Penn State finished out their season with a loss to Michigan State. Such a disappointing season. I am not going to rehash the what if scenarios. I am ready to see where Penn State goes from here. The Sean Clifford Era is coming to an end and it seems like they have a decent recruiting class, particularly with a strong QB. It will definitely be interesting. The big contract extension for Franklin should signal to recruits that he is not going anywhere (it is all theater because coaches can get big extensions and then leave the next year or get fired).
I honestly do not have much to say about this game. They could have beat Michigan State. And yet, they did not. So much has been made about Jim Harbaugh’s failures against ranked teams (I am sure today will shut people up), but it is time to start discussing James Franklins record against highly ranked opponents (1-10?). Aside from the upset win against Ohio State in 2016, have there been any others? Something to think about over the next year or two. Whatever, on to the rankings!
- Georgia (12-0)–the Bulldogs destroyed Georgia Tech 45-0, which gave them their third shutout of the year.
- Cincinnati (12-0)–no problem with Eastern Carolina, 35-13.
- Michigan (11-1)–the Wolverines handled Ohio State easily. I think they will run all over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game.
- Alabama (11-1)–they beat Auburn in OT. It was not a pretty game for the Crimson Tide, but they get a pass since it was on the road and it is the Iron Bowl.
- Oklahoma State (11-1)–they beat Oklahoma in an awesome game. They take on Baylor next week in the Big 12 Championship game. Could they find themselves in the top four?
- Notre Dame (11-1)–I feel like no one is talking about this team. They just keep quietly winning week after week. They may end up sneaking their way into the playoffs.
- Ohio State (10-2)–I almost feel bad for them. Just kidding! I did want to see their offense versus that Georgia defense.
- Ole Miss (10-2)–a big win against their nemesis, Mississippi State.
- Oklahoma (10-2)–came very close to getting the win against Oklahoma State.
- Pitt (10-2)–they have a chance to win the ACC and possibly end up in one of the major bowl games. I am pulling for them.
- BYU (10-2)–they beat USC, 35-31. They blew a lead and almost lost. Not good.
- Baylor (10-2)–had a tough one against Texas Tech.
- Oregon (10-2)–they get a rematch against Utah in the Pac-12 title game…
- Iowa (10-2)–they made a nice comeback against Nebraska.
- Michigan State (10-2)–beat Penn State in the snow.
- Wake Forest (10-2)–beat up Boston College, I do not think they will do that to Pitt.
- Houston (11-1)–can the Cougars spoil Cincinnati’s season next week? They certainly hope so…
- San Diego State (11-1)–they came back and beat a tough Boise State team.
- Utah (9-3)–easy win against Colorado.
- Louisiana-Lafayette (11-1)–had some troubles with ULM.
- Appalachian State (10-2)–easy win against Georgia Southern.
- NC State (9-3)–came back in a crazy way against UNC. I think they scored a TD, then got the onside kick and scored again. It all happened in like four seconds.
- Clemson (9-3)–they sneak their way back into the rankings with a few quality wins to end the year.
- Kentucky (9-3)–crushed Louisville, who looked impressive the last few weeks, even in some losses.
- Arkansas (8-4)–they beat Mizzou.
Honorable Mention: UTSA (11-1), Coastal Carolina (10-2), Wisconsin (8-4), Minnesota (8-4), Texas A&M (8-4), Utah State (9-3), Purdue (8-4), Army (8-3), Arizona State (8-4)
I put Pitt in the top ten for a few reasons. I think they are good. Having Kenny Pickett really puts them above some other teams with similar records. Pitt lost to a decent Miami team and Western Michigan. All the two loss teams have a bad loss (at least #10 to #16) and I think Pickett is the wildcard that puts Pitt above those teams. If they get blown out by Wake Forest in the ACC Championship game, then obviously I am an idiot.
This week is conference championships…
On Friday we have two:
C-USA: Western Kentucky at UTSA
PAC-12: Oregon vs. Utah (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas)
Saturday there are some fantastic games to be excited about…
Big XII: Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (AT&T Stadium, Arlington)
MAC: Kent State vs. Northern Illinois (Ford Field, Detroit)
MWC: Utah State at San Diego State
Sun Belt: Appalachian State at Louisiana-Lafayette
SEC: Georgia vs. Alabama (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
AAC: Houston at Cincinnati
Big Ten: Michigan vs. Iowa (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)
ACC: Pitt vs. Wake Forest (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte)
