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ALOST’s Coll. Football Top 25 (Week 15)

 

Fans of Auburn, Missouri and even Alabama are hoping Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook can lead a Spartan upset of Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. (Eric Francis/Getty Images)
Fans of Auburn, Missouri and even Alabama are hoping Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook can lead a Spartans upset of Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday night. (Eric Francis/Getty Images)

 


During the BCS era, no week has provided more chaos – or more clarity – to the national championship race than Championship Saturday. Even after last week’s seismic shift caused in The Heart of Dixie, history says that you should be wary of more inverting of the college football landscape this week.

Even before the BCS came to existence, during the Alliance Bowl era, Championship Saturday was deciding who played – and who didn’t play – in bowl games with national championship implications. The first ever conference championship game, the 1992 SEC Championship between Alabama and Florida, saw Antonio Langham’s 28-yard interception return in the fourth quarter seal Alabama’s place in the Sugar Bowl, where they defeated Miami and won the national title. And in the first ever Big 12 Championship Game, Nebraska was ranked No. 3 and positioned to play No. 1 Florida State in the Sugar Bowl in a de facto national title game, only for Texas to shock the 20-point favorites 37-27 on the back of a gutsy fourth down decision by Mack Brown.

The most chaotic Championship Saturday occurred in year one of the BCS, in 1998.  Going into that weekend, the three teams at the top of the rankings were all undefeated (Tennessee, UCLA, Kansas State), threatening the existence of the BCS before the ink was dry on the new college football legislation. Then, as if it was alchemic, both No. 2 Kansas State and No. 3 UCLA unexpectedly took tumbles. UCLA, having to play a rescheduled game at Miami after it was postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Georges that September, lost to the Hurricanes 49-45, leaving Kansas State the clear favorite to play in the national title game, as long as it took care of business in the Big 12 title game.  Alas, Kansas State let a 15-point fourth-quarter lead slip and lost in double overtime to Texas A&M.  Tennessee was able to win the SEC Championship Game against Mississippi State, although it had to come back in the fourth quarter to do so. The Vols ended up taking out Florida State in Fiesta Bowl to win the first BCS National Title.

Three years later, in 2001, Nebraska found their way into the national championship game with help from the happenings of Championship Saturday – a day in which they did not even participate in. The Cornhuskers had lost to Colorado three weeks prior, losing out on the tiebreaker to the Buffaloes in representing the Big 12 North in the conference title game. Colorado, which lost two games and virtually had no chance at competing in the Rose Bowl (where the national title game was taking place) faced then No. 2 Texas, and a win by the Longhorns would see them go to the Rose Bowl to play Miami.  Colorado upset Texas 39-37, and as it worked out, Nebraska snuck into the Rose Bowl – although its 37-14 steamrolling at the hands of Miami might have made them wish that they didn’t play for the national title.

There have been other odd instances on Championship Saturday that shaped the BCS title matchup since then, most notably Oklahoma losing the Big 12 title game to Kansas State in 2003 yet finding themselves in the Sugar Bowl, playing for the national championship (where they lost to LSU).  So as much madness as you have seen recently (a.k.a. any Auburn game), be ready for more this weekend.

The A Lot Of Sports Talk College Football Top 25 is ready for such madness and chaos, as well as our pollsters. As always, our esteemed panel of seven includes: Lisa Horne (CFB/NASCAR writer and on-air personality), James Bates (former All-SEC linebacker, captain on the 1996 Florida Gators national championship team, on-air television host and color commentator for Fox Sports 1), T.J. Basalla (super fan, marketing professional, WJPZ Alumni Association President), Basil Mitchell (former TCU standout running back and Green Bay Packer), Matty J. (ThrowTheFlagBlog.com, gifsection.com), Adesina Koiki (ESPN The Magazine/A Lot Of Sports Talk reporter/writer) and an anonymous staff member at a Division I-FBS school.

 

1. FSU_Seminoles.svg Florida State (175, 7 first-place votes)

Jimbo Fisher spent five years as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator while Saban was at LSU. In that time, he learned how you build a championship team – load up with talent on the offensive and defensive lines. This year, the Seminoles have the advantage of playing in an easier conference and possessing an absolute stud at quarterback. Now that Jameis Winston has been cleared of legal troubles, they become the big favorites to become national champions. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

2. Ohio State Ohio State (164)

As a bitter Michigan fan (going for the two-point conversion was the right decision but the play call was not), I would LOVE to find a way to justify putting a one-loss team in front of the Buckeyes. And after watching the Buckeye defense, I could argue that Auburn, Alabama, Missouri or Oklahoma State would be favored on a neutral field. That said, I cannot nor will I put any of them over OSU. You do not put a one-loss team in front of a power conference unbeaten. They’re unbeaten and possess a ridiculous offense. Beat Michigan State and yes, Ohio State deserves to play for the title. (T.J. Basalla)

 

3. 250px-AuburnTigers.svg Auburn (162)

I’ve been high on this team all year. So why wouldn’t I have the Tigers ahead of Mizzou? Let’s not also forget that Auburn played in the much tougher of the two SEC divisions. Well done and War Damn Eagle. (Lisa Horne)

 

4. 100px-Missouri_Tigers_Logo_svg Missouri (153)

There were a good number of people who doubted Missouri, with the SEC Championship Game in sight, would win at Ole Miss and defeat Texas A&M to book its ticket to Atlanta. With that accomplishment now in its rear view, Mizzou now faces Auburn in the title game and almost seems to be the “other team” in this match-up. (It’s easy to forget them in the midst of Auburn’s season of kismet.) With Missouri’s legion of tall wide receivers and relentless front four, I see an upset brewing on Saturday and the black-and-gold Tigers getting the best of the orange-and-blue version. (Adesina Koiki)

Here’s why I have Missouri relatively low and Stanford relatively high even though the Pac-12 and SEC are similar in conference strength, in my opinion. Stanford has played all three of the top teams in the Pac-12 South (ASU, USC, UCLA) while Missouri has played only one of the top three SEC West schools (Texas A&M). Would Missouri have more than one loss if they also had to play two of LSU, Alabama, and Auburn? We obviously don’t know, but the Pac-12’s nine-game conference schedule makes it so much more difficult to win games. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

5. AlabamaTidelogo Alabama (150)

The Crimson Tide are here for one reason and one reason only: they did not win their division and should be behind both SEC division winners. Yes, even though the East is a weaker division than the West. And yes, even though they were one second (and one field goal make) away from an undefeated regular season. Gotta cover on special teams, guys. (Lisa)

Strange decision by someone who prepares for everything into the most minute details by going for a 57-yard field goal by a freshman kicker in a tied game. You’d think the odds of completing that kick and completing a hail mary are pretty similar and it would be a heck of a lot tougher to return a jump ball hail mary for a touchdown than returning a short field goal for a touchdown (more speed on the field during an offensive play). One of the first game-day decisions that Saban has made that puzzled me. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

6. Oklahoma State Oklahoma State (138)

Arguably, Oklahoma State’s biggest win in the Bedlam Series came in 2001, when a 3-7 OK State squad led by Les Miles went into Norman and derailed Oklahoma’s chances of playing in the Big 12 title game (and possibly the national championship game) with a monumental 16-13 upset. Twelve years on, and it’s the Cowboys that are just a game away from a Big 12 title and it’s the Sooners that pay a visit to Stillwater hoping to end the Cowboys’ title dreams. (Adesina)

 

T-7. South Carolina South Carolina (124)

If you were wondering how many wins in a row it is for the Gamecocks over the rival Clemson Tigers, Steve Spurrier has the answer for you. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

Quarterback Kevin Hogan ran for 45 of Stanford's 240 yards in the Cardinal's 42-28 win against Arizona State on Sept. 21. (Stephen Lam/Getty Images)
Quarterback Kevin Hogan ran for 45 of Stanford’s 240 yards in the Cardinal’s 42-28 win against Arizona State on Sept. 21. (Stephen Lam/Getty Images)

T-7. StanfordCardinal  Stanford (124)

The only thing standing in the Cardinal’s way of a BCS bowl is Arizona State. That’s a big obstacle to overcome because the Sun Devil team that Stanford blew out earlier in the season is much improved. And this time the game is in Tempe, not Palo Alto. (Lisa)

 

9. 173px-Baylor_University_Athletics_(logo).svg Baylor (118)

The Bears will know when they take the field against Texas on Saturday whether they’ll be playing for the Big 12 title or just for bowl positioning outside of the BCS. An Oklahoma win over Oklahoma State would mean Baylor’s game against Texas would mean the Fiesta Bowl in all likelihood for the winner. (Adesina)

 

10. Msu_head_logo.svg Michigan State (115)

If the Spartans defeat the Buckeyes, all hell would break loose in the BCS. Right now, every SEC fan in the country will be rooting for Michigan State to beat Ohio State. If the Spartans win, they go to the Rose Bowl while an SEC team would slip through the back door and into the BCS Championship. (Lisa)

 

11. 75px-Arizona_State_Sun_Devils_trident_logo Arizona State (98)

Along with Eugene and Boise, Tempe is quickly turning into one of the scarier West Coast road trips for opponents. The Sun Devils have gone 7-0 at home this year and averaged 49.1 points per game at Sun Devil Stadium, breaking the 50-point barrier five times at home. Although Stanford took a 39-7 lead into the fourth quarter in their first meeting on Sept. 21 in Palo Alto, the Pac-12 Championship Game occurring in Tempe will cause this match-up to take on a whole different tenor. (Adesina)

 

12. 299px-Clemson_University_Tiger_Paw_logo.svg Clemson (91*)

The Tigers only had three tough games on their schedule—Georgia, Florida State and at South Carolina—and they went 1-2 against those teams. That’s all that needs to be said. (Lisa)

Dabo Swinney is the Southern Lloyd Carr. (T.J.)

 

13. 295px-OregonDucks.svg Oregon (91)

This season may not have turned out the way Ducks fans would have wanted but it might be special in 2014, especially with quarterback Marcus Mariota announcing that he will bypass the NFL and return to school next season. (Adesina)

 

14. 150px-NIU_Huskies.svg Northern Illinois (88)

No one saw the Fresno State loss to San José State coming, so we shouldn’t put the Huskies in the BCS just yet since they still have the MAC Championship to play against Bowling Green. But can the MAC’s No. 1 ranked defense (Bowling Green) really slow down the runaway steam train that is Jordan Lynch? (Adesina)

 

15. LSUTigers LSU (83)

Go into the fourth quarter down six points against a team that hasn’t won a conference game? Check. Lose your potential first-round pick quarterback to a knee injury? Check. Need to go 99 yards in the dying moments of the game with a true freshman quarterback who had thrown three passes in his career prior to last Friday? Big Check. That was one of the most Les Miles finishes to a game I have ever seen. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

16. UCF_Knightro_logo UCF (79)

If Louisville defeats Cincinnati tonight, UCF clinches its spot in the BCS before even having to take the field on Saturday at SMU. There’s taking care of business, and then there’s taking care of business when someone else takes care of that bit business for you. (Adesina)

 

The key to Oklahoma upsetting OSU will be running back Brennan Clay, who is coming off a 31-carry, 200-yard performance at Kansas State. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The key to Oklahoma upsetting OK State will be running back Brennan Clay, who is coming off a 31-carry, 200-yard performance at Kansas State. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

17. OU-Logo Oklahoma (57)

In recent times, when you expect the Sooners to play up to their coach’s moniker, Big Game Bob, Oklahoma falls flat (see: Nov. 7 at Baylor). But when you expect them to not play at their best against a highly-ranked opponent, they rise up and come away with big wins. Which OU team will show up for Bedlam on Saturday?  (Adesina)

 

18. UCLA_athletics_text_logo.svg UCLA (56)

The Bruins are now holding a winning streak (two) against USC. Head coach Jim Mora was clearly a great hire for UCLA. Well done, Bruins. You own Los Angeles.  (Lisa)

 

19. Louisville_Cardinals.svg Louisville (49)

Is there a rivalry with a better name for its troply than the Louisville-Cincinnati game and the battle for the Keg of Nails? Tonight’s rivalry game, no matter the winner, will have BCS implications: a Louisville win and UCF is off to the BCS while a Cincinnati win keeps them alive for a BCS bowl as long as UCF loses to SMU on Saturday. (If UCF and Cincinnati finish tied for The American title, whichever team ranks highest in the final BCS Rankings would earn the BCS trip.) (Adesina)

 

20. 120px-Duke_text_logo.svg Duke (43)

Duke won 10 games for the first time in school history. They won the Coastal Division. They will be playing for the ACC Title. I don’t know what’s real anymore. (T.J.)

 

21. WisconsinBadger.svg Wisconsin (30)

The Badgers were 25-point favorites at home to a weak Penn State team. Whoops. (T.J.)

 

22. TAMU-Logo Texas A&M (29)

Despite the disappointment of losing two straight to end the season, the Aggies did extend the contract of head coach Kevin Sumlin, ending speculation that he might fly the coop for a more prestigious/lucrative head coaching gig. (Adesina)

 

23. 496px-Fresno_State_Bulldogs_Logo.svg Fresno State (17)

Rivalry games can be cruel. The Bulldogs were poised to stay in contention for a BCS bowl berth but San José State destroyed Fresno State’s dreams. Tough, tough pill to swallow for Dawg fans. (Lisa)

 

24. Texas_Longhorn_logo.svg Texas (9)

On Saturday, Longhorns fans might feel like they’re living in The Twilight Zone and Fantasyland at the same time. Texas must root for hated rival Oklahoma to defeat Oklahoma State to turn the Longhorns’ game against Baylor into a winner-take-Big 12 title situation. (Adesina)

I retract my statement about Nick Saban. I want him to take the Texas job for the sole reason that I want to see his Strength and Conditioning coach, Scott Cochran, have a show on the Longhorn Network. (Anonymous D-1 FBS staffer)

 

25.  Georgia logo Georgia (8)

An 8-4 season may not sound like success in Athens, but a 4-1 record in November with the only loss being the prayer at Auburn plus gritting out performances week-to-week with a lot of second-string players on the field is something that should be applauded. Mark Richt, lightning rod for a lot of criticism, did a lot of things right despite all that went wrong for Georgia.  (Adesina)

 

Others receiving votes:

Cincinnati (7 points), USC (6), North Dakota State (6), Notre Dame (3), Iowa (1), Vanderbilt (1)

* – To break ties, we used a three-step criteria; 1) higher number of first-place votes, 2) higher number of ballots (out of six) the teams appeared in, 3) highest single ranking by an individual pollster (e.g. if Team A and Team B are tied cumulatively and appeared in all six polls, but Team A’s highest ranking by an individual pollster was No. 7 and Team B’s highest ranking by an individual pollster was No. 9, Team A wins tiebreaker)


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