12/30 Coaching Update

The Carousel has been updated with the new Texas Tech opening. Also the Florida opening has been taken off the board for now.

12/27 Coaching Update

Three more jobs have been filled in the Carousel with Jeff Quinn going to Buffalo, Todd Berry going to Louisiana Monroe, and Bobby Hauck going to UNLV.

That would leave only one job still open, except the Urban Meyer unexpectedly stepped down as the head coach of Florida yesterday, citing health reasons. OC Steve Addazio has been named the interim head coach, although Meyer will coach the Sugar Bowl. More on this story as it develops.

2009 Bowl Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 48-12 (80%)
Week 12: 42-11 (79.2%)
Week 13: 33-16 (67.4%)
Week 14: 13-5 (72.2%)
Season: 590-182 (76.4%)


Saturday, December 19
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs Wyoming
St. Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers vs UCF


Sunday, December 20
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss vs MTSU


Tuesday, December 22
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State vs BYU


Wednesday, December 23
Poinsettia Bowl: Utah vs Cal


Thursday, December 24
Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs SMU


Saturday, December 26
Little Caesars Bowl: Ohio vs Marshall
Car Care Bowl: Pitt vs North Carolina
Emerald Bowl: USC vs Boston College


Sunday, December 27
Music City Bowl: Clemson vs Kentucky


Monday, December 28
Independence Bowl: Georgia vs Texas A&M


Tuesday, December 29
EagleBank Bowl: UCLA vs Temple
Champs Sports Bowl: Miami vs Wisconsin


Wednesday, December 30
Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green vs Idaho
Holiday Bowl: Nebraska vs Arizona


Thursday, December 31
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston vs Air Force
Sun Bowl: Oklahoma vs Stanford
Texas Bowl: Missouri vs Navy
Insight Bowl: Minnesota vs Iowa State
Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Virginia Tech vs Tennessee


Friday, January 1
Outback Bowl: Auburn vs Northwestern
Gator Bowl: West Virginia vs Florida State
Capital One Bowl: LSU vs Penn State
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: Florida vs Cincinnati


Saturday, January 2
International Bowl: USF vs Northern Illinois
Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina vs Connecticut
Cotton Bowl: Mississippi vs Oklahoma State
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs East Carolina
Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech vs Michigan State


Monday, January 4
Fiesta Bowl: TCU vs Boise State


Tuesday, January 5
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Iowa


Wednesday, January 6
GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan vs Troy


Thursday, January 7
BCS National Championship Game: Alabama vs Texas

12/17 Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with Cincinnati hiring Butch Jones, Marshall hiring Doc Holliday, and San Jose State hiring Mike MacIntyre. 15 programs have made changes so far this offseason, with four of those jobs still open.

Also, UNLV has announced its new AD, so the coaching search should become the biggest priority.

12/14 Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with Kansas hiring Turner Gill. There are six jobs currently open with Buffalo as the latest vacancy.

Brian Kelly to Notre Dame

Notre Dame has hired Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly. The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the new Cincinnati opening.

12/10 Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with three more jobs filled. Virginia hired Mike London, the head coach at Richmond. Louisville hired Charlie Strong, defensive coordinator at Florida. Akron hired Rob Ianello, WR coach and recruiting coordinator at Notre Dame. There are six jobs currently open.

2009 Week 15 Top 25

Here's the Top 25 at the end of the regular season. The next and final rankings will be posted after all the bowl games are completed.

1 - Alabama (2)
2 - Texas (3)
3 - Cincinnati (4)
4 - TCU (5)
5 - Florida (1)
6 - Boise St (6)
7 - Oregon (7)
8 - Georgia Tech (8)
9 - Ohio St (8)
10 - Iowa (11)
11 - Virginia Tech (12)
12 - Penn St (13)
13 - LSU (14)
14 - Pitt (10)
15 - BYU (17)
16 - Oklahoma St (18)
17 - Miami (19)
18 - West Virginia (21)
19 - Nebraska (16)
20 - Houston (15)
21 - Wisconsin (23)
22 - Utah (15)
23 - Arizona (UR)
24 - Central Michigan (25)
25 - USC (20)


Others Receiving Votes: East Carolina, Oregon St, Stanford, Texas Tech, Troy
Added: Arizona
Dropped: Oregon State

12/6 Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Kansas vacancy. Richmond head coach Mike London is rumored to be announced as the new head coach of Virginia tomorrow. Florida DC Charlie Strong to Louisville could be announced this week as well. Central Michigan's Butch Jones to Marshall is another rumor that's picking up steam. Now that the regular season is over (well, except for the Army-Navy game), expect a lot more movement in the Carousel.

12/1 Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated to now include the Notre Dame and Louisiana Monroe openings. I also added the regime change in Florida State. Ralph Friedgen will return as head coach of Maryland next season, a somewhat surprising move. North Texas is another job that may come open soon. The current count is eight open jobs with three others that have already been filled.

2009 Week 14 and 15 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 48-12 (80%)
Week 12: 42-11 (79.2%)
Week 13: 33-16 (67.4%)
Season: 577-177 (76.5%)


Thursday, December 3
Arkansas St at Western Kentucky
Oregon St at Oregon


Friday, December 4
MAC Championship Game: Ohio vs Central Michigan at Detroit


Saturday, December 5
West Virginia at Rutgers
Cincinnati at Pitt
Fresno St at Illinois
Louisiana Tech at San Jose St
New Mexico St at Boise St
Arizona at USC
Cal at Washington
FAU at FIU
USF at Connecticut
Wisconsin at Hawaii

C-USA Championship Game: Houston at East Carolina
ACC Championship Game: Georgia Tech vs Clemson at Tampa
Big 12 Championship Game: Nebraska vs Texas at Arlington
SEC Championship Game: Alabama vs Florida at Atlanta


Saturday, December 12
Army vs Navy at Philadelphia

BCS Bowl Possibilities

A want to write a quick post detailing what I think will happen in regards to the participants of the five BCS bowls. I'm particularly interested this year, because Boise State has a great opportunity to become the first non-AQ to be selected from the at-large pool. Onto the discussion:

Here's what I know for sure. The winner of the SEC championship game will be in the title game, and the loser will be in the Sugar Bowl. The winner of the ACC championship game will be in the Orange Bowl. The loser won't be in a BCS bowl. Ohio State will be in Rose Bowl. The winner of the Civil War (Oregon vs Oregon State) will also be in the Rose Bowl. TCU will be in one of the BCS bowls. Those six teams are in.

The most likely scenario is that Texas wins the Big 12 championship game, Cincinnati beats Pitt, and Boise State beats New Mexico State. In this case, Texas goes to the title game and Cincinnati goes to a BCS bowl. Now two spots are open. The Big Ten will get one, and it should go to Iowa over Penn State. The most likely options for the last spot will be Georgia Tech if they lose Ssturday, Virginia Tech, Miami, Pitt, Oklahoma State, Oregon if they lose Saturday, and Boise State. Boise State would be 13-0 with a win over Oregon. Every other team in that list would have three losses. If a BCS bowl chose a 3-loss team over Boise State, chaos would ensue. In 2007, the Rose Bowl took a undeserving Illinois team, but that was a slightly different situation because the Rose Bowl wanted to keep the Big 10-Pac 10 tradition. That would not be the case this season. I have to think Boise State would be chosen, regardless that they play in the WAC and the non-conference slate ended up having only one big game.

A second scenario would be Texas and Boise State winning, but Cincinnati losing to Pitt. Pitt would earn the auto-bid and Cincinnati would go to the at-large pool. Cincinnati and Iowa would probably both get bids over Boise State in this situation.

If Cincinnati and Boise State win, but Texas loses, then it ends up being essentially the same situation. Texas and Iowa get the at-large bids and Boise State gets the shaft. Then the main topic will be who plays in the title game. While TCU is ranked higher right now, I think Cincinnati would jump to #2. With no one-loss teams outside of SEC loser and Texas, Cincinnati would be the only option from a BCS conference.

If Texas and Cincinnati lose, then it gets interesting for a different reason. Texas obviously gets an at-large, but Iowa and Cincinnati would have to fight it out for the last spot. Cincinnati would have the better resume and the better non-conference win (at Oregon State vs Arizona at home.) The problem is that the Big East lacks a certain amount of prestige, and Iowa has a bigger fanbase for ticket sales and TV ratings. TCU would be next in line to play in the title game, but I have a hard time believing that will happen. I doubt you'll see a SEC rematch, so Texas may be able to back its way into the title game without winning the Big 12. If you like chaos, root for this situation.


My latest prediction of the BCS Bowls:

BCS National Championship Game: Florida vs Texas
Fiesta Bowl: Cincinnati vs TCU
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs Ohio State
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech vs Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs Iowa

2009 Week 14 Top 25

It's conference championship weekend, so there are several top matchups this weekend. The Big 12 and the SEC championship games pit two ranked teams against each other. Cincinnati and Pitt are playing de facto championship game, with the winner taking the conference and a BCS bowl invite. Oregon and Oregon State have a similar situation, where the winner will go to the Rose Bowl. The ACC and even the MAC are on the verge of having ranked teams square off, with Clemson and Ohio just a little outside of my Top 25 rankings.


1 - Florida (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Texas (3)
4 - Cincinnati (4)
5 - TCU (5)
6 - Boise St (6)
7 - Oregon (9)
8 - Ohio St (10)
9 - Georgia Tech (7)
10 - Pitt (8)
11 - Iowa (12)
12 - Virginia Tech (13)
13 - Penn St (14)
14 - LSU (16)
15 - Houston (17)
16 - Nebraska (19)
17 - BYU (24)
18 - Oklahoma St (12)
19 - Miami (20)
20 - USC (21)
21 - West Virginia (UR)
22 - Utah (15)
23 - Wisconsin (23)
24 - Oregon St (UR)
25 - Central Michigan (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: Cal, Clemson, Ohio, Stanford, Troy
Added: West Virginia, Oregon St, Central Michigan
Dropped: Clemson, Mississippi, Cal

11/29 Coaching Update

Coaching Carousel has been updated with the Akron, Louisville, and Marshall openings. I'm expecting more annoucements to be made Monday or Tuesday. Specifically, I'm expecting to hear about a change being made at Notre Dame, Virginia and Maryland. Colorado and UTEP have come out and said their coaches will be retained. I wouldn't be surprised if Mike Price decides to retire though. It has been reported that Memphis has hired LSU assistant head coach and RB coach Larry Porter, although that's not been made official yet.

While I was typing this, ESPN reported that Al Groh is out at Virginia. The carousel will be updated. Also, Bobby Bowden wants to coach another season at FSU, but his fate has not been decided. Expect an announcement one way or the other in the next day or two.

2009 Week 13 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 48-12 (80%)
Week 12: 42-11 (79.2%)
Season: 544-161 (77.2%)


Tuesday, November 24
Ball St at Western Michigan


Thursday, November 26
Texas at Texas A&M


Friday, November 27
Rutgers at Louisville
Temple at Ohio
Illinois at Cincinnati
Northern Illinois at Central Michigan
Wyoming at Colorado St
Toledo at Bowling Green
Eastern Michigan at Akron
Buffalo at Kent St
Alabama at Auburn
Nebraska at Colorado

Memphis at Tulsa
Pitt at West Virginia
Nevada at Boise St


Saturday, November 28
Syracuse at Connecticut
Wake Forest at Duke
North Carolina at NC State
Clemson at South Carolina
Mississippi at Mississippi St
Oklahoma St at Oklahoma
Southern Miss at East Carolina
New Mexico at TCU
UCF at UAB
North Texas at Arkansas St

Tulane at SMU
Marshall at UTEP
Arizona at Arizona St
Florida St at Florida
Miami at USF
Boston College at Maryland
Virginia Tech at Virginia
Missouri vs Kansas at Kansas City
Western Kentucky at FAU
MTSU at Louisiana-Monroe

Utah St at Idaho
Utah at BYU
Texas Tech vs Baylor at Arlington
Washington St at Washington
Tennessee at Kentucky
Arkansas at LSU
Troy at Louisiana-Lafayette
New Mexico St at San Jose St
Notre Dame at Stanford
Georgia at Georgia Tech

Rice at Houston
San Diego St at UNLV
UCLA at USC
Navy at Hawaii

2009 Week 13 Top 25

The BYU-Utah Holy War is the only matchup this weekend against ranked teams. The Pitt-West Virginia game almost made it to that status. Regardless, this is rivalry weekend and there should be several good games. It's worth noting that Temple has won nine straight games and has entered my receiving votes category. Another win this weekend would put them in the MAC Championship game.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Texas (3)
4 - Cincinnati (4)
5 - TCU (5)
6 - Boise St (6)
7 - Georgia Tech (7)
8 - Pitt (8)
9 - Oregon (10)
10 - Ohio St (11)
11 - Iowa (12)
12 - Oklahoma St (14)
13 - Virginia Tech (15)
14 - Penn St (13)
15 - Utah (17)
16 - LSU (9)
17 - Houston (18)
18 - Clemson (19)
19 - Nebraska (22)
20 - Miami (20)
21 - USC (12)
22 - Mississippi (UR)
23 - Wisconsin (16)
24 - BYU (UR)
25 - Cal (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: Central Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon St, Temple, West Virginia
Added: Mississippi, BYU, Cal
Dropped: Rutgers, Stanford, Oregon St

2009 Week 12 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Week 11: 48-12 (80%)
Season: 502-150 (77%)


Wednesday, November 18
Buffalo at Miami (OH)
Central Michigan at Ball St


Thursday, November 19
Colorado at Oklahoma St


Friday, November 20
Akron at Bowling Green
Eastern Michigan at Toledo
Boise St at Utah St


Saturday, November 21
Maryland at Florida St
Louisville at USF
North Carolina at Boston College
Ohio St at Michigan
Minnesota at Iowa
Duke at Miami
Mississippi St at Arkansas
Chattanooga at Alabama
FIU at Florida
Oklahoma at Texas Tech

Kent St at Temple
Memphis at Houston
Iowa St at Missouri
Northern Illinois at Ohio
Tulane at UCF
TCU at Wyoming
Connecticut at Notre Dame
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Purdue at Indiana
Penn St at Michigan St

LSU at Mississippi
UAB at East Carolina
Rutgers at Syracuse
Virginia at Clemson
UTEP at Rice
Baylor at Texas A&M
Air Force at BYU
NC State at Virginia Tech
Arizona St at UCLA
Army at North Texas

San Diego St at Utah
FAU at Troy
SMU at Marshall
Arkansas St at MTSU
Oregon St at Washington St
Louisiana Tech at Fresno St
Colorado St at New Mexico
Louisiana Monroe at Louisiana Lafayette
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Tulsa at Southern Miss

Cal at Stanford
Kentucky at Georgia
Kansas St at Nebraska
Oregon at Arizona
Hawaii at San Jose St
Kansas at Texas
Nevada at New Mexico St

Coaching Update

The Coaching Carousel has been updated with the upcoming UNLV and San Jose State openings.

Several other jobs will open up in the next few weeks, so I'll make some predictions about what could happen in each conference.

ACC: Florida State needs to beat Maryland at home this weekend or beat Florida in the finale to keep its bowl streak alive. I think Bobby Bowden wants to stick around one more year, but missing out on a bowl may be what pushes him out. Maryland and Virginia will almost definitely make a change. Maryland has tabbed OC James Franklin as the head coach in waiting, but it's also possible to see them gut the entire staff regardless if they want a blank slate.

Big 12: Eight teams are bowl eligible and three others could become eligible. The only team that definitely isn't going to the postseason is the only job that might come open. Colorado is 4-7, and more importantly doesn't seem to be improving under Dan Hawkins. Mike Sherman at Texas A&M is a longshot, but they only need to beat Baylor this weekend to get to six wins. The Aggies have been very erratic, but they have improved in Sherman's second season. It's possible that neither program will make a move for financial reasons.

Big East: Louisville is probably coming open this offseason. Steve Kragthorpe hasn't had anywhere near the success that Bobby Petrino had previously, hovering just under a .500 record. The move might not be based entirely on the on-field results. Louisville is expanding its stadium to hold 60,000 in 2010, including many luxury boxes and premium seats. The administration may want to make a splashy hire to get the fanbase excited and help sell the premium tickets. No other coach in the conference will get fired, but Brian Kelly at Cincinnati will be mentioned for every elite job that comes available.

Big Ten: Michigan is an interesting situation. After making 33 straight bowl games, Michigan is a very likely loss to Ohio State away from missing the postseason for two straight seasons. When the only conference win is against Indiana, the fanbase is going to be restless. Couple the lack of success with an ongoing NCAA investigation, and the Rich Rodriguez era could meet an abrupt end. I would say Ron Zook might be on the hot seat at Illinois, but the AD has said the Zook's job is safe for next season.

C-USA: Tommy West at Memphis is already out. Mark Snyder might be back on the host seat after back-to-back conference losses to UCF and Southern Miss. At one point, Marshall was leading to win the East division and was on the way to win 7-8 regular season games. Now they are back at .500 and a move might be made even if they go bowling. George O'Leary looked like a possibility earlier in the season, but knocking off #15 Houston should go a long way. UCF is looking at a 7-8 win season and probably an invite to the nearby St. Petersburg bowl. Mike Price at UTEP could be gone. The administration and fanbase are probably sick of the early and midseason potential prior to the annual November collapse. A loss to Rice this weekend may seal his fate.

Independents: Army and Navy are safe, so that just leaves Notre Dame. The Irish's four losses have come by a combined 18 points, but most of the wins have been close too. Most of Weis's critics wouldn't be quite so loud if he didn't lose home games to Syracuse and Navy.

MAC: Stan Parrish at Ball State might not make it to his second season, after taking a 12-2 team to a 1-9 record with likely losses in the final two games. The good: they've been competitive, losing seven games by 10 or fewer points. The bad: some of those close losses were to North Texas at home, FCS member New Hampshire, and Army. The only other possible firing would be J.D. Brookhart at Akron, who is mired in a 2-8 season and four years removed from their last bowl game.

Mountain West: Mike Sanford at UNLV is gone. Mike Lockley could be gone after just one season due to a combination of blowout losses and an embarassing scandal. They haven't won a game all season. The loss to rival New Mexico State was the first since 2002. Oddly enough, they played BYU very close last week, so maybe the team is improving and Locksley will be given a second chance.

Pac-10: Paul Wulff at Washington State could be gone after two seasons. They've barely improved in year two of his system. The offense is averaging fewer than 14 points per game, and the defense is giving up 39 ppg. I don't know how patient the adminstration can be with Wulff.

SEC: Every job should be safe. Rich Brooks at Kentucky is almost 70 years old and may be on retirement watch. Also, every season it seems that there are rumors that Steve Spurrier is going to retire, although he always denies them.

Sun Belt: David Elson at Western Kentucky is already gone. Steve Roberts at Arkansas State has had a disappointing season with several close losses, and it is taking a long time for Todd Dodge at North Texas to get his system working. Regardless, both coaches should be safe this offseason.

WAC: Dick Tomey at San Jose State is retiring at the end of the season. No other job should become avaiable.

2009 Week 12 Top 25

My Top 7 stayed the same this week, as #8 Iowa was my highest ranked team to lose. The Stanford-USC caused the most movement. USC fell nine spots and more than likely out of a BCS bowl. Stanford jumped into the Top 25 despite not even receiving votes last week. Stanford has two more chances for good wins with the Big Game this weekend and hosting Notre Dame after Thanksgiving.

There are no matchups this week between ranked teams. The closest is the Cal-Stanford game, with Cal just barely outside the rankings.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Alabama (2)
3 - Texas (3)
4 - Cincinnati (4)
5 - TCU (5)
6 - Boise St (6)
7 - Georgia Tech (7)
8 - Pitt (9)
9 - LSU (10)
10 - Oregon (11)
11 - Ohio St (13)
12 - Iowa (8)
13 - Penn St (16)
14 - Oklahoma St (18)
15 - Virginia Tech (22)
16 - Wisconsin (20)
17 - Utah (15)
18 - Houston (14)
19 - Clemson (23)
20 - Miami (17)
21 - USC (12)
22 - Nebraska (UR)
23 - Rutgers (UR)
24 - Stanford (UR)
25 - Oregon St (25)


Others Receiving Votes: Boston College, BYU, Cal, Central Michigan, West Virginia
Added: Nebraska, Rutgers, Stanford
Dropped: Arizona, West Virginia, USF

2009 Coaching Carousel

New Head Coach:

Akron: J.D. Brookhart was fired after finishing the season 3-9. He was 30-42 in six seasons. Brookhart did lead Akron to a MAC conference championship and the program's only major bowl game in 2005, but four straight losing seasons convinced the AD that it was time for a change.
Possibilities: Paul Chryst (Wisconsin OC)
I would hire: TBD
Akron Hired: Rob Ianello (Notre Dame WR coach and recruiting coordinator)


Buffalo: Kansas hired Turner Gill away from Buffalo. Buffalo reached unprecedented heights under Gill, who led the Bulls to their first MAC Championship and the first bowl game since moving up to FBS. Buffalo may be best off by promoting from within Gill's staff in an attempt to keep some continuity and level of success. While you may say that only one winning season in his four seasons wasn't that impressive, recognize that Buffalo has only had two winning seasons since 1987. Strangely, Buffalo was not fielding winning teams when moving up from Division 2 or moving up from Division 1AA.
Possibilities: Danny Barrett (OC Buffalo, interim HC), Bryan Harsin (Boise OC), Joe Moorhead (UConn OC), Tom Williams (Yale HC)
I Would Hire: Danny Barrett
Buffalo Hired: Jeff Quinn


Central Michigan: Cincinnati hired away Central Michigan's coach for the second time in four years. Central Michigan will look for a coach that can continue the success of the previous two coaches. CMU has won three conference titles in the past four years. Brian Kelly and Butch Jones took the program to four straight bowls games, despite that the Chippewas hadn't been to the postseason in 12 seasons and had only been to two other bowl games previously.
Possibilities: TBD
I would hire: TBD
Central Michigan hired: Dan Enos (Michigan State RB coach)


Cincinnati: Notre Dame hired Brian Kelly, and now Cincinnati is looking for a new head coach. Kelly had a 33-6 record with three straight double-digit win seasons at Cincinnati. He also led Cincinnati to a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season and back-to-back Big East Championships. It will be difficult to find a coach that will lead the Bearcats to that level of success.
Possibilities: Skip Holtz, Al Golden, Jeff Quinn (Cincinnati OC, interim HC), Butch Jones
I Would Hire: TBD
Cincinnati Hired: Butch Jones


East Carolina: Skip Holtz left East Carolina for the USF vacancy after leading the Pirates to back-to-back C-USA championships and Liberty Bowl appearances. He had a 38-27 record in five seasons and went to four bowl games. He led the Pirates to three straight wins over ranked teams (Boise State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia.) He also picked up wins over Virginia, NC State, and North Carolina.
Possibilities: Jeff Jagodzinski, Al Golden, Mike Leach, Ruffin McNeill, Greg Hudson, Rick Stockstill, Terry Bowden, Tommy Bowden, Dave Clawson, Danny Rocco
I would hire: Jeff Jagodzinski
East Carolina hired: Ruffin McNeill


Florida State: Bobby Bowden chose to retire after the bowl game this season to cap off a long and glorious career. Happy trails, Bobby. I hope you enjoy retirement. Florida State will promote OC Jimbo Fisher to be the head coach next season. Jimbo's first big decision will be replacing DC Mickey Andrews, who is also retiring after the end of this season.
Florida State Hired: Jimbo Fisher


Kansas: Mark Mangino stepped down as head coach of Kansas. He finished this season with a seven game losing streak and was facing an investigation over treatment of players. He was 50-48 in his tenure, but he took over a program that had six straight losing seasons. He took Kansas program to new heights in 2007 with a 12-1 record and a Orange Bowl victory. He also took Kansas to four bowls (three wins) in eight seasons. Kansas had only been to eight bowl games previously. Unless there is more behind the scenes to the investigation, I don't think getting running off Mangino was the right move.
Possibilities: Randy Edsall (KU AD hired him at Connecticut), Kevin Sumlin, Larry Fedora, Nolan Cromwell (Texas A&M OC and KU alum), Skip Holtz, Jim Harbaugh, Turner Gill, Brent Venables (Oklahoma DC)
I Would Hire: Harbaugh is unlikely to accept the job, so my pick would be Sumlin of Houston.
Kansas Hired: Turner Gill


Kentucky: Rich Brooks has retired after coaching Kentucky for the past seven seasons. Kentucky had gone bowling the past four seasons following a seven season postseason drought. This wasn't really a surprise since Brooks is almost 70 years old. He did a good job building Kentucky back up to respectability. Offensive coordinator Joker Phillips was named the head-coach-in-waiting two seasons ago, and will take over immediately. Happy trails, coach.
Kentucky Hired: Joker Phillips


Louisiana Monroe: In the first surprising move of the offseason, Louisiana Monroe chose not to extend the expiring contract of head coach Charlie Weatherbie. He was 31-51 in his seven year tenure. He did not take the program to the postseason, but two 6-6 seasons and two 5-6 seasons. I think this was a mistake, as he was consistently competitive in the Sun Belt. For a program that has never been to a bowl game, firing a coach that had you on the cusp of the postseason doesn't make much sense to me.
Possibilities: TBD
I would hire: TBD
Louisiana Monroe Hired: Todd Berry


Louisiana Tech: Derek Dooley left to become the new head coach at Tennessee. Dooley only had a 17-20 record, but had shown potential. His best win was over Mississippi State, and he led them to a win over Northern Illinois in the Independence Bowl in 2008. Dooley is also the Athletic Director at Louisiana Tech, so both positions will need to be filled. OC Frank Scelfo has been named the interim head coach.
Possibilities: TBD
I would hire: TBD
Louisiana Tech hired: Sonny Dykes


Louisville: As expected, Louisville fired Steve Kragthorpe after a loss to Rutgers to end the season. Kragthorpe was 4-8 this season and 15-21 in his three-year tenure with no bowl game appearances. These results are a far cry from the heights that Bobby Petrino had taken the progam previously. The change needed to be made.
Possibilities: Phil Fulmer, Kevin Sumlin, Tommy Tuberville, Charlie Strong, Gus Malzahn, Butch Jones
I would hire: Tommy Tuberville
Louisville Hired: Charlie Strong


Marshall: Mark Snyder will not return as head coach of Marshall despite a 6-6 record and a likely bowl berth. Snyder was 22-37 in five seasons. Marshall had been very successful, winning at least 8 games for 13 straight seasons under Jim Donnan and Bob Pruett. Snyder was hired at the same time that Marshall moved from the MAC to C-USA. This season was Marshall's highest win total since joining the conference. Regardless, Mark Snyder could not meet the high expectations set by his predecessors. Dwindling attendance figures were probably a factor as well.
Possibilities: Bud Foster, Gunter Brewer, Rick Minter, Butch Jones, Rick Trickett (Florida St OL coach/asst HC), Brad Lamert (Wake Forest DC), Danny Rocco (Liberty HC)
I Would Hire: Bud Foster signed a new deal with VT, so I would go with Butch Jones or Danny Rocco.
Marshall Hired: Doc Holliday (WVU associate HC)


Memphis: Tommy West was ousted after nine seasons with Memphis with a record of 49-58. West had his good and bad moments during his tenure. He led Memphis to five bowl games although the program had only been to two others previously, and one was something called the Burley Bowl in 1956. Even with the postseason appearances, Memphis never won a conference championship. Tommy West had plateaued at Memphis, and the administration thought it was time to move on.
Possibilities: Tommy Tuberville, Tommy Bowden, Terry Bowden, Gus Malzahn (Auburn OC), Larry Porter (LSU asst HC, Memphis alum), Bud Foster (VT DC) has expressed interest, Gunter Brewer (Ok St OC), Charlie Strong (Florida DC), Rick Stockstill, Phil Fulmer?
I would hire: Tuberville is the best option, but has said he doesn't want to coach at a non-BCS school. Malzahn is probably the most proven coordinator. Brewer and Porter supposedly are the leading candidates.
Memphis Hired: Larry Porter


Notre Dame: As expected, Charlie Weis is out at Notre Dame. This situation has been beaten to death already, so I'll just say that I agree that it was time for a change. This opening is obviously the biggest and most interesting.
Possibilities: Brian Kelly, Urban Meyer, Jon Gruden, Pat Fitzgerald, Jim Harbaugh, Skip Holtz, Kirk Ferentz, Gary Patterson, Randy Edsall, Brian Billick
I would hire: Brian Kelly
Notre Dame Hired: Brian Kelly


San Jose State: Dick Tomey is retiring at the end of the season. It hasn't been a good season for the Spartans, as their only win was over an FCS team. Tomey coached San Jose for the past five seasons and took them to a bowl game for the first time in 16 years in 2006, a win over New Mexico. Happy trails, coach.
Possibilities: TBD
I would hire: TBD
San Jose State Hired: Mike MacIntyre (Duke DC)


Tennessee: Lane Kiffin left to take the USC after just one season at Tennessee. He finished the season 7-6 with a 23-point loss to Virginia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Tennessee wasn't expecting to have to go through another coaching search so quickly. A lot of different names are being thrown around, and it will be interesting to see who they get this late is the offseason.
Possibilities: David Cutcliffe, Jon Gruden, Skip Holtz, Gary Patterson
I would hire: David Cutcliffe, although he wasn't interested in the job last year
Tennessee hired: Derek Dooley


Texas Tech: Mike Leach has been fired by Texas Tech due to way he treated a player after an injury. Leach is a good coach and will be picked up somewhere, although the only other current opening is Central Michigan. Leach may choose to take a year off and wait for more prestigious jobs to come available. For Texas Tech, defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeal has been named interim head coach.
Possibilities: Ruffin McNeal, Tommy Tuberville, Art Briles
I would hire: Tommy Tuberville
Texas Tech Hired: Tommy Tuberville


UNLV: Mike Sanford was fired near the end of his fifth season with the Rebels. His record was 15-43. UNLV has not gone to a bowl game in his tenure. In fact, UNLV hasn't been to a bowl game since the year 2000. Sanford never beat instate rival Nevada, and only won one games against the Big Three teams in the Mountain West. Most of the conference is improving, so UNLV needed to make a change to keep up. UNLV will hire an AD before hiring a head coach.
Possibilities: Dennis Franchione, Dirk Koetter, Bobby Hauck (Montana HC)
I would hire: TBD
UNLV Hired: Bobby Hauck


USC: Head coach Pete Carroll has returned to the NFL agreeing to a deal as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. He had spent the past nine seasons building and maintaining one of the top programs in college football. Despite all of the success, Carroll leaves in the middle massive NCAA investigation and is coming off a his worst season outside of his first at the program.
Possibilities: Mike Riley, Steve Sarkisian, Chris Petersen, Kyle Whittingham
I would hire: TBD
USC hired: Lane Kiffin


USF: USF has been fired with cause facing charges that he grabbed and struck one of his players. Leavitt was the only coach in the history of the football program. He compiled a 95-57 record over 13 seasons. He also took the Bulls to five bowl games, winning three.
Possibilities: Dan McCarney, Calvin MaGee, Tommy Bowden, Jeff Jagodzinski
I would hire: TBD
USF hired: Skip Holtz


Virginia: Al Groh is out after nine seasons at his alma mater. Groh had some success including a Gator Bowl appearance, but never could turn the team into a contender in the ACC and only beat in-state rival Virgina Tech once. A 3-9 season with a bad loss to Wiiliam & Mary meant it was time for a change to be made.
Possibilities: Mike London is a popular name, Al Golden, Skip Holtz, Butch Jones, Tommy Tuberville, Phil Fulmer
I Would Hire: TBD
Virginia Hired: Mike London


Western Kentucky: David Elson was fired after seven years, mired in a winless season as the Hilltoppers are trying to transition to the FBS level. It seems wrong to fire Elson, this team was just getting used to playing FBS quality opponents on a weekly basis. I'm not really sure who would want this job either. It's a massive building project to get this team competitive in the Sun Belt, while dealing with buy games versus major programs in the non-conference schedule.
Possibilities: I'm going to use this
link from the Bowling Green Daily News for a list of possible candidates.
I would hire: ???
Western Kentucky Hired: Willie Taggart (Stanford RB coach and WKU alum)

2009 Week 11 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Week 10: 40-15 (72.7%)
Season: 454-138 (76.7%)


Tuesday, November 10
Ohio at Buffalo


Wednesday, November 11
Toledo at Central Michigan


Thursday, November 12
USF at Rutgers
Bowling Green at Miami (OH)
Ball St at Northern Illinois


Friday, November 13
West Virginia at Cincinnati
Temple at Akron


Saturday, November 14
Syracuse at Louisville
South Dakota St at Minnesota
Tennessee at Memphis
Georgia Tech at Duke
Clemson at NC State
Florida St at Wake Forest
Indiana at Penn St
Texas at Baylor
Michigan at Wisconsin
VMI at Army

Northwestern at Illinois
Houston at UCF
Michigan St at Purdue
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Missouri at Kansas St
Virginia Tech at Maryland
Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan
Colorado at Iowa St
BYU at New Mexico
UAB at Memphis

San Jose St at Utah St
Louisiana-Lafayette at MTSU
UTEP at SMU
Stanford at USC
Idaho at Boise St
Miami at North Carolina
Iowa at Ohio St
Washington at Oregon St
Tulane at Rice
Boston College at Virginia

Nebraska at Kansas
Delaware at Navy
Florida at South Carolina
Arkansas St at FAU
Western Kentucky at Louisiana Monroe
Fresno St at Nevada
Southern Miss at Marshall
UCLA at Washington St
UNLV at Air Force
Auburn at Georgia

Louisiana Tech at LSU
Texas A&M at Oklahoma
Alabama at Mississippi St
North Texas at FIU
Troy at Arkansas
Utah at TCU
Texas Tech at Oklahoma St
Notre Dame at Pitt
Wyoming at San Diego St
New Mexico St at Hawaii

Arizona at Cal
Arizona St at Oregon


Sunday, November 15
East Carolina at Tulsa

2009 Week 11 Top 25

Four teams in the top eleven spots lost this past weekend. Injuries and a propensity for playing close games finally caught up with Iowa, who lost for the first time to Northwestern. Now only six unbeaten teams remain.

Utah travels TCU attempting to spoil TCU's perfect season and become the favorite in the Mountain West. Iowa travels to Ohio State, and the winner will most likely attend the Rose Bowl. Cincinnati and West Virginia will play a high profile Big East game on Friday night.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Alabama (3)
3 - Texas (2)
4 - Cincinnati (5)
5 - TCU (8)
6 - Boise St (7)
7 - Georgia Tech (9)
8 - Iowa (4)
9 - Pitt (12)
10 - LSU (10)
11 - Oregon (6)
12 - USC (14)
13 - Ohio St (16)
14 - Houston (13)
15 - Utah (17)
16 - Penn St (11)
17 - Miami (15)
18 - Oklahoma St (18)
19 - Arizona (19)
20 - Wisconsin (20)
21 - West Virginia (21)
22 - Virginia Tech (22)
23 - Clemson (UR)
24 - USF (24)
25 - Oregon St (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: Boston College, BYU, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Rutgers
Added: Clemson, Oregon St
Dropped: Notre Dame, Cal

2009 Week 10 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Week 9: 39-16 (70.9%)
Season: 414-123 (77.1%)


Tuesday, November 3
Bowling Green at Buffalo


Thursday, November 5
Virginia Tech at East Carolina
Miami (OH) at Temple
Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois


Friday, November 6
Boise St at Louisiana Tech


Saturday, November 7
Wisconsin at Indiana
Western Michigan at Michigan St
Purdue at Michigan
Illinois at Minnesota
Syracuse at Pitt
UCF at Texas
Louisville at West Virginia
Northwestern at Iowa
Virginia at Miami
South Carolina at Arkansas

Kansas at Kansas St
Tennessee Tech at Georgia
Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky
Maryland at NC State
Furman at Auburn
Texas A&M at Colorado
FAU at UAB
Baylor at Missouri
BYU at Wyoming
Navy at Notre Dame

Rice at SMU
Washington St at Arizona
Oregon at Stanford
Washington at UCLA
Wake Forest at Georgia Tech
Oklahoma St at Iowa St
Duke at North Carolina
Ohio St at Penn St
LSU at Alabama
Army at Air Force

Kent St at Akron
Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas St
UTEP at Tulane
TCU at San Diego St
Louisiana-Monroe at North Texas
FIU at MTSU
Troy at Western Kentucky
New Mexico at Utah
Oregon St at Cal
Memphis at Tennessee

Vanderbilt at Florida
Northern Arizona at Mississippi
Houston at Tulsa
Florida St at Clemson
USC at Arizona St
Oklahoma at Nebraska
Connecticut at Cincinnati
Colorado St at UNLV
Utah St at Hawaii
Fresno St at Idaho


Sunday, November 8
Nevada at San Jose St

2009 Week 10 Top 25

Oregon makes the biggest leap this week, jumping up to #6 with a decisive win over USC. Now the Ducks are the favorite to win the Pac-10, and probably need just a couple of upsets to get to the national title game. Pitt also makes a sizable jump despite having an off week. This is due to a combination of teams in front of them losing and my decision that I had been underrating them. I'm really looking forward to the Cincinnati-Pitt game the last week of the season.

Two big games matching up ranked teams this weekend. LSU travels to Alabama in the biggest SEC West game of the year. The winner will have a clear path to the SEC Championship game. Ohio State plays at Penn State this weekend. The Big Ten is still Iowa's to lose, but the winner of this game would be in position to get an at-large bid to a BCS bowl game. Of course, if Ohio State wins out, they will also win the conference.


1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Iowa (4)
5 - Cincinnati (5)
6 - Oregon (12)
7 - Boise St (6)
8 - TCU (7)
9 - Georgia Tech (8)
10 - LSU (9)
11 - Penn St (11)
12 - Pitt (17)
13 - Houston (15)
14 - USC (10)
15 - Miami (14)
16 - Ohio St (19)
17 - Utah (20)
18 - Oklahoma St (16)
19 - Arizona (21)
20 - Wisconsin (23)
21 - West Virginia (18)
22 - Virginia Tech (13)
23 - Notre Dame (25)
24 - USF (UR)
25 - Cal (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: BYU, Central Michigan, Clemson, Oklahoma, Rutgers
Added: USF, Cal
Dropped: Central Michigan, South Carolina

2009 Week 9 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Week 8: 43-12 (78.2%)
Season: 375-107 (77.8%)


Thursday, October 27
East Carolina at Memphis


Thursday, October 29
North Carolina at Virginia Tech


Friday, October 30
West Virginia at USF


Saturday, October 31
Rutgers at Connecticut
NC State at Florida St
Cincinnati at Syracuse
New Mexico St at Ohio St
Purdue at Wisconsin
Ohio at Ball St
Louisiana Lafayette at FIU
Indiana at Iowa
Akron at Northern Illinois
Mississippi at Auburn

Nebraska at Baylor
Southern Miss at Houston
Missouri at Colorado
Coastal Carolina at Clemson
SMU at Tulsa
Western Michigan at Kent St
San Jose St at Boise St
UAB at UTEP
Cal at Arizona St
Georgia vs Florida at Jacksonville

Arkansas St at Louisville
Central Michigan at Boston College
Miami at Wake Forest
Toledo at Miami (OH)
Iowa St at Texas A&M
Duke at Virginia
Michigan at Illinois
Temple at Navy
Kansas at Texas Tech
Air Force at Colorado St

UCLA at Oregon St
Western Kentucky at North Texas
MTSU at FAU
UNLV at TCU
Hawaii at Nevada
Penn St at Northwestern
Louisiana Tech at Idaho
Utah St at Fresno St
Eastern Michigan at Arkansas
Mississippi St at Kentucky

Kansas St at Oklahoma
Louisiana Monroe at Troy
New Mexico at San Diego St
Washington St at Notre Dame at San Antonio
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt
South Carolina at Tennessee
Tulane at LSU
Michigan St at Minnesota
Texas at Oklahoma St
Wyoming at Utah

USC at Oregon


Sunday, November 1
Marshall at UCF

2009 Week 9 Top 25

No movement at the top of the rankings, as the unbeatens stayed in the top seven spots. Most of the shakeup is at the bottom of the rankings. Nobody wants to stay in the Top 25 with four out of the bottom seven losing.

Two big games matching up ranked teams this weekend. USC travels Oregon in a game that will determine the favorite in the Pac-10 race. Texas travels to Oklahoma State in a battle of teams without a conference loss. The winner will become the favorite in the Big 12 South.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Iowa (4)
5 - Cincinnati (5)
6 - Boise St (6)
7 - TCU (7)
8 - Georgia Tech (10)
9 - LSU (9)
10 - USC (11)
11 - Penn St (12)
12 - Oregon (13)
13 - Virginia Tech (14)
14 - Miami (8)
15 - Houston (15)
16 - Oklahoma St (16)
17 - Pitt (17)
18 - West Virginia (21)
19 - Ohio St (18)
20 - Utah (20)
21 - Arizona (UR)
22 - Central Michigan (UR)
23 - Wisconsin (25)
24 - South Carolina (UR)
25 - Notre Dame (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: BYU, Cal, Kansas, Mississippi, Navy
Added: Arizona, Central Michigan, South Carolina, Notre Dame
Dropped: BYU, Texas Tech, Kansas, Nebraska

2009 Week 8 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Week 7: 44-11 (80%)
Season: 332-95 (77.8%)


Wednesday, October 21
Tulsa at UTEP


Thursday, October 22
Florida St at North Carolina


Friday, October 23
Rutgers at Army


Saturday, October 24
Indiana at Northwestern
Central Michigan at Bowling Green
Minnesota at Ohio St
USF at Pitt
Georgia Tech at Virginia
UAB at Marshall
Connecticut at West Virginia
Illinois at Purdue
Arkansas at Mississippi
Iowa St at Nebraska

Oklahoma St at Baylor
Colorado at Kansas St
Northern Illinois at Miami (OH)
Ball St at Eastern Michigan
Maryland at Duke
Kent St at Ohio
Buffalo at Western Michigan
Louisiana Tech at Utah St
Boston College at Notre Dame
Penn St at Michigan

Akron at Syracuse
UCF at Rice
Oregon at Washington
Tennessee at Alabama
Louisville at Cincinnati
Oklahoma at Kansas
Clemson at Miami
Western Kentucky at MTSU
Wake Forest at Navy
North Texas at Troy

San Diego St at Colorado St
Air Force at Utah
Idaho at Nevada
Washington St at Cal
FAU at Louisiana Lafayette
UCLA at Arizona
Louisiana Monroe at Kentucky
Iowa at Michigan St
FIU at Arkansas St
Tulane at Southern Miss

Vanderbilt at South Carolina
Texas A&M at Texas Tech
Temple at Toledo
Auburn at LSU
SMU at Houston
TCU at BYU
Florida at Mississippi St
Oregon St at USC
Texas at Missouri
UNLV at New Mexico

Arizona St at Stanford
Fresno St at New Mexico St
Boise St at Hawaii

2009 Midseason Bowl Projections

Halfway through the season, it's time to update these projections including projected regular season record. The preseason projections can be seen here.

BCS Bowl Games

BCS National Championship Game: Florida (13-0) vs Texas (12-1)
Fiesta Bowl: Oregon (10-2) vs Virginia Tech (10-2)
Rose Bowl: USC (11-1) vs Iowa (11-1)
Sugar Bowl: Alabama (12-1) vs Cincinnati (11-1)
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech (12-1) vs Boise State (13-0)


The Others

Capital One Bowl: LSU (10-2) vs Penn State (10-2)
Gator Bowl: Notre Dame (9-3) vs Nebraska (8-5)
Cotton Bowl: Mississippi (8-4) vs Oklahoma St (10-2)
Outback Bowl: Ohio State (9-3) vs South Carolina (8-4)
Insight Bowl: Michigan State (7-5) vs Kansas (8-4)

Chik-Fil-A Bowl: Georgia (7-5) vs Miami (10-2)
Holiday Bowl: Arizona (8-4) vs Oklahoma (9-3)
Sun Bowl: Oregon State (7-5) vs Pitt (10-2)
Liberty Bowl: Houston (12-1) vs Arkansas (7-5)
Alamo Bowl: Wisconsin (9-3) vs Texas Tech (8-4)

Music City Bowl: Auburn (7-5) vs Florida State (6-6)
Car Care Bowl: West Virginia (9-3) vs North Carolina (7-5)
Champs Sports Bowl: Michigan (8-4) vs Clemson (7-6)
Poinsettia Bowl: BYU (10-2) vs Louisiana Tech (6-6)
Papajohns.com Bowl USF (8-4) vs Kentucky (6-6)

Emerald Bowl: Cal (7-5) at Boston College (7-5)
Independence Bowl: Tennessee (6-6) at Missouri (8-4)
GMAC Bowl: Northern Illinois (7-5) at Louisiana Monroe (8-4)
Hawaii Bowl: Idaho (7-5) vs SMU (6-6)
Las Vegas Bowl: TCU (11-1) vs Stanford (6-6)

Humanitarian Bowl: Nevada (8-4) vs Colorado State (6-6)
Armed Forces Bowl: Utah (10-2) vs Tulsa (9-3)
Little Caesers Pizza Bowl: Minnesota (6-6) vs Central Michigan (10-3)
Texas Bowl: Navy (9-4) vs UCF (6-6)
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss (7-6) vs Troy (8-4)

St Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers (7-5) vs Marshall (7-5)
EagleBank Bowl: East Carolina (6-6) vs Wake Forest (6-6)
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State (8-4) vs Air Force (7-5)
International Bowl: Connecticut (7-5) vs Ohio (8-5)


Conference Championship Games

ACC: Clemson vs Georgia Tech
Big 12: Texas vs Nebraska
C-USA: Southern Miss vs Houston
MAC: Central Michigan vs Ohio
SEC: Florida vs Alabama

2009 Week 8 Top 25

Last week was a bloodbath in the Top 25 with nine ranked teams losing. Five of the teams lost to other ranked teams, but there were some major upsets too. None was bigger than Ohio State losing to Purdue, a team on a five game losing streak that had only beaten Toledo this season. Ohio State's national championship games are over, and a Rose Bowl appearence is in jeopardy with Iowa winning every week.

Only one matchup this week between ranked teams after five last week. TCU travels to BYU in an important Mountain West showdown. TCU is trying to run the table and make it to a BCS bowl game. They can pass Boise State in the BCS rankings with a couple more good wins that the Broncos won't have the opportunity to match.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Iowa (4)
5 - Cincinnati (7)
6 - Boise St (5)
7 - TCU (6)
8 - Miami (8)
9 - LSU (9)
10 - Georgia Tech (16)
11 - USC (11)
12 - Penn St (13)
13 - Oregon (17)
14 - Virginia Tech (10)
15 - Houston (19)
16 - Oklahoma St (24)
17 - Pitt (UR)
18 - Ohio St (12)
19 - BYU (25)
20 - Utah (UR)
21 - West Virginia (UR)
22 - Texas Tech (UR)
23 - Kansas (15)
24 - Nebraska (14)
25 - Wisconsin (18)


Others Receiving Votes: Auburn, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, USF
Added: Pitt, Utah, West Virginia, Texas Tech
Dropped: Auburn, Missouri, South Carolina, USF

2009 Week 6 Notes

I must be late on this post since I'm writing it during the Cincinnati-USF game.

Idaho is 5-1, the first 5-win season since 2000. They host a Hawaii team this week that doesn't look very good. After Saturday, they could be bowl-eligible for only the third time since moving up to the FBS level.

Not a good week for my predictions. None of my six upset specials hit, and I only went 2-4 against the spread. My record on the season is now 10-7-1.
USC (-10) over Notre Dame - Statement game.
Houston (-17) over Tulane - Tulane can't stop Houston.
Iowa State (-1) over Baylor - Iowa State is 3-3 with two close losses.
Missouri (+7) over Oklahoma State - Don't be surprised if the Tigers win straight up.
Washington (+6.5) over Arizona State - Strange line.
Colorado State (+22) over TCU - Too high.

2009 Week 7 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Week 6: 45-10 (81.8%)
Season: 288-84 (77.4%)


Tuesday, October 13
Arkansas St at Louisiana Monroe


Wednesday, October 14
Boise St at Tulsa


Thursday, October 15
Cincinnati at USF


Friday, October 16
Pitt at Rutgers


Saturday, October 17
Louisville at Connecticut
Northwestern at Michigan St
Delaware St at Michigan
Wake Forest at Clemson
Oklahoma vs Texas at Arlington
Iowa at Wisconsin
Bowling Green at Ball St
Ohio St at Purdue
Georgia at Vanderbilt
Mississippi St at MTSU

Army at Temple
UAB at Mississippi
Miami (OH) at Ohio
Wyoming at Air Force
Nevada at Utah St
Cal at UCLA
Arkansas at Florida
USC at Notre Dame
NC State at Boston College
Rice at East Carolina

Texas Tech at Nebraska
Minnesota at Penn St
Marshall at West Virginia
Akron at Buffalo
Houston at Tulane
Central Michigan at Western Michigan
Virginia at Maryland
Kent St at Eastern Michigan
Colorado St at TCU
Hawaii at Idaho

Stanford at Arizona
BYU at San Diego St
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
New Mexico St at Louisiana Tech
Kansas at Colorado
Baylor at Iowa St
Illinois at Indiana
Louisiana Lafayette at Western Kentucky
FAU at North Texas
Troy at FIU

Texas A&M at Kansas St
Memphis at Southern Miss
Northern Illinois at Toledo
Kentucky at Auburn
Miami at UCF
South Carolina at Alabama
Navy at SMU
Washington at Arizona St
Missouri at Oklahoma St
San Jose St at Fresno St

Utah at UNLV

2009 Week 7 Top 25

Six teams in my Top 25 lost last week, but five of them were to other ranked teams. Only Auburn lost to an unranked team. Another four teams fell from the ranks of unbeaten. Missouri, Auburn, LSU, and Wisconsin all fell this past weekend. We're down to only nine left, and two of them play each other Thursday night.

Matchups between ranked teams this week include Cincinnati at USF on Thursday, South Carolina at Alabama, Iowa at Wisconsin, Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, and Missouri at Oklahom State. Just missing out on having two ranked teams are USC at Notre Dame and Oklahoma versus Texas in the Red River Rivalry.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Iowa (5)
5 - Boise St (6)
6 - TCU (7)
7 - Cincinnati (8)
8 - Miami (9)
9 - LSU (4)
10 - Virginia Tech (11)
11 - USC (10)
12 - Ohio St (12)
13 - Penn St (13)
14 - Nebraska (19)
15 - Kansas (18)
16 - Georgia Tech (23)
17 - Oregon (21)
18 - Wisconsin (16)
19 - Houston (17)
20 - Missouri (14)
21 - Auburn (15)
22 - South Carolina (25)
23 - USF (24)
24 - Oklahoma St (UR)
25 - BYU (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Pitt, Utah, West Virginia
Added: Oklahoma St, BYU
Dropped: Mississippi, Michigan

2009 Week 5 Notes

Four of the unbeatens lost this past weekend. Three were in my top six of most likely to lose. The one I overlooked is Houston, who lost a shootout to UTEP.

13 teams still have an unblemished record. All of them are in my Top 25 now, with USF as the latest entry. Check out the Bulls' less than impressive schedule as to why it took them so long to be ranked. It's likely there will be a lot of thinning of this herd this week. Obviously Florida and LSU can't both come out of the weekend with a perfect record, but it's not just those two. There are four other unbeaten teams (Alabama, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin) that have to play ranked teams. Also TCU and Auburn travel to play tough conference road games.

Virginia picked up its first win of the season with stingy defense (174 total yards allowed against North Carolina), and Nevada got its first win of the season with explosive offense (773 total yards over rival UNLV.) I knew the Nevada offense could be special, but that was insane. Three players had 170+ rushing yards, there were seven rushing touchdowns, and the team averaged 10.2 yards per carry.

UAB beat Southern Miss for the first time in ten tries. The curse has been broken.

Idaho is 4-1: EVERYBODY PANIC!

Coaches on the Hot Seat:
- It's funny, Al Groh and Ralph Friedgen both have their teams at 1-0 in conference play. In fact, Maryland is the only team in the Atlantic without a conference loss.
- A lot has been reported this week about the future of Bobby Bowden at Florida State. I think he deserves to go out on his own terms, but the infighting between coaches is never a good sign for a program.
- Dan Hawkins can't be feeling too great seeing how his team is a 32-point dog to Texas this week. Remember two seasons ago when Colorado upset #3 Oklahoma and everyone thought he was a miracle worker? How quickly those feelings can subside.
- Louisville has lost eight straight games to FBS competition, and Steve Kragthorpe is feeling the heat. They host Southern Miss this weekend, who just lost their starting QB for the rest of the season.
- Ron Zook at Illinois could be out at the end of the year. The three losses have been to the best teams on their schedule (except @Cincinnati after Thanksgiving), but Illinois looked bad in all of them. Illinois has to start beating the lower- and middle-tier Big Ten teams.
- C-USA has a lot of coaches that could be in trouble, but Tommy West is in the worst shape. Memphis is sitting at 1-4 without an easy game left on its schedule. Mike Price avoided this section with a nice win over a highly ranked Houston team. Perhaps that win can get the Miners headed in the right direction.
- Usually I wouldn't put a first year head coach here, but Stan Parrish seems to be taking the 12-0 Ball State team he inherited to an unprecedented 0-12 season. His 2-30-1 record at Kansas State should have served as a bigger warning sign.
- Getting embarrassed by your previously winless rival can't be good for Mike Sanford's job security at UNLV. UNLV plays the big three in the MWC in the next four weeks.
- The Paul Wulff experiment has been disasterous so far. Hosting Arizona State this weekend is one the few games that looks remotely winnable on Wazzou's schedule. Vegas has Arizona State favored by 21.
- I wonder if Western Kentucky will look to replace David Elson now that they've moved up to the FBS level, much like FIU did with Don Strock in 2006.

Upset Specials:
Two more hit last week, with Northwestern edging Purdue by shutting them out in the second half, and Oregon State winning outright as I predicted. This week's potential upsets:

Illinois over Michigan State - Letdown game for the Spartans? Or the week Illinois plays to its potential? Either is possible.
Mississippi over Alabama - Another team that has been underwhelming.
New Mexico over Wyoming - Despite starting 0-5, New Mexico has shown some improvement.
Colorado State over Utah - The Rams haven't lost in their home state, and Utah has been a little overrated.
Wisconsin over Ohio State - The Badgers could jump into the Top 5 with a win.
LSU over Florida - LSU doesn't lose night games at Death Valley, or so I've been told many times.


If I Were a Betting Man:
My season record is 8-3-1. I pushed San Diego State and Idaho keeps winning. Still, taking two out of three is a nice ratio.

Missouri (+3.5) over Nebraska - Always take the home team on a Thursday night game.
Washington State (+21) over Arizona State - I know it's Washington State, but do the Sun Devils really have an offense that should be favored by that much on the road? I say no.
Georgia (+1.5) over Tennessee - Is HFA really enough to make Tennessee the favorite?
Wisconsin (+16) over Ohio State - Way too high.
Michigan (+8) over Iowa - This game will be won by a touchdown or less.
Hawaii (+10) over Fresno State - Hawaii has won this game the past three years.

2009 Week 6 Picks

My weekly picks are posted early this week due to the Tuesday night Sun Belt matchup. I reserve the right to change any pick as long as I do so prior to that game's kickoff. Most notably is the Florida-LSU tilt as I'll be monitoring Tim Tebow's status this week.


Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Week 5: 37-15 (71.2%)
Season: 242-75 (76.3%)


Tuesday, October 6
MTSU at Troy


Thursday, October 8
Nebraska at Missouri


Friday, October 9
Louisiana Tech at Nevada


Saturday, October 6
Auburn at Arkansas
Miami (OH) at Northwestern
Purdue at Minnesota
West Virginia at Syracuse
Eastern Illinois at Penn St
Boston College at Virginia Tech
Vanderbilt at Army
Michigan St at Illinois
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan
Georgia at Tennessee

Oklahoma St at Texas A&M
Houston at Mississippi St
Iowa St at Kansas
Kentucky at South Carolina
Ball St at Temple
New Mexico at Wyoming
Oregon at UCLA
Alabama at Mississippi
Georgia Southern at North Carolina
Texas Southern at Rutgers

Wisconsin at Ohio St
Baylor at Oklahoma
Connecticut at Pitt
Navy at Rice
Indiana at Virginia
Gardner-Webb at Buffalo
Bowling Green at Kent St
Marshall at Tulane
Duke at NC State
Arizona St at Washington St

Utah at Colorado St
Ohio at Akron
Maryland at Wake Forest
FIU at Western Kentucky
Stanford at Oregon St
North Texas at Louisiana-Lafayette
Florida A&M at Miami
Kansas St at Texas Tech
Western Michigan at Toledo
Colorado at Texas

Southern Miss at Louisville
TCU at Air Force
Idaho at San Jose St
Georgia Tech at Florida St
Florida at LSU
Utah St at New Mexico St
UTEP at Memphis
East Carolina at SMU
Michigan at Iowa
Arizona at Washington

BYU at UNLV
Fresno St at Hawaii

2009 Week 6 Top 25

Houston was the latest Top 10 program to lose, falling this week at UTEP. On the other hand, LSU won in dramatic fashion at Georgia, proving that they are worthy of their new #4 ranking. Oklahoma and Cal both fall out of the rankings as both suffered their second loss this weekend.

Several good matchups this week between ranked teams include Nebraska at Missouri on Thursday night, Mississippi at Alabama, Wisconsin at Ohio State, Michigan at Iowa, and the biggest one Florida at LSU.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - LSU (9)
5 - Iowa (5)
6 - Boise St (4)
7 - TCU (7)
8 - Cincinnati (8)
9 - Miami (14)
10 - USC (10)
11 - Virginia Tech (10)
12 - Ohio St (12)
13 - Penn St (15)
14 - Missouri (16)
15 - Auburn (18)
16 - Wisconsin (20)
17 - Houston (6)
18 - Kansas (19)
19 - Nebraska (21)
20 - Mississippi (23)
21 - Oregon (24)
22 - Michigan (17)
23 - Georgia Tech (UR)
24 - USF (UR)
25 - South Carolina (UR)


Others Receiving Votes: Boston College, BYU, Oklahoma, Stanford, Utah
Added: Georgia Tech, USF, South Carolina
Dropped: Oklahoma, Cal, BYU

2009 Week 4 Notes

17 teams remain unbeaten after 4 weeks. The Big 12 and the SEC lead the way with four apiece. The ACC is the only BCS conference in which every team has at least one loss. Surprisingly the Pac 10's only representative is UCLA. Three are from non-BCS conferences. So who is least likely to survive the weekend?

Getting Exposed?:
Texas A&M vs Arkansas at Arlington - The Aggies haven't been tested yet. Should be a fun shootout.
LSU at Georgia - The Tigers haven't looked that sharp yet this year. Georgia will make them pay if they aren't firing on all cylinders.
Wisconsin at Minnesota - All three wins against FBS teams were by 8 points or fewer. First time on the road this season.

Road Landmines:
Michigan at Michigan St - Rivalry game on the road could be trouble.
UCLA at Stanford - Stanford's only loss was ~3000 miles away from home.
Auburn at Tennessee - Like Wisconsin, this is Auburn's first road game.


Ten teams have yet to win a game this season. Not surprisingly, the MAC and Sun Belt each have three of these teams. I'm picking FAU to end the streak at home against Wyoming. Eastern Michgan and Nevada both have a decent shot at beating Temple and UNLV respectively.


Another 14 teams are winless against the FBS, but have beaten an FCS team. I think some of these teams are still good teams and just have had a brutal schedule thus far. Arkansas, Fresno State and possibly Illinois fall into this category. Michigan State has had a difficult schedule, but has been losing heartbreakers too. Their three losses have been by a combined 13 points.


Upset Specials: Four of my six upset specials from last week got the win. Not a lot of potential upsets out there this week. Most of the lines are 3.5 or less, making the games basically tossups.

Northwestern over Purdue - The Boilermakers have been losing close games.
Oregon St over Arizona St - I think Oregon State is a good team that just had to play two other good teams the past two weeks.
UCLA over Stanford - Even though Prince is out, UCLA's defense can win this game.
Western Michigan at Northern Illinois - I still think WMU is a good team and one of these weeks they are going to show it.


If I Were a Betting Man: I picked four of six lines correctly last week. Arkansas wasn't able to score on Alabama like I thought, and I missed badly on USF shocking Florida State.

Washington (+12.5) over Notre Dame - Seems way too high.
Penn State (-7) over Illinois - Not trying to keep picking against Illinois, it just happens.
Oregon St (+4.5) over Arizona St - I also think the Beavers win straight up.
SMU (+28) over TCU - Too high.
New Mexico St (+17) over San Diego St - The Aztecs shouldn't be favored by 17 over anyone.
Colorado St (-3) over Idaho - Still trying to figure out how Idaho is 3-1.

2009 Week 5 Picks

Week 1: 63-15 (80.8%)
Week 2: 51-11 (82.3%)
Week 3: 47-17 (73.4%)
Week 4: 45-16 (73.8%)
Season: 206-59 (77.7%)


Wednesday, September 30
Hawaii at Louisiana Tech


Thursday, October 1
Colorado at West Virginia
Southern Miss at UAB


Friday, October 2
Pitt at Louisville
Utah St at BYU


Saturday, October 3
Clemson at Maryland
Michigan at Michigan St
Wisconsin at Minnesota
Virginia Tech at Duke
Virginia at North Carolina
USF at Syracuse
East Carolina at Marshall
Tulane at Army
Toledo at Ball St
Northwestern at Purdue

Arkansas St at Iowa
Alabama at Kentucky
Cincinnati at Miami (OH)
Temple at Eastern Michigan
Kansas St at Iowa St
UCLA at Stanford
LSU at Georgia
Washington at Notre Dame
Florida St at Boston College
NC State at Wake Forest

Penn St at Illinois
Central Michigan at Buffalo
Memphis at UCF
Air Force at Navy
Western Michigan at Northern Illinois
New Mexico at Texas Tech
FIU at Louisiana-Monroe
Ohio at Bowling Green
Wyoming at FAU
UNLV at Nevada

Oregon St at Arizona St
Ohio St at Indiana
Mississippi at Vanderbilt
Kent St at Baylor
South Carolina St at South Carolina
Texas A&M vs Arkansas at Arlington
Tulsa at Rice
Georgia Tech at Mississippi St
Auburn at Tennessee
New Mexico St at San Diego St

USC at Cal
UC Davis at Boise St
Oklahoma at Miami
SMU at TCU
Houston at UTEP
Washington St at Oregon
Colorado St at Idaho

2009 Week 5 Top 25

Four more Top 10 teams fell this weekend. Cal and Miami proved unworthy of their big jumps from the previous week. Both lost badly on the road. Ole Miss was living off preseason hype until losing at South Carolina. The Rebels barely remained in my rankings. Iowa was able to go to State College and knock off Penn State, jumping them all the way up to #5. Houston leaps up to #6 after its second straight win over a Big XII team.

There are two matchups between ranked teams this weekend. #13 Oklahoma travels to #14 Miami, and #12 USC travels to #22 Cal in very important conference game.

1 - Florida (1)
2 - Texas (2)
3 - Alabama (3)
4 - Boise St (7)
5 - Iowa (24)
6 - Houston (16)
7 - TCU (9)
8 - Cincinnati (15)
9 - LSU (10)
10 - Virginia Tech (14)
11 - USC (11)
12 - Ohio St (12)
13 - Oklahoma (13)
14 - Miami (8)
15 - Penn St (5)
16 - Missouri (17)
17 - Michigan (18)
18 - Auburn (19)
19 - Kansas (UR)
20 - Wisconsin (UR)
21 - Nebraska (20)
22 - Cal (4)
23 - Mississippi (6)
24 - Oregon (UR)
25 - BYU (23)


Others Receiving Votes: Georgia Tech, Oklahoma St, UCLA, USF, Utah
Added: Kansas, Wisconsin, Oregon
Dropped: Florida St, Utah, Pitt