Week 2: Insert generic phrase for generic terrible week 2

Standings
1) Schweinfurth    4-1        (1-0 upset)
1) Hoying              4-1        (0-1 upset)
1) Seeberg             4-1        (0-1 upset)
4) Draper               3-2        (1-0 upset)

Temper your expectations, Buckeye Nation. In 2011, Ohio State opened by pummeling Akron 42-0 behind the arm of Joe Bauserman. Still, it's better than looking like crap.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Draper: This...this pile of crap is the best game of the weekend...woof.  Tennessee looked mediocre at best last week in a near upset at home versus App State, but I've seen too many teams flirt with disaster and rebound in a big way.  Tennessee isn't the threat the media thinks they are are every freaking year, but I think they're better than they showed last week.  Va Tech struggled with Liberty early before pulling away so I see the Vols winning handily here.  Despite Josh Dobbs best efforts, Vols get it done and the hype train returns to Knoxville.  VT: 17--UT: 31
Hoying: Look out, Tennessee. Virginia Tech's been known to jump up and snakebite...wait, what's that? Oh, oh, right, they only do that to championship-caliber teams and utter garbage. It is entirely possible that the Vols are garbage, needing a few miracles to put away everybody's favorite Sun Belt stunner, Appalachian (hot hot hot). All those highly touted recruits won't make an impact on the field until the plays are called by someone who actually understands the game. Maybe they could hire away Alabama's offensive coordinator; he seems to be having success. VT: 17--UT: 20
Seeberg:  Is App State that good or is Tennessee that mediocre?  Odds are it's both, but we will start to find out inside the Bristol Speedway Saturday night.  Too bad neither offense can move at anywhere near NASCAR speed.  Va Tech struggled with mighty Liberty (I'm assuming that's 1-AA?  Yeah, I don't know either), down 13-10 until just before halftime, but let's be real here, Butch and Co. should have lost against the Mountaineers, and Va Tech is much more talented.  If the Hokies can avoid the turnover bug (four against Liberty, yikes), they should spring the upset.  VT: 24--UT: 19

Penn State Nittany Lions @ Pittsburgh Panthers
Draper: Is anyone still reading? This powerhouse matchup of Power 5 teams (...) has a bit of intrigue because of the in-state rivalry nature, but do these teams really care about each other.  It will probably be close, but let's not confuse that with "good".  I'll give a slight edge to Penn State as those James Franklin recruits have to be doing something, right?....RIGHT? PSU: 24--Pitt: 21
Hoying: The rivalry of has-beens is renewed. Penn State hasn't been relevant since Bill O'Brien won B1G COY for going 8-4 instead of Urban's 12-0  Buckeyes Joe Paterno was respected by people other than the disgustingly delusional faithful in Happy Valley. Pitt, despite claiming 9 (!) national titles, has been bouncing around second-tier conferences since practically the days when Dan Marino was making Mark May look good. Fortunately for PSU, Hackenberg isn't around any more to take his requisite 10-15 sacks per game, and Saquon Barkley is still around to barely break 100 yards against a MAC opponent. Not much, but it's more than Pitt has going for it. The only real football coming out of the state of Pennsylvania is Jeanette, PA's own Terrelle Pryor, making his starting debut for the Browns on Sunday. PSU: 21--Pitt: 20
Seeberg:  This is possibly the most intriguing game of the week, which demonstrates how horrendous this week's slate is.  Both teams have respectable D's and wobbly offenses.  I just don't think the Panthers can move the ball enough to get out of the teens.  Lions win a putrid one that even a purist's purist wouldn't watch past halftime.  PSU: 23--Pitt: 13

Brigham Young Cougars @ Utah Utes
Draper: The Holy War provides another rivalry game but I would be completely uninterested if the week's slate wasn't awful.  I honestly know (nor care to know) anything about these teams.  Utah was terrible last year and BYU has Taysom Hill.  Lean on the Cougs...(dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb) BYU: 38--Utah: 20
Hoying: Who remembers the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl? Yeah, me neither. It's hard to believe, but these two squared off during bowl season not 9 months ago, with Utah squeaking out the win. The Cougars might be able to turn the tables if they can get out of September with QB Taysom Hill upright. They're certainly going to need all the help they can get passing their final Big XII entrance exam, especially since Houston already passed theirs last week. BYU: 31--Utah: 24
Schweinfurth:
Seeberg:  Ah yes, the Holy War commences again.  Both squads enjoyed relevance somewhat recently but have since slipped back into oblivion.  Neither team was particularly impressive in opening week wins, but BYU did squeak by a power 5 team, edging Arizona 18-16.  Not playing a complete cupcake in week one serves the Cougars well as they slip past the Utes as well.  BYU: 24--Utah: 20

Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: The Bucks looked fantastic in week one (after JT's first throw), but how much was BG being BG and how much was OSU being 'reloaded'.  I don't anticipate Tulsa being much of a speed bump but the high speed attack will provide the Bullets with a new perspective.  The Buckeye defense should capitalize on Tulsa mistakes early and often as the 'little engine that could' type team usually steps on their own face when trying an uptempo offense against a juggernaut.  There is no reason for the offense not to click as much as last week. The defense gives up a late TD to the chagrin of the Buckeye faithful, but JT continues his ridiculous numbers as the eyes of Buckeye nation move to Norman.  Tulsa: 13--OSU: 55
Hoying: This month promises to be an interesting study in exactly where this team's heads are. At first, we figured all eyes were on Oklahoma. Then Saturday happened, showing that the Buckeyes are very much focused on the here and now. One could forgive them for looking ahead to next week as the matchup draws closer, but has some of the air gone out of the matchup after Oklahoma's loss? Tulsa's a baaaaad opponent, so there's a lot of room for error, but I'd love to see this young team continue to climb after an impressive start. Mike Weber breaks a 50+ yard TD run this week and the Bucks win (not quite as) big. OSU: 63--Tulsa: 7
Seeberg:  Okay let's be real here, even the most optimistic Buckeye fan did NOT see that week one performance coming.  The Buckeyes looked nearly flawless in all three phases.  Let's temper those expectations though, a remarkable confluence of circumstances provided that 77-10 thrashing:  BGSU down in talent after 3 straight MAC division titles, BGSU running a base defense that often included no high safeties allowing for big plays (think the 8-yard slant to Samuel that went 79 yards for a TD), BGSU breaking in a new coach, qb, and #1 rb and wideout.  Still, Barrett was on point after that terrifying pick six, the D surrendered less than 90 yards in the second half, and the O-line kept J.T. upright.  Tulsa, meanwhile, was 125th in total defense last year; however, they gave up just 10 in a blowout win over San Jose State.  The Bucks have just a touch more skill than SJSU, however, so a second straight blowout is in the offing.  I'll be in the shade under the press box in D-deck, come say hi!  OSU: 48--Tulsa: 13

Upset Special
Draper: Arkansas over TCU
Hoying: SMU over Baylor
Seeberg:  Kentucky over Florida

Grading the Bucks: Week 1 -- Bowling Green

It's fun when the team runs the touchdown play....repeatedly.  A fantastic start to the season, but I'm too crotchety to be lenient.

Offense: A-

"77 points?!?! And you give an A- MINUS!?!"  I'm sorry, but I can't go full A when I saw one of (if not the worst) passes I've ever seen in my life.  The pick 6 was underthrown to a blanket receiver with ANOTHER defender sneaking around.  The 4th and 2 through was also bad, but let's focus on the positive.  There was a TON of stuff I loved seeing.  For me, the O-line was the star.  With only two returning starters and immense youth, not giving up a tackle for loss, let alone a sack, is an amazing stat.  JT was upright and firing all game; breaking school records left and right.  The number 2 bright spot was Mike Weber who was fantastic with his vision and power.  I was concerned about running back after Zeke left, but I'm feeling better already.  Finally, the receiver play was solid.  Curtis Samuel was used correctly which leads me to be excited about the future.

Defense: A-

I really wanted to give an A, but the pressure up front was a little lacking for me.  I know the defensive scheme was to prevent the big play which leads to a more conservative approach so I'm not too upset.  The defensive backfield had a few hiccups and miscues, but nothing super problematic.  Malik Hooker made one of the best interceptions you'll see all year, but the underneath slant routes against linebackers is something to improve on.  I feel terrible for Tracy Sprinkle but that line is going to need to step up and fill the gap.  That youthful line will be forced to grow up fast, but Sam Hubbard has already shown plenty of spark.  Again, I'm very happy with what I see thus far.

Special Teams: A-

Nothing special to comment on here.  11/11 on PATs (I like that).  No kickoffs out of bounds (YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!).  The one downgrade was Wilson attempting to field that punt over the shoulder while running backward....woof.  Bad, Dontre...don't be Jalin Marshall, Ray Small, etc.

Coaching: A-

Coaching is easy in this type of game...usually.  I thought the offensive gameplan was fantastic, with the lone exception being that I'd have liked to see a bit more Mike Weber.  At 4th and 2, I think I'd have preferred Urban kick the field goal, not because it is the correct call, but because I'd like to see the kicker in a live game.  That being said, if you go for it, give it to Weber and let the kid fight for it.  Defensively, the conservative gameplan was a bit boring, but definitely got the job done so kudos.

Overall: A-

Not a ton of holes to work on, but not a perfect game (although very close).  It's nice to start with a game without more answers than questions.  Lots of youth, but no question about the amount of talent.  On to the next one.

Week 1: Return to the Summit

It's the moooost wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeeeear... with new Maize and Blue fever and Buckeye receivers ruled out for the yeeeeear....yes, I know that I just rhymed year with yeeeeear...

Oklahoma Sooners @ Houston Cougars
Draper: The Fighting Tom Hermans were the toast of the town last year after their Peach Bowl win over a completely uninspired Noles.  Good for them...but they aren't off the radar anymore.  Oh, and by the way, OU should be really really good.  The benefit for the Cougars is avoiding Norman, but I have a feeling incessant chants of BOOMER will be echoing around NRG Stadium even in the Cougar hometown.  Baker Mayfield makes a statement in the tuneup for OSU and the Sooners teach the young upstarts a lesson.  OU: 42--UH: 24
Hoying: This game should serve as a nice aperitif for the biggest OSU-OU matchup outside of Bedlam. After all, according to the fans of Buckeye nation, Tom Herman is like a competent version of that bum Urban Meyer, so if Houston can't knock off the Sooners, then the Bucks have no shot, right? The more interesting storyline: how did Oklahoma, a college football program with a reasonable claim for "greatest of all time" get suckered into playing AT Houston? It's not like they're reliving the glory days of the Southwest Conference (Oklahoma was Big 8 back then). Tom Herman, man. Working miracles already. OU: 45--UH: 27
Schweinfurth: Touchdown Tom Herman is quickly turning Houston into Ohio State South. He has done a great job of installing a high powered offense as well as a perfectionist culture. Unfortunately for the Cougars, attitude doesn't trump talent in this one. Baker Mayfield is the real deal. The only good news here is that Urban will get some good game film for the Week 3 match-up. OU: 42--UH: 30
Seeberg:  MY BRETHREN WE MAY REJOICE.  COLLEGE FOOTBALL HAS RETURNED.  I will do my best to defend my letsgobucks title this year.  That said, what an unbelievable opening week slate.  Maybe the playoff really has influenced teams to beef up their non-conference schedules.  This game is the classic trap game for the perenially underachieving Sooners...except Houston put everybody on notice last season, so Stoops and Co. will be ready.  Don't sleep on Samaje Perine either, I expect his running to be the difference in this one as Oklahoma outlasts the Houston Hermans.  OU: 41--UH: 27

Georgia Bulldogs vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Draper: UNC had a nice cap to last season with an ACC Coastal championship, but that's like saying you won the B1G West...snoooorrrree.  With that being said, we're at that point of the year in which everyone wonders will UGA wake up and return to glory in the SEC East or quietly fart away another 8-4 season.  I honestly have no clue what will happen here.  UNC has the better team but UGA has the best player in Nick Chubb.  I'm more of a subscriber in UGA always failing to meet expectations so I'll lean on the Heels (a team I had no faith in last year).  Close game and flip a coin.  UGA: 31--UNC: 34
Hoying: Would you believe the SEC could go 0-3 against another conference to open a football season? With rediscovered ACC juggernauts Clemson and Florida State taking on substantially weaker opponents Auburn and Ole Miss, respectively, That Conference Down South needs a big win from first-year Georgia head coach Kirby Smart to save face. Do the Dawgs have the horses to do it? Well, RB Nick Chubb is back. And the Heels gave up 645 rushing yards to Baylor the last time they took the field. This could get ugly, quickly, though the UNC offense is nearly as difficult to stop. UGA: 42--UNC: 35
Schweinfurth: It's interesting that no one really knows what Bulldogs team will show up. We are going to find out quickly if Mark Richt was the problem all these years. It helps that Nick Chubb is back and healthy for the Dogs. Chubb-y Time is the difference in this one. UGA: 38--UNC: 35
Seeberg:  As far as opening week games this is as brutal a pick as there could be.  Two teams that manage to achieve just under expectations with remarkable consistency.  Can Kirby Smart continue the Marc Richt  "eh"-ness?  I don't know, but the Bulldogs have Nick Chubb supposedly at 100%, and that should be enough.  UGA: 38--UNC: 28

USC Trojans vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper:  The Tide return to defend their title....again, and there's no real reason to expect them to stumble here.  One thing Nick Saban has been great about is scheduling early season marquee games...via name recognition.  While USC should be decent this year, let's not confuse this team with the juggernaut in the early 2000s.  'Decent' is rarely good enough to hang with the Tide.  The reload is too strong and Bama rolls.  USC: 13--Bama: 27
Hoying: How quickly fortunes change in college football, even among the bluest of the blue bloods. 10 years ago, Alabama bumbled and stumbled to a 6-7 season in its final pre-Saban year. That same fall, USC was one historic gack against UCLA from facing our beloved Buckeyes in a 4th straight national title game. Now the aura of invincibility glows a little darker shade of crimson, as the Tide gear up for another championship run. Losing Derrick Henry hurts, and nobody seems to know who the Tide's QB will be, but a team with the best recruiting class in the country year in and year out isn't likely to face too much adversity. USC's resurgence to national prominence will have to wait. USC: 13--Bama: 24
Schweinfurth: Saban just doesn't lose these games, and it frustrates the hell out of me. This one could be a bit more interesting as the Tide are breaking in a new QB. Everyone has made a huge deal about the amount of talent Ohio State lost after last year, but 'Bama lost quite a bit too. This game will be closer than is probably should be. USC: 17--Bama: 24
Seeberg:  Who will be Bama's starting QB?  Last year that question could've cost the Tide this game.  This year, USC is also asking that question as Cody Kessler will no doubt have his career destroyed by the Browns.  Bama won't score a ton, but they won't have to.  USC: 13--Bama: 24

Florida State Seminoles vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Draper: Hey everyone! Remember Dalvin Cook? One of the best backs last year that was ignored down the stretch due to injury and lack of title aspirations? He's back in Tallahassee surrounded by a bevy of talent that should be among the elite of the year.  Ole Miss is being touted because, well, Ess-Eee-Cee.  I don't see this as the powerhouse matchup but it should be a nice early season game.  Freshman Deondre Francois will start at QB for the Noles over the injured Sean McGuire but I don't think there's any worry because lost in all this is that FSU's defense is a rock.  Cook and the Noles zip-zop-zoo-bidy-bop all over the Rebels and coast to an impressive start.  FSU: 41--Ole Miss: 23
Hoying: Ole Miss may think they have the best team money can buy, but all the cash in the SEC couldn't cover the recruiting gap between Hugh Freeze and Jimbo Fisher. The Rebel fans will want to borrow Tunsil's gas mask to protect themselves from the steaming pile their team is going to produce on Saturday. FSU: 38--Ole Miss: 17
Schweinfurth: Let's keep this short and sweet. Ole Miss lost a lot of talent last year. Florida State still has Dalvin Cook. FSU: 42--Ole Miss: 17
Seeberg:  Is Ole Miss really as good as their nearly top-10 ranking?  Experts say no, but ESECPN says yes.  Thankfully that shouldn't last long at the hands of Florida State, a team returning roughly 57 starters.  Seminoles will take their foot off the gas only to avoid scoring 50 and incurring the wrath of the rest of the deep south.  FSU: 48--Ole Miss: 24

Bowling Green Falcons @ THE Ohio State Buckeyes
Draper: The reason to watch this game (other than the amazing alumnus in the North script) can be summarized in 5 words: Joe Thomas Barrett the IV.  The loss of Torrance Gibson is a blow to the young receiving corps after the mass-exodus to the NFL last year, but it's all about the QB.  If JT can return to the glory of 2014 form, expect great things from this young team.  If the team doesn't rally around him, then it's time for concern.  With only 3 starters returning on both sides of the ball, there's certainly an experience gap, but you know the mantra.  Buckeyes show they've reloaded and make a statement in game one.  No mercy.  OSU: 52 -- BGSU: 10
Hoying: Say goodbye to "the Chase" and "the Grind" and hello to "the Edge." Given the incredible loss of talent to the draft last year, it would seem that this season ought to be one of tempered expectations. Then again, this team doesn't seem to like winning championships when all the pieces are in place (1995, 1998, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015), preferring to accumulate a critical mass of doubters and haters before riding to victory (2002, 2014). Unfortunately, once again, our opening season game will tell us nothing. Sure, BGSU might be one of the better MAC teams, capable of beating a Purdue or Rutgers, but Urban isn't one to let Bowling Green walk off the field with a victory. If JT manages not to be a head case like he was against Northern Illinois last year, this one should be over quickly. OSU: 49--BGSU: 20
Schweinfurth: Time to check on the reload. Not that I'm nervous about this game, Ohio State will win going away, but replacing an entire secondary is always an adventure. This defense is going to give up some big plays. It happens with young defenses, but the first two games will give the young Bucks time to learn on the job. The offense will be fine. It helps to have a veteran signal caller under center. Teammates were calling Mike Weber 'Lil Guap last year before he got injured. This offense will still be explosive and, yes, Weber will go for 1000 yards this year. Bucks win this going away, but don't quite get the cover. BGSU: 21--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  Let's see, all we have to do is replace the best RB in the country, the best DE in the country, 80% of an offensive line, two top 10 WRs, a TE, two safeties, a nasty cover corner and a freakishly fast OLB.  Any team not named Ohio State or Alabama wouldn't even garner a preseason ranking in that scenario.  Still, question marks abound on both sides of the ball.  Thankfully, the signal caller has had full reps with the first team and should return close to 2014 form as a result.  Barrett carries the day, Raekwon amasses roughly 35 tackles, and the Bucks wear down BGSUcks in the second half.  OSU: 45--BGSU: 23

Upset Special
Draper: Texas over ND
Hoying: Northwestern State over Baylor
Schweinfurth: Wisconsin over LSU (why not)
Seeberg:  CRAP, Draper took mine.  La Tech over Arkansas

Preseason Outlook/Predictions 2017

ACC
Coastal
Draper: UNC
Hoying: Virginia Tech
Schweinfurth: UNC 
Seeberg:  UNC
Atlantic
Draper: FSU (champ)
Hoying: Clemson (champ)
Schweinfurth: Clemson (Champ)
Seeberg:  FSU (champ)

Big Ten
West:
Draper: Iowa
Hoying: Iowa
Schweinfurth: Nebraska
Seeberg:  Nebraska
East:
Draper: OSU (Champ)
Hoying: OSU (Champ)
Schweinfurth: OSU (Champ)
Seeberg:  OSU (champ)

Big 12
Draper: Oklahoma
Hoying: Oklahoma
Schweinfurth: Oklahoma (Champ)
Seeberg:  Oklahoma

Pac 12
North:
Draper: Stanford (champ)
Hoying: Stanford (champ)
Schweinfurth: Stanford (Champ)
Seeberg:  Stanford
South:
Draper: USC
Hoying: UCLA
Schweinfurth: USC
Seeberg:  UCLA (champ)

SEC
West:
Draper: LSU (champ)
Hoying: Alabama (champ)
Schweinfurth: Alabama (Champ)
Seeberg:  LSU (champ)
East:
Draper: Tennessee
Hoying: Tennessee
Schweinfurth: Georgia
Seeberg:  Georgia


Heisman
Draper
1) Leonard Fournette
2) Deshaun Watson
3) J.T. Barrett
Hoying
1) Deshaun Watson
2) Baker Mayfield
3) Dalvin Cook
Schweinfurth
1) Deshaun Watson
2) Dalvin Cook
3) Leonard Fournette
Seeberg
1) Deshaun Watson
2)  Baker Mayfield
3) Dalvin Cook (darn you Hoying)

Playoff
Draper: LSU, Oklahoma, OSU, FSU
Hoying: Oklahoma, Alabama, Clemson, Stanford
Schweinfurth: Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Stanford
Seeberg:  Oklahoma, FSU, LSU, OSU

Final Heisman Ballots and Predictions

Godspeed, Ezekiel Elliott. You may be the most complete running back we've seen in quite a while, and any of us would rather have you on our team than any of the guys we're going to list, but you'll have to make do with your championship ring and impending early-round draft pick.

Let's Go Bucks Heisman Index
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3a. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3b. Ezekiel Elliott (RB--OSU)

Let's Go Bucks Heisman Prediction
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3. Deshaun Watson (QB--Clem)

Draper Heisman Ballot
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3. Ezekiel Elliot (RB--OSU)

Draper Heisman Prediction
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3. Deshaun Watson (QB--Clem)

Hoying Heisman Ballot
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3. Ezekiel Elliott (RB--OSU)

Hoying Heisman Prediction (hello 2009)
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3. Deshaun Watson (QB--Clem)

Schweinfurth Heisman Ballot
1. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
2. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
3. Ezekiel Elliot (RB--OSU)

Schweinfurth Heisman Prediction
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Deshaun Watson (QB--Clem)
3. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)

Seeberg Heisman Ballot
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3. Ezekiel Elliott (RB--OSU)

Seeberg Heisman Prediction
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Christian McCaffrey (RB--Stan)
3. Deshaun Watson (QB-- Clem)

2015 PLAYOFF RANKINGS - WHO'S IN?

The final PLAYOFF RANKINGS are due sometime around 12:30 P.M. on Sunday. Here's what the playoff would look like if we had a vote, plus what we think will actually happen.

Let's Go Bucks Playoff Field
1. Clemson
2. Michigan State
3. Alabama
4. Oklahoma

Let's Go Bucks Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Michigan State
4. Oklahoma

Draper Playoff Field
1. Clemson
2. Michigan State
3. Alabama
4. Oklahoma

Draper Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Michigan State
4. Oklahoma

Hoying Playoff Field
1. Clemson
2. Michigan State
3. Alabama
4. Oklahoma

Hoying Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Michigan State
4. Oklahoma

Schweinfurth Playoff Field
1. Clemson
2. Michigan State
3. Oklahoma
4. Alabama

Schweinfurth Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Michigan State
4. Oklahoma

Seeberg Playoff Field
1. Clemson
2. Oklahoma
3. Michigan State
4. Alabama

Seeberg Prediction
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma
4. Michigan State

Week 14 - Just a Fool's Hope

Standings
1) Seeberg             49-21    (2-11 upset) 
2) Draper               46-24    (5-8 upset)
3) Schweinfurth    45-25    (2-11 upset)
4) Hoying              45-25    (1-12 upset)

The enemy is slain once again, but thanks to the Buckeyes forgetting not to give a damn for the whole STATE of Michigan, they find themselves at home on Championship Weekend for the first time since getting robbed of a berth in 2012. Our playoff hopes are likely not dead yet, but you'd be better off just buckling in and enjoying a weekend of entertaining matchups.

MAC: Bowling Green Falcons vs. Northern Illinois Huskies
Draper: I haven't seen BG at all this year, but I did see NIU hang with the Bucks for 4 quarters.  Yes, that Buckeye team was quite different, but NIU had fairly consistent QB play and a nice defense.  BG had some decent wins as well, but NIU seems to be peaking at the end of the year.  I'll lean to the Huskies for the champ of Maction.  BGSU: 31--NIU:35
Hoying: Do you remember when the 2-0 Huskies took the consensus #1 Ohio State Buckeyes to the wire in Columbus, and everyone wondered if NIU would be back on track toward a major bowl game? Pepperidge Farm remembers...Anyway, Northern Illinois has been pretty "eh" since then, scoring a nice win over Toledo but losing to a few mediocre teams along the way. However, tellingly, none of their losses has been due to a real defensive breakdown, which is good news for them, since the Falcons feature one of the nation's most potent offenses. Look for BG's attack to slow a bit this week, just enough for the MAC West's juggernaut to take another conference title. BGSU: 34--NIU: 35
Schweinfurth: Hey look, Northern Illinois is in another MACtion Championship game. This is the same Huskies team the slowed down Ohio State's (supposedly) high powered attack in week 2. Bowling Green runs much the same offense, so one would assume the Huskies will be ready for the Falcons. A Huskies' win makes OSU look better. BGSU: 17--NIU: 28
Seeberg:  Death, taxes, and NIU in the MAC title game.  The Huskies have been that consistent this year, but they are a bit down by comparison and needed some help to get to the title game this season.  The rest of the MAC (BGSU, Toledo, Western Michigan, etc.) is catching up.  Meanwhile, after a midseason offensive lull, the Falcons are back on stride, showing the form that allowed them to drop 48 on B1G foe Maryland before conference season hit.  I'm going with the hot team.  BGSU: 38--NIU: 31

AAC: #24 Temple Owls @ #17 Houston Cougars
Draper: Hmmmm...Houston took out Navy in surprising fashion last week, and Temple has been floating around after their close loss to ND.  This may be a game for a New Years Six bowl.  While people say defense wins championships, offense generally rules these lower level games.  In that case, Houston is the pick.  Tom Herman keeps the impressive debut rolling and his biggest question is where to go next year.  Tem: 20--Hou: 35
Hoying: OK. Maybe it was unfair for me to call out Tom Herman after Houston lost to mediocre UConn. Their star QB Greg Ward Jr. was injured and while Herman is no stranger to backup magic, there isn't quite the depth deep in the heart of Texas that he enjoyed at Ohio State. But after an impressive bounceback win against Navy, the Cougs' goals are still in front of them, and Kyle Postma's not taking snaps for Houston this time. Temple's had a nice season, and they played the Irish tough, but their D can't run with the Houston attack. Welcome back to the big leagues, boys. Tem: 24--Hou: 34
Schweinfurth: Houston can still make a New Year's 6 bowl and Touchdown Tom Herman will have the Cougars ready for this one. He will no undoubtedly have his team behind him after signing that nice, fat new contract to stay put. I doubt there is much defense in this game, but the Cougars seem to be able to make the adjustments needed in the second half (it's nice to have a MENSA member as a coach). Tem: 28--Hou: 42
Seeberg:  The Houston Hermans grabbed a huge win last Saturday, pummeling Navy after a shocking loss at UConn.  It seems that loss galvanized the troops (Va Tech loss in 2014, anyone)?  Temple plays a bit better defense than the Midshipmen, but it's hard to imagine them amassing a similar number of points.  Greg Ward Jr. looked healthy as can be swimming by the Navy last week, and there's little reason to think it won't continue in the AAC title game.  Onto a second straight New Year's Day bowl for Tom Herman.  Tem: 20--Hou: 35

SEC: #20 Florida Gators vs. #3 Alabama Crimson Tide
Draper: Get REEEEEEEALLLL lucky.  Florida used to be the pride of the SEC but they have completely faceplanted at the end of the 2015 season.  Bama is chugging along as the 'unstoppable juggernaut' without a marquee win on the docket (but lots of good wins).  The Gators don't provide the marquee opportunity, but with the committee's love for all things Saban, win and they're in.  As much as I want to punch myself in the face, I want the Gators to channel their inner Tebow, but I fear this will end like the 2009 SEC championship with Saban dining on Gator tears. UF: 3--Bama: 28
Hoying: Remember the 90's? When the East seemed to win this game every single year? Fortunes have reversed in the last several years, with the West division winner taking the SEC crown on their way to the championship every year since...2008, when Urban Meyer's #2 Gators whomped Saban's #1 Tide on their way to a second national title in 3 years. At least the East champ made it close...once...in 2012. More remarkable statistic: Alabama is attempting to become the first SEC team to win back-to-back conference titles since TENNESSEE in 1997-98. In their way is a Florida team dead-set on emulating the 2014 Virginia Tech - Wake Forest debacle in every game. For Ohio State to have any chance at a playoff, they NEED the Gators to win, but can it be done? The Gator D is certainly tough enough to stop Henry and the Tide, but Treon Harris is still baaaaaaaaaad. Short of a multiple turnover performance by Alabama, I don't see it happening. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Flobi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope. UF: 10--Bama: 20
Schweinfurth: For all the talk about how dominant the Bama defense is, Florida has a pretty damn good defense too. Alabama will have to pass to win this game because the Gator D is going to swarm Derrick Henry. Bama will win this game (even though I am hoping for chaos, see ACC Champ game) but Florida should make it interesting. Lots of field goals and not so many touchdowns. UF: 9--Bama: 15
Seeberg:  The question remains- will Lane Kiffin continue to do nothing more than give the ball to Derrick Henry?  The most overpaid coordinator on earth probably will- but the Gators' offense is so bad it likely won't matter.  I shudder to think what Zeke and the Slobs could've done to Auburn if he had 46 carries.  Nonetheless, not enough SEC chaos to help the Buckeyes' flickering CFP hopes.  Let's just hope Bama loses in the playoff so we can have THREE straight years of no SEC national champion and maybe people will finally shut up about that conference.  Fla: 6--Bama: 24

Pac-12: #23 USC Trojans vs. #7 Stanford Cardinal
Draper:  Stanford just won't die.  They're the team everyone touts without really understanding why.  Ask Northwestern about the love they've gotten with the same record and a win over the Cardinal.  SC has the horses to pull off the upset, but will their head be in the game? We saw this game earlier, but this time, the Trojans have a sober coach (although I don't get the removal of the interim tag, yet).  Christian McCaffrey is a solid all around player as is HOOOOGAN, but it's time for SC to bounce back and take their rightful place.  Kessler and the Trojans end the Pac 12 playoff hopes.  USC: 21--Stan: 20
Hoying: Didn't we do this already? Alternatively, Stanford is 8-1 in conference and USC is 6-3...why is this game necessary? You'd never expect it, but in a league with 12 teams playing 9 conference games each, you see A LOT of pointless rematches. At any rate, this game could have implications for Ohio State's already minuscule playoff hopes, in that a 2-loss Pac-12 Champion Stanford with wins over Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC could jump our beloved Bucks. This season proves that the most miserable part of a loss isn't the actual loss itself, it's having to root for Penn State, Florida, and USC afterwards. Not that rooting for Stanford would have made me any happier. Thank God the Michigan/Michigan State game happened earlier in the year so that we could savor the hilarious ending of that game for a few weeks before we realize it screwed us over in the B1G East standings. Blah blah Christian McCaffrey good blah blah USC defense bad blah blah Clay Helton prrrrrromotion. USC: 20--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: Christian McCaffery is the real deal. Unfortunately for him and his Heisman hopes, he plays after most people have gone to bed (good job Pac-12 schedulers). USC has looked like a more cohesive team since Sark was let go, but Stanford should still steamroll the Trojans. USC: 17--Stan: 35
Seeberg:  Cardinal vs. Trojans, take two.  Rematches in the postseason in college football often go the opposite way of the initial meeting, but a lot has changed since then.  Oregon exposed Stanford's typically solid defense to hand the Cardinal their only conference loss.  USC has regained its form under interim head coach Clay Helton.  However, the Cardinal have a conceivable back door entrance into the CFP should Clemson or Bama be upset.  It would require a thrashing of a solid opponent in the title game clash, but amazingly, in just year two, there is already a precedent for that (albeit that team had only one loss).  With enough to play for since their kickoffs are just half an hour apart, the Cardinal beat USC again and sprint into the locker room to hope for an upset.  USC: 27--Stan: 38

ACC: #14 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #1 Clemson Tigers
Draper: Clemson in the playhoff....does anyone really buy it? Will the Clemsoning rear it's head in the playoffs or now? The Tigers have avoided the bug all year, but now they're in a period of complacency.  UNC has quietly stormed back after losing to a terrible South Carolina team and beating...no one.  I'm hoping for a little more magic in the tank and a little more Dabo to raise the chaos flag high and give hope to 5 teams: OSU, Stanford, UNC, B1G loser, and Clemson (still) for that last playoff spot.  UNC: 31--Clemson: 28
Hoying: They believed they had put it to rest...Just when they thought it was safe to go back onto the field...It's here, at last...THE CLEMSONING! UNC: -OK, so that wasn't exactly a hot take. Here's something that should stir up the masses a little: after Clemson Clemsons this away to a hot UNC squad, the Tigers will still be IN the playoff ahead of Ohio State (unless Stanford jumps them), and the Tar Heels will still be OUT. Take a look at each team's resume and tell me I'm wrong. UNC: 31--Clem: 27
Schweinfurth: There is something about college football chaos that brings back the warm and fuzzy feelings. We haven't has absolute chaos during Championship week since the infamous "all the teams ranked above Ohio State lose after the Bucks destroyed TUN" of 2007. Ladies and gentlemen, WE. ARE. DUE! Not only are we do for chaos, we are due for a Clemsoning. I don't care if Clemson still gets in over OSU, I just want to watch the crap hit the fan. UNC: 28--Clem: 24
Seeberg:  I gotta be honest here, I am stunned none of my colleagues have this game as high-scoring as I envision it.  UNC has been as dominant offensively as anybody this side of Oklahoma in the last 6 weeks.  Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson & Co. have meandered their way to the title game unscathed, seemingly a bit unfocused after beating their two trickiest oppponents in Notre Dame and Florida State relatively early in the season.  Can Clemson flip the proverbial switch like OSU did last season (or against scUM this season, or MSU against PSU this season, for that matter)?  My answer is...kinda.  I don't trust Dabo to get his team to peak at the proper time *cough COOPER cough*.  However, I do trust Deshaun Watson to simply outscore the Heels.  Clemson will get its comeuppance in the playoff, but it will, sadly for us, make it there.  UNC: 38--Clem: 48

B1G: #5 Michigan State Spartans vs. #2 Iowa Hawkeyes
Draper: This makes me sick.  There is NO reason the Buckeyes aren't here defending the crown other than one of the worst performances in recent memory.  Close your eyes and imagine it...your Undefeated 2015 National Champions: The Iowa Hawkeyes....now that you're done laughing, it could actually happen.  About the X's and O's, MSU has a decided advantage in nearly every aspect of this game.  Better QB, RB, defense, etc. but Iowa can tout the unblemished schedule.  I think it comes to a close Sat as the Spartans end the hopes of the lovable Hawkeyes and head to the playoff in one of the most pedestrian playoffs in sports history.  This is on you Buckeyes.... MSU: 34--Iowa: 20
Hoying: Ughhhhh, this game makes me ill just to write about. Somehow, Iowa is still undefeated, and they haven't looked bad along the way. The win over Northwestern is holding up well, particularly since the Hawkeyes throttled the Wildcats, but Iowa hasn't been tested in quite a while. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans passed their toughest test in November and also fared well in big matchups against Michigan and Oregon, though no win was by more than one score. Wherein lies the edge? Dantonio and the Spartans don't lose many big games like this. 2 straight New Year's bowl wins, two wins over undefeated and top 2 ranked Buckeyes...this isn't a Rutgers or Indiana that Michigan State will struggle to put away. Iowa is legitimately good enough to keep this close, but the Sparty party continues into New Year's Eve (though likely not beyond). MSU: 31--Iowa: 21
Schweinfurth: For the record, I had a talk with my, at the time, 5 month old son about an undefeated Iowa. Thankfully, I don't think I will have to have another conversation like that this year. Yes, Iowa has had the best year in program history and will be in a New Year's 6 bowl, but Michigan State is just the better team. Dantonio has something cooking up there in East Lansing and it will be interesting to see what they do in the playoffs. This game is close in true Sparty fashion. MSU: 21--Iowa: 17
Seeberg:  Let's be real here, does ANYONE think Iowa is really the best in the B1G?  Yeah, me neither.  OSU, scUM and MSU likely run the table in the B1G West if referees figure out what out of bounds means anyways.  Connor Cook looked every bit as healthy as he could be in Sparty's torching of Penn State last week, dropping a double-nickel on a reasonably sound Nittany Lion defense.  Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes literally went 0'fer on 3rd downs (0-9, in fact) yet somehow did something Michigan State couldn't- win in Lincoln.  That 3rd-down conversion rate will be much more at a premium on Saturday as Ferentz will try to use the power run to shorten the game.  No such luck.  Sparty gets punched in the mouth early, but pulls away late.  MSU: 28--Iowa: 17


Upset Special
Draper: Texas over Baylor (why not?)
Hoying: Air Force over San Diego State
Schweinfurth: Southern Miss over WKU (not much to pick from)
Seeberg: Kansas State over West Virginia  

Top 25 and Heisman Ballots - After Week 13

Rankings, as always, are based on what teams have done so far, not how we believe they will finish. Leave a comment to convince the Committee to put the Buckeyes in the top 4.

Let's Go Bucks Index
1. Clemson (unchanged)
2. Iowa (unchanged)
3. Alabama (unchanged)
4. Oklahoma (up 1)
5. Michigan State (down 1)
6. Ohio State (up 3)
7. Stanford (up 5)
8. Northwestern (up 5)
9. Notre Dame (down 3)
10. TCU (up 7)
11. Oklahoma State (down 3)
12. Florida State (up 5)
13. Baylor (down 6)
14. North Carolina (up 1)
15. Ole Miss (up 1)
16. Michigan (down 6)
17. Houston (up 3)
18. Oregon (up 1)
19. Utah (up 5)
20a. LSU (up 1)
20b. Florida (down 9)
22. Navy (down 9)
23. USC (unranked)
24. Temple (unranked)
25. Wisconsin (unranked)

Dropped from rankings: #22 Washington State, #23 Mississippi State, #24 UCLA

Others receiving votes: Memphis

Let's Go Bucks Heisman Index
1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3. Ezekiel Elliott (RB--OSU)

Others receiving votes: Baker Mayfield (QB--Okla)

Draper Top 25

1. Clemson (unchanged)
2. Iowa (unchanged)
3. Alabama (unchanged)4. Michigan State (up 1)
5. Oklahoma (up 1)
6. Ohio State (up 1)

7. Northwestern (up 6)

8. Stanford (up 6)

9. Notre Dame (down 5)

10. Florida State (up 7)

11. TCU (up 4)

12. North Carolina (up 4)

13. Baylor (down 5)

14. Michigan (down 3)

15. Oklahoma State (down 6)

16. Florida (down 4)

17. Ole Miss (up 1)

18. Houston (up 2)

19. Navy (down 9)

20. Oregon (up 1)

21. Temple (up 4)

22. USC (unranked)

23. Utah (unranked)

24. Louisiana State (unchanged)

25. Wisconsin (unranked)

Dropped from Rankings: #19 Washington State, #22 Mississippi State, #23 UCLA

Draper Heisman Ballot

1. Derrick Henry (RB--Alabama)
2. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3. Ezekiel Elliot (RB--OSU)

Hoying Top 25

1. Clemson (unchanged)

2. Iowa (unchanged)

3. Alabama (unchanged)

4. Michigan State (unchanged)

5. Oklahoma (up 1)

6. Northwestern (up 4)

7. Stanford (up 6) 
8. Ohio State (up 6)

9. Oklahoma State (down 1)

10. TCU (up 5)

11. Baylor (down 4)

12. Notre Dame (down 7)

13. Mississippi (up 3)

14. LSU (up 3)

15. Utah (up 4)

16. Michigan (down 5)

17. Oregon (up 3)

18. Florida State (up 5)

19. Houston (unranked) 

20. North Carolina (down 2)

21. Florida (down 12)
22. Navy (down 10)

23. USC (unranked)

24. Temple (down 3)

25. Memphis (down 3)

Dropped from rankings: #24 Texas A&M, #25 UCLA

Hoying Heisman Ballot

1. Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2. Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)
3. Ezekiel Elliott (RB--OSU)


Seeberg Top 25
1.) Clemson (same)
2.) Oklahoma (up 2)
3.) Alabama (down 1)
4.) Iowa (down 1)
5.) Michigan State (same)
6.) Ohio State (up 1)
7.) Stanford (up 3)
8.) North Carolina (up 4)
9.) Florida State (up 5)
10.) Notre Dame (down 2)
11.) Northwestern (up 4)
12.) Oklahoma State (down 3)
13.) TCU (up 11)
14.) Ole Miss (up 3)
15.) Baylor (down 9)
16.) Michigan (down 5)
17.) Houston (up 2)
18.) Oregon (same)
19.) Utah (up 6)
20.) USC (unranked)
21.) Navy (down 5)
22.) LSU (unranked)
23.) Florida (down 10)
24.) Wisconsin (unranked)
25.) Temple (unranked)

Dropped from rankings: #20 Toledo, #21 Mississippi State, #22 UCLA, #23 Washington State

Seeberg Heisman Ballot
1.) Derrick Henry (RB--Bama)
2.) Baker Mayfield (QB-- Okla)
3.) Ezekiel Elliot (RB--OSU)
3.) (tie) Dalvin Cook (RB--FSU)

Grading the Bucks: Week 13--That Team up North

Where has that been all year?...

Current Mood

Offense: A
An absolute massacre of one of the top (statistical) defenses in the country.  JT hit some nice throws but more importantly ran well, Thomas and Marshall played fantastically (what a TD by Marshall), and Zeke...wow.  The O-line looked to atone in a big way against the Wolverines and delivered.  This game only begged the question...Why? Why lay an egg vs. MSU? Yes, the D-line for MSU is appreciably better than that of UM, but the night and day difference was astonishing.  The weather had to have hampered the downfield game vs the Spartans, but the run blocking/play calling was night and day.

Defense: A-
This is the game in which Mr. Bosa made a TOOOOOOONNNNN of money.  The D-line was relentless against Jake Rudock who was actual turning into a serviceable option under center.  The secondary has a hiccup here or there, but overall, they played well.  The only slight downgrade was for a bad game (primarily in the first half) by Darron Lee.  Missed tackles and being out of position is quite uncharacteristic, but it wasn't up to his usual standards.  Still very nitpicky because the defense really got after (and may have murdered) Rudock.

Special Teams: C
Let's be honest, the roughing the punter was somewhat of a gift.  We did have a punt blocked (when the game was over) and I believe UM downed some inside the ten.  Honestly, the only downgrade was for the blocked punt.  No kicks out of bounds :):):):) and no missed PATs.  I honestly don't remember the special teams at all other than those facts.  I'm happy with not remembering special teams...that usually means they did their job.

Coaches: A
Well hello there semblance of a gameplan! The coaches decided to bow to Zeke's will (or perhaps they like the matchup much better) and decided to carve up the overrated UM rush defense.  I love the commitment to dominating on the line of scrimmage as well as the intelligent use of JT in the run game (other than straight runs only).  I would have had a little more of a passing game, but there was no need.  Also, UM's defense thrives on good corner play so attacking the front seven was a nice strategy.  Imagine that...Attacking an opponents weakness--yes, I know the stats say that the Wolverines have a great run defense, but their performance against good running backs (Booker and Howard) was really subpar.  Defensively, the focus was getting Rudock on his a$$...Mission Accomplished.  Amazing what happens with a coherent goal/plan of attack with this talent.

Overall: A
Goal: Dismantle and embarrass an emboldened rival thinking they had returned to promise.  Check and mate.  This team showed what promise it had.  A weak like this only serves to accentuate the crap with the Spartans.  What could have been? We'll never know....but at least we killed Michigan.

Not Dead Yet

Hope is a cruel mistress.

Yesterday, after I watched The Game with my in-laws in St. Louis, I made the long, boring trip back down I-70 to Columbus. By the time I reached Indianapolis, the Spartans had already killed the Nittany Lions (no surprise), so I spared a wistful glance towards Lucas Oil Stadium, knowing I wouldn't be returning to cheer on the Bucks for a third straight year.

The Buckeyes won't be Big Ten Champions this season. But could a larger goal still be within reach? After all, both the 2001 and 2011 seasons featured teams that didn't win their divisions yet still made it to the championship (Nebraska in 2001, Alabama in 2011), and 2003 featured a conference championship loser (Oklahoma).

Ohio State entered the weekend ranked #8 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. They then scored a blowout road win against #10 Michigan. #6 Notre Dame and #7 Baylor fell, and both are a lock to fall past the Bucks. Notre Dame has no more chances to pad their resume, while Baylor has only a game against Texas, which isn't likely to move any needles, especially now that the Bears have 2 losses. This leaves only 5 teams ahead of the Buckeyes, 4 of which play again next week.

THE TEAMS AHEAD

Only #3 Oklahoma, who completed their pre-bowl season with a win over #11 Oklahoma State, is a total lock for the playoffs at this point. #4 Iowa and #5 Michigan State play each other. A loss by the Spartans would give them 2 losses and surely drop them past Ohio State. The Hawkeyes might be a trickier out, but if MSU crushes them, the Committee would likely compare such a loss to OSU's 17-14 squeaker and move the Buckeyes ahead.

That gets the Buckeyes up to at least #5. What of the other two teams currently ranked ahead of OSU?

Even with the ridiculous deference the committee has paid to #2 Alabama this season, it's hard to imagine them staying ahead of Ohio State with 2 losses should they fall to Florida next week. Clemson, if they lost to North Carolina, would be a tougher case. Wins over Notre Dame and Florida State would be tough to ignore, particularly compared to Ohio State's wins over Michigan and...Penn State? But it would be a very late loss to a team nobody seems to have any respect for. Can we really say that Clemson is really bulletproof at this point?

THE TEAMS BEHIND

So a Florida win over Alabama or a North Carolina win over Clemson could at least open the door ahead of Ohio State in the playoff rankings. Do they need to worry about getting caught from behind?

#9 Stanford scored a win over #5 Notre Dame, but it's tough to see them jumping Ohio State this week given Ohio State's dismantling of a top ten team. However, a win over USC next week would give the Cardinal a conference championship, even if the USC win itself wouldn't really help Stanford all that much (Stanford beat USC this season already). Ohio State's loss is better than either of Stanford's, but this race would be very, very close.

#10 Michigan, #11 Oklahoma State, and #12 Florida all lost. Florida gets a chance at redemption next week against Alabama, and a win in that game would be huge, but it's terribly difficult to imagine Florida ending up in the Committee's top 4 after the November they've had.

The only other Power 5 team in the mix is #14 North Carolina. But they don't yet have a win over a team with fewer than 4 losses and their loss is to 3-9 South Carolina. I really don't see the Committee moving UNC ahead of OSU even with a win over Clemson.


Summary:
Depending on how much the Committee weighs conference championships, Ohio State may still be very much alive in the title hunt. The surest path requires only a Florida win over Alabama (and maybe a USC win over Stanford, just to be safe), but a North Carolina win over Clemson might do the trick as well. Neither is terribly likely, but stranger things have happened to send OSU to the Playoff before. Missing out is not an option, so plan accordingly.

Week 13 - One Ga_e Season

Standings
1) Seeberg             44-18    (2-10 upset) 
2) Draper               42-20    (5-7 upset)
3) Hoying               40-22    (1-11 upset)
4) Schweinfurth     39-23    (2-10 upset)

It's rivalry week at Let's Go Bucks! With Ohio State's playoff hopes on life support, we turn our focus toward our first showdown with Captain Crazy (and a few other schools that happen to be playing as well).

#13 Navy _idship_en @ #20 Houston Cougars
Draper: Led by the greatest coach ever who never erred by ignoring a RB, Houston finally tripped up vs. a so-so at best Uconn squad.  Houston has had a pretty nice year, but they're still Houston.  Navy is chugging along with the only hiccup vs. the Irish.  I like Keenan Reynolds to keep the train a-rolling as the Cougs suffer a second straight defeat, this one at Chop-block-o-clock. Navy: 28--Houston: 24
Hoying: Take a good look, Buckeye Nation. Our previous offensive guru, your panacea for everything ailing the Ohio State O, just racked up all of 17 points in Houston's loss to the UConn Huskies. 17 points isn't going to get the job done against the NCAA's historic TD leader, Keenan Reynolds, and the devastating triple option. Navy has parlayed its first year in a conference into its best season since 1963 and it shows no signs of slowing down. Look for the streak to continue, setting up an AAC title showdown ahead of everyone's favorite rivalry. Navy: 31--Houston: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Navy: 24--Houston: 35
Seeberg:  Well, the Houston Hermans looked every bit like the Buckeyes last week, dropping an uninspired game to the UConn women's basketball team football Huskies by a field goal.  My guess?  A combination of lousy weather and looking ahead to their showdown with Navy.  Navy has showed up big in conference play all season and it's likely Keenan Reynolds and Co. will do so again.  However, the Cougars are likely to play some extra-inspired to make up for last week's dismal effort.  Had Houston coasted into this one undefeated (see:  Memphis) Navy likely would've anchored them down (see what I did there?), but off a loss the Cougars rise up and put up enough points to outscore the devastating triple option.  Navy: 38--Houston: 42

#7 Baylor Bears @ #17 TCU Horned Frogs
Draper: Don't look now, but Baylor appears to be raising a little stink after that OU loss.  Yeah, they're essentially too little too late (again), but they've essentially guaranteed playoff victory by tur:ning to a 3rd string QB.  100% of the squads in the playoffs led by a 3rd string QB have won the whole thing (it's science).  TCU put it all on the table last week and fell just short.  Nothing left in Fort Worth...and they're only on the second string...pfft.  Briles keeps alive for a New Year's Six bowl.  BU: 48--TCU: 35
Hoying: And here we have the 2014 Nearly Relevant Bowl. TCU's playoff hopes are officially dead after a furious rally against OU fell just short, while Baylor's are on life support after Gundy and the Pokes failed to score 40 against the Bears. We could possibly see a battle of the deep deep backup QB's, depending on how quickly Trevone Boykin recovers, but TCU's second-stringer has looked passable in his appearance last week, and Baylor churns out battle-ready QBs without losing a beat. Despite their effort last week, the Frogs are trending downward, while the Bears are unlikely to choke with a possible playoff berth in their sights. BU: 52--TCU: 45
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts lets week. Lots of points, though. BU: 52--TCU: 55
Seeberg:  This is practically a war of attrition given the injuries on both sides of the ball.  The Bears are officially down to their 3rd-string QB but keep cranking out points and had an impressive win at Oklahoma State last week.  Tough to imagine TCU winning without both of their playmakers at full strength (Boykin may go but will be limited, and Doctson is probably still out).  I'm shocked myself, but Baylor may finish the regular season with back-to-back one-loss squads.  BU: 45--TCU: 34

Penn State Nittany Lions @ #4 _ichigan State Spartans
Draper:  Who will start for the Spartans? Cook wasn't needed this week (the Bucks saw to that), but he could be needed this week.  Saquon Barkley needs to show up in a big way, but in a cruel twist of fate, the Buckeye fate lies in the hands of Christian Hackenberg.  He's had a few flashes of brilliance, but a lot of 'huh?' plays.  This is the situation for Hackenberg to show the world why NFL scouts still (inexplicably) see the franchise QB of their future.  The weather allows for a passing attack and Lions reset the Buckeye train.  PSU: 24--Sparty: 21
Hoying: OK, Christian Hackenberg. You've sucked for a solid 3 years after showing a flash of talent as a first year. Do you have enough in the tank to pull off one consequential upset? The Lions have crapped the bed against the real live opponents they've seen so far this year (the Owls, the Buckeyes, the Wolverines), while the Spartans have petered along before scoring the knockout punch against our beloved Bucks. Cook is questionable once again, and the result of this tilt could depend on his availability, as well as Suckenberg's ability to find holes in a suspect Spartan secondary (sigh). Back in 2008, Buckeye Nation was rooting hard (in vain) for Penn State to fall flat on their face against Sparty in Happy Valley so that Ohio State could go to the Rose Bowl. Expect to be disappointed once again. PSU: 17--Sparty: 27
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. I will pick this how I want it to end. PSU: 17--Sparty: 14
Seeberg:  If ever there were a day when Hackenburg needed to fulfill all that potential, it's this Saturday for all of Buckeye Nation...but don't hold your breath Buckeye brethren.  The Spartans had their garbage game of the season and it still took a blown call for Nebraska to squeak out a win.  It's at home, and there's too much on the line for them not to be focused.  If Cook can't go or struggles, this one will stay close, but too much Sparty sack party does the Nittany Lions in.  PSU: 13--Sparty: 21

#17 Florida State Se_inoles @ #11 Florida Gators
Draper: Florida has dodged bullet after bullet sent by suck opponents.  Enter the Noles.  FSU had the inexcusable loss loss to Tech and an 'yeah, expected it' loss to the Tigers.  The Noles season expectations have changed for this year, but the focus on the Gators won't.  Cook and the Noles will be happy to oblige the Gators in their desire to practice losing before the SEC title.  Cook finally awakens those voters that forgot to be 'talkin bout the noles!'.  FSU: 27--UF: 10
Hoying: One, two three four five six...those Gators just about lost to Florida Atlantic. Such a loss would have been nearly as bad as falling to terrible terrible Georgia Tech. Is Florida losing its focus looking ahead to a titanic clash with the INVINCIBLE TIDE? Or have they truly been focused this week's contest against their rival? Treon Harris is still horrible, but the Gator D is as tough as ever. If Dalvin Cook can have a big day, expect the Noles to win. Florida doesn't have a Deshaun Watson to follow Cook blow-for-blow. The Gators couldn't stop Fournette, and they won't stop Cook either. FSU: 24--UF: 14
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. FSU: 28--UF: 13
Seeberg:  All right ladies and gentlemen, it's time for another game of "Will Florida score in the first half against an in-state opponent?"  Last week the answer was no...against 2-9 Florida Atlantic.  My guess is, even with an oddly unsettled quarterback position, the Seminoles will be just a smidge better.  Expect lots of Dalvin Cook to secure him an invite to NYC for the bronze stiff-arm, and another W for Jimbo and the 'Noles.  FSU: 24--UF: 6

#6 Notre Da_e Fighting Irish @ #12 Stanford Cardinal
Draper: The contest has huge playoff consequences, but I just don't care.  Stanford has been slogging through their schedule winning ugly and boring.  ND on the other hand...has done no different.  The difference is the huge injuries on the Irish side of the ball.  David Shaw finds a way to line up 11 on the line as the Cardinal end the Irish hopes.  Irish eyes will be crying in Palo Alto. ND: 17--Stan: 20
Hoying: Could this really be a year in which the Playoff features Sparty, the fighting Dabo Swinneys, AND the Irish??? Surely at least ONE of those has to choke before season's end. The Irish have been coasting on their road loss to #1 and a slew of AAC wins (over decent schools, to be fair), while the Cardinal have continuously been battle tested since week 1's loss at Northwestern. Stanford's star RB could be quietly working his way toward a few trophies at season's end, and a big effort in a win over a fellow Playoff contender will certainly help his case. ND: 24--Stan: 31
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. ND: 28--Stan: 35
Seeberg:  To be honest, I was leaning pretty strongly toward the Cardinal before the news that C.J. Prosise was out for this game.  Now?  Too much Stanford D that can feast on a one-dimensional Irish passing attack, and too much balance when the Tree takes the ball.  McAffrey and Hogan slice and dice the Golden Domers and officially (thankfully) knock them out of playoff talks.  ND: 17--Stan: 31

#5 Oklaho_a Sooners @ #8 Oklaho_a State Cowboys
Draper: The Pokes finally returned to Earth after rocking to a 10-0 record without anyone paying attention outside Stillwater.  We can all appreciate the offensive fire thanks to Gundy, but that defense is trash.  This contest is always good for an exciting couple of hours but the Sooners always tend to find a way to end on top.  Stoops was close to being snake bitten last week, but I don't expect a letdown here.  The OU defense isn't exactly spectacular, but they'll be enough with Baker leading the way.  OU: 51--OSU: 42  
Hoying: I was fooled. It looked like this would finally be the year the Cowboys finished a season, after crashing and burning in 2011 (and getting hosed by the voters). Now the Pokes need a big win over OU and a big loss by Baylor either this week or the next. OU's stud QB took a tough shot to the head in the win over the Horned Frogs, but he'll be back to lead what's turned into one of the nation's top offenses. I feel like I've seen the Sooners play out this story before, in which they need only reach out and grasp the opportunity at hand, but You-Know-What Bob chokes it away. I have that feeling again. OU: 38--OSU: 41
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. OU: 35--OSU: 42
Seeberg:  Man, this one seems WAY too easy on paper.  The Sooners are playing well on both sides of the ball save for about a quarter defensively against TCU, and Oklahoma State crashed and burned (again) losing to Baylor's we-found-this-QB-in-poli-sci-101-last-month 37th-string signal caller.  I'm fairly certain I could throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs per game in that system (remember, that's a below average day for their QBs).  Still, Stoops and Gundy can't both lose this game simultaneously.  It's a rivalry so anything can happen, but I just can't imagine the Sooners crapping away a playoff birth this late in the season...they already thought they'd accomplished that against the Longhorns.  Boomer Sooner indeed.  OU: 49--OSU: 35

#16 Ole _iss Rebels @ #23 _ississippi State Bulldogs
Draper: Woooo!! Egg Bowl!! Never know what's going down here.  Both the Dogs and the Rebels have been SUPER flaky this year.  The Dak Attack vs. the Landsharks should be quite fun.  The Rebs and Bulldogs both arrive off big wins (LSU and Bert respectively), but  I honestly don't know what to expect.  It's in Stark Vegas, so gotta go with CLANGA in this one because those cowbells are so sweet...or annoying. Rebels: 27--Bulldogs: 31
Hoying: Nothing says "Second-Tier Rivalry" like the Egg Bowl. This year's version retains a little significance, in the unlikely event that the Tide totally collapses against Auburn and the Rebels take their place in Atlanta, but it will probably only affect which school goes to the TaxSlayer Bowl and which one goes to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The Bulldogs are likely frauds, with their best wins being over their state's top directional school and Louisiana Tech. Ooooohhhh. On the other sideline is a squad that, legend has it, was able to topple the Tide this very season (nobody told the Playoff selection overlords about it, though). Good Bo/Bad Bo has been replaced by Chad Kelly, but the Landsharks are still out in force. In honor of The Force Awakens opening in a few weeks, here's to a Rebel victory. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 24
Schweinfurth: There is only one contest that counts this week. Rebels: 31--Bulldogs: 17
Seeberg:  I have given up on predicting all things Ole Miss related since I somehow nailed their upset win of Bama.  The Bulldogs put up a billion yards against the Razorbacks last week (I'm too lazy to look up the actual number, but I know for a fact they had more yards in the first QUARTER than the Bucks did all game last week, so I'm guessing a billion is close) so Dak is back up and running after getting thumped by the Tide.  Given the nature of this nearly relevant rivalry both teams are likely to be up for this one, but that tends to lead to some errors from the mercurial Chad Kelly.  Prescott and Co. take advantage and take the egg bowl...presumably to make me an omelet later.  Rebels: 24--Bulldogs: 28

#9 THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ #10 That School Up North
Draper:  There's only one thing that would be surprising...a close contest.  Will the Bucks rally under adversity to squelch the hated rival? Will the go quietly into that good night?  I expect either a flat defeated Buckeye squad waiting to get out and head to the NFL or a disrespected angry group ready to avenge the loss and take it out on the hated Wolverines.  Could a squad with the prodigious talent of the Buckeyes lay two eggs? I lean to no.  The line plays with renewed vigor, Zeke busts a few, JT actually throws a few passes for big gains, and the defense shuts down the crazy one on the other side.  Get the lights on Harbaugh, Saturday will lead to a nice breakdown or two.  It ain't worth winning if you can't win big.  OSU: 42--TTUN: 17
Hoying: I can recall a day when the Buckeyes were the consensus #1 squad but their bitter rivals were the nation's hottest, fresh off 3 straight shutouts. How the Spartans do shatter expectations in this conference. After a baffling total offensive failure, do the Buckeyes still have the will to give 100% in the biggest showdown of the season? Urban's boys always shine the brightest under the brightest lights (last week notwithstanding), especially when the Bucks are underdogs. And lookie, lookie, Ohio State is sitting at +1.5 going into this weekend. These are still two very good squads, but look for the OSU D-Line to get after Rudock and the Wolverine rushing attack after a subpar effort against Sparty. And it's possible that Zeke could actually get a few carries this week and run with a bit of purpose when given the chance. A win over Harbaugh caps a good season regardless of what happens in East Lansing, though not exactly a successful one. OSU: 28--TTUN: 20
Schweinfurth: This is the contest that counts this week. There are two ways these Buckeyes can go, galvanize together and win, or devide and get crushed. I have gone back and forth on which Buckeye offense will show up and I have settled on the one we expected to see. Urban is going to get involved this week and that usually signals a turnaround. After Zeke's little spat last week, he will run possessed. There is nothing quite like a butt whooping to cleanse the soul. The soul has been cleansed. The Bullets are still there and Jack Rudock is just a guy. The Bullets get two picks and the Bucks in another close one up north. OSU: 21--TTUN: 17
Seeberg:  Let's be honest, Buckeye Nation, we all knew that the Khaki Eclipse was going to bring ttun back to at least national respectability, but nobody expected them to be this good this fast.  How I LONG for Brady Hoke again.  If you had told me BOTH teams would be in the top ten for the 2015 version of The Game I would've laughed you out of town.  On paper it should be a 2-TD coast for the Bucks, but we haven't performed up to our paper status all year, and after the outbursts following the Sparty debacle, there's less reason to think we'll start now.  Plus, I'll let you in on a little secret:  I picked against the Bucks four times last year, and we went 4-0.  In all honesty?  I thought we would win two of them, but I didn't wanna ruin the mojo.  Time to recover last year's magic and inspire our Buckeyes by picking the stinkpile in Ann Arbor.  OSU: 17--TTUN: 20

Upset Special
Draper: South Carolina over Cle_son (screw it, go big or go ho_e)
Hoying: Illinois over Northwestern
Schweinfurth: Auburn over The Tide (I want to see the college football world burn)
Seeberg: Auburn over Alaba_a...KIDDING.  Let's go Georgia Tech over Georgia