since the initial ranking. Clemson was No. 1 in every ranking, while Alabama debuted at No. 4 then jumped to No. 2 in the second ranking and held onto that spot the rest of the season.

Coming off dominating wins over Oklahoma and Michigan State, the Tigers and Tide should provide us with one of the best championship matchups in recent memory. I'll start my breakdown by looking at Clemson's high-powered offense against Alabama's vaunted defense.

Clemson Tigers Offense
Total Offense Rank: 11th
Total Yards Per Game: 512.0
Yards Per Play: 6.39
Rushing Offense Rank: 16th
Rushing Yards Per Game: 228.6
Passing Offense Rank: 26th
Passing Yards Per Game: 283.4
Scoring Offense Rank: 16th
Points Per Game: 38.4

Alabama Crimson Tide Defense
Total Defense Rank: 2nd
Total Yards Per Game: 256.8
Yards Per Play: 4.09
Rushing Defense Rank: 1st
Rushing Yards Per Game: 70.8
Passing Defense Rank: 18th
Passing Yards Per Game: 186.0
Scoring Defense Rank: 1st
Points Per Game: 13.4

*Stats/Rankings include bowl games

As you can see, it's strength on strength. Clemson fans know the offense revolves around Deshaun Watson and Wayne Gallman. The Tigers racked up 312 yards on the ground in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma. Watson and Gallman attained 295 of that, along with three rushing touchdowns. The starting quarterback was slow out of the gate throwing the ball, starting just 2-for-8 and finishing with 187 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT.

Backfield duo Deshaun Watson (4) and Wayne Gallman face their stiffest test
in the form of the Alabama defense.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

But the damage was done on the ground. Behind one of the most underrated offensive lines in college football, the Tigers pounded and pounded against the Sooner front, eventually wearing down OU.

Enter Alabama and arguably the most ferocious front seven in the game. In 2014, Clemson ranked first in total defense, holding opponents to about 260 yards per game. That defense was fierce and clamped down on any and every opponent.

The Tide are that much better. Leonard Fournette was the overwhelming favorite to win the Heisman. Then, he met Alabama's defense and rushed for 31 yards ... total. In the Cotton Bowl, Michigan State was held to 29 rushing yards for the game.

Just when opponents think, "Hey, we might not be able to run it, but we can try to pass," the Tide swarm the quarterback and cause havoc in the backfield. What makes this unit unique is its depth. Alabama rolls out three-deep on the defensive line and most of those No. 2s and 3s could be starters elsewhere.

Speed kills and while Clemson has speed at the skill position, Alabama can match it. Lineman Jonathan Allen (12 sacks), linebacker/defensive end Tim Williams (10.5 sacks) and defensive back Cyrus Jones are just a few names the Tigers need to know. Trust me, though, the list continues on and on.

Alabama's defense hopes to stymie Clemson's high-powered offense.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

All week long, Alabama players and coaches are hearing about how the spread, uptempo offense was built to beat defenses like the Tide's. They've struggled in the past against true dual-threat quarterbacks. Ole Miss exposed them this year. The Tide are hearing it all. Just more motivation for a team hungry to prove to the world they are the best.

The way co-offensive coordinators Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott can gain an advantage is to give Alabama a wrinkle it hasn't seen. Yes, Clemson will be Clemson and the running game will be a big part of the plan. But the Tigers would be keen to stretch the field and force the Crimson Tide to remove a player or two from the box. That means three- and four-wide receiver sets, along with tight end Jordan Leggett and Gallman running pass routes. Artavis Scott and Charone Peake will be keyed on by the Bama secondary, so the likes of Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and Germone Hopper need to find openings downfield.

Easier said than done.

Clemson, though, already has an advantage. It has Watson, who remains as cool as the other side of the pillow when under pressure. Watson doesn't flinch. The sophomore has been on big stages before and thrived.

Advantage: Slight to Alabama - but not by much. Make no mistake, Watson is the best quarterback in the country and will have an effect on this game.

-BtW

The Morning After...The Orange Bowl!

Dabo Swinney celebrates his second Orange Bowl victory.
(Photo courtesy The Miami Herald)

1) It's been written and said all season long: What a time to be a Tiger! The Paw is headed to the National Championship game for the first time in 34 years. Clemson's first and only national title came during the 1981 season - 1982 Orange Bowl - and the Tigers haven't really sniffed it since. Until now. I'm 29 years old, so this is a first in my lifetime. What a time to be alive and what a time to be a Tiger, indeed!

2) The Fake - This play should go down in Clemson lore alongside "The Catch" and "The Catch II." Simply put, it was a brilliant call and it sparked the team when it needed a spark most. Dabo Swinney was lambasted by media outlets for his lashing of punter Andy Teasdall's admittedly stupid decision to call his own number on fake punt int he ACC Championship Game. It failed miserably and Swinney let him have it with all the cameras focused on the tirade. So what else would Swinney call but a fake punt when trailing 7-3 and the offense sputtering early on. 

3) It wasn't until the second half, though, that Clemson pulled away from the Sooners. The Tigers dominated in the trenches, opening up a running attack that saw them set a school bowl record with 312 rushing yards. On the defensive side, Clemson harrassed Baker Mayfield all night and knocked out Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, OU's talented running back tandem. The Sooners gained 67 yards on the ground. The Tigers averaged 5.4 yards per rush with Wayne Gallman totaling 150 yards and Deshaun Watson posting 145.

4) Quick notes, courtesy of Clemson's SID: Clemson went 14-0 in 2015, just the eighth team in FBS history to win 14 games and the first time ever Clemson has won 14 games in a season ... Gained 530 yards, its 10th straight game of 500-plus yards, half the games coming against Top 40 defenses ... Watson is 18-1 as a starter, 17-0 when he starts and finishes a game healthy ... Swinney is 9-4 against Top 10 teams and is also 9-4 in NFL stadiums ... Gallman's 1,482 rushing yards set a single-season record ... Watson became the first Tiger and only third player in FBS history with 3,500 yards passing and 1,000 rushing. He can become the first player ever with 4,000 and 1,000 if he passes for 301 yards against Alabama.

5) Alabama did Alabama things to Michigan State in a 38-0 rout of the Spartans. While Heisman winner Derrick Henry was limited to 75 yards on 20 carries, it was Jake Coker who showed the Crimson Tide can sling the ball a little bit, too. Coker was 25-30 (83.3%) for 286 yards and two touchdowns in the win. When Michigan State bottled up Alabama's vaunted running game, the Tide went to the air. On the flip side, Alabama asserted it's defensive dominance, holding the Spartans to 29 total yards rushing. 

6) I was very outspoken about the Clemson-OU and Bama-MSU matchups being wrong, and I feel that was justified on New Year's Eve. Michigan State was clearly the worst of the four teams. They hadn't looked dominant in any of their wins over their best opponents and they failed to get anything going last night. Oklahoma was leading No. 1 Clemson at halftime and had more impressive wins over three better opponents that the Spartans. It's a shame the committee can jump a team from fifth to third (MSU) and drop a team from third to fourth (OU) just because it feels like it. I would've loved to have seen two contrasting styles in the semifinal games and see which would prevail.

7) Regardless, we get the matchup most everybody wants to see - Clemson vs. Alabama. No. 1 vs. No. 2. SEC's best vs. ACC's best. College football's blue blood against college football's new blood. The storylines will write themselves: Dabo Swinney, a former walk-on wide receiver at Bama against his alma mater; Clemson's tempo offense against Alabama's physical and fast defense; Two Heisman finalists pitted against each other ... the list goes on. I have my own story, which I will blog about later on. I hope you will enjoy it.

8) It was a great season for the Oklahoma Sooners and they should be proud of what they accomplished after an 8-5 season a year ago. Aside from what appears to be a fluke loss to Texas, OU ran roughshod over the Big 12, winning the conference crown and becoming the first Big 12 team to make the College Football Playoff. Bob Stoops resurrected a team that was left for dead following last season and after the loss to the Horns in October. Several key players will move on, either graduating or electing to go to the NFL, but it's Oklahoma. The Sooners will reload and have a solid core coming back next year. I hate to say it, because for my family's sake I hate when Clemson and Oklahoma play each other, but the Sooners and Tigers could be in this Playoff thing again next year.

9) Not to be left out, congrats to Houston for the huge Peach Bowl win yesterday against Florida State. The Cougs gave the Group of 5 its second win in as many years in a New Year's Six Bowl (Boise State beat Arizona in the Fiesta Bowl last year). Tom Herman has the Houston train rolling and it could be headed to a Power 5 conference in the near future.

10) Nothing else to be said here. Beat Alabama.

-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

Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Rankings - Week 4

Clemson remained at the top of the College Football Playoff Rankings
for the fourth straight week. (Photo courtesy The AP)

The College Football Playoff Committee released its weekly rankings and following three undefeated teams falling, there has been some shakeup near the top. Clemson and Alabama remained locked in at the top two spots.

Then, there were some intriguing moves. Oklahoma jumped to No. 3 and Iowa moved into the final Playoff spot, bumping Notre Dame. But the Irish fall didn't end there. Michigan State is No. 5 ahead of Notre Dame, meaning the Committee dropped Notre Dame from fourth to sixth. The Irish struggled in a pseudo-home game against lowly Boston College.

I'm honestly shocked Oklahoma made that big a jump. The assumption all along has been that the Committee disrespects the Big 12. OU defeated TCU, who dropped like a rock after a loss to Oklahoma State and a win against Kansas. The Sooners beating the Frogs by one wasn't overly impressive, but it did give Oklahoma another win over a Top 20 team.

Iowa finally made it into the Top 4. After all, the Hawkeyes are the only other unbeaten team beside Clemson. It seems clear that if Michigan State defeats Penn State this week, the winner of the Iowa-Michigan State Big Ten Championship Game will be in the Playoff. With OU at No. 3 and playing No. 11 Oklahoma State on the road, it's unlikely that the Sooners would fall past No. 4 (if Big Ten winner jumps them in final rankings).

That leaves us to discuss Notre Dame. The Irish go to No. 9 Stanford this week and could add a significant win to their résumé. Would it be enough to overtake the final spot from a one-loss Big 12 champion Oklahoma? Or is the Committee sending a message to the Irish that they need to join a conference?

Rounding out the Top 10 are Baylor, Ohio State, Stanford and Michigan. The winner of Michigan-Ohio State obviously has a chance to move up, but would need Michigan State to lose to Penn State to earn a berth in the Big Ten title game. Baylor is lurking and is the only Big 12 team in the running which is playing on the final weekend (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and TCU are all off Dec. 5).

Stanford has a very interesting argument, as the Cardinal could knock off a team ahead of them (Notre Dame) and then defeat a potential Top 25 team in the Pac-12 title game (currently ranked No. 22 UCLA or unranked USC). Stanford likely needs help, though, with two losses already on its résumé.

Only two weeks left to decide the 2015 Playoff bracket. Who do you think gets in?

Here's the complete Top 10
1) Clemson
2) Alabama
3) Oklahoma
4) Iowa
5) Michigan State
6) Notre Dame
7) Baylor
8) Ohio State
9) Stanford
10) Michigan

-BtW

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

Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Rankings Week 2

In the eyes of the Playoff Committee, the Clemson Tigers remain the No. 1 team in the country. That part isn't terribly shocking, considering Clemson's big win over Florida State this weekend.

What baffles me is the Committee ranked two one-loss teams in the Top 4 ahead of three Power 5 unbeatens. Alabama moved from No. 4 to No. 2 following its win over LSU. In fact, Alabama is ranked ahead of all the unbeatens except Clemson. Ohio State stayed put as the No. 3 team in the rankings. Notre Dame rounded out the Top 4.

The Crimson Tide are not being penalized for their loss to Ole Miss at home early in the season. They have basically been given a pass. I would argue Notre Dame's body of work and its loss to this point is much better than Alabama's. How the Irish are two spots behind Alabama is beyond me. How Alabama is ahead of the undefeated defending National Champions is unfathomable.

Iowa moved into the Top 5 and Baylor comes in at No. 6. The Bears have a huge test with No. 12 Oklahoma, who has a good chance to move swiftly up the rankings with wins in its final three games - Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma State.

I'd like to find out from the Committee why Oklahoma is ranked outside the Top 10 (even with a loss to terrible Texas), while several other one-loss teams - Stanford and Utah, specifically - are ahead of the Sooners. Committee Chair Jeff Long admitted it has been difficult to judge the Big 12 teams because the strength of their schedule is backloaded. Still, Oklahoma has a road win at Tennessee and has been nothing short of remarkable in its four games since the Texas game.

I'm really surprised Oklahoma State only moved up to No. 8. The Cowboys possess the best conference win in the Big 12, but stayed behind Baylor. The Bear's entire schedule has been criticized to this point. I thought for sure OSU would be in the Top 6 after its demolition of TCU.

North Carolina crept into the rankings at No. 23, despite two FCS wins and a loss to 3-6 South Carolina. I, personally, think UNC is playing more like a Top 15 team right now, but I can see where UNC's wins aren't impressive right now. The Tar Heels could potentially provide an unforeseen speed bump for Clemson in the ACC Championship Game Dec. 5.

Overall, my feelings are that these rankings are worthless until Dec. 5. There will be lots of movement over the final four rankings, so don't look too much into things at this moment. Let it all play out.

-BtW

Rapid Reax: CFB Playoff Rankings Week 1

The College Football Playoff Committee, composed of 12 highly regarded minds in the sport, released their initial rankings for the 2015 season. Atop the list are the Clemson Tigers. LSU, Ohio State and Alabama round out the Committee's Top 4. Notre Dame and Baylor are Nos. 5 and 6, respectively.

What does it all mean? Well, it means everything and nothing at the same time. Being ranked anywhere in this poll on Nov. 3 is a good thing. It means you've done enough to this point in the season to get recognized. It doesn't, however, award you a trophy.

The top 3 are not surprising to me. Clemson, LSU and Ohio State should be the top 3 teams, in any order really. The Committee giving the nod to Clemson as No. 1 is contributed to Clemson's wins to this point as well as the completeness of the offensive and defensive play by the Tigers.

This is the first time Clemson has been ranked No. 1 since following the 1981 season. Clemson finished the year No. 1 after winning the Orange Bowl (ranked No. 1 heading into the OB that year; ranked No. 11 preseason the following season). That means, Saturday will be the first time in Clemson football history that the Tigers will play a regular season game ranked as the No. 1 team in the nation. It will also be, of course, their first game as the No. 1 team in Death Valley.

Two one-loss teams, Alabama and Notre Dame, are ahead of undefeated teams Baylor, Michigan State (7), TCU (8), Iowa (9), and Oklahoma State (14) - one-loss Florida rounds out the Top 10.

I am very surprised at how low TCU is ranked. The Horned Frogs are looking more and more like a Playoff team in the last few weeks. However, the Committee has harped on strength of schedule/record and that proved true once again. TCU and Baylor both have a weaker schedule than most of the rest of the Top 10.

The Big 12 will get its chance to put a team in the Top 4 over the next month. Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma all play each other between now and Nov. 28.

Some of the Committee rankings are head-scratchers, but let's all remember this is the first ranking of the season and there is a lot of football to be played. In fact, this weekend will provide even more clarity for these rankings. Next Tuesday will be the one to watch.

-BtW