This was the penultimate week of the college football regular season. Next week, most teams are not in action as the bulk of games being played are conference championships. As a result, this was a big week for a lot of teams. This week is also known as rivalry week, as a lot of rivalry games are played this week. Let's get started.
Notable Games:
The biggest game of the week was the Iron Bowl, which featured #15 Auburn travelling cross-state to take on #1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. These two had a great game last year and they had another fun game this year. Auburn kept it close, but 'Bama pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the deal and avenge last year's loss.
Alabama will be playing in the SEC championship game next year against Missouri, the winners of the SEC East division. Missouri booked their spot in the title game by beating Arkansas 21-14. The Tigers are now ranked 16th.
Stanford has had a disappointing season this year, but they got a great win over #8 UCLA on Saturday. This caused the Bruins to drop seven spots in the CFP and knocked them out of the playoff hunt.
#13 Arizona State and #11 Arizona fought for the Territorial Cup and a spot in the Pac-12 championship game. The Sun Devils put up a great fight, but the Wildcats got a 42-35 win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
For the first time this season, Marshall is ranked. They entered the week at #24 and undefeated but are now unranked and have one loss. That loss came in overtime to Western Kentucky, ending the Thundering Herd's playoff chances.
The Georgia Tech/Georgia rivalry has not been very prevalent in recent years, but it was in full force this year. The #9 Bulldogs gave the #16 Yellow Jackets all they could handle, but Tech managed to pull off the upset and move up four spots in the rankings.
#18 Minnesota traveled to #14 Wisconsin to battle for the Paul Bunyan Axe and a spot in the Big Ten championship game. The Golden Gophers put up a good fight, but ended up losing 34-24. The Badgers will now play $6 Ohio State next week for the Big Ten title.
Notable Performances:
#9 Kansas State is still in the playoff hunt after their crushing 51-13 win over Kansas. Leading the way was QB Jake Waters, who went 21 for 27, accounted for more than 300 total yards, and had five scores. A performance like this next week could lead the Wildcats to a win, the Big 12 championship, and a spot in the playoffs.
Deshaun Watson hasn't been there all season for the Clemson Tigers, but he did account for four total touchdowns and go for 14/19 to end Clemson's streak of five straight losses to South Carolina, their in-state rivals.
#19 Ole Miss beat #4 Mississippi State to win the Egg Bowl and end the playoff dreams of the Bulldogs. A big reason Ole Miss won: receiver Evan Egram, who had five catches for 176 yards, giving him an incredible 35.2 average. Ole Miss is now #14 while Miss. State dropped six spots to number 10.
#25 Utah was challenged by Colorado, but the Utes hung on to make sure the Buffaloes ended their season without a conference victory. Sealing the deal for Utah was sophomore Dominique Hatfield, who had a pick-six in the fourth quarter.
You won't hear a lot about Buffalo's Joe Licata, but he had a great Friday night. Not only did he lead the Bulls to a 41-21 win over Massachusetts, but he went 20 for 27 and threw four touchdowns while doing it.
Heisman Watch:
I expected to make this list shorter, but it didn't happen, even though three players dropped off the rankings. Those three are Rakeem Cato (Marshall lost to Western Kentucky), J.T. Barrett (he suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday), and Brett Hundley (UCLA lost to Stanford). Barrett will probably still get some votes, but the fact that he won't be playing in the Big Ten title game or possibly a New Year's Day bowl game really hurts him. Let's see who made the list this week.
9. Cody Kessler, USC (Last Week: NR)- Kessler has been on and off this list more than anyone else, but he earned this spot. However, since his regular season is over, he could drop off again next week, depending on how everyone else does. He could get some wins, however.
8. Gerod Holliman, Louisville (Last Week: NR)- Holliman was on the watch list a couple weeks ago, but he finally gets onto this list after picking up his 14th interception of the season, tying an FBS record. Oh, and that interception came with 35 seconds left in the game to seal the deal for his team.
7. Jay Ajayi, Boise State (Last Week: NR)- It may seem like a stretch to put Ajayi on this list, but he's earned it. He had five touchdowns for Boise State to help them win their division. He is also ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards, second in carries, and tied for second in rushing touchdowns. If he turns in a great performance in the Mountain West championship game, he could get invited to New York.
6. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State (Last Week: 4)- Prescott didn't have a great showing against Ole Miss and his team lost, but Prescott has had a great season overall. He still has a shot at making it to New York, depending on how many finalists there are.
5. Bryce Petty, Baylor (Last Week: 9)- Petty jumps four spots after accounting for 215 total yards and two touchdowns against Texas Tech. The Bears are now ranked fifth and face #9 Kansas State next week in the unofficial Big 12 title game. A strong performance there could take Petty to New York and Baylor to the playoffs.
4. Trevone Boykin, TCU (Last Week: 5)- Boykin moves up one spot after leading TCU to a big win over Texas. The Horned Frogs are now ranked #3 and are in position to make the playoffs. Boykin's regular season ends next week against Iowa State, and a great performance then will only help his case.
3. Amari Cooper, Alabama (Last Week: 8)- Cooper makes a huge jump up the rankings after breaking the Iron Bowl receiving record. The Crimson Tide receiver is fourth in the nation in receiving yards, tenth in receptions per game, and eighth in receptions. Those stats may not seem enough to make him a Heisman finalist, but they don't account for how integral Cooper is to the Alabama offense.
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (Last Week: 2)- Gordon has had an absolutely amazing season so far, and he still has to play in the Big Ten title game next week. He leads the nation in rushing yards, yards per game, and rushing touchdowns, and is eighth in rushing yards per carry. Oh, and he also leads the nation in all-purpose yards. Gordon's a Heisman finalist if I ever saw one.
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon (Last Week: 1)- As impressive as Gordon's season is, Mariota is still the Heisman front-runner. Against Oregon State on Saturday, Mariota went 19 for 25, accounted for more than 400 yards, and scored six touchdowns to help Oregon win the Civil War. The Sports Examiner's player of the week is all but guaranteed to win the Heisman this year. However, it's not completely guaranteed. Remember, Mariota had a dud game earlier this season against Arizona, the team he faces on Saturday in the Pac-12 title game. And, Gordon plays Ohio State for the Big Ten title, and the Buckeyes are without QB J.T. Barrett. If Mariota lays an egg against Arizona and Gordon has another Gordon-like performance against ASU, Gordon just might walk away with the Heisman.
Playoff Watch:
Let me start with this: Alabama is the best damn team in the nation. Excuse my language, but it's true. Sure, Oregon may have a more explosive offense and Florida State may have a better special teams unit, but none of them are as complete as the Crimson Tide. So, even if Alabama loses the SEC title game to Mizzou, they will probably drop to #4 and still make the playoffs. Come on, what voter is going to pass up a two-loss 'Bama team over a one-loss Big 12 team?
Alabama is the only near-lock to make the playoffs (they might not make it if Mizzou blows them out of the water). If Oregon and FSU lose, they could be out. But does that mean Arizona and Georgia Tech are in? Not necessarily, as there are other teams to consider, such as TCU and the Big 10 champ. If either one of those teams lose, and #6 Ohio State beats #11 Wisconsin, the Buckeyes should make the playoffs.
So what will happen? Alabama will almost certainly make the playoffs. I think Oregon avenges their loss from earlier in the season and FSU stays undefeated. I think the last spot will go to either Baylor (if they beat K-State) or OSU (if they beat Wisconsin). TCU won't win the Big 12 title, and that hurts them. There's really no room for another SEC team.
Games to Watch Next Week:
Obviously, you have to watch the conference championship games. The biggest one could be the ACC title game between #4 FSU and #11 GA Tech. The 'Noles have a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot and the Yellow Jackets are sneaky good, so an expect could be brewing.
On Friday night, #7 Arizona and #2 Oregon clash for the Pac-12 title. The 'Cats beat the Ducks earlier this year, so an upset would not all be surprising. But if the Ducks win, they're in the playoffs for sure.
#9 Kansas State travels to #6 Baylor for one of the biggest Big 12 games of the year. Both of these two teams are 7-1 in conference play and the eighth win would put them at the top. This could be the best game of the week.
#16 Missouri is making their second-straight trip to the SEC championship game. Last year, they gave Auburn all they could handle. This year, they take on #1 Alabama. The Crimson Tide may be the best time in the country, but the Tigers are pretty darn good themselves.
#22 Boise State (10-2) is still hoping to play in one of the six New Year's Day bowl games. In order to be considered for that, they'll need to beat Fresno State for the Mountain West championship. Don't write off Fresno State however, they could make things difficult for the Broncos.
Thanks for reading. Be sure to check back next week for the final Heisman watch and CFP predictions.
Notable Games:
The biggest game of the week was the Iron Bowl, which featured #15 Auburn travelling cross-state to take on #1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. These two had a great game last year and they had another fun game this year. Auburn kept it close, but 'Bama pulled away in the fourth quarter to seal the deal and avenge last year's loss.
Alabama will be playing in the SEC championship game next year against Missouri, the winners of the SEC East division. Missouri booked their spot in the title game by beating Arkansas 21-14. The Tigers are now ranked 16th.
Stanford has had a disappointing season this year, but they got a great win over #8 UCLA on Saturday. This caused the Bruins to drop seven spots in the CFP and knocked them out of the playoff hunt.
#13 Arizona State and #11 Arizona fought for the Territorial Cup and a spot in the Pac-12 championship game. The Sun Devils put up a great fight, but the Wildcats got a 42-35 win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
For the first time this season, Marshall is ranked. They entered the week at #24 and undefeated but are now unranked and have one loss. That loss came in overtime to Western Kentucky, ending the Thundering Herd's playoff chances.
The Georgia Tech/Georgia rivalry has not been very prevalent in recent years, but it was in full force this year. The #9 Bulldogs gave the #16 Yellow Jackets all they could handle, but Tech managed to pull off the upset and move up four spots in the rankings.
#18 Minnesota traveled to #14 Wisconsin to battle for the Paul Bunyan Axe and a spot in the Big Ten championship game. The Golden Gophers put up a good fight, but ended up losing 34-24. The Badgers will now play $6 Ohio State next week for the Big Ten title.
Notable Performances:
#9 Kansas State is still in the playoff hunt after their crushing 51-13 win over Kansas. Leading the way was QB Jake Waters, who went 21 for 27, accounted for more than 300 total yards, and had five scores. A performance like this next week could lead the Wildcats to a win, the Big 12 championship, and a spot in the playoffs.
Deshaun Watson hasn't been there all season for the Clemson Tigers, but he did account for four total touchdowns and go for 14/19 to end Clemson's streak of five straight losses to South Carolina, their in-state rivals.
#19 Ole Miss beat #4 Mississippi State to win the Egg Bowl and end the playoff dreams of the Bulldogs. A big reason Ole Miss won: receiver Evan Egram, who had five catches for 176 yards, giving him an incredible 35.2 average. Ole Miss is now #14 while Miss. State dropped six spots to number 10.
#25 Utah was challenged by Colorado, but the Utes hung on to make sure the Buffaloes ended their season without a conference victory. Sealing the deal for Utah was sophomore Dominique Hatfield, who had a pick-six in the fourth quarter.
You won't hear a lot about Buffalo's Joe Licata, but he had a great Friday night. Not only did he lead the Bulls to a 41-21 win over Massachusetts, but he went 20 for 27 and threw four touchdowns while doing it.
Heisman Watch:
I expected to make this list shorter, but it didn't happen, even though three players dropped off the rankings. Those three are Rakeem Cato (Marshall lost to Western Kentucky), J.T. Barrett (he suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday), and Brett Hundley (UCLA lost to Stanford). Barrett will probably still get some votes, but the fact that he won't be playing in the Big Ten title game or possibly a New Year's Day bowl game really hurts him. Let's see who made the list this week.
9. Cody Kessler, USC (Last Week: NR)- Kessler has been on and off this list more than anyone else, but he earned this spot. However, since his regular season is over, he could drop off again next week, depending on how everyone else does. He could get some wins, however.
8. Gerod Holliman, Louisville (Last Week: NR)- Holliman was on the watch list a couple weeks ago, but he finally gets onto this list after picking up his 14th interception of the season, tying an FBS record. Oh, and that interception came with 35 seconds left in the game to seal the deal for his team.
7. Jay Ajayi, Boise State (Last Week: NR)- It may seem like a stretch to put Ajayi on this list, but he's earned it. He had five touchdowns for Boise State to help them win their division. He is also ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards, second in carries, and tied for second in rushing touchdowns. If he turns in a great performance in the Mountain West championship game, he could get invited to New York.
6. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State (Last Week: 4)- Prescott didn't have a great showing against Ole Miss and his team lost, but Prescott has had a great season overall. He still has a shot at making it to New York, depending on how many finalists there are.
5. Bryce Petty, Baylor (Last Week: 9)- Petty jumps four spots after accounting for 215 total yards and two touchdowns against Texas Tech. The Bears are now ranked fifth and face #9 Kansas State next week in the unofficial Big 12 title game. A strong performance there could take Petty to New York and Baylor to the playoffs.
4. Trevone Boykin, TCU (Last Week: 5)- Boykin moves up one spot after leading TCU to a big win over Texas. The Horned Frogs are now ranked #3 and are in position to make the playoffs. Boykin's regular season ends next week against Iowa State, and a great performance then will only help his case.
3. Amari Cooper, Alabama (Last Week: 8)- Cooper makes a huge jump up the rankings after breaking the Iron Bowl receiving record. The Crimson Tide receiver is fourth in the nation in receiving yards, tenth in receptions per game, and eighth in receptions. Those stats may not seem enough to make him a Heisman finalist, but they don't account for how integral Cooper is to the Alabama offense.
2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin (Last Week: 2)- Gordon has had an absolutely amazing season so far, and he still has to play in the Big Ten title game next week. He leads the nation in rushing yards, yards per game, and rushing touchdowns, and is eighth in rushing yards per carry. Oh, and he also leads the nation in all-purpose yards. Gordon's a Heisman finalist if I ever saw one.
1. Marcus Mariota, Oregon (Last Week: 1)- As impressive as Gordon's season is, Mariota is still the Heisman front-runner. Against Oregon State on Saturday, Mariota went 19 for 25, accounted for more than 400 yards, and scored six touchdowns to help Oregon win the Civil War. The Sports Examiner's player of the week is all but guaranteed to win the Heisman this year. However, it's not completely guaranteed. Remember, Mariota had a dud game earlier this season against Arizona, the team he faces on Saturday in the Pac-12 title game. And, Gordon plays Ohio State for the Big Ten title, and the Buckeyes are without QB J.T. Barrett. If Mariota lays an egg against Arizona and Gordon has another Gordon-like performance against ASU, Gordon just might walk away with the Heisman.
Playoff Watch:
Let me start with this: Alabama is the best damn team in the nation. Excuse my language, but it's true. Sure, Oregon may have a more explosive offense and Florida State may have a better special teams unit, but none of them are as complete as the Crimson Tide. So, even if Alabama loses the SEC title game to Mizzou, they will probably drop to #4 and still make the playoffs. Come on, what voter is going to pass up a two-loss 'Bama team over a one-loss Big 12 team?
Alabama is the only near-lock to make the playoffs (they might not make it if Mizzou blows them out of the water). If Oregon and FSU lose, they could be out. But does that mean Arizona and Georgia Tech are in? Not necessarily, as there are other teams to consider, such as TCU and the Big 10 champ. If either one of those teams lose, and #6 Ohio State beats #11 Wisconsin, the Buckeyes should make the playoffs.
So what will happen? Alabama will almost certainly make the playoffs. I think Oregon avenges their loss from earlier in the season and FSU stays undefeated. I think the last spot will go to either Baylor (if they beat K-State) or OSU (if they beat Wisconsin). TCU won't win the Big 12 title, and that hurts them. There's really no room for another SEC team.
Games to Watch Next Week:
Obviously, you have to watch the conference championship games. The biggest one could be the ACC title game between #4 FSU and #11 GA Tech. The 'Noles have a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot and the Yellow Jackets are sneaky good, so an expect could be brewing.
On Friday night, #7 Arizona and #2 Oregon clash for the Pac-12 title. The 'Cats beat the Ducks earlier this year, so an upset would not all be surprising. But if the Ducks win, they're in the playoffs for sure.
#9 Kansas State travels to #6 Baylor for one of the biggest Big 12 games of the year. Both of these two teams are 7-1 in conference play and the eighth win would put them at the top. This could be the best game of the week.
#16 Missouri is making their second-straight trip to the SEC championship game. Last year, they gave Auburn all they could handle. This year, they take on #1 Alabama. The Crimson Tide may be the best time in the country, but the Tigers are pretty darn good themselves.
#22 Boise State (10-2) is still hoping to play in one of the six New Year's Day bowl games. In order to be considered for that, they'll need to beat Fresno State for the Mountain West championship. Don't write off Fresno State however, they could make things difficult for the Broncos.
Thanks for reading. Be sure to check back next week for the final Heisman watch and CFP predictions.
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