Postseason Conference Awards (and National Awards)

ACC
OPOY:
Draper: Jameis Winston (QB--FSU)
Hoying: Rashad Greene (WR--FSU)
Schweinfurth: Rashad Greene (WR--FSU)
Seeberg:  Rashad Greene (WR--FSU)

DPOY:
Draper: Vic Beasley (DE--Clem)
Hoying: Dadi Nicolas (DE--VT)
Schweinfurth: Vic Beasley (DE--Clem)
Seeberg:  Vic Beasley (DE--Clem)

COY: 
Draper: Jimbo Fisher (FSU)
Hoying: Paul Johnson (GT)
Schweinfurth: Paul Johnson (GT)
Seeberg:  Paul Johnson (GT)

Big Ten
OPOY:
Draper: J.T. Barrett/Melvin Gordon (Co) (QB--OSU/RB--Wisc) --I'm a copout
Hoying: Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisc)
Schweinfurth: Melvin Gordon (RB-Wisc)
Seeberg:  Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisc)

DPOY:
Draper: Joey Bosa (DE--OSU)
Hoying: Joey Bosa (DE--OSU)
Schweinfurth: Joey Bosa (DE--OSU)
Seeberg:  Joey Bosa (DE--OSU)

COY:
Draper: Urban Meyer (OSU)
Hoying: Urban Meyer (OSU)
Schweinfurth: Urban Meyer (OSU)
Seeberg:  Urban Meyer (OSU)

Big Twelve
OPOY:
Draper: Trevone Boykin (QB--TCU)
Hoying: Trevone Boykin (QB--TCU)
Schweinfurth: Trevone Boykin (QB--TCU)
Seeberg:  Trevone Boykin (QB--TCU)

DPOY:
Draper: Paul Dawson (LB--TCU) (Narrowly beating out a wet washcloth)
Hoying: Paul Dawson (LB--TCU)
Schweinfurth: Paul Dawson (LB--TCU)
Seeberg:  Paul Dawson (LB--TCU)

COY: 
Draper: Gary Patterson (TCU)
Hoying: Gary Patterson (TCU)
Schweinfurth: Gary Patterson (TCU)
Seeberg:  Gary Patterson (TCU)

Pac 12
OPOY:
Draper: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Hoying: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Schweinfurth: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Seeberg:  Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)

DPOY:
Draper: Scooby Wright III (LB--Arizona)
Hoying: Scooby Wright III (LB--Arizona)
Schweinfurth: Scooby Wright III (LB-Arizona)
Seeberg:  Scooby Wright III (LB--Arizona)

COY:
Draper: Rich Rodriguez (Arizona)
Hoying: Rich Rodriguez (Arizona)
Schweinfurth: Rich Rodriguez (Arizona)
Seeberg:  Rick Rodriguez (Arizona)

SEC
OPOY:
Draper: Amari Cooper (WR--Alabama)
Hoying: Amari Cooper (WR--Alabama)
Schweinfurth:
Seeberg:  Amari Cooper (WR--Alabama)

DPOY:
Draper:  Shane Ray (DE--Mizzou)
Hoying: Senquez Golson (DB--Mississippi)
Schweinfurth: Senquez Golson (DB--Mississippi)
Seeberg:  Senquez Golson (DB--Mississippi)

COY:
Draper: Dan Mullen (Miss St.)
Hoying: Hugh Freeze (Mississippi)
Schweinfurth: Dan Mullen (Miss St.)
Seeberg:  Dan Mullen (Miss St.)

National
OPOY:
Draper: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Hoying: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Schweinfurth: Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
Seeberg:  Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)

DPOY:
Draper:  Scooby Wright III (Arizona)
Hoying: Scooby Wright III (Arizona)
Schweinfurth:
Seeberg:  Scooby Wright III (Arizona)  (don't worry Buckeye Nation, Bosa wins this next year)

COY:
Draper: Urban Meyer (OSU)
Hoying: Urban Meyer (OSU) [Gary Patterson--TCU is a super super close second]
Schweinfurth: Urban Meyer (OSU) [Call it homerism if you want but the Bucks lost 2 Heisman candidate QBs and had a player lose his life...then dismantled a top 15 team]
Seeberg:  Urban Meyer (OSU)

Bowl Pick Bonus - The Dirty Half-Dozen

Final Regular Season Standings
1) Draper                48-22    (7-8 upset)
1) Hoying               48-22    (4-11 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     46-24    (6-9 upset)
4) Seeberg              45-25    (2-13 upset)

Bowl creep continues. Not only are there 38 total postseason exhibition games, not counting the +1 National Championship Playoff Final, but we've expanded from 4 BCS games to 5 BCS games to 6...New Year's Eve and Day Super Important Games (TM). We'll pick the championship once 2015 arrives, but here's a six-pack of picks to last you until then.

Peach Bowl: Ole Miss Rebels vs. TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: The deciding factor will be TCU's mindset heading into the game.  Yeah, they were left out of the playoff.  Is this a moment to prove themselves or one in which they just don't care? TCU had this opportunity with the Ginger Ninja playing in the orange and black and took down the Badgers in the Rose Bowl so I think Coach Patterson will get the troops ready to go.  This is a game for Treyvone Boykin to show off.  The LandShark defense is for real and will rear its ugly head, but the TCU D is no slouch either.  I actually think this is more low scoring than my counterparts, but I agree on the outcome.  Rebels: 20--TCU: 24
Hoying: PEACHES AIN'T SPORTS, except in the thankfully classically-renamed Peach Bowl. What better way to kick off New Year's Eve than with a mismatch? Ole Miss hasn't been the same worldbeater since Laquon Treadwell's heartbreaking (and leg-breaking) injury against Auburn. However, as my colleagues note, this game will hinge on whether TCU comes out pouting because they got left out of the playoff (see Alabama last year) or with their hair ablaze, ready to prove to a skeptical world that they belonged after all. If it's the latter, watch out. The nation's top defense won't know what hit them. Heisman-invite worthy QB Trevone Boykin and company will be scoring early and often. The Rebel forces can't repel firepower of that magnitude! Rebels: 31--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: How overrated is the Big 12 this year?  This game (and the Cotton Bowl) will bear this out.  TCU has a ridiculous offense this year.  Ole Miss has Bo Wallace.  Saying that, both defenses are about equal.  I will take TCU and Trevone Boykin.  Rebels: 28--TCU: 42
Seeberg:  Ole Miss saved their New Year's Eve and Day Super Important Games (TM) chances with a nice win in the Egg Bowl.  Meanwhile, TCU got bumped from the playoff after the Buckeyes' thrashing of Wiscy.  This game likely will come down to how motivated TCU is to be in this game after the disappointment of being left out of the playoff.  If TCU comes out flat they could struggle to get into double digits on offense against the Rebels' stout D, but I think they will play with anger and purpose and finish off a great season with another W.  Rebels: 20--TCU: 28

Fiesta Bowl: Boise State Broncos vs. Arizona Wildcats
Draper: Mr. Hoying and I were two of the VERY few people who believed in the Little Blue Engine that Could in 2007 as the Broncos took down the mighty Sooners.  This Boise State team is a shadow of the Zabransky 'juggernaut'.  Zona is a weird team that ended a fantastic season with a whimper getting stomped by Oregon.  RichRod's boys can fly around the field, but they usually have inferior athletes.  Not so in this case.  Scooby Wright and Anu Solomon will control both sides of the ball as the Fiesta pays back the Broncos. Boise: 24--Zona: 41
Hoying: Poor, poor Fiesta Bowl. The bowl selection white elephant took a big steaming dump in the desert, plopping down 2-loss Boise State to face DickRod's Destroyers. Were he still coaching Michigan, I'd believe Rodriguez could find a way to cHoke this one away, but the Wildcats are very much a program on the rise and are solid enough in all phases of the game (except game-winning field goals). All-American LB Scooby Wright will snack on star Bronco RB Jay Ajayi, while Arizona's freshman QB Solomon will push the Wildcats another step forward toward Anu era of success. Boise: 20--Zona: 34
Schweinfurth:  Why is Boise State playing in one of the "New Year's Six" games?  This game will only be watchable to see how many points Arizona puts up.  This game will be on in the background.  Boise: 17--Zona: 45
Seeberg:  Let's be clear, this is NOT your father's Arizona Wildcats football program.  Rich-Rod has them playing solid football in the second best conference in the country.  Meanwhile, this is also NOT your older brother's Boise State team.  Other than a nice win over Colorado State, the Broncos have beaten nobody of note and are unlikely to be able to do enough to slow down the Wildcats' potent O.  Arizona posts their first relevant bowl win in, well, literally forever (seriously, they're the only original PAC-10/12 team to never even PLAY in the Rose Bowl, let alone win it).  Boise: 24--Zona: 38

Orange Bowl: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Draper: This bowl game is quite intriguing.  The Bulldogs faltered down the stretch but are still enormously talented.  The Yellow Jackets are a one trick pony....but what a trick!  Paul Johnson shows that if you commit to something wholeheartedly, you can still have success even if the technique is outdated.  The Jackets potent option attack is a 'you-know-what' to stop, but the Bulldogs are really good on D.  Oh yeah, Dak and the Bowling ball are good enough to roll over the overmatched Jacket D.  Georgia Tech will frustrate the crap out of the MSU defense, but they won't be able to stop Dak Prescott. MSU: 38--GT: 27
Hoying: Remember when, during the month of October, and for the first time ever, the entire college football world revolved around the state of Mississippi? Since then, the shine's come off the apple a bit in Stark Vegas, but a BCS (New Year's One-of-Six? What do you call one of these non-playoff games?) bowl win would still be a huge jump forward for the program. We're about to find out just how good of a coach Dan Mullen really is. You know what Georgia Tech's going to do. You know they will do it very well. You know you have the athletes that can stop them. Can you figure out a way to get it done, with a month to prepare? Since Mullen seems to be one of the hottest young coaches in the game, and was trained by the best (Corch Irvin Meyers), I have high hopes for the Bulldogs to take this one. MSU: 31--GT: 17
Schweinfurth: Georgia Tech runs that tricky triple option offense.  However, it's really only tricky if you don't have time to prepare for it.  News flash, Mississippi St has had around 3 weeks to prep for this game.  The only problem with the triple option is falling behind early.  I think that's what happens in this game.  GT keeps it somewhat close but just can't keep up with that run heavy offense.  MSU: 35--GT: 31
Seeberg:  This game is not getting nearly the attention it deserves.  GT is a mere eight points away from being undefeated this year while the Bulldogs lost by just five to Bama.  A win in that de facto SEC title game likely would have secured their spot in the playoff regardless of the Egg Bowl outcome.  The triple option is a nightmare to prepare for, but the extra prep time for a bowl game will certainly help the Bulldogs.  In a game likely to be close, the Yellow Jackets' one-dimensional offense may be their undoing (see Florida State).  Bulldogs win a tight one.  MSU: 34--GT: 27

Cotton Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs. Baylor Bears
Draper: Another game about 'who want to be here?'  I've been pretty consistent on the Sparty is overrated front all year.  Yeah, the D is pretty good, but not as good as last year's No Fly Zone.  The Offense...eh.... Connor Cook and Langford are nice pieces and Tony Lippett is the real deal, but that's about it.  Bryce Petty has been phenomenal all year with the Baylor fast paced attack.  Looking at the resume, Baylor has a clear advantage as they've actually won a game vs. a decent team (sorry Nebraska).  I feel the unstoppable force vs. the immovable goes to the force.  Despite the mantra of defense wins championships, a great offense beats a great defense more often than not these days.  I think the Spartans get into a track meet...which is not what they're designed for.  Sparty NO!! MSU: 41--Baylor: 48
Hoying: Can Sparty really handle success? There's been a conspicuous dearth of "Sparty, NO!" moments since the refs stole the Notre Dame game from State's grasp last season, but they haven't really beaten anyone of consequence since last year's Rose Bowl win. Two marquee opponents, two faceplants. Baylor's probably kicking themselves that they didn't get a chance at MSU during the regular season, since beating Sparty seems to punch a ticket to the playoff. Alas... This game has the same X-factor as the Peach Bowl: can Baylor shrug off a snub? Whereas TCU was able to graciously accept a Rose Bowl berth after an undefeated 2010 season, and come away with a win over a tough Wisconsin squad, Baylor dealt with last season's title chase stumble by Bortling all over themselves in a loss to Central freaking Florida. With all the foaming at the mouth Art Briles did in his December rants against the Big 12 Commissioner and the Playoff Committee, I'll be surprised if he has anything left to motivate his team for this one. Sparty YES! MSU: 35--Baylor: 34
Schweinfurth: Both of these teams can put up points, that much is undeniable.  However, Baylor does not have a defense.  I really expect Connor Cook to flat light up the Bear's defense.  MSU's defense will have a tough time with the Bear offense, but they should get a stop or two.  That will be the difference in this game. MSU: 42--Baylor: 35
Seeberg:  Ah yes, "Big 12 team who thinks they should be in the playoff" part two.  Baylor laid a big fat egg in their last bowl game, giving up a whopping 52 points to Blake Bortles and UCF.  They may have some extra motivation this year to prove they belonged in the playoffs, but they're also playing a much better team in Michigan State, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  Art Briles went all Andrew Jackson nepotism, promoting his son to offensive coordinator, and Dantonio and Co. should have some interesting wrinkles to throw at Briles, Jr.  Sparty gets a second consecutive high-profile bowl win.  Sparty: 42--Baylor: 28

Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs. Florida State Seminoles
Draper: I've got a weird feeling about this playoff-possibly, due to my alma mater-but I think FSU has something to say.  Every game has been a nail-biter it seems, but they always seem to 'escape'.  Eventually, it's not escaping but winning.  Winston has yet to play a complete game this year but many fantastic halves.  This is the game in which he blows up.  The Seminole D hasn't been good due to injuries piling up all year, but many will return for the Rose Bowl.  Oregon has trouble with complete teams that can play both sides of the ball (OSU, Stanford, Auburn,etc.).  While FSU's D is not the same as last year's squad, they have the athletes to disrupt any team.  The loss of Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will loom large as Winston shows why NFL scouts will prefer him to the Duck counterpart.  Mariota is fantastic and will be a nice pro for 5-10 years, but Jameis has superstar talent...if he can stay clean.  This will be the shock of the bowl season to most, but I'm going with the Noles.  I've got a feeling... UO: 31--FSU: 41
Hoying: Another classic Rose Bowl matchup: Pac-12 vs. ACC. Somehow, Florida State still has not lost a game since Obama's first term, but their style points make 2002 Ohio State look like 2001 Miami. Oregon exorcised some demons in their Blowout...err...Championship Saturday win over Arizona, but do they have the weapons to bring a 29-game win streak to an end? Bluntly, yes. The Ducks feature a high-powered balanced offensive attack behind dual-threat Super Mariota and talented RB Royce Freeman, and I don't think anyone is about to forget what the Duck D did to a terrific Wildcat attack on December 5th. Jameis has been playing with fire all season, actively hurting his team in the first half only to ride to astounding heroics late. Problem is, this only works if you can stop your opponent for a few drives, and this year's Seminole D is like the Chicago Bears compared against last year's Seattle Seahawk-level juggernaut. Root hard for Florida State, Buckeye Nation, but this Duck Hunt will leave the dog laughing all day long. UO: 45--FSU: 31
Schweinfurth: Which Heisman QB will shine the brightest?  That is the question everyone is asking.  Winston has been giving the ball away like Oprah gives away gifts (you get a pick and you get a pick...).  If Winston throws 2 or more this time, game over.  The Ducks will make the Noles pay.  I expect a good game and a FSU comeback, but Oregon's powerful offense is just too much.  UO: 35--Noles:31
Seeberg:  For weeks us Buckeye fans were convinced a Seminole loss was our only shot to get into the playoff.  Now, we must ironically root for them to beat Oregon because, in my opinion, the Ducks are the best team in the country.  If this game is anywhere close in the fourth quarter, I genuinely believe that (in)famous Jameis will find a way to win it.  The only problem is that the Ducks aren't going to allow it to be that close.  Mariota inches closer to equaling Winston's resume with a Heisman and a ring.  Ducks: 43--Noles: 24

Sugar Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Draper: Ah...another game, another alma mater.  The Tide roll in as heavy favorites, but no team in the country is as hot right now as the Buckeyes.  Cardale is on top of the world, but he needs to sharpen up a bit against Saban's defense.  Blake Sims has been quite consistent during this year but he's been serviceable.  Cooper, Henry, and Yeldon will shoulder the offensive load for the Tide while Jones, Elliot, and Smith work for the Bucks.  A big part of this game will be decided on the lines.  The team that gets pressure will grab the advantage.  Bosa needs to dominate and the Buckeye O-line needs to keep Cardale clean.  While the Tide have more experience, if the Bucks can avoid mistakes they can ride the youthful exuberance to Dallas.  The B1G Championship was largely a case of willpower and refusal to let a repeat occur in Lucas Oil.  This time, it's about strict execution.  Meyer vs. Saban battles usually turn out something special.  I think the Bucks are a year away, but 'I ain't no fake Buckeye!' Bama: 27--OSU: 31
Hoying: In January 1978, the top two coaches in the game led Ohio State and Alabama to a titanic clash in the Sugar Bowl. What happened? The Tide rolled the Buckeyes, 35-6, despite fumbling the ball 10 (!) times. Don't expect either result to occur this time, as these teams are much more easily matched than one of Bear's finest squads taking on fading Woody Hayes (also, ball control is a thing now). Where is Bama vulnerable? If the midseason is any indication, it's on offense. Blake Sims, while impressive, is still learning to be a QB (glad the Buckeyes don't have that problem...) and Super Amario can only do so much to bail him out. The Lucas Oil Massacre showed that the Silver Bullets could win a game with defense; now it's time for them to actually DO it for the first time since the 2012 Wisconsin game. On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes will need a healthy dose of EzE churning out some yards and 12-gauge Cardale cocking and firing over the top of the Tide's weak safety play. Most importantly, the lines will have to impose their will upon the enemy, like they did against Michigan State and Wisconsin and did NOT do against Virginia Tech. This one's winnable. I feel lucky. The dynasty IS over! Bama: 24--OSU: 27
Schweinfurth: I am so ready for this one.  This is not the Bama of the last few years.  That secondary just doesn't have that killer instinct of the last few years.  Alabama's offense looks like a one trick pony.  Yes Amari Cooper is very good, but OSU's D has bottled up good receivers all year.  Offensively, OSU knows what it has in Cardale Jones.  Alabama has some garbage time against Illinois and the B1G Champ game.  Not exactly a lot of film on 12 Gauge.  This will be fun and I expect a lot of the same offensive formula that got Cardale into a rhythm early in the B1G Champ game.  I trust the front 7 to get pressure on Sims.  Finally,  Urban Meyer is THE master motivator.  Ohio State is a big underdog.  Meyer doesn't lose at Ohio State as an underdog.  This will be a pissed off OSU team coming out of the tunnel Thrusday night.  Happy New Year! GO BUCKS!! Bama: 20--OSU: 28
Seeberg:  Congratulations Buckeyes, you made the first EVER college football playoff!  (You know, if you don't count any of the other divisions who have had playoffs for decades).  Your prize?  You get to play the best program of the last five years by a pretty sizable margin.  Both coaches will have their teams supremely well-prepared for this game.  I believe if these teams played ten teams, OSU wins 3, maybe 4.  In a one-game-takes-all scenario though, things are different.  Cardale will lead a couple of seamless drives thanks to some solid play-calling and in-game adjusting, but the difference in the game will be Amari Cooper.  The Silver Bullets will have to devote a corner and a safety to containing him, which will leave enough gaps in the run game for Bama to have some success between the tackles.  If Bosa, Bennett and Co. rattle Sims, which is possible, all bets are off, but Bama's O will make just enough plays to keep the Buckeyes at bay.  An overachieving Buckeye squad falls just short, if a year ahead of schedule.  Watch out for the 3-QB system in 2015!  Bama: 31--Bucks: 21

Grading the Bucks: B1G Championship--Wisconsin

Offense: A+
What a game.  Cardale was absolutely fantastic based on the situation in which he was thrust.  Without regard to the situation, I'd grade him at a B+ (some of the deep balls were thrown into coverage), but he gave his receivers a chance.  This was by far the best the receivers have played all year.  Thomas, Smith, Smith, Spencer, and Marshall all ran crisp routes and won seemingly every 50-50 battle.  Oh yeah, there was also the ground game...200+ for Zeke.  I'd say that's pretty good.  The O-Line was outstanding opening holes and protecting the last remaining QB.  There is almost nothing not to like here.  If they keep up this level, watch out Bama (and we're going to be pretty good next year too).

Defense: A+
The best I've seen this defense look in 3 years...easily.  The D-line play above and beyond the already lofty expectations. Bennett, Bosa, Frazier, Miller, and Washington were all electric.  They took a major Heisman campaign and completely crushed it.  The pass D was no slouch either (although their task was miniscule).  The Vonn Bell interception was textbook.  I could see from the stands the way he baited the QB and broke on the ball the second it was thrown.  There was one bad play in pass coverage (about 3 plays from the end) in which a receiver was completely wide open...but those were the backups and Wisconsin sucks.  It all comes back to the line and linebackers.  I was very nervous going up against Gordon, and this team answered and destroyed the bell.  Fantastic job.

Special Teams: A-
I'm sorry Cameron Johnston. You are amazing and borderline MVP.  72 yard punt that checked up at the 1? Another bomb hit with a 9 iron that kicked back inside the 5? Are you kidding?  I just had to do something here because this is the only unit with any real blemish (and there were 2).  The blocked field goal wasn't fun (although it didn't matter) and, you know where I'm going, ANOTHER KICKOFF OUT OF BOUNDS!!  It was almost a point of pride to return to form on the last kickoff of the night.  I'm sorry, but it grinds my gears.  Cameron Johnston gets an A+++.

Coaching: A
Fantastic gameplan.  Keep Cardale clean and let him do what he does best: throw the deep ball.  The gameplan was essentially ride Zeke and bomb it.  Perfect.  Defensively, they clearly watched film and realized Wisconsin sucks.  Stop Gordon and watch the Badger QB's suck.  Bingo. I also love the mentality to jump on them early and show no mercy.  The energy was there from the opening kickoff and that is testament to coaching.  Never forget last year.  Eyes on the prize.

Overall: A
This was about as flawless a game as possible.  The crispness of execution was there and the hunger was definitely apparent.  Cardale was bailed out by excellent receiver play at times, but he gave his guy a chance.  The people in my section kept agonizing that more points were needed to impress.  The two most important numbers from this game were both 0:  0 points given up; 0 turnovers. There was no doubt in mind after the game (actually, no doubt since VT) that we were in.  I said the week before (and no one listened): win and jump TCU.  This team has a tough draw, but to be the best, you have to beat the best (as the Badgers found out).  Play like this and there's a real chance.

Go Ohio! Beat Bama!

10 Thoughts from a Great Weekend to Be a Buckeye

A few musings on the B1G Championship, the events of this weekend, and the season in general.

1. The Receiver Play Was Outstanding

On Ohio State's first drive, QB Cardale Jones threw up an end zone jump ball to Devin Smith, who was completely blanketed by Wisconsin CB Sojourn Shelton. An interception would have been disastrous, not just stifling a promising drive but shattering the untested quarterback's confidence on his deep ball. Instead, Smith fought off the DB and came down with the ball, giving Ohio State the lead less than 2 minutes into the game. All night long, the receivers made play after play, whether it was Devin Smith's end zone antics (3 times!), Michael Thomas's leaping catches, Corey (Dewey) Smith demolishing LB Joe Schobert (and getting kicked out of the game for being too badass), or every receiver executing outstanding downfield blocking on every play. Other than EzE letting a ball slip off his fingertips in the red zone, I can't remember a single dropped ball. This was what Buckeye fans had been waiting for after 3 years of abysmal receiver play.

2. MV...T?

Cardale Jones was the easy sentimental pick for MVP of the game. The stats were gaudy (12-17 for 257 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs), and he looked completely at home in or out of the pocket (watch him get wrecked throwing his prettiest rainbow of the day to Devin Smith). But the MVP award could have just as easily gone to Devin Smith himself. Or Michael Bennett, who completely destroyed Wisconsin's interior line and made Gordon a complete non-factor. By game's end, Bennett had racked up 4 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles, one of which led directly to a touchdown return by Bosa. Or Doran Grant, who picked off 2 passes and broke up 2 more. Or Cameron Johnston, who is almost definitely a witch, knocking a ridiculous 73-yard line drive right over Kenzel Doe's head to die at the 2, as well as a 58-yarder that landed a blade of Fieldturf short of the goal line and boomeranged back like a Phil Mickelson lob wedge. Or Ezekiel Elliott, who broke Gordon's own B1G Championship rushing record on all of 20 carries (and one shoe). Honestly, you could point to any random member of the two-deep, hand them the game ball, and nobody would complain.

3. The Old Urban Is Back

All season I've had to put up with the derps on Facebook and Twitter saying that Urban hasn't won a game of consequence at Ohio State. I guess the 24th consecutive conference win didn't mean anything, even though that's never been done before. Or knocking off the defending conference champions every year he's been coach, twice on the road. Or beating Michigan 3 straight years, or going 3-0 as an underdog...I think the skeptics will come around after this one. Not only was this game of tremendous consequence, making all the difference between #4 and #5, but it seemed like Urban knew the Badgers better than Gary Andersen did. This is a completely different team than the one that took the field against Navy on August 30th, and that doesn't happen without outstanding leadership. A new O-line, a new linebacking corps, two new quarterbacks, a new kicker, it didn't matter. The system works, jerks.

4. The Committee Got It Right

By season's end, there were only 6 teams seriously in the discussion: Alabama, Baylor, Florida State, Ohio State, Oregon, and TCU. Florida State, as the only undefeated team, was an easy pick to fill one slot. Alabama and Oregon were equally obvious selections, boasting elite wins, the conference trophies from the nation's top 2 leagues, and acceptable losses. And despite the committee's bizarre week 14 decision to put TCU at #3 after blowing out 6-6 Texas, Ohio State was easily the best choice to complete the quartet. The Buckeyes had the 2nd best win of the three teams (@Michigan State, only eclipsed by Baylor's win over TCU) and a great #2 win (the Wisconsin blowout, comparable to both Big 12 teams' wins over Kansas State), as well as a win over a mid-major champion, Cincinnati (compare that to TCU's win over Minnesota and Baylor's win over...Buffalo), and an overall resume that featured wins over NINE bowl-bound teams (compared to 5 for Baylor and 6 for TCU). The teams' FBS opponents' W-L comparison is quite stark (85-57 for Ohio State, 64-57 for TCU, 61-59 for Baylor), and as far as the "eye" test is concerned, no team in the nation had a win as impressive as 59-0 over Wisconsin. Yes, the loss to Virginia Tech was bad, but it's hard to imagine such a factor being dispositive when so, so many others weighed in favor of the Buckeyes.

5. ...Kind of

The internal ranking of the top four teams, however, made little sense. In the last 35 years, an undefeated power conference team has been ranked behind a team with a loss at the end of the regular season exactly FOUR times. 2012 Ohio State and 1993 Auburn were on sanctions. 1993 Nebraska was ranked #2 behind a Florida State team that demolished everyone on their schedule except for #1 Notre Dame (losing by 7), and the Huskers got a chance for a #1 vs. #2 matchup against the Noles in the Orange Bowl. 1992 Texas A&M was ranked #4 behind undefeated Miami, undefeated Alabama, and 11-1 Florida State, who had lost to only Miami (Wide Right II). Somehow, the committee saw fit to drop undefeated Florida State to #3 this year based on...the "I" test (as in "I think this team is better"). Make no mistake, this year's versions of Alabama and Oregon aren't juggernauts that tripped up against elite opponents; they're very good teams who, unlike FSU, had a bad week they couldn't quite turn around.

The playoff matchups should be: #1 Florida State vs. #4 Ohio State (Sugar); #2/3 Oregon vs. #2/3 Alabama (Rose).

6. The Big 12 Doesn't Need a 13th Game

Much was made of the fact that the four playoff participants each won a Power 5 conference championship game this weekend. After Baylor and TCU found themselves on the outside looking in, every Big 12 Chicken Little declared that the league would never get a fair shake until they got an extra game of their own. This is, of course, obviously wrong, for at least 2 reasons:

A) Just win, and you're in

Imagine if TCU could have put together a single late-game drive or stop against Baylor, or if Baylor had...not sucked...against West Virginia. The Big 12 would've had a team at 12-0 and probably #1 in the playoff rankings. Would they really want to risk a sure thing in a conference championship the following week? Ask 2007 Missouri.

B) This year's champ...still wouldn't be in

No matter how you split the Big 12, Baylor and TCU would almost certainly have been in the same division. So TCU would have ended up exactly where they are now, and Baylor would have had a chance to play...Kansas State again? Oklahoma? West Virginia? None of those wins could have made up for the gap in strength of schedule between the Buckeyes and the Bears. It would've been Ohio State, Baylor, and TCU at #4, #5, and #6, just like it was without "One True Champion."

7. Avoiding the BCS Mess

When the new playoff format was announced and everyone cheered that the controversies of the BCS era would at last be no more, I remained skeptical. I predicted that future arguments about #4 vs. #5 would be just as bad as the #2 vs. #3 problems of the past. After one year, it looks like I'm 0 for 1 on that front. Could you imagine what the debate would have looked like this year if we were under the 2-team playoff BCS system? Would the top 3 have looked ANYTHING like they do now? Would the voters really have snubbed the undefeated, defending champion, 29-win streak Florida State because of a few close wins? If not, how fierce would the fight have been between Alabama and Oregon? Certainly worse than the OSU/TCU/Baylor slugfest.

So congratulations, playoff people, the future does look bright after all. (And, as a homer, I'm obviously happy to have a 4-team playoff when my team is squarely at #4.)

8. Wait Till Next Year

After Braxton went down for the season, I wrote that the Buckeyes might actually be better off in the long run, since the very very young 2014 Buckeyes would have a year to gain valuable experience before Brax retook the reins for his true senior season. But no one (except the haters) expected Barrett to outplay Miller in his freshman year, and nobody but nobody expected Cardale, this raw O-line, and the oft-maligned defense to do THAT to Wisconsin last night. Think about how good this team is right now, then imagine next year's squad with these guys returning:

3 All-B1G caliber QBs
All-B1G caliber RB Ezekiel Elliott
4/5 of this year's OL
Dontre Wilson AND Jalin Marshall
5 of this year's 2-deep DL
All of this year's good LBs
The entire secondary (minus Doran Grant)
Every kicker/punter

If we're not preseason #1, we won't be outside the top 4.

9. January 1st, That Is

Even though the 2015 Buckeyes should be better than the best pieces of 1998, 2002, and 2006 combined, the scary thought is that this team is good enough to win it all THIS YEAR. We're somewhat of a long shot, but it's not like there's a 2013 Florida State or 2004 USC or 2001 Miami in the bracket. We all saw what Cardale can do with 7 days to prepare; imagine what Tom and Urban can do with a month. As I said last week, this season has already been an unbelievable success, but this team isn't ready to quit just yet. All that stands in their way are 1) Urban's nemesis, 2) the runaway Heisman winner, and 3) the defending champs.

After Indy, I can't wait.

10. Put Me In (the stands), Coach!

It bears mentioning that my fellow Let's Go Bucks! weekly prediction co-champion John Draper and I have been to 2 Ohio State games this season, and the Buckeyes have won them by a combined score of 125-0. We are currently accepting sponsorships to send us to New Orleans.

BONUS: It's 12:51...

Oh, by the way, Saturday also saw Michigan's basketball team lose to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the only D-1 school that doesn't have a chance of playing in the NCAA Tournament (due to their unique independent status).

Ohhhhhhhh.....(tap tap tap)

Week 15 - Championship Week, Or, Play-off Play-ins

Standings
1) Hoying               44-21    (4-10 upset)
2) Draper                43-22    (6-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth     41-24    (6-8 upset)
3) Seeberg              41-24    (2-13 upset)

Pac-12: Arizona Wildcats vs. Oregon Ducks

Draper: In a game that almost no one is picking lightning to strike twice, I'm very intrigued.  The Wildcats enter Autzen with the most important thing...belief.  They've already conquered the Ducks once, why not again?  Anu Solomon is a fantastic quarterback, but still young.  I don't think he'll show any ill effects, but with that said, his counterpart has playoffs and the Heisman in mind.  Let's be clear, if Oregon wins and Mariota doesn't crap the bed, the Heisman is decided.  The Ducks were granted a reprieve with all the losses (and the committee's ignoring of said losses) and have their eyes on the prize.  RichRod makes it interesting, but the Ducks are on to the playoff.  Zona: 34--OU: 41

Hoying: The Ducks don't lose very often, but when they do, they prefer Arizona (stay thirsty). The Wildcats are trying to become the first team to win 3 in a row over the Ducks since Cal(!) did it from 2006-08. It won't be easy. Oregon hasn't been seriously threatened since Utah's Kaelin Clay dropped the ball celebrating a touchdown at the 1-yard line, and they've shown up impressively in two marquee matchups against Michigan State and UCLA. Arizona's QB Anu Solomon (who is not hurt, silly me) has been a fantastic success story for RichRod, but Oregon has the lock-it-up Heisman winner slinging the football for their Buckeye-esque offense. Whatever went wrong in their first game against the 'Cats, the Ducks will have the kinks worked out for this one. Zona: 20--Oregon: 28

Schweinfurth: Arizona has beaten the Ducks the last two times these teams have played.  Let that marinate a minute. I really don't see the Ducks losing 3 straight to Arizona. Ducks get their revenge and Mariota gets his bronze statue.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 35

Seeberg:  Keeping this one short and sweet.  1.)  I have NO idea how Arizona beat Oregon- I presume Oregon saw Arizona on their schedule in football and not basketball and had a ho-hum week of preparation that bit them in the rear.  2.)  There is NO way that happens again, particularly with Mariota leading the Heisman ballotting.  Ducks fly into the playoffs.  Zona: 24--Oregon: 44

SEC:  Missouri Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Draper: Congrats Mizzou! You won the worst division in college football....here's the winner of the best division.  Uh oh.  The talking heads are trying to make this one interesting, but I don't see it.  Can Mizzousi win? Sure...but I wouldn't hold my breath.  Bama showed they can win with defense or offense given the opponent.  If you want to beat them, you need to excel at both.  The Tiger defense is pretty good...but the offense won't be able to rack up enough points to matter. Tide Rolls into the playoffs.  Mizzou: 10--Bama: 27

Hoying: Two words: mis match. Missouri doesn't have a win over a single opponent with more than 8 wins, or an SEC opponent with more than 7. And they've been skating by, using a decent defense to cover for an offense that can't move the ball. Against Florida, the Tigers racked up all of 119 yards on the way to a 42-13 win. They won't be getting 6 turnovers against Blake Sims and the Tide, no matter what happened in the first half of the Auburn game. Run T.J. Yeldon, throw to Amari Cooper, steamroll the Tigers, secure (an undeserved) #1 seed in the playoff. Although it would be hilarious to see Missouri win and the SEC get left out of the inaugural playoff... Mizzou: 17--Bama: 31

Schweinfurth: Mizzou lost to Indiana.  While I believe that Alabama is overrated, there is no way they lose to this Tiger team.  Please remember that Mizzou was a middle of the road Big 12 team and has now made 2 straight SEC title game appearances. This is close just because that's how Bama rolls this year. Mizzou: 24--Bama: 28

Seeberg:  Keeping this one brief as well.  1.)  I have NO idea how Missouri made it back into the SEC title game.  Remember- they lost to nearly-winless-in-the-B1G Indiana.  I presume Gary Pinkel has made a deal with the devil.  2.)  It will take the devil reincarnate in Tiger pads to give them any shot of winning this game.  Mizzou: 13--Bama: 31

ACC: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Florida State Seminoles

Draper: I don't think the committee has realized this, but the Noles still haven't lost.  Yeah, they haven't looked great, but they find a way.  Maybe it's Jameis, maybe it's the defense, maybe it's Aguayo, but they find a way.  Tech comes into the ACC Championship at just the right time: Chop block-o'clock.  This is a horrendous matchup for any team but GT still doesn't have the horses on defense to run with the Noles for a full 60 minutes.  Jameis played his worst game ever vs. a good Gator defense...and won.  He's not going to be that bad here.  Georgia Tech will have some success against the injury riddled D-line of the Noles, but the magic continues for the Seminoles.  On to the playoffs (until they get jumped inexplicably by another team with a worse resume...TCU?!? Their best win is KSU followed by who? Minn? Ask Louisville, Clemson, a healthy ND, UF, etc. how good the Noles are).  GT: 17--FSU: 28 Thank you Mr. Hoying for not giving us the touch of death.  

Hoying: It seems like every week, I pick against the Noles, and every week, they play like garbage and win. That streak is coming to an end, not because I'm picking the Noles to win, but because you can't play like crap and beat Georgia Tech. The Jackets are riding high after two consecutive wins over ranked teams, shredding opposing defenses with their ridiculous triple option. Remember what a so-so Boston College team did to Florida State a couple weeks ago? Imagine that, more competently executed, putting together long drives that keep Jameis Winston and the erratic Florida State offense off the field. Not that the picture's any rosier when the Tech defense takes their turn. GT returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Clemson, and nobody's serving up quacking ducks like ol' Crab Legs these days. After so many ugly victories, a loss cruelly ends the Noles' chase for a second consecutive national title. GT: 31--FSU: 24

Schweinfurth: What has been with the defending champs this year?  It almost seems like they are bored right now.  With that said, a slow start and falling behind in this one could be the kiss of death to the Noles.  Georgia Tech has a very good defense and an offense that will just grind you into oblivion.  However, I expect Jameis to get the Noles up for this one (easier to do when a trophy is on the line) and pull off yet another nail biter.  GT: 14--FSU: 17

Seeberg:  I wasn't all too convinced of the Yellow Jackets' abilities until last week.  Granted, they needed a 53-yard FG just to get to overtime, but the triple option rolled over a Bulldog D that had shut down an Auburn rushing offense that is every bit as potent.  The Seminoles, meanwhile, have gone all '02 Buckeyes on everybody, winning by the skin of their teeth against highly inferior opponents.  The difference between the '02 Bucks and the '14 Noles, however, is that FSU's mistakes are keeping opponents in it where as the Buckeyes were just being throttled by the ultra-conservative sweater vest.  FSU's penchant for miscues finally catches up to them.  GT: 28--FSU: 20

Kansas State Wildcats @ Baylor Bears

Draper: Another very intriguing matchup.  Baylor is puffing their chest out playing Rodney Dangerfield (No Respect).  Well, you want respect? Take care of business here.  If Baylor wins this one, there's no reason to keep them behind TCU.  Resumes are comparable at that point so head-to-head matters....but they need this win.  Bill Snyder may be Emperor Palpatine  or Yoda but he always finds a way to win 9-10 games a year.  The health of Bryce Petty is key here.  The Bears struggled last week, but they were looking ahead (and that whole concussion thing).   Jake Waters will score, but Baylor is tough to beat at home.  You need to put on an offensive show to compete and I don't think KSU quite has the horses.  They'll slow the game down to a crawl, but Baylor is too explosive.  KSU: 20--Bay: 28

Hoying: There's no longer a de jure Big 12 Championship Game since Nebraska isn't around to lose them anymore, but this game provides a very large piece of the puzzle. A Baylor win gives them no worse than a tie with TCU (and the head-to-head tiebreaker), while a Kansas State win provides a tie with TCU (and a head-to-head loss) unless Iowa State pulls the unthinkable in Fort Worth. Since the Big 12 is very unlikely to get 2 teams into the playoff (no matter what cowardly B12 Commissioner Dan Bowlsby tries to pull), who will be the "One True Champion"? I made the mistake last week of counting out a star quarterback with a potential injury, and I'm not about to count out Baylor QB Bryce Petty for this one after a possible mild concussion. KSU QB Jake Waters is nearly as good, but Petty isn't alone in the backfield. Yes, Virginia, Baylor does have a running game, and Shock Linwood is one of the best in the Big 12. The Wildcats couldn't handle TCU's balanced attack, and while Baylor couldn't either, at least the Bears had the horses to keep up. Kansas State, on the other hand, is going to get trampled. KSU: 31--Bay: 38

Schweinfurth: This game hinges on Bryce Petty's health.  If he is healthy, the Bears should win this game.  That offense just has too many weapons and can score too quickly for KSU to match.  Regardless of Petty's health, this game should be close.  Baylor can win the Big 12 with a win and jump into a playoff spot.  I think that is motivation enough.  KSU: 35--Bay: 42

Seeberg:  Baylor's offense is, surprisingly, very 2-dimensional this year, perhaps costing Bryce Petty a serious shot at the Heisman.  If it ain't broke, however, it ain't gonna get fixed.  The Wildcats have played well all year and have only given up 30 points twice, to Oklahoma (in a 31-30 win) and TCU (41-20 loss).  Both of those offenses are balanced and capable of the big play on any down, much like the Bears' O.  Baylor scores enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.  KSU: 28--Bay: 38

B1G: Wisconsin Badgers vs. THE Ohio State University Buckeyes

Draper:  I believe a win here may propel the Bucks into the playoffs (over TCU).  No way they pass FSU if they win (just a reality).  Now to the game: Run, run, run, run, hello boys, I've missed you.  This game will be about the Buckeyes slowing down Gordon and can Cardale make it happen. I know Cardale ain't come to play school, so hopefully he came to play football.  I haven't seen anything out of him that wows me other than his clotheslining ability. For the Bucks to win, he needs to be competent and the defense needs to rise up.  It's incredibly important for the skill players to step up (Zeke, Thomas, Marshall, etc.).  Here's a little hint about how to stop Wisconsin: stop (or slow down) the running game.  If they beat us through the air, so be it.  Curtis Grant, I'm looking at you.  This defense has actually been pretty strong vs. the pass (sans Michigan) but very suspect versus the run.  If ever there was a week to completely sell out for the run, this is it.  Sure tackling would do well to show up.  I think we can score, but no JT is a major issue.  It's on Cardale to manage, Zeke to control the ball, and the defense to get the Badgers off the field.  You know where I'm going...GO BUCKS!Wisc: 20--Bucks: 24

Hoying: After Ohio State lost their second Heisman-caliber quarterback to a season-ending injury, a stupid question has been popping up all over the place: how will Barrett's injury affect the playoff committee's view of the Buckeyes? The correct answer is: NOT AT ALL. These babbling fools haven't noticed that the Buckeyes face a very stiff test this weekend in the Wisconsin Badgers. Sure, their quarterbacks think that a "forward pass" means pinching a farmgirl's rear, but they feature the B1G's best running game AND best defense (sorry, Sparty). If the Silver Bullets can navigate this minefield, there'll be no question as to Ohio State's playoff viability, no matter who's taking the snaps. Can they do it? One need only consider the Badgers' last game, against Minnesota. With a tremendous home-field advantage, Wisconsin needed every trick in the bag to pull out a win against a team that 1) doesn't like to throw; 2) runs pretty well; and 3) has a decent defense. Even if Cardale Jones in fact did come to play school and not football, you might recognize that Ohio State is basically a better version of Minnesota, and they'll be playing the Badgers on a neutral field in front of a (likely) friendly crowd. Don't start having flashbacks to Virginia Tech, Buckeye Nation. This secondary and offensive line are nothing like what we saw on that fateful September night. As for the nation's top RB, Melvin Gordon, the front seven have had all year to face elite backs and learn how to bring them down. Granted, they've opted not to do so as of yet, but I think they have one solid game left in them. Regardless of what happens in this game and beyond, this season has been a tremendous success, but I'm craving even more gravy after Thanksgiving weekend. Go out and win one for Braxton, JT, and Kosta. Wis: 27--OSU: 28

Schweinfurth: I can't remember an Ohio State team that has had to endure so much in a season. Replace almost the entire offense, lose a Heisman QB, lose another Heisman QB, and then have the death of Kosta Karageorge.  This just does not set up well in my mind for an OSU win...but then again, it can be a rallying cry. I have faith in Eli Apple to lock down a wide receiver and I have faith that Ash and Fickell will put together a solid gameplan to stop, or at least slow down, Melvin Gordon.  Cardale Jones should be a capable QB in this offense and he is a tank.  Expect the offense to look less like Ohio State's offense and more like the Tebow Florida offenses.  No matter what happens, this will be an entertaining, and long (thanks FOX) game.  Wis: 17--OSU:24

Seeberg:  Given the extent to which I follow and scrutinize B1G football, I could write about this game for days, but I won't.  For me, it comes down to two things:  Who runs the ball better and my own ridiculous superstitious ways.  Thing #1:  Wisconsin can almost throw the ball now that Stave is back as the starting QB- it's at least enough of a threat to keep our D honest against Melvin Gordon, who we all know can run it and run it well.  Our passing offense?  TBD.  I'm PRAYING for lots of 3-step drops, play action, slants and quick ins (and find Heuerman and Vannett please!!), but lord knows what we will actually call.  In any event, we'll need a very potent rushing attack to offset the fact that we're on our 3rd-string QB.  Thing #2:  My ridicuous superstition.  Last year I was leaning ever so slightly towards Michigan State in this game, but picked OSU because, well duh, we want our Buckeyes to win.  This year I'm leaning ever so slightly towards OSU because Wisconsin's D is not as tough and I believe the Bucks will put some points on the board.  Since that's the case, I'm taking the Badgers in a tight game in hopes of spurring a Buckeye victory.  Wis: 31--OSU: 28

Upset Special

Draper: Oklahoma State over Oklahoma (The only game left)

Hoying: Iowa State over TCU (do you believe in miracles?)

Schweinfurth: Fresno St. over Boise St.

Seeberg:  Louisiana Tech over Marshall

Top 25 and Heisman Ballots - After Week 14

Rankings, as always, are based on what teams have done so far, not how we believe they will finish, though the two are rapidly converging. Leave a comment and tell us who's the Jeff Sagarin and who's the Richard Billingsley.

Let's Go Bucks! Index
1. Florida State (unchanged)
2a. Oregon (unchanged)
2b. Alabama (up 1)
4. TCU (unchanged)
5. Ohio State (up 2)
6. Baylor (down 1)
7. Arizona (up 4)
8. Wisconsin (up 5)
9. Michigan State (unchanged)
10. Georgia Tech (up 7)
11a. Kansas State (unchanged)
11b. Ole Miss (up 5)
13. Mississippi State (down 7)
14. UCLA (down 6)
15. Georgia (down 5)
16a. Missouri (up 2)
16b. Oklahoma (up 5)
16c. Clemson (up 7)
19a. Auburn (down 5)
19b. Arizona State (down 4)
21. Boise State (unranked)
22. Louisville (unranked)
23. USC (up 1)
24. LSU (unranked)
25a. Utah (unchanged)
25b. Nebraska (unranked)

Others receiving votes: Minnesota, Air Force

Dropped from rankings: #18 Marshall, #20 Minnesota, #22 Colorado State 

Let's Go Bucks! Heisman Index
1. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin)
3a. JT Barrett (QB--Ohio State)
3b. Amari Cooper (WR--Alabama)


Draper Top 25
1. Florida State (unchanged)
2. Alabama (unchanged)
3. Oregon (unchanged)
4. TCU (up 2) 
5. Ohio State (up 2)
6. Baylor (down 2) 
7. Arizona (up 3)
8. Wisconsin (up 5)
9. Ole Miss (up 7)
10. Mississippi State (down 5)
11. Michigan State (unchanged)
12. Georgia Tech (up 5)
13. UCLA (down 5)
14. Kansas State (down 2)
15. Georgia (down 6)
16. Missouri (up 2)
17. Clemson (unranked)
18. Oklahoma (up 2)
19. Arizona State (down 4)
20. Louisville (up 5)
21. Auburn (down 7)
22. Nebraska (up 2)
23. Boise State (unranked)
24. Utah (down 1)
25. LSU (unranked)

Dropped from rankings: 
#19 Minnesota, #21 Marshall, #22 Colorado State

Draper Heisman Ballot
1. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin)
3. J.T. Barrett (QB--Ohio State)


Hoying Top 25
1. Florida State (unchanged)
2. Alabama (up 1)
3. Oregon (down 1)
4. TCU (unchanged)
5. Ohio State (up 1)
6. Baylor (up 1)
7. Arizona (up 3)
8. Georgia Tech (up 11)
9. Wisconsin (up 7)
10. Mississippi (up 4)
11. UCLA (down 3)
12. Michigan State (unchanged)
13. Georgia (down 4)
14. Mississippi State (down 9)
15. Kansas State (down 2)
16. Clemson (up 4)
17. Missouri (unchanged)
18. Auburn (down 7)
19. LSU (up 2)
20. Boise State (unranked)
21. Arizona State (down 6)
22. Utah (unchanged)
23. USC (up 1)
24. Nebraska (unranked)
25. Oklahoma (unranked)

Dropped from rankings: #18 Minnesota, #23 Colorado State, #25 Texas A&M

Hoying Heisman Ballot
1. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin) 
3. JT Barrett (QB--Ohio State)


Schweinfurth Top 25
1. Florida State (Unchanged)
2. Oregon (Unchanged)
3. Alabama (Unchanged)
4. Baylor (Unchanged)
5. TCU (Unchanged) 
6. Ohio State (Unchanged)
7. Michigan State (Unchanged)
8. Kansas State (Up 1)
9. Arizona (Up 2)
10. Wisconsin (Up 3)
11. Georgia Tech (Up 4)
12. Mississippi State (Down 4)
13. Ole Miss (Up 3)
14. UCLA (Down 2)
15. Oklahoma (Up 6)
16. Clemson (Up 6)
17. Georgia (Down 3)
18. Louisville (Up 6)
19. Auburn (Down 2)
20. Arizona State (Down 2)
21. Boise St. (Up 4)
22. USC (Unranked)
23. Utah (Unranked)
24. Nebraska (Unranked)
25. Air Force (Unranked)

Dropped from Rankings: Marshall, Colorado State, Duke, Minnesota

Schweinfurth Heisman Ballot
1. Marcus Mariota (QB--Oregon)
2. Melvin Gordon (RB--Wisconsin)
3. Amari Cooper (WR--Alabama)


Seeberg Top 25
1.) Oregon (same)
2.) Alabama (same)
3.) Florida State (same)
4.) TCU (same)
5.) Ohio State (up 1)
6.) Baylor (up 1) 
7.) Michigan State (up 2)
8.) Kansas State (up 3)
9.) Wisconsin (up 3)
10.) Mississippi State (down 6)
11.) Georgia Tech (up 6)
12.) Arizona (up 2)
13.) Ole Miss (up 3)
14.) Georgia (down 6)
15.) UCLA (down 5)
16.) Missouri (up 2)
17.) Oklahoma (up 2)
18.) Arizona State (down 5)
19.) USC (up 1)
20.) Auburn (down 5)
21.) Minnesota (same)
22.) Boise State (up 3)
23.) LSU (unranked)
24.) Louisville (down 1)
25.) Nebraska (unranked)

Dropped from rankings :  #22 Marshall, #24 Colorado State

Seeberg Heisman Ballot
1.) Marcus Mariota (QB- Oregon)
2.) Melvin Gordon (RB- Wisconsin)
3.) Amari Cooper (WR- Alabama