Rocket City Report

Coaching Carousel Update - Dec 26

2011-12-26T17:17:00.003-06:00

I've updated my 2011 Coaching Carousel. Twenty-four positions have been filled and only one vacancy is left. Penn State is the last opening.

Hawaii hires Norm Chow

2011-12-26T17:05:00.003-06:00

Hawaii announced Norm Chow as its new head coach. Chow was most recently the offensive coordinator at Utah last year. He has spent the past 16 seasons as the offensive coordinator at USC, UCLA, the Tennessee Titans, and others. He was born in Honolulu, but is alumnus of Utah. He has never served as a head coach. Despite that lack of experience, I am on board with this choice.

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Southern Miss hires Ellis Johnson

2011-12-26T16:54:00.003-06:00

Southern Miss announced Ellis Johnson as its new head coach. Johnson was the assistant head coach and defensive coach at South Carolina for the past four years. In 1988-89, Johnson served as the defensive coordinator for Southern Miss. Johnson has some experience as a head coach, with one year at Gardner-Webb and three years at The Citadel. I'm surprised Southern Miss didn't turn to an offensive guy to continue the success that Larry Fedora had. I don't hate this hire, but I'm not thrilled with it either.

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Houston hires Tony Levine

2011-12-26T16:45:00.003-06:00

Houston announced Tony Levine as its new head coach. Levine was the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator at Houston for the past four years. He was named the interim head coach after Kevin Sumlin took the Texas A&M job, and he will coach the Cougars in the TicketCity Bowl. I thought Houston would promote one of its two co-offensive coordinators to be the new head coach to attempt to continue its recent success. Perhaps the athletic director thought Levine was more prepared for the top job, so I won't disagree. I will be interested to see how successful the Cougars will be without its record-setting quarterback Case Keenum.

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Pitt hires Paul Chryst

2011-12-26T16:34:00.003-06:00

Pitt announced Paul Chryst as its new head coach. Chryst was the offensive coordinator at Wisconsin for the past seven years. He has been coaching for over 20 years, but has never been a head coach. This is the third head coach Pitt has hired since Dave Wannstedt stepped down after the 2010 season. Chryst led the Badger offense to over 44 points per game this season, and it was time for him to try his hand at being a head coach. If Chryst stays in Pittsburgh, then I think this could be a very good hire for the Panthers.

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Akron hires Terry Bowden

2011-12-26T16:23:00.003-06:00

Akron announced Terry Bowden as its new head coach. Bowden was the head coach at North Alabama for the past three years. He is most well known for a six-year coaching stint at Auburn where he went 47-17-1 with two bowl wins. Bowden put together a solid 29-10 record at North Alabama, but some considered his team to underachieve though. He loaded his team with division one talent, but never got further in the DII playoffs than the quarterfinals. Terry Bowden has finished with a winning record at every school he coached at, so I like this hire.

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2011 Bowl Picks - Updated through 12/31

2011-12-15T22:50:00.005-06:00

**updated with bowl picks for the rest of 2011**

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Week 10: 35-18 (66%)
Week 11: 41-16 (71.9%)
Week 12: 42-18 (72%)
Week 13: 43-11 (79.6%)
Week 14: 20-3 (87%)
Season: 589-188 (75.8%)

Saturday, December 17

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Temple (8-4) vs Wyoming (8-4)
Three of Temple's four losses were by a combined 11 points. Temple outscored its opponents by an average of over 16 points per game and only twice was Temple held to under 200 rushing yards (both losses). On the other hand, Wyoming scored the same amount of points as it gave up despite being four games over .500. Wyoming was helped by being 4-0 in close games. Wyoming doesn't have the same defense as Temple. Temple is a power rushing team and Wyoming gives up over 230 rushing yards per game. Wyoming's defense is opportunistic though, and has an advantage with a +14 turnover margin.
The Pick: Temple
Confidence: 27

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio (9-4) vs Utah State (7-5)
Ohio lost the MAC Championship Game after going up 20-0 on Northern Illinois at the half. The offense stagnating and getting shut out in the second half was a major disappointment for a team that hasn't won a postseason game under Frank Solich. He's 0-2 in conference championship games and 0-3 in bowl games. In fact, Ohio has never won a bowl game (0-5). Ohio was 3-3 in close games, and the worst loss was at Rutgers by 12 points. Utah State is probably best known for pushing the reigning national champions Auburn in the opening weekend. That loss was one of four close losses by the Aggies, but they also had five close wins. I'm guessing this one will be close too. Both teams finished strong with Ohio winning its last four regular season games and Utah State winning its last five games.
The Pick: Ohio
Confidence: 15

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
San Diego State (8-4) vs Louisiana Lafayette (8-4)
Rocky Long took a two-year break from coaching but came back when Brady Hoke was hired away by Michigan. SDSU had its top two wide receivers drafted last year, so it relied heavily on stud running back Ronnie Hillman. He didn't disappoint, finishing third nationally in rushing yards with 1656 and added 19 rushing touchdowns. Louisiana-Lafayette had a great first season under Mark Hudspeth and is playing in its first major bowl game. Hudspeth should be proud of what he accomplished, but I just don't think his team is close to being equal with Long's team.
The Pick: San Diego State
Confidence: 26

Tuesday, December 20

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl
FIU (8-4) vs Marshall (6-6)
FIU started off the season as the darling of the Sun Belt with non-conference wins over Louisville and UCF. They lost a couple of games and actually finished fourth in their conference. FIU has one of the most explosive players in the country in T.Y Hilton who has scored eight times as a receiver and returner. Marshall barely slipped into the postseason with a one-point win over a terrible Memphis team and then needing overtime to win a home game against East Carolina. Marshall was outscored by its opponents by 98 points over the season. Marshall is led on defense by Vinny Curry, who is sixth in sacks with 11 this year and has also forced five fumbles.
The Pick: FIU
Confidence: 4

Wednesday, December 21

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
TCU (10-2) vs Louisiana Tech (8-4)
TCU just missed out on going to another BCS bowl game despite returning only eight starters. The two losses were by two points to Baylor and in overtime to SMU. TCU picked up five wins over bowl teams, obviously the most impressive one was beating Boise State on the blue turf. The defense took a step back from 2010's dominant version, but the offense still rang up over 40 points per game. Louisiana Tech had a great season that included a conference championship and winning the last seven straight games. They also played both participants of the C-USA championship game in close losses and pushed Mississippi State to overtime. They picked up a signature win in a 27-7 beatdown of Mississippi, one of five road games they won. Unfortunately, Louisiana Tech got paired up with a great team and I can't imagine them continuing their winning streak.
The Pick: TCU
Confidence: 34

Thursday, December 22

Maaco Bowl
Arizona State (6-6) vs Boise State (11-1)
This is the most mismatched bowl game of the season. Arizona State started off strong with an amazing 43-22 win over USC. They then went on to lose five of the last six games and missed out on playing in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game. Head coach Dennis Erickson is gone, but he will coach the bowl game. Boise State simply had another great season and was a single point loss away from going unbeaten again. Many people disparage Boise's schedule, but the Broncos did beat seven bowl teams. The seniors on this Boise team are 5-0 against AQ conference teams and this should be the sixth win for them. Also, the seniors have only lost three times (by a combined five points), and two of those were to TCU.
The Pick: Boise State
Confidence: 35

Saturday, December 24

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Nevada (7-5) vs Southern Miss (11-2)
Nevada won every game it played against a team with a losing record and lost every game it played against a bowl team. The Wolfpack did play three of those bowl teams close, and getting blown out at Oregon and Boise State is understandable. Nevada averages more than 250 rushing yards and 250 passing yards per game. Nevada has been far less efficient on offense this season, posting a few more yards per game but over eight fewer points. Southern Miss won C-USA by beating previously undefeated Houston in the championship game. They also beat three other bowl teams including the WAC champion Louisiana Tech. Southern Miss is clearly the better team, but will be without head coach Larry Fedora who left for the North Carolina job.
The Pick: Southern Miss
Confidence: 33

Monday, December 26

AdvoCare v100 Independence Bowl
Missouri (7-5) vs North Carolina (7-5)
Missouri disappointed this season with only a 7-5 record. It might be tempting to blame this regression on the loss of Blaine Gabbert, but the offense actually scored more points and gained more yards. The offense did change to a more run-heavy attack due to QB James Franklin's dual-threat abilities and the emergence of RB Henry Josey. The two sophomores combined for over 2000 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns. The defense was a bigger culprit, giving up an additional touchdown per game and forcing nine fewer turnovers. Missouri also struggled on the road, going 1-4 with the only win at Texas A&M. North Carolina fired head coach Butch Davis a week before the preseason and named an interim coach for the year. Given the circumstances plus the loss of nine players to the NFL Draft, he had a pretty good year. North Carolina was similarly bad on the road, posting a 1-4 record with the only win at East Carolina.
The Pick: Missouri
Confidence: 8

Tuesday, December 27

Little Caesars Bowl
Western Michigan (7-5) vs Purdue (6-6)
Western Michigan is led by senior wide receiver Jordan White who leads the country in receptions and receiving yards, and is second in receiving touchdowns. Western Michigan beat Connecticut on the road and almost upset Illinois too. Purdue returns to the postseason for the first time since 2007. The Boilermakers only won a single road game, and that was against 1-11 Indiana. The question will be whether Purdue can score enough to keep up with Western Michigan. Purdue only scored more than 27 points in a game three times this season.
The Pick: Western Michigan
Confidence: 7

Belk Bowl
Louisville (7-5) vs NC State (7-5)
Louisville started off the year really slow with a 2-4 record. The two wins were unimpressive showings against Murray State and Kentucky. They turned it on in the second half, winning five of the last six. The offense sputtered, averaging less than 22 points per game for the year. Fortunately the defense was strong, which kept them in every game. Their worst loss was only be nine points. NC State's season mirrored Louisville's. They started 2-3 with wins only over FCS opponents. Then they won five of the last seven to become bowl eligible. They are capable of beating good teams (Clemson) and losing to bad teams (Boston College). NC State led the country in interceptions with 24.
The Pick: Louisville
Confidence: 3

Wednesday, December 28

Military Bowl
Toledo (8-4) vs Air Force (7-5)
Toledo won eight games, but lost three others by no more than five points. Toledo's offense is high-powered, averaging more than 42 points and almost 500 yards per game. The defense gives up a lot of points and yards, so the Rockets have to outscore most of their opponents. Toledo has a +16 turnover margin, which is much better than Air Force's even margin. Air Force beat two FCS teams and five FBS teams that didn't make it to the postseason. The five losses were all to bowl teams. Air Force was second in the country in rushing offense behind Army. Air Force also passed for over 1600 yards, so it isn't a completely one-dimensional attack. I expect both sides to put up a lot of points in this defense-optional affair. I would be more concerned about Toledo losing its head coach if it hadn't promoted its offensive coordinator, who should keep things rolling at least in the bowl game.
The Pick: Toledo
Confidence: 30

Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl
California (7-5) vs Texas (7-5)
Cal was a very uninteresting team to me this season. The most intriguing thing was when they played Stanford to a field goal game near the end of the season. They do have a trio of offensive playmakers who should all return next season. QB Zach Maynard transferred from Buffalo and helped Cal to almost 1000 more passing yards than last season. Junior RB Isi Sofele had over rushing 1200 yards and nine touchdowns, and sophomore WR Keenan Allen had over 1200 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Texas improved from last season, but still has a long way to go to make it back to where they've been for most of Mack Brown's tenure. The Longhorns won at least nine games in each of his first twelve seasons. Texas had the best defense in the Big XII based on yardage, but turnovers and a struggling offense hurt them in losses. In the seven wins, Texas had a +8 turnover margin and scored 37 points per game. In the five losses, it was a -13 margin and 17 points scored. That wasn't due just to the schedule, since they had four wins over bowl teams. It was more that Texas just couldn't beat the top teams in the conference this year.
The Pick: Texas
Confidence: 20

Thursday, December 29

Champs Sports Bowl
Florida State (8-4) vs Notre Dame (8-4)
A battle between two 8-4 teams I expected to be better in the preseason. Florida State lost three games by five points or fewer, but lacked any quality wins. At least they have state bragging rights, beating Miami and Florida for the second straight year. The defense was second nationally in run defense, sixth in total defense, fourth in scoring defense, and had two shutouts. My favorite random fact about the Seminoles is that they lost consecutive games by the score of 35-30 and then won consecutive games by the score of 41-16. Notre Dame could have won ten games in the regular season if the Irish could have held onto the ball. A -7 turnover margin in the first two games turned into two close losses. Turnovers remained a problem all season, with Notre Dame posting a negative margin in nine games and finished third worst in the country. WR Michael Floyd will be playing his last game with the Irish and he already is the program's career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns by a large margin.
The Pick: Florida State
Confidence: 6

Valero Alamo Bowl
Washington (7-5) vs Baylor (9-3)
Each season under Steve Sarkisian, Washington has improved by one win in the regular season. Despite the improvements, Washington hasn't broken into the upper tier of the Pac-12. Just like last season, Washington finished with a winning record despite being outscored by its opponents. The Huskies were 5-0 in games decided by less than 12 points. It's concerning that each year under Sarkisian, the defense has gotten worse. Baylor's first Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has to be excited to face Washington's porous defense. Baylor is second in the country in total offense and sixth in scoring offense. Baylor won its last five games, including wins over Oklahoma and Texas. Both offenses are much better than both defenses, so expect a lot of fireworks.
The Pick: Baylor
Confidence: 29

Friday, December 30

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
In BYU's first season as an independent, they played a very soft schedule inflating their win-loss record to 9-3. BYU went 1-3 against bowl teams, with the only win over Utah State. Head coach Bronco Mendenhall has led BYU to a bowl game in each of his seven seasons with a postseason record of 4-2. Tulsa played four teams in my top 15, and lost to all of them by 20+ points. They won the other eight games by an average of 24 points. Only one team played them within a touchdown. Tulsa is another team that struggles with turnovers. They were tied as the second worst team in country with 32 turnovers lost. The Golden Hurricane force a lot of turnovers too, so their margin wasn't too bad.
The Pick: Tulsa
Confidence: 9

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Rutgers (8-4) vs Iowa State (6-6)
Rutgers surprisingly won eight games with a stout defense and forcing more than 2.5 turnovers per game. Rutgers offense was relatively inept, turning the ball over itself 28 times and rushing for five yards or fewer on four separate occasions. Rutgers has already won a game at Yankee Stadium when they beat Army there earlier this year. Iowa State is best known for upsetting Oklahoma State's perfect season. Other than that game, the Cyclones just haven't been that impressive. They were outscored by over six points per game because they were 5-1 in close games.
The Pick: Rutgers
Confidence: 19

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Mississippi State (6-6) vs Wake Forest (6-6)
Mississippi State was one of the more disappointing teams in the country, unable to build on the success Dan Mullen had in his second season. The Bulldogs only won two SEC games and were only close in two others. The offense took a noticeable step back this season, while the defense gave up almost the exact same number of points and yards. Wake Forest started 4-1 with only an overtime loss, but then won just twice more the rest of the season. Wake Forest was outscored by exactly one point per game on the season, but also only turned the ball over once per game. Wake Forest lost badly at home to Vanderbilt in the season finale, so I don't have much hope for them against another SEC team in the bowl game.
The Pick: Mississippi State
Confidence: 31

Insight Bowl
Iowa (7-5) vs Oklahoma (9-3)
Iowa had a slightly down year due mainly to the defense taking a step back. Iowa won every home game except against Michigan State, and lost every road game except against Purdue. Iowa picked up a nice win against Michigan, but also had a terrible loss against Minnesota. Oklahoma was considered to be a national title contender, but then lost two close games and got blasted by rival Oklahoma State in the Bedlam game. The Sooners played one of the toughest schedules in the country, beating seven bowl teams and Ball State who was bowl eligible but not invited. Oklahoma will be playing without its best running back and wide receiver, which has hurt the offense at the end of the season. Bob Stoops had lost five out of six straight bowl games, but has evened up his postseason record with bowl victories the past two years.
The Pick: Oklahoma
Confidence: 32

Saturday, December 31

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
Texas A&M finished a disappointing 6-6 and were an amazingly horrible 1-5 in close games. A&M outscored its opponents by 131 points and outgained them by over 1300 yards for the season. Because of the collapses, A&M fired head coach Mike Sherman and interim head coach Tim DeRuyter has accepted the vacancy at Fresno State. I think A&M is the much better team, but motivation and focus could be factors. Northwestern had the stats more similar to a 6-6 team, including going 2-2 in close games. Northwestern gains more than 400 yards per game, but they also give up over 400 yards per game. This bowl game could be another high-scoring affair.
The Pick: Texas A&M
Confidence: 24

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Georgia Tech (8-4) vs Utah (7-5)
Georgia Tech started off with six straight wins, but then only won twice over the second half of the season. As is typical in Paul Johnson's triple option offense, Georgia Tech finished third nationally in rushing yards per game. One limitation of the option attack is that it is easier to defend with a month to prepare, as is the case in bowl season. That's one reason why Georgia Tech is 0-3 in bowl games under Paul Johnson. Utah finished 7-5 in its first season as a member in the Pac-12. The Utes could have played in the inaugural Pac-12 Championship Game, but lost in the finale to Colorado. Utah is seventh in the country in rush defense, so it will definitely be strength versus strength.
The Pick: Utah
Confidence: 14

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
Illinois (6-6) vs UCLA (6-7)
Illinois is playing without its fired head coach Ron Zook and offensive coordinator Paul Petrino who returned to coach with his brother at Arkansas. Illinois won its first six games and then lost its last six games. The offense scored more than 100 fewer points that last year and the turnover margin went from +8 last year to -8 this year. UCLA is in just as bad of shape as Illinois. UCLA will be without its recently fired head coach Rick Neuheisel. The Bruins also lost the Pac-12 Championship Game and had to petition the NCAA to get a waiver to play in the postseason with a losing record. UCLA was outscored by 110 points this season. With all of the missing coaches, the poor records and the impotent offenses, this might be the worst bowl game of the season.
The Pick: UCLA
Confidence: 5

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Cincinnati (9-3) vs Vanderbilt (6-6)
Cincinnati found a way to win nine games this year in head coach Butch Jones' second season. I tend to harp on turnover margin, but Cincinnati improved by five games this season due in large part due to going from -15 in 2010 to +11 in 2011. Vanderbilt is playing in the postseason for the second time in four years. Not only did the Commodores win six games, they also played four other conference games within a touchdown. Vanderbilt made great strides under first year head coach James Franklin. Being competitive in six of eight conference games is a new identity for Vanderbilt.
The Pick: Vanderbilt
Confidence: 18

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Virginia improved by four wins this season thanks to winning five out of six close games. The Cavaliers outscored their opponents by just 11 points. Virginia appears to be headed in the right direction, while its opponent seems to be in disarray. Auburn is the reigning national champs, but they lost five games including getting handled by the top four teams in the conference. The only good win was at South Carolina. Auburn is dealing with the loss of both coordinators for the bowl game. The offense scored 17 fewer points and gained 170 fewer yards per game compared to last year.
The Pick: Virginia
Confidence: 17

**more bowl picks to be posted next week

Arizona State hires Todd Graham

2011-12-15T20:08:00.004-06:00

Arizona State announced Todd Graham as its new head coach. Graham was the head coach at Pitt, where he stayed for just one year. Todd Graham is a solid head coach, but his constant job changing is really hurting his reputation. Graham is 49-29 overall as a head coach and took his team to the postseason in five of his six seasons. Despite being a defensive guy, he is known for fielding exciting offenses. He has been helped by having Gus Malzahn and Chad Morris as two of his offensive coordinators. I think this is a solid hire for Arizona State if Graham is serious about sticking around long-term.

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Fresno State hires Tim DeRuyter

2011-12-15T20:01:00.003-06:00

Fresno State announced Tim DeRuyter as its new head coach. DeRuyter was most recently the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. He is also serving as the interim head coach and will coach in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas against Northwestern. DeRuyter is from California and has some experience coaching out west at Nevada and Air Force. I don't really have much of an opinion, good or bad, about this hire except that I doubt he'll be as good as the previous head coach.

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Arkansas State hires Gus Malzahn

2011-12-15T19:55:00.002-06:00

Arkansas State announced Gus Malzahn as its new head coach. Malzahn was most recently the offensive coordinator at Auburn for the past three seasons. He spent 14 years coaching high school in Arkansas and won the state title thrice. I thought Malzahn would hold out for a more prestigious job, but it appears he wanted to return home to coach in Arkansas. I think this is a great hire for Arkansas and the Red Wolves will be a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt for as long as he's there.

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Colorado State hires Jim McElwain

2011-12-13T19:15:00.002-06:00

Colorado State announced Jim McElwain as its new head coach. Jim McElwain has been the offensive coordinator at Alabama for the past four seasons. Under Nick Saban, Alabama has been known for its defense, but in every season the Crimson Tide has averaged over 30 points per game. McElwain is from Montana, played at Eastern Washington, and has other ties to West. Most recently, he was the offensive coordinator at Fresno State in 2007.

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Toledo hires Matt Campbell

2011-12-13T18:57:00.002-06:00

Toledo announced Matt Campbell as its new head coach. Matt Campbell served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Toledo for the past three seasons. Toledo is the latest program to gamble on a young head coach. In fact, at age 32 he becomes the youngest head coach in the FBS. I think hiring from within will help Toledo continue its explosive offense, but I don't think all of these young, inexperienced hires will work out.

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Coaching Carousel Update - Dec 10

2011-12-10T18:09:00.001-06:00

I've been updating my 2011 Coaching Carousel. There are fourteen positions that have been filled and ten other vacancies. Penn State and Arizona State are the two biggest openings left. Updates will continue as jobs open or are filled.

UCLA hires Jim Mora

2011-12-10T17:50:00.002-06:00

UCLA announced Jim Mora as its new head coach. To say he is inexperienced as a college coach is an understatement. He was a graduate assistant for Washington in 1984 and has spent the rest of his career coaching in the NFL and as a broadcaster for the NFL Network. He needs to put together a great staff with lots of experience with recruiting, since he doesn't have any. UCLA seems like a program with tons of untapped potential because its coaching hires are so strange. This will probably be my least favorite hiring of 2011.

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Illinois hires Tim Beckman

2011-12-10T17:36:00.003-06:00

Illinois announced Tim Beckman as its new head coach. He was 21-16 in three seasons at Toledo with two bowl games. He may want to keep the Illini defensive coordinator around since Beckman's team gave up 126 points in two weeks while the Illini only gave up 241 points in the entire season. I think Backman is a good coach, but it's a little disconcerting that he never coached in the MAC Championship Game. With the large amount of coaching turnover, it appears more teams are rolling the dice with less proven head coaches.

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Texas A&M hires Kevin Sumlin

2011-12-10T17:18:00.003-06:00

Texas A&M announced Kevin Sumlin as its new head coach. He was 35-17 in four seasons at Houston with three bowl games and two conference championship game appearances. Texas A&M will be joining SEC next season, so this will be quite the step up for Sumlin. Sumlin has been very successful, but there are a couple worrisome traits. He is only 1-3 in the postseason and had a losing season when his record-setting quarterback Case Keenum was out for the year with an injury. I think Sumlin is a good coach, but he may suffer from moving up too fast.

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Kansas hires Charlie Weis

2011-12-08T22:34:00.002-06:00

Kansas announced Charlie Weis as its new head coach. Weis was most recently the offensive coordinator at Florida, but his most famous college position was as head coach of Notre Dame. Weis started out strong at Notre Dame, taking the Irish to back-to-back BCS bowl games. After that, his team was five games under .500 over the past three seasons. I'm not sure why Kansas thinks Weis will more resemble the first two years in his tenure rather than the last three. I would call this hire questionable, since I think Weis is a much better offensive coordinator than head coach.

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North Carolina hires Larry Fedora

2011-12-08T22:22:00.002-06:00

North Carolina announced Larry Fedora as its new head coach. Fedora was the head coach at Southern Miss for the past seasons. He put together a 33-19 record and four winning seasons. This past season, Southern Miss won 10 regular season games and then won the C-USA Championship Game for the first time under Fedora. Fedora's team consistently improved until it reached an apex this season. North Carolina made a good hire.

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Memphis hires Justin Fuente

2011-12-08T22:03:00.002-06:00

Memphis announced Justin Fuente as its new head coach. Fuente was most recently the co-offensive coordinator at TCU for the past three seasons. While TCU is known for its defense, the offense has held its own. Under Fuente, TCU averaged at least 38 points per game in every season. TCU also averaged over 200 yards passing and rushing per game in every season. Fuente is young and only has experience as a co-coordinator, but I think Memphis made a solid hire.

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Greg McMackin retires from Hawaii

2011-12-05T22:18:00.002-06:00

Greg McMackin retired from Hawaii after four seasons and a 29-25 record. Hawaii reached the Hawaii bowl twice in his tenure (both losses), and just missed being bowl eligible by one game in the other two seasons. I'm surprised to see McMackin retire, and I hope he wasn't forced out. Hawaii is a difficult job to succeed at, and I don't have any idea who they will try to hire next.

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Mississippi hires Hugh Freeze

2011-12-05T21:01:00.002-06:00

Mississippi announced Hugh Freeze as its new head coach. He was the offensive coordinator for Arkansas State in 2010 and the head coach in 2011. He won ten regular season games this past season, becoming the first Sun Belt coach to accomplish that feat. He was undefeated in conference and won the last nine games of the season. Freeze has ties to Mississippi, as he was an assistant athletic director there for one year and a position coach the next two years. He is taking a major step up, going into the toughest division in college football. It's a gutsy hire by Mississippi, but no doubt what he did in one season at Arkansas State was impressive.

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FAU hires Carl Pelini

2011-12-05T20:21:00.002-06:00

FAU announced Carl Pelini as its new head coach. Pelini was the defensive coordinator for Nebraska the past four seasons, working for his brother Bo. His defenses have always been strong at Nebraska, averaging less than 20 points and 320 yards per game in his tenure. His only head coaching experience is at the high school level, so this is definitely a step up for him. Time will tell if this is a good hire, but I think Pelini is worth taking a chance on.

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Tulane hires Curtis Johnson

2011-12-05T20:09:00.002-06:00

Tulane announced Curtis Johnson as its new head coach. Johnson was most recently the Wide Receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints for the past six seasons. He is also a native of New Orleans. Johnson has almost 20 years of experience in coaching at the college level, including a decade at Miami, but only as a WR coach. He has won a National Championship with Miami and a Super Bowl with New Orleans, and those two rings will definitely impress recruits. Still, I'm concerned that he has never been more than a position coach until now.

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Coaching Carousel Updated

2011-12-04T23:09:00.002-06:00

I've been updating my 2011 Coaching Carousel. There are five positions that have been filled and 14 other vacancies. A lot of big name positions are still open, including Penn State, Texas A&M and UCLA. Updates will continue as jobs open or are filled.

UAB hires Garrick McGee

2011-12-04T22:39:00.002-06:00

UAB announced Garrick McGee as its new head coach. McGee has spent the last four years at Arkansas, including serving as Offensive Coordinator the past two years. He has also spent two seasons as Northwestern's Offensive Coordinator. McGee is one of the five finalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to the best assistant coach. While hiring anyone without head coaching experience is a gamble, McGee is a rising up-and-comer who will bring energy and excitement to the UAB program.

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Fresno State fires Pat Hill

2011-12-04T22:26:00.002-06:00

Fresno State fired Pat Hill after 15 seasons, 11 bowl appearances, and a 112-80 overall record. This is only the third losing season in Pat Hill's tenure. I think this is a terrible move, as Hill has been extremely successful. He deserves to survive one bad season every half-decade. I can't imagine Fresno State hiring someone new who will have more success than Pat Hill had here, or would have had if he remained head coach.

Link

Colorado State fires Steve Fairchild

2011-12-04T22:18:00.002-06:00

Colorado State fired head coach Steve Fairchild after going 16-33 in four seasons. He started off strong, posting a 7-6 record with a New Mexico Bowl win. Since then, he has gone 3-9 in the following three seasons. Colorado State was supposed to be noticeably improved this season, but instead it was just slightly improved. The Rams lost four close games, but they also won a couple of close games. Fairchild just wasn't getting it done, and with a new athletic director in town, it was time for him to go.

Link

2011 Week 14 Top 25

2011-12-04T22:06:00.002-06:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Oklahoma State (3)
3 - Alabama (2)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Stanford (5)
6 - Michigan (11)
7 - Oregon (9)
8 - Virginia Tech (6)
9 - Houston (7)
10 - South Carolina (12)
11 - USC (13)
12 - Wisconsin (14)
13 - Arkansas (15)
14 - Kansas State (17)
15 - Oklahoma (8)
16 - Michigan State (16)
17 - Georgia (16)
18 - Clemson (19)
19 - Southern Miss (23)
20 - TCU (21)
21 - Penn State (18)
22 - Nebraska (20)
23 - Baylor (22)
24 - Arkansas State (24)
25 - Northern Illinois (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: BYU, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Tulsa, West Virginia

Added: Northern Illinois

Dropped: Cincinnati

Texas A&M fires Mike Sherman

2011-12-01T20:21:00.002-06:00

Texas A&M fired head coach Mike Sherman after going 25-25 in four seasons. This season was particularly disappointing as it began high expectations and closed with a .500 record. Texas A&M was 1-5 in close games this season, including two overtime losses. They were in every game except for Oklahoma, but just couldn't finish them. One problem that Sherman could never fix was turnovers. In all four years under Sherman, Texas A&M posted a negative turnover margin including -8 this year. I think this firing was a big premature. This season was disappointing, but they only played one bad game and were in the Cotton Bowl just last year.

Link

Washington State hires Mike Leach

2011-12-01T18:34:00.002-06:00

Washington State announced Mike Leach as its new head coach. I think this is the best possible hire for Washington State. Mike Leach has established his brand and will be able to recruit to eastern Washington. Leach had a winning record in all ten seasons he was a head coach at Texas Tech and had a winning percentage of over 66%. He also led them to ten bowl games, although he did not coach in the last one. I think Leach will be similarly successful at Washington State.

Link

2011 Week 14 Picks

2011-11-29T21:12:00.002-06:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Week 10: 35-18 (66%)
Week 11: 41-16 (71.9%)
Week 12: 42-18 (72%)
Week 13: 43-11 (79.6%)
Season: 569-185 (75.5%)

Thursday, December 1
West Virginia at USF

Friday, December 2

MAC Championship Game at Detroit
Ohio vs Northern Illinois

Pac-12 Championship Game
UCLA at Oregon

Saturday, December 3

Syracuse at Pitt
Connecticut at Cincinnati
Iowa State at Kansas State
Wyoming at Colorado State
UNLV at TCU
Utah State at New Mexico State
Texas at Baylor
Louisiana Monroe at FAU
MTSU at North Texas
Idaho at Nevada

Troy at Arkansas State
New Mexico at Boise State
BYU at Hawaii
Fresno State at San Diego State
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

C-USA Championship Game
Southern Miss at Houston

SEC Championship Game at Atlanta
Georgia vs LSU

ACC Championship Game at Charlotte
Virginia Tech vs Clemson

Big Ten Championship Game at Indianapolis
Wisconsin at Michigan State

Saturday, December 10
Army vs Navy at Washington DC

Washington State fires Paul Wulff

2011-11-29T20:11:00.002-06:00

Washington State fired head coach Paul Wulff after going 9-40 in four seasons. He posted the best record of his tenure this season at 4-8. Wulff obviously wasn't getting the job done and needed to be replaced.

Link

Ohio State hires Urban Meyer

2011-11-28T16:26:00.002-06:00

Ohio State announced Urban Meyer as its new head coach today. Obviously, this is a great hire. Meyer has won two national championships plus another undefeated season at Utah. He is 4-0 in BCS bowl games and 7-1 overall in bowl games. He has never won fewer than eight games in a season as head coach. Interim coach Luke Fickell is rumored to be retained by Urban Meyer, although I wouldn't be surprised if he interviewed for another head coaching vacancy.

Link

Arizona State fires Dennis Erickson

2011-11-28T15:33:00.002-06:00

Arizona State fired head coach Dennis Erickson after five seasons. He earned a 31-30 record with bowl appearances in his first year and an upcoming bowl bid this season. Arizona State started off strong this year with a 5-1 record including a 21-point beatdown of USC that looked more and more impressive as the season continued. Unfortunately, the Sun Devils only won one more game the rest of the way and choked away their chance to win the Pac-12 South.

Link

UCLA fires Rick Neuheisel

2011-11-28T15:24:00.002-06:00

UCLA fired head coach Rick Neuheisel after four seasons. He earned a 21-28 record with one bowl appearance, a win. UCLA actually won the Pac-12 South despite a 6-6 overall record and will play in the inaugural championship game. Neuheisel will coach the conference championship game but not the bowl game. The Bruins did appear to be mired in mediocrity, and losing to your crosstown rival USC 50-0 is inexcusable. I think the timing of this announcement is strange. I realize that it's a long shot, but what if UCLA upsets Oregon and plays in the Rose Bowl. UCLA should have waited a week before deciding Neuheisel's fate.

Link

Kansas fires Turner Gill

2011-11-27T16:49:00.002-06:00

Kansas fired head coach Turner Gill after two seasons. He recorded a 5-17 record with only one conference win. Kansas lost the last ten games of the season. Kansas has been terrible under Gill's leadership, and it was obvious that he was not the right guy for the job. Turner Gill had some success building a program at Buffalo, so maybe returning to the MAC and coaching at Akron would be a good move for him.

Link

UAB fires Neil Callaway

2011-11-27T15:36:00.002-06:00

UAB fired head coach Neil Callaway after five losing seasons. He compiled a 18-42 record failing to ever reach six wins in a season. With no postseason appearances and dwindling attendance, this move was inevitable.

Link

2011 Week 13 Top 25

2011-11-27T15:04:00.002-06:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Oklahoma State (3)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Stanford (5)
6 - Virginia Tech (6)
7 - Houston (7)
8 - Oklahoma (9)
9 - Oregon (10)
10 - Michigan State (11)
11 - Michigan (12)
12 - South Carolina (13)
13 - USC (14)
14 - Wisconsin (15)
15 - Arkansas (8)
16 - Georgia (18)
17 - Kansas State (17)
18 - Penn State (16)
19 - Clemson (19)
20 - Nebraska (21)
21 - TCU (20)
22 - Baylor (22)
23 - Southern Miss (23)
24 - Arkansas State (25)
25 - Cincinnati (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, Texas, Tulsa, West Virginia

Added: Cincinnati

Dropped: Notre Dame

2011 Coaching Carousel

2011-11-27T14:00:00.018-06:00

New Head Coach:

Akron: Rob Ianello is out after a 2-22 record in two seasons.
Akron hired: Terry Bowden (North Alabama HC)

Arizona: Mike Stoops was fired in the middle of his eighth season.
Arizona hired: Rich Rodriguez

Arizona State: Dennis Erickson is out after a 31-30 record in five seasons.
Arizona State hired: Todd Graham

Arkansas State: Hugh Freeze was hired away by Mississippi after just one season.
Arkansas State hired: Gus Malzahn (Auburn OC)

Colorado State: Steve Fairchild is out after four seasons.
Colorado State hired: Jim McElwain (Alabama OC)

FAU: Howard Schnellenberger will retire at the end of this season.
FAU hired: Carl Pelini (Nebraska DC)

Fresno State: Pat Hill is out after 15 seasons.
Fresno State hired: Tim DeRuyter (Texas A&M DC)

Hawaii: Greg McMackin has retired after four seasons at Hawaii.
Hawaii hired: Norm Chow (Utah OC)

Houston: Kevin Sumlin was hired away by Texas A&M.
Houston hired: Tony Levine (Houston asst HC)

Illinois: Ron Zook is out after disappointingly losing the last six games of the season.
Illinois hired: Tim Beckman

Kansas: Turner Gill is out after a 5-17 record in two seasons.
Kansas hired: Charlie Weis

Memphis: Larry Porter is out after two seasons.
Memphis hired: Justin Fuente (TCU co-OC)

Mississippi: Houston Nutt is out after four seasons.
Mississippi hired: Hugh Freeze

New Mexico: Mike Locksley was fired early in his third season for problems both on and off the field.
New Mexico hired: Bob Davie (ESPN analyst, former Notre Dame head coach)

North Carolina: Everett Withers was named the interim head coach before the season. Withers won seven games, but a coaching search is likely to reopen after the season.
North Caroline hired: Larry Fedora

Ohio State: Luke Fickell was named the interim head coach before the season. Fickell did some good things such as gaining bowl eligibility and beating Wisconsin, but a coaching search is likely to reopen after the season.
Ohio State hired: Urban Meyer

Pitt: Todd Graham was hired away by Arizona State.
Pitt hired: Paul Chryst (Wisconsin OC)

Southern Miss: Larry Fedora was hired away by North Carolina.
Southern Miss hired: Ellis Johnson (South Carolina asst HC)

Texas A&M: Mike Sherman is out after four seasons, a 25-25 overall record, and two bowl losses.
Texas A&M: Kevin Sumlin

Toledo: Tim Beckman was hired away by Illinois.
Toledo hired: Matt Campbell (Toledo OC)

Tulane: Bob Toledo is out after five seasons and zero bowl game appearances.
Tulane hired: Curtis Johnson (New Orleans Saints WR Coach)

UAB: Neil Callaway is out after five seasons and zero bowl game appearances.
UAB hired: Garrick McGee (Arkansas OC)

UCLA: Rick Neuheisel is out after five seasons and zero bowl game appearances.
UCLA: Jim Mora

Washington State: Paul Wulff is out after four seasons and zero bowl game appearances.
Washington State hired: Mike Leach

Open Position:

Penn State: Joe Paterno is out at Penn State after an eternity of coaching there. The job that everybody was waiting for is now the most toxic situation in the country.
Possibilities: Tom Bradley, Greg Schiano, Al Golden, Dan Mullen

Illinois fires Ron Zook

2011-11-27T13:13:00.002-06:00

Illinois fired head coach Ron Zook after seven seasons. He compiled a 34-50 record with two bowl appearances. The Illini will also earn a bowl bid this season. This season started with much promise after a 6-0 start. Illinois went on to lose the final six games of the regular season, culminating with a blowout loss to Minnesota who had previously win only twice. Ron Zook did bring the Illini to a Rose Bowl, but was too inconsistent and just didn't win enough games. Upgrading Paul Petrino from offensive coordinator might be an option, or the Illini might go with a clean slate.

Link

Akron fired Rob Ianello

2011-11-27T13:01:00.002-06:00

Akron fired head coach Rob Ianello after just two seasons. He compiled just a 2-22 record with just one FBS win. Rob Ianello was an assistant coach at every stop of his coaching career. Just like Larry Porter at Memphis, he was obviously not prepared to be a head coach. I strongly believe Akron should pursue Luke Fickell for its opening, who has only ever coached at Akron and Ohio State.

Link

Memphis fires Larry Porter

2011-11-27T12:46:00.002-06:00

Memphis has fired head coach Larry Porter after just two seasons. He compiled just a 3-21 record with only one conference win. Larry Porter was a running backs coach at every stop of his coaching career. I normally don't condone firing a coach after two years, but he was obviously not prepared to be a head coach.

Link

Arizona hires Rich Rodriguez

2011-11-23T16:50:00.002-06:00

Arizona hired Rich Rodriguez to a five-year contract. I think this is a great hire. Rodriguez never really fit it in Michigan, but he was very successful at West Virginia. If he can learn from the mistakes made at Michigan, he should have the Wildcats as annual contenders in the Pac-12 South.

Link

2011 Week 13 Picks

2011-11-23T16:27:00.003-06:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Week 10: 35-18 (66%)
Week 11: 41-16 (71.9%)
Week 12: 42-18 (72%)
Season: 526-174 (75.1%)

Tuesday, November 22
Miami (OH) at Ohio

Thursday, November 24
Texas at Texas A&M

Friday, November 25

Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois
Louisville at USF
Kent State at Temple
Iowa at Nebraska
Houston at Tulsa
Bowling Green at Buffalo
Akron at Western Michigan
Toledo at Ball State
Arkansas at LSU
Colorado at Utah

Boston College at Miami
Pitt at West Virginia
UTEP at UCF
California at Arizona State

Saturday, November 26

Rutgers at Connecticut
Georgia at Georgia Tech
Michigan State at Nebraska
Ohio State at Michigan
Cincinnati at Syracuse
Iowa State at Oklahoma
Rice at SMU
Tennessee at Kentucky
Troy at Western Kentucky
Maryland at NC State

Wyoming at Boise State
Nevada at Utah State
FIU at MTSU
Alabama at Auburn
Purdue at Indiana
Illinois at Minnesota
Duke at North Carolina
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest
Virginia Tech at Virginia
Penn State at Wisconsin

East Carolina at Marshall
Missouri vs Kansas at Kansas City
Oregon State at Oregon
Louisiana Lafayette at Arizona
UAB at FAU
New Mexico State at Louisiana Tech
Memphis at Southern Miss
Air Force at Colorado State
Florida State at Florida
Texas Tech vs Baylor at Arlington

Mississippi at Mississippi State
Washington State at Washington
Clemson at South Carolina
Notre Dame at Stanford
San Jose State at Fresno State
UCLA at USC
San Diego State at UNLV
Tulane at Hawaii

2011 Week 12 Top 25

2011-11-23T16:22:00.002-06:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (3)
3 - Oklahoma State (2)
4 - Boise State (7)
5 - Stanford (6)
6 - Virginia Tech (11)
7 - Houston (9)
8 - Arkansas (8)
9 - Oklahoma (4)
10 - Oregon (5)
11 - Michigan State (14)
12 - Michigan (15)
13 - South Carolina (12)
14 - USC (20)
15 - Wisconsin (17)
16 - Penn State (18)
17 - Kansas State (19)
18 - Georgia (12)
19 - Clemson (10)
20 - TCU (22)
21 - Nebraska (16)
22 - Baylor (UR)
23 - Southern Miss (13)
24 - Notre Dame (24)
25 - Arkansas State (25)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Tulsa, West Virginia

Added: Baylor

Dropped: Cincinnati

New Mexico hires Bob Davie

2011-11-17T19:38:00.002-06:00

New Mexico hired Bob Davie to be the new head coach. Bob Davie has spent the past decade away from coaching and has been an announcer instead. Davie has only been a head coach at one program, Notre Dame. He compiled a 35-25 record there including an 0-3 record in bowl games. I would say this hire is questionable at best. New Mexico has been one of the worst FBS programs over the past three seasons, and I don't expect that to change next year.

Link

2011 Week 12 Picks

2011-11-14T20:24:00.002-06:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Week 10: 35-18 (66%)
Week 11: 41-16 (71.9%)
Season: 484-156 (75.6%)

Tuesday, November 15
Ball State at Northern Illinois

Wednesday, November 16
Ohio at Bowling Green
Western Michigan at Miami (OH)

Thursday, November 17
Southern Miss at UAB
North Carolina at Virginia Tech

Friday, November 18
Oklahoma State at Iowa State
Toledo at Central Michigan

Saturday, November 19

Louisville at Connecticut
Minnesota at Northwestern
Indiana at Michigan State
Nebraska at Michigan
Cincinnati at Rutgers
Wisconsin at Illinois
Akron at Buffalo
Iowa at Purdue
Citadel at South Carolina
Kentucky at Georgia

Georgia Tech at Duke
Samford at Auburn
Furman at Florida
Army at Temple
Eastern Michigan at Kent State
Georgia Southern at Alabama
New Mexico at Wyoming
Maryland at Wake Forest
Arkansas State at MTSU
Mississippi State at Arkansas

Miami at USF
Texas Tech at Missouri
Clemson at NC State
Penn State at Ohio State
Washington at Oregon State
Tulane at Rice
Kansas at Texas A&M
SMU at Houston
Colorado State at TCU
FAU at Troy

Navy at San Jose State
Boston College at Notre Dame
Louisiana Tech at Nevada
Utah State at Idaho
Utah at Washington State
FIU at Louisiana Monroe
UNLV at Air Force
LSU at Mississippi
UCF at East Carolina
Western Kentucky at North Texas

Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Colorado at UCLA
Virginia at Florida State
Boise State at San Diego State
Marshall at Memphis
Oklahoma at Baylor
Kansas State at Texas
USC at Oregon
Tulsa at UTEP
Arizona at Arizona State

California at Stanford
New Mexico State at BYU
Fresno State at Hawaii

2011 Week 11 Top 25

2011-11-14T19:19:00.002-06:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Oklahoma State (2)
3 - Alabama (5)
4 - Oklahoma (6)
5 - Oregon (7)
6 - Stanford (3)
7 - Boise State (4)
8 - Arkansas (8)
9 - Houston (9)
10 - Clemson (10)
11 - Virginia Tech (11)
12 - South Carolina (13)
13 - Southern Miss (15)
14 - Michigan State (17)
15 - Michigan (18)
16 - Nebraska (20)
17 - Wisconsin (19)
18 - Penn State (12)
19 - Kansas State (14)
20 - USC (21)
21 - Georgia (22)
22 - TCU (24)
23 - Cincinnati (16)
24 - Notre Dame (UR)
25 - Arkansas State (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Georgia Tech, Rutgers, Texas, Tulsa, West Virginia

Added: Arkansas State, Notre Dame

Dropped: Georgia Tech, Texas

Joe Paterno out at Penn State

2011-11-11T19:08:00.002-06:00

Joe Paterno was fired this week in the midst of the terrible Sandusky scandal. Joe Paterno will go down as one of the greatest coaches in college football history, but his legacy will also be forever tainted by this scandal. There have been five in-season firings so far this year.

2011 Week 11 Picks

2011-11-07T20:37:00.002-06:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Week 10: 35-18 (66%)
Season: 443-140 (76%)

Tuesday, November 8
Northern Illinois at Bowling Green
Western Michigan at Toledo

Wednesday, November 9
Miami (OH) at Temple

Thursday, November 10
Ohio at Central Michigan
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
Houston at Tulane

Friday, November 11
USF at Syracuse

Saturday, November 12

Rice at Northwestern
Pitt at Louisville
Texas at Missouri
Marshall at Tulsa
Nebraska at Penn State
Wake Forest at Clemson
West Virginia at Cincinnati
Michigan State at Iowa
Ohio State at Purdue
Florida at South Carolina

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
NC State at Boston College
Buffalo at Eastern Michigan
North Texas at Troy
Wyoming at Air Force
Kent State at Akron
Baylor at Kansas
Arizona at Colorado
Duke at Virginia

San Jose State at Utah State
Louisiana Lafayette at Arkansas State
Washington at USC
Miami at Florida State
Auburn at Georgia
TCU at Boise State
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Rutgers vs Army at Yankee Stadium
Michigan at Illinois
Texas A&M at Kansas State

MTSU at Louisiana Monroe
Navy at SMU
UAB at Memphis
Tennessee at Arkansas
San Diego State at Colorado State
FAU at FIU
Oregon State at California
UCLA at Utah
Western Kentucky at LSU
Maryland vs Notre Dame at Landover, MD

Louisiana Tech at Mississippi
Alabama at Mississippi State
Oregon at Stanford
Fresno State at New Mexico State
UCF at Southern Miss
East Carolina at UTEP
Idaho at BYU
UNLV at New Mexico
Hawaii at Nevada
Arizona State at Washington State

Houston Nutt out at Mississippi

2011-11-07T19:18:00.002-06:00

Houston Nutt will resign at the end of the season from Mississippi. He has a record of 24-23 in four seasons with three games left in the year. Mississippi is 2-7 and ineligible for the postseason. Houston Nutt led Mississippi to consecutive Cotton Bowl wins in his first two seasons, but has only won a single conference game in his past two seasons. I'm not surprised that Mississippi chose to make this move.

Link

2011 Week 10 Top 25

2011-11-07T19:04:00.002-06:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Oklahoma State (3)
3 - Stanford (5)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Alabama (5)
6 - Oklahoma (6)
7 - Oregon (7)
8 - Arkansas (8)
9 - Houston (9)
10 - Clemson (12)
11 - Virginia Tech (13)
12 - Penn State (15)
13 - South Carolina (11)
14 - Kansas State (16)
15 - Southern Miss (17)
16 - Cincinnati (18)
17 - Michigan State (19)
18 - Michigan (14)
19 - Wisconsin (20)
20 - Nebraska (10)
21 - USC (21)
22 - Georgia (22)
23 - Texas (23)
24 - TCU (UR)
25 - Georgia Tech (24)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona State, Auburn, Louisiana Lafayette, Notre Dame, Ohio State

Added: TCU

Dropped: West Virginia

2011 Week 10 Picks

2011-10-31T21:59:00.003-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Week 9: 44-10 (81.5%)
Season: 408-122 (77%)

Tuesday, November 1
Northern Illinois at Toledo

Wednesday, November 2
Temple at Ohio

Thursday, November 3
Akron at Miami (OH)
Florida State at Boston College
Tulsa at UCF

Friday, November 4
Central Michigan at Kent State
USC at Colorado

Saturday, November 5

Syracuse at Connecticut
Minnesota at Michigan State
Indiana at Ohio State
Texas Tech at Texas
Louisville at West Virginia
Ball State at Eastern Michigan
Michigan at Iowa
Vanderbilt at Florida
New Mexico State at Georgia
Kansas at Iowa State

Virginia at Maryland
North Carolina at NC State
TCU at Wyoming
Duke at Miami
Tulane at SMU
Mississippi at Kentucky
Northwestern at Nebraska
Texas A&M at Oklahoma
Stanford at Oregon State
UTEP at Rice

Purdue at Wisconsin
Louisiana Monroe at Louisiana Lafayette
Army at Air Force
Troy at Navy
Idaho at San Jose State
FIU at Western Kentucky
Southern Miss at East Carolina
Arkansas State at FAU
Washington State at California
Houston at UAB

Utah at Arizona
USF at Rutgers
Cincinnati at Pitt
Missouri at Baylor
MTSU at Tennessee
South Carolina at Arkansas
Arizona State at UCLA
Tennessee-Martin at Mississippi State
New Mexico at San Diego State
Notre Dame at Wake Forest

Kansas State at Oklahoma State
LSU at Alabama
Oregon at Washington
Louisiana Tech at Fresno State
Boise State at UNLV
Utah State at Hawaii

2011 Week 9 Top 25

2011-10-31T21:50:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Oklahoma State (3)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Stanford (6)
6 - Oklahoma (7)
7 - Oregon (9)
8 - Arkansas (10)
9 - Houston (11)
10 - Nebraska (12)
11 - South Carolina (13)
12 - Clemson (5)
13 - Virginia Tech (15)
14 - Michigan (16)
15 - Penn State (19)
16 - Kansas State (8)
17 - Southern Miss (20)
18 - Cincinnati (21)
19 - Michigan State (14)
20 - Wisconsin (18)
21 - USC (17)
22 - Georgia (23)
23 - Texas (24)
24 - Georgia Tech (UR)
25 - West Virginia (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona State, Auburn, TCU, Texas A&M, Washington

Added: Georgia Tech, West Virginia

Dropped: Texas A&M, Texas Tech

2011 Week 9 Picks

2011-10-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Week 8: 32-20 (61.5%)
Season: 364-112 (76.5%)

Tuesday, October 25
Troy at FIU

Wednesday, October 26
Connecticut at Pitt

Thursday, October 27
Rice at Houston
Virginia at Miami

Friday, October 28
BYU vs TCU at Arlington

Saturday, October 29

UAB at Marshall
NC State at Florida State
Northwestern at Indiana
Syracuse at Louisville
Purdue at Michigan
Michigan State at Nebraska
Missouri at Texas A&M
Central Michigan at Akron
Arkansas at Vanderbilt
Virginia Tech at Duke

Bowling Green at Kent State
Air Force at New Mexico
Ball State at Western Michigan
Boston College at Maryland
Washington State at Oregon
Georgia vs Florida at Jacksonville
Navy at Notre Dame
Iowa at Minnesota
Tulane at East Carolina
Wake Forest at North Carolina

West Virginia at Rutgers
Buffalo at Miami (OH)
Baylor at Oklahoma State
SMU at Tulsa
Illinois at Penn State
Fordham at Army
Oklahoma at Kansas State
Western Kentucky at Louisiana Monroe
Memphis at UCF
San Jose State at Louisiana Tech

Hawaii at Idaho
Colorado State at UNLV
Colorado at Arizona State
Mississippi at Auburn
California at UCLA
Mississippi State at Kentucky
Kansas at Texas
North Texas at Arkansas State
Iowa State at Texas Tech
South Carolina at Tennessee

Louisiana Lafayette at MTSU
Stanford at USC
Clemson at Georgia Tech
Nevada at New Mexico State
Wisconsin at Ohio State
Oregon State at Utah
Southern Miss at UTEP
Wyoming at San Diego State
Arizona at Washington

2011 Week 8 Top 25

2011-10-23T20:59:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Oklahoma State (6)
4 - Boise State (5)
5 - Clemson (7)
6 - Stanford (8)
7 - Oklahoma (4)
8 - Kansas State (9)
9 - Oregon (10)
10 - Arkansas (11)
11 - Houston (14)
12 - Nebraska (12)
13 - South Carolina (13)
14 - Michigan State (22)
15 - Virginia Tech (15)
16 - Michigan (16)
17 - USC (17)
18 - Wisconsin (3)
19 - Penn State (18)
20 - Southern Miss (25)
21 - Cincinnati (UR)
22 - Texas A&M (UR)
23 - Georgia (UR)
24 - Texas (UR)
25 - Texas Tech (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona State, Georgia Tech, SMU, Washington, West Virginia

Added: Cincinnati, Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Dropped: Georgia Tech, Illinois, SMU, Washington, West Virginia

2011 Midseason Bowl Predictions

2011-10-19T21:11:00.002-05:00

BCS Bowl Games:

BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs Oklahoma
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs Boise State
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs Stanford
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs Oregon
Orange Bowl: Clemson vs West Virginia

The Rest:

New Mexico Bowl: Syracuse vs Colorado State
Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs Ohio
New Orleans Bowl: Tulsa vs Louisiana-Lafayette
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Cincinnati vs UCF
Las Vegas Bowl: TCU vs Utah

Poinsettia Bowl: Nevada vs San Diego State
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs Houston
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Ohio State vs Toledo
Independence Bowl: Air Force vs Virginia
Insight Bowl: Nebraska vs Kansas State

Champs Sports Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Notre Dame
Military Bowl: Wake Forest vs Navy
Car Care Bowl of Texas: Illinois vs Baylor
Alamo Bowl: Arizona State vs Texas
Armed Forces Bowl: BYU vs SMU

Pinstripe Bowl: Northern Illinois vs Rutgers
Music City Bowl: Miami vs Mississippi State
Holiday Bowl: Missouri vs Washington
Belk Bowl: North Carolina vs USF
Sun Bowl: UCLA vs Florida State

Liberty Bowl: Tennessee vs Southern Miss
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Auburn vs Georgia Tech
TicketCity Bowl: Iowa vs Marshall
Outback Bowl: Georgia vs Michigan
Capital One Bowl: Michigan State vs South Carolina

Gator Bowl: Penn State vs Florida
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Arkansas State vs Temple
Cotton Bowl Classic: Arkansas vs Texas A&M
BBVA Compass Bowl Pitt vs Vanderbilt
Fight Hunger Bowl: FIU at California

Conference Championship Games

ACC: Clemson vs Georgia Tech
Big Ten: Michigan State vs Wisconsin
C-USA: Houston vs Southern Miss
MAC: Temple vs Toledo
Pac-12 Arizona State vs Stanford
SEC: LSU vs South Carolina

Bob Toledo out at Tulane

2011-10-18T18:52:00.001-05:00

Link

Bob Toledo is out at Tulane in his fifth season. Offensive coordinator Mark Hutson will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Tulane is 2-5 with four straight losses. I'm surprised the Tulane is changing coaches in the middle of the season, especially with a very winnable game versus Memphis this weekend.

2011 Week 8 Picks

2011-10-17T22:57:00.003-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Week 7: 35-15 (70%)
Season: 332-92 (78.3%)

Tuesday, October 18
FIU at Arkansas State

Thursday, October 20
UCF at UAB
UCLA at Arizona

Friday, October 21
Rutgers at Louisville
West Virginia at Syracuse

Saturday, October 22

Cincinnati at USF
Jacksonville State at Kentucky
Oklahoma State at Missouri
North Carolina at Clemson
Northern Illinois at Buffalo
Indiana at Iowa
Kansas State at Kansas
Illinois at Purdue
Arkansas at Mississippi
Wake Forest at Duke

Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan
Central Michigan at Ball State
New Mexico at TCU
Idaho State at BYU
Boston College at Virginia Tech
Louisiana Tech at Utah State
Oregon at Colorado
Maryland at Florida State
Texas A&M at Iowa State
Air Force at Boise State

Auburn at LSU
Nebraska at Minnesota
Temple at Bowling Green
NC State at Virginia
Ohio at Akron
Georgia Tech at Miami
East Carolina at Navy
Memphis at Tulane
Louisiana Lafayette at Western Kentucky
Fresno State at Nevada

Marshall at Houston
Louisiana Monroe at North Texas
Utah at California
Penn State at Northwestern
Army at Vanderbilt
Tulsa at Rice
Miami (OH) at Toledo
Tennessee at Alabama
USC at Notre Dame
Washington at Stanford

Wisconsin at Michigan State
Texas Tech at Oklahoma
MTSU at FAU
SMU at Southern Miss
Colorado State at UTEP
Oregon State vs Thursday, October 13
at Seattle
New Mexico State at Hawaii

2011 Week 7 Top 25

2011-10-17T19:38:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Wisconsin (3)
4 - Oklahoma (4)
5 - Boise State (5)
6 - Oklahoma State (6)
7 - Clemson (7)
8 - Stanford (8)
9 - Kansas State (12)
10 - Oregon (16)
11 - Arkansas (13)
12 - Nebraska (14)
13 - South Carolina (15)
14 - Houston (17)
15 - Virginia Tech (18)
16 - Michigan (10)
17 - USC (23)
18 - Penn State (24)
19 - West Virginia (21)
20 - Illinois (9)
21 - Georgia Tech (11)
22 - Michigan State (UR)
23 - SMU (UR)
24 - Washington (UR)
25 - Southern Miss (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona State, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Texas, Texas A&M

Added: Michigan State, SMU, Southern Miss, Washington

Dropped: Arizona State, North Carolina, Texas, USF

2011 Week 7 Picks

2011-10-11T18:37:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 6: 40-12 (76.9%)
Season: 297-77 (79.4%)

Thursday, October 13
San Diego State at Air Force
USC at California

Friday, October 14
Hawaii at San Jose State

Saturday, October 15

Michigan at Michigan State
Toledo at Bowling Green
Purdue at Penn State
Utah at Pitt
Baylor at Texas A&M
Indiana at Wisconsin
Louisville at Cincinnati
South Carolina at Mississippi State
Miami at North Carolina
Buffalo at Temple

Iowa State at Missouri
Navy at Rutgers
UNLV at Wyoming
Florida State at Duke
Rice at Marshall
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan
USF at Connecticut
Ball State at Ohio
Oklahoma State at Texas
Georgia Tech at Virginia

Colorado at Washington
Ohio State at Illinois
Miami (OH) at Kent State
Western Michigan at Northern Illinois
UCF at SMU
LSU at Tennessee
UTEP at Tulane
BYU at Oregon State
Western Kentucky at FAU
New Mexico at Nevada

North Texas at Louisiana Lafayette
Boise State at Colorado State
Alabama at Mississippi
Virginia Tech at Wake Forest
Florida at Auburn
Clemson at Maryland
East Carolina at Memphis
Georgia at Vanderbilt
Northwestern at Iowa
Kansas State at Texas Tech

Louisiana Monroe at Troy
Stanford at Washington State
UAB at Tulsa
Idaho at New Mexico State
Oklahoma at Kansas
Utah State at Fresno State
Arizona State at Oregon

Mike Stoops out at Arizona

2011-10-10T22:57:00.003-05:00

Link

Arizona has relieved head coach Mike Stoops of his duties. Defensive coordinator Tim Kish will serve as the interim head coach. Arizona has lost its last five games, although four of those were to ranked teams. The most recent loss was to previously winless Oregon State. Arizona also ended last year on a five-game losing streak. Arizona has a bye this week and then the second half of the schedule commences. Stoops has won 23 games in the past three years and played in three bowl games, winning one. Arizona had not been to a bowl game in the previous decade. I think Arizona was a little too quick to pull the trigger on Mike Stoops. He had revived a down and out Arizona program and brought it back to respectability. I think he should have survived one bad season. At a minimum, he should have been allowed to finish out the season to see how he fared against an easier second half.

2011 Week 6 Top 25

2011-10-10T20:11:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Wisconsin (3)
4 - Oklahoma (4)
5 - Boise State (5)
6 - Oklahoma State (6)
7 - Clemson (7)
8 - Stanford (8)
9 - Illinois (9)
10 - Michigan (11)
11 - Georgia Tech (12)
12 - Kansas State (13)
13 - Arkansas (14)
14 - Nebraska (15)
15 - South Carolina (16)
16 - Oregon (17)
17 - Houston (18)
18 - Virginia Tech (21)
19 - Arizona State (23)
20 - USF (22)
21 - West Virginia (24)
22 - Texas (10)
23 - USC (25)
24 - Penn State (UR)
25 - North Carolina (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Baylor, Michigan State, SMU, Southern Miss, Washington

Added: North Carolina, Penn State

Dropped: Auburn, Texas Tech

Life on Top

2011-10-06T17:51:00.003-05:00

There are 15 remaining unbeaten teams in the country. Let's take a look at each one to determine the answers to two questions: How good are they, and how good can they be?

Clemson
I had been doubting and underrating Clemson for a couple of weeks. When Clemson beat Auburn, I said that wasn't last year's Auburn team so it was a good win but not great. When Clemson beat Florida State, I took notice. But I also said that FSU quarterback EJ Manual was out and Clemson hasn't even played a road game yet. Let's see what happens when they leave Death Valley. Lane Stadium is the perfect place to prove if you can win on the road. Clemson did that and more, completely dominating Virginia Tech by 20 points and holding the Hokies to only a field goal. Clemson has scored 35 points per game, and they've turned the ball over exactly once in each of their five games. Preseason, I predicted Clemson to go 7-5 and possibly challenge Florida State for the Atlantic crown. Now, Clemson is in the driver's seat for the division with the head-to-head win over the Seminoles, and they look to finish with more than just seven wins. The Tigers will likely win the next two games before being challenged by North Carolina at home and Georgia Tech (the other undefeated team in the ACC) on the road. The season ends with consecutive road dates at NC state and South Carolina. Clemson is 5-0 and has already beaten three of the tougher teams on the schedule. I'm predicting them to finish 10-2 and play in the ACC Championship Game.

Georgia Tech
The offensive stats are eye-popping. Georgia Tech is averaging over 51 points per game, over 378 rushing yards per game and 587 total yards per game. For those of you who don't like math, that means Georgia Tech is still passing for over 200 yards per game. In Georgia Tech's first 40 games under Paul Johnson's triple option offense, they only averaged 105 passing yards per game. While it is early, and the competition has been underwhelming, it appears the Rambling Wreck has a more balanced attack that usual this season. A warning flag could be the defense has allowed at least 21 points in every game this season despite playing Western Carolina, MTSU and Kansas. The schedule set up nicely with the three remaining toughest games at home (Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Georgia.) They do have to travel to Virginia and Miami in consecutive weeks, but the only other road game is at Duke. It's very possible that both Clemson and Georgia Tech will be 8-0 going into that October 29th matchup. I hope ESPN College Gameday makes the trip to Atlanta if that's the case. The Coastal Division will be more competitive than the Atlantic, with North Carolina and Virginia Tech both trying to leapfrog Georgia Tech, so I'm not prepared to call for a rematch of the 2009 ACC Championship Game yet. Still Georgia Tech is much better than my preseason prediction of 7-5. The Yellow Jackets will probably win 9-10 regular season games.

Kansas State
The Wildcats are a surprising 4-0 team with close wins over Eastern Kentucky(!) and Baylor at home and Miami on the road. Those three wins were by a combined eight points. Kansas State deserves credit for what has been accomplished, but I have my doubts about the sustainability of their success. The depth of the Big XII is underrated, and Kansas State gets another tough contest when they host Missouri this week. Despite being the host, the line opened with Missouri favored by 3.5 So Vegas definitely doesn't believe in them. That's followed up by back-to-back road games before an absolutely brutal four-game slate. Kansas State has to play Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and at Texas in a row down the stretch. I think they'll be fortunate to get one win out of those four games. Kansas State is better than my preseason 7-5 record, but not by much. I'll put their ceiling at nine wins and at best an Alamo Bowl appearance.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma is 4-0 as most expected. They've beaten good teams in Florida State and Missouri by ten points each. They play fellow undefeated Texas in the Red River Rivalry this weekend, so one of them will move to 5-0 with a resume-building win. Oklahoma has conference and national title aspirations, so let's see how the rest of the schedule looks. Oklahoma hasn't lost at home since 2005, and only Texas A&M can challenge them in Norman this year. The road slate is much bumpier. Along with the Texas game this weekend, Oklahoma has to travel to Kansas State and Oklahoma State, who also haven't lost yet. They also travel to Kansas and Baylor, but those games shouldn't concern them as much. Oklahoma doesn't look that much improved over last year's version, so I'm sticking with my 11-1 prediction. Unfortunately for them, I think that will get them into the Fiesta Bowl instead of the BCS National Championship Game.

Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is 4-0 with the best win being a nice comeback against Texas A&M on the road when they were down 20-3 at halftime. I would point out the tough road games on Oklahoma State's schedule, but they were 6-0 last year in neutral site and road games. Still, upcoming consecutive road trips to Texas and Missouri will tell a lot about this team. It's possible - although I wouldn't say probable - that both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State at 11-0 going into the Bedlam game at the end of the season. Last year's game was huge, but this would be even bigger. The Cowboys will continue to score in bunches, but the defense seems too lacking for a perfect season. Giving up over 30 points to Louisiana Lafayette and Tulsa is unacceptable if you have national championship dreams. I picked them to go 9-3 in the preseason, but I'll bump that up to 10-2 now.

Texas
Texas is 4-0 with a couple of road wins, but the best win so far is ... at Iowa State? The Longhorns need a statement win, so the Red River Rivalry is coming at the perfect time. Win this game, and they might vault into the top five. Texas follows that game with a game against the other undefeated team from the Sooner State. I'm not buying into Texas until I see what they do in those two games. The defense is playing very well, holding opponents to less than 15 points and 300 total yards of offense per game. I still have my doubts about the offense against a better defense. The offense has been very balanced so far, averaging over 200 yards per game both running and passing the ball. One thing Texas has dramatically improved on is taking care of the ball. They are currently +6 in turnover margin, compared to being -12 last year. I predicted Texas to finish 8-4 in the preseason, but I'll move that up to 9-3. They need to win the next two games if they are going to take control of the Big XII title chase.

Texas Tech
Texas Tech might be the unbeaten team I believe in the least. Their four wins against Texas State, at New Mexico, Nevada, and at Kansas is the most unimpressive of the teams with perfect records. That being said, they are taking care of business and will have several challenging games to prove themselves in the conference slate. In fact, beating Texas A&M this Saturday would give the Red Raiders their best win of the season. I predicted Texas Tech to go 6-6, which means they would only win two more games this season. I'll bump them up to 7-5, but I wouldn't expect any more than that.

Michigan
Michigan has started the season 5-0, but they haven't played outside of the Big House yet. The defense has been improved thus far, holding opponents to 51 points in five games, forcing at least two turnovers in every game, and only allowing one opponent (San Diego State) to gain more than 300 total yards of offense. Michigan will play two division road games in the next two weeks that will be a proving ground for the Wolverines. If Michigan can win on the road, they could be in for a huge season. With several of the Big Ten powers looking less formidable, I'll predict Michigan to win nine games instead of the seven I gave them in the preseason.

Illinois
Like Michigan, Illinois has played five straight home games and won them all. Illinois has struggled a little more though, winning the past three by only a field goal each time. The schedule sets up for a huge year for the Illini. Not only do they have eight home games, but the road games are all very winnable against Indiana, Purdue, Penn State and Minnesota. I don't think they are on Wisconsin's level, but I could easily see them finishing second in the Leaders division, ahead of traditional powers Ohio State and Penn State. This team could win double-digit games this season.

Wisconsin
Wisconsin has played four home games and a neutral site game at Soldier Field in Chicago approximately 150 miles from campus. This seems to be a trend among Big Ten teams. Wisconsin has outscored every team by at least 31 points, including a Nebraska team that won ten games last year. Wisconsin does have difficult road games, including at Michigan State and at Ohio State back-to-back at the end of October. They also have to play at Illinois, the other unbeaten team in the Leaders division. While I understand that Wisconsin has yet to play a true road game, I still think Wisconsin will run the table and play in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game and then the BCS National Championship Game.

Houston
Houston has started 5-0, but has already played close games against UCLA, Louisiana Tech and UTEP. Houston had a big season in 2009 with wins over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State. Even in that season, they still lost three games on the road when you count the conference championship game. That might not be a problem this year with remaining road games against UAB, Tulane and Tulsa. I doubt Houston will win every game in the regular season because of all the close calls already. If Houston does win out and win the C-USA championship game, I wonder if it will be enough to get them into a BCS bowl game. With only one win against a BCS team, their ceiling is probably the Liberty Bowl.

Boise State
Boise State continues to dominate good teams on their way to a 4-0 start. Boise State tried to improve their schedule by moving to the Mountain West Conference. Unfortunately, TCU and San Diego State both appeared to have taken a step back. I would say that it is likely that Boise State will run the table and get invited to a BCS bowl game, but I don't think it will be the BCS National Championship Game.

Stanford
Stanford has been playing better than I expected with the coaching change. They've outscored their opponents by an average of 34.25 points per game and have only turned the ball over once for the entire season. Playing USC on the road is usually difficult, but other than that game, Stanford only has road games against two of the worst teams in the conference. They do have to play top teams Oregon and Notre Dame, as well as solid teams Washington and California at home. My 8-4 preseason prediction was probably a little low, but I don't think they will go undefeated. 10-2 seems more likely now.

Alabama
Alabama is 5-0 with two good conference wins already and a decent non-conference road game at Penn State. The defense has been as good as advertised, holding opponents to fewer than 10 points and 200 total yards of offense per game. Florida had averaged over 250 rushing yards per game until the Alabama defense held them to only 15 yards on the ground. A very strange stat is that Alabama has turned the ball over seven times against Kent State and North Texas, but they have zero turnovers against Penn State, Arkansas and Florida. Alabama has solid road games at Mississippi State and Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but the real remaining test is hosting LSU on November 5. The winner of that game will have the inside track to the BCS National Championship Game.

LSU
LSU has started 5-0 despite playing three ranked teams on the road or at a neutral site. The similarities between them and Alabama are obvious. Alabama has scored 192 points this season, LSU has scored 190. Both teams live off their defense, running game, and preventing mistakes. LSU has only turned the ball over thrice all season. The defense has been stout, allowing approximately 13 points and 260 total yards of offense per game. Alabama has slightly better stats, but LSU has played a slightly tougher schedule. As I wrote in the Alabama blurb, everything is leading up to the big clash in Tuscaloosa.

2011 Week 6 Picks

2011-10-06T17:30:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Week 5: 40-15 (72.7%)
Season: 257-65 (79.8%)

Thursday, October 6
Western Kentucky at MTSU
California at Oregon

Friday, October 7
Boise State at Fresno State

Saturday, October 8

Maryland at Georgia Tech
Louisville at North Carolina
Oklahoma vs Texas at Dallas
Connecticut at West Virginia
Minnesota at Purdue
Mississippi State at UAB
Kentucky at South Carolina
Florida State at Wake Forest
Memphis at Rice
Army at Miami (OH)

FIU at Akron
Temple at Ball State
Bowling Green at Western Michigan
Illinois at Indiana
Boston College at Clemson
Eastern Michigan at Toledo
Air Force at Notre Dame
Florida at LSU
Central Michigan at NC State
Pitt at Rutgers

Kansas at Oklahoma State
Arizona at Oregon State
Iowa at Penn State
Arizona State at Utah
Miami at Virginia Tech
Ohio at Buffalo
Missouri at Kansas State
Southern Miss at Navy
Kent State at Northern Illinois
Louisiana Tech at Idaho

Auburn at Arkansas
Michigan at Northwestern
Iowa State at Baylor
East Carolina at Houston
Troy at Louisiana Lafayette
Vanderbilt at Alabama
Marshall at UCF
Arkansas State at Louisiana Monroe
UNLV at Nevada
Georgia at Tennessee

Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Colorado at Stanford
FAU at North Texas
Ohio State at Nebraska
Wyoming at Utah State
Syracuse at Tulane
San Jose State at BYU
TCU at San Diego State
Washington State at UCLA

2011 Week 5 Top 25

2011-10-03T21:37:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (3)
3 - Wisconsin (6)
4 - Oklahoma (2)
5 - Boise State (4)
6 - Oklahoma State (5)
7 - Clemson (10)
8 - Stanford (9)
9 - Illinois (13)
10 - Texas (15)
11 - Michigan (16)
12 - Georgia Tech (20)
13 - Kansas State (24)
14 - Arkansas (22)
15 - Nebraska (7)
16 - South Carolina (8)
17 - Oregon (17)
18 - Houston (UR)
19 - Texas Tech (UR)
20 - Auburn (UR)
21 - Virginia Tech (12)
22 - USF (11)
23 - Arizona State (21)
24 - West Virginia (23)
25 - USC (25)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Baylor, Florida, Michigan State, SMU, Washington

Added: Auburn, Houston, Texas Tech

Dropped: Baylor, Florida, Texas A&M

2011 Week 5 Picks

2011-09-28T21:17:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Week 4: 46-14 (76.7%)
Season: 217-50 (81.3%)

Thursday, September 29
USF at Pitt
Houston at UTEP

Friday, September 30
Utah State at BYU

Saturday, October 1

Texas A&M vs Arkansas at Arlington
Mississippi State at Georgia
Penn State at Indiana
Minnesota at Michigan
Rutgers at Syracuse
Toledo at Temple
Tulane at Army
Northwestern at Illinois
Texas Tech at Kansas
Air Force at Navy

Kentucky at LSU
Wake Forest at Boston College
Buffalo at Tennessee
Cincinnati at Miami (OH)
Akron at Eastern Michigan
Kent State at Ohio
Nevada at Boise State
Arizona at USC
Western Michigan at Connecticut
Marshall at Louisville

Towson at Maryland
Georgia Tech at NC State
Michigan State at Ohio State
Idaho at Virginia
Bowling Green at West Virginia
Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
Baylor at Kansas State
Bethune-Cookman at Miami
Auburn at South Carolina
SMU at TCU

Washington State at Colorado
San Jose State at Colorado State
Arkansas State at Western Kentucky
Clemson at Virginia Tech
Texas at Iowa State
Ball State at Oklahoma
North Texas at Tulsa
Washington at Utah
UAB at Troy
FAU at Louisiana Lafayette

Duke at FIU
Hawaii at Louisiana Tech
Memphis at MTSU
Rice at Southern Miss
Alabama at Florida
North Carolina at East Carolina
New Mexico State at New Mexico
Nebraska at Wisconsin
Notre Dame at Purdue
Mississippi at Fresno State

Oregon State at Arizona State
UCLA at Stanford

Mike Locksley out at New Mexico

2011-09-26T11:07:00.002-05:00

Link

New Mexico fired head coach Mike Locksley after a home loss against FCS member Sam Houston State. The Lobos are 0-4 this season and 2-26 under Locksley. Defensive Coordinator George Barlow will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

I had Mike Locksley listed as one of the Hottest Seats in my 2011 Preseason Coaches on the Hot Seat post, so this move comes as no surprise.

2011 Week 4 Top 25

2011-09-26T09:19:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Oklahoma (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Oklahoma State (9)
6 - Wisconsin (6)
7 - South Carolina (7)
8 - Nebraska (8)
9 - Stanford (11)
10 - Clemson (23)
11 - USF (13)
12 - Virginia Tech (14)
13 - Illinois (15)
14 - Florida (18)
15 - Texas (17)
16 - Michigan (22)
17 - Oregon (19)
18 - Texas A&M (5)
19 - Baylor (21)
20 - Georgia Tech (UR)
21 - Arizona State (UR)
22 - Arkansas (10)
23 - West Virginia (12)
24 - Kansas State (UR)
25 - USC (16)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Houston, Iowa State, Ohio State, TCU, Texas Tech

Added: Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Kansas State

Dropped: California, Florida State, San Diego State

2011 Week 4 Picks

2011-09-21T19:37:00.003-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Week 3: 49-15 (76.6%)
Season: 171-36 (82.6%)

Thursday, September 22
NC State at Cincinnati

Friday, September 23
UCF at BYU

Saturday, September 24

North Carolina at Georgia Tech
Central Michigan at Michigan State
San Diego State at Michigan
Toledo at Syracuse
Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Notre Dame at Pitt
SMU at Memphis
Louisiana Monroe at Iowa
Georgia at Mississippi
Temple at Maryland

Massachusetts at Boston College
Bowling Green at Miami (OH)
Ohio at Rutgers
VMI at Akron
Army at Ball State
Portland State at TCU
Tennessee Tech at Air Force
UAB at East Carolina
Tulane at Duke
Colorado at Ohio State

UCLA at Oregon State
Florida State at Clemson
Oklahoma State at Texas A&M
Southern Miss at Virginia
California at Washington
South Dakota at Wisconsin
Virginia Tech at Marshall
Arkansas at Alabama
Western Michigan at Illinois
South Alabama at Kent State

Kansas State at Miami
Cal Poly at Northern Illinois
New Mexico State at San Jose State
MTSU at Troy
Fresno State at Idaho
Sam Houston State at New Mexico
Connecticut at Buffalo
Louisiana Lafayette at FIU
FAU at Auburn
UTEP at USF

Florida at Kentucky
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Rice at Baylor
Indiana at North Texas
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State
Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Nevada at Texas Tech
Nebraska at Wyoming
Tulsa at Boise State
Missouri at Oklahoma

Georgia State at Houston
LSU at West Virginia
Colorado State at Utah State
Central Arkansas at Arkansas State
Southern Utah at UNLV
USC at Arizona State
Oregon at Arizona
UC Davis at Hawaii

2011 Week 3 Top 25

2011-09-19T20:12:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Oklahoma (3)
3 - Alabama (2)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Texas A&M (6)
6 - Wisconsin (7)
7 - South Carolina (8)
8 - Nebraska (9)
9 - Oklahoma State (10)
10 - Arkansas (11)
11 - Stanford (14)
12 - West Virginia (13)
13 - USF (16)
14 - Virginia Tech (17)
15 - Illinois (19)
16 - USC (21)
17 - Texas (24)
18 - Florida (25)
19 - Oregon (18)
20 - Florida State (5)
21 - Baylor (20)
22 - Michigan (UR)
23 - Clemson (UR)
24 - California (UR)
25 - San Diego State (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Houston, Iowa State, North Carolina

Added: California, Clemson, Michigan, San Diego State

Dropped: Arizona State, Auburn, Michigan State, Ohio State

2011 Week 3 Picks

2011-09-14T20:31:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Week 2: 53-12 (81.5%)
Season: 122-21 (85.3%)

Thursday, September 15
LSU at Mississippi State

Friday, September 16
Iowa State at Connecticut
Boise State at Toledo

Saturday, September 17

West Virginia at Maryland
Eastern Michigan at Michigan
Wyoming at Bowling Green
Penn State at Temple
Auburn at Clemson
Pitt at Iowa
SE Missouri State at Purdue
Central Michigan at Western Michigan
Mississippi at Vanderbilt
Kansas at Georgia Tech

Duke at Boston College
Coastal Carolina at Georgia
Colorado State vs Colorado at Denver
Louisiana Monroe at TCU
Texas at UCLA
Tennessee at Florida
South Carolina State at Indiana
Michigan State at Notre Dame
Miami (OH) at Minnesota
Virginia at North Carolina

Washington at Nebraska
Texas Tech at New Mexico
Northwestern at Army
Akron at Cincinnati
Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois at Chicago
Missouri State at Oregon
Tulane at UAB
Nevada at San Jose State
Arkansas State at Virginia Tech
Presbyterian at California

South Alabama at NC State
UCF at FIU
Navy at South Carolina
Washington State at San Diego State
Gardner-Webb at Wake Forest
Florida A&M at USF
Louisville at Kentucky
Indiana State at Western Kentucky
Western Illinois at Missouri
Marshall at Ohio

Austin Peay at Memphis
Stephen F Austin at Baylor
Idaho at Texas A&M
Nicholls State at Louisiana Lafayette
Arizona State at Illinois
Buffalo at Ball State
Kent State at Kansas State
Houston at Louisiana Tech
SE Louisiana at Southern Miss
Troy at Arkansas

North Texas at Alabama
Ohio State at Miami
Syracuse at USC
Oklahoma at Florida State
UTEP at New Mexico State
Northwestern State at SMU
Utah at BYU
Oklahoma State at Tulsa
North Dakota at Fresno State
Hawaii at UNLV

Stanford at Arizona

2011 Week 2 Top 25

2011-09-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Oklahoma (3)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Florida State (5)
6 - Texas A&M (6)
7 - Wisconsin (7)
8 - South Carolina (8)
9 - Nebraska (9)
10 - Oklahoma State (10)
11 - Arkansas (11)
12 - Michigan State (13)
13 - West Virginia (14)
14 - Stanford (15)
15 - Ohio State (16)
16 - USF (17)
17 - Virginia Tech (19)
18 - Oregon (20)
19 - Illinois (21)
20 - Baylor (22)
21 - USC (UR)
22 - Auburn (UR)
23 - Arizona State (UR)
24 - Florida (UR)
25 - Texas (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: California, Houston, Maryland, Michigan, Northwestern

Added: Arizona State, Auburn, Florida, Texas, USC

Dropped: BYU, California, Houston, Mississippi State, Missouri

2011 Week 2 Picks

2011-09-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

Week 1: 69-9 (88.5%)
Season: 69-9 (88.5%)

Thursday, September 8
Arizona at Oklahoma State

Friday, September 9
FIU at Louisville
Missouri at Arizona State

Saturday, September 10

Iowa at Iowa State
Central Michigan at Kentucky
FAU at Michigan State
Toledo at Ohio State
Oregon State at Wisconsin
San Diego State at Army
South Dakota State at Illinois
Mississippi State at Auburn
Rutgers at North Carolina
Maine at Pitt

Norfolk State at West Virginia
Alabama State at Eastern Michigan
Northern Colorado at Colorado State
California at Colorado
Eastern Illinois at Northwestern
New Mexico State at Minnesota
Stanford at Duke
Virginia Tech at East Carolina
NC State at Wake Forest
Alabama at Penn State

Wofford at Clemson
Purdue at Rice
Hawaii at Washington
Southern Miss at Marshall
TCU at Air Force
Nevada at Oregon
Cincinnati at Tennessee
Tulsa at Tulane
South Carolina at Georgia
Rhode Island at Syracuse

North Dakota at idaho
UNLV at Washington State
Charleston Southern at Florida State
Southern Illinois at Mississippi
Temple at Akron
Stony Brook at Buffalo
Texas State at Wyoming
New Mexico at Arkansas at Little Rock
Ball State at USF
Virginia at Indiana

Navy at Western Kentucky
Fresno State at Nebraska
Morgan State at Bowling Green
Gardner-Webb at Ohio
Houston at North Texas
BYU at Texas
Memphis at Arkansas State
Northern Illinois at Kansas
Louisiana Lafayette at Kent State
Central Arkansas at Louisiana Tech

Georgia Tech at MTSU
Grambling State at Louisiana Monroe
UTEP at SMU
Nicholls State at Western Michigan
UAB at Florida
Utah at USC
Connecticut at Vanderbilt
Northwestern State at LSU
Notre Dame at Michigan
Weber State at Utah State

Boston College at UCF
San Jose State at UCLA

2011 Week 1 Top 25

2011-09-06T19:07:00.002-05:00

1 - LSU (5)
2 - Alabama (1)
3 - Oklahoma (2)
4 - Boise State (4)
5 - Florida State (6)
6 - Texas A&M (7)
7 - Wisconsin (8)
8 - South Carolina (9)
9 - Nebraska (10)
10 - Oklahoma State (12)
11 - Arkansas (13)
12 - Missouri (11)
13 - Michigan State (14)
14 - West Virginia (15)
15 - Stanford (17)
16 - Ohio State (18)
17 - USF (UR)
18 - Mississippi State (20)
19 - Virginia Tech (21)
20 - Oregon (3)
21 - Illinois (24)
22 - Baylor (UR)
23 - BYU (UR)
24 - Houston (UR)
25 - California (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona, Maryland, Nevada, Northwestern, USC

Added: Baylor, BYU, California, Houston, USF

Dropped: Arizona, Nevada, Notre Dame, TCU, USC

2011 Week 1 Picks

2011-08-31T19:59:00.003-05:00

Thursday, September 1

Murray State at Louisville
Villanova at Temple
South Carolina State at Central Michigan
North Texas at FIU
New Hampshire at Toledo
Western Carolina at Georgia Tech
NC Central at Rutgers
Wake Forest at Syracuse
Mississippi State at Memphis
Montana State at Utah

UNLV at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Idaho
Kentucky vs Western Kentucky at Nashville
UC Davis at Arizona State
Fordham at Connecticut (postponed)

Friday, September 2

Youngstown State at Michigan State
TCU at Baylor

Saturday, September 3

Utah State at Auburn
Northwestern at Boston College
Akron at Ohio State
Indiana State at Penn State
Tennessee Tech at Iowa
MTSU at Purdue
Miami (OH) at Missouri
Kent State at Alabama
Appalachian State at Virginia Tech
South Dakota at Air Force

Minnesota at USC
Louisiana Monroe at Florida State
USF at Notre Dame
Western Michigan at Michigan
James Madison at North Carolina
Chattanooga at Nebraska
Troy at Clemson
UCLA at Houston
Arkansas State at Illinois
Delaware at Navy

SE Louisiana at Tulane
Sacramento State at Oregon State
BYU at Mississippi
San Jose State at Stanford
Idaho State at Washington State
Liberty at NC State
Colorado State at New Mexico
Buffalo at Pitt
William & Mary at Virginia
Montana at Tennessee

Missouri State at Arkansas
Fresno State vs California at San Francisco
FAU at Florida
Northern Iowa at Iowa State
Richmond at Duke
Louisiana Lafayette at Oklahoma State
Eastern Washington at Washington
Indiana vs Ball State at Indianapolis
Charleston Southern at UCF
Austin Peay at Cincinnati

Howard at Eastern Michigan
McNeese State at Kansas
Eastern Kentucky at Kansas State
Army at Northern Illinois
East Carolina vs South Carolina at Charlotte
Texas State at Texas Tech
Elon at Vanderbilt
Boise State vs Georgia at Atlanta
Oregon vs LSU at Arlington
Ohio at New Mexico State

Tulsa at Oklahoma
Rice at Texas
Stony Brook at UTEP
Weber State at Wyoming
Northern Arizona at Arizona
Cal Poly at San Diego State
Louisiana Tech at Southern Miss
Colorado at Hawaii

Sunday, September 4
Marshall at West Virginia
SMU at Texas A&M

Monday, September 5
Miami at Maryland

2011 Preseason Coaches on the Hot Seat

2011-08-28T23:14:00.003-05:00

Planned Changes:

* Howard Schnellenberger (FAU) - Howard Schnellenberger has announced he will retire after this season.

Special Cases:

* Everett Withers (North Carolina) - North Carolina unexpectedly fired Butch Davis a month before the season. Davis had his share of compliance issues, but timing was strange. Everett Withers was named the interim coach for the season. The school will likely reopen the coaching search at the end of the season, much like Vanderbilt did last year.

* Luke Fickell (Ohio State) - Luke Fickell was named the head coach after Jim Tressel resigned. Although much like North Carolina, Ohio State might also reopen its coaching search after the season.

The Hottest Seats:

* Mike Locksley (New Mexico) - Mike Locksley continues to be a terrible hire. The Lobos are 2-22 under him, and they need to show improvement in his third year.

* Paul Wulff (Washington State) - Paul Wulff continues to be a terrible hire. I was amazed he survived this past offseason. He'll need a big year to make it to his fifth season.

Getting Warmer:

* Jim Grobe (Wake Forest) - Jim Grobe could be facing some pressure despite all of the good things he's done for the program. He's 8-16 in the past two seasons and his teams have continually gotten worse since the glorious 2006 season. Four teams dropped 48+ points on Wake including Stanford with a high of 68. If he wins less than five games this season, then he'll lose his overall winning record at Wake Forest.

* Turner Gill (Kansas) - Turner Gill had a terrible first year. Coaches are rarely fired after two years, but let's see how his second season turns out.

* Ron Zook (Illinois) - Ron Zook is perpetually on the hot seat. I'm expecting a good season from the Illini, so I bet he'll be back in 2012.

* Steve Fairchild (Colorado State) - Steve Fairchild took the Rams to the New Mexico Bowl in his first season, but has finished 3-9 the past two years. Another bad season will have his seat a lot warmer.

* Mark Richt (Georgia) - I think Mark Richt will be fine, mainly because I think the Bulldogs will be much better. All he needs to do is avoid another bad season.

* Bob Toledo (Tulane) - Bob Toledo has had four straight losing seasons and has an overall record of 13-35 at Tulane. He is in a very difficult situation at Tulane, but another bad season may persuade the administration to go in a different direction.

* Neil Callaway (UAB) - Neil Callaway has had four straight losing seasons. He replaced defensive coordinators in the offseason to shore up the weakest link of the team under his tenure. If new DC Tommy West can't make noted improvements in his first year, both may be looking for a new job.

Retirement Watch:

* Joe Paterno (Penn State) - Joe Paterno is perpetually on retirement watch.

* Mack Brown (Texas) - Mack Brown won't be forced out, but another bad season and he may consider retirement.

* Dennis Erickson (Arizona State) - I had Dennis Erickson on Retirement Watch last year, but he's back in 2011. The Sun Devils are getting a lot of talk as a sleeper in the Pac-12. If they don't live up to expectations, things could get a little strained in Erickson's fifth season.

* Mike Price (UTEP) - Mike Price keeps doing enough to stick around, but he continues to be on retirement watch.

2011 Preseason Top 25

2011-08-28T21:42:00.002-05:00

1 - Alabama (14)
2 - Oklahoma (8)
3 - Oregon (3)
4 - Boise State (6)
5 - LSU (9)
6 - Florida State (24)
7 - Texas A&M (29)
8 - Wisconsin (7)
9 - South Carolina (22)
10 - Nebraska (17)
11 - Missouri (16)
12 - Oklahoma State (10)
13 - Arkansas (12)
14 - Michigan State (11)
15 - West Virginia (20)
16 - Notre Dame (UR)
17 - Stanford (4)
18 - Ohio State (5)
19 - TCU (2)
20 - Mississippi State (23)
21 - Virginia Tech (15)
22 - USC (UR)
23 - Nevada (13)
24 - Illinois (UR)
25 - Arizona (UR)

Final 2010 ranking in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Auburn, Georgia, Iowa, NC State, UCF

Newcomers (Unranked at the end of last year): Arizona, Illinois, Notre Dame, USC

Noticeably Absent (Ranked at the end of last year): Auburn, Hawaii, UCF, Utah

2011 Preseason Bowl Projections

2011-08-27T21:56:00.002-05:00

BCS Bowl Games:

BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs Oklahoma
Fiesta Bowl: Texas A&M vs West Virginia
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs Nebraska
Sugar Bowl: LSU vs Wisconsin
Orange Bowl: Boise State vs Florida State

The Rest:

New Mexico Bowl: California vs Colorado State
Humanitarian Bowl: Fresno State vs Northern Illinois
New Orleans Bowl: East Carolina vs FIU
Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Southern Miss vs Syracuse
Las Vegas Bowl: TCU vs Washington

Poinsettia Bowl: Nevada vs San Diego State
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs UCF
Little Caesars Pizza Bowl: Northwestern vs Toledo
Independence Bowl: Air Force vs Virginia
Insight Bowl: Michigan vs Oklahoma State

Champs Sports Bowl: Clemson vs Notre Dame
Military Bowl: Maryland vs Navy
Car Care Bowl of Texas: Iowa vs Texas Tech
Alamo Bowl: Arizona vs Texas
Armed Forces Bowl: BYU vs SMU

Pinstripe Bowl: Baylor vs Pitt
Music City Bowl: Florida vs NC State
Holiday Bowl: Kansas State vs Stanford
Belk Bowl: Georgia Tech vs USF
Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs North Carolina

Liberty Bowl: Auburn vs Houston
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Mississippi State vs Virginia Tech
TicketCity Bowl: Illinois vs Tulsa
Outback Bowl: Georgia vs Ohio State
Capital One Bowl: Michigan State vs South Carolina

Gator Bowl: Penn State vs Tennessee
GoDaddy.com Bowl: Ohio vs Troy
Cotton Bowl Classic: Arkansas vs Missouri
BBVA Compass Bowl Cincinnati vs Kentucky
Fight Hunger Bowl: Army at California

Conference Championship Games

ACC: Florida State vs Virginia Tech
Big Ten: Nebraska vs Wisconsin
C-USA: Houston vs UCF
MAC: Ohio vs Toledo
Pac-12 Arizona vs Oregon
SEC: Alabama vs South Carolina

2011 ACC Preview

2011-08-27T20:06:00.002-05:00

The Favorite (Atlantic): A lot of preseason publications are really high on Florida State this year. In his first season, Jimbo Fisher led the Seminoles to their first 10-win season since 2003. Quarterback Christian Ponder was a first rounder in the NFL draft, but his backup EJ Manuel did get some experience last year. He completed almost 70% of his 93 attempts, but he did throw as many interceptions as touchdowns. Florida State gets a very favorable draw from the Coastal division, playing Duke, Miami and Virginia. Looking around the rest of the division, it would be a major upset if Florida State wasn't playing in the ACC Championship Game.

The Favorite (Coastal): Virginia Tech is my dark horse national championship contender. Looking at the schedule, the most difficult road games are at Georgia Tech and at Virginia. All of the better opponents have to travel to Lane Stadium, which is always a difficult place to play. Well, unless you're James Madison. Virginia Tech will be favored in all of its non-conference games. They also avoid Florida State in the regular season, although they are likely to meet in the ACC championship game. With a little good luck, the Hokies could be playing in the BCS National Championship Game.

The Challenger (Atlantic): Clemson finished 6-7 last year, but six of the losses were by nine or fewer points. The offense took a big step back, averaging seven points per game fewer than in 2009. This season, nine starters on that side of the ball return, all but the quarterback and the left tackle. Clemson is one of the only teams in the Atlantic that I think can challenge Florida State.

The Challenger (Coastal): The Coastal division of the ACC is caked in scandal with North Carolina terminating Butch Davis a month prior to the season and with Miami's impending ineligibility issues. By process of elimination, that leaves Georgia Tech as my second main contender in the Coastal division. The Yellow Jackets had their first losing season under head coach Paul Johnson last year. It's possible that the ACC is understanding how to defend the triple option attack. But I believe Paul Johnson is a good coach, and he can still have good seasons in an AQ conference.

The Sleeper: Virginia made a good hire when they brought in Mike London. They won four games last year, but were close in three others. With 18 starters returning, the Cavaliers can take advantage of a good situation in the division.

The Letdown: As of this posting, 13 players on Miami's team are ineligible. If that ruling is not overturned, then Miami could be in for a long season. Even if the players are ruled eligible, the distraction could negatively affect the team. The Hurricanes had eight players drafted off last year's team and have a new head coach.

Conference Player of the Year: In a conference that lacks preseason star power, I'll call for EJ Manuel to have a big season.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I called NC State my Letdown team, but instead the Wolfpack exploded for nine wins including one in the Champs Sports Bowl. Picking Wake Forest to go 6-6 was pretty bad too.

Non-Conference Games to Watch:
* Oklahoma at Florida State, September 17 - Florida State gets a chance to live up to the preseason hype three weeks into the season.
* Ohio State at Miami, September 17 - This game becomes much less interesting if Miami loses 13 players.
* Auburn at Clemson, September 17 - Clemson pushed Auburn to overtime on the road. The tables could be turned when Auburn makes the return trip to Death Valley.
* Notre Dame vs Maryland at FedEx Field, November 12 - Surprisingly, this is only the second meeting between these two schools.
* Florida State at Florida, November 26 - Florida State hasn't won in the Swamp since 2003.

Projected Standings:
Atlantic:

Florida St | 10-2 | 7-1

Clemson | 7-5 | 5-3

Maryland | 6-6 | 4-4

Boston College | 5-7 | 4-4

NC State | 7-5 | 3-5

Wake Forest | 2-10 | 1-7

Coastal:

Virginia Tech | 11-1 | 7-1

Georgia Tech | 7-5 | 4-4

North Carolina | 7-5 | 4-4

Miami | 5-7 | 4-4

Virginia | 7-5 | 3-5

Duke | 5-7 | 2-6

2011 Big 12 Preview

2011-08-25T23:31:00.002-05:00

State of the Big 12: The Big 12 lost two member institutions last year when Colorado left for the Pac-12 and Nebraska left for the Big Ten. The conference chose not to replace any members and eliminate the division format and the championship game. The ten members now play every other member in one season. Rumors are swirling about the future of the Big 12, but nothing has been decided yet.

The Favorite: Oklahoma returns 16 starters of a team that won 12 games last year. Quarterback Landry Jones returns after a sophomore season where he passed for over 4700 yards and 38 touchdowns. His favorite target Ryan Broyles returns who had 1622 receiving yards and scored 14 touchdowns. One potential issue is that last year's offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson left the program to become the head coach of Indiana.

The Challenger: Texas A&M has improved every year under head coach Mike Sherman, and his fourth season might be his best yet. Last season A&M beat Oklahoma for the first time since 2002. Their matchup this season could decide the conference. Over the past two seasons, the Aggie defense has improved by over 11 points per game. They do lose #2 overall pick Von Miller, the leader of the defense.

The Sleeper: Because of the loss of quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Missouri is getting overlooked. Interestingly, Gabbert's stats weren't that great. He only threw 16 touchdowns versus nine interceptions. Most of the other contributors return, and Missouri hasn't had much trouble replacing other high-octane quarterbacks under head coach Gary Pinkel. Missouri does have to go on the road to play both Oklahoma and Texas A&M, so an upset or two will be necessary to win the conference.

The Letdown: Oklahoma State is my unusual pick for my Letdown team. I'm predicting them to go 9-3 this season, but I just can't shake the feeling that they are going to regress badly. Last year's offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen took a very young and inexperienced team and made them the #3 offense in the country. He made stars out of relative unknowns Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon. Oklahoma is also dealing with replacing an offensive coordinator, but the Sooners have more talent and a better defense than the Cowboys.

Conference Player of the Year: Landry Jones should have another stellar season and will likely be in New York for the Heisman Trophy presentation.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I don't think anyone saw the downfall of Texas coming in the preseason. I had them winning 11 games when they actually ended up in the Big 12 South basement.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Oklahoma at Florida State, September 17 - Two top ten teams squaring off in a game with national championship implications.
* Texas A&M vs Arkansas at Arlington, October 1 - I have a feeling this is going to be A&M's first win over Arkansas at Cowboys stadium.
* Missouri at Arizona State, September 9 - Missouri gets an early road test to prove themselves without Blaine Gabbert.
* Arizona at Oklahoma State, September 8 - A Thursday night ESPN game in the second week with conference bragging rights at stake.
* Texas at UCLA, September 17 - UCLA going into Austin and whipping Texas was the beginning of the end for the Longhorns last year.

Projected Standings:

Oklahoma | 11-1 | 8-1

Texas A&M | 10-2 | 7-2

Missouri | 9-3 | 6-3

Oklahoma St | 9-3 | 6-3

Texas | 8-4 | 5-4

Baylor | 6-6 | 4-5

Kansas St | 7-5 | 4-5

Texas Tech | 6-6 | 3-6

Iowa St | 3-9 | 1-8

Kansas | 3-9 | 1-8

2011 Big East Preview

2011-08-25T21:13:00.003-05:00

State of the Big East: The Big East will add TCU as a football-only member next season. The conference will then have nine football members, which allows a conference schedule with equal home and road games. No other expansion is planned at this time, but the Big East will remain connected in some way to most expansion rumors.

The Favorite: West Virginia flew under the radar last year, especially the lights-out Mountaineer defense. It gave up fewer than 14 points per game on average and held opponents to 10 or fewer points six times. NC State scored the most against them when they put up 23 in the bowl game. New head coach Dana Holgorsen, offensive coordinator from Oklahoma State, joins the staff. Expect an immediate jolt in the offense with him here. Regardless of the head coaching change, this is the strongest team in the Big East.

The Challenger: Pitt changed head coaches (twice) in the offseason, but still should be one of the top teams in the conference. Pitt was successful under Dave Wannstedt, winning 27 games over the past three years, but they still underachieved. Pitt squandered many opportunities to win the Big East, like last season when they lost to Connecticut by only two points. I think the excitement that new head coach Todd Graham will bring is good for the program. Pitt has three chances for statement non-conference win against Iowa, Notre Dame and Utah.

The Sleeper: Teams often make a big jump in the second season of the head coach's tenure. That could be the case for USF under Skip Holtz. USF lost three conference games last year by a total of 14 points. The Bulls also notched impressive non-conference wins at Miami and against Clemson in the bowl game. USF finishes the season hosting West Virginia in a Thursday night game. It's possible that contest will determine the winner of the Big East.

The Letdown: In 2009, Cincinnati won the Big East and played in a BCS bowl, but then lost their head coach and missed the postseason entirely the next year. Connecticut appears to be traveling down that same path this year. Head coach Randy Edsall took the team to the Fiesta Bowl, but then bolted for the Maryland vacancy in the offseason. I'm not a huge fan of the new head coach Paul Pasqualoni, and doubt he will continue the winning ways at Connecticut (33 wins in the past 4 years.)

Conference Player of the Year: West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith could thrive under the tutelage of Dana Holgorsen.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I had the bottom group of the standings all out of order. I predicted Cincinnati and Rutgers to go bowling, but not Syracuse and Louisville. I did pick Connecticut as my Sleeper, which turned out well.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* LSU at West Virginia, September 24 - If West Virginia is going to return to the national elite, it needs to win the big non-conference home games.
* Pitt at Iowa, September 17 - Pitt has a couple of warmup games before facing a real defense like Iowa. This game should be a good barometer for how well Todd Graham's offense has been implemented.
* USF at Notre Dame, September 3 - An underrated opening weekend game matching two second year head coaches looking to make the leap.
* Louisville at Kentucky, September 17 - Louisville has lost this Bluegrass State battle four straight times, but that streak has included heart-breaking losses by four, six and seven points.
* Rutgers at North Carolina, September 10 - Rutgers has the opportunity to steal an early one on the road with all the turmoil in Chapel Hill.

Projected Standings:

West Virginia | 10-2 | 6-1

Pittsburgh | 8-4 | 5-2

USF | 9-3 | 5-2

Syracuse | 6-6 | 3-4

Cincinnati | 6-6 | 3-4

Rutgers | 6-6 | 2-5

Louisville | 5-7 | 2-5

Connecticut | 5-7 | 2-5

2011 Big Ten Preview

2011-08-23T20:28:00.002-05:00

State of the Big Ten: The Big Ten added Nebraska in the offseason to expand to 12 teams. The conference split into two divisions, Legends and Leaders, and will host a championship game in Indianapolis. Each team has a permanent "cross-over" opponent from the other division. No further expansion is planned at this time.

The Favorite (Legends): Nebraska enters the Big Ten and the schedule-makers did them no favors. The Huskers draw the strongest three teams from the Leaders division. They must play home games Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa while also traveling to Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan. Regardless of the schedule, I still think Nebraska will be playing in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game. Bo Pelini's defense is always stout, and the offense was one of the top rushing teams in the country last season, averaging 247 yards on the ground per game.

The Favorite (Leaders): Wisconsin has won ten and eleven games the past two seasons. They might actually win more this season. Russell Wilson transferred to Wisconsin, adding a new playmaker to an already potent offense. Wisconsin scored over 41 points per game last year, topping 70 points on three occasions. If he can add to the offense without disrupting the chemistry, then an undefeated season is possible. Back-to-back road games against Michigan State and Ohio State will be the biggest test. Wisconsin also draws Nebraska from the Legends division, in what is a preview of my predicted Big Ten Championship Game.

The Challenger (Legends): Michigan State had a huge season last year, winning 11 games for the first time in school history. The Spartans will likely be just as strong this season and will be battling Nebraska for the top spot in the division. Michigan State also draws Ohio State and Wisconsin from the Leaders division, so the schedule isn't much easier than Nebraska's. Interestingly, Michigan State scored at least 26 points in each of its 11 wins, but only scored six and seven points in its two losses.

The Challenger (Leaders): Ohio State had a very tumultuous offseason, culminating in the termination of long time head coach Jim Tressel. Also four players will be suspended for the first five games of the season and quarterback Terrelle Pryor left the school to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft. It's impossible to predict how much effect this will have on the Buckeyes, but I don't expect them to be a top ten team this season. The team is still very talented, and could make the Leaders division very interesting if I've overestimated Wisconsin.

The Sleeper: Illinois has the schedule to have a very good season. There are eight home games, plus the road games are very manageable. At Penn State will be a tough contest but traveling to Indiana, Purdue and Minnesota is not a difficult task. Also the Illini miss Nebraska, Michigan State and Iowa from the Legends division. Illinois did have four players drafted last year, but Ron Zook has been able to continuously bring talent into the program. I could see the Illini finishing as high as second in the division.

The Letdown: I have Ohio State as the Challenger in the Leaders division, but this program also belongs here. The Buckeyes should be contending for conference and national championships, but the lack of compliance has left them as a good but not great program.

Conference Player of the Year: I'm jumping headfirst onto the Russell Wilson bandwagon and not looking back.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I picked a pretty good sleeper in Wisconsin, but I vastly underrated Michigan State. I predicted them as a very respectable 8-4, when in reality they were a great 11-1.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Ohio State at Miami, September 17 - The ultimate high-stakes college football game. Loser gets the death penalty. Just kidding. I think.
* Alabama at Penn State, September 10 - Hopefully the unfriendly confines of Happy Valley will provide a better game than last year's 24-3 affair.
* Michigan State at Notre Dame, September 17 - Last year's matchup ended with an amazing play when Michigan State faked a field goal and scored a touchdown to win the game in overtime.
* Arizona State at Illinois, September 17 - An underrated non-conference game between two sleepers in their respective conferences.
* Washington at Nebraska, September 17 - The third matchup between these teams in two years. Last year's Holiday Bowl was one of my biggest surprises of the offseason.

Projected Standings:
Legends:

Nebraska | 10-2 | 6-2

Michigan State | 10-2 | 6-2

Michigan | 7-5 | 4-4

Iowa | 8-4 | 4-4

Northwestern | 7-5 | 3-5

Minnesota | 4-8 | 1-7

Leaders:

Wisconsin | 11-1 | 7-1

Ohio State | 8-4 | 5-3

Penn State | 8-4 | 5-3

Illinois | 8-4 | 5-3

Indiana | 4-8 | 1-7

Purdue | 4-8 | 1-7

2011 C-USA Preview

2011-08-22T21:38:00.002-05:00

The Favorite (East): UCF hosted and won the C-USA Championship Game, as well as picking up its first bowl win in 2010. UCF's final record was 11-3, and those three losses were by a combined 21 points. I'm picking UCF to repeat despite returning only ten starters. UCF had more rushing yards than passing yards, and had three players with double digit rushing touchdowns last year. All three of them return and the top three receivers are gone, so except the Knights to focus on the ground game again in 2011.

The Favorite (West): Case Keenum was granted a sixth year of eligibility, so Houston is expected to climb back to the top of the West standings. Keenum has over 13000 passing yards already in his collegiate career, and he has a great opportunity to pass Hawaii's Timmy Chang as the all-time passer in NCAA history. Houston struggled badly after Keenum was injured last year and finished with only half as many wins as compared to 2009. Houston's biggest issue is the defense, which has given up over 30 points per game in each season under head coach Kevin Sumlin. If Keenum is healthy, the Cougars will be able to outscore most teams and could be looking at a big season.

The Challenger (East): Southern Miss has had winning records and postseason appearances every year under Larry Fedora, but the Golden Eagles haven't won the East in his tenure yet. Southern Miss hosts UCF and has an easier draw from the West. The Golden Eagles will definitely contend this season. Also senior quarterback Austin Davis is less than 300 yards from becoming the program's all-time leading passer over some guy named Brett Favre.

The Challenger (West): SMU might have been my pick for the favorite in the West if the schedule wasn't so killer. The Mustangs have conference road games against Southern Miss, Tulsa and Houston. Plus they also draw UCF from the East. SMU does return 18 starters, all but the top receiver from last year. Quarterback Kyle Padron is in his third season running June Jones' run-and-shoot system and should be able to cut down on his turnovers (14 interceptions last year.)

The Sleeper: Tulsa may be getting overlooked because of the head coaching change. The Golden Hurricane return 18 starters, including ten from the offense that averaged over 41 points per game last year. The only two conference losses from last year were on the road by a combined five points. They host fellow West contenders Houston and SMU. The non-conference schedule is really difficult with games against Oklahoma and Boise State on the road and Oklahoma State at home.

The Letdown: UTEP led a senior-laden offense and an incredibly weak schedule to the first bowl appearance since 2005. The Miners were promptly blasted by fellow 6-6 BYU in the New Mexico Bowl. The offense only returns two starters and will have to replace the Miner all-time leading passer as well as the entire offensive line. The Miners are likely to take a big step back and are very unlikely to return to the postseason.

Conference Player of the Year: Several quarterbacks in the conference will put up big numbers. With questions lingering about Keenum's health, I'll give credit to East Carolina's Dominique Davis. He threw for almost 4000 yards and 37 touchdowns plus running for another nine scores last season.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview I was obviously wrong about Houston, but that can happen when you lose your best player early in the season. I also called East Carolina my Letdown team, but the Pirates still made it to their fifth straight bowl game.

Non-conference Games to Watch
* UCLA at Houston, September 3 - UCLA ended Case Keenum's season last year. He and the rest of the Cougars will be out for revenge in the opener.
* Boston College at UCF, September 10 - UCF gets a nice early season test hosting a solid ACC team.
* Oklahoma State at Tulsa, September 17 - Two in-state rivals with high powered offenses are matched up in this game.
* North Carolina at East Carolina, October 1 - UNC is in turmoil after firing its head coach a month before the season. The Pirates could get the upset here at the rocking Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
* UCF at BYU, September 23 - A good matchup on a Friday night ESPN game.

Projected Standings:
East:

UCF | 9-3 | 6-2

East Carolina | 6-6 | 6-2

Southern Miss | 8-4 | 5-3

UAB | 5-7 | 4-4

Marshall | 4-8 | 3-5

Memphis | 2-10 | 0-8

West:

Houston | 10-2 | 6-2

SMU | 7-5 | 5-3

Tulsa | 6-6 | 5-3

Rice | 4-8 | 4-4

Tulane | 3-9 | 2-6

UTEP | 4-8 | 2-6

2011 Independents Preview

2011-08-21T22:40:00.003-05:00

Army: Army continues to prove that it hired a good coach in Rich Ellerson. Army played in a bowl game for the first time since 1996, and won a bowl game for the first time since 1985. I expect Army to continue winning a lot of games. Army has a tie-in to the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in 2011, and I fully expect them to be participating in it.

BYU: BYU became the fourth FBS Independent in the offseason. BYU had a down season, but still picked up its eleventh bowl win in program history. The Cougar offense was particularly lacking, but this season they return ten starters on that side of the ball, all except for one offensive linemen. The schedule is very manageable with only four true road games. BYU should be much improved this season, and double digit wins are possible.

Navy: Navy had another successful nine win season in 2010. The Midshipmen defeated Notre Dame for the third time in four years, this time at Meadowlands Stadium. They lost to the Air Force Academy for the first time since 2002, but kept control of the Commander-in-Chief trophy with a win over Army. Navy has a tie-in with the Military Bowl in 2011, so we will probably see them playing in Washington DC in the postseason.

Notre Dame: I think Brian Kelly was a good hire, and after an up-and-down first season, he should have the Irish rolling in his second season. Notre Dame plays a solid schedule, but running the table is not outside the realm of possibility if the quarterback controversy is resolved. The Irish get Michigan State and USC at home, and while they travel to Michigan and Pitt, both of those teams are breaking in new head coaches. Notre Dame needs to finish in the top eight of the BCS Standings to automatically qualify for a BCS Bowl.

Conference Player of the Year: Last year I picked Michael Floyd here and he finished with 1025 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He's my pick for this year also.

Projected Standings:

Notre Dame | 9-3

BYU | 8-4 | 6-2

Navy | 8-4

Army | 6-6

2011 MAC Preview

2011-08-21T14:19:00.003-05:00

State of the MAC: Since adding Temple as a football-only school in 2007, the MAC has had 13 members. That leaves the conference in the awkward situation of having uneven divisions with seven teams in the East and only six in the West. That will change in 2012 when Massachusetts will be joining the conference as a football-only member. Division realignment is not currently decided for when the MAC grows the 14 teams.

The Favorite (East): The entire East division appears to be rebuilding with three new head coaches and two others who are in their second season. With that in mind, experience may be the most important factor in determining the East champion. I think Ohio, led by veteran head coach Frank Solich, will make it to the title game in Detroit. The schedule sets up nicely, as the Bobcats host the other East contenders and avoid the top three teams in the West.

The Favorite (West): Toledo's noted improvement may have flown under the radar last year because of Northern Illinois's great season. Now the Huskies are replacing their head coach and Toledo is returning the most starters in the MAC. In a surprising stat, the Rockets have knocked off an AQ school in each of the past five seasons. Toledo is primed for a big season and is easily the best team in the conference.

The Challenger (East): Dave Clawson led Bowling Green to the postseason in his first season, but his team regressed badly in his second season last year. The Falcons should be able to return to being competitive after just winning one conference game in 2010. The biggest roadblock to success is the schedule though. They draw the three best teams from the West and miss Akron from their own division.

The Challenger (West): Northern Illinois is replacing its head coach, but still should be one of the best teams in the MAC. The offense will probably need to outscore most teams, since the defense only returns two starters. The offense should be up to the task, as it returns its star quarterback, top three receivers and the entire offensive line.

The Sleeper: Kent State could be a surprise contender in the East. The Golden Flashes always seemed to underachieve under former head coach Doug Martin, so maybe new blood will reverse their fortunes. Darrell Hazell was just a position coach and assistant head coach at Ohio State, so his lack of experience as at least a coordinator is a concern. In the wide open East division, don't sleep on Kent State.

The Letdown: Miami shockingly won the MAC championship game and the GoDaddy.com Bowl to finish with ten wins last season. There are several factors pointing to big regression this season. Along with a head coaching change, the RedHawks were also 6-0 in close games last season and were actually outscored despite having a 10-4 final record. They do return 17 starters, but I'm still counting on a down year.

Conference Player of the Year: Best individual performance will likely go to NIU's quarterback Chandler Harnish. He had over 3300 combined passing and rushing yards and accounted for 28 touchdowns. And that was with his starting running back scoring 22 times himself.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I missed badly on Miami. I expected them to finish 3-9, but they actually finished 8-4 in the regular season and then won two postseason games also.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Toledo at Ohio State, September 10 - Aided by all the offseason turmoil in Columbus, Toledo will be looking for the upset of the season here. Remember Toledo knocked off Michigan in RichRod's first season.
* Northern Illinois vs Wisconsin at Chicago, September 17 - NIU's new head coach was the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin previously.
* Penn State at Temple, September 17 - Temple hasn't beaten Penn State since 1941 (0-35-1 since.)
* Toledo at Syracuse, September 24 - If the Rockets can't upset the Buckeyes, then they have another shot at an AQ win two weeks later.
* Ball State vs Indiana at Indianapolis, September 3 - Two first-year head coaches face off in a neutral site game to start the season.

Projected Standings:
West:

Toledo | 9-3 | 7-1

Northern Illinois | 8-4 | 6-2

Western Michigan | 6-6 | 5-3

Central Michigan | 5-7 | 4-4

Ball St | 3-9 | 3-5

Eastern Michigan | 4-8 | 2-6

East:

Ohio | 8-4 | 6-2

Bowling Green | 6-6 | 4-4

Temple | 5-7 | 4-4

Kent St | 5-7 | 3-5

Miami (OH) | 3-9 | 3-5

Buffalo | 4-8 | 3-5

Akron | 3-9 | 2-6

2011 Mountain West Preview

2011-08-20T01:09:00.002-05:00

State of the MWC: The Mountain West lost two teams when Utah left for the Pac-12 and BYU declared its independence. Boise State joined the conference to make nine members for the season. In 2012, TCU will leave for the Big East and the Mountain West will add Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. It's unclear if the conference will make any other moves. With 11 teams, they may consider adding one more team to get a championship game.

The Favorite: Boise State is the newest member, but they are the most talented. The Broncos have a great opportunity to run the table and play in a BCS bowl again. They play a solid non-conference schedule with games against Georgia, Tulsa, Toledo and former WAC and future MWC brethren Fresno State and Nevada.

The Challenger: TCU would love to win the conference in its last year as a member. The Horned Frogs lose a lot of contributors from last year's 13-0 team, including five draft picks. The game versus Boise State on November 12 will likely determine the conference title.

The Sleeper: Some may expect San Diego State to fall apart with the loss of head coach Brady Hoke. I don't expect them to become irrelevant because there is still a lot of offensive firepower and new head coach Rocky Long has a ton of experience in the Mountain West. If anyone can keep the Aztec train running, who went to its first bowl game since 1998, it's him.

The Letdown: I thought UNLV made a good hire when Bobby Hauck was brought in from Montana. He had a decent amount of talent returning in 2010, but his team was outscored by more than three touchdowns on average. The Rebels did pick up a couple of wins last season, but I don't see any more improvement this season.

Conference Player of the Year: Kellen Moore is the obvious answer here. His stats from last season were very impressive: 71.3 completion percentage, 3845 passing yards, 35 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions, and fourth in Heisman voting. He should be just as superb in his senior season.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I actually picked four teams' records correctly. I thought San Diego State would improve by two games and barely make it to the postseason. Instead SDSU improved by four games and smacked Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl to finish 9-4.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Boise State vs Georgia in Atlanta, September 3 - Boise State gets to play in front of a huge national audience in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game.
* San Diego State at Michigan, September 24 - Brady Hoke takes on his former team, and Rocky Long takes on his former employer.
* TCU vs BYU at Arlington, October 28 - TCU plays its former conference mate at Cowboys Stadium.
* Nevada at Boise State, October 1 - Do you think Boise State will be looking for revenge on the team that ruined its perfect season last year?
* Colorado State vs Colorado at Denver, September 17 - Last year's version was a blowout, but this in-state rivalry usually produces close games.

Projected Standings:

Boise St | 11-1 | 7-0

TCU | 10-2 | 5-2

Air Force | 8-4 | 5-2

San Diego St | 8-4 | 5-2

Colorado St | 6-6 | 3-4

Wyoming | 5-7 | 2-5

New Mexico | 2-10 | 1-6

UNLV | 1-11 | 0-7

2011 Pac-12 Preview

2011-08-19T23:36:00.002-05:00

State of the Pac-12: The Pac-10 added Utah and Colorado in the offseason to expand to twelve teams. The conference is split into North and South divisions with the championship game to be played at the home stadium of the division winner with the best overall conference record. Teams will play a nine-game conference schedule. No future expansion is expected at this time.

The Favorite (North): Oregon is coming off a 12-win season and a close loss to Auburn in the BCS National Championship Game. The Ducks beat every team in the Pac-12 by at least 11 points except for California. They should be strong again with the return of running back LaMichael James, who finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Oregon is my pick to host the first Pac-12 Championship Game in Autzen Stadium and could make a return appearance to the national title game.

The Favorite (South): The South is crowded with no clear favorite. I'm calling Arizona as the favorite to win the division. The schedule is killer at the beginning with games against four of the top twenty teams by October 1. If the Wildcats weather can that storm, they could be able to pile up the wins in the second half of the season.

The Challenger (North): Even though Jack Locker is gone, I think Washington could contend this season. I think head coach Steve Sarkisian is building a really good team here. Stanford would get the nod here, but I think the loss of Jim Harbaugh will put them a step below the Huskies.

The Challenger (South): Arizona State is being predicted by many to be a sleeper in the Pac-12. I don't think that they will be that much improved. But in the weaker South division, minor improvement might be enough to make them a contender.

The Sleeper: Because of the probation, I think USC is flying under the radar. Even though USC can't participate in the Pac-12 Championship or a bowl game, I think they'll have the best record in the South.

The Letdown: I don't think UCLA will take a step forward in Rick Neuheisel's fourth season. They have too many questions and not enough answers. I think they will continue to struggle with new offensive and defensive coordinators.

Conference Player of the Year: LaMichael James is a legit Heisman Trophy contender, although I should mention Andrew Luck here, the number one overall pick in next year's NFL draft.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I thought Stanford would have a similar record as in 2009. Instead the Cardinal almost ran the table, losing only once to Oregon.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Oregon vs LSU at Arlington, September 3 - As I said in the SEC Preview, this is the best non-conference game of the season. The winner of this game will be the early leader in the national title race.
* Missouri at Arizona State, September 10 - If the Sun Devils want to have a big season, then they need to win the big non-conference games at home.
* Arizona at Oklahoma State, September 8 - Participants of last year's Alamo Bowl meet in an early season matchup. Hopefully this game won't be as lopsided as last year's 36-10 affair.
* Washington at Nebraska, September 17 - These two teams split games last season. Now's the rubber match.
* Texas at UCLA, September 17 - UCLA beating Texas in Austin was one of the big surprises of last season.

Projected Standings:
North:

Oregon | 11-1 | 8-1

Washington | 7-5 | 5-4

Stanford | 8-4 | 5-4

Cal | 7-5 | 4-5

Oregon State | 5-7 | 3-6

Washington State | 3-9 | 1-8

South:

USC | 9-3 | 6-3

Arizona | 8-4 | 6-3

Arizona State | 7-5 | 5-4

Utah | 7-5 | 5-4

UCLA | 5-7 | 4-5

Colorado | 5-7 | 3-5

2011 SEC Preview

2011-08-19T20:17:00.002-05:00

The Favorite (East): In 2010, South Carolina took advantage of a down year in the SEC East where only two teams finished with winning records after the bowl season. They were led by true freshman running back Marcus Lattimore (1197 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns) and sophomore wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (1517 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.) Both stars return as well as senior quarterback Stephen Garcia and the top overall recruit in the country in Jadeveon Clowney is added to the mix. Steve Spurrier has built quite a team in Columbia that has to potential to stay at the top of the East division.

The Favorite (West): Alabama took a step back last year and only won ten games. The Tide had four players drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, but they still bring back ten starters to a defense that allowed fewer than 14 points per game last season. I'd be surprised if they didn't have the best defense in the country at the end of the season. The Tide will be dealing the loss of a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the nation's top receivers, as well uncertainty as to who the starting quarterback will be, but the defense will be able to carry them to the SEC Championship Game.

The Challenger (East): Georgia was a serious underachiever last season. The Bulldogs were 0-4 in close games and they lost two other games by 11 and 12 points. This season the schedule is much more manageable for two reasons. One is that most of the tougher games are at home, with the hardest road game at Tennessee. The other is that the draw from the West division is as good as possible. They miss Alabama, LSU and Arkansas in this year's schedule. I think Georgia will bounce back in a big way and they have the potential to win the East.

The Challenger (West): LSU just barely missed out on winning the West last season when they lost at Auburn by a touchdown. This season they get Auburn at home, but unfortunately they have to win on the road at Alabama if they are going to play in Atlanta. LSU needs quarterback Jordan Jefferson to improve and be consistent in his senior season. LSU did have five players taken in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, so that talent will have to be replaced.

The Sleeper: Watch out for Mississippi State. They improved dramatically in Dan Mullen's second season, capped off with a demolishing of Michigan in the Gator Bowl. With home games against LSU, South Carolina and Alabama, they could be a surprise contender.

The Letdown: After going 14-0 with a BCS National Championship, Auburn is going to take a step back. With only six returning starters and playing the stacked West division, it will probably be a pretty big step back. Missing the postseason the year after winning a ring is a definite possibility.

Conference Player of the Year: It's a battle between two running backs, Trent Richardson of Alabama and Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, the worst thing I wrote was expecting Florida to finish 11-1. Life was tough for the Gators in the post Tim Tebow era, losing in the Swamp thrice and falling to in-state rival Florida State for the first time since 2003.

Non-Conference Games to Watch
* LSU vs Oregon at Arlington, September 3 - This is the best non-conference game of the season. It's a great way to start the college football season between two top ten teams.
* Georgia vs Boise State at Atlanta, September 3 - This could be the second best non-conference game of the season. It's another stellar matchup on opening weekend.
* Arkansas vs Texas A&M at Arlington, October 1 - Cowboys Stadium is loaded with quality non-conference games. Arkansas has won both games here.
* Alabama at Penn State, September 10 - Two storied programs meet for the second season in a row, this time at Happy Valley.
* Florida State at Florida, November 26 - Florida had won six straight in this annual series until 2010. With Florida State continuing to improve, they could be starting a streak of their own.

Projected Standings:
East:

South Carolina | 10-2 | 6-2

Georgia | 9-3 | 5-3

Florida | 6-6 | 3-5

Kentucky | 7-5 | 3-5

Tennessee | 6-6 | 2-6

Vanderbilt | 4-8 | 0-8

West:

Alabama | 11-1 | 7-1

LSU | 10-2 | 7-1

Arkansas | 9-3 | 6-2

Mississippi St | 9-3 | 5-3

Auburn | 7-5 | 3-5

Mississippi | 4-8 | 1-7

2011 Sun Belt Preview

2011-08-17T23:03:00.002-05:00

State of the Sun Belt: The Sun Belt was untouched by the conference alignment last year. Thanks to the exodus of top teams from the WAC, 2011 will likely be the last season where the Sun Belt is the worst FBS conference. South Alabama will join the Sun Belt as a football member in 2013.

The Favorite: FIU won its first conference title, attended its first bowl game and earned its first bowl victory last season. With most of important contributors back, I'm calling for FIU to make it back-to-back Sun Belt championships.

The Challenger: Troy is always going to be in the discussion for top dog in the Sun Belt. The Trojans have won outright or shared the conference title for the past five years. They won their second ever bowl game last season.

The Sleeper: I was not a fan of Louisiana-Monroe firing Charlie Weatherbie and hiring Todd Berry, but the move worked out better than I expected. The WarHawks won five games and barely lost two others. The WarHawks could be even better this season, especially with three brand new coaches in the conference.

The Letdown: With FAU opening a new stadium and Howard Schnellenberger entering his final season, some may expect the Owls to send him out on a high note. I'm not buying into it though. I doubt FAU will be playing in the postseason.

Conference Player of the Year: Troy's quarterback Corey Robinson had a great season in 2010 (3726 yards and 28 touchdowns) despite being a redshirt freshman. He's probably going to get better as he gains more experience. Also pay attention to two running backs who finished last season with spectacular stats on bad teams: Lance Dunbar of North Texas (1553 yards and 13 touchdowns) and Bobby Rainey of Western Kentucky (1649 yards and 15 touchdowns.)

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview, I missed badly on MTSU for the second straight season. I expected them to win ten games, but instead they finished with a losing record after getting beaten in the GoDaddy.com bowl. I also was surprised by FIU's breakout season.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Troy at Clemson, September 3 - Troy hasn't beaten a BCS school since upsetting Oklahoma State in 2007, but they have come close a few times. Here's the best opportunity this season.
* UCF at FIU, September 17 - FIU hosts fellow Florida school UCF. A win here would do great things for the program.
* Georgia Tech at MTSU, September 10 - MTSU knocked off Maryland in "The Skillet" in 2008. The Blue Raiders could collect another ACC scalp at home in this game.
* Western Kentucky vs Kentucky at Nashville, September 1 - Two Bluegrass State schools travel a little south to play in one of the first games of the season.
* Indiana at North Texas, September 24 - Two schools breaking in new head coaches trying to get their tenures started on the right foot.

FIU | 7-5 | 6-2

Troy | 7-5 | 6-2

MTSU | 6-6 | 5-3

FAU | 4-8 | 4-4

Louisiana-Monroe | 5-7 | 4-4

Arkansas St | 5-7 | 4-4

North Texas | 3-9 | 3-5

Western Kentucky | 3-9 | 2-6

Louisiana-Lafayette | 3-9 | 2-6

2011 WAC Preview

2011-08-17T20:49:00.002-05:00

State of the WAC: Boise State moves to the Mountain West Conference this season, and next season Fresno State, Hawaii and Nevada will do the same. The WAC has extended invitations to and received acceptance from five schools, although only two of them play football. Texas State and UTSA will make the move up to FBS in 2012, giving the WAC seven football members. I believe the long term viability of this conference is in doubt, and it's possible that all members will be relegated to the FCS.

The Favorite: Hawaii and Nevada tied Boise State for first place last season, sharing the conference title. Nevada is my favorite this year, who hope to continue the momentum from a great season. Nevada has one of the crazier schedules in the country, with its first home game on October 8th. After that, six of the final eight games are at home in Reno. Hosting Fresno State and Hawaii gives Nevada a leg up on the other WAC contenders.

The Challengers: Hawaii and Fresno State are very similar to Nevada, and I wouldn't be surprised if any one of them won the conference. Hawaii was much better than I expected last season, winning ten games. Hawaii has to replace its top two rushers and four of its top five receivers. Replacing those skill players plus four starters on the offensive line will be key to the Warriors' success. Fresno State defeated Cincinnati and Illinois at home last year, and the Bulldogs have three more chances to beat AQ teams this year. They host Mississippi and play California in the opener at Candlestick Park, as well as traveling to Nebraska.

The Sleeper: Louisiana Tech has a chance to make some noise in the WAC this season. The Bulldogs just missed out on being bowl eligible last season due to a single point loss to Southern Miss and a six-point loss to Fresno State. The non-conference schedule could be a stumbling block, with road games at all three Mississippi schools and hosting Houston.

The Letdown: After two seasons, I'm done calling Utah State my sleeper team. The Aggies should be able to get to a bowl game based on their schedule alone. Instead they'll probably finish with four wins again like they have the past two seasons under Gary Andersen.

Conference Player of the Year: Hawaii's QB Bryant Moniz threw for over 5000 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. He will likely put up the best numbers in the conference in his senior season.

I Wrote What?: In last year's preview I thought Hawaii would start a downward turn three years removed from the June Jones era. Instead they won ten games and shared the conference title. I was within two games of every other team's final record, but I missed badly on the Warriors.

Non-conference Games to Watch:
* Fresno State vs California at San Francisco, September 3 - Fresno State is 2-0 all-time against California, while the Bears are trying to rebound from their first losing season in Jeff Tedford's tenure.
* Colorado at Hawaii, September 3 - Hawaii can ruin Colorado's first game as a member of the Pac-12 with a win in the opener.
* Nevada at Boise State, October 1 - Nevada beat the Broncos for the first time since 1998 last year. Can they make it two in a row?
* Houston at Louisiana Tech, September 17 - If Louisiana Tech wants to go bowling, winning non-conference games at home is key.
* Mississippi at Fresno State, October 1 - The Rebels won this matchup last season despite the fact that they lost to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt previously. The Bulldogs will be looking for revenge.

Projected Standings:

Nevada | 8-4 | 6-1

Hawaii | 9-4 | 5-2

Fresno St | 7-6 | 5-2

Louisiana Tech | 6-6 | 5-2

Idaho | 5-7 | 3-4

Utah St | 4-8 | 2-5

San Jose St | 1-11 | 1-7

New Mexico St | 2-11 | 1-7

2010 Bowl Game Picks

2010-12-17T15:42:00.002-06:00

Week 1: 70-8 (89.7%)
Week 2: 61-9 (87.1%)
Week 3: 47-11 (81%)
Week 4: 47-11 (81%)
Week 5: 41-11 (78.8%)
Week 6: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 7: 41-14 (74.5%)
Week 8: 37-14 (72.5%)
Week 9: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 40-16 (71.4%)
Week 12: 46-10 (82.1%)
Week 13: 35-19 (64.8%)
Week 14: 16-4 (80%)
Season: 601-172 (77.7%)

New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs UTEP
Humanitarian Bowl: Northern Illinois vs Fresno St
New Orleans Bowl: Ohio vs Troy
St Petersburg Bowl: Southern Miss vs Louisville
Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs Boise St

Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs San Diego St
Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs Tulsa
Little Caesars Bowl: FIU vs Toledo
Independence Bowl: Air Force vs Georgia Tech
Champs Sports Bowl: West Virginia vs NC State

Insight Bowl: Missouri vs Iowa
Military Bowl: East Carolina vs Maryland
Texas Bowl: Illinois vs Baylor
Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma St vs Arizona
Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs SMU

Pinstripe Bowl: Kansas St vs Syracuse
Music City Bowl: North Carolina vs Tennessee
Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs Washington
Car Care Bowl: USF vs Clemson
Sun Bowl: Notre Dame vs Miami

Liberty Bowl: Georgia vs UCF
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: South Carolina vs Florida St
TicketCity Bowl: Northwestern vs Texas Tech
Outback Bowl: Florida vs Penn St
Capital One Bowl: Alabama vs Michigan St

Gator Bowl: Mississippi St vs Michigan
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs TCU
Fiesta Bowl: Connecticut vs Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: Stanford vs Virginia Tech
Sugar Bowl: Ohio St vs Arkansas

GoDaddy.com Bowl: MTSU vs Miami (OH)
Cotton Bowl: LSU vs Texas A&M
Compass Bowl: Pitt vs Kentucky
Fight Hunger Bowl: Nevada vs Boston College
BCS Championship Game: Oregon vs Auburn

Coaching Carousel Update - Dec 7

2010-12-07T20:26:00.002-06:00

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Indiana hire and the Pitt vacancy. Indiana hired Kevin Wilson, Oklahoma's offensive coordinator. This may turn out to be a decent hire, but I'm surprised to see someone with no previous head coaching experience given a seven-year deal.

Coaching Carousel Update - Dec 6

2010-12-06T21:16:00.003-06:00

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Arkansas State, Minnesota, and Colorado hires and the Northern Illinois vacancy. Arkansas State hired Hugh Freeze, who is most well-known as Michael Oher's high school head coach at Briarcrest Christian School. He was referred to as Burt Cotton in the movie The Blind Side. Minnesota made a good hire by taking Jerry Kill away from Northern Illinois. Colorado hired the Tight Ends Coach from the Washington Redskins, who also played TE at Colorado. I do not like this hire.

Week 14 Top 25

2010-12-06T21:04:00.002-06:00

1 - Auburn (1)
2 - Oregon (2)
3 - TCU (3)
4 - Wisconsin (4)
5 - Stanford (5)
6 - Ohio St (6)
7 - Boise St (7)
8 - Michigan St (9)
9 - Oklahoma (10)
10 - Arkansas (9)
11 - LSU (11)
12 - Oklahoma St (12)
13 - Virginia Tech (15)
14 - Missouri (14)
15 - Nebraska (13)
16 - Nevada (16)
17 - Alabama (17)
18 - Utah (18)
19 - Texas A&M (20)
20 - West Virginia (23)
21 - Hawaii (24)
22 - South Carolina (18)
23 - Mississippi St (25)
24 - Florida St (21)
25 - UCF (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Maryland, Navy, NC State, Northern Illinois, Tulsa

Added: UCF

Dropped: Northern Illinois

2010 Week 14 Picks

2010-12-02T18:41:00.002-06:00

Coaching Carousel Update - Nov 29

2010-11-29T19:38:00.004-06:00

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Indiana, Louisiana Lafayette and Arkansas State vacancies and the North Texas hire. I think North Texas made a good move by hiring Dan McCarney, the man who was able to turn Iowa State into a semi-consistent winner.

Week 13 Top 25

2010-11-29T19:13:00.002-06:00

1 - Auburn (1)
2 - Oregon (2)
3 - TCU (3)
4 - Wisconsin (6)
5 - Stanford (7)
6 - Ohio St (8)
7 - Boise St (4)
8 - Michigan St (10)
9 - Arkansas (13)
10 - Oklahoma (15)
11 - LSU (5)
12 - Oklahoma St (9)
13 - Nebraska (12)
14 - Missouri (14)
15 - Virginia Tech (15)
16 - Nevada (18)
17 - Alabama (11)
18 - South Carolina (19)
19 - Utah (17)
20 - Texas A&M (20)
21 - Florida St (23)
22 - Northern Illinois (24)
23 - West Virginia (UR)
24 - Hawaii (UR)
25 - Mississippi St (UR)

Rank from previous week in parentheses

Others Receiving Votes: Arizona, Navy, NC State, Tulsa, UCF

Added: West Virginia, Hawaii, Mississippi St

Dropped: Arizona, NC State, Iowa

Coaching Carousel Update

2010-11-28T01:35:00.002-06:00

With the season coming to a close, the carousel is going to get started up. The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Miami, Vanderbilt, Ball State, and Kent State vacancies. I anticipate several more jobs will come open next week.

2010 Week 13 Picks

2010-11-22T21:16:00.003-06:00

Week 1: 70-8 (89.7%)
Week 2: 61-9 (87.1%)
Week 3: 47-11 (81%)
Week 4: 47-11 (81%)
Week 5: 41-11 (78.8%)
Week 6: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 7: 41-14 (74.5%)
Week 8: 37-14 (72.5%)
Week 9: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 40-16 (71.4%)
Week 12: 46-10 (82.1%)
Season: 550-149 (78.7%)

Tuesday, November 23
Temple at Miami (OH)

Thursday, November 25
Texas A&M at Texas

Friday, November 26
Louisville at Rutgers
Western Michigan at Bowling Green
West Virginia at Pitt
Auburn at Alabama
Buffalo at Akron
Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan
Central Michigan at Toledo
Ohio at Kent St
SMU at East Carolina
UCLA at Arizona St

Colorado at Nebraska
Southern Miss at Tulsa
Arizona at Oregon
Boise St at Nevada

Saturday, November 27
LSU at Arkansas
Oregon St at Stanford
Washington at Cal
Cincinnati at Connecticut
Florida at Florida St
Georgia Tech at Georgia
NC State at Maryland
Iowa at Minnesota
North Carolina at Duke
Boston College at Syracuse

Michigan at Ohio St
Oklahoma at Oklahoma St
Michigan St at Penn St
South Carolina at Clemson
UCF at Memphis
Wake Forest at Vanderbilt
UAB at Rice
Kansas St at North Texas
Virginia at Virginia Tech
Northwestern at Wisconsin

Tulane at Marshall
Arkansas St at FIU
USF at Miami
FAU at MTSU
Louisiana Lafayette at Louisiana Monroe
Indiana at Purdue
Kentucky at Tennessee
Houston at Texas Tech
Western Kentucky at Troy
Mississippi St at Mississippi

Kansas vs Missouri at Kansas City
Hawaii at New Mexico St
BYU at Utah
TCU at New Mexico
Louisiana Tech at San Jose St
Notre Dame at USC
UNLV at San Diego St
Idaho at Fresno St