Predicting Every College Football Power-5 Team's Final Record
The 2014 college football season has officially turned the corner. We’ve passed the halfway point of the season, with midseason All-America teams appearing and bowl projections popping up with more urgency. Next week, the fun really starts when the College Football Playoff selection committee releases its first Top 25 rankings, which will further shape conversation for the inaugural four-team bracket.
Per Daniel Uthman of USA Today Sports, everyone is chasing Florida State and Mississippi State.
As we work our way to the homestretch, it seemed like an appropriate time to take a crack at projecting every team’s final regular-season record. We took into consideration the season to date and the difficulty of teams’ remaining opponents, as well as momentum.
Alabama
1 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Alabama has taken its lumps in the tumultuous SEC West but enters the season’s homestretch in prime shape to challenge for a College Football Playoff berth. Following a two-game road trip to Tennessee and LSU, the Crimson Tide finish the season at home against No. 1 Mississippi State, Western Carolina and No. 5 Auburn.
Saturday’s 59-0 demolition of Texas A&M showed how formidable Alabama can be in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Expect the Tide to be right in the mix for an SEC title and playoff bid when the dust settles in November.
Predicted record: 11-1
Arizona
2 of 65
Current record: 5-1
The Wildcats are one of the best stories in the West, with their only defeat a 28-26 loss to Southern California despite starting a freshman quarterback in Anu Solomon (15 touchdowns, four interceptions) and freshman tailback in Nick Wilson (574 yards, six touchdowns). They have an impressive win at Oregon and will be in position to challenge for the Pac-12 South title.
Arizona has games remaining at No. 25 UCLA, at No. 19 Utah and vs. No. 14 Arizona State (the regular-season finale). Don’t be surprised if it faces off with Oregon in the Pac-12 title game.
Predicted record: 10-2
Arizona State
3 of 65
Current record: 5-2
Todd Graham has backed up last season’s 10-4 record despite an inexperienced defense and a foot injury that sidelined starting quarterback Taylor Kelly: Kelly is expected to return this week against Washington.
The Sun Devils defense is below-average: It ranks No. 78 nationally in points-per-game allowed. But with weapons like tailback D.J. Foster and wideout Jaelen Strong, the team can score with anyone. But games with No. 19 Utah, No. 7 Notre Dame and No. 15 Arizona are ahead, and the defensive issues could catch up with ASU.
Predicted record: 9-3
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Arkansas
4 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Is the honeymoon over for Bret Bielema at Arkansas? You might argue that was already the case, but the Razorbacks showed promise in breaking their SEC losing streak in narrow losses to Texas A&M and Alabama. Saturday’s 45-32 loss to Georgia was another story. The Hogs trailed 38-6 before a late, cosmetic rally made things a little easier to swallow but not much.
What’s next? They face two of the nation’s current top three teams in Mississippi State and Ole Miss, as well as No. 24 LSU. The SEC losing streak could stretch well into 2015.
Predicted record: 4-8
Auburn
5 of 65
Current record: 5-1
At 5-1, Auburn is still in position to fight for an SEC title, an SEC West title and a College Football Playoff berth. But the Tigers have one of the nation’s toughest remaining road slates, facing trips to No.3 Ole Miss, No. 9 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama.
The Tigers have a strong running game (262.3 yards per game, No. 14 nationally) and a solid defense (18.3 points per game, No. 13 nationally). But it’s hard to see them surviving such a difficult stretch unscathed.
Projected record: 9-3
Baylor
6 of 65
Current record: 6-1
The Bears are licking their wounds following a disappointing 41-27 loss at West Virginia that might have torpedoed their College Football Playoff hopes. Baylor leads the nation scoring 49 points per game but has allowed 99 points in its last two games, which is unsustainable.
Quarterback Bryce Petty (1,757 yards, 17 touchdowns, three interceptions) is one of the nation’s top offensive weapons. The Bears must travel to No. 17 Oklahoma and host No. 11 Kansas State in the regular-season finale, so another slip-up is possibly along the way.
Predicted record: 10-2
Boston College
7 of 65
Current record: 4-3
In his second season, Steve Addazio is building a solid foundation at Boston College. With talented dual-threat quarterback Tyler Murphy at the helm, the Eagles upset then-No. 9 Southern California and then pushed a Top-25 Clemson team to the brink Saturday before falling.
It looks like a second consecutive bowl for BC, which ranks No. 9 nationally in rushing yards per game at 287.7. But it’s hard to predict much more than that.
Predicted record: 6-6
California
8 of 65
Current record: 4-3
The Bears have shown some improvement in Sonny Dykes’ second season at the helm, but defensive issues are holding them back. They allow 38.4 points per game, No. 120 nationally, and have won games 59-56 over Colorado and 60-59 over Washington State.
The upcoming schedule is not forgiving, with games against No. 6 Oregon, No. 20 Southern California and archrival Stanford remaining. Bowl eligibility could come down to the season finale against a solid BYU team.
Predicted record: 5-7
Clemson
9 of 65
Current record: 5-2
Clemson overcame a difficult season-opening stretch that featured losses at current Top 10 teams Florida State and Georgia to emerge as the ACC’s second-best team. And after wunderkind freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson was sidelined with a broken finger, the Tigers turned to defense, making key late stops for wins against Louisville and Boston College.
The Tigers do not have a currently ranked team remaining on their schedule, with the biggest game a season-ending clash against rival South Carolina, which owns a five-game win streak over Clemson. Ten wins are well within reach, and if Florida State makes the College Football Playoff, Clemson should claim the ACC’s spot in the Orange Bowl.
Predicted record: 10-2
Colorado
10 of 65
Current record: 2-5
Colorado has been slightly more competitive this season, and junior receiver Nelson Spruce (71 receptions, 801 yards, 11 touchdowns) is the best receiver you’ve never heard of. However, the Buffaloes defense has been awful, allowing 38.6 points per game, which ranks No. 121 in FBS.
The deep Pac-12 has done Colorado no favors either, and the schedule just gets tougher, with No. 25 UCLA, No. 6 Oregon, No. 15 Arizona and No. 19 Utah remaining on the slate. It’s hard to see a win left this season.
Predicted record: 2-10
Duke
11 of 65
Current record: 6-1
One of the best stories in college football? Duke backing up last season’s ACC Coastal Division title. Despite losing offensive coordinator Kurt Roper to Florida, Duke is already bowl-eligible and in the mix for a second consecutive division crown.
Duke’s defense, which allows 15.1 points per game (No. 5 nationally), will keep the Blue Devils in games, and the schedule is favorable. They close with three consecutive home games against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Wake Forest.
Predicted record: 10-2
Florida
12 of 65
Current record: 3-3
Will Muschamp began this season on the hot seat, and Florida’s performance has done absolutely nothing to remove him from that perilous perch. The nadir (so far)? Saturday’s embarrassing 42-13 loss to Missouri, which saw the Tigers gain just 119 total yards but score four combined touchdowns on defense and special teams. Florida Today's David Jones asks: How did the Gators get here?
New offensive coordinator Kurt Roper’s fast-paced system hasn’t taken hold, and quarterback Jeff Driskel (six touchdowns, 10 interceptions) has been a disaster. With No. 9 Georgia and No. 2 Florida State still on the schedule, a visit from Steve Spurrier and South Carolina could decide the Gators’ bowl fate, given a cancelled game against cupcake Idaho.
Predicted record: 5-6
Florida State
13 of 65
Current record: 7-0
The Seminoles have survived every challenge so far in defending their national title, be it off-field controversies surrounding sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston to narrow wins over Clemson and Notre Dame. They have not been as dominant as 2013’s juggernaut but are well in position for a College Football Playoff berth.
FSU has no ranked teams left on its schedule, with road trips to Louisville and Miami the toughest remaining games. It’s hard to see where a loss would come into play, and the Seminoles appear to have the nation’s easiest road to an unbeaten record and playoff berth.
Predicted record: 12-0
Georgia
14 of 65
Current record: 6-1
The Bulldogs have persevered despite the suspension of junior tailback Todd Gurley for alleged violations of NCAA rules connected to payments for his autograph.
UGA is applying to the NCAA for his reinstatement this week, as reported by Jerry Hinnen of CBSSports.com. Since Gurley’s suspension, freshman tailback Nick Chubb (569 yards, five touchdowns) has stepped forward in a big way. Georgia’s defense also appears to be improved. The Bulldogs are yielding 20 points per game, which ranks No. 19 nationally, a sign that new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt is having an impact.
Georgia faces one truly difficult game, with No. 5 Auburn visiting Athens as UGA seeks revenge for last season’s tip-drill touchdown loss. The Bulldogs are the clear class of the SEC East and hope to make a case for a College Football Playoff bid.
Predicted record: 11-1
Georgia Tech
15 of 65
Current record: 5-2
Georgia Tech appeared to have taken a step forward before its current two-game losing streak, including last week’s wild 48-43 loss to North Carolina. As usual, the flexbone-first Yellow Jackets can run the ball, with 306.3 rushing yards per game, fifth-best nationally. Quarterback Justin Thomas has 959 passing yards with 10 touchdowns against three interceptions and is also Tech’s leading rusher, with 625 rushing yards.
However, it’s hard to know what you’ll get week-to-week with this team. Games against No. 21 Clemson and No. 9 Georgia won’t be easy, although Tech could still contend in the topsy-turvy ACC Coastal Division.
Predicted record: 7-5
Illinois
16 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Entering this season, Illinois coach Tim Beckman needed to show progress to keep his job. At 3-4, the Illini look headed for another lost season, and Beckman could be headed to the unemployment line. Starting quarterback Wes Lunt will be out at least another three weeks with a broken leg, and the defense has struggled, allowing 35.4 points per game, No. 111 nationally.
Games with a good Minnesota team and No. 13 Ohio State remain, and wins will be tough to come by down the stretch. This could very well mark the end of Beckman’s three-year tenure in Champaign.
Predicted record: 4-8
Indiana
17 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Indiana has the nation’s leading rusher in tailback Tevin Coleman (1,192 rushing yards), but the Hoosiers have been befallen by bad luck. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld will miss the rest of the season with a separated shoulder, leaving IU with freshmen Chris Covington and Zander Diamont under center.
Indiana allows 34.9 points per game, No. 104 nationally, and three of the Hoosiers’ final five games are on the road (at Michigan, at Rutgers and at No. 13 Ohio State). Before Sudfeld’s injury, IU looked like a possible bowl team. Now, that’ll be a tough goal to accomplish.
Predicted record: 4-8
Iowa
18 of 65
Current record: 5-2
Despite a 5-2 record, there are some feelings of discontent in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lost to cross-state rival Iowa State, struggled defensively against Maryland and have been inconsistent offensively, managing just 146.3 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 90 nationally.
Three of the Hawkeyes’ final five games are at home, including November matchups with Wisconsin and No. 16 Nebraska that will play a huge role in deciding the Big Ten West champion. But unless Iowa shows consistency soon, it won’t be a threat for the league championship.
Predicted record: 8-4
Iowa State
19 of 65
Current record: 2-5
For the Cyclones, 2014 has been a frustrating season. They led a good Kansas State team late before falling 32-28 and last week pushed Texas to the limit in Austin before falling 48-45 on a last-second field goal. Quarterback Sam Richardson is a capable starter, with 1,699 yards passing and 13 touchdowns against six interceptions while also serving as the Cyclones’ leading rusher.
But the schedule only gets tougher from here, with No. 17 Oklahoma, No. 22 West Virginia and No. 10 TCU remaining on the slate. While Paul Rhoads and Co. are always capable of an upset, this certainly doesn’t look like a bowl team.
Predicted record: 3-9
Kansas
20 of 65
Current record: 2-5
It has been a disastrous season in Lawrence, and there are no two ways about it. Coach Charlie Weis was fired in late September for lack of progress, and the Jayhawks offense has been anemic, rolling up 16.6 points per game (No. 123 nationally).
And the scary part? The tough part of the schedule hasn’t even started yet. No. 12 Baylor, No. 10 TCU, No. 17 Oklahoma and No. 11 Kansas State are still on the schedule. Some advice? Start focusing on basketball, if you haven’t already.
Predicted record: 2-10
Kansas State
21 of 65
Current record: 5-1
While Baylor and Oklahoma garnered all the hype entering this season, Kansas State has emerged as the Big 12 favorite. The Wildcats’ only loss is a hard-fought 20-14 defeat against a Top 5 Auburn team, and they now own a win over Oklahoma.
Senior quarterback Jake Waters has accounted for 16 total touchdowns and is the team’s leading passer and rusher. Trips to No. 10 TCU, No. 22 West Virginia and No. 12 Baylor remain on the slate, but this group will challenge for the league championship.
Predicted record: 10-2
Kentucky
22 of 65
Current record: 5-2
Despite last week’s 41-3 loss at LSU, a young Kentucky team has been one of the SEC’s most improved overall rosters. Quarterback Patrick Towles has been a solid leader (10 touchdowns, four interceptions, 1,687 passing yards), and the roster is clearly improved from last season’s 2-10 mark.
With No. 1 Mississippi State, No. 9 Georgia and archrival Louisville on the slate, the season’s homestretch won’t be easy. But the mere fact that the Wildcats are challenging for a bowl is story enough.
Predicted record: 6-6
Louisville
23 of 65
Current record: 6-2
Louisville has acquitted itself well in its ACC debut. The Cardinals’ only losses have been a pair of narrow road defeats at Virginia and Clemson, and they’re already bowl-eligible. Louisville’s defense has been particularly impressive, allowing 14.6 points per game, fourth-best nationally. Safety Gerod Holliman has a nation-leading eight interceptions.
The schedule gets tougher down the stretch, with No. 2 Florida State visiting for a Thursday-night tilt and a trip to No. 7 Notre Dame on the docket. Still, this looks like one of the ACC’s top teams already.
Predicted record: 8-4
LSU
24 of 65
Current record: 6-2
This is far from a vintage Les Miles team, one which has struggled to find consistent quarterback play in a loaded SEC West. However, the Tigers are already bowl-eligible and can still make a New Year’s Day bowl. Receiver Travin Dural is one of the nation’s best big-play threats, with 26 receptions for 665 yards and seven touchdowns.
LSU’s schedule down the stretch won’t be easy, with games against No. 3 Ole Miss, No. 4 Alabama and a trip to Texas A&M. However, with this young team, a New Year’s Day trip would be worth building on.
Predicted record: 8-4
Maryland
25 of 65
Current record: 5-2
The Terrapins have made a solid impression in their first season in the Big Ten, as they appear assured of making postseason play. Senior quarterback C.J. Brown is a multitalented dual threat, and junior receiver Stefon Diggs is one of the league’s most electrifying playmakers.
Maryland plays three of its final five games on the road, and one of the home games is against No. 8 Michigan State. Don’t expect Randy Edsall’s crew to challenge for a league title, but it’ll be bowling in December.
Predicted record: 7-5
Miami
26 of 65
Current record: 4-3
Remember when Miami joined the ACC a decade ago? The Hurricanes and Florida State would face off annually in a battle for league superiority, elevating the ACC in the process. Who expected this? The Hurricanes look like an ACC Coastal Division also-ran, save the presence of talented tailback Duke Johnson (787 yards, six touchdowns).
Miami has yet to win away from South Florida this season and has a pair of road trips to Virginia and Virginia Tech as well as a visit from No. 2 South Florida. It looks like a very average team headed to a December bowl destination.
Predicted record: 7-5
Michigan
27 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Last winter, Brady Hoke hired Alabama offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier with hopes of finding offensive success and balance. It hasn’t happened. The Wolverines are No. 108 nationally in scoring offense, managing just 21.7 points per game and No. 110 nationally in passing offense.
Hoke’s job appears to be in jeopardy, per NFL.com's Mike Huguenin, and with games against No. 8 Michigan State and No. 13 Ohio State remaining, Michigan is no sure bet to even make a bowl. Unless the offense turns around, it probably won’t happen.
Predicted record: 5-7
Michigan State
28 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Following last season’s 13-1 record, Michigan State again looks like the class of the Big Ten, with its only defeat a 46-27 loss at Oregon in which it let a third-quarter lead slip away. The Spartans have an improving defense and a talented offense keyed by junior quarterback Connor Cook (1,641 yards, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions) and a powerful running game.
The toughest remaining game left on the slate is a visit from No. 13 Ohio State, but Mark Dantonio’s group should be favored in every game en route to the Big Ten title game.
Predicted record: 11-1
Minnesota
29 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Jerry Kill has built a very competitive team in Minneapolis keyed by a bruising running game. Workhorse tailback David Cobb has 1,089 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and the Golden Gophers are already bowl-eligible.
The schedule gets tougher down the stretch, as Minnesota faces No. 13 Ohio State, No. 16 Nebraska and Wisconsin to end the regular season. Still, expect a nice mid-level Big Ten-affiliated bowl for Kill and Co., which is an accomplishment in itself.
Predicted record: 8-4
Mississippi State
30 of 65
Current record: 6-0
The Bulldogs and Dan Mullen have emerged as perhaps the best story in college football. An SEC West also-ran, they’ve ascended to the top spot in the national polls following three consecutive wins over Top 10 programs. Junior quarterback Dak Prescott is a leading Heisman Trophy candidate with 1,478 yards passing, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions, as well as 689 yards with eight rushing touchdowns.
The Bulldogs are firmly in the chase for the SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth, but staying perfect won’t be easy. Trips to No. 4 Alabama and a season-ending jaunt to No. 3 Ole Miss for the biggest Egg Bowl ever will be fraught with tension.
Predicted record: 11-1
Missouri
31 of 65
Current record: 5-2
The Tigers have backed up last season’s surprise SEC East title with solid play so far, although they’ll need help for another division title following an ugly 34-0 loss to Georgia. Sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk has been up and down with 14 touchdowns to go with nine interceptions.
Still, the schedule ahead is not all that imposing, save trips to Texas A&M and Tennessee. This should be a team that finishes near the upper echelon of the SEC’s bowl pecking order.
Predicted record: 9-3
N.C. State
32 of 65
Current record: 4-4
Dave Doeren’s team got off to a solid 4-0 start. Then, ACC play started, and the Wolfpack faced reality. Despite building a 17-point second-quarter lead on Florida State, N.C. State has not come within 12 points of its ACC foes.
Still, all is not lost. The schedule is much easier down the stretch, and a postseason berth is well within reach if State can improve its defense (28.8 points per game, No. 85 nationally).
Predicted record: 6-6
Nebraska
33 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Bo Pelini has never lost fewer than four games in his six-plus seasons at Nebraska, but 2014 could be the year that all changes. The Cornhuskers look like the class of the Big Ten West, led by senior tailback Ameer Abdullah, who already has 1,024 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns.
Nebraska’s only blemish was a hard-fought loss at Michigan State, although trips to Wisconsin and Iowa will test the Huskers’ mettle. Still, Pelini and Co. should roll into the Big Ten title game.
Predicted record: 11-1
North Carolina
34 of 65
Current record: 3-4
North Carolina was expected to build on a strong finish to 2013 that saw the Tar Heels win six of their final seven games for a 7-6 record, but a shaky defense has kept that from happening. The Heels allow a shocking 43.3 points per game, which ranks No. 127 nationally. You’re not going to win games like that.
The crazy ACC Coastal allows room for growth, but three of the final five games are on the road, where UNC is winless this season. A bowl is entirely possible, but it isn’t worth getting excited about.
Predicted record: 5-7
Northwestern
35 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Following an ugly 0-2 start, Northwestern has righted its collective ship somewhat, including wins over Penn State and Wisconsin. The Wildcats have struggled to score, averaging only 20.9 points per game, which ranks No. 113 nationally.
The schedule is favorable for a run at a bowl game, with the toughest games at No. 7 Notre Dame and at Iowa. NU just missed the postseason a year ago, and that will motivate Pat Fitzgerald’s group this time around.
Predicted record: 6-6
Notre Dame
36 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Saturday night, Notre Dame proved its worth on a national stage, pushing Florida State to the very edge in Tallahassee before falling 31-27 following a controversial pass-interference penalty. Still, the Fighting Irish look much more like the team that made the BCS National Championship Game in 2012 than the group that went 9-4 a year ago.
Everett Golson’s return from academic suspension has been a key. He has 1,996 passing yards with 19 touchdowns against six interceptions. The Irish could still challenge for a College Football Playoff bid, with their toughest games at No. 14 Arizona State and at No. 20 Southern California.
Predicted record: 11-1
Ohio State
37 of 65
Current record: 5-1
Ohio State got off to an ugly start, losing Heisman Trophy candidate Braxton Miller before the season to shoulder surgery and then dropping a 35-21 home decision to Virginia Tech, the program’s first loss in Columbus since 2011.
The Buckeyes have rebounded nicely. Freshman quarterback J.T. Barrett has improved with every game, throwing for 1,615 yards with 20 touchdowns against five interceptions and adding 383 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The remaining schedule is favorable, save a visit to No. 8 Michigan State which should decide the Big Ten East title. Still, this is a team on the upswing right now.
Predicted record: 10-2
Oklahoma
38 of 65
Current record: 5-2
The Sooners began this season with hopes of a College Football Playoff run following a strong finish to 2013, but those hopes have evaporated following disappointing losses to TCU and Kansas State. Sophomore quarterback Trevor Knight hasn’t built on an excellent end to last season. He’s been inconsistent, throwing nine touchdowns against six interceptions.
Oklahoma has one ranked team left on its slate, with a visit from No. 12 Baylor. The Sooners can finish strong if they can play more consistently, but that’s an open question right now.
Predicted record: 9-3
Oklahoma State
39 of 65
Current record: 5-2
A young team took a major step back against TCU last week, dropping a disappointing 42-9 decision that left the Cowboys looking for some answers. OSU has struggled defensively, allowing 27.1 points per game, which ranks No. 71 nationally.
The second-half schedule won’t get any easier, with No. 22 West Virginia and trips to No. 11 Kansas State, No. 12 Baylor and No. 17 Oklahoma on the schedule. A bowl bid remains likely, but it won’t be easy.
Predicted record: 6-6
Ole Miss
40 of 65
Current record: 7-0
The Rebels are one of the best stories in college football, taking the leap from an average SEC West team to one of the nation’s top overall teams and a College Football Playoff contender. The key? A nasty defense which allows 10.6 points per game, best in the nation, led by sophomore defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche, senior safety Cody Prewitt and senior corner Senquez Golson.
Ole Miss’ quest for perfection won’t be easy, with a trip to No. 24 LSU, a visit from No. 5 Auburn and a visit from No. 1 Mississippi State in the most-anticipated Egg Bowl in history left on the slate. However, the Rebels remain a strong SEC West and playoff contender.
Predicted record: 11-1
Oregon
41 of 65
Current record: 6-1
Despite a disappointing home loss to Arizona, Oregon remains firmly in the conversation for the College Football Playoff and a Pac-12 championship. The Ducks are led by junior quarterback Marcus Mariota, a Heisman Trophy candidate who has 1,957 passing yards and 19 touchdowns against no interceptions.
Oregon’s schedule gets easier down the stretch. Stanford will be challenging, but only one ranked team (No. 19 Utah) remains on the schedule. The Ducks should claim the Pac-12 North and stay in the hunt to be one of four teams in the inaugural playoff.
Predicted record: 11-1
Oregon State
42 of 65
Current record: 4-2
The Beavers have been up and down this season, and they haven’t gotten the season they expected from senior quarterback Sean Mannion. One year after throwing for over 4,600 yards with 37 touchdowns against 15 interceptions, Mannion has managed just seven touchdowns against five interceptions.
Oregon State has a bowl bid within reach, but it won’t be easy. The Beavers must travel to Stanford, Washington and No. 6 Oregon, host No. 14 Arizona State and face high-powered offenses in Cal and Washington State. Can they scratch two wins from that group? We’ll see.
Predicted record: 6-6
Pittsburgh
43 of 65
Current record: 4-3
Pitt fits in perfectly in the crazy ACC Coastal Division. The Panthers are capable of beating any team on their schedule but are inconsistent. This season alone, they’ve lost to Akron but beaten Virginia Tech at home.
Tailback James Conner is one of the ACC’s top runners with 959 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, a powerful force who is hard to tackle. Pitt looks destined for a lower-level bowl at best. The Panthers are too up and down to expect anything more from.
Predicted record: 6-6
Penn State
44 of 65
Current record: 4-2
Penn State got an unexpected lift last month when the NCAA lifted the final two years of the postseason ban connected to the Jerry Sandusky scandal, making the Nittany Lions eligible immediately for postseason play.
Now, the Lions just have to get to a bowl. A 4-0 start has been muted by losses to Northwestern and Michigan, and sophomore quarterback Christian Hackenberg has struggled with five touchdowns against seven interceptions behind a leaky offensive line. Visits from No. 13 Ohio State and No. 8 Michigan State remain, but this team should be able to take advantage of its postseason opportunity.
Predicted record: 7-5
Purdue
45 of 65
Current record: 3-5
2014 has been a step forward for the Boilermakers, who have already tripled their win total from 2013, a sign that Darrell Hazell is making progress in West Lafayette.
However, with a trip to No. 16 Nebraska and a visit from Wisconsin on tap the next two weeks, a bowl bid doesn’t look to be in the cards. The Boilermakers are clearly a better team, however, and could easily add a win or two before season’s end.
Predicted record: 4-8
Rutgers
46 of 65
Current record: 5-2
The Scarlet Knights have adjusted about as expected to the Big Ten, with losses to Penn State and Ohio State. Senior quarterback Gary Nova has been capable, throwing for 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions with 1,793 yards.
The schedule gets tougher from here, with a two-game road trip to No. 13 Ohio State and No. 16 Nebraska, as well as a trip to No. 8 Michigan State and a visit from Wisconsin. Still, this team needs only one win for a bowl, and Indiana remains on the schedule, which could be a saving grace.
Predicted record: 6-6
South Carolina
47 of 65
Current record: 4-3
Following three consecutive 11-win seasons, South Carolina hoped to take a step toward the SEC title and College Football Playoff this season. Instead, the Gamecocks took a step back, starting with a 52-28 season-opening home loss to Texas A&M. USC’s defense is allowing 31.4 points per game, which ranks No. 91 nationally.
Trips to No. 5 Auburn and No. 21 Clemson, as well as a trip to Florida, remain on the docket. USC will go bowling, but it won’t be a New Year’s Day affair.
Predicted record: 7-5
Stanford
48 of 65
Current record: 4-3
Stanford’s quest for a third consecutive Pac-12 title hit a major roadblock. Namely, the Cardinal offense. Stanford can’t score, averaging just 24 points per game, which ranks No. 99 nationally. The run game has also been a concern, averaging just 139.9 yards per game, which is No. 95 nationally.
The schedule down the stretch isn’t easy, with trips to No. 6 Oregon and No. 25 UCLA and a visit from No. 19 Utah. Stanford will need more offensive consistency to clinch a decent bowl bid.
Predicted record: 7-5
Syracuse
49 of 65
Current record: 3-4
It hasn’t been an easy season for Syracuse, which has failed to build on last season’s Texas Bowl win. Coach Scott Shafer demoted his offensive coordinator and with good reason. The Orange average just 22.6 points per game, which ranks No. 106 nationally.
They must win three of the last five to make a bowl, and that doesn’t seem likely. This week’s trip to No. 21 Clemson will be difficult, and a visit from Duke as well as trips to Pitt and Boston College are no walks in the park either.
Predicted record: 4-8
TCU
50 of 65
Current record: 5-1
Following a 4-8 disaster in 2013, TCU coach Gary Patterson overhauled his offense, opting for a fast-paced, wide-open system. Good call. The Horned Frogs have enjoyed one of college football’s biggest turnarounds this fall and are a blown fourth-quarter lead at Baylor from being in the College Football Playoff conversation.
Junior quarterback Trevone Boykin has accounted for over 2,200 yards of total offense and 17 total touchdowns as TCU has averaged 45.2 points per game, fifth nationally. Games against No. 22 West Virginia and No. 11 Kansas State won’t be easy, but TCU looks like a strong Big 12 title candidate.
Predicted record: 10-2
Tennessee
51 of 65
Current record: 3-4
In Butch Jones’ second season, Tennessee has showed progress, but it hasn’t necessarily shown up in the record. A pair of narrow losses to SEC East foes (35-32 to Georgia, 10-9 to Florida) particularly sting. The Vols haven’t been able to muster a rushing attack, managing just 94 yards per game, which ranks No. 120 nationally. That’s not going to get it done in the SEC.
The Vols can still scratch out a bowl, but it won’t be easy. No. 4 Alabama visits this week, the toughest game left on the schedule. Winning at South Carolina and Vanderbilt will also be important. Ending a four-year postseason drought would be crucial for Jones’ rebuilding effort.
Predicted record: 6-6
Texas
52 of 65
Current record: 3-4
Charlie Strong's first season in Austin has been one of adjustment. Charged with making a culture change, Strong has attempted to do just that, suspending and/or dismissing nine Longhorns. The 'Horns have played ranked teams like Oklahoma and UCLA tough but come up short, and quarterback David Ash's departure due to concussion symptoms hasn't helped either.
Texas still has No. 11 Kansas State, No. 22 West Virginia and No. 10 TCU left on its schedule, so a bowl bid looks iffy at best. The Longhorns would have to steal one along the way to end Strong's first season somewhere warmer.
Predicted record: 5-7
Texas Tech
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Current record: 3-4
Kliff Kingsbury's second season at Texas Tech hasn't been one to remember. While Kingsbury's air-raid offense is performing well, with Tech piling up 330.4 passing yards per game, 10th nationally, the Red Raiders can't stop anyone. Tech is allowing 36.9 points per game, which ranks No. 116 nationally.
Tech has yet to allow fewer than 21 points to an opponent this season, and while quarterback Davis Webb has thrown for 22 touchdowns and 2,239 yards, he's also thrown 12 interceptions, an inefficient number. A bowl game could be difficult to reach with No. 17 Oklahoma, No. 10 TCU and No. 12 Baylor still on the schedule.
Predicted record: 4-8
Texas A&M
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Current record: 5-3
The post-Johnny Manziel era at Texas A&M has been defined by highs and lows. A high? The season-opening 52-28 rout at South Carolina which saw sophomore quarterback Kenny Hill set an A&M single-game passing record. A low? Last week's 59-0 blowout at Alabama, the Aggies' third consecutive defeat.
A&M isn't the worst team in the SEC West but doesn't look like a league contender either. Hill has been good in his first season, throwing for 2,649 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but he has had his share of growing pains.
The Aggies still have a trip to No. 5 Auburn on their slate, along with a visit from No. 24 LSU, but those are the toughest games remaining. A good bowl trip could still be in the offing.
Predicted record: 8-4
UCLA
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Current record: 5-2
UCLA has been one of the biggest underachievers in college football this season. Expected to be a dark horse for the College Football Playoff, the Bruins are fighting for Pac-12 South positioning instead. Defense has been an issue, as UCLA has allowed 29.6 points per game, No. 88 nationally.
Junior quarterback Brett Hundley has thrown for 1,856 yards with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions but hasn't entered the Heisman Trophy conversation.
The Bruins still have games left vs. No. 15 Arizona and No. 20 Southern California, so this won't be an easy finish for them, although 10 wins is still on the table if they can get hot.
Predicted record: 8-4
Southern California
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Current record: 5-2
Steve Sarkisian's first season as Southern California head coach has had its share of highs and lows. The Trojans scored an early win over two-time defending Pac-12 champ Stanford, but they lost at Boston College and lost on a Hail Mary to Arizona State. Quarterback Cody Kessler has been excellent, throwing 18 touchdowns against only one interception.
USC's remaining schedule is treacherous: The Trojans travel to No. 19 Utah and No. 25 UCLA and also host No. 7 Notre Dame. They could still win the Pac-12 South, but it won't be an easy march.
Predicted record: 8-4
Utah
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Current record: 5-1
Despite uneven quarterback play, Utah appears poised to return to the postseason this fall, needing only one more win for bowl eligibility. The Utes won at Michigan and UCLA, and their only loss was a bizarre defeat to Washington State.
Their closing schedule isn't easy. Utah must face No. 20 Southern Cal, No. 14 Arizona State, No. 6 Oregon and No. 15 Arizona, which could leave its current No. 19 ranking in danger. However, making a bowl would be a step forward for this bunch.
Predicted record: 7-5
Vanderbilt
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Current record: 2-5
When Derek Mason took over Vanderbilt's program, he inherited a team which had three consecutive nine-win seasons that ended in bowl victories. Boy, that seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? The bottom has fallen out in Nashville, as the Commodores are unlikely to even make a bowl game this season.
They've struggled to score and find consistent quarterback play, averaging 17.6 points per game, No. 121 nationally. And they've been unable to stop anyone, allowing 34 points per game, 100th nationally. Vanderbilt's only two wins have come by a combined four points over FCS Charleston Southern and UMass. Ugly, ugly, ugly.
Predicted record: 3-9
Virginia
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Current record: 4-3
What a difference a year makes. Virginia was awful last fall, struggling to a 2-10 record that put pressure on Mike London to save his job this fall. The Cavaliers have made clear progress and are right in the mix in the mixed-up ACC Coastal Division.
They have trips to No. 2 Florida State, Georgia Tech and rival Virginia Tech left, but it's easy to see how this group could get a couple more wins and get postseason eligibility. That'd be a huge step for the embattled London, who has recruited well recently.
Predicted record: 6-6
Virginia Tech
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Current record: 4-3
Another fall, another season of mediocrity at Virginia Tech. The Hokies, who began their ACC run as the bullies of the ACC Coastal, have slipped into a major rut. Tech scored what seemed like a breakthrough win at Ohio State but followed it with home losses to East Carolina and Georgia Tech. The offense has struggled, as Texas Tech transfer quarterback Michael Brewer has as many interceptions (11) as he does touchdowns.
This being the wacky Coastal, anything could happen over the Hokies' final five games, none of which are against a ranked opponent. So let's just split the difference, shall we? Another second-level bowl awaits.
Predicted record: 7-5
Wake Forest
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Current record: 2-5
It has become clear that Jim Grobe didn't leave Dave Clawson a lot to work with at Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons have the nation's worst rushing offense (36.4 yards per game) and are averaging just 14.4 points per game, No. 126 nationally. Their only wins came over Army and FCS foe Gardner-Webb.
Plus, the Deacs are in the ACC Atlantic with Florida State, Clemson and Louisville. It's tough sledding. You never know in the ACC, but this will be a tough end to the 2014 season for Wake Forest.
Predicted record: 2-10
Washington
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Current record: 5-2
Chris Petersen has enjoyed a solid first season at Washington, where Steve Sarkisian left a serious amount of talent behind. The Huskies have a big-play defense led by linebacker Shaq Thompson, who has scored a national-best four defensive touchdowns.
Washington is in the mix for a Pac-12 North title, but three ranked teams (No. 14 Arizona State, No. 25 UCLA and No. 15 Arizona) remain on the slate. It won't be an easy road.
Predicted record: 8-4
Washington State
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Current record: 2-5
Under Mike Leach, Washington State likes to throw, throw, throw. The Cougars average 490 passing yards per game, best in the nation. Connor Halliday has 3,344 passing yards, tops among FBS quarterbacks. But all those gaudy numbers don't matter if you can't stop anyone. And that's a problem for WSU.
The Cougars allow 35 points per game, which ranks No.105 nationally. Washington State made a bowl a year ago, but even with Halliday's prolific arm, it doesn't appear to be in the cards in the Palouse this year.
Predicted record: 2-10
West Virginia
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Current record: 5-2
West Virginia is one of the most improved teams in college football, going from an ugly 4-8 record in 2013 into the Top 25 this week. The Mountaineers have thrived with the combination of quarterback Clint Trickett and wide receiver Kevin White. White has 69 receptions for 1,020 yards and seven scores. As Baylor found out last week, Morgantown is a treacherous environment.
West Virginia still has games left against No. 10 TCU and No. 11 Kansas State, but both come to Milan Puskar Stadium, a big edge for Dana Holgorsen's group.
Predicted record: 8-4
Wisconsin
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Current record: 4-2
The Badgers have suffered through their share of ups and downs this season, blowing a big lead in the opener vs. LSU and dropping a game to Northwestern. They’ve also muddled through inconsistent quarterback play, but the presence of junior tailback Melvin Gordon has been a major boost. Gordon has 1,046 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and has been one of college football’s best backs.
Wisconsin remains in the mix for the Big Ten West Division title. The Badgers must host No. 16 Nebraska and travel to Iowa in back-to-back weeks in November, which will likely determine their league fate. Don’t count them out just yet.
Predicted record: 9-3
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