For Bowden and Paterno, The Great Race Is Over

Pack up the tents and put the elephants back on the train. The circus that has been the Jo Pa and Bowden race is now over. Bobby Bowden has lost.

As the author, let me say that I have bias both pro and con for each of the contestants. I have played a round of golf with Bowden, and we talked about how he almost became the head coach at Alabama. You’ll never meet a friendlier fellow.  I like…
Continue reading at Bleacher Report – Big Ten Football

FSU scandal could increase Paterno’s wins lead

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Florida State is in big trouble, and the penalties leveled against the football program for violations stemming from academic fraud likely will affect the all-time FBS coaching victories race.
Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno have traded the top spot for some time, with Paterno holding a slim edge…
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

FSU scandal to increase Paterno’s victories lead

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Florida State is in big trouble, and the penalties leveled against the football program for violations stemming from academic fraud will affect the all-time FBS coaching victories race.
Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno have traded the top spot for some time, with Paterno holding a slim edge (383-382)…
Continue reading at ESPN.com – Big Ten – Blog

The Big Ten has a rough bowl season ahead

The Big Ten Bloggers are currently entering their picks for bowl season, and it’s not pretty.  In only one instance, the Big Ten team is favored to win.  We have our work cut out for us, and as a conference, we could be hurting by the end of the BCS bowls.  Let’s take a look and see what the potential damage is;

Champs Sports Bowl
Saturday, December 27th – 4:30pm
Wisconsin vs. Florida State

The ACC was the most piss-poor conference in all of the NCAA, and FSU lost three times in-conference.  But then again, EVERYBODY lost three times in-conference.  Hell, going 4-4 in the ACC was considered a major accomplishment this season.  10 of the 12 ACC teams finished either 5-3 or 4-4.  Like I said, piss-poor.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin was by far the biggest disappointment of the Big Ten (Michigan fans get a pass because NOBODY expected Wisky to be this bad, at least true college sports fans with brains thought UM would lose 4-7 games).  Wisconsin has been exposed quite a lot this season, and an OT win over Cal Poly is the only reason Badger players aren’t in Madison this very moment.

With such little promise from the players on both sides, this game is going to come down to the coaches.  And very few fans of the sport will give Bret Bielema an edge over Bobby Bowden.

However, I’m putting my faith in PJ Hill.  He was the most overrated RB in the Big Ten over the past two years, but I have a feeling he’s going to show something on Saturday.

Wisconsin 31
Florida State 21

———-

Alamo Bowl
Monday, December 29th – 8pm
Northwestern vs. Missouri

I like Northwestern, I really do. I think they’ve got a quality team that is rising up in their Big ten status. But any Wildcat fan will tell you, they’re not ready for prime-time, and the Ohio State game shows that every year (save for a disaster 2004). Northwestern has the capability to beat teams in close games, but they cannot put away the truly great squads. Their two best opponents this year (Ohio State and Michigan State) knocked them off by a total of 82-30. They can’t seem to slow down offenses like the ones better schools possess.

Now here comes Chase Daniel and Missouri. They’re averaging over 43 points per game. This could get ugly in a hurry.

Missouri 61
Northwestern 28

—————

Insight Bowl
Wednesday, December 31st – 5:30pm
Minnesota vs. Kansas

Good lord, look where these two teams were 12 months ago. Kansas was coming off a phenomenal 11-1 season and marching into a BCS Bowl, while Minnesota was looking for a cave to hide in after a 1-11 season.  Both schools have returned to normalcy (as far as their common fates should dictate) and this game actually may be the best match-up of a Big Ten school in bowl season.

The result, in my mind, will depend on which Minnesota team shows up.  But I don’t give the Gophers much credit….their 3 Big Ten wins came against three of the league’s four worst teams, and they closed out the year with a 55-0 ass-handing from Iowa.  Do they bounce back from that, much like they bounced back from their 1-win season in 2007?

I say yes.

Minnesota 27
Kansas 24

—————-

Outback Bowl
Thursday, January 1st – 11am
Iowa vs. South Carolina

If nobody gets arrested or rapes anybody in the next week, Iowa should have a field day in this game. South Carolina’s defense is not going to match up well with the rush attack that Shonn Greene has. He’s been the most consistent RB in the Big Ten this season, and there is nothing in the Cocks’ arsenal that shows any promise of keeping up with him.

Plus, SCs QB is named Smelley, and I really want to see the headline that says “Iowa rejects Smelley, Cocks”

Iowa 45
South Carolina 21

—————–

Capitol One Bowl
Thursday, January 1st – 1pm
Michigan State vs. Georgia

Georgia once held their heads high this season and declared themselves the next national champion, and it was only because they play in the SEC, who seems to think they have a natural right to the title. Then the season started, and the Dawgs just didn’t look too good.

The only two good teams Georgia played (Florida and Alabama) whipped their asses. They even lost to Georgia Tech for good measure. Close wins against a bad Tennessee team and average South Carolina/Vanderbilt teams just don’t cut it.

Meanwhile, Michigan State surprised a lot of teams. They blew it big time against Ohio State and Penn State (BIG time), but they proved a lot to themselves with big wins at Big Brother’s house, and against Iowa.

I’m taking Sparty in the upset….and for one reason only.

Michigan State is THRILLED to be in this game, and Georgia is disappointed in playing Cap One. It’ll show in the two teams demeanor at kickoff.

Michigan State 34
Georgia 27

—————-

Rose Bowl
Thursday, January 1st – 4:30pm
Penn State vs. USC

Short and sweet. My team has played them both. I know who’s better. It ain’t you, Lions.

Plus, when was the last time USC didn’t dominate a bowl game? Other than against the best Texas team ever, USC just plain blows out schools in January.

USC 31
Penn State 14

——————

Fiesta Bowl
Monday, January 5th – 8pm
Ohio State vs. Texas

I’m going to get into this in greater detail later this week, but let me just give a hint now. The Big Twelve does not have anything in the way of a rushing team. Texas has not had to face an RB like Beanie Wells. They are used to defending the pass, and they do not have the necessary skills to stop a bruiser like Beanie.

We may end up in a shootout, and if that’s the case, I like our offense enough to run with the Horns. But it’s going to be a battle. Whoever holds onto the ball better comes away with the win.

Ohio State 41
Texas 38

———–

Oh, and by the way…TCU will win tonight. They’re more motivated, in my opinion.

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Bowden Award finalists include two from Big Ten

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman and Illinois center Ryan McDonald are two of the three finalists for the Bobby Bowden Award, presented by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The award recognizes an FBS player who “epitomizes the student-athlete who conducts himself as a faith model in the community, in the classroom and on the field.”

Nominees must carry a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and have the support of their school’s head coach and athletic director. Freeman carries a 3.35 GPA and is working on his graduate degree in education at Ohio State, while McDonald has a 3.81 GPA and is pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. Both players earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media this season.

Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee is the third finalist. The winner will be announced at the FCA breakfast on Jan. 6 in Miami.

Former Northwestern running back Jason Wright was the first recipient of the Bowden Award in 2003 and has been the only winner from the Big Ten.

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The First 10 Bowl Games You’ll See, Know the Winners Now!

The later you play, the bigger the bowl. That may not always be the case, but no matter what you believe, here are the first 10 bowl games you’ll see with the possible matchups and winners:

Bowl One—EagleBank Congressional Bowl—Washington, D.C.—12-20-08—11:00am

7-5 Wake Forest vs. 8-6 Navy—Telecast on ESPN

Navy comes in with one more win, but Wake has played a tougher schedule. This could be a very close game, but I give the edge to Wake Forest and their ability to have more defensive stops than navy. Larry’s Pick—Wake Forest close

Bowl Two—New Mexico Bowl—Albuquerque, N.M.—12-20-08—2:30 pm

6-6 Colorado State vs. 7-5 Fresno State—Telecast ESPN

Colorado State was lucky to make the cut, and Fresno State may have expected a little better this year. Fresno is a more solid team and should take out Colorado State by the third quarter. Larry’s Pick—Fresno State by 7

Bowl Three—The MagicJack—St. Petersburg Bowl—St. Pete, Fl.—12-20-08—4:30 pm

7-5 South Florida vs. 6-6 Memphis—Telecast ESPN2

South Florida was hoping at the first of the year to be in a much higher bowl. Memphis is glad to just be here. I’m glad they’re so happy, and I hope they enjoy all the bowl game parties and festivities because they won’t enjoy the game. South Florida ends this year with an exclamation mark. Larry’s Pick—South Florida by three scores

Bowl Four—The Pioneer Bowl—Las Vegas, Nv.—12-20-08—8:00pm

10-2 BYU vs. 7-5 Arizona—Telecast ESPN

BYU would be wise not to overlook this 7-5 team. BYU spent the first half of the season hoping to be a BCS buster until a 10-2 TCU and an undefeated Utah busted that dream. The sad thing is BYU was blown out in both those games. Vegas has BYU an early three-point favorite, but this is my first upset pick. Larry’s Pick—Arizona by 4

Bowl Five—The R+L Carriers Bowl—New Orleans, La.—12-21-08—8:15pm

6-6 Southern Miss vs. 8-4 Troy—Telecast ESPN

Troy is only a three-point favorite with Vegas, and I wonder what they’re smoking. This ain’t Jeff Bower’s Southern Miss anymore, and Troy is the little engine that could. If you’re a sporting man, this is the one to bet the house on. Larry’s pick—Troy BIG!

Bowl Six—Poinsettia Bowl—San Diego, Ca.—12-23-08—8:00pm

12-0 Boise State vs. 10-2 TCU—Telecast ESPN

Boise State is upset having to play a December Bowl, but this is a great TCU team that is the best matchup so far this year. Vegas sees it as a “pick ‘em”, but I say we understand what the voters in the polls knew all year long and why Boise State was never shown the love they wanted. Larry’s Pick—TCU by 9

Bowl Seven—Hawaii Bowl—Honolulu, Hi.—12-24-2008—8:00pm

6-6 Notre Dame vs. 7-6 Hawaii—Telecast ESPN

The least deserving team in the entire bowl schedule, Notre Dame, fights past tradition and actually takes the invite to a loser’s bowl. Much has been made over how many years it’s been since they’ve won a bowl game. Hawaii is not a good team. They’ve been blown out more that a dragster’s exhaust pipes, but hey, they’re playing Notre Dame. Larry Pick—Hawaii

Bowl Eight—The Motor City Bowl—Detroit, Mi.—12-26-08—8:00pm

8-4 Central Michigan vs. 6-6 Florida Atlantic—Telecast ESPN

You don’t give Howard Schnellenberger a month to prepare for a game and expect him to lose. Central Michigan has a better record, FAU has a better coach. That makes the difference in this game. Larry’s Pick—FAU by 7

Bowl Nine—The Meineke Car Care Bowl—Charlotte, N.C.—12-27-08—1:00 pm

8-4 North Carolina vs. 8-4 West Virginia—Telecast ESPN

Two 8-4 teams in well-matched bowl means this will be one worth watching. I’ve learned the hard way over the years never to bet against these mountain men in bowl games, and I think they pull another one out while Coach Rod watches and dreams about what would be if he had stayed.  Larry’s pick—WVU by 4

Bowl Ten—The Champs Sports Bowl—Orlando, Fl.—12-27-08—4:30pm

8-4 Florida State vs. 7-5 Wisconsin

These boys from Wisconsin have a nasty habit of beating up on Southern teams in bowl games, but this hasn’t been a year that they will want to remember.  Bobby Bowden’s boys have finally settled on a QB and Mickey Andrews will have the defense ready.  Las Vegas says Wisconsin by six.  Are they crazy?  This is a home game for the Seminoles and the fans will make the difference.  Larry’s Pick—FSU by 3

And there you have it. The first 10 games you’ll see this bowl season. Most of these will be better matchups than the BCS bowl games, where I think only the big one, Florida vs. Oklahoma could be close throughout. 

So go now and stock up on popcorn, chips and your favorite cold, refreshing adult beverages, and get ready for the grand finale of college football 2008 edition.  It has been an interesting year, and I’m sure there are more turns to come in the next set of bowl games. 

The next 10 bowl games and picks are coming up soon. Stay tuned, same address, same author.

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The Final Coaches Poll: Wheel Of Politics!

Ah, yes. The final coaches poll has been made public, and as usual, there are some truly noteworthy voting practices amongst our fair and balanced coaches. Some take this seriously, some cast their votes with reckless abandon, and some prove they just need a lobotomy.

It’s time to play “Who’s the biggest Homer?”

Here is the actual final poll, so you can see how the teams ended up, and then compare how some esteemed and knowledgeable coaches voted versus their brethren.

1. Oklahoma

2. Florida

3. Texas

4. Alabama/USC (tie)

6. Penn State

7. Utah

8. Texas tech

9. Boise State

10. Ohio State

11. TCU

12. Cincy

13. Oregon

14. Oklahoma State

15. Georgia Tech

16. BYU

17. Georgia

18. Michigan State

19. Va Tech

20. Northwestern

21. Pitt

22. Ball State

23. Mizzou

24. Ole Miss

25. Oregon State

 

First up is Urban Meyer, coach of the Florida Gators. Just how unbiased was he?

He voted Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 3, Utah (his former team) No. 4, USC No. 6, BYU No. 20, Georgia No. 21, and the biggie, Ole Miss No. 12.

Let’s see now, Ole Miss beat Florida. Bada bing. They must be great, right? BYU is his former team’s nemesis while Georgia is his current nemesis, so there’s no bias whatsoever in giving them the shaft, now is there? 

Our second coach needs no introduction when it comes to hating other conferences. Howard Schnellenberger, coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls, hates the Pac-10. Don’t believe me? Check out his votes: USC No. 8, Oregon No. 19, and he didn’t place Oregon State in the top 25. Yes, Howard, you deserve the booby price for the second straight year (Last year his venom was directed at the Florida Gators).

Our third coach is Bobby Bowden, who truly has shown how sharp his brain is this year. Dadgummit Bobby, either retire or shape up. Oklahoma State got a No. 18 from him, and Michigan State got a No. 13. Did he actually confuse these two teams? It looks like it.

Todd Dodge, coach at North Texas, voted Ball State, the loser to Buffalo in the MAC Championship, No. 15. Let that one sink in.

Dan Hawkins, Colorado’s coach, voted Mizzou at No. 16, Oklahoma No. 1  and Texas No. 2. He just loves the Big 12, doesn’t he?

Mike Leach voted Texas Tech at No. 2. Surprised, anyone?

Pat Hill, Fresno State’s coach, must not have had his coffee when he casted his votes: Boise State No. 6, Ball State No. 17, and Va. Tech No. 12.

Then there’s our lovable Les Miles, who has preached about the tough path of the SEC and its opponents. How did he vote? Like a good ‘ol Southern boy. Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 4, Oregon No. 17 (hate the Pac-10, Les?), Georgia Tech (ACC) No. 12, Georgia No. 13, and Ole Miss No. 14. Surprised Vandy and South Carolina aren’t in there? They may be- there is one team he voted for that didn’t make the top 25. Could it be LSU?

Mark Richt, Georgia’s coach, has also expressed his fondness for the SEC, just like Coach Miles. He ranked Florida No. 1, Alabama No. 2, and Ole Miss No. 20. How does a second place SEC team get ranked ahead of a Big 12 conference champ?

Funny, there are some teams he voted for that didn’t make the top 25- can we guess who they are? (I’ll put ten bucks on South Carolina, LSU and Auburn) If you want to know how five SEC teams were ranked in the top ten at one point, now you know.

Then there are coaches like UCF’s George O’Leary, whose hatred towards one particular conference is pretty evident. O’ Leary’s wrath this year is aimed at the Big Ten- he voted Michigan State No. 25, Northwestern No. 24, and Penn State No. 9.

But he’s not the only one who hates the Big Ten. Chris Petersen (Boise State) voted Penn State at No. 10, Boise State No. 7, and Michigan State No. 23. Ouch.

Gary Pinkel of Missouri placed Oklahoma No. 1, Texas No. 2, Texas Tech No. 6,  Oklahoma State No. 11, and Mizzou No. 18.

Tyrone Willingham voted Mizzou No. 11. How does a four-loss team that got smoked by Texas and Oklahoma get a No. 11 ranking? The other questionable vote by a Pac-10 coach was Rick Neuheisel’s ranking of Oregon State at No. 17, and Texas No. 1.

So which coaches were the most biased? Who gets the Homer Awards this year?

You have to give it to Gary Pinkel (Missouri) for his blatant bias towards the Big 12, Les Miles, Urban Meyer and Mark Richt for their SEC bias, and George O’ Leary for his hate on the Big Ten. Their motto should be, “Individually, we are strong. Together we are stronger.”

The polls are pretty disheartening, and sometimes we don’t understand why they are so skewed. By making the polls public, a fan can now see that polls don’t work. Some coaches were very fair in ranking the teams, while others used it as a platform to give their conference a boost. Disgusted yet?

Ready to scream for playoffs? Can we ditch the coaches poll?

coaches poll: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2008-12-08-final-coaches-ballots_N.htm

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Ranking the Big Ten bowls

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten wants more national respect after being skewered nationally for much of the season. An exciting bowl lineup gives the conference a chance to get its wish. 

In addition to having two BCS entries for the fourth straight year, the Big Ten faces the preseason No. 1 (Georgia), a preseason national title contender (Missouri) and two of the more successful head coaches in the southeast (Bobby Bowden and Steve Spurrier).

To piggyback off Mark Schlabach’s national list, it’s time to rank the Big Ten bowls.

1. Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi

No. 8 Penn State vs. No. 5 USC, 4:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 1 (ABC) 

Two powerhouse programs, a legendary head coach (Joe Paterno) and another well on his way there (Pete Carroll), and one of college football’s greatest settings make the Rose Bowl a must-see. Both of these teams easily could have been in Miami on Jan. 8, and a win will only strengthen their arguments. It will be fun to watch the Spread HD offense match up with a ferocious USC defense. 

2. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

No. 10 Ohio State vs. No. 3 Texas, 8 p.m. ET, Jan. 5 (Fox)

The teams clashed in 2005 and 2006 but have never met in the postseason. It will be fascinating to see how Texas responds from its BCS title game snub. Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy will go against the best defense he’s faced this season in Ohio State, which ranks seventh nationally in points allowed (13.1 ppg). The Buckeyes need a win to restore their national reputation and will need strong performances from quarterback Terrelle Pryor and running back Chris “Beanie” Wells. 

3. Capital One Bowl

No. 15 Georgia vs. No. 18 Michigan State, 1 p.m. ET, Jan. 1 (ABC)

Forget about those Big 12 quarterbacks and that Tebow fellow. This game is all about the running backs, as Doak Walker Award finalists Javon Ringer and Knowshon Moreno match up. Ringer has carried Michigan State to this point and could capitalize on a suspect Georgia defense, while Moreno is one of the nation’s most exciting running backs and takes on a Michigan State defense that struggles to stop elite players. 

4. Valero Alamo Bowl

No. 21 Missouri vs. No. 23 Northwestern, 8 p.m. ET, Dec. 29 (ESPN)

An insane number of sports journalists will be tuning in for this one, and you should, too. Missouri boasts one of the nation’s most dynamic passing combinations in quarterback Chase Daniel and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Northwestern counters with a sack-happy defense led by end Corey Wootton. If Northwestern quarterback C.J. Bacher discovers his 2007 form against a woeful Mizzou secondary, this could become a shootout. 

5. Champs Sports Bowl

Wisconsin vs. Florida State, 4:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 27 (ESPN)

Both of these teams underachieved to a certain degree this fall, but the bowl will provide an interesting matchup of power (Wisconsin) vs. speed (Florida State). The Wisconsin rushing attack came together late in the season, but P.J. Hill and John Clay face a tough task in a Florida State defense led by superstar end Everette Brown and linebacker Derek Nicholson.

6. Outback Bowl

South Carolina vs. Iowa, 11 a.m. ET, Jan. 1 (ESPN)

I can’t get enough of Shonn Greene, but aside from the powerful Iowa running back, this game between unranked teams doesn’t provide many reasons to shake off the New Year’s Eve hangover. Iowa played excellent football down the stretch, and it will be interesting to see how the Hawkeyes match up with an SEC team. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier returns to Florida amid increasing criticism. He needs to win this game.

7. Insight Bowl

Kansas vs. Minnesota, 5:30 p.m. ET, Dec. 31 (NFL Network)

If Minnesota can get back to the disciplined and opportunistic play that spurred its 7-1 start, this game will be worth watching. But the Gophers didn’t look like the same team down the stretch, and they’ll need to make some major upgrades in the next few weeks to keep pace with a more experienced Kansas team led by quarterback Todd Reesing. 

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Please Joe, Don’t Go! College Football Needs You, Not Just Penn State

Please Joe, Don’t Go! I know I’m being selfish in wanting you to stay. I know there’s supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy your golden years, but there’s not another Joe Paterno out there waiting to attempt to fill your shoes.

The NCAA needs a Joe Paterno. We need a man of your character who makes a team work as a team, be punished as a team and win as a team. When you had some players last season get out of line and you made the whole team clean the stadium, you made my heart pound with pride. 

You’ve never molly coddled dissenters, never been one to settle for mediocrity, never been one to offer up excuses and always was one to take the blame. 

We never heard about your team being out of control, behavior wise or football wise.  You graduate your players and the ones who leave your program leave better men than when you took them in.

You don’t bend the rules. When times are tough, you simply worked harder rather than attempting to take an easy shortcut. You are the example your boys should try to emulate. 

You are the epitome of loyalty. Most modern sports fans will never know how much money you’ve turned down to take other jobs. They may not know that the NFL came to lure you away many times, but you were loyal to Penn State and your boys. That just doesn’t happen anymore Joe. We need you to remind us that this CAN happen and should happen.

No real knock on Bobby Bowden coach, I know that’s not your style, and since this is an article about you, I’ll respect that. But when they judge Division I coaches, there is no competition between you and Bowden. All your wins were in Division I. They should have never counted Bowden’s wins at a Div. II school. I am so happy you regained the lead over him on your own anyway, and I want you to keep it forever.

I am an Alabama fan who loved Coach “Bear” Bryant and was standing there clapping at the television when you broke his record. I remember him once being asked if there was anybody he considered his equal in the coaching ranks. 

After humbly saying he was lucky to have been at Alabama for much of his career and that alone added to his legacy and saying there were lots of coaches he considered his equal, he said, “If I was a young man starting all over, I’d play for Joe Paterno. That’s a man who I admire.”

So do I coach.

Don’t go yet. Your lessons, your humbleness, your perseverance needs to be ingrained on this trash talking, chest pounding all about me generation. School administrators need to be taught that you don’t let a coach go at the first sign of a bad season.

I admire how you’ve guided that team back to BCS prominence after being told just a few years ago that you were over the hill, all used up and that the game had passed you by. 

I won’t trash them now or name names coach, because like I said, that’s not your style.  Thank you for showing the world that wisdom never gets old, that class always rises back to the top and loyalty given is loyalty paid back.

Please Joe! Don’t go. There’s men, women and children in jersey colors in every color of the rainbow wishing you wouldn’t. No other coach is so widely admired, respected and loved. We need you now more than ever.

And if and when you do, could you retire in Florida? I’m due some grand kids soon and would love to have you down the street to influence them, but no hurry, they’re not due for a few years yet. 

In fact I’ll make sure they wait for you, they’re young and have plenty of years.

 

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Ten Top 10s After Week 13 in College Football

Top 10 Teams

1) Alabama—I’ll be as shocked as anyone if they occupy this spot on Dec. 7.

2) Utah—Undefeated and the run away winner of the Holy War

3) Boise—Survived a scare but got it done.

4) Ball State—Will WMU be their undoing?

5) Oklahoma—Just a tough call.

6) Texas—Beat No. 5.

7) Florida—I’m sure their fans won’t like this too much but what am I supposed to do?

Penn State—Looks like they are the odd man out.

9) USC—I like the Defense, if they lose it will be the Offense’s fault.

10) Oregon State—These guys haven’t lost in a long time.

 

Top 10 Games This Past Week

1) Buffalo 40, Bowling Green 34 —Just when you thought it was over…

2) Oregon State 19, Arizona 17—The Beavers never led until the final gun sounded.

3) Ball State 31, Central Michigan 24—Everything we thought it would be and more.

4) Purdue 62,, Indiana 10—That’s the way to send out your retiring coach.

5) Syracuse 24, Notre Dame 23—What can you even say?

6) Boise 41, Nevada 34—Not really as close as the score.

7) Northern Illinois 42, Kent State 14—Not a great game but we had a hoot in the chat room.

Boston College 24, Wake Forest 21—BC showed guts even with their QB going down.

9) Cincinnati 28, Pittsburgh 21—Congrats to Brian Kelly and the Bearcats on their Big East title.

10) Washington State 16, Washington 13—Eyes glued to the TV watching the worst College Football has to offer.

 

Top 10 People I Am Thankful For This Year

1) My Wife—A true testament to patience and understanding.

2) The readers,  people, and the community of The College Football Place—350,000 unique visitors a month and growing every day, I am truly humbled.

3) Jordan—I hope everyone gets a chance in their life to work with someone who truly gets it.

4) Baby Tate—Not only the most knowledgeable and most informed person at Bleacher Report, also just a class act.

5) Yaro Starak—While he reminds me it was my dream, he helped me realize it.

6) Zander Freund—Unyielding supporter and defender of free speech and freedom of the press; I respect the heck out of that.

7) Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden—College football is better with these guys in it.

Gideon Shalwick—Gave me the confidence to add video to my blog; this is how most people recognize me.

9) The gang I grew up with—We knew at a very young age that football was a special game.

10) The people of Chicago—The best city to live in in the world!

 

Ten People Who Had A Bad Week

1) Charlie Weis—Not going to be fun in South Bend.

2) Ty Willingham—Not the way you want to go out.

3) Mike Leach—His team had NO answers.

4) Anyone still long the stock market—We touched 7500 on the Dow this week.

5) People who picked against me—I went 13-5 against the spread and 7-2 against the spread on my big picks.

6) Ron Zook—Great recruiter, bad coach.

7) The Miami Hurricanes—Back and on their way back mean two totally different things.

Tim Brewster—Not going to be the Coach of the Year

9) Mark Cuban—I don’t get it, this guy is worth how much?

10) Butch Davis—See “Ron Zook” (No. 6).

 

Top 10 Heisman Candidates

1) Tim Tebow—Why not?

2) Sam Bradford—The Texas Tech game was like an infomercial about him.

3) Rey Maualuga—I have no problem with it going to a defensive guy.

4) Colt McCoy—The accuracy this year has been unreal.

5) Knowshon Moreno—The best Running Back in the country.

6) Graham Harrell—Will get plenty of votes.

7) Michael Crabtree—Will be splitting votes with Harrell.

Beanie Wells—May be the best player.

9) Trevor Vittatoe—An inside joke, but really he’s no joke; give him another year.

10) Nate Davis—He’s had a heck of a year.

 

Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods

1) Turkey—It’s all about the bird; the star of the show.

2) Stuffing—Some call it dressing, I call it my second favorite.

3) Mashed Potatoes—Hello!

4) Corn—Anyone getting hungry?

5) Sweet Potatoes—Extra starch?, count me in.

6) Rolls—Hot, crusty, beautiful rolls.

7) Green Beans—Are these just for show?

Gravy—This should be it’s own food group.

9) Cranberries—Not everyone is a fan, I am.

10) Pumpkin Pie—Last but certainly not least.

 

Ten Favorite Games With Nicknames

1) The Backyard Brawl—Just a great name for a game.

2) Holy War—Sounds like a battle.

3) Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate—So what exactly do they mean?

4) The Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party—The name was better than the game this year.

5) Civil War—War seems to be a good word for a named game.

6) The Game—Sounds like they mean business.

7) Bedlam—Always has been one of my favorites.

The Iron Bowl—Men of steel?

9) The Arch Rivalry—Played in St. Luis of course.

10) The Game—The Big Game was already taken.

 

Top 10 Trophies for Games

1) The Old Oaken Bucket—I just like saying it.

2) The Little Brown Jug—Another classic.

3) Paul Bunyan’s Axe—Looks very cool when they carry it around.

4) Chief Caddo Trophy—Just lovely at over 7 feet tall.

5) The Wagon Wheel—Anyone ever see When Harry Met Sally?

6) The Old Brass Spittoon—These guys kill each other for it, my wife wouldn’t let me bring it in the house.

7) The Iron Skillet—I saw one of these going for 35 cents at a garage sale recently.

The Beehive Boot—Who wouldn’t want to play for the Boot?

9) The Keg of Nails—Looks just like it sounds.

10) The Peace Pipe—This can get you arrested in 23 states.

 

Top 10 USA Today Preseason Teams From This Year

1) Georgia—The Dawgs were more bark than bite.

2) USC—May finish near this same spot.

3) Ohio State—Stumbled in the big games.

4) Oklahoma—Pretty close.

5) Florida—I wonder if the Gator fans gave these guys as hard a time as they give me.

6) LSU—Maybe No. 6 in the SEC?

7) Missouri—Never got over the hump.

West Virginia—Tough start and they were doomed.

9) Clemson—What exactly were they thinking?

10) Texas—The Longhorns were underrated for a change.

 

Ten Games I’m Looking Forward To This Week

1) Oklahoma State at Oklahoma—The Big 12 and another big game.

2) Florida at Florida State—Real Gator fans know this is no gimme.

3) Georgia Tech at Georgia—Should be a good game.

4) West Virginia at Pittsburgh—Panthers won as 29 point digs last year.

5) Oregon at Oregon State—These teams do not like each other.

6) Auburn at Alabama—Looks horrible on paper but you never know.

7) Notre Dame at USC—Anyone else looking forward to watching this?

Houston at Rice—Should be an offensive show.

9) Western Michigan at Ball State—Does Ball State stay perfect?

10) South Carolina at Clemson—The battle for the Palmetto State.

 

Visit Mitch anytime at The College Football Place.

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