Bleacher Report - Articles by Dan Boss

BCS Bowl Predictions: If the Season Ended After Week 10

Dan Boss — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:41:12 -0500

The BCS rankings have been rocked after Texas Tech upset previously unbeaten and number one Texas. Alabama took care of their business and took over the number one spot. Texas Tech took over the number two spot, while Penn State held onto third after a bye week.

The rankings have changed, and so have the BCS bowl predictions. Each bowl game has changed except the Rose Bowl.

This article lists the BCS teams and bowl matchups if the season ended today. It is based on the BCS rankings and the bowl selection process. There are some changes from last week .

BCS Top 25

1.	Alabama
2.	Texas Tech
3.	Penn State
4.	Texas
5.	Florida
6.	Oklahoma
7.	USC
8.	Utah
9.	Oklahoma State
10.	Boise State
11.	Ohio State
12.	TCU
13.	Georgia
14.	Missouri
15.	Brigham Young
16.	LSU
17.	Ball State
18.	Michigan State
19.	North Carolina
20.	Georgia Tech
21.	California
22.	Florida State
23.	Maryland
24.	Northwestern
25.	West Virginia

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas Tech.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Georgia Tech as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Texas to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing conference champion Texas Tech to the national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects Florida to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference champion Alabama to the national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Ohio State with first pick in bowl rotation. Only other available teams are West Virginia and Utah.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects Big East conference champion West Virginia with second pick in bowl rotation. Only other available team left is Utah.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Utah with third and final pick in bowl rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being ranked ahead of a conference champion (Georgia Tech and West Virginia).

Bowl Matchups

BCS National Championship

Alabama vs. Texas Tech

Fiesta Bowl

Texas vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl

Florida vs. West Virginia

Orange Bowl

Georgia Tech vs. Utah

Rose Bowl

USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams by Conference

ACC: 1

Georgia Tech (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1

West Virginia (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 2

Penn State (Conference Champion)

Ohio State (At-Large)

Big 12: 2

Texas Tech (Conference Champion)

Texas (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1

USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2

Alabama (Conference Champion)

Florida (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 1

Utah (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week 11 Edition

Dan Boss — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:22:56 -0500

In the game of the week, and possibly the entire season, Texas Tech knocked off previously unbeaten Texas. Alabama took care of business to become the new team on top of the BCS standings.

Penn State had a bye week and remains undefeated.

There are still several non-BCS teams in the hunt. Utah and Boise State have the inside track to crashing the party.

After yet another exciting week in college football, the top 50 teams have shuffled positions again. Here are the top programs after 10 weeks of football. There are some changes from last week , including a new number one!

This poll takes into consideration the BCS, AP, and USA Today Coaches' polls. It also considers the ESPN Power Rankings and each team's strength of schedule.

	LW	*Team*	*BCS*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	8	Texas Tech 9-0	2	2	3	3	26
2.	3	Alabama 9-0	1	1	1	1	59
3.	6	Florida 7-1	5	4	5	4	13
4.	4	Penn State 9-0	3	3	2	2	56
5.	1	Texas 8-1	4	5	7	5	1
6.	2	Oklahoma 8-1	6	6	4	6	12
7.	5	USC 7-1	7	7	6	6	62
8.	9	Oklahoma State 8-1	9	8	8	8	64
9.	10	Ohio State 7-2	11	12	12	12	8
10.	12	Utah 9-0	8	10	9	9	72
11.	11	Boise State 8-0	10	9	10	10	61
12.	7	Georgia 7-2	13	14	14	13	2
13.	13	Missouri 7-2	14	13	13	14	16
14.	14	TCU 9-1	12	11	11	11	69
15.	16	LSU 6-2	16	15	15	15	63
16.	21	Michigan State 8-2	18	18	17	17	47
17.	17	North Carolina 6-2	19	19	19	19	19
18.	19	Brigham Young 8-1	15	17	16	16	95
19.	31	Georgia Tech 7-2	20	22	20	22	46
20.	20	Ball State 8-0	17	16	18	19	119
21.	28	California 6-2	21	21	22	21	55
22.	15	Florida State 6-2	22	24	24	23	30
23.	30	West Virginia 6-2	25	20	23	18	75
24.	25	Maryland 6-2	23	23	21	24	89
25.	39	Northwestern 7-2	24	NR	25	NR	66
26.	34	Pittsburgh 6-2	NR	25	NR	25	48
27.	27	Kansas 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	40
28.	37	Virginia Tech 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	29
29.	18	Minnesota 7-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	58
30.	32	Oregon State 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	45
31.	36	South Carolina 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	50
32.	22	Tulsa 8-1	NR	NR	NR	NR	116
33.	42	Cincinnati 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	41
34.	26	Connecticut 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	34
35.	49	Illinois 5-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	21
36.	33	Louisville 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	84
37.	46	Miami (FL) 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	20
38.	43	Air Force 7-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	73
39.	48	Arizona 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	93
40.	35	Notre Dame 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	74
41.	29	Virginia 5-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	3
42.	38	Wake Forest 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	28
43.	NR	Kentucky 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	44
44.	24	South Florida 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	76
45.	NR	Central Michigan 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	83
46.	23	Oregon 6-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	86
47.	NR	Iowa 5-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	52
48.	NR	Mississippi 5-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	11
49.	NR	Clemson 4-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	15
50.	NR	Vanderbilt 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	57

Just Outside: Arkansas, Boston College, Nebraska, Stanford, Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Navy, Auburn, Rice, San Jose State

BCS Bowl Predictions: If the Season Ended After Week Nine

Dan Boss — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:41:36 -0400

The BCS rankings may have changed, but the bowl predictions have only slightly changed this week. Texas remained number one by taking care of Oklahoma State. Alabama won as well to stay at number two. Penn State closed the gap by defeating Ohio State.

Many teams have shifted, but most of the bowl games remained the same with the exception of one team. Florida State replaced Georgia Tech as the ACC Champions.

This article lists the BCS teams and bowl matchups if the season ended today. It is based on the BCS rankings and the bowl selection process. There are some slight changes from last week.

BCS Top 25

1.	Texas
2.	Alabama
3.	Penn State
4.	Oklahoma
5.	USC
6.	Georgia
7.	Texas Tech
8.	Florida
9.	Oklahoma State
10.	Utah
11.	Boise State
12.	Ohio State
13.	TCU
14.	Missouri
15.	Florida State
16.	Ball State
17.	Minnesota
18.	Tulsa
19.	LSU
20.	Brigham Young
21.	Michigan State
22.	North Carolina
23.	South Florida
24.	Oregon
25.	Maryland

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Alabama.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Florida State as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Oklahoma to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing conference champion Texas to the national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects Georgia to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference champion Alabama to the national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Ohio State with first pick in bowl rotation. Only other available teams are South Florida and Utah.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects Big East conference champion South Florida with second pick in bowl rotation. Only other available team left is Utah.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Utah with third and final pick in bowl rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being ranked ahead of a conference champion (Florida State and South Florida).

Bowl Matchups

BCS National Championship

Texas vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl

Oklahoma vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl

Georgia vs. South Florida

Orange Bowl

Florida State vs. Utah

Rose Bowl

USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams by Conference

ACC: 1

Florida State (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1

South Florida (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 2

Penn State (Conference Champion)

Ohio State (At-Large)

Big 12: 2

Texas (Conference Champion)

Oklahoma (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1

USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2

Alabama (Conference Champion)

Georgia (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 1

Utah (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week 10 Edition

Dan Boss — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:46:57 -0400

The top three teams remained the same after Week Nine. Texas edged out fellow top 10 team Oklahoma State. Oklahoma handled Kansas State. Alabama took care of Tennessee.

Penn State knocked off Ohio State in the game of the week.

There are still several non-BCS teams in the hunt. Utah and Boise State have the inside track to crashing the party.

After yet another exciting week in college football, the top 50 teams have shuffled positions again. Here are the top programs after eight weeks of football. There are some changes from last week.

This poll takes into consideration the BCS, AP, and USA Today Coaches' polls. It also considers the ESPN Power Rankings and each team's strength of schedule.

	LW	*Team*	*BCS*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	1	Texas 8-0	1	1	1	1	6
2.	2	Oklahoma 7-1	4	4	4	5	11
3.	3	Alabama 8-0	2	2	2	2	62
4.	5	Penn State 9-0	3	3	3	3	54
5.	4	USC 6-1	5	7	6	6	23
6.	6	Florida 6-1	8	5	7	4	32
7.	7	Georgia 7-1	6	8	8	8	7
8.	10	Texas Tech 8-0	7	6	5	7	72
9.	9	Oklahoma State 7-1	9	9	10	9	22
10.	8	Ohio State 7-2	12	13	13	13	4
11.	13	Boise State 7-0	11	11	11	11	56
12.	12	Utah 8-0	10	10	9	10	83
13.	14	Missouri 6-2	14	14	14	14	5
14.	15	TCU 8-1	13	12	12	12	69
15.	22	Florida State 6-1	15	16	16	16	41
16.	11	LSU 5-2	19	15	15	15	50
17.	29	North Carolina 6-2	22	21	22	21	8
18.	24	Minnesota 7-1	17	20	20	20	58
19.	20	Brigham Young 7-1	20	17	17	18	98
20.	23	Ball State 8-0	16	18	19	19	113
21.	28	Michigan State 7-2	21	22	21	23	40
22.	21	Tulsa 8-0	18	19	18	17	116
23.	33	Oregon 6-2	24	23	24	22	103
24.	16	South Florida 6-2	23	24	23	26	93
25.	35	Maryland 6-2	25	25	25	24	96
26.	NR	Connecticut 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	28
27.	18	Kansas 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	35
28.	37	California 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	61
29.	45	Virginia 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	2
30.	38	West Virginia 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	100
31.	19	Georgia Tech 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	46
32.	40	Oregon State 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	25
33.	NR	Louisville 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	53
34.	17	Pittsburgh 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	71
35.	42	Notre Dame 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	86
36.	47	South Carolina 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	49
37.	26	Virginia Tech 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	19
38.	31	Wake Forest 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	45
39.	25	Northwestern 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	90
40.	27	Boston College 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	92
41.	NR	Troy 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	76
42.	36	Cincinnati 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	63
43.	NR	Air Force 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	70
44.	44	Fresno State 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	112
45.	NR	Navy 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	38
46.	50	Miami (FL) 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	20
47.	46	Nebraska 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	39
48.	41	Arizona 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	94
49.	39	Illinois 4-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	21
50.	NR	Wisconsin 4-4	NR	NR	NR	NR	26

Just Outside: Iowa, Vanderbilt, Mississippi, Kentucky, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Colorado, Auburn, Clemson, Tennessee, UCLA, Stanford

BCS Bowl Predictions: If the Season Ended After Week Eight

Dan Boss — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:43:31 -0400

Texas has solidified its number one ranking by beating Missouri. Alabama stayed right behind them with a win as well. There are still several teams in the hunt for a BCS berth, especially after the homestretch drama last season.

This article lists the BCS teams and bowl matchups if the season ended today. It is based on the BCS rankings and the bowl selection process. There are some changes from last week.

BCS Top 25

1.	Texas
2.	Alabama
3.	Penn State
4.	Oklahoma
5.	USC
6.	Oklahoma State
7.	Georgia
8.	Texas Tech
9.	Ohio State
10.	Florida
11.	Utah
12.	Boise State
13.	LSU
14.	TCU
15.	Missouri
16.	South Florida
17.	Pittsburgh
18.	Georgia Tech
19.	Tulsa
20.	Ball State
21.	Brigham Young
22.	Northwestern
23.	Kansas
24.	Minnesota
25.	Florida State

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Alabama.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Georgia Tech as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Oklahoma to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing conference champion Texas to the national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects Georgia to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference champion Alabama to the national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Ohio State with first pick in bowl rotation. Only other available teams are South Florida and Utah.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects Big East conference champion South Florida with second pick in bowl rotation. Only other available team left is Utah.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Utah with third and final pick in bowl rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being ranked ahead of a conference champion (Georgia Tech and South Florida).

Bowl Matchups

BCS National Championship

Texas vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl

Oklahoma vs. Ohio State

Sugar Bowl

Georgia vs. South Florida

Orange Bowl

Georgia Tech vs. Utah

Rose Bowl

USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams by Conference

ACC: 1

Georgia Tech (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1

South Florida (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 2

Penn State (Conference Champion)

Ohio State (At-Large)

Big 12: 2

Texas (Conference Champion)

Oklahoma (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1

USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2

Alabama (Conference Champion)

Georgia (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 1

Utah (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Nine Edition

Dan Boss — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:28:52 -0400

Week Eight was highlighted by Texas backing up its No. 1 ranking by putting up 51 points en route to a win over Missouri. Alabama and Penn State each won to remain undefeated and on the Longhorns' heals.

Ohio State won easily at Michigan State, preparing a monster game next week against Penn State.

One BCS buster bit the dust, as TCU crushed BYU. There are still several non-BCS teams in the hunt, though. Utah and Boise State have the inside track to crashing the party.

After yet another exciting week in college football, the top 50 teams have shuffled positions again. Here are the top programs after eight weeks of football. There are some changes from last week. The first BCS poll was released and will be included in this series for the remainder of the season.

	LW	*Team*	*BCS*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	1	Texas 7-0	1	1	1	1	12
2.	2	Oklahoma 6-1	4	4	5	4	3
3.	3	Alabama 7-0	2	2	2	2	53
4.	4	USC 5-1	5	6	4	6	28
5.	5	Penn State 8-0	3	3	3	3	82
6.	6	Florida 5-1	10	5	7	5	39
7.	7	Georgia 6-1	7	9	9	9	5
8.	11	Ohio State 7-1	9	10	10	10	8
9.	9	Oklahoma State 7-0	6	7	8	7	67
10.	10	Texas Tech 7-0	8	8	6	8	81
11.	14	LSU 5-1	13	11	11	11	75
12.	15	Utah 8-0	11	12	12	12	77
13.	13	Boise State 6-0	12	13	13	13	59
14.	8	Missouri 5-2	15	16	16	16	2
15.	25	TCU 7-1	14	15	15	14	49
16.	21	South Florida 6-1	16	14	14	15	80
17.	24	Pittsburgh 5-1	17	17	20	17	41
18.	17	Kansas 5-2	23	19	18	18	32
19.	26	Georgia Tech 6-1	18	21	21	20	45
20.	12	Brigham Young 6-1	21	18	17	19	87
21.	30	Tulsa 7-0	19	22	19	21	113
22.	27	Florida State 5-1	25	24	23	24	48
23.	28	Ball State 7-0	20	20	22	22	115
24.	29	Minnesota 6-1	24	25	25	25	50
25.	32	Northwestern 6-1	22	NR	24	NR	74
26.	16	Virginia Tech 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	20
27.	45	Boston College 5-1	NR	23	NR	23	99
28.	19	Michigan State 6-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	29
29.	18	North Carolina 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	22
30.	23	Vanderbilt 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	57
31.	20	Wake Forest 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	56
32.	34	Kentucky 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	51
33.	35	Oregon 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	98
34.	NR	Iowa 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	43
35.	NR	Maryland 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	86
36.	36	Cincinnati 5-1	NR	NR	NR	NR	85
37.	22	California 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	62
38.	43	West Virginia 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	111
39.	40	Illinois 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	21
40.	39	Oregon State 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	30
41.	NR	Arizona 5-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	106
42.	33	Notre Dame 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	63
43.	47	Colorado 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	6
44.	46	Fresno State 4-2	NR	NR	NR	NR	116
45.	NR	Virginia 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	9
46.	38	Nebraska 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	16
47.	31	South Carolina 5-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	37
48.	NR	East Carolina 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	94
49.	49	Auburn 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	95
50.	41	Miami(FL) 4-3	NR	NR	NR	NR	44

Just Outside: Connecticut, Wisconsin, Air Force, Central Michigan, Tennessee, Western Michigan, Arkansas, Mississippi, Clemson, Stanford, UCLA

Mock BCS Rankings: Texas and Alabama Heading to Miami

Dan Boss — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 06:29:41 -0400

The official BCS rankings will be revealed in two days on Oct. 19, 2008. They will reflect the results of games this weekend. Until then, here is the formula I used to rank the teams. I used the formula from this web site and modified it accordingly.

The formula used is divided into three parts.

1) Divide each team's points in the Harris Interactive Poll by 2,850. This is the total number of points a team may receive to be ranked number one. For example, Texas has 2,805 points. Therefore, 2,805 divided by 2,850 equals 0.984210526.

2) Divide each team's points in the USA Today Coaches' Poll by 1,500. This is the total number of points a team may receive to be ranked number one assuming there are 60 voters. For example, Texas has 1,505 points. Therefore, 1,505 divided by 1,500 equals 1.003333333. There must be more than 60 voters in this poll.

3) Average each team's ranking in the six computer polls (Wolf, Colley, Sagarin, Seattle Times, Billingsley, and Massey). The Wolf poll has not been released yet. Normally, you throw out each team's highest and lowest rankings. You then add the remaining four rankings and divide them by four to get an average.

Since there are only five polls currently, I threw out the high and low rankings and divided the remaining three by three to get an average ranking. For example, the three remaining rankings for Texas are all 1.0—therefore their average would also be 1.0.

Finally, you add the three parts together to get each team's final BCS rating. You then rank them from lowest rating to the highest. For example, Texas would be 0.984210526 + 1.003333333 + 1.0, which equals 2.9875. That is the lowest ranking, thus making Texas the top ranked team in the BCS poll.

Here is my mock BCS ranking. Notice LSU is unranked because of poor computer rankings. Their average ranks them 30th.

I did not take into account BYU's loss last night.

BCS Top 25

Rank	Team	Average
1.	Texas	2.9875
2.	Alabama	3.9336
3.	Penn State	6.5236
4.	USC	7.0686
5.	Oklahoma State	7.9107
6.	Utah	8.5770
7.	Boise State	9.5308
8.	Ohio State	10.4819
9.	Oklahoma	11.2804
10.	Texas Tech	11.7371
11.	Michigan State	12.5706
12.	Georgia	13.8272
13.	Florida	15.0749
14.	Virginia Tech	16.3065
15.	BYU	16.2191
16.	Missouri	16.3952
17.	Wake Forest	17.4373
18.	North Carolina	17.8647
19.	Ball State	20.4386
20.	Georgia Tech	23.7690
21.	South Florida	24.3123
22.	TCU	24.7433
23.	California	24.6266
24.	Connecticut	25.8152
25.	Vanderbilt	26.8049

Just Outside: Northwestern, Minnesota, Kansas, Florida State, LSU

BCS Bowl Predictions: If the Season Ended after Week Seven

Dan Boss — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:58:03 -0400

Texas finds itself at the front of the college football pack after beating Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Alabama stayed right behind them with a bye week. Other teams are still in the BCS bowl picture as well.

This article lists the BCS teams and bowl matchups if the season ended today. It is based on the AP poll since the BCS rankings are not released until Oct. 19. There are some changes from last week.

BCS Eligible Teams

1.	Texas
2.	Alabama
3.	Penn State
4.	Oklahoma
5.	Florida
6.	USC
7.	Texas Tech
8.	Oklahoma State
9.	Brigham Young
10.	Georgia
11.	Missouri
12.	Ohio State
13.	LSU
14.	Utah
15.	Boise State
16.	Kansas
17.	Virginia Tech
18.	North Carolina
19.	South Florida

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Alabama.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Virginia Tech as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Oklahoma to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing
	conference champion Texas to the national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects Florida to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference champion Alabama to the national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Big East conference champion South Florida with first pick in bowl rotation. Only other available teams are Brigham Young and Boise State.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects auto-bid Brigham Young with second pick in bowl rotation.
	Only other available team left is Boise State.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Boise State with third and final pick in bowl
	rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being
	ranked ahead of a conference champion (Virginia Tech and South Florida).

Bowl Matchups

BCS National Championship

Texas vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl

Oklahoma vs. South Florida

Sugar Bowl

Florida vs. Brigham Young

Orange Bowl

Virginia Tech vs. Boise State

Rose Bowl

USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams by Conference

ACC: 1

Virginia Tech (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1

South Florida (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 1

Penn State (Conference Champion)

Big 12: 2

Texas (Conference Champion)
Oklahoma (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1

USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2

Alabama (Conference Champion)
Florida (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 2

Brigham Young (Auto-Bid)
Boise State (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Eight Edition

Dan Boss — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:45:47 -0400

The story of Week Seven was key Big 12 games. Texas leaped to the number one spot in the nation by defeating previous number one Oklahoma in a Red River Rivalry shootout. Oklahoma State remained undefeated by upsetting Missouri.

Penn State gave its reason for being a top five team by going into Camp Randall and demolishing Wisconsin.

In another upset, Florida creamed LSU.

After yet another exciting week in college football, the top 50 teams have shuffled positions again. Here are the top programs after Week Eight compared to last week.

	LW	*Team*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	4	Texas 6-0	1	1	1	26
2.	1	Oklahoma 5-1	4	6	4	3
3.	3	Alabama 6-0	2	2	2	46
4.	5	USC 4-1	6	4	6	14
5.	8	Penn State 7-0	3	3	3	72
6.	15	Florida 5-1	5	7	5	50
7.	6	Georgia 5-1	10	9	10	19
8.	2	Missouri 5-1	11	12	11	18
9.	20	Oklahoma State 6-0	8	10	7	64
10.	10	Texas Tech 6-0	7	5	8	93
11.	9	Ohio State 6-1	12	11	14	24
12.	12	Brigham Young 6-0	9	8	9	106
13.	14	Boise State 5-0	15	16	15	38
14.	7	LSU 4-1	13	14	12	78
15.	13	Utah 7-0	14	13	13	75
16.	16	Virginia Tech 5-1	17	18	16	23
17.	17	Kansas 5-1	16	15	17	60
18.	21	North Carolina 5-1	18	21	19	16
19.	22	Michigan State 6-1	20	17	18	45
20.	19	Wake Forest 4-1	21	19	21	30
21.	18	South Florida 5-1	19	20	20	44
22.	25	California 4-1	25	22	22	63
23.	11	Vanderbilt 5-1	22	23	24	71
24.	27	Pittsburgh 4-1	23	NR	23	54
25.	32	TCU 6-1	NR	NR	NR	63
26.	28	Georgia Tech 5-1	NR	NR	NR	13
27.	30	Florida State 4-1	NR	NR	NR	22
28.	29	Ball State 7-0	24	25	25	103
29.	NR	Minnesota 6-1	NR	NR	NR	57
30.	33	Tulsa 6-0	NR	NR	NR	117
31.	NR	South Carolina 5-2	NR	NR	NR	56
32.	31	Northwestern 5-1	NR	NR	NR	58
33.	35	Notre Dame 4-2	NR	NR	NR	34
34.	34	Kentucky 4-2	NR	NR	NR	40
35.	39	Oregon 5-2	NR	NR	NR	97
36.	40	Cincinnati 5-1	NR	NR	NR	100
37.	48	Connecticut 5-1	NR	NR	NR	41
38.	41	Nebraska 3-3	NR	NR	NR	1
39.	43	Oregon State 3-3	NR	NR	NR	10
40.	26	Illinois 3-3	NR	NR	NR	11
41.	NR	Miami(FL) 3-3	NR	NR	NR	42
42.	24	Wisconsin 3-3	NR	NR	NR	27
43.	47	West Virginia 4-2	NR	NR	NR	114
44.	NR	Western Michigan 6-1	NR	NR	NR	110
45.	50	Boston College 4-1	NR	NR	NR	118
46.	38	Fresno State 4-2	NR	NR	NR	115
47.	42	Colorado 3-3	NR	NR	NR	2
48.	44	Mississippi 3-3	NR	NR	NR	7
49.	23	Auburn 4-3	NR	NR	NR	92
50.	37	Clemson 3-3	NR	NR	NR	20

Just Outside: Stanford, Arkansas, Maryland, Iowa, Navy, Arizona, Air Force, Virginia, Central Michigan, Kansas State

Big Ten Midseason Report (Part III): Receivers

Dan Boss — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:53:41 -0400

The season is half over, but a few receivers from the Big Ten have already separated themselves from the pack. The Penn State trio may be the best receiving corp in the conference, but neither of them are the best receiver so far.

This series breaks down each position for the Big Ten teams. This article is Part III and highlights the receivers in the conference. Part I covered the quarterbacks and Part II the running backs.

Here are the Big Ten receivers, ranked by how they have performed so far. The rankings take into consideration receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Only receivers with 10 or more receptions are listed.

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
1.	No. 7	Eric Decker	Minnesota	Junior	6'2"	215	Cold Spring, MN

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Eric Decker caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown in a 35-23 win over Montana State. He also rushed three times for 26 yards.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	50	696	4
Big Ten Rank	1	1	T1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
2.	No. 6	Desmond Tardy	Purdue	Senior	6'1"	199	Indianapolis, IN

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Desmond Tardy had 10 receptions for 175 yards and a touchdown in a loss at Notre Dame.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	25	393	2
Big Ten Rank	T3	3	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
3.	No. 9	Arrelious Benn	Illinois	Sophomore	6'2"	214	Washington, DC

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Arrelious Benn caught four passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a loss at Penn State.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	25	382	2
Big Ten Rank	T3	4	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
4.	No. 2	Mark Dell	Michigan State	Sophomore	6'2"	188	Farmington Hills, MI

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Mark Dell caught nine balls for 202 yards and a touchdown in a loss at California.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	20	443	2
Big Ten Rank	T9	2	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
5.	No. 80	Andy Brodell	Iowa	Senior	6'3"	202	Ankeny, IA

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Andy Brodell had eight receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Northwestern.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	20	278	2
Big Ten Rank	T9	T8	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
6.	No. 21	Greg Orton	Purdue	Senior	6'3"	199	Dayton, OH

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Greg Orton caught four passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win against Northern Colorado.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	30	330	1
Big Ten Rank	2	5	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
7.	No. 24	Jordan Norwood	Penn State	Senior	5'11"	171	State College, PA

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Jordan Norwood caught five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win at Syracuse.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	18	318	4
Big Ten Rank	T16	6	T1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
8.	No. 3	Deon Butler	Penn State	Senior	5'10"	168	Fairfax, VA

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Deon Butler caught seven balls for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win at Syracuse.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	19	311	2
Big Ten Rank	T11	7	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
9.	No. 80	Brian Robiskie	Ohio State	Senior	6'3"	199	Cleveland, OH

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Brian Robiskie caught eight passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-21 win over Minnesota.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	22	213	4
Big Ten Rank	T6	20	T1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*10.*	No. 10	Eric Peterman	Northwestern	Senior	6'1"	200	Sherman, IL

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Eric Peterman caught five passes for 47 yards and two touchdowns in a 22-17 win at Iowa. He also rushed one time for 15 yards.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	19	242	2
Big Ten Rank	T11	12	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*11.*	No. 15	Derrell Johnson-Koulianos	Iowa	Sophomore	6'1"	205	Campbell, OH

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had three receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over Florida International. He also rushed one time for six yards.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	21	274	1
Big Ten Rank	8	10	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*12.*	No. 8	Rasheed Ward	Northwestern	Senior	5'11"	180	Chicago, IL

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Rasheed Ward caught 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown in a 22-17 win at Iowa.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	22	233	1
Big Ten Rank	T6	15	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*13.*	No. 2	Derrick Williams	Penn State	Senior	6'0"	194	Washington, DC

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Derrick Williams had six receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown in a 38-24 win against Illinois.. He also rushed six times for 33 yards and a touchdown.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	19	240	1
Big Ten Rank	T11	13	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*14.*	No. 9	Martavious Odoms	Michigan	Freshman	5'9"	171	Pahokee, FL

Highlight

October 4, 2008

Martavious Odoms caught seven passes for 129 yards in a loss to Illinois.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	23	253	0
Big Ten Rank	5	11	T25

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*15.*	No. 83	Brandon Myers	Iowa	Senior	6'4"	250	Prairie City, IA

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Brandon Myers had three receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over Florida International.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	16	202	2
Big Ten Rank	T19	21	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*16.*	No. 9	Brian Hartline	Ohio State	Junior	6'2"	186	North Canton, OH

Highlight

September 20, 2008

Brian Hartline caught two balls for 55 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-10 win against Troy.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	13	226	2
Big Ten Rank	25	16	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*17.*	No. 8	Keith Smith	Purdue	Junior	6'2"	226	Fort Hood, TX

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Keith Smith had six catches for 67 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over Northern Colorado.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	19	198	1
Big Ten Rank	T11	22	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*18.*	No. 13	Will Judson	Illinois	Senior	5'8"	163	Miami, FL

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Will Judson caught five passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns in a loss at Missouri.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	11	223	2
Big Ten Rank	T29	17	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*19.*	No. 13	Greg Mathews	Michigan	Junior	6'3"	207	Honolulu, HI

Highlight

October 4, 2008

Greg Mathews had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Illinois.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	15	221	1
Big Ten Rank	T21	18	T15

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*20.*	No. 3	B.J. Cunningham	Michigan State	Freshman	6'2"	205	Westerville, OH

Highlight

October 4, 2008

B.J. Cunningham had four receptions for 76 yards in a 16-13 win against Iowa.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	15	278	0
Big Ten Rank	T21	T8	T25

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*21.*	No. 7	Ray Fisher	Indiana	Junior	5'9"	172	Cleveland, OH

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Ray Fisher caught seven balls for 43 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Michigan State.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	18	111	2
Big Ten Rank	T16	34	T5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*22.*	No. 9	Ross Lane	Northwestern	Senior	6'3"	190	Ft. Myers, FL

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Ross Lane had six receptions for 66 yards in a 22-17 win at Iowa.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	19	219	0
Big Ten Rank	T11	19	T25

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*23.*	No. 13	Andrew Means	Indiana	Junior	6'0"	215	Avon Lake, OH

Highlight

September 20, 2008

Andrew Means caught four passes for 103 yards in a loss to Ball State.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	17	236	0
Big Ten Rank	18	14	T25

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*24.*	No. 89	Garrett Graham	Wisconsin	Junior	6'4"	237	Brick, NJ

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Garrett Graham had four receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win against Marshall.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	11	154	3
Big Ten Rank	T29	27	4

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*25.*	No. 85	David Gilreath	Wisconsin	Sophomore	5'11"	165	New Hope, MN

Highlight

September 27, 2008

David Gilreath had five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown in a loss at Michigan.

Stats

	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	14	167	1
Big Ten Rank	24	25	T15

Honorable Mention:

Michael Hoomanawuni, Illinois
Demarlo Belcher, Indiana
Jack Simmons, Minnesota
Ben Kuznia, Minnesota
Ray Small, Ohio State
Kyle Jefferson, Wisconsin
Travis Beckum, Wisconsin
Terrance Turner, Indiana
Blair White, Michigan State
Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State
Brandon Whittington, Purdue

Big Ten Midseason Report (Part II): Running Backs

Dan Boss — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:21:19 -0400

Halfway through the season, the Big Ten has backed up its claim of being a rushing conference. Although the power I-formation is nearing an end in the conference and the spread is starting to take over, the running backs have still rushed with success.

This series breaks down each position for the Big Ten teams. This article is Part II and will focus on the running backs in the conference. Part I covered the quarterbacks and Part III will cover the receivers.

Here are the Big Ten running backs, ranked by how they have performed so far. The rankings take into consideration rushing yards, yards per carry, rushing touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Only backs with 25 or more rushing attempts are listed.

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
1.	No. 19	Tyrell Sutton	Northwestern	Senior	5'9"	200	Akron, OH

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Tyrell Sutton rushed 17 times for 101 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-7 win over Southern Illinois. He also caught five passes for 16 yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	464	5.3	5	18	156	1
Big Ten Rank	6	9	T4	1	2	T3

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
2.	No. 24	Kory Sheets	Purdue	Senior	6'0"	206	Manchester, CT

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Kory Sheets rushed for 180 yards on 29 attempts with two touchdowns in a loss to Oregon. He also caught four passes for 17 yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	498	5.4	8	17	139	0
Big Ten Rank	5	8	T2	2	T3	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
3.	No. 22	Evan Royster	Penn State	Sophomore	6'1"	212	Fairfax, VA

Highlight

October 4, 2008

Evan Royster had 18 rushing attempts for 141 yards and a touchdown in a 20-6 win at Purdue. He also caught four balls for 53 yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	659	7.8	8	8	88	0
Big Ten Rank	3	2	T2	T7	8	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
4.	No. 2	Marcus Thigpen	Indiana	Junior	5'9"	199	Detroit, MI

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Marcus Thigpen rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries in a loss to Michigan State. He also caught two passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	279	7.5	4	8	210	2
Big Ten Rank	12	3	T8	T7	1	T1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
5.	No. 23	Javon Ringer	Michigan State	Senior	5'9"	202	Dayton, OH

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Javon Ringer rushed 34 times for 135 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-10 win against Eastern Michigan. He also had one reception for eight yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	988	4.7	12	7	60	0
Big Ten Rank	1	T13	1	9	9	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
6.	No. 23	Shonn Greene	Iowa	Junior	5'11"	235	Sicklerville, NJ

Highlight

September 27, 2008

Shonn Greene had 21 attempts for 159 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Northwestern. He also caught one pass for five yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	822	6.4	5	5	22	0
Big Ten Rank	2	6	T4	T10	15	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
7.	No. 22	Daniel Dufrene	Illinois	Junior	5'11"	201	Fort Lauderdale, FL

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Daniel Dufrene rushed 19 times for 126 yards in a 20-17 win against Louisiana-Lafayette. He also caught three passes for 24 yards and a touchdown.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	442	6.0	0	13	139	2
Big Ten Rank	7	7	22	4	T3	T1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
8.	No. 23	DeLeon Eskridge	Minnesota	Freshman	5'11"	190	San Francisco, CA

Highlight

September 20, 2008

DeLeon Eskridge rushed for 78 yards on 19 attempts with two touchdowns in a blowout win over Florida Atlantic. He also caught six passes for 61yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	354	3.8	5	16	123	0
Big Ten Rank	10	T18	T4	3	6	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
9.	No. 39	P.J. Hill	Wisconsin	Junior	5'11"	236	East Elmhurst, NY

Highlight

August 30, 2008

P.J. Hill had 26 rushing attempts for 210 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-17 win over Akron.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	512	4.7	5	3	38	0
Big Ten Rank	4	13	T4	T14	10	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*10.*	No. 2	Sam McGuffie	Michigan	Freshman	5'11"	185	Cypress, TX

Highlight

September 13, 2008

Sam McGuffie rushed 25 times for 131 yards in a loss at Notre Dame. He also caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	319	3.8	3	12	97	1
Big Ten Rank	11	T18	T11	T5	7	T3

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*11.*	No. 21	Stephfon Green	Penn State	Freshman	5'10"	189	Bronx, NY

Highlight

September 20, 2008

Stephfon Green rushed for 132 yards and a touchdown on nine carries in a blowout win over Temple. He also had one reception for 17 yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	368	6.9	4	3	21	0
Big Ten Rank	9	4	T8	T14	16	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*12.*	No. 28	Chris Wells	Ohio State	Junior	6'1"	237	Akron, OH

Highlight

October 4, 2008

In his second game back from a toe injury, Chris Wells carried the ball 22 times for 168 yards and a touchdown in a 20-17 win at Wisconsin.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	385	7.9	2	4	10	0
Big Ten Rank	8	1	T13	13	18	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*13.*	No. 22	Duane Bennett	Minnesota	Sophomore	5'9"	202	Fairview Heights, IL

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Duane Bennett rushed 18 times for 92 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-27 win over Northern Illinois. He also caught four passes for 25 yards.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	140	4.4	2	12	125	1
Big Ten Rank	17	17	T13	T5	5	T3

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*14.*	No. 32	John Clay	Wisconsin	Freshman	6'2"	237	Racine, WI

Highlight

September 6, 2008

John Clay had 11 rushing attempts for 54 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win over Marshall.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	260	6.7	4	0	0	0
Big Ten Rank	14	5	T8	T21	T20	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*15.*	No. 1	Daniel Herron	Ohio State	Freshman	5'10"	193	Warren, OH

Highlight

September 20, 2008

Daniel Herron rushed 20 times for 94 yards in a 28-10 win against Troy.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	262	4.5	1	5	10	0
Big Ten Rank	13	T15	T18	T10	13	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*16.*	No. 29	Omar Conteh	Northwestern	Senior	6'0"	205	Cypress, TX

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Omar Conteh rushed 12 times for 71 yards in a 30-10 win over Syracuse.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	136	3.2	2	5	32	0
Big Ten Rank	T18	22	T13	T10	12	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*17.*	No. 30	Zach Brown	Wisconsin	Sophomore	5'11"	207	Royal Palm, FL

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Zach Brown rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in a blowout win over Akron.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	174	5.1	2	1	7	0
Big Ten Rank	15	T10	T13	T19	19	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*18.*	No. 20	Shady Salamon	Minnesota	Freshman	5'10"	185	South St. Paul, MN

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Shady Salamon rushed 12 times for 64 yards and a touchdown in a win at Bowling Green.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	136	4.9	3	1	13	0
Big Ten Rank	T18	12	T11	T19	17	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*19.*	No. 27	Jewel Hampton	Iowa	Freshman	5'9"	200	Indianapolis, IN

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Jewel Hampton rushed nine times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout win over Maine.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	154	5.1	2	0	0	0
Big Ten Rank	16	T10	T13	T21	T20	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*20.*	No. 5	Mikel LeShoure	Illinois	Freshman	6'0"	240	Champaign, IL

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Mikel LeShoure had 10 rushing attempts for 49 yards in a 47-21 win over Eastern Illinois.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	95	3.8	1	3	35	0
Big Ten Rank	22	T18	T18	T14	11	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*21.*	No. 27	Bryan Payton	Indiana	Junior	5'9"	205	Fort Wayne, IN

Highlight

August 30, 2008

Bryan Payton rushed nine times for 57 yards in a 31-13 win against Western Kentucky.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	133	3.6	1	2	23	0
Big Ten Rank	21	21	T18	T17	14	T6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*22.*	No. 22	Demetrius McCray	Indiana	Junior	5'11"	200	Brandon, FL

Highlight

September 6, 2008

Demetrius McCray rushed eight times for 47 yards and a touchdown in a blowout win over Murray State.

Stats

	Rush Yds.	YPC	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	TD
	134	4.5	1	2	-1	0
Big Ten Rank	20	T15	T18	T17	22	T6

BCS Bowl Predictions: If the Season Ended After Week Six

Dan Boss — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:43:31 -0400

Oklahoma and Alabama find themselves in the middle of BCS conversations and predictions. Other teams are in the mix as well.

This article lists the BCS teams and bowl matchups if the season ended today. It is based on the AP poll since the BCS rankings are not released until Oct. 19. There are some changes from last week.

BCS Eligible Teams

1.	Oklahoma
2.	Alabama
3.	Missouri
4.	LSU
5.	Texas
6.	Penn State
7.	Texas Tech
8.	USC
9.	Brigham Young
10.	Georgia
11.	Florida
12.	Ohio State
13.	Vanderbilt
14.	Utah
15.	Boise State
16.	Kansas
17.	Oklahoma State
18.	Virginia Tech
19.	South Florida

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Alabama.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Virginia Tech as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Missouri to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing
	conference champion Oklahoma to national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects LSU to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference champion Alabama to national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Big East conference champion South Florida with first pick in bowl rotation. Only other available teams are Brigham Young and Boise State.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects auto-bid Brigham Young with second pick in bowl rotation.
	Only other available team left is Boise State.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Boise State with third and final pick in bowl
	rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being
	ranked ahead of a conference champion (Virginia Tech and South Florida).

Bowl Matchups

BCS National Championship

Oklahoma vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl

Missouri vs. South Florida

Sugar Bowl

LSU vs. Brigham Young

Orange Bowl

Virginia Tech vs. Boise State

Rose Bowl

USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams By Conference

ACC: 1

Virginia Tech (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1

South Florida (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 1

Penn State (Conference Champion)

Big 12: 2

Oklahoma (Conference Champion)
Missouri (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1

USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2

Alabama (Conference Champion)
LSU (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 2

Brigham Young (Auto-Bid)
Boise State (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Seven Edition

Dan Boss — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:30:57 -0400

Week Six didn't see upsets like the previous week, but it was an exciting week of college football nonetheless. There were some key conference games, and there are many more to come.

Ohio State beat Wisconsin in Camp Randall. Vanderbilt stayed undefeated by getting by Auburn. USC destroyed Pac-10 foe Oregon.

After six weeks of football, a few teams have separated from the pack. There are still a few non-BCS teams looking to crash the party. In fact, there are three teams ahead of ACC leader Virginia Tech in the AP poll.

Enough said. Here are Week Seven's top 50 college football programs. Notice the changes from last week.

	LW	*Team*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	1	Oklahoma 5-0	1	1	1	27
2.	3	Missouri 5-0	3	2	3	4
3.	2	Alabama 6-0	2	4	2	28
4.	5	Texas 5-0	5	5	5	58
5.	8	USC 3-1	8	9	7	18
6.	6	Georgia 4-1	10	10	10	5
7.	4	LSU 4-0	4	3	4	103
8.	7	Penn State 6-0	6	6	6	68
9.	13	Ohio State 5-1	12	11	12	25
10.	10	Texas Tech 5-0	7	7	8	95
11.	19	Vanderbilt 5-0	13	14	13	34
12.	9	Brigham Young 5-0	9	8	9	118
13.	12	Utah 6-0	14	13	14	51
14.	14	Boise State 4-0	15	16	15	31
15.	17	Florida 4-1	11	12	11	93
16.	20	Virginia Tech 5-1	18	18	17	11
17.	15	Kansas 4-1	16	15	18	64
18.	11	South Florida 5-1	19	20	19	50
19.	21	Wake Forest 3-1	21	21	22	30
20.	24	Oklahoma State 5-0	17	17	16	106
21.	38	North Carolina 4-1	22	NR	20	35
22.	26	Michigan State 5-1	23	19	24	46
23.	18	Auburn 4-2	20	23	21	74
24.	16	Wisconsin 3-2	NR	24	NR	44
25.	31	California 4-1	NR	25	23	54
26.	27	Illinois 3-2	NR	NR	NR	10
27.	NR	Pittsburgh 4-1	24	NR	25	53
28.	36	Georgia Tech 4-1	NR	NR	NR	20
29.	28	Ball State 6-0	25	NR	NR	88
30.	32	Florida State 4-1	NR	NR	NR	26
31.	30	Northwestern 5-0	NR	22	NR	100
32.	33	TCU 5-1	NR	NR	NR	63
33.	37	Tulsa 5-0	NR	NR	NR	104
34.	34	Kentucky 4-1	NR	NR	NR	29
35.	42	Notre Dame 4-1	NR	NR	NR	39
36.	NR	Arizona 4-1	NR	NR	NR	119
37.	41	Clemson 3-2	NR	NR	NR	24
38.	22	Fresno State 3-2	NR	NR	NR	113
39.	23	Oregon 4-2	NR	NR	NR	101
40.	45	Cincinnati 4-1	NR	NR	NR	56
41.	35	Nebraska 3-2	NR	NR	NR	1
42.	47	Colorado 3-2	NR	NR	NR	2
43.	40	Oregon State 2-3	NR	NR	NR	3
44.	39	Mississippi 3-3	NR	NR	NR	9
45.	NR	Purdue 2-3	NR	NR	NR	14
46.	43	Duke 3-2	NR	NR	NR	50
47.	NR	West Virginia 3-2	NR	NR	NR	99
48.	25	Connecticut 5-1	NR	NR	NR	69
49.	44	Michigan 2-3	NR	NR	NR	19
50.	NR	Boston College 4-1	NR	NR	NR	115

Just Outside: Iowa, South Carolina, Miami (FL), Arizona State, Minnesota, Maryland, Nevada, East Carolina, Navy, Air Force

Big Ten Midseason Report (Part I): Quarterbacks Led By Penn State's Daryll Clark

Dan Boss — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:32:15 -0400

The season is nearing the midway point. So far, Penn State tops the Big Ten standings. Illinois and Ohio State are right behind. They are all led by their dual-threat quarterbacks in Daryll Clark, Juice Williams, and Terrelle Pryor.

This series breaks down each position for the Big Ten teams. This article is Part I and will focus on the quarterbacks in the conference. Part II will showcase the running backs.

Here are the Big Ten quarterbacks, ranked by how they have performed so far. The rankings take into consideration rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, passing yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions, completion percentage, and quarterback rating.

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
1.	#17	Daryll Clark	Penn State	Junior	6'2"	231	Youngstown, OH

Highlight:

Sept. 6, 2008

Daryll Clark completed 14-of-23 passes for 215 yards in a 45-14 win over Oregon State. He threw for two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran five times for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	133	4	1116	9	1	64.5	162.46
Big Ten Rank	4	T1	5	2	T1	4	1

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
2.	#8	Adam Weber	Minnesota	Sophomore	6'3"	220	Shoreview, MN

Highlight:

Sept. 6, 2008

Adam Weber completed 21-of-25 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns in a win at Bowling Green. He also rushed 11 times for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	55	2	1428	8	2	67.8	145.55
Big Ten Rank	7	5	1	3	T3	1	3

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
3.	#7	Juice Williams	Illinois	Junior	6'2"	233	Chicago, IL

Highlight:

Oct. 4, 2008

Juice Williams completed 13-of-26 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns in a 45-20 win at Michigan. He also had 19 rushing attempts for 121 yards and two more touchdowns. He set the Michigan stadium record for all-purpose yards with 431 yards.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	404	4	1215	11	6	57.0	146.03
Big Ten Rank	1	T1	3	1	T13	11	2

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
4.	#2	Terrelle Pryor	Ohio State	Freshman	6'6"	235	Jeannette, PA

Highlight:

Oct. 4, 2008

Terrelle Pryor completed 13-of-19 passes for 144 yards in a 20-17 win at Wisconsin. He also rushed for 20 yards on 15 carries and the game-winning touchdown with 1:08 left in the game.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	312	4	440	5	2	64.6	140.71
Big Ten Rank	3	T1	12	T5	T3	3	5

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
5.	#12	Ricky Stanzi	Iowa	Sophomore	6'4"	225	Mentor, OH

Highlight:

Sept. 6, 2008

Ricky Stanzi completed 8-of-10 passes for 162 yards in a 42-0 blowout win against Florida International. He threw three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 30 yards on five attempts.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	16	0	822	5	4	65.0	142.55
Big Ten Rank	10	T9	8	T5	T9	2	4

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
6.	#15	Kellen Lewis	Indiana	Junior	6'1"	185	Jacksonville, FL

Highlight:

Aug. 30, 2008

Kellen Lewis went 17-of-27 for 144 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Western Kentucky. He also rushed nine times for 185 yards and two more touchdowns.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	375	3	817	4	4	60.9	125.07
Big Ten Rank	2	4	9	T10	T9	7	7

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
7.	#18	C.J. Bacher	Northwestern	Senior	6'2"	210	Sacramento, CA

Highlight:

Sept. 27, 2008

C.J. Bacher completed 28-of-45 passing attempts for 284 yards in a 22-17 win at Iowa. He threw for three touchdowns. He also ran three times for 15 yards.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	107	0	1042	6	6	59.4	113.90
Big Ten Rank	5	T9	6	4	T13	8	12

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
8.	#17	Todd Boeckman	Ohio State	Senior	6'4"	244	St. Henry, OH

Highlight:

Aug. 30, 2008

Todd Boeckman went 14-of-19 for 187 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout against Youngstown State. He also rushed four times for 10 yards.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	17	0	446	3	2	64.5	121.53
Big Ten Rank	9	T9	11	12	T3	4	9

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
9.	#10	Steven Threet	Michigan	Freshman	6'6"	230	Adrian, MI

Highlight:

Oct. 4, 2008

Steven Threet completed 18-of-35 passes for 250 yards in a loss to Illinois. He threw two touchdown passes.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	21	1	372	2	1	58.9	122.94
Big Ten Rank	8	T6	13	13	T1	9	8

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*10.*	#6	Jake Christensen	Iowa	Junior	6'1"	215	Lockport, IL

Highlight:

September 20, 2008

Jake Christensen completed 12-of-24 passes for 124 yards in a close loss at Pittsburgh. He also rushed for 17 yards on nine carries and a touchdown.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	21	1	372	2	1	58.9	122.94
Big Ten Rank	8	T6	13	13	T1	9	8

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*11.*	#12	Curtis Painter	Purdue	Senior	6'4"	230	Vincennes, IN

Highlight:

Sept. 6, 2008

Curtis Painter completed 15-of-28 passes for 286 yards in a win against Northern Colorado. He threw two touchdown passes in the game.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	11	0	1225	5	5	57.6	114.87
Big Ten Rank	12	T9	2	T5	12	10	11

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*12.*	#4	Allan Evridge	Wisconsin	Senior	6'2"	212	Papillon, Neb.

Highlight:

Sept. 6, 2008

Allan Evridge went 17-for-26 for 308 yards and a touchdown in a 51-14 win against Marshall.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	-22	0	899	5	4	56.6	125.42
Big Ten Rank	14	T9	7	T5	T9	12	6

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*13.*	#7	Brian Hoyer	Michigan State	Senior	6'3"	215	North Olmsted, OH

Highlight:

Sept. 27, 2008

Brian Hoyer completed 14-of-26 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns in a win at Indiana. He also ran for five yards and a touchdown.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	-7	1	1145	4	3	47.7	116.15
Big Ten Rank	13	T6	4	T10	T7	14	10

			Team	Year	Height	Weight	Hometown
*14.*	#8	Nick Sheridan	Michigan	Sophomore	6'1"	212	Saline, MI

Highlight:

Aug. 30, 2008

Nick Sheridan completed 11-of-19 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown in a 25-23 loss to Utah. He also rushed for two yards.

Stats:

	Rush Yds.	TD	Pass Yds.	TD	Int	Comp. %	QB Rating
	12	0	192	1	3	62.1	108.40
Big Ten Rank	11	9	14	14	T7	6	13

BCS Bowl Predictions: If The Season Ended After Week 5

Dan Boss — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:44:36 -0400

The season didn't end after week 4. If it did end after Week Five, however, these would be your BCS bowl eligible teams and possible bowl match-ups. This is based on the AP Top 25 since the BCS poll isn't available yet.

BCS Eligible Teams

1.	Oklahoma
2.	Alabama
3.	LSU
4.	Missouri
5.	Texas
6.	Penn State
7.	Texas Tech
8.	Brigham Young
9.	USC
10.	South Florida
11.	Georgia
12.	Florida
13.	Auburn
14.	Ohio State
15.	Utah
16.	Kansas
17.	Boise State
18.	Wisconsin
19.	Vanderbilt
20.	Virginia Tech

BCS Bowl Picture

1.	BCS National Championship selects No.1 Oklahoma and No.2 Alabama.
2.	Orange Bowl selects ACC conference champion Virginia Tech as tie-in.
3.	Rose Bowl selects Pac-10 conference champion USC as tie-in.
4.	Rose Bowl selects Big Ten conference champion Penn State as tie-in.
5.	Fiesta Bowl selects Missouri to keep Big 12 conference tie-in after losing
	conference champion Oklahoma to national championship game.
6.	Sugar Bowl selects LSU to keep SEC conference tie-in after losing conference
	champion Alabama to national championship game.
7.	Fiesta Bowl selects Big East conference champion South Florida with first pick
	in bowl rotation. Only other available teams left are Ohio State and Brigham
	Young.
8.	Sugar Bowl selects at-large Ohio State with second pick in bowl rotation. Only
	other available team left is Brigham Young.
9.	Orange Bowl selects auto-bid Brigham Young with third and final pick in bowl
	rotation. Obligation to choose team because they were an auto-bid by being
	ranked ahead of a conference champion (Virginia Tech).

Bowl Match-Ups

BCS National Championship
Oklahoma vs. Alabama

Fiesta Bowl
Missouri vs. South Florida

Sugar Bowl
LSU vs. Ohio State

Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech vs. Brigham Young

Rose Bowl
USC vs. Penn State

BCS Teams By Conference

ACC: 1
Virginia Tech (Conference Champion)

Big East: 1
South Florida (Conference Champion)

Big Ten: 2
Penn State (Conference Champion)
Ohio State (At-Large)

Big 12: 2
Oklahoma (Conference Champion)
Missouri (At-Large)

Pac-10: 1
USC (Conference Champion)

SEC: 2
Alabama (Conference Champion)
LSU (At-Large)

Non-BCS: 1
Brigham Young (Auto-Bid)

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Six Edition

Dan Boss — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:18:28 -0400

Week five was an exciting week of college football for some and devastating for others. If anyone still thinks this year will be back to normal after last year's upsets and drama, they should leave predictions to the likes of Nostradamus.

There were six ranked teams upset on Saturday as well as USC on Thursday. Cinderella lost her slipper again as East Carolina lost its magic. There are some potential BCS crashers left.

Here are the top 50 college football teams heading into week six. Much has changed since last week.

	LW	*Team*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	4	Oklahoma 4-0	1	1	1	20
2.	8	Alabama 5-0	2	4	2	23
3.	3	Missouri 4-0	4	3	3	46
4.	6	LSU 4-0	3	2	4	84
5.	9	Texas 4-0	5	5	5	62
6.	2	Georgia 4-1	11	10	9	9
7.	11	Penn State 5-0	6	6	6	88
8.	1	USC 2-1	9	9	8	48
9.	10	Brigham Young 4-0	8	7	7	111
10.	13	Texas Tech 4-0	7	8	10	110
11.	14	South Florida 5-0	10	10	11	82
12.	12	Utah 5-0	15	15	15	12
13.	17	Ohio State 4-1	14	12	13	63
14.	16	Boise State 3-0	17	18	17	2
15.	20	Kansas 3-1	16	16	18	21
16.	7	Wisconsin 3-1	18	17	16	31
17.	5	Florida 3-1	12	13	12	103
18.	19	Auburn 4-1	13	14	14	95
19.	22	Vanderbilt 4-0	19	19	19	30
20.	27	Virginia Tech 4-1	20	24	21	3
21.	14	Wake Forest 3-1	25	25	25	27
22.	24	Fresno State 3-1	22	21	20	96
23.	26	Oregon 4-1	23	20	23	100
24.	32	Oklahoma State 4-0	21	22	22	105
25.	31	Connecticut 5-0	24	23	24	93
26.	38	Michigan State 4-1	NR	NR	NR	54
27.	21	Illinois 2-2	NR	NR	NR	24
28.	33	Ball State 5-0	NR	NR	NR	81
29.	59	Maryland 4-1	NR	NR	NR	92
30.	43	Northwestern 5-0	NR	NR	NR	86
31.	37	California 3-1	NR	NR	NR	41
32.	41	Florida State 3-1	NR	NR	NR	5
33.	23	TCU 4-1	NR	NR	NR	44
34.	36	Kentucky 4-0	NR	NR	NR	87
35.	28	Nebraska 3-1	NR	NR	NR	11
36.	39	Georgia Tech 3-1	NR	NR	NR	50
37.	35	Tulsa 4-0	NR	NR	NR	116
38.	NR	North Carolina 3-1	NR	NR	NR	65
39.	49	Mississippi 3-2	NR	NR	NR	10
40.	NR	Oregon State 2-2	NR	NR	NR	36
41.	18	Clemson 3-2	NR	NR	NR	13
42.	NR	Notre Dame 3-1	NR	NR	NR	22
43.	NR	Duke 3-1	NR	NR	NR	26
44.	NR	Michigan 2-2	NR	NR	NR	6
45.	48	Cincinnati 3-1	NR	NR	NR	59
46.	40	Arizona State 2-2	NR	NR	NR	25
47.	29	Colorado 3-1	NR	NR	NR	79
48.	44	Minnesota 4-1	NR	NR	NR	43
49.	30	Miami(FL) 2-2	NR	NR	NR	56
50.	25	East Carolina 3-2	NR	NR	NR	69

Just Outside: Boston College, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Iowa, West Virginia, Nevada, Arizona, South Carolina, Air Force, Louisiana Tech

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Five Edition

Dan Boss — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:42:41 -0400

Two games and two bye weeks later, USC has managed to keep the top spot. There are many teams waiting for USC to make a mistake. The SEC and Big 12 have multiple teams trying to avoid the upset bug this year. There are several non-BCS teams trying to crash the party.

After four weeks of fighting for position, here are your top 50 college football teams. There are some changes from last week.

LW	*Team*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1. 1	USC (2-0)	1	1	1	17
2. 2	Georgia (4-0)	3	3	3	50
3. 3	Missouri (4-0)	6	5	5	26
4. 4	Oklahoma (3-0)	2	2	2	84
5. 6	Florida (3-0)	4	4	4	67
6. 8	LSU (3-0)	5	6	6	45
7. 5	Wisconsin (3-0)	9	8	9	7
8. 10	Alabama (4-0)	8	10	8	20
9. 9	Texas (3-0)	7	7	7	83
10. 12	Brigham Young (4-0)	11	11	11	86
11. 18	Penn State (4-0)	12	12	10	97
12. 21	Utah (4-0)	17	17	17	16
13. 14	Texas Tech (4-0)	10	9	12	118
14. 11	South Florida (4-0)	13	14	14	69
14. 15	Wake Forest (3-0)	16	15	16	39
16. 26	Boise State (3-0)	19	20	19	6
17. 17	Ohio State (3-1)	14	13	15	93
18. 22	Clemson (3-1)	20	19	20	9
19. 7	Auburn (3-1)	15	16	13	87
20. 19	Kansas (3-1)	18	18	18	51
21. 24	Illinois (2-1)	22	21	22	22
22. 30	Vanderbilt (4-0)	21	25	21	59
23. 25	TCU (4-0)	24	23	23	76
24. 23	Fresno State (2-1)	25	24	24	63
25. 13	East Carolina (3-1)	23	NR	25	65
26. 16	Oregon (3-1)	NR	22	NR	57
27. 31	Virginia Tech (3-1)	NR	NR	NR	11
28. 29	Nebraska (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	12
29. NR	Colorado (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	55
30. 49	Miami(FL) (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	19
31. 33	Connecticut (4-0)	NR	NR	NR	79
32. 32	Oklahoma State (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	120
33. 47	Ball State (4-0)	NR	NR	NR	21
34. 20	West Virginia (1-2)	NR	NR	NR	18
35. 41	Tulsa (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	113
36. 36	Kentucky (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	36
37. 38	California (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	64
38. NR	Michigan State (3-1)	NR	NR	NR	73
39. 50	Georgia Tech (3-1)	NR	NR	NR	62
40. 28	Arizona State (2-2)	NR	NR	NR	14
41. 27	Florida State (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	2
42. 39	South Carolina (2-2)	NR	NR	NR	8
43. 42	Northwestern (4-0)	NR	NR	NR	112
44. 46	Minnesota (4-0)	NR	NR	NR	72
45. NR	Louisville (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	5
46. 48	Purdue (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	54
47. 44	Nevada (1-2)	NR	NR	NR	4
48. NR	Cincinnati (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	104
49. NR	Mississippi (2-2)	NR	NR	NR	25
50. 40	UCF (1-2)	NR	NR	NR	29

Just Outside: Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA, Air Force, Pittsburgh, Arkansas, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Maryland, Iowa.

Dan's College Football Top 50: Week Four Edition

Dan Boss — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:42:12 -0400

College football is off to a quick start. People who said this year would be back to normal have been wrong already. Upsets and Cinderellas have populated the college football world after only three weeks. One thing is for sure: There is a clear-cut number one team.

I have decided to create my own college football poll. I cannot compare to the minds who make up the AP, USA Today, and ESPN polls. Therefore, I have formulated a ranking system taking into account those polls as well as each team's strength of schedule. Here are your top 50 programs this season thus far.

	*Team*	AP	*USA*	*ESPN*	*SOS*
1.	USC (2-0)	1	1	1	55
2.	Georgia (3-0)	3	3	3	37
3.	Missouri (3-0)	5	5	5	43
4.	Oklahoma (3-0)	2	2	2	96
5.	Wisconsin (3-0)	8	8	8	20
6.	Florida (2-0)	4	4	4	111
7.	Auburn (3-0)	10	9	9	40
8.	LSU (2-0)	6	6	6	95
9.	Texas (2-0)	7	7	7	85
10.	Alabama (3-0)	9	13	10	58
11.	South Florida (3-0)	12	16	16	3
12.	Brigham Young (3-0)	14	11	14	49
13.	East Carolina (3-0)	15	17	16	24
14.	Texas Tech (3-0)	11	10	14	105
15.	Wake Forest (2-0)	18	18	19	13
16.	Oregon (3-0)	17	12	11	99
17.	Ohio State (2-1)	13	14	13	101
18.	Penn State (3-0)	16	15	12	100
19.	Kansas (2-1)	19	19	20	55
20.	West Virginia (1-1)	21	22	21	5
21.	Utah (3-0)	20	20	18	46
22.	Clemson (2-1)	23	21	22	62
23.	Fresno State (1-1)	25	NR	24	35
24.	Illinois (2-1)	22	23	NR	69
25.	TCU (3-0)	NR	NR	24	50
26.	Boise State (2-0)	NR	NR	NR	22
27.	Florida State (2-0)	24	25	23	117
28.	Arizona State (2-1)	NR	24	NR	59
29.	Nebraska (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	4
30.	Vanderbilt (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	45
31.	Virginia Tech (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	7
32.	Oklahoma State (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	107
33.	Connecticut (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	65
34.	Iowa (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	56
35.	North Carolina (2-0)	NR	NR	NR	118
36.	Kentucky (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	25
37.	Tennessee (1-1)	NR	NR	NR	112
38.	California (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	80
39.	South Carolina (1-2)	NR	NR	NR	33
40.	UCF (1-1)	NR	NR	NR	1
41.	Tulsa (2-0)	NR	NR	NR	113
42.	Northwestern (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	84
43.	Notre Dame (2-0)	NR	NR	NR	75
44.	Nevada (1-2)	NR	NR	NR	15
45.	UCLA (1-1)	NR	NR	NR	17
46.	Minnesota (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	66
47.	Ball State (3-0)	NR	NR	NR	82
48.	Purdue (1-1)	NR	NR	NR	27
49.	Miami (FL) (1-1)	NR	NR	NR	28
50.	Georgia Tech (2-1)	NR	NR	NR	54

Just Outside: Cincinnati, Michigan, Michigan State, Arizona, Colorado, Boston College, Mississippi, Arkansas

College Football Showdown: No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes Visit No. 1 USC Trojans

Dan Boss — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:29:04 -0400

The most anticipated college football game of the season has finally arrived. The recent play of Ohio State has diminished the game a little. However, it will prove to be a very good game between two programs that have some of college football's best fans and traditions.

The two teams are very evenly matched on paper. The game could be decided by a number of factors. Here are some factors that may provide one of these teams with a victory.

Ohio State QBs vs. USC Secondary

Todd Boeckman and Terrelle Pryor will have their hands full throwing the ball. USC's secondary is very talented. Cary Harris, Shareece Wright, Taylor Mays, and Kevin Ellison will make it very difficult for the Buckeyes to get in a rhythm passing the ball.

Boeckman tends to struggle in these situations. The QBs must be very prepared in this game in a hostile atmosphere.

Advantage: USC Secondary

Ohio State Defensive Line vs. USC Offensive Line

The Buckeye defensive line is led by LE Lawrence Wilson, fresh off of his broken leg last season. Cameron Heyward looks good as well. The DT position features a strong rotation of Dexter Larimore, Todd Denlinger, Nader Abdallah, and Doug Worthington. They should be able to penetrate the USC line.

However, once they get their hands on Sanchez, they must tackle him. Although not a typical dual-threat QB, Sanchez can roll out and make things happen with his legs. Ohio State penetrated well against Ohio but failed to make tackles.

Advantage: Ohio State Defensive Line

Ohio State LBs vs. USC TEs

The Ohio State LB position is loaded. Ross Homan, James Laurinaitis, and Marcus Freeman make up possibly the best LB trio in college football. Only a few other teams can argue with that, including USC.

Behind these three are multiple other players capable of making an impact. They should be able to contain the USC TE's when they go out for a pass and should be able to get through them in a run block.

Advantage: Ohio State LB's

Ohio State Secondary vs. Mark Sanchez

The Ohio State secondary, led by All-American Malcolm Jenkins, is a good group of players. They will work hard against talented USC receivers all day and try to prevent Mark Sanchez from making big plays.

As long as the Buckeye defense can penetrate and disrupt Sanchez in the pocket, the secondary will have a chance to make a play on some balls.

Donald Washington needs to catch up quickly after coming back from his suspension as well as back-up safety Jamario O'Neal.

Sanchez will make some big plays with his receivers, but Ohio State needs to keep them to a minimum.

Advantage: Ohio State Secondary

Home Field Advantage

USC gets the advantage of playing this mammoth of a game at home in L.A. The Buckeyes are used to playing in front of large crowds. However, it isn't often they play such a huge non-conference game away from the Horseshoe.

Terrelle Pryor and other young players who contribute will be nervous. The Buckeyes need to get the crowd out of the game early and often to have a chance.

Advantage: USC

Momentum

Ohio State is coming off a terrible performance against Ohio at home last week. They were without Heisman candidate Chris "Beanie" Wells due to a foot injury. Also, CB Donald Washington and S Jamario O'Neal did not play because of suspensions.

These factors, however didn't play much of a role in the game. Ohio State played bad as a team.

USC, on the other hand, is coming off a bye week after dismantling Virginia. USC has had more time to prepare but also hasn't played in two weeks.

They need to make sure there isn't any rust, while Ohio State needs to prove they've prepared for them all season, resulting in a poor performance against Ohio.

Advantage: USC

Injuries & Suspensions

Both teams have dealt with injuries. Mark Sanchez for the Trojans injured his knee in spring training. However he came back with only about a week of practice to have an excellent game against Virginia. He has had two weeks to let it heal even more.

Chris Wells for Ohio State has been cleared to play Saturday, but who knows what percent he will be. Also, Ohio State has to deal with a couple of suspensions. Donald Washington and Jamario O'Neal have just returned and need to play catch up if they want to contribute against USC.

Advantage: USC

X Factors

LB Trios

USC and Ohio State probably have the two best LB trios in the nation. Both have experience and a tremendous amount of talent. Whichever trio makes the most plays and least amount of mistakes could propel their team to a close victory.

Turnovers

A high-profile game such as this one often comes down to turnovers. When teams are so close in talent, they can make a big difference. Ohio State is known for having one of the best defenses year after year, but do not produce many turnovers. The team with the most turnovers in this game will most likely lose.

Terrelle Pryor

The highly touted freshman QB Terrelle Pryor may only see limited action on Saturday. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel barely played him against Ohio, especially in pressure situations. Pryor will be nervous in his first game in a hostile environment.

He'll have to do more than just run in this game as the USC LB's are good enough to stop him to a minimal gain. If he can get loose and shake a few tackles, he could be a factor in this game. He must be prepared because Youngstown State and Ohio's defenses combined aren't as talented as USC's.

Overall Advantage: USC slightly

Who Are the Top 10 All-Time College Football Teams in the Clutch?

Dan Boss — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:26:58 -0400

Bowl games are very important to the teams that play in them. Many teams are in bowl games year after year, but don't play up to expectations. Some teams, on the other hand, don't make it to the postseason every year, but know how to win when they do.

These programs know how to play in the clutch. You can bet on these teams to kick it up a notch and win a bowl game this year, that is if they make it there. They are listed from the least to the greatest difference in postseason winning percentage and all-time winning percentage, since 1945.

10. Troy Trojans

The Troy Trojans have played 25 games in the postseason, winning 15 of them for a .600 winning percentage. Their all-time winning percentage is .572.

Difference: .028

9. Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss has a 19-11 record in bowl games, a winning percentage of .633. Its all-time percentage is .593.

Difference: .040

8. Central Michigan Chippewas

The Chippewas have played in nine games, winning six of them to result in a .667 winning percentage. Their all-time percentage is .592.

Difference: .075

7. Toledo Rockets

The Toledo Rockets have an impressive postseason record of 13-6, which equals a .684 winning percentage, compared to their all-time percentage of .562.

Difference: .122

6. Boston College Eagles

Boston College has a very high postseason winning percentage of .706 with a record of 12-5. The Eagles' all-time winning percentage is merely .569.

Difference: .137

5. Utah Utes

The Utes of Utah have won nine games in 13 tries with a percentage of .692. This is quite above their .542 all-time percentage.

Difference: .150

4. Memphis Tigers

The Memphis Tigers have only played in six games but have won four of them, meaning a .667 winning percentage compared to only a .508 all-time percentage.

Difference: .159

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Cowboys have fared well in the postseason with an 11-6 record or .647 winning percentage. Their all-time percentage is below .500 at .484.

Difference: .163

2. Oregon State Beavers

Oregon State has a .636 winning percentage by posting a 7-4 record. Its all-time percentage, however, is much below .500 at .422.

Difference: .214

1. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest have played in nine postseason games and won six of them. This results in a .667 winning percentage. Their all-time winning percentage is a very low .392.

Difference: .275

Wake Forest is a BCS contender this year. If the Deacons make it there, they have a good chance of winning the bowl game. Although a long shot, they could make an appearance in the national championship.

Wherever the Demon Deacons end up this season, you can bet on them winning. They may not make postseason appearances every year, but they make the most of it. They are a team that wins in the clutch.

I would like to thank michigan-football.com for providing the statistics used in this article.

BCS Predictions: Oklahoma, Ohio State Top Seeds in Playoffs

Dan Boss — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:02:17 -0400

College football needs a playoff system. However, that is the subject of other articles. Let's pretend there is one, and see what happens. This article is based on my previous article, BCS Bowl Predictions: Ohio State and Oklahoma Claim Top Spots.

Rather than be satisfied with the normal BCS bowl games, I decided to take it a step further. I seeded eight teams in a playoff system and predicted who won each game. I also declared a national champion. Read on.

Final BCS Poll

1. Oklahoma (13-0)
2. Ohio State (12-0)
3. Georgia (12-1)
4. USC (11-1)
5. Florida (11-1)
6. Clemson (12-1)
7. South Florida (11-1)
8. Missouri (11-2)
9. North Carolina (11-2)
10. West Virginia (10-2)
11. Utah (11-1)
12. Michigan State (10-2)
13. Tennessee (10-2)
14. Texas (10-2)
15. Wake Forest (10-2)
16. Wisconsin (9-3)
17. Brigham Young (10-2)
18. Texas Tech (9-3)
19. Washington (10-2)
20. Penn State (9-3)
21. LSU (9-3)
22. Auburn (9-4)
23. Florida State (9-3)
24. Arizona State (9-3)
25. Fresno State (10-2)

In order to create a playoff, eight teams would be best to compete. Each conference champion would be a lock, as well as any non-BCS teams that would qualify for a BCS berth under the BCS selection rules.

Therefore, using my final BCS poll, the following teams would be included: Oklahoma, Ohio State, Georgia, USC, Florida, Clemson, Utah, and West Virginia. South Florida, Missouri, and North Carolina would not be eligible because they are not conference champions. South Florida would have been included if it wasn't for Utah. The playoff seeds would be as follows:

Playoff Seeds

1.  Oklahoma
2.  Ohio State
3.  Georgia
4.  USC
5.  Florida
6.  Clemson
7.  West Virginia
8.  Utah

The seeds determine the team matchups. The top seed faces the bottom seed, the second seed faces the seventh seed, etc. Therefore, these would be the playoff matches. The projected winners are in bold and italics.

First-Round Playoff Matchups

1. Oklahoma vs. 8. Utah
2. Ohio State vs. 7. West Virginia
3. Georgia vs. 6. Clemson
4. USC vs. 5. Florida

Oklahoma will burst Utah's bubble early by beating them handily. Ohio State will win an interesting matchup by a close margin as it struggles defending the spread offense. West Virginia's defense won't be able to stop the Ohio State offense. Georgia will beat Clemson by a decent margin. Florida will upset USC in possibly the most exciting matchup of the playoffs.

Now it's time for the Final Four. Once again, the projected winners are in bold and italics.

Final Four Matchups

1. Oklahoma vs. 5. Florida
2. Ohio State vs. 3. Georgia

The top-two seeds advance to stun the SEC. Oklahoma holds off a Florida team that almost pulls off another upset. Oklahoma's defense makes enough stops to slide into the national championship. Tim Tebow has a good game, but it's not good enough. Ohio State finally proves it can beat an SEC team by nipping Georgia. Terrelle Pryor saves the Buckeyes in this game as he makes a few big plays down the stretch, and the Buckeyes defense holds Knowshon Moreno in check to secure a berth in the national championship.

BCS National Championship Game

1. Oklahoma vs. 2. Ohio State

The third time is the charm for the Ohio State Buckeyes. A magical season comes to an end with them on the top again. They finally beat an SEC team on their way to a second national championship under coach Jim Tressel.

Oklahoma puts up a fight but the very balanced Buckeyes prove to be too tough. Todd Boeckman struggles again in the spotlight, but is saved by Chris Wells, who becomes one of the few players to perform well in the championship game after winning the Heisman Trophy.

The Ohio State Redeem Team is no longer criticized around the nation, except for their fans. Columbus is declared a national disaster zone after rioting engulfs the entire city.

BCS Bowl Predictions: Ohio State and Oklahoma Claim Top Spots

Dan Boss — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:15:56 -0400

The football season starts in just over a week. To fuel some fire, I went through the whole season to see where teams could fall for the final BCS poll and who would be playing in BCS bowls. The following is what I concluded:

Final BCS Poll

1.   Oklahoma (13-0)
2.   Ohio State (12-0)
3.   Georgia (12-1)
4.   USC (11-1)
5.   Florida (11-1)
6.   Clemson (12-1)
7.   South Florida (11-1)
8.   Missouri (11-2)
9.   North Carolina (11-2)
10. West Virginia (10-2)
11. Utah (11-1)
12. Michigan State (10-2)
13. Tennessee (10-2)
14. Texas (10-2)
15. Wake Forest (10-2)
16. Wisconsin (9-3)
17. Brigham Young (10-2)
18. Texas Tech (9-3)
19. Washington (10-2)
20. Penn State (9-3)
21. LSU (9-3)
22. Auburn (9-4)
23. Florida State (9-3)
24. Arizona State (9-3)
25. Fresno State (10-2)

Just Missed Out: Pittsburgh, Tulsa, Virginia Tech, Miami (FL), and Texas A&M

BCS Automatic Bids

Oklahoma (Big 12 Champs and BCS #1)
Ohio State (Big 10 Champs and BCS #2)
Georgia (SEC Champs)
USC (Pac-10 Champs)
Clemson (ACC Champs)
West Virginia (Big East Champs)
Utah (At-Large)

BCS Bowl Matchups

Orange Bowl
Clemson vs. Utah

Explanation: Orange Bowl selects Clemson with ACC ties. Must select Utah because it is the last bowl in the rotation to pick and is left with Utah as an at-large bid. Utah qualifies by being in the top 12 of the BCS standings.

Sugar Bowl
Georgia vs. *West Virginia
*Other possible teams: South Florida or North Carolina

Explanation: Sugar Bowl selects Georgia with SEC ties. Is second in the pick rotation. Assuming Fiesta Bowl already picked Florida, the Sugar Bowl is left with either West Virginia or Utah and selects the better of the two. If Fiesta picks West Virginia, the Sugar Bowl must choose between South Florida or North Carolina.

Fiesta Bowl
Missouri vs. *Florida
*Other possible team: West Virginia

Explanation: Fiesta Bowl selects Missouri with Big 12 ties and with second behind Rose Bowl due to losing automatic tie in Oklahoma to the championship game. Is first in the pick rotation and can select either Florida or West Virginia. Most likely to pass on Big East Champion for top SEC team in Florida.

Rose Bowl
Michigan State vs. USC

Explanation: Rose Bowl selects Michigan State with Big 10 ties and with first pick due to losing automatic tie in Ohio State to the championship game. Selects USC with Pac-10 ties.

BCS National Championship
Oklahoma vs. Ohio State

Explanation: BCS selects Oklahoma and Ohio State with top two spots in BCS final poll.

Brett Favre: The Man. The Legend. The Genius?

Dan Boss — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:56:05 -0400

Brett Favre is the man. Brett Favre is a legend. And Brett Favre is a genius.

Brett Favre will always be remembered for his records and loyal devotion to Green Bay, Wisconsin. He will always be the man and legend that fans across the world adore and respect. He will always be remembered for retiring and returning to a different team. He will not be remembered for why he did it.

The bottom line is that Favre is a genius. He chose not to follow the path of the fallen men before him. He purposely retired to save the fans of Green Bay from pain and anguish. But why? Pain from what?

It is simple. What do Eddie George, Daunte Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Michael Vick, Ray Lewis, Donovan McNabb, Shaun Alexander, Vince Young, and Brett Favre have in common? They all were featured on the cover of Madden. How is Favre different from the rest? He had a plan.

Brett Favre learned from the past, and used it to predict the future. He knew the Madden Curse was inevitable. Each player before him became damaged goods.

George gave away the playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens and was injured the following year. Culpepper had a season-ending knee injury. Faulk injured his ankle and never ran for 1,000 yards again. Vick broke his leg in the first preseason game and turned to dog fighting. Lewis broke his wrist. McNabb had a sports hernia. Alexander broke a bone in his foot in the first game of the season. Young threw 17 interceptions with only nine touchdowns.

Favre decided to retire. Not because he wanted to, but because he had to. He knew if he stayed in Green Bay, their season would be ruined. During Favre's brief retirement, he spent much time watching movies. After watching the series of Final Destination movies, a light bulb flickered in his brain. He knew how to beat the system.

He realized he didn't have to give up the sport he loved or ruin his beloved fans and city for years to come. Favre decided to come back to the NFL and came back to Green Bay with the desire to be traded.

Favre loved Green Bay so much that he wanted to be traded within the division. Why? So in case he was injured he would help his old team win the division by diminishing the success of his new team.

Of course, the Packers' organization was blind and stupid. They traded him to the Jets, which didn't benefit them in any way. If only they had half the brain that Favre has, they could have seen it. Now they have broken the curse, and must watch the Jets flourish with their quarterback while their new leader Rodgers suffers the consequences.

Brett, you tried. It isn't your fault. I wish you much luck this season. Break a leg in New York! (In a theatrical sense, not literally).

College Football 2008 Bowl Predictions

Dan Boss — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:10:43 -0400

The 2008 college football season will be an exciting one. The SEC is the toughest conference in football, but balanced. Other conferences try to play catch up this season. Each BCS conference looks to send a team to the National Championship while a couple of non-BCS schools try to shake things up.

Here is what the bowl schedule might look like at the end of the season:

Congressional Bowl (New)

Navy (Automatic Bid) vs. *UTEP (At-large)
*ACC loses bid with not enough teams, leaving the No. 9 spot vacant. Nine teams are bowl eligible, but two of them are in BCS bowls.

St. Petersburg Bowl (New)

*Western Michigan (At-large) vs. East Carolina (C-USA No. 4)
*Big East loses bid with not enough teams. Five bowl eligible teams already playing in other bowls.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

Utah (Mountain West No. 2) vs. UCLA (Pac-10 No. 7)

R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Southern Miss (C-USA No. 5) vs. Florida Atlantic (Sun Belt Champ)

PapaJohns.com Bowl

*Nevada (At-large) vs. Troy (Sun Belt No. 2)
*SEC loses lowest bid with not enough teams. Eight teams bowl eligible, but two of them are in BCS bowls.
Big East loses bid with not enough teams. Sun Belt is bowl’s alternate conference affiliation.

New Mexico Bowl

Boise State (WAC No. 2) vs. New Mexico (Mountain West No. 4)

Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl

BYU (Mountain West Champ) vs. Washington (Pac-10 No. 6)

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii (Automatic Bid) vs. Arizona (Pac-10 No. 5)

Motor City Bowl

Central Michigan (MAC Champ) vs. Iowa (Big Ten No. 7)

Champs Sports Bowl

Miami(FL) (ACC No. 4) vs. Michigan State (Big Ten No. 5)

Texas Bowl

Colorado (Big 12 No. 8) vs. *Notre Dame (At-large)
*Big East loses bid with not enough teams. All bowl eligible teams in other bowls.

Emerald Bowl

Georgia Tech (ACC No. 7) vs. California (Pac-10 No. 4)

Meineke Car Care Bowl

Boston College (ACC No. 6) vs. Pittsburgh (Big East No. 3)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Tulsa (C-USA Champ) vs. *Texas A&M (At-large)
*SEC loses bid with not enough teams. All bowl eligible teams in other bowls.

Valero Alamo Bowl

Michigan (Big Ten No. 4) vs. Nebraska (Big 12 No. 5)

Petro Sun Independence Bowl

South Carolina (SEC No. 7) vs. Oklahoma State (Big 12 No. 6)

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Houston (C-USA No. 3) vs. TCU (Mountain West No. 3)

Brut Sun Bowl

Oregon (Pac-10 No. 3) vs. Cincinnati (Big East No. 4)

Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl

Maryland (ACC No. 8) vs. Fresno State (WAC Champ)

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl

Kentucky (SEC No. 6) vs. Florida State (ACC No. 5)

Insight Bowl

Indiana (Big Ten No. 6) vs. Kansas (Big 12 No. 6)

International Bowl

Rutgers (Big East No. 5) vs. Bowling Green (MAC No. 2)

GMAC Bowl

UCF (C-USA No. 2) vs. Miami (OH) (MAC No. 3)

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

Arizona State (Pac-10 No. 2) vs. Texas (Big 12 No. 3)

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Wake Forest (ACC No. 2) vs. Alabama (SEC No. 5)

Outback Bowl

Penn State (Big Ten No. 3) vs. LSU (SEC No. 4)

AT&T Cotton Bowl

Texas Tech (Big 12 No. 2) vs. Tennessee (SEC No. 3)

Gator Bowl

South Florida (Big East No. 2) vs. North Carolina (ACC No. 3)

Capital One Bowl

Illinois (Big Ten No. 2) vs. Florida (SEC No. 2)

Rose Bowl

Wisconsin (Big Ten, BCS) vs. USC (Pac-10, BCS)

FedEx Orange Bowl

Clemson (ACC, BCS) vs. West Virginia (Automatic Bid, BCS)

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Georgia (SEC, BCS) vs. *Virginia Tech (At-large, BCS)
*Gains bid by reaching ACC championship game while Wake Forest does not. Also over Arizona State because Pac-10 has no championship game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Missouri (Big 12, BCS) vs. *Auburn (At-large, BCS)
*Gains bid by reaching SEC championship game while Florida does not. Also over Arizona State.

BCS National Championship

Oklahoma (BCS No. 1) vs. Ohio State (BCS No. 2)

College Football Top 25: Toughest Road To BCS National Championship

Dan Boss — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:33:54 -0400

The 2008 college football season is just around the corner. It is time to look at the early top 25 teams. Each team has a different path to a berth in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game in Miami. Some are harder than others.

Let's take a look at these teams and the opponents they play. Who has the toughest road to Miami? Who has control of their destiny?

The list below uses the ESPN Top 25 last updated on June 25.

25. BYU

Key Games: @ Washington, UCLA, @TCU, @ Utah

Perfect Scenario: Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Florida, Clemson, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Missouri, Auburn, Texas, and LSU all lose at least one game.

Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, and Florida lose two games. BYU wins all games.

24. Fresno State

Key Games: Wisconsin, @UCLA

Perfect Scenario: All teams mentioned above lose at least one game as well as BYU, Tennessee, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Kansas, Illinois, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Oregon, and Wake Forest.

Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Florida, Clemson, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Missouri, and Auburn lose two games. Fresno State wins all games including Wisconsin.

23. Pittsburgh

Key Games: @Notre Dame, West Virginia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Illinois all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Pittsburgh wins all games including West Virginia.

22. West Virginia

Key Games: @Colorado, Auburn, @Pittsburgh

Perfect Scenario: Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Florida, and Clemson all lose at least one game. West Virginia wins all games including Pittsburgh.

21. Wake Forest

Key Games: @Florida State, Clemson, @Miami(FL), Virginia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Oregon all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Wake Forest wins all games including Clemson and ACC championship game.

20. Clemson

Key Games: Alabama, @Wake Forest, @Florida State, @Virginia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, and Florida all lose at least one game. Clemson wins all games and ACC championship game.

19. Virginia Tech

Key Games: @Florida State, @Miami(FL), Virginia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Pittsburgh all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Virginia Tech wins all games and ACC championship game.

18. USC

Key Games: Ohio State, Oregon, Arizona State, Notre Dame

Perfect Scenario: Georgia, Ohio State, and Oklahoma all lose at least one game. USC wins all games including Ohio State.

17. Ohio State

Key Games: @USC, @Wisconsin, Penn State, @Illinois, Michigan

Perfect Scenario: Georgia loses a game. Ohio State wins all games including USC and Michigan.

16. Notre Dame

Key Games: @Michigan State, Pittsburgh, @USC

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Oregon all lose at least one game as well as Wake Forest, Fresno State, and Penn State. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Notre Dame wins all games including Pittsburgh and USC.

15. Oregon

Key Games: @USC, @Arizona State, @California

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Virginia Tech all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Oregon wins all games including USC and Arizona State.

14. Wisconsin

Key Games: @Fresno State, Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Arizona State all lose at least one game. Georgia through Florida lose two games. Wisconsin wins all games including Ohio State.

13. Penn State

Key Games: Illinois, @Wisconsin, Michigan, @Ohio State

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Fresno State all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Penn State wins all games including Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.

12. Arizona State

Key Games: Georgia, @California, @USC, Oregon

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Tennessee all lose at least one game. Georgia through Florida lose two games. Arizona State wins all games including Georgia and USC.

11. Missouri

Key Games: Illinois, @Texas, Kansas

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Texas Tech all lose at least one game. Missouri wins all games including Big 12 championship game.

10. Oklahoma

Key Games: Texas, Kansas, Texas Tech

Perfect Scenario: Georgia and Ohio State each lose one game. Oklahoma wins all games including Big 12 championship game.

9. Illinois

Key Games: @Missouri, @Penn State, @Wisconsin, Ohio State

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Kansas all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Illinois wins all games including Missouri, Wisconsin, and Ohio State.

8. Texas Tech

Key Games: @Kansas, Texas, @Oklahoma

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through West Virginia all lose one game. Texas Tech wins all games including Oklahoma and Big 12 championship game.

7. Florida

Key Games: Miami(FL), @Tennessee, LSU, @Georgia, @Florida State

Perfect Scenario: Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC all lose one game. Florida wins all games including Georgia and SEC championship game.

6. LSU

Key Games: @Auburn, @Florida, Georgia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Texas all lose at least one game. Georgia through Florida lose two games. LSU wins all games including Auburn, Florida, Georgia, and SEC championship game.

5. Auburn

Key Games: LSU, Tennessee, @West Virginia, Georgia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Missouri all lose at least one game. Auburn wins all games including West Virginia, Georgia, and SEC championship game.

4. Tennessee

Key Games: Florida, @Auburn, @Georgia

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through BYU all lose at least one game. Georgia through Florida lose two games. Tennessee wins all games including Florida, Auburn, Georgia, and SEC championship game.

3. Texas

Key Games: @Oklahoma, Missouri, @Texas Tech, Kansas

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Auburn all lose at least one game. Texas wins all games including Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas Tech, and Big 12 championship game.

2. Kansas

Key Games: @Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, @ Missouri

Perfect Scenario: Georgia through Wisconsin all lose at least one game. Georgia through Auburn lose two games. Kansas wins all games including Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Missouri, and Big 12 championship game.

And the toughest road to Miami is....

1. Georgia

Key Games: @Arizona State, Tennessee, @LSU, Florida, @Auburn

Perfect Scenario: Georgia wins all games including SEC championship game.

Big Ten Versus SEC: Controversy Over Non-Conference Scheduling

Dan Boss — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:34:06 -0400

A recent controversy surrounding "cupcake" non-conference schedules provoked me to write this article.

The Big Ten, Ohio State especially, has been accused of scheduling weak non-conference schedules. Therefore, I put together a point system to rank the strength of non-conference schedule in the two conferences. The point system is as follows:

Away game versus projected top 25 opponent = 8 points

Home game versus projected top 25 opponent = 7 points

Away game versus BCS opponent = 6 points

Home game versus BCS opponent = 5 points

Away game versus non-BCS opponent = 4 points

Home game versus non-BCS opponent = 3 points

Away game versus FCS opponent = 2 points

Home game versus FCS opponent = 1 point

The following is all of the teams in the SEC and Big Ten, ranked in order from weakest non-conference schedule to strongest:

23. Indiana—Western Kentucky, Murray State, Ball State, Central Michigan

10 Points

22. LSU—Appalachian State, Troy, North Texas, Tulane

10 Points

Tie Break: Appalachian State

21. Minnesota—Northern Illinois, @Bowling Green, Montana State, Florida Atlantic

11 Points

20. Kentucky—@Louisville, Norfolk State, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky

13 Points

19. Mississippi State—@Louisiana Tech, Southeastern Louisiana, @ Georgia Tech, Middle Tennessee

14 Points

18. Wisconsin—Akron, Marshall, @Fresno State, Cal Poly

14 Points

Tie Break: @Projected top 25 Fresno State

17. Michigan—Utah, Miami (OH), @Notre Dame, Toledo

15 Points

16. Arkansas—Western Illinois, Louisiana-Monroe, @Texas, Tulsa

15 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 10 Texas

15. Auburn—Louisiana-Monroe, Southern Miss, @West Virginia, Tennessee-Martin

15 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 10 West Virginia higher than Texas

14. Ohio State—Youngstown State, Ohio, @USC, Troy

15 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 5 USC

13. Northwestern—Syracuse, @Duke, Southern Illinois, Ohio

15 Points

Tie Break: Big East Syracuse and @ACC Duke

12. Penn State—Coastal Carolina, Oregon State, @Syracuse, Temple

15 Points

Tie Break: PAC-10 Oregon State and @Big East Syracuse

11. Florida—Hawaii, Miami (FL), Citadel, @Florida State

15 Points

Tie Break: Hawaii, ACC Miami (FL), and @ACC Florida State

10. Illinois—@Missouri, Eastern Illinois, Louisiana-Lafayette, @Western Michigan

16 Points

9. Tennessee—@UCLA, UAB, Northern Illinois, Wyoming

17 Points

8. Mississippi—Memphis, @Wake Forest, Samford, Louisiana-Monroe

17 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 25 Wake Forest

7. Iowa—Maine, Florida International, Iowa State, @Pittsburgh

17 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 25 Pittsburgh higher than Wake Forest

6. Alabama—@Clemson, Tulane, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State

17 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 10 Clemson

5. Michigan State—@California, Eastern Michigan, Florida Atlantic, Notre Dame

17 Points

Tie Break: @PAC-10 California and BCS Notre Dame

4. Purdue—Northern Colorado, Oregon, Central Michigan, @Notre Dame

17 Points

Tie Break: Projected Top 25 Oregon and @BCS Notre Dame

3. Georgia—Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, @Arizona State, Georgia Tech

17 Points

Tie Break: @Projected Top 25 Arizona State higher than Oregon and ACC Georgia Tech

2. South Carolina—North Carolina State, Wofford, UAB, @Clemson

19 Points

1. Vanderbilt—@Miami (OH), Rice, Duke, @Wake Forest

20 Points

I know, I know, Vanderbilt at No. 1. I don't know but that is how the ranking system worked out. I will say that the SEC takes the top three spots. Disagree? Let me know.

Couch Potato Guide: College Football Games to Watch (Weeks 11-15)

Dan Boss — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:38:52 -0400

Week 11

Tuesday, November 4

7:30 PM Miami (OH) @ Buffalo

Wednesday, November 5

8 PM Toledo @ Akron
8 PM Northern Illinois @ Ball State

Thursday, November 6

7:30 PM Maryland @ Virginia Tech
8 PM TCU @ Utah

Friday, November 7

9 PM Nevada @ Fresno State

Saturday, November 8

TBA Oregon State @ UCLA
TBA Clemson @ Florida State
TBA Wisconsin @ Indiana
TBA Georgia @ Kentucky
TBA Alabama @ LSU
TBA Notre Dame @ Boston College
TBA Kansas @ Nebraska
TBA Arizona State @ Washington
TBA Cincinnati @ West Virginia
TBA Arkansas @ South Carolina
2 PM Oklahoma @ Texas A&M
8 PM California @ USC

Week 12

Tuesday, November 11

7 PM Ball State @ Miami (OH)

Wednesday, November 12

8 PM Temple @ Kent State
8 PM Central Michigan @ Northern Illinois

Thursday, November 13

7:30 PM Virginia Tech @ Miami (FL)

Friday, November 14

8 PM Cincinnati @ Louisville

Saturday, November 15

TBA Georgia @ Auburn
TBA Boston College @ Florida State
TBA South Carolina @ Florida
TBA California @ Oregon State
TBA Indiana @ Penn State
TBA UCLA @ Washington
TBA Ohio State @ Illinois
TBA Texas @ Kansas
TBA Arizona @ Oregon
7 PM USC @ Stanford

Week 13

Tuesday, November 18

TBA Northern Illinois @ Kent State

Wednesday, November 19

7 PM Ball State @ Central Michigan

Thursday, November 20

7:30 PM Miami (FL) @ Georgia Tech

Friday, November 21

7 PM Miami (OH) @ Toledo
9:30 PM Fresno State @ San Jose State

Saturday, November 22

TBA Stanford @ California
TBA West Virginia @ Louisville
TBA Florida State @ Maryland
TBA Mississippi @ LSU
TBA Michigan @ Ohio State
TBA Texas Tech @ Oklahoma
TBA Clemson @ Virginia
6 PM Oregon State @ Arizona
6 PM Brigham Young @ Utah

Sunday, November 23

8 PM Connecticut @ South Florida

Week 14

Tuesday, November 25

6 PM Western Michigan @ Ball State
7 PM Navy @ Northern Illinois

Thursday, November 27

8 PM Texas A&M @ Texas

Friday, November 28

12 Noon West Virginia @ Pittsburgh
12:30 PM Mississippi State @ Mississippi
2:30 PM LSU @ Arkansas
3:30 PM Colorado @ Nebraska
9:30 PM UCLA @ Arizona State

Saturday, November 29

TBA Florida @ Florida State
TBA Georgia Tech @ Georgia
TBA Maryland @ Boston College
TBA Kansas @ Missouri
TBA Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State
TBA South Carolina @ Clemson
TBA Virginia @ Virginia Tech
TBA Auburn @ Alabama
TBA Kentucky @ Tennessee
7 PM Oregon @ Oregon State
8 PM Notre Dame @ USC

Week 15

Wednesday, December 3

7 PM Middle Tennessee @ Louisiana-Lafayette

Thursday, December 4

7:30 PM Louisville @ Rutgers

Saturday, December 6

TBA Washington @ California
TBA South Florida @ West Virginia
TBA Cincinnati @ Hawaii
4:30 PM USC @ UCLA
8 PM Arizona State @ Arizona

Ohio State Football: Top Five Coaches

Dan Boss — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:30:15 -0400

Ohio State has a long list of successful coaches. However, there are a few that stick out. The top five coaches in Ohio State history with a minimum of 50 games coached are as follows:

5. Francis A. Schmidt 1934-1940

Record: 39-16-1
Winning Percentage: .696
Big Ten Titles: 2
National Championships: 0
Record Versus Rival (Michigan): 4-3
Bowl Game Record: 0-0

Francis A. Schmidt coached two Big Ten championship teams in 1935 and 1939. He also won his first four meetings against arch rival Michigan. His teams, however, failed to make a bowl game. He was known for his "wide open" style of offense.

4. John Cooper 1988-2001

Record: 111-43-4
Winning Percentage: .703
Big Ten Titles: 3
National Championships: 0
Record Versus Rival: 2-10-1
Bowl Game Record: 3-8

John Cooper led Ohio State to three Big Ten championships in 1993, 1996, and 1998. Although with a high winning percentage, Cooper had losing records against Michigan and in bowl games. His three bowl wins came in the 1993 Holiday Bowl against BYU, 1997 Rose Bowl against Arizona State, and 1998 Sugar Bowl against Texas A&M. John coached Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George in 1995.

3. Earle Bruce 1979-1987

Record: 81-26-1
Winning Percentage: .750
Big Ten Titles: 4
National Championships: 0
Record Versus Rival: 5-4
Bowl Game Record: 5-3

Earle Bruce had four Big Ten championships while coaching at Ohio State. He had a winning record against Michigan and in bowl games. He won the 1981 Liberty Bowl against Navy, 1982 Holiday Bowl against BYU, 1983 Fiesta Bowl against Pittsburgh, 1985 Citrus Bowl against BYU, and 1986 Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M.

2. Jim Tressel 2001-Present

Record: 62-14-0
Winning Percentage: .816
Big Ten Titles: 4
National Championships: 1
Record Versus Rival: 6-1
Bowl Game Record: 4-3

Jim Tressel, Ohio State's current head coach has already claimed four Big Ten titles and the 2002 National Championship. He has dominated against rival Michigan and has a winning record in bowl games despite losing the last two National Championship games.

His four bowl game wins came in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl (National Championship) against Miami (FL), 2003 Fiesta Bowl against Kansas State, 2004 Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State, and 2005 Fiesta Bowl against Notre Dame. Tressel coached Heisman winner Troy Smith in 2006.

1. Woody Hayes 1951-1978

Record: 205-61-10
Winning Percentage: .743
Big Ten Titles: 13
National Championships: 5
Record Versus Rival: 16-11-1
Bowl Game Record: 5-6

Woody Hayes is the greatest coach in Ohio State history. His career included an astounding 13 Big Ten Titles and five National Championships. He also had a winning record against the "team up North."

Hayes coached the 1954, 1955, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977 Big Ten Championship teams. He also coached the 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, and 1970 National Championship teams.

His five bowl wins came in the 1954 Rose Bowl (National Championship) against USC, 1957 Rose Bowl (National Championship) against Oregon, 1968 Rose Bowl (National Championship) against USC, 1973 Rose Bowl against USC, and 1976 Orange Bowl against Colorado. Woody coached Heisman winner Howard Cassady in 1955 and two-time winner Archie Griffin in 1974 and 1975.

Couch Potato Guide: College Football Games To Watch (Weeks 6-10)

Dan Boss — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:10:19 -0400

Week 6

Tuesday, September 30th

8:00 PM Florida Atlantic @ Middle Tennessee

Wednesday, October 1st

8:00 PM Louisiana Tech @ Boise State

Thursday, October 2nd

7:30 PM Pittsburgh @ South Florida
9:00 PM Oregon State @ Utah

Friday, October 3rd

8:00 PM Brigham Young @ Utah State

Saturday, October 4th

TBA Florida @ Arkansas
TBA Arizona State @ California
TBA Missouri @ Nebraska
TBA Rutgers @ West Virginia
TBA Florida State @ Miami (FL)
12:00 PM Iowa @ Michigan State
2:30 PM Stanford @ Notre Dame
3:30 PM Illinois @ Michigan
8:00 PM Oregon @ USC
8:00 PM Ohio State @ Wisconsin

Week 7

Tuesday, October 7th

8:00 PM Troy @ Florida Atlantic

Thursday, October 9th

7:30 PM Clemson @ Wake Forest

Friday, October 10th

8:00 PM Louisville @ Memphis

Saturday, October 11th

TBA Arkansas @ Auburn
TBA Arizona State @ USC
TBA LSU @ Florida
TBA Tennessee @ Georgia
TBA UCLA @ Oregon
TBA Nebraska @ Texas Tech
12:00 PM Texas @ Oklahoma
2:00 PM Kansas State @ Texas A&M
8:00 PM Penn State @ Wisconsin

Sunday, October 12th

12:05 AM Louisiana Tech @ Hawaii

Week 8

Thursday, October 16th

7:30 PM Florida State @ North Carolina State
8:00 PM Brigham Young @ TCU

Friday, October 17th

8:00 PM Hawaii @ Boise State

Saturday, October 18th

TBA Stanford @ UCLA
TBA Virginia Tech @ Boston College
TBA Kansas @ Oklahoma
TBA Georgia Tech @ Clemson
TBA Missouri @ Texas
TBA LSU @ South Carolina
2:00 PM Texas Tech @ Texas A&M
4:30 PM Michigan @ Penn State
7:00 PM California @ Arizona
8:00 PM Indiana @ Illinois

Week 9

Tuesday, October 21st

8:00 PM Ohio @ Temple

Thursday, October 23rd

7:30 PM Auburn @ West Virginia

Friday, October 24th

9:00 PM Boise State @ San Jose State

Saturday, October 25th

TBA Oregon @ Arizona State
TBA UCLA @ California
TBA Virginia Tech @ Florida State
TBA Virginia @ Georgia Tech
TBA Georgia @ LSU
TBA Michigan State @ Michigan
TBA Colorado @ Missouri
TBA Texas Tech @ Kansas
TBA Alabama @ Tennessee
12:00 PM Illinois @ Wisconsin
8:00 PM Penn State @ Ohio State
8:00 PM Notre Dame @ Washington
10:15 PM USC @ Arizona

Sunday, October 26th

12:05 AM Nevada @ Hawaii
8:00 PM UCF @ Tulsa

Week 10

Tuesday, October 28th

8:00 PM Houston @ Marshall

Thursday, October 30th

7:30 PM South Florida @ Cincinnati

Saturday, November 1st

TBA Oregon @ California
TBA Florida State @ Georgia Tech
TBA Florida @ Georgia
TBA Clemson @ Boston College
TBA Nebraska @ Oklahoma
TBA Texas @ Texas Tech
2:00 PM Colorado @ Texas A&M
2:30 PM Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame
6:00 PM Brigham Young @ Colorado State
8:00 PM Tulane @ LSU
10:15 PM Arizona State @ Oregon State

Sunday, November 2nd

8:00 PM East Carolina @ UCF

Best College GameDay Signs?

Dan Boss — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:08:40 -0400

Anyone seen some funny signs at College GameDay? Let me know. I figured this is a chance for everyone to laugh a little at another team's expense rather than arguing about it.

Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

"Lloyd Carr eats babies"

"Mike Hart can't finger paint"

"Justin Zwick for Heisman"