PTW: Prediction Time Wednesday - Bowl Season

Bowl season is halfway over, meaning we've finally reached the good games. With 40 bowl games plus a National Championship, nearly two-thirds of the teams in college football are awarded a postseason trip. That's simply too many games and BENched doesn't have the time to break down matchups like 5-7 North Texas vs. 7-5 Army or Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Southern Miss.

Instead, BENched jumps on board with the bowl games beginning today. There are 20 games to pick, so buckle up!

2016 BENched PT Record

Final Week: 6-1
Game of the Week Pick: 6-4

Overall: 123-55 (.691 win %)

*Rankings below reflect the CFB Playoff Top 25

Wednesday, Dec. 28
Pinstripe Bowl (Bronx, N.Y.)
No. 23 Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern (Line: Pittsburgh -4.5)
Pitt has been one of college football's toughest outs this season. The Panthers own wins over No. 2 Clemson and No. 5 Penn State. Pitt's offense is dynamic, but will be without offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who is now the OC at LSU. Northwestern lost to the upper half of the Big Ten and beat the lower half. It began the season 0-2 with home losses to Western Michigan and FCS Illinois State. James Conner is due for a big day in the Big Apple to send him off in style. Panthers 45-12

Russell Athletic Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
No. 16 West Virginia vs. Miami (Line: Miami -2.5)
West Virginia's only losses came to the top two teams in the Big 12 - Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Both were by double-digits, so it's difficult to say exactly how good this 10-2 Mountaineer team really is. Miami, on the other hand, had two four-game winning streaks sandwiched around a four-game losing streak. The Canes have plenty of talent, but are lacking in the consistency department. It's a good, old battle between former Big East foes and should come down to the wire. 'Neers 33-28

Foster Farms Bowl (Santa Clara, Calif.)
Indiana vs. No. 19 Utah (Line: Utah -5.5)
Despite making a bowl game, Indiana fired coach Kevin Wilson. That should make you leery enough. Add in a pretty good Utah team that knocked off USC and took both Washington and Colorado to the wire, it's a recipe for a bowl game blowout. Utes 52-20

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl (Houston, Texas)
Texas A&M vs. Kansas State (Line: Texas A&M -2.5)
The Aggies have a virtual home-field advantage playing at NRG Stadium in Houston. The atmosphere should be electric as both fan bases will fill it up as these two former Big 12 foes renew acquaintances. You never know when Bill Snyder's time will be up, but while he's still coaching with weeks to prepare for an opponent, old Bill has the edge. A&M should have a healthy Trevor Knight, but not sure that's enough. SnyderCats 31-27

Thursday, Dec. 29
Birmingham Bowl (Birmingham, Ala.)
South Florida vs. South Carolina (Line: South Florida -10)
South Carolina closed the season 4-2 with a win over Tennessee to reach bowl eligibility. However, the Gamecocks were non-competitive in losses to Florida and Clemson. South Florida's quarterback Quintin Flowers might be the best kept secret in college football. His dual-threat ability will give Will Muschamp nightmares. Bulls 41-21

Belk Bowl (Charlotte, N.C.)
Arkansas vs. No. 22 Virginia Tech (Line: Virginia Tech -7)
The Hokies are coming off a hard-fought loss in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson. Jerod Evans is one of two QBs to have 3,000+ yards passing, 25+ TDs, 500+ yards rushing and 10+ rushing TDs. The other to do that this season? Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. So yeah, Evans is pretty good and the VT offense runs through him. Arkansas struggled this year with uptempo offenses, but the Hogs can hang some points up themselves. A win for the Hokies would cap a tremendous first season by Justin Fuente in Blacksburg. Hokies 38-24

Valero Alamo Bowl (San Antonio, Texas)
No. 12 Oklahoma State vs. No. 10 Colorado (Line: Colorado -3)
Another game between a current Big 12 team and a former conference foe who left for seemingly greener pastures. Colorado is the country's biggest surprise. The blemishes for the Buffs were mostly due to losing quarterback Sefo Liufau against Michigan and Washington. Oklahoma State has two befuddling losses to Central Michigan and Baylor, but the QB-WR combo of Mason Rudolph and James Washington is dangerous downfield. The Pokes also found a decent running game with freshman Justice Hill and senior Chris Carson. It's a toss-up, but BENched is going with the coach-of-the-year Mike MacIntyre who has his team in a bowl game for the first time in 10 years. Buffs 28-27

Friday, Dec. 30
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tenn.)
Georgia vs. TCU (Line: Pick 'em)
Can you figure these teams out? TCU, led by transfer quarterback Kenny Hill, could never find consistency, never winning more than two in a row and alternating wins and losses the last five games of the season. The Horned Frogs had a double-OT loss to Texas Tech at home, then beat Baylor on the road 62-22. The next three games were a 31-6 loss to Oklahoma State, a 31-9 win at Texas, and a 30-6 loss at home against K-State. Georgia was just as inconsistent with losses to Vandy and Georgia Tech at home, but a win over North Carolina to open the season and against Top 10 Auburn late in the year. No wonder it's a pick 'em. Georgia 24-23

Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas)
No. 18 Stanford vs. North Carolina (Line: Stanford -3)
Christian McCaffrey won't play in this game. Maybe that takes some shine off the Sun Bowl, but the matchup between the Cardinal and Tar Heels is a good one. Stanford came on strong after a slow start, scoring 41+ in each of its last three games and winning its final five in a row. North Carolina ended the season with a dud, falling to Duke and NC State in two of its final three games. The Heels were in line to possibly clinch a division title and reach 10 wins for the second straight season. How will Mitch Trubisky handle the Cardinal defense? The answer to that will provide the winner of this one. Trees 34-30

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.)
Nebraska vs. No. 21 Tennessee (Line: Tennessee -6.5)
The Vols were the most overrated team this season, entering with tons of hype and potential, but going just 4-4 in the SEC while playing the worst division in football (SEC East). Nebraska started 7-0, but was a bit of a fraud. The Huskers fell to Wisconsin in OT, then were shellacked by Ohio State 62-3 before the 30-point drubbing from Iowa. Both Tennessee and Nebraska fell flat against their rivals to close the season. Who will show up to end the year on a high note? Vols 28-23

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl (Tucson, Ariz.)
South Alabama vs. Air Force (Line: Air Force -13.5)
Like BENched said, there are too many bowl games. Look, we're glad the Air Force Academy gets to play in a bowl game, but a 9-3 Mountain West team against a 6-6 Sun Belt squad just doesn't get the meter going. Falcons 34-14

Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
No. 6 Michigan vs. No. 11 Florida State (Line: Michigan -7)
Ah, that's more like it. Florida State's offense faces a stiff test against the Wolverine D. Dalvin Cook against Jabrill Peppers is the matchup to watch. And it will be a fun one. But the Seminoles are looking to go out with a bang on defense as well. FSU's defensive line anchored by Demarcus Walker will cause havoc in the Michigan backfield. The first New Year's Six bowl should be an instant classic. Noles 30-27

Saturday, Dec. 31
Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Fla.)
No. 20 LSU vs. No. 13 Louisville (Line: LSU -3)
Lamar Jackson will get his chance to put on a show against one of the nation's stingiest defenses. LSU hasn't faced a dynamic quarterback like Jackson this season, but the Tigers will be eager to shut him down. When Louisville faced tough defenses, especially down the stretch, the Cards folded. Will it be more of the same, or will the lack of Leonard Fournette give Louisville the upper hand? Cards 24-17

TaxSlayer Bowl (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky (Line: Georgia Tech -3.5)
Ground and pound, that'll be the name of this game. Georgia Tech's option offense against Kentucky's SEC best rushing attack. Which defense can stiffen up enough times to get off the field? Give the edge to the Yellow Jackets for senior quarterback Justin Thomas. But don't count out the Cats who just took down Heisman winner Lamar Jackson on his home field. Mark Stoops and Co. have had a month to break down the Jacket attack. But that also means Paul Johnson has had a month to be even more creative. Bees 35-30

CFB Playoff
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Atlanta, Ga.)
No. 4 Washington vs. No. 1 Alabama (Line: Alabama -14)
There's no questioning the consensus No. 1 team in the land this season. But there are question marks about the quality of competition Bama has played. Finally we'll get our answer. Washington brings an athletic bunch and a stout defense to the Tide's backyard. Chris Petersen has a history of bigtime calls in bigtime bowls. Don't expect too much too soon from the Huskies, but if it's a tight one late there could be some trickeration in the ATL. However, BENched doesn't think Washington is there yet. Rome wasn't built in a day and this Bama team is loaded with studs. There's also that guy Nick Saban on the sideline, who arguably has his best team ever. Tide 34-17

GAME OF THE WEEK
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, Ariz.)
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson (Line: Ohio State -3)

Ohio State and Clemson meet in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
with the winner advancing to the National Championship.
(Photo courtesy CFB Playoff)

BENched will be providing an in-depth look at Clemson's Offense vs. Ohio State's Defense and the Tiger D vs. the Buckeye O over the next couple days. For now, we'll just say this: Ohio State's secondary is second to none, but the Buckeyes haven't seen the likes of Mike Williams, Deon Cain, Artavis Scott, Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud, etc. Deshaun Watson is also better than any QB the Buckeyes have faced and it ain't even close. On the flip side, Ohio State has more athleticism on the offensive side than Clemson has seen. Curtis Samuel and Mike Weber out of the backfield matched up with a linebacker and JT Barrett's legs could wear down the Tigers if they aren't able to get off the field. BENched thinks this might be the best bowl matchup in recent memory. Hold on to your hats for the prediction. That will come Friday night.

Monday, Jan. 2
Outback Bowl (Tampa, Fla.)
No. 17 Florida vs. Iowa (Line: Florida -3)
Florida's inept offense against Iowa's fickle self. The Gators won the SEC East, riding the defense all the way to Atlanta before being throttled by Alabama, 54-16. The most points Florida scored in its final six games was 24 in a win against Georgia. Iowa finished the season with three straight wins including the thriller over Michigan and a 40-10 blowout over rival Nebraska. But there were losses to North Dakota State and Northwestern along the way. Expect defense and not a lot of points. Gators 17-13

Goodyear Cotton Bowl (Arlington, Texas)
No. 15 Western Michigan vs. No. 8 Wisconsin (Line: Wisconsin -7.5)
What a fun one this should be (ROW THE BOAT!). Wisconsin might be the most unlucky team in terms of its close losses that could've turned its season into a magical one (ROW THE BOAT!). The Badgers have a seven-point loss at Michigan, a seven-point overtime loss to Ohio State, and blew a 21-point lead to lose by - you guessed it - seven to Penn State in the Big Ten title game (ROW THE BOAT!). Western Michigan turned in an impressive 13-0 season behind its infectiously optimistic coach PJ Fleck (ROW THE BOAT!). His catchphrases took America by storm and he always wants you to have an ELITE day (and to also ROW THE BOAT!). The talent gap between UW and WMU is sizable, though. Badgers 38-27

KEEP ROWING, THOUGH!!!

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual (Pasadena, Calif.)
No. 9 USC vs. No. 5 Penn State (Line: USC -6.5)
BENched isn't thrilled with the Committee's choice to move USC ahead of Colorado when the Buffaloes won the division and took a loss in the Pac-12 Championship. The way the Trojans finished the season, winning eight straight games, they are certainly deserving. But so were the Buffs. Aside from that, the Nittany Lions pulled off a miraculous season after starting 2-2 to win eight straight themselves. Penn State is a second half team, so the halftime score might not be an indication of how this game is going. PSU scored 38+ points in their final six games and were pretty salty on defense, too. USC scored 36+ in five of its final six, the lone exception a 26-13 win at Washington. It'll likely be a shootout in Pasadena. Trojans 45-35

Allstate Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, La.)
No. 14 Auburn vs. No. 7 Oklahoma (Line: Oklahoma -3)
At first glance, this appears to be a mismatch. A 10-2 Big 12 champion against a middling 8-4 SEC squad. Auburn dealt with injuries through much of the year, but should be healthy for the bowl game. Running backs Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway give the Tigers a two-headed monster in the backfield. Those two plus a healthy Sean White can put up points with the best of them. That's a dangerous thing for OU's feeble defense. The Sooners, though, boast two Heisman finalists in Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook. The star wide receiver ran wild in the Big 12 and provides a spark in the kicking game alongside Joe Mixon. OU is out to prove it can hang with some of college football's toughest teams after lacking the past few seasons against Clemson, Houston and Ohio State. The question is, will that be enough? Ponies and Wagons 37-35

-BtW

PTF: Prediction Time Friday - Week 14 (Championship Week)

Another month of football gone. Hard to believe we've reached the end of the college football season. Championship Week presents a whole new season in itself. Plenty is on the line for all the championship games - Playoff positioning, New Year's Six Bowls, bragging rights (in Bedlam). It's time to man up or shut up. As for BENched, we've had a good, not great, season of picks. Rivalry Week pulled a fast one with several upets. But we're in the championship phase. Just like these games, this is when it counts most.

2016 BENched PTF Record

Last Week: 10-10
Game of the Week Pick: 5-4

Overall: 117-54 (.684 win %)

*Rankings below reflect the CFB Playoff Top 25

Friday

MAC Championship (Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.)
Ohio vs. No. 17 Western Michigan (Line: Western Michigan -17)
On the verge of a 13-0 season, Western Michigan is staring a New Year's Six Bowl in the face. It's right there for the taking and all that stands in its way is Ohio, which has lost four games, but all have been decided by single digits. The Broncos, on the other hand, have had one game decided by single digits. In fact, it was a single-digit win (22-21) at Northwestern to start the season. No slowing down the boats. They can row right on down to the Cotton Bowl after this one. Boat Rowers 41-24

GAME OF THE WEEK
Pac-12 Championship (Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.)

Sefo Liufau has Colorado in position for one of the best
turnarounds in college football history.
(Photo courtesy Associated Press)

No. 8 Colorado vs. No. 4 Washington (Line: Washington -7.5)
Implications in this one are larger than the Pacific Ocean. Washington knows it must win the Pac-12 to be considered for the CFB Playoff. The Huskies have had a fantastic year, but despite the 11-1 record, they are just 1-1 against the current Top 25. Colorado can creep into the conversation by knocking off No. 4. The Buffaloes are the turnaround team of the year, led by Sefo Liufau. Colorado's defense may be the best the Huskies have faced, but UW's defense is far and away the best the Buffs have seen. Huskies 27-21

Saturday

AAC Championship (Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md.)
Temple at No. 19 Navy (Line: Navy -3)
Navy has a chance - albeit slim - to earn a New Year's Six berth. Ironically, Navy needs the boats to stop rowing and sink.  The Midshipmen need a Western Michigan loss and to beat Temple for that conversation to begin. If the Broncos win tonight, which BENched predicts, all Navy can play for is a conference championship. That'd be tremendous for our nation's Naval Academy. Middies 34-20

Big 12 Championship - Bedlam (Oklahoma leads 85-18-7)
No. 10 Oklahoma State at No. 9 Oklahoma (Line: Oklahoma -11)
One of the few regular season games remaining on the schedule, Bedlam figures to live up to its name. The Sooners and Cowboys will go toe-to-toe with the Big 12 title on the line for the fourth time in the last six years. Oklahoma has a dynamic offense that is unstoppable with Baker Mayfield leading the charge. Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon are a great one-two punch in the backfield, but Dede Westbrook is a sensational wide receiver. Opposite OU is Oklahoma State's high-octane offense that has recently found a running game. Both defenses are, for lack of a better word, awful. This one will have points galore. Ponies and Wagons 55-45

SEC Championship (Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga.)
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 15 Florida (Line: Alabama -24)
Unlike the matchup above, defense won't be optional in the Georgia Dome. Alabama boasts the nation's best and Florida isn't far behind. Alabama didn't allow a touchdown in four games in November. Florida has no offense, so this one shouldn't be close. Tide 33-3

ACC Championship (Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.)
No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 23 Virginia Tech (Line: Clemson -10)
Clemson has been on a tear since its loss to Pitt three weeks ago. Actually, the Tigers' offense has been on a tear since their Oct. 29 game at Florida State. In the fives game since, Clemson has scored 37, 54, 42, 35 and 56 points. Virginia Tech always has a tough defense with Bud Foster sailing that ship. And the Hokies' offense has seen an uptick with new head man Justin Fuente and quarterback Jerod Evans. But Clemson looks to be on a mission and VT won't be able to keep up the whole game. Tigers 41-17

Big Ten Championship (Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.)
No. 6 Wisconsin vs. No. 7 Penn State (Line: Wisconsin -3)
The storylines out of the Big Ten are numerous. Ohio State allegedly is a lock for the Playoff. Penn State, which beat Ohio State, could win the Big Ten and be left out of the Playoff. Wisconsin is most likely left out even if it wins. These scenarios are all barring what may or may not happen in other conferences, like the ACC and Pac-12. There's little arguing that the Big Ten is the best conference this season, but whether its champion slides into the Top 4 is a mystery. As for the game, Penn State is a second half team, so ignore whatever may happen in the first half. Wisconsin has a stout defense and will pose problems for the Nittany Lions. Expect this one to be close and low-scoring. Nittany Lions 16-9

-BtW

Final Ben Ten Rankings before Playoff announcement

Well, here we are. The final weekend of the season draws near. Here's what we know: Alabama is No. 1. After that, there will be at least five teams arguing for three Playoff spots. Those five are: Clemson (if it wins the ACC), Ohio State, and the Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12 winners. Good luck to the Playoff Committee Saturday night into Sunday morning. For now, here's how I see it. Remember, I'm not predicting the Playoff rankings that will come out Tuesday, I'm giving you my Top 10 as of the games played Saturday.

Playoff Teams

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 12-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: USC, LSU, Auburn
This week: vs. Florida (SEC Championship)
Alabama will enter the College Football Playoff regardless of what happens in Atlanta Saturday. The Crimson Tide didn't allow a touchdown in the month of November (against LSU, Mississippi State, Chattanooga and Auburn). It appears Alabama will earn back-to-back games in the Georgia Dome, as both the SEC Championship and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the site of one of the semifinal games, are held in the Dome.

2) Clemson

Clemson flexed its muscle against South Carolina. The Tigers
are flexing at the right time with the Playoff around the corner.
(Photo courtesy Clemson Athletics)

Last week: No. 3
Record: 11-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn, Louisville, Florida State
This week: vs. Virginia Tech (ACC Championship)
Clemson annihilated South Carolina 56-7 and has been on a tear since losing to Pitt. The Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead before Wake Forest scored and led 42-0 before the Gamecocks scored. Clemson has taken its focus to a new level and though the competition hasn't been great, both Wake Forest and South Carolina are going bowling. Clemson has scored 35 points or more in five straight games, including 54+ points in two of the five. The reason for flipping Clemson ahead of Ohio State? Simple: The Tigers earned the chance to play for a conference championship. The Buckeyes did not.

3) Ohio State

Last week: No. 2
Record: 11-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan
This week: N/A
Color me unimpressed with Ohio State in its games against quality competition. If not for a few boneheaded mistakes - both on the field and by the coaches - the Buckeyes could have three losses. Ohio State lost at Penn State, was fortunate the escape East Lansing as Michigan State decided to go for two points and the win - and failed - and used a handful of Michigan turnovers to upend the Wolverines in double overtime at home.

4) Washington
Last week: No. 5
Record: 11-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: N/A
This week: vs. Colorado (Friday in Pac-12 Championship)
Washington drubbed Washington State in the Apple Cup 45-17 in a game that wasn't that close. The Huskies still need to win the Pac-12 to earn a Playoff bid. Washington's résumé took a hit as both the ranked teams it had beaten - Utah and Washington State - fell out of the AP Top 25. The only quality game on UW's schedule is now a 13-point home loss to USC, which has three losses.

Next in line

5) Michigan
Last week: No. 4
Record: 10-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin
This week: N/A
Michigan led Ohio State for over half the game. The Wolverines were literally inches away from taking down the Buckeyes in Columbus. However, the takeaway here is that Michigan went 2-2 in road games. The two wins were against Rutgers and Michigan State, two teams with a combined 5-19 record. The two losses: Iowa (8-4) and Ohio State (11-1). Essentially, Michigan couldn't handle two quality opponents in their home environment. They do, however, hold wins over both teams playing in the Big Ten title game - Wisconsin and Penn State.

6) Wisconsin
Last week: 6
Record: 10-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU, Iowa, Nebraska
This week: vs. Penn State (Big Ten Championship)
We've reached the point in the rankings where Big Ten teams are actually headed to the conference championship game. Wisconsin used a second half comeback to knock off a pesky Minnesota team, 31-17. The Badgers already locked up the Big Ten West a day earlier when Nebraska was taken down by Iowa. Wisconsin's body of work is nice, with three wins over ranked teams and two seven-point losses to Michigan and Ohio State. Still, that's two losses and the Badgers will need help to jump into the Top 4.

7) Oklahoma
Last Week: 7
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: West Virginia
This week: vs. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma received no help this weekend. The Sooners were on a bye and hoped for chaos. Instead, much of the action ahead of them went as expected. It's been a nice turnaround since the 1-2 start for Oklahoma, but going undefeated in the Big 12 (to this point) won't win over very many committee members. OU can still win the conference by winning Bedlam over Oklahoma State in Norman. That'd send the Sooners to the Sugar Bowl against some SEC team (Auburn and Florida seem the likeliest of the bunch). An 11-win season with a New Year's Six Bowl win over an SEC team would be great momentum heading into the offseason - a far cry from the past two offseasons.

8) Penn State
Last week: 8
Record: 10-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Ohio State, Iowa
This week: vs. Wisconsin (Big Ten Championship)
Penn State erupted for 35 points in the second half of its 45-12 win over Michigan State to clinch the Big Ten East title. The Nittany Lions earned their first trip the Big Ten Championship Game. Penn State will have a solid argument to get into the Playoff because it A) beat Ohio State head-to-head and B) would have a conference championship. That's not to say PSU will be in, but it will have a strong argument for winning the toughest conference this season.

9) Colorado
Last week: 9
Record: 10-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Stanford
This week: vs. Washington (Friday in Pac-12 Championship)
Colorado edged Utah 27-22 in a game the Buffs needed big time. It's been a while since Folsom Field has had that kind of celebration and it is great to see what Mike MacIntyre has done in Boulder. Colorado will get its chance to put an exlamation point on its season with the Pac-12 Championship game against Washington. A win at least gets Colorado in the conversation of the Playoff, but assures the Buffaloes at least the Rose Bowl. A loss, and they could still make the Rose Bowl by being the highest ranked Pac-12 team after Washington (if Washington makes the Playoff).

10) Western Michigan
Last week: 10
Record: 12-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: None
This week: vs. Ohio (Friday in MAC Championship)
Here they are, the only other undefeated team in the land after the regular season. Western Michigan can lock up a New Year's Six Bowl bid by winning the MAC title Friday against Ohio. If the Broncos do win, they will be rowing the boat from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Arlington, Texas, for the Cotton Bowl. What a fantastic job P.J. Fleck has done.

Dropped out: None

Four on the outside: Oklahoma State, Southern Cal, Florida State, West Virginia

-BtW

Huskies, Badgers rise in this week's Ben Ten

Rivalry Week is upon us. It's perhaps the greatest week of the college football season. Bragging rights are on the line across the land and in some cases, much more. One thing for sure is a spot will open up inside the Top 4 as Michigan visits Ohio State. Will any other crazy things happen before the season ends? Only time will tell. For now, onto the Ben Ten rankings.

Playoff Teams

Nick Saban wasn't a happy camper after
a 31-3 Alabama win over Chattanooga.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 11-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: USC, Texas A&M, LSU
This week: vs. Auburn
Uh oh. The Crimson Tide beat Chattanooga by only 28 points. Is this team slipping?

**Currently hiding from Nick Saban who is surely sending someone to get me**

2) Ohio State

Last week: No. 2
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska
This week: vs. Michigan
Ohio State escaped East Lansing when Sparty decided to throw the ball on a two-point conversion (which failed) after running the ball eight straight times for 56 yards to score the TD. That kinda year for MSU. But this is about Ohio State, which now turns its attention to Michigan.

3) Clemson
Last week: No. 3
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn, Louisville, Florida State
This week: vs. South Carolina
Clemson claimed the ACC Atlantic Division championship for the second straight year. The Tigers had a balanced performance in a 35-13 win over Wake Forest. A visit from South Carolina is next.

4) Michigan
Last week: No. 4
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin
This week: at Ohio State
Michigan trailed Indiana late in the third quarter before finally kicking into gear to pull away for the win. It wasn't the perfect bounce back performance, but the Wolverines have their sights set on Ohio State.

Next in line

5) Washington
Last week: No. 6
Record: 10-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Utah
This week: at Washington State
Washington looked better in a romp over Arizona State. The Pac-12 North is on the line on the Palouse as the Huskies look to take down in-state rival Washington State. A win in the Apple Cup would likely put UW back in the Top 4.

6) Wisconsin
Last week: 7
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU, Nebraska
This week: vs. Minnesota
The Badgers have been better than a lot of teams, but their two losses are to the two top dogs of the Big Ten East. A win against Minnesota not only gives Wisconsin Paul Bunyan's Axe, but also the Big Ten West championship and a trip to the B1G Championship Game.

7) Oklahoma
Last Week: 8
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: West Virginia
This week: Bye
Without a doubt, Oklahoma has been on a tear since Big 12 play began. The Sooner Schooner is rolling. The caveat, though, is the Big 12 is not on par with other conferences. OU gets the week off after demolishing West Virginia in Morgantown. Up next: Bedlam for the Big 12 championship.

8) Penn State
Last week: 10
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Ohio State
This week: vs. Michigan State
Two things have to happen for Penn State. First, it must win against Michigan State. Easier said than done, yes, but the Spartans have just three wins on the season. Second, Ohio State must beat Michigan. If those two happen, the Nittany Lions will head to Indianapolis.

9) Colorado
Last week: NR
Record: 9-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Washington State
This week: vs. Utah
What has transpired in Boulder this season is remarkable. Colorado continues to impress, taking down previously unbeaten in the conference Washington State, and can put a bow on the season by beating Utah to clinch the Pac-12 South.

10) Western Michigan
Last week: NR
Record: 11-0
Wins over currently ranked teams:
This week: None
Kudos to those in Kalamazoo, Mich., this past weekend for putting on quite a show for ESPN's College GameDay. Western Michigan, as was pointed out by one GameDay sign, has more Big Ten wins than Michigan State. That's not saying much this season, but still a proud accomplishment for the Broncos. And what's not to love about Coach P.J. Fleck?

Dropped out: Louisville (5), Utah (9)

Four on the outside: Oklahoma State, Louisville, Southern Cal, Florida State

-BtW

Chaos causes shakeup in latest Ben Ten

As it stands right now, it's Alabama and everyone else. So where does everyone else rank? It's not easy now-a-days because there's a lot of comparing to do. How do you compare a team's loss in November to someone's in October? Or one that was on the road vs. one that was at home? Shouldn't overall "body of work" count as well as the eye test? Yes, the Playoff Committee has a tough job this week, but here's how I see it.

Playoff Teams

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 10-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: USC, Texas A&M, LSU
This week: vs. Chattanooga
No real need to expand on this one. Alabama has proven to be the best team in the land.

2) Ohio State

Ohio State leapt to No. 2 in the newest Ben Ten rankings.
(Photo courtesy Ohio State Athletics)

Last week: No. 6
Record: 9-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska
This week: at Michigan State
The Buckeyes have won back-to-back games in November by a score of 62-3 after a shaky October that included a loss to Penn State, an OT win at Wisconsin, and a four-point home win against Northwestern. The competition hasn't been anywhere close to tough, but Ohio State is peaking, a good thing with the Michigan schools on tap.

3) Clemson
Last week: No. 2
Record: 9-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn, Troy, Louisville, Florida State
This week: at Wake Forest
Look, I don't like placing Clemson here as much as you don't like seeing a Clemson fan blogger putting Clemson here. But who else deserves to be No. 3? Louisville, the team Clemson beat? Michigan, remain No. 3 after losing a game? The Tigers have been playing with fire all year and were finally burned Saturday. Despite the loss, Clemson put up over 600 yards of offense, and was threatening to ice the game and go up by double-digits before things fell apart. With four Top 25 wins, the Tigers' résumé is still one of the best in the country.

4) Michigan
Last week: No. 3
Record: 9-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin
This week: vs. Indiana
Michigan drops a spot, but remains a Playoff team. I couldn't simply keep Michigan at No. 3 following a loss. The Wolverines were finally tested on the road and put up just 13 points and 200 yards of offense. Jim Harbaugh gets a home game with Indiana to right the ship before heading south to Columbus.

*Note: You could flip-flop Clemson and Michigan and I'd have no problem with that. In the end, Michigan and Ohio State will play next weekend, so we'll know the status of those two teams in due time.

Next in line

5) Louisville
Last week: No. 5
Record: 9-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Florida State
This week: at Houston (Thursday)
The strength of Louisville's wins is holding it back. Currently, the Cardinals have just two wins over teams with a winning record - FSU and Wake Forest. The Deacons led 12-0 at one point and 12-10 going into the fourth quarter before a Louisville barrage. A short week and a road trip will make or break the Cards' season.

6) Washington
Last week: No. 4
Record: 9-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Utah
This week: vs. Arizona State
Many have waited for the Huskies to play a solid team and the Huskies were exposed against a pretty talented USC squad. The home loss hurts, but doesn't completely knock Washington out. The Huskies can still go 12-1, defeat a ranked opponent on the road (Washington State next weekend) and win the Pac-12 championship against a ranked team from the South Division. That'd be enough to put UW back in the Playoff.

7) Wisconsin
Last week: 7
Record: 8-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU, Nebraska
This week: at Purdue
Fortunately for Wisconsin, the Badgers have two really close losses at Michigan (14-7) and vs. Ohio State (30-23 in OT). Unfortunately, that's one more loss than the teams above the Badgers and it only proves they can play with the top teams, but not beat them. Hence why they reside here.

8) Oklahoma
Last Week: 9
Record: 8-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: None
This week: at West Virginia
Without others losing, this might be as high as Oklahoma can go. The Sooners are rolling through the lower two-thirds of the Big 12. But that grouping is pretty, um, pathetic. Oklahoma gets a chance to earn two quality wins at West Virginia this weekend and against Oklahoma State on Dec. 3. Win and we can at least talk. But talk might be as far as it gets.

9) Utah
Last week: 10
Record: 8-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: USC
This week: vs. Oregon
It appears Utah will head into its final game at Colorado with the Pac-12 South title on the line. The Utes hold the tiebreaker over USC in the division already. First, they must entertain Oregon. The Ducks are officially bowl ineligible and Utah is a 13-point home favorite. Lots to look forward to in the next two weeks in the Pac-12 South.

10) Penn State
Last week: NR
Record: 8-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: Ohio State
This week: at Rutgers
The Nittany Lions get the nod here simply for two reasons: 1) They have a win over Ohio State and 2) They sort of control their destiny in the Big Ten East. If Penn State wins out over Rutgers (2-8) and Michigan State (3-7) AND Ohio State beats Michigan, PSU will go to Indianapolis.


Dropped out: Auburn (8)

Four on the outside: Western Michigan, West Virginia, Colorado, Oklahoma State

-BtW

Movement in the bottom half of new Ben Ten

Four undefeated teams lost over the weekend, dropping the total from nine to five. We've reached November which means the College Football Playoff Committee will release its initial ranking Tuesday. Visit this blog afterward as BENched will have a Rapid Reaction to the release. Until then, here's my Top 10.

Playoff Teams

1) Alabama
Last week: No. 1
Record: 8-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: Texas A&M
This week: at LSU
The Tide had a bye week to get ready for the big one in Baton Rouge. Alabama is playing better than anyone in the country, but they are not unbeatable. LSU gets a crack at the Tide this weekend.

2) Clemson

Deshaun Watson has Clemson on track for another Playoff berth.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

Last week: No. 3
Record: 8-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn, Louisville, Florida State
This week: vs. Syracuse
There is not a résumé out there better than Clemson's. The Tigers are the only team with three wins against Top 20 foes, two of them on the road. The combined record of the FBS teams Clemson has faced is 37-18 and all 11 FBS teams on the schedule are currently .500 or better.

3) Michigan
Last week: No. 2
Record: 8-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: Colorado, Penn State, Wisconsin
This week: vs. Maryland
While Clemson has two wins on the road against Top 20 teams, Michigan has just two road wins period. And they are against Rutgers and Michigan State, both of which are 2-6. The drop this week is a matter of wanting to see Michigan against better competition. That may only come when the Wolverines travel to Columbus.

4) Washington
Last week: No. 4
Record: 8-0
Wins over currently ranked teams: Utah
This week: at Cal
Big win for the Huskies on the road against Utah, but that remains the lone good win on Washington's schedule. The rest of UW's schedule will let us know if this team is worthy of a Playoff spot. Washington travels to Cal, hosts USC and Arizona State, then goes to Washington State for the Apple Cup.

Next in line

5) Louisville
Last week: No. 5
Record: 7-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Florida State
This week: at Boston College
Virginia gave the Cards all they could handle. Three of the last four games have seen Louisville struggle (vs. Duke and at UVA) or lose (at Clemson). The sizzle from September is slowly fading. How will Louisville handle the snoozefest in Chestnut Hill this weekend?

6) Ohio State
Last week: No. 8
Record: 7-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Oklahoma, Wisconsin
This week: vs. Nebraska
Like Louisville, Ohio State hasn't had a very good last few weekends. They escaped Wisconsin with a big overtime win, but then fell at Penn State and almost slipped up at home against Northwestern. Nebraska is next and the Huskers just went toe-to-toe with the Badgers.

7) Texas A&M
Last week: No. 10
Record: 7-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: Auburn
This week: at Mississippi State
The Aggies beat the other Aggies - New Mexico State, that is. Texas A&M takes on the state of Mississippi in its next two games. Any slip up there would be a killer to A&M's outside chance of reaching the Playoff.

At this point, I should remind you that I am putting what I perceive as the best teams in the ranking. 

8) Wisconsin
Last week: NR
Record: 6-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU, Nebraska
This week: at Northwestern
Take Wisconsin, for example. The Badgers have two seven-point losses to Michigan and Ohio State. Along with wins over LSU and Nebraska (and Iowa), Wisconsin might be the best two-loss team in the country. What that really means in the grand scheme of things ain't much, though.

9) Florida
Last week: NR
Record: 6-1
Wins over currently ranked teams: None
This week: at Arkansas
Florida is in control of the SEC East, which also ain't saying much. But the Gators have to travel to Arkansas and now LSU to close out conference play. A trip to FSU also looms, so Florida could very well end up with an 8-4 record.

10) Auburn
Last week: NR
Record: 6-2
Wins over currently ranked teams: LSU
This week: vs. Vanderbilt 
Does anyone want to play Auburn right now? The Tigers' two losses did come at home to Clemson and A&M, but they've reeled off five wins in a row to reach bowl eligibility. They've also separated themselves from the middle tier of the SEC West. They should handle Vandy and Georgia, which sets up another big Iron Bowl.

Dropped out: West Virginia (6), Boise State (7), Nebraska (9) 

Four on the outside: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Western Michigan, West Virginia

-BtW