Lockdown: Year End Bonus

By Nate Sandstrom

There are usually few weeks harder to predict NFL lines than Week 17. There's always an interesting set of factors determining which teams will be motivated to get into the playoffs, knock a team out, carry momentum into next year and so on.

This week, there's no shortage of such match-ups and there's been crazy line movement. Yet, I am about to put a year-high four games on lockdown, with the addition of a great upset special. Am I overconfident because I'm on an 8-1-1 run? Yes. But here we go anyway.

Chicago at Houston (-2.5)

The Bears have eeked out back-to-back overtime wins on the first possession of the extra period. Despite that, they've been outgained by more than 100 yards in each contest. Their luck runs out today in Houston, where the Texans are 11-4 the last two seasons.

Pick: Houston 24 Chicago 13

N.Y. Giants at Minnesota (-7)

My dad has insisted all week that the Vikings will choke like they do every year. I submit to you that their choke was last week, when they lost at home to Atlanta because of four lost fumbles. A key fumble late also did the Vikings in against Tampa Bay, otherwise the Purple may be riding an eight game win streak. Expect the Vikes to hold onto the ball today and the Giants to give minimum effort.

Pick: Minnesota 35 N.Y. Giants 16

Clevleand at Pittsburgh (-11)

Cleveland hasn't scored an offensive touchdown their last five games. The Steelers love to run up the score when they can. This will be ugly.

Pick: Pittsburgh 31 Cleveland 6

Washington at San Francisco (-3)

The Redskins banded together and gave their best effort since Week 5 in upsetting the Eagles 10-3 last week. Yes, a 10-3 win was their best effort. In fact, the 'Skins are averaging just 10 ppg in their last seven. Fat and happy after a win and with nothing to play for, the will get stomped in San Fran by Mike Singeltary and the scrappy Niners.

Pick: San Francisco 27 Washington 13

Upset sepcial: Seattle (+250) at Arizona

Other than a home win over the Rams, the Cardinals have been beaten down the last four weeks. They will be motivated to head into the playoffs on a positive note. However, they'll have to do so against one of the best 4-11 teams in history (Insult/praise? I'm not sure). After being outyardaged by 100+ virtually the entire season, they have turned things around going 3-0 ATS and 2-1 SU in their last three. Seneca Wallace and Mo Morris are taking the offense in the right direction and they should continue to gash the beleaguered Cards D. Also, look for a 'Hawks defensive play to score or set up a short offensive score.

Pick: Seattle 23 Arizona 13

Lockdown: I give you these picks, Merry Christmas

After a horrid November, I am back on a roll, in the midst of a 5-0-1 run ATS the past two weeks. I did miss the Niners to win outright last week, but at least they came close, and even outyardaged Miami. Good thing I've been so hot because I'm about to stand out in the cold for six hours at Fed Ex this afternoon. By the way, I'm calling for an (under)Dog Day Afternoon.

Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland

I remember another cold afternoon I spent in the football stands about five years ago. I witnessed Ken Dorsey throw terrible pass after terrible pass against a terrible Rutgers squad. Somehow, he's in the NFL and starting for the Browns, who haven't scored an offensive touchdown in a month.

Even the Bengals should be able to beat this banged-up Browns team, who will also be missing Winslow and Heiden. Don't actually watch this game, just lock it down.

Pick: Cincinnati 20 Cleveland 9

N.Y. Jets at Seattle (+4)

It's been a pretty horrible year for the 3-11 Seahawks. But Seneca Wallace is improving each week and they've played tough their last three at home. Meanwhile, the Jets are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS since they exposed the Titans last month. Look for the 'Hawks to take this one in a wintry mix.

Pick: Seattle 24 N.Y. Jets 14

Upset Special: Buffalo (+230) at Denver

Trent Edwards is back and I think the Bills would like to turn it up one last time this season and get a win. Denver is wildly inconsistent, and they seem to play down to the competition. Plus, divine justice would make make Denver lose this game so San Diego has a chance to get the division back after that blown call in week two.

Pick: Buffalo 31 Denver 24

--Nate

Lockdown: December gold edition

Atlanta (-3)
San Francisco to win outright (+240)
Minnesota/Arizona over 47
Washington/Cincy under 36.5

--Nate

Can high school kids in Baltimore play football? Looks like Terps don't think so.

By Nate Sandstrom

The Baltimore Sun put out their all-Metro football teams today, and guess ho may of the first team offense and defense the paper reports are going to Maryland?

Answer: one.

Offensive Player of the Year Tavon Austin has said he is considering Maryland, but last week said West Virginia is the front-runner.

On the Terps' current roster of 125 players, just 13 players are from the Baltimore metro area (I'm including Columbia).

I'm not informed enough to know whether this is a good or bad thing; but I do find it interesting. For as much guff as Gary Williams gets for letting B-more hoops players get away, I haven't heard much about football coach Ralph Friedgen not getting B-more gridiron recruits.

Nate's Power Ratings: Dec. 10

Was it just two weeks ago that many power ratings around the Web were putting the Giants and Jets in the top two slots? Now the Jets have lost back-to-back games, and the Titans team the Jets pounded has moved ahead of the Giants in most ratings. Even though they just lost at home to the Eagles, who recently tied the Bengals, who are 1-11-1.

Perhaps it's good to remind myself how quick things can change in the NFL. As the Redskins have slid from 6-2 to 7-6, I need something to believe in. I need to give up the smack talk songs. Portis and Zorn need to hug it out. Zorn needs to consider redrawing all blocking schemes, and oh yeah, sign about four offensive linemen. The 'skins still need a new punter (not Plackemeier) to replace the just-fine Derrick Frost, who was cut in preseason. The kicker should have been cut. Washington's second-round draft pick receivers need to make more plays.

Yet, despite all this doom and gloom, they could still make the playoffs. Last year, they rallied from 5-7 to get in; in 2005, they rallied from 5-6 to make it. Now, their remaining schedule has them at Cincinnati, vs. Philadelphia and at San Francisco, all winnable games.

But I don't think they will win out. Speaking of that, I'm predicting you'll need 11 wins to get in to the NFC playoffs, but you never know.

After reviewing the schedules, here's what I'm projecting for playoff seeding:
NFC
1. N.Y. Giants (12-4)
2. Carolina (12-4)
3. Arizona (10-6)
4. Minnesota (9-7)
5. Tampa Bay (11-5)
6. Atlanta (11-5)
AFC
1. Tennessee (14-2)
2. Pittsburgh (12-4)
3. New England (11-5)
4. Denver (9-7)
5. N.Y. Jets (10-6)
6. Indianapolis (10-6)

Sorry, Ravens fans, projected losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas put you via tiebreaker, as they lose for having worse strength of victory than Jets and head-to-head loss to Colts.

Now, onto the power ratings. Not much change from last week.
Team (W-L, last week)
1. N.Y. Giants (11-2, 1). Dropped passes lead to concerns. Can you answer this question?
2. Tennessee (12-1, 2). Will face a Houston team with backs against the wall this weekend.
3. Pittsburgh (10-3, 3). Talk about finding a way to win, will they carry the mo' next week.
4. Carolina (10-3, 4). Remember when Steve Smith fight was supposed to derail this team?
5. Tampa Bay (9-4, 5). Still in great playoff position.
6. Dallas (8-5, 6). Sure, Jerry. It's Barber's fault.
7. Indianapolis (9-4, 7). Finally, a blowout win. Now they get Detroit.
8. Baltimore (9-4, 8). Getting the stretchers ready for this weekend.
9. Arizona (8-5, 12). Can't believe they didn't have the decency to let the Niners keep it close.
10. New England (8-5, 15). Beat the Seahawks on a day other teams wouldn't have.
11. Philadelphia (7-5-1, 16). Remember when their season was over?
12. Miami (8-5, 17). Unheralded defense needs to keep it up to get 'Phins in postseason.
13. Denver (8-5, 9). Finally, Raiders and Chiefs off their schedule.
14. Atlanta (8-5, 10). How will young team respond to pressure-filled stretch run?
15. Minnesota (8-5, 11). That Lions game was way too close. Again.
16. N.Y. Jets (8-5, 14). This ship is sinking fast, but should get in if they beat Buffalo, Miami.
17. Houston (6-7, 20). Great run, but started too far in the hole.
18. Green Bay (5-8, 19). Let too many games get away, in deep hole now (said this last week too).
19. Chicago (7-6, 21). Offense showed some spark last week.
20. New Orleans (7-6, 18). Tough to know where they'll go this offseason.
21. San Francisco (5-8, 22). Things are turning around fast. Is Shaun Hill MVP?
22. Washington (7-6, 13). See above.
23. Buffalo (6-7, 23). Shaun King. Patrick Ramsey. J.P. Losman. The next Tulane NFL QB?
24. San Diego (5-8, 24). Almost sure Cutler fumble in Week 2 will cost them division.
25. Seattle (2-11, 26). The best damned 2-11 team in history.
26. Jacksonville (4-9, 25). Is Garrard really better than Leftwhich was?
27. Cleveland (4-9, 27). I'm flashing back to watching Dorsey at Miami nearly losing to Rutgers.
28. Oakland (3-10, 28). Does anyone have JaMarcus Russell's cell phone number?
29. Kansas City (2-11, 29). May actually beat Bengals, move back in draft.
30. St. Louis (2-11, 30). Remember when they beat Dallas and Washington?
31. Cincinnati (1-11-1, 31). Why bother?
32. Detroit (0-13, 12). Every team wins once, right? Update this week: Not anymore.

A writer converting back to my anti-playoff side

From SI.
--Nate

Final regular season rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

For all the gnashing of teeth about Texas, I think the BCS has done its self-declared job of putting the two teams that have had the best seasons in a bowl game against each other. I hope others are impressed that Oklahoma is the first team in 79 years to score 60 points in six straight games.

The bigger snub is Boise State getting passed over, I'd have put them ahead of Utah and Ohio State. Oh well, they will get to play in one of the best bowl season match-ups when they take on TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 in San Diego (get out of work early, kickoff is at 5.)

I would also like to take the time to ask how BYU is #17 in the AP poll. Their best win is Air Force, and they were beat comfortably by Utah and waxed by TCU.

My final regular season rankings:
1. Florida (12-1, 2). Even when they're off they win by double-digits.
2. Oklahoma (12-1, 3). A loss here and they start to be categorized as chokers like the Buckeyes.
3. Texas (12-1, 4). Hope they don't spend so much time crying that they lose to Ohio State.
4. Alabama (12-1, 1). Pretty-much guaranteed preseason #1 next year, right?
5. USC (11-1, 5). Too bad for them no Pac-10 wins were valuable.
6. Penn State (11-1,6). Big Ten team with no athletes. Sure.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Only team to beat Texas gets only team to beat Florida.
8. Boise State (12-0, 8). Keep racking up undefeated seasons.
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Top 10 even in down year.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Should fare better in Sugar Bowl than Hawaii last year, but how much?
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 11). Could be next year's Texas Tech.
12. Cincinnati (11-2, 13). Quietest 11-win season in a while.
13. Oregon (9-3, 14). Late rally has Ducks on verge of another 10-win season.
14. TCU (10-2, 15). Should get more national respect.
15. Georgia Tech (9-3, 16). Where do they go from here?
16. Georgia (9-3, 17). Hope they are recruiting a defense.
17. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Imagine if they had won the Wake and Vanderbilt games?
18. Michigan State (9-3, 19). And we've now reached the lowest tier of ranked teams.
19. Pittsburgh (9-3, 20). Shady McCoy nearly a Heisman candidate.
20. Iowa (8-4, 21). Speaking of Heisman candidate RB's, what about Shonn Green?
21. Oregon St. (8-4, 23). Great at screwing USC.
22. Northwestern (9-3, 25). And I had So. Illinois upsetting them before the year.
23. Virginia Tech (9-4, NR). Somehow, emerged as ACC Champ again.
24. Ball State (12-1, 12). Turnovers are killer.
25. Boston College (9-4, 24). Keep beating expectations.

I live!

OK, I've taken ten weeks to prepare these, so here you go, my all new updated power rankings:
1. N.Y. Giants: These are not the Patriots of the past 5 years when Belicheck could seemingly cut anyone and be fine. They should be concerned about losing Plaxico
2. Pittsburgh: Better than the Titans.
3. Tennessee: I still say Ngata is better than Haynesworth.
4. Dallas: They'll get tested today, but I have a feeling they're about to get back to early season form.
5. Indianapolis: Damn the Vikings for not putting them in a too-deep hole.
6. Baltimore: 11th in the NFL in scoring. What a difference a QB and real offensive coordinator make. By the way, defense is ranked 2nd behind only Pittsburgh.
7. Carolina: I have no idea what's going on here.
8. Atlanta: I'm polishing my knuckles right now.
9. Tampa: I hate this division.
10. Denver: Ho hum.
11. Minnesota: I credit my office mug with they're success.
12. Arizona: I'm not as down on them as Nate. They just can't come East.
13. Jets: I just can't wait for a well-timed Favre turnover.
14. Washington: I predict they'll be missing out on the Playoffs this year.
15. New England: I buy into Cassel. Not as another Tom Brady, but as a quality starting QB. Better than Schaub.
16. Philadelphia: I agree with Nate that they may close hot, but will that just cover up the problems and keep them from making changes?.
17. Green Bay: I like this team a lot. They aren't getting it done this year, but they've lost a bunch of close ones. next year they'll win the division. Losing Favre is not the problem.
18.Miami: Will they open up the QB spot for competition next year?
19. New Orleans: Based on history of players having great seasons, look for Brees to have big letdown next year.
20. Chicago: Forte is the only real highlight here.
21. Houston: Did I win the preseason Schaub/Rosenfels debate?
22. San Francisco: I hope they draft Heyward-Bey and Keep Hill and Davis and become Terps West.
23. Buffalo: I have no idea what has happened to Trent Edwards
24. San Diego: Is it just me or does Rivers have no zip on his ball?
25. Jacksonville: I heard Del Rio is on the hot seat. That would be stupid.
26. Cleveland: They'd be stupid to fire Savage. But they should let Crennel go.
27. Seattle: Coming to an end of an era.
28. Oakland: I have seen nothing from Jamarcus this year.
29. Kansas City: They won't be in first place next year, Nate.
30. St. Louis: Just a total mess. They have to start from scratch.
31. Cincinnati: Poor Marvin Lewis.
32. Detroit: Too bad they don't get to play 2006 Ravens.

Saturday night lock

It's been a busy day so this is all I'm getting to:

Arizona State at Arizona (-10.5)

The Wildcats have lost three straight in this in-state rivalry, but that streak stops tonight. Arizona has shown they can exploit bad defenses and Arizona State has shown they can be one. Still, ASU has won three straight and can get bowl eligible with a win here.

However, I expect the 'cats to take out past years' frustrations in this one.

Pick: Arizona 41 Arizona State 17

--Nate

Another This Just In....

It seems working at USC is a golden ticket to getting a head job at a traditional power, this time at Washington. Sorry Jim Mora Jr., no dream job for you, at least until Steve Sarkisian is fired in two years.

--Nate

This Just In

Westlake wins 3A Championship over Wilde Lake, 13-0. Their quick defense put constant pressure on the Wilde Lake offensive attack. Check here for full coverage in about an hour. Congrats to my buddy and Westlake alum Jim Marsden. Congrats to my college buddy and Penn State fan Chris Smith, PSU recruit Devon Smith returned a punt 88-yards for a TD, his fourth return TD this season.
--Nate

NFL Power Ratings: Dec. 4

By Nate Sandstrom

I got sick sitting at the Giants-'Skins game last Sunday. Probably as much because I sat in the rain for three hours as Washington's actual play, but neither one was good.

In case you're keeping track the following teams have been mathematically eliminated form playoff contention: Seatle, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City and Cincinnati. Oakland is eliminated with a loss at San Diego tonight.

On with the ratings:

1. N.Y. Giants (11-1). Should be an upset alert vs. Philly this week.
2. Tennessee (11-1). Does anyone remember Vince Young?
3. Pittsburgh (9-3). Sick defense. Harrison is even iller.
4. Carolina (9-3). Nothing like drafting a RB to get your RB going.
5. Tampa Bay (9-3). What a weird thing for Gruden to cry about.
6. Dallas (8-4). Working out of mid-season swoon.
7. Indianapolis (8-4). Tied record for most straight wins by six or less, but they keep winning.
8. Baltimore (8-4). Can't ever remember them scoring like this.
9. Denver (7-5). Get no respect but are 3-0 against NFL's best division.
10. Atlanta (8-4). Exceeding even Mark's preseason pick.
11. Minnesota (7-5). Good thing the Williams took their case to a Minneapolis judge.
12. Arizona (7-5). Can clinch West this week, a loss will start more meltdown talk.
13. Washington (7-5). Peaked in September; finished 4-0 two of the last three years.
14. N.Y. Jets (8-4). Sure, New York has the best two teams.
15. New England (7-5). It's OK to run once when you have first and goal at the nine, coach.
16. Philadelphia (6-5-1). I expect them to close hot.
17. Miami (7-5). Playoffs unlikely, but a big step forward this year.
18. New Orleans (6-6). Is there a less predictable team in the league? Oh yeah, Denver.
19. Green Bay (5-7). Letting too many games get away, in deep hole now.
20. Houston (5-7). Still alive; Slaton mounting late ROY bid.
21. Chicago (6-6). Blown out last two vs. division.
22. San Francisco (4-8). Can still technically win the West.
23. Buffalo (6-6). 4-0 seems like a long time ago.
24. San Diego (4-8). At least I saw Shawm Merriman this week (Coat drive at Terps game).
25. Jacksonville (4-8). I had Jags reaching divisionals in my preseason picks.
26. Seattle (2-10). The best damned 2-10 team in this league.
27. Cleveland (4-8). I was annoyed by offseason hype around Browns; now, I feel bad for them.
28. Oakland (3-9). Hey Tennessee Vols, get used to seeing 3-9 with Kiffin.
29. Kansas City (2-10). Worst to first next year?
30. St. Louis (2-10). Need more than Steven Jackson.
31. Cincinnati (1-10-1). Bring in Jordan Palmer! Yeah! Oh God, No!!!! Damn it.
32. Detroit (0-12). Every team wins once, right?

Early Lockdown: Rutgers-Louisville

By Nate Sandstrom

Louisville (over 52) at Rutgers (-10.5)

Does it seem like longer than two years ago that Louisville at Rutgers were squaring off for a bid the BCS Championship game? It does to me; not much lot has gone right for either team since that last-second 28-25 Rutgers win on Nov. 9, 2006. Louisville basically has not been able to stop anyone from scoring over the past two seasons, while Rutgers has suffered a string of embarassing losses, especially at home.

Rutgers stumbled out of the gate 1-5 this year, with the only win being at home against Morgan State. However, they're now riding a five-game winning streak, including winning the last four by an average 24.5 points (they even won at Pitt 54-34).

Meanwhile, Louisville (5-6) has lost four straight and need a win tonight to become bowl eligible. In a similar position last year, they were able to upset Rutgers and earn a .500 record.

However, I look for the Rutgers pass attack to take advantage of a young Louisville secondary on senior night. No doubt that QB Mike Teel, WR Kenny Britt and others to take out the frustrations of the last two years on the Cards. At the same time, Louisvile almost always gets their scores. Gimme Rutgers and the over.

Pick: Rutgers 43 Louisville 24

Pro Bowl ballot

By Nate Sandstrom

I submitted a Pro Bowl ballot today (you can vote online here). I'm not sure how these are selected, but I was disappointed that Leodis McKelvin was not listed under kick returners. Also, I think it's stupid you only get to vote for one strong safety and one free safety. I voted on the season players are having over overall talent level. Anyway, my ballot:

NFC
QB Drew Brees
QB Jeff Garcia
QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Adrian Peterson
RB Clinton Portis
RB Michael Turner
FB Mike Sellers
WR Calvin Johnson
WR Steve Smith
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Roddy White
TE Chris Cooley
TE Jason Witten
C Matt Birk
C Olin Kreutz
G Steve Hutchinson
G Travelle Wharton
G Keydrick Vincent
T Bryant McKinnie
T Chris Samuels
T Jon Stinchcomb
DE John Abraham
DE Justin Tuck
DE Jared Allen
DT Tommie Harris
DT Darnell Docket
DT Jonathan Babineaux
OLB LanceBriggs
OLB Chad Greenway
OLB Ernie Sims
ILB Jon Beason
ILB Patrick Willis
CB Corey Webster
CB Charles Woodson
CB Carlos Rogers
SS Chris Horton
FS Nick Collins
K Josh Brown
P Josh Bidwell
KR Allen Rossum
ST Richard Marshall

AFC
QB Peyton Manning
QB Phillip Rivers
QB Jay Cutler
RB Thomas Jones
RB Marshawn Lynch
RB Steve Slaton
FB Tony Richardson
WR Lee Evans
WR Andre Johnson
WR Vincent Jackson
WR Matt Jones
TE Antonio Gates
TE Anthony Gonzalez
C Nick Mangold
C Kevin Mawae
G Kris Dielman
G Alan Faneca
G Brian Waters
T D'Brickashaw Ferguson
T Marcus McNeil
T Joe Thomas
DE Mario Williams
DE Dwight Freeny
DE Shaun Ellis
DT Albert Haynesworth
DT Haloti Ngata
DT Shaun Rogers
OLB James Harrison
OLB Keith Bulluck
OLB Terrell Suggs
ILB D'Qwell Jackson
ILB Jerod Mayo
CB Jacques Reeves
CB Darelle Revis
CB Cortland Finnegan
SS Troy Polamalu
FS Ed Reed
K Jeff Reed
P Shane Lechler
KR Joshua Cribbs
ST Kassim Osgood

Top 25 Rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

So this week's complaint fest about the BCS is focused on whether Texas or Oklahoma should be ahead. I can see both sides, but if you ask me, I favor Oklahoma.

I know the main argument for taking Texas is that they beat Oklahoma head-to-head. But I don't see why that's a more valid argument than saying Texas Tech beat Texas so they should be ahead of the Longhorns (which I also don't believe).

In college football every game counts, and I think Oklahoma has the more impressive resume. They've beaten four of my top 15 teams — Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and TCU – by 20 points or more. Texas has beaten two of those teams — Oklahoma and Oklahoma State — by 10 and 7, respectively.

That's my reasoning; if you can come up with a better argument, let me hear it.

Of course, all this may be irrelevant. If Florida and Alabama play a tight, crisp 60-minute game, couldn't computer strength keep them 1-2 and set up a rematch? Not likely, but we'll see.

In other BCS-related notes, I moved up Boise State ahead of Utah this week. The move is in part because of the way they crushed a disappointing Fresno State team, but has more to do with the fact that the win at Oregon looks even better after they trashed Oregon State in the Civil War on Saturday. I would like to see both Boise and Utah get into BCS games, but that seems pretty unlikely.

What I'd like to see, assuming Florida, Oklahoma and Boston College win on Saturday.

BCS Championship: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Boston College
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Boise State
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Texas

Finally, here's my end of November ballot.

Team (W-L, Last Week)
1. Alabama (12-0, 1). Combined with Auburn's suckiness, '08 a great season in Tide history.
2. Florida (11-1, 2). If Gators beat Alabama, they may challenge the Detroit Lions next.
3. Oklahoma (11-1, 3). See above.
4. Texas (11-1, 4). Hoping for a repeat of the 2003 Big 12 Title Game.
5. USC (10-1, 5). Hoping to avoid a repeat of 2006.
6. Penn State (11-1, 6). Enjoyed Thanksgiving at home while all these other suckers were playing.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Despite Oklahoma game, a great season for Raiders.
8. Boise State (12-0, 11). Would be interesting to see them join the Pac-10 (The Big Ten has 11!).
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Good finish, considering they were trailing Wisconsin in 4Q on Oct. 4.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Utes are probably booking their Fiesta Bowl flight.
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 8). Wishing they were in Big 12 North.
12. Ball State (12-0, 13). Great season, but hurt by no marquis wins.
13. Cincinnati (10-2, 16). May have done so well that they lose Coach Kelly.
14. Oregon (9-3, 22). Second straight year of QB injuries may have cost them BCS again.
15. TCU (10-2, 14). Utah game will haunt them, but should take pride in great year.
16. Georgia Tech (9-3, 23). I'm leaning toward Paul Johnson as Coach of the Year.
17. Georgia (9-3, 15). Not their fault they were ranked #1.
18. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Think Houston Nutt is smiling down the standings at Arkansas?
19. Michigan St. (9-3, 19). Javon Ringer can use the time off before the bowl.
20. Pittsburgh (8-3, 20). Another big Backyard Brawl win.
21. Iowa (8-4, 21). This season could have been so much more for Hawks.
22. Missouri (9-3, 12). Most resented team in country right now.
23. Oregon St. (8-4, 16). Didn't expect Rogers to make THAT much difference.
24. Boston College (9-3, 24). Keep beating ACC teams that allegedly out-recruit them.
25. Northwestern (9-3, NR). Finally, I've put Northwestern in the poll. Now they need to win their bowl game to make it a great season.

***Bonus picks for FCS playoff games (I went 6-2 in Round 1, missing on Cal Poly and Colgate)
James Madison over Villanova
Montana over Weber State
New Hampshire upsets Northern Iowa
Appalachian State over Richmond

A good perspective on the BCS

This from Everyday Should be Saturday, my favorite college football blog. I too don't like to worry about the BCS (even though I've just put in my two cents on why Oklahoma should be ahead of Texas above). Does anyone remember the Bowl Alliance? Or before that when there was nothing? College football was awesome then and is still awesome now.

For those of you who really want a playoff, stop going to games and stop paying attention. Crying about the BCS isn't going to make a difference, but if you walk with your money that will. But I doubt you have it in you because college football is so far superior to any other sport.

--Nate

Penn State is Big Ten Champions of football, mascots arrested

I don't know if he was still depressed about that loss to Iowa, but Penn State's mascot was arrested and charged with DUI over the weekend. See link here to the plain jerseys blog.

--Nate

Where I've been

By Nate Sandstrom

I guess I've been notably absent lately in part because I've been writing for publication/$ again, in part because work has been really busy and partly because our car is dead and taking the bus eats up a bit more of my day.

However, this week I expect to be back for full coverage, starting tonight.