PLAYOFFS? YOU KIDDING ME? PLAYOFFS? (2014 Playoff/Bowl Chat)

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Sports Argument Stadium > The Football Funhouse > PLAYOFFS? YOU KIDDING ME? PLAYOFFS? (2014 Playoff/Bowl Chat)

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C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

When in doubt, stick to the classics.

After years and decades and centuries of bitching about how voting a champion was bullshit and the only true way to see who was the best was an arbitrary entry tournament, we finally have a playoff in major college football! True, it's only four teams and it's not going to solve any of the minor problems, much less the larger ones that are threatening to radically change Our Dumb Sport, but minor progress is still progress. Especially when it involves the South.

KOOP YOU DUMB poo poo IT'S THE FIRST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER AND WE DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY BOWL-ELIGIBLE TEAMS THE gently caress YOU DOING THIS FOR?

Don't judge me.

OKAY HOW DOES THIS THING WORK?

So the four BCS bowls (Orange, Sugar, Rose, Fiesta) along with two other bowls (Peach, Cotton) effectively make up the Playoff Bowls. They'll rotate on a yearly basis, with the Sugar and Rose serving as the Semi-Finals and the Finals being bid out to whoever opens up their wallets the most. (To the surprise of no one, Jerry Jones' stadium will host the first championship game.) When hosting a Semi-Final, any previous bowl tie-ins will be null and void. The other four bowls are called Access Bowls, and they'll keep whatever pre-existing tie-ins they have, along with a guarantee to take any Power 5 conference champion that doesn't make the Playoff, as well as the highest ranking team from the Group of Five.

For reference - Power 5 conferences - ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC. Group of Five - American, C-USA, MAC, MWC, Sun Belt. Notre Dame is considered part of the Power 5 because they were good when your grandpa watched football. BYU, Navy and Army are part of the Group of Five because.

SO HOW DOES THE COMPUTERS AND STUFF THAT SAY SOUTH FLORIDA'S A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM MATTER INTO ALL THIS?

They don't. While the Coaches and AP Polls are still in effect and being used for generating hype on a week to week basis, they have no bearing on who makes any of the six primary bowls. Instead, a committee has been created that will release their own rankings on a semi-regular basis, and will ultimately place teams in the two Playoff games and the four Access bowls. Other then that the conference champions from the Group of 5 have to be in one of the six games, they have the freedom to do whatever they want.

The committee is made up of 13 members with varying degrees of experience within college football, from current ADs (Arkansas' Jeff Long, who chairs the committee since Arkansas will never see any of these games in our lifetimes, Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez, USC's Pat Haden when he's summoned) to former coaches and players (~~dad of Cooper Manning Archie Manning~~, Tyronne Willingham) to war criminals (Condi Rice, Tom Osbourne). They're on this committee because people say so and there's some other rules and poo poo but mostly we're making this up as we go and odds are ESPN will determine the whole thing since they have the TV rights.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER TWENTY-FIVE JILLION BOWLS WE HAVE? THEY DON'T MEAN ANYTHING ANYMORE?

There's 32 other bowls and they matter as little as they did before. You still need to win half of your games to play in one or bend the rules enough that we'll feel sorry for you and let you in Georgia Tech. I don't feel like getting on my soapbox and ranting about the bowls since I did that last year so if you have archives go back and see what I wrote then. Bowls are awesome when it's two teams who feel like getting into a shootout and suck when it's two teams who don't feel like being in Shreveport ~~ever~~ in late December and go through the motions. It's hit or miss, there's too many of them, and that'll never change. Unless it does.

Since I hate myself, I like to try and predict all of the bowls ahead of time and see just how far off I am on a week to week basis. Feel free to join in!

C. Everett Koop fucked around with this message at 20:26 on Oct 20, 2014

# ? Oct 6, 2014 03:48

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 24, 2024 10:16

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

BOWL ELIGIBLE TEAMS: 82

ACC (11): Florida State (champs), Louisville, Duke, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Miami, NC State, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia Tech
Big Ten (10): Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio State (champs), Maryland, Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers, Illinois
Big 12 (7): Baylor (co-champs), Kansas State, West Virginia, TCU (co-champs), Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State
Pac-12 (8): Oregon (champs), Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, UCLA, USC, Stanford, Washington
SEC (12): Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama (champs), Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Missouri, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee

AAC (6): East Carolina, Memphis (tri-champs), Cincinnati (tri-champs), UCF (tri-champs), Houston, Temple
C-USA (8): Marshall (champs), Louisiana Tech, Rice, UTEP, Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky, UAB, Old Dominion
MAC (6): Northern Illinois (champs), Bowling Green, Toledo, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Ohio
MWC (7): Colorado State, Boise State, Nevada, Utah State, Air Force, San Diego State, Fresno State
Sun Belt (4): Louisiana-Lafayette, Arkansas State, South Alabama, Texas State
Indep (3): Notre Dame, BYU, Navy

2014 Official Bowl Slate

pre:

Rose             1/1      Pasadena, California       Semifinal     Florida State vs. Oregon
Sugar            1/1      New Orleans, Louisiana     Semifinal     Ohio State vs. Alabama
Championship     1/12     Arlington, Texas           Final         Rose Winner vs. Sugar Winner

pre:

Orange     12/31     Miami, Florida        ACC 1 vs. SEC/B1G/ND      Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State
Peach      12/31     Atlanta, Georgia      At-Large vs. At-Large     TCU vs. Ole Miss
Fiesta     12/31     Glendale, Arizona     At-Large vs. At-Large     Arizona vs. Boise State
Cotton     1/1       Arlington, Texas      At-Large vs. At-Large     Baylor vs. Michigan State

pre:

R+L Carriers New Orleans 12/20 New Orleans, Louisiana Sun Belt vs. MWC Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Nevada
Gildan New Mexico 12/20 Albuquerque, New Mexico MWC vs. C-USA Utah State vs. UTEP
Royal Purple Las Vegas 12/20 Las Vegas, Nevada MWC vs. Pac-12 Colorado State vs. Utah
Famous Idaho Potato 12/20 Boise, Idaho MAC vs. MWC Western Michigan vs. Air Force
Raycom Media Camellia 12/20 Montgomery, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Bowling Green vs. South Alabama
Miami Beach 12/22 Miami, Florida AAC vs. BYU Memphis vs. BYU
Boca Raton 12/23 Boca Raton, Florida C-USA vs. MAC Marshall vs. Northern Illinois
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia 12/23 San Diego, California MWC vs. Navy San Diego State vs. Navy
Popeyes Bahamas 12/24 Nassau, Bahamas C-USA vs. MAC Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
Hawai'i 12/24 Honolulu, Hawai�i C-USA vs. MWC Rice vs. Fresno State
Heart of Dallas 12/26 Dallas, Texas Big Ten vs. C-USA Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Quick Lane 12/26 Detroit, Michigan ACC vs. Big Ten North Carolina vs. Rutgers
BITCOIN St. Petersburg 12/26 St. Petersburg, Florida AAC vs. ACC UCF vs. NC State
Military 12/27 Annapolis, Maryland AAC vs. ACC Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Hyundai Sun 12/27 El Paso, Texas ACC vs. Pac-12 Duke vs. Arizona State
Duck Commander Independence 12/27 Shreveport, Louisiana ACC vs. SEC Miami vs. South Carolina
New Era Pinstripe 12/27 Bronx, New York ACC vs. Big Ten Boston College vs. Penn State
National University Holiday 12/27 San Diego, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Nebraska vs. USC
AutoZone Liberty 12/29 Memphis, Tennessee Big 12 vs. SEC West Virginia vs. Texas A&M
Russell Athletic 12/29 Orlando, Florida ACC vs. Big 12 Clemson vs. Oklahoma
AdvoCare V100 Texas 12/29 Houston, Texas Big 12 vs. SEC Texas vs. Arkansas
Franklin American Mortgage Music City 12/30 Nashville, Tennessee SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten LSU vs. Notre Dame
Belk 12/30 Charlotte, North Carolina ACC vs. SEC Louisville vs. Georgia
Foster Farms 12/30 Santa Clara, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Maryland vs. Stanford
Citrus 1/1 Orlando, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Minnesota vs. Missouri
Outback 1/1 Tampa, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Wisconsin vs. Auburn
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces 1/2 Fort Worth, Texas AAC vs. Army Houston vs. Pittsburgh
TaxSlayer Gator 1/2 Jacksonville, Florida SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten Tennessee vs. Iowa
Valero Alamo 1/2 San Antonio, Texas Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Kansas State vs. UCLA
Cactus 1/2 Tempe, Arizona Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Oklahoma State vs. Washington
Birmingham 1/3 Birmingham, Alabama AAC vs. SEC East Carolina vs. Florida
GoDaddy 1/4 Mobile, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Toledo vs. Arkansas State

Most importantly, here's how the players get paid this offseason. CUSTOM FATHEAD FROM THE MURDER CITY BOWL! http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/12/05/Colleges/Bowl-gifts.aspx

C. Everett Koop fucked around with this message at 23:37 on Dec 7, 2014

# ? Oct 6, 2014 03:50

kayakyakr: Feb 16, 2004; Kayak is true

I hate wasting a high order post, just to disagree with you, but NEVER, never, never complain about more football. If they want to add another 32 bowls to the postseason, then I'm all for it.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 03:59

DJExile: Jun 28, 2007

MACtion got the fuckin bahamas bowl

eat it, other bowls :cool:

# ? Oct 6, 2014 04:36

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

Week 6: Chaos Reigns

Legend: Bold = bowl eligible Italics = projected eligible ~~strike = bowl ineligible~~

ACC

Atlantic

pre:

Florida State    (Seminoles, 3-0, 5-0)       W OKST, W citadel, W CLEM, W @NCST, W WF, @CUSE, ND, @LOU, UVA, @U, BC, UF           (7-1, 11-1)
Louisville       (Cardinals, 3-1, 5-1)       W U, W murrayst, L @ UVA, W WF, W @CUSE, @CLEM, NCST, FSU, @BC, @ND, UK              (6-2, 10-2)
Clemson          (Tigers, 2-1, 3-2)          L @UGA, W scst, L @FSU, W UNC, W NCST, LOU, @BC, CUSE, @WF, @GT, GAST, SC            (7-1, 9-3)
Boston College      (Eagles, 0-1, 3-2)          W @UMASS, L PITT, W USC, W Maine, L CSU, @ NCST, CLEM, @WF, @VT, LOU, @FSU, CUSE     (2-6, 5-7)
Syracuse            (Orange, 0-1, 2-3)          W nova, W @CMU, L MARY, L ND, L LOU, FSU, @WF, @CLEM, NCST, DUKE, @PITT, @BC         (1-7, 3-9)
NC State         (Wolfpack, 0-2, 4-2)        W GSU, W ODU, W @USF, W pres, L FSU, L @ CLEM, BC, @LOU, @CUSE, GT, WF, @UNC         (4-4, 8-4)
Wake Forest         (Demon Deacons, 0-2, 2-4)   L @ULM, W gardner, L @USU, W ARMY, L @LOU, L @FSU, CUSE, BC, CLEM, @NCST, VT, @DUKE  (0-8, 2-10)

FSU's still the king of the conference, but they've shown enough flaws that I don't think they'll run the table again, and that Louisville will be the one who gets them. Big Wheel Bobby's crew isn't helped by the loss to Virginia and I think they have another one in them, but they'll contend for a Contract bowl. Deacon bad.

Coastal

pre:

Georgia Tech    (Yellow Jackets, 2-0, 5-0)   W wofford, W @TULANE, W GSU, W @VT, W U, DUKE, @UNC, @PITT, UVA, @NCST, CLEM, @UGA   (4-4, 7-5) 
Virginia        (Cavaliers, 2-0, 4-2)        L UCLA, W richmond, W LOU, L @BYU, W KENT, W PITT, @DUKE, UNC, @GT, @FSU, U, @VT     (4-4, 6-6)
Virginia Tech   (Hokies, 1-1, 4-2)           W willmary, W @OHSU, L ECU, L GT, W WMU, W @UNC, @PITT, U, BC, @DUKE, @WF, UVA       (6-2, 9-3)
Pittsburgh      (Panthers, 1-1, 3-3)         W delaware, W @BC, W @FIU, L IOWA, L AKRON, L @UVA, VT, GT, DUKE, @UNC, CUSE, @U     (4-4, 6-6)
Miami              (Hurricanes, 1-2, 3-3)       L @LOU, W famu, W ARKST, L @NEB, W DUKE, L @GT, CIN, @VT, UNC, FSU, @UVA, PITT       (3-5, 5-7)
Duke            (Blue Devils, 0-1, 4-1)      W elon, W @TROY, W KU, W TULANE, L @U, @GT, UVA, @PITT, @CUSE, VT, UNC, WF           (4-4, 8-4)
North Carolina     (Tar Heels, 0-2, 2-3)        W liberty, W SDST, L @ECU, L @CLEM, L VT, @ND, GT, @UVA, @U, PITT, @DUKE, NCST       (0-8, 2-10)

Operation 4-4 is still in effect, but I don't think UNC's gonna be able to live up to their end of the bargain and Hokie's going to fart their way into another division title because life is bleak and meaningless. On the other hand Virginia doesn't look like a complete shitshow for once so good for them.

pre:

Notre Dame (Fighting Irish, 5-0) W RICE, W MICH, W PUR, W @CUSE, W STAN, UNC, @FSU, @NAVY, @ASU, NW, LOU, @USC (11-1)

Before people start bitching, Notre Dame has access to the ACC's bowl bids, so for organizational purposes I'm placing them here. They're not going to run the table since they go to FSU in a couple of weeks, but they'll be favorites in all their other games and unless Big Wheel Bobby or one of the west coast trips get them, odds are they'll be in a marquee bowl and drop another massive turd on a major stage.

ACC Bowl Teams (9): FSU, Notre Dame, Louisville, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, NC State, Duke, Virginia, Pittsburgh
ACC Playoff Contenders: Florida State, Notre Dame
ACC Contract Contenders: Louisville

Big Ten

East

pre:

Michigan State  (Spartans, 1-0, 4-1)          W jaxst, L @ORG, W EMU, W WYO, W NEB, @PUR, @IND, MICH, OHSU, @MARY, RUT, @PENN                  (8-0, 11-1)
Ohio State      (Buckeyes, 1-0, 4-1)          W NAVY, L VT, W KENT, W CIN, W @MARY, RUT, @PENN, ILL, @MICHST, @MINN, IND, MICH                 (7-1, 10-2)
Rutgers         (Scarlet Knights, 1-1, 5-1)   W @WAZZU, W howard, L PENN, W @NAVY, W TULANE, W MICH, @OHSU, @NEB, WISC, IND, @MICHST, @MARY    (2-6, 6-6)
Penn State      (Nittany Lions, 1-1, 4-1)     W UCF, W AKRON, W @RUT, W UMASS, L NW, @MICH, OHSU, MARY, @IND, TEMPLE, @ILL, MICHST             (5-3, 9-3)
Maryland        (Terapins,1-1, 4-2)           W james madison, W @USF, L WVU, W @CUSE, W @IND, L OHSU, IOWA, @WISC, @PENN, MICHST, @MICH, RUT  (4-4, 7-5)
Indiana            (Hoosiers, 0-1, 3-2)          W indst, L @BG, W @MIZZ, L MARY, W UNT, @IOWA, MICHST, @MICH, PENN, @RUT, @OHSU, PUR             (2-6, 5-7)
Michigan           (Wolverines, 0-2, 2-4)        W APP, L @ND, W MOH, L UTAH, L MINN, L @RUT, PENN, @MICHST, IND, @NW, MARY, @OHSU                (0-8, 2-10)

Sparty and Buckeye will decide the division. For all the poo poo we talked about Rutgers and Maryland entering the conference, odds are they're each going to make a bowl. Indiana's probably going to come up just short again, while Michigan can jingle their keys to nothing all winter long.

West

pre:

Northwestern   (Wildcats, 2-0, 3-2)          L CAL, L NIU, W westill, W @PENN, W WISC, @MINN, NEB, @IOWA, MICH, @ND, @PUR, ILL          (5-3, 7-5)
Iowa           (Hawkeyes, 1-0, 4-1)          W uni, W BALL, L ISU, W @PITT, W @PUR, IND, @MARY, NW, @MINN, @ILL, WISC, NEB              (5-3, 8-4)
Minnesota      (Golden Gophers, 1-0, 4-1)    W eastill, W MTSU, L @TCU, W SJST, W @MICH, NW, PUR, @ILL, IOWA, OHSU, @NEB, @WISC         (4-4, 7-5)
Nebraska       (Huskers, 1-1, 5-1)           W FAU, W mcneese, W @FRESNO, W U, L @MICHST, @NW, RUT, PUR, @WISC, MINN, @IOWA             (6-2, 10-2)
Purdue            (Boilermakers, 1-1, 3-3)      W WMU, L CMU, L ND, W southill, L IOWA, W @ILL, MICHST, @MINN, @NEB, WISC, NW, @IND        (2-6, 4-8)
Wisconsin      (Badgers, 0-1, 3-2)           L LSU, W westill, W BG, W USF, L @NW, ILL, MARY, @RUT, @PUR, NEB, @IOWA, MINN              (7-1, 10-2)
Illinois          (Fightin� Illini, 0-2, 3-3)   W youngst, W WKU, L @WASH, W utsanmar, L @NEB, L PUR, @WISC, MINN, @OHSU, IOWA, PENN, @NW  (0-8, 3-9)

I had Wisconsin running the table, but then they went at lost at Northwestern again for no good reason. It does open the door for Nebraska slightly, but what it really does is take them out of serious bowl consideration unless they win the Big Ten title game. Everyone else is just kinda there, which is a fitting description of the midwest.

Big Ten Projected Bowl Teams (10): Michigan State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers
Big Ten Playoff Contenders: Michigan State
Big Ten Contract Contenders: Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Big 12

pre:

Baylor           (Bears, 2-0, 5-0)         W SMU, W nwst, W @BUFF, W @ISU, W @TEX, TCU, @WVU, KU, @OK, OKST, @TTU, KST     (8-1, 11-1)
Kansas State     (Wildcats, 2-0, 4-1)      W sfa, W @ISU, L AUB, W UTEP, W TTU, @OK, TEX, OKST, @TCU, @WVU, KU, @BAY       (6-3, 8-4)
Oklahoma State   (Cowboys, 2-0, 4-1)       L FSU, W mizzst, W UTSA, W TTU, W ISU, @KU, @TCU, WVU, @KST, TEX, @BAY, @OK     (6-3, 8-4) 
TCU             (Horned Frogs, 1-0, 4-0)  W samford, W MINN, W @SMU, W OK, @BAY, OKST, TTU, @WVU, KST, @KU, @TEX, ISU     (4-5, 7-5)
Oklahoma         (Sooners, 1-1, 4-1)       W LATECH, W @TULSA, W UT, W @WVU, L @TCU, TEX, KST, @ISU, BAY, @TTU, UK, OKST   (7-2, 10-2)
West Virginia       (Mountaineers, 1-1, 3-2)  L BAMA, W towson, W @MARY, L OK, KU, @TTU, BAY, @OKST, TCU, @TEX, KST, @ISU     (2-7, 4-8)
Texas               (Longhorns, 1-1, 2-3)     W UNT, L BYU, L UCLA, W @KU, L BAY, OK, ISU, @KST, @TTU, WVU, @OKST, TCU        (3-6, 4-8)
Kansas              (Jayhawks, 0-2, 2-3)      W semizz, L @DUKE, W CMU, L TEX, L @WVU, OKST, @TTU, @BAY, ISU, TCU, @OK, @KST  (0-9, 2-10)
Texas Tech          (Red Raiders, 0-2, 2-3)   W centark, W @UTEP, L ARK, L @OKST, L @KST, WVU, KU, @TCU, TEX, OK, @ISU, BAY   (3-6, 5-7)
Iowa State          (Cyclones, 0-3, 1-4)      L ndst, L KST, W @IOWA, L BAY, L @OKST, TOLEDO, OK, @KU, TTU, WVU, @TCU         (1-8, 2-10)

Oklahoma's loss to TCU opens up the door for Baylor, except I think the Sooners beat the Bears. Cowboy beats Sooner at the end of the season to return the favor and knock Oklahoma out of the marquee bowls, but unless the bottom half of the conference can put it together, it's going to be a down year for the Big 12 and that could have repercussions...

Big 12 Projected Bowl Teams (5): Oklahoma, Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU
Big 12 Playoff Contenders: Baylor
Big 12 Contract Contenders: Oklahoma

Pac-12

North

pre:

California      (Golden Bears, 2-1, 4-1)   W @NW, W sacst, L @ARIZ, W COL, W @WAZZU, WASH, UCLA, ORG, @ORST, @USC, STAN, BYU         (3-6, 6-6)
Oregon          (Ducks, 1-1, 4-1)          W sodak, W MICHST, W WYO, W @WAZZU, L ARIZ, @UCLA, WASH, @CAL, STAN, @UTAH, COL, @ORST    (7-2, 10-2)
Oregon State    (Beavers, 1-1, 4-1)        W portst, W @HAW, W SDST, L @USC, W @COL, UTAH, @STAN, CAL, WAZZU, ASU, @WASH, ORG        (3-6, 6-6)
Stanford        (Cardinal, 1-1, 3-2)       W ucdavis, L USC, W ARMY, W @WASH, L @ND, WAZZU, @ASU, ORST, @ORG, UTAH, @CAL, @UCLA      (7-2, 9-3)
Washington State   (Cougars, 1-2, 2-4)        L RUT, L@NEV, W portst, L ORG, W @UTAH, L CAL, @STAN, ARIZ, USC, @ORST, @ASU, WASH        (1-8, 2-10)
Washington      (Huskies, 0-1, 4-1)        W @HAW, W ewash, W ILL, W GAST, L STAN, @CAL, @ORG, ASU, @COL, UCLA, @ARIZ, ORST, @WAZZU  (4-5, 8-5)

Oregon's helped that Stanford has to come north, but both teams have no room for error, and since I have both of them taking another loss there's no guarantee that one will make the Playoff. It looks like Wazzu's going to be on the outside looking in, which is a shame since they're a guarantee for a fun mid-December game.

South

pre:

Arizona         (Wildcats, 2-0, 5-0)     W UNLV, W @UTSA, W NEV, W CAL, W @ORG, USC, @WAZZU, @UCLA, COL, WASH, @UTAH, ASU       (7-2, 10-2)
Arizona State   (Sun Devils, 2-1, 4-1)   W weberst, W @ NM, W @COL, L UCLA, W @USC, STAN, @WASH, UTAH, ND, @ORST, WAZZU, @ARIZ  (6-3, 8-4)
USC             (Trojans, 2-1, 3-2)      W FRESNO, W @STAN, L @BC, W ORST, L ASU, @ARIZ, COL, @UTAH, @WAZZU, CAL, @UCLA, ND     (7-2, 8-4)
UCLA            (Bruins, 1-1, 4-1)       W @UVA, W MEM, W TEX, W @ASU, L UTAH, ORG, @CAL, @COL, ARIZ, @WASH, USC, STAN          (6-3, 9-3)
Utah               (Utes, 1-1, 4-1)         W idst, W FRESNO, W @MICH, L WAZZU, W @UCLA, @ORST, USC, @ASU, ORG, @STAN, ARIZ, @COL  (2-7, 5-7)
Colorado           (Buffaloes, 0-3, 2-4)    L CSU, W @UMASS, L ASU, W HAW, L @CAL, L ORST, @USC, UCLA, WASH, @ARIZ, @ORG, UTAH     (0-9, 2-10)

Arizona's got a clear path, but they're too boom/bust to think they'll run the entire table. Asking ASU to win the division twice in a row is asking too much of a school used to falling flat on it's face, and UCLA's not going to beat both Oregon and Stanford. I don't see anyone making it out of the Pac-12 with less than 2 losses, and that's enough to have them on the outside looking in.

Pac-12 Projected Bowl Teams (9): Stanford, Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, Washington, California, Oregon State
Pac-12 Projected Playoff Teams: None
Pac-12 Projected Contract Teams: Oregon, Arizona

SEC

East

pre:

Missouri         (Tigers, 1-0, 4-1)       W SDSU, W @TOLEDO, W UCF, L IND, W @SC, UGA, @UF, VAN, UK, @ATM, @UT, ARK          (6-2, 9-3)
Georgia          (Bulldogs, 2-1, 4-1)     W CLEM, L @SC, W TROY, W UT, W VAN, @MIZZ, @ARK, UF, @UK, AUB, charso, GT          (5-3, 9-3)
Kentucky            (Wildcats, 2-1, 4-1)     W utmartin, W OHIO, L @UF, W VAN, W SC, ULM, @LSU, MSST, @MIZZ, UGA, @UT, LOU      (2-6, 5-7)
Florida             (Gators, 2-1, 3-1)       ND IDAHO, W EMU, L @BAMA, W UF, W @UT, LSU, MIZZ, UGA, @VAN, SC, eastky, FSU       (3-5, 5-6)
South Carolina   (Gamecocks, 2-3, 3-3)    L ATM, W ECU, W UGA, W @VAN, L MIZZ, L @UK, furman, @AUB, UT, @UF, USA, @CLEM      (4-4, 8-4)
Tennessee           (Volunteers, 0-2, 2-3)   W USU, W ARKST, L @OK, L @UGA, L UF, chatta, @MISS, BAMA, @SC, UK, MIZZ, @VAN      (2-6, 5-7)
Vanderbilt          (Commodores, 0-4, 1-5)   L TEMPLE, L MISS, W UMASS, L SC, L @UK, L @UGA, charso, @MIZZ, ODU, UF, @MSST, UT  (0-8, 3-9)

We could get another year where Missouri just keeps their head above water. Gamecock's down for the count already and you know Georgia's gonna find a way to punch themselves in the dick before too long. Vandy's gone back to being Vandy, while Florida hits the 5-6 mark we all want and will spend the last week desperately trying to find a team to play, before giving someone in the MWC five million to come in and beat them to keep the Gators from making a bowl and we will laugh forever.

West

pre:

Auburn              (Tigers, 2-0, 5-0)        W ARK, W SJST, W @KST, W LATECH, W LSU, @MSST, SC, @MISS, ATM, @UGA, samford, @BAMA  (7-1, 11-1)
Mississippi State   (Bulldogs, 2-0, 5-0)      W USM, W UAB, W USA, W @LSU, W ATM, AUB, @UK, ARK, utmart, @BAMA, VAN, @MISS         (6-2, 10-2)
Ole Miss            (Rebels, 2-0, 5-0)        W BOISE, W @VAN, W ULL, W MEM, W BAMA, @ATM, UT, @LSU, AUB, pres, @ARK, MSST         (6-2, 10-2)
Texas A&M           (Aggies, 2-1, 5-1)        W @SC, W lamar, W RICE, W @SMU, W ARK, L @MSST, MISS, @BAMA, ULM, @AUB, MIZZ, LSU    (6-2, 10-2)
Alabama             (Crimson Tide, 1-1, 4-1)  W WVU, W FAU, W USM, W UF, L @MISS, @ARK, ATM, @UT, @LSU, MSST, wcar, AUB            (6-2, 10-2) 
LSU                 (Tigers, 0-2, 4-2)        W WISC, W samhou, W ULM, L MSST, W NMST, L @AUB, @UF, UK, MISS, BAMA, @ARK, @ATM     (4-4, 8-4)
Arkansas               (Razorbacks, 0-2, 3-2)    L @AUB, W nichst, W @TTU, W NIU, L ATM, BAMA, UGA, UAB, @MSST, LSU, MISS, @MIZZ      (0-8, 4-8)

If anyone can survive one loss and make the playoff, it's going to be a team from the SEC West. The eleventy trillion dollar question will be is if an SEC West team can survive two losses, and with a four-team logjam at 10-2, my money is on no. No one's going to survive this conference unbeaten, though Auburn will be 11-0 going into Tuscaloosa when Harvey Updyke runs a kick back 202 yards to win the Iron Bowl. And as much poo poo as we give Arkansas, they'd be a bowl team if they were anywhere else, including the SEC East. Instead they'll be the best 4-8 team in the country.

SEC Projected Bowl Teams (9): Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Georgia, Missouri, LSU, South Carolina
SEC Projected Playoff Teams: Auburn
SEC Projected Contract Teams: Alabama, Miss State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M

American

pre:

East Carolina   (Pirates, 1-0, 4-1)            W nccent, L @SC, W @VT, W UNC, W SMU, @USF, UCONN, @TEMPLE, @CIN, TULANE, @TULSA, UCF     (8-0, 11-1)
Temple             (Owls, 1-0, 3-1)               W @VAN, L NAVY, W delst, W @UCONN, TULSA, @HOU, @UCF, ECU, MEM, @PENN, CIN, @TULANE       (1-7, 3-9)
Memphis         (Tigers, 1-0, 3-2)             W peay, L @UCLA, W MTSU, L @MISS, W @CIN, HOU, @SMU, TULSA, @TEMPLE, @TULANE, USF, UCONN  (7-1, 9-3)
UCF             (Knights, 1-0, 2-2)            L PENN, L @MIZZ, W betcook, W @HOU, BYU, TULANE, TEMPLE, @UCONN, TULSA, SMU, @USF, @ECU   (7-1, 9-3)
South Florida      (Bulls, 1-0, 2-3)              W wcar, L MARY, L NCST, W UCONN, L @WISC, ECU, @TULSA, @CIN, HOU, @SMU, @MEM, UCF         (2-6, 3-9)
Tulsa              (Golden Hurricane, 1-0, 1-4)   W TULANE, L OK, L @FAU, L TXST, L @CSU, @TEMPLE, USF, @MEM, SMU, @UCF, @HOU, ECU          (4-4, 8-4)
Cincinnati      (Bearkats, 0-1, 2-2)           W TOL, W MOH, L @OHSU, L MEM, @U, @SMU, USF, @TULANE, ECU, @UCONN, @TEMPLE, HOU           (5-3, 8-4)
Houston         (Cougars, 0-1, 2-3)            L UTSA, W gram, L @BYU, W UNLV, L @UCF, @MEM, TEMPLE, @USF, TULANE, TULSA, @SMU, @CIN     (4-4, 6-6)
Tulane             (Green Wave, 0-1, 1-4)         L @TULSA, L GT, W sela, L @DUKE, L @RUT, UCONN, @UCF, CIN, @HOU, MEM, @ECU, TEMPLE        (1-7, 2-10)
SMU                (Mustangs, 0-1, 0-5)           L @BAY, L @UNT, L ATM, L TCU, L@ECU, CIN, MEM, @TULSA, USF, @UCF, HOU, @UCONN             (0-8, 0-12)
Connecticut        (Huskies, 0-2, 1-4)            L BYU, W stony, L BOISE, L @USF, L TEMPLE, @TULANE, @ECU, UCF, @ARMY, CIN, @MEM, SMU      (1-7, 3-9)

If they had beat South Carolina ECU would be a playoff dark horse, instead they'll have to settle for being the Group of Five frontrunner. Going to Cinci could be a trap game and UCF should give them a fight, but if Pirate wins out they'll be in a Contract bowl. I've got Memphis being good really for no solid reason at all. I can't explain why but if they go 9-3 crnak that 3-6 and whoop that trick.

American Projected Bowl Teams (5): East Carolina, UCF, Memphis, Cincinnati, Houston
American Projected Contract Teams: East Carolina

Conference USA

East

pre:

Middle Tennessee State   (Blue Raiders, 3-0, 4-2)      W savst, L @MINN, W WKU, L @MEM, W @ODU, W USM, @MAR, UAB, BYU, @FIU, FAU, @UTEP       (7-1, 9-3)
FIU                         (Golden Panthers, 2-0, 3-3)   W betcook, W wagner, L PITT, L LOU, W @UAB, W FAU, @UTSA, MAR, RICE, @ODU, MTSU, @UNT  (3-5, 6-6)
Marshall                 (Thundering Herd, 1-0, 5-0)   W @MOH, W ri, W OHIO, W @AKRON, W @ODU, MTSU, @FIU, FAU, @USM, RICE, @UAB, WKU         (8-0, 12-0)
UAB                      (Blazers, 1-1, 3-2)           W TROY, L @MSST, W bamaa&m, L FIU, W @WKU, UNT, @MTSU, @ARK, @FAU, LATECH, MAR, @USM   (4-4, 6-6)
FAU                         (Owls, 1-1, 2-4)              L @NEB, L @BAMA, W TULSA, L @WYO, W UTSA, L @FIU, WKU, @MAR, UAB, @UNT, @MTSU, ODU     (3-5, 4-8)
Old Dominion                (Monarchs, 1-2, 3-3)          W hamp, L @NCST, W EMU, W @RICE, L MTSU, L MAR, @UTEP, @WKU, @VAN, FIU, LATECH, @FAU   (1-7, 2-10)
Western Kentucky            (Hilltoppers, 0-2, 2-3)       W BG, L @ILL, L @MTSU, W @NAVY, L UAB, @FAU, ODU, @LATECH, UTEP, ARMY, UTSA, @MAR      (1-7, 4-8)

Marshall's last real test is coming up against MTSU, but even if the Herd goes 13-0 C-USA is such dogshit that they'll need ECU to take another loss to get into the Contract Bowls. FIU wins six games, but with two wins coming against FCS competition only one win counts, and they're on the outside looking in.

West

pre:

Louisiana Tech   (Bulldogs, 2-0, 3-3)        L @OK, W @ULL, W @UNT, L nwst, L @AUB, W UTEP, UTSA, @USM, WKU, @UAB, @ODU, RICE          (8-0, 9-3)
Rice                (Owls, 1-1, 2-3)            L @ND, L @ATM, L ODU, W @USM, W HAW, @ARMY, UNT, @FIU, UTSA, @MAR, UTEP, @LATECH          (2-6, 4-8)
North Texas      (Mean Green, 0-1, 2-3)      L @TEX, W SMU, L LATECH, W nichst, L @IND, @UAB, USM, @RICE, FAU, @UTEP, FIU, @UTSA       (4-4, 6-6)
UTEP                (Miners, 0-1, 2-3)          W @NM, L TTU, W NMST, L @KST, L @LATECH, ODU, @UTSA, USM, @WKU, UNT, @RICE, MTSU          (1-7, 3-9)
UTSA                (Roadrunners, 0-1, 1-4)     W @HOU, L ARIZ, L @OKST, L FAU, L NM, FIU, @LATECH, UTEP, @RICE, USM, @WKU, UNT           (3-5, 4-8)
Southern Miss       (Golden Eagles, 0-2, 2-4)   L @MSST, W alcorn, L @BAMA, W APP, L RICE, L @MTSU, @UNT, LATECH, @UTEP, MAR, @UTSA, UAB  (0-8, 2-10)

I don't think Louisiana Tech plays another team with a winning record the rest of the way. Mean Green struggles to 6-6, while everyone else is varying degrees of bad. At least they all won a game this year!

C-USA Projected Bowl Teams (5): Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, UAB, North Texas
C-USA Projected Contract Teams: Marshall

MAC

East

pre:

Bowling Green   (Falcons, 2-0, 4-2)          L @WKU, W vmi, W IND, L @WISC, W @UMASS, @ BUFF, @OHIO, WMU, @AKRON, KENT, TOLEDO, BALL (7-1, 9-3)
Akron           (Zips, 1-0, 3-2)             W howard, L @PENN, L MAR, W @PITT, W @EMU, MOH, @OHIO, @BALL, BG, @BUFF, UMASS, @KENT   (7-1, 9-3)
Buffalo            (Bulls, 1-1, 3-3)            W duqune, L @ARMY, L BAY, W norst, W MOH, L @BG, @EMU, CMU, @OHIO, AKRON, KENT, @UMASS  (4-4, 6-6)
Ohio               (Bobcats, 1-1, 3-3)          W @KENT, L @UK, L @MAR, W IDAHO, W eill, L @CMU, BG, AKRON, @WMU, BUFF, NIU, @MOH       (3-5, 5-7)
Miami              (Redhawks, 1-1, 1-5)         L MAR, L eku, L @MICH, L @CIN, L@BUFF, W UMASS, @AKRON, @NIU, KENT, WMU, @CMU, OHIO     (2-6, 2-10)
Kent State         (Golden Flashes, 0-2, 0-5)   L OHIO, L USA, L @OHST, L @UVA, L @NIU, UMASS, ARMY, @MOH, TOLEDO, @BG, @BUFF, AKRON    (1-7, 1-11)
Massachussets      (Minutemen, 0-2, 0-6)        L BC, L COL, L @VAN, @PENN, BG, L @MOH, @KENT, EMU, @TOL, BALL, @AKRON, BUFF            (0-8, 0-12)

Miami/Kent/UMass might be the worst basement of a conference I've seen and it's a shame they all can't go winless. Meanwhile, Buffalo's in the same boat as FIU while Akron finally wakes up with Bowden Ball! Hire him Michigan!

West

pre:

Toledo              (Rockets, 3-0, 4-2)     W unh, L MIZZ, L @CIN, W BALL, W CMU, W @WMU, @ISU, UMASS, @KENT, @NIU, BG, @EMU        (6-2, 8-4)
Northern Illinois   (Huskies, 1-0, 4-1)     W pres, W @NW, W @UNLV, L @ARK, W KENT, CMU, MOH, @EMU, @BALL, TOLEDO, @OHIO, @WMU      (8-0, 11-1)
Central Michigan    (Chippewas, 1-1, 3-3)   W chatta, W @PUR, L CUSE, L @KU, L @TOL, W OHIO, @NIU, BALL, @BUFF, @EMU, MOH, WMU      (4-4, 6-6)
Western Michigan       (Broncos, 0-1, 2-3)     L @PUR, W @IDAHO, W murray, L @VT, L TOLEDO, @BALL, @BG, OHIO, @MOH, EMU, @CMU, NIU     (3-5, 5-7)
Ball State             (Cardinals, 0-1, 1-4)   W colgate, L @IOWA, L indst, L @TOL, L @ARMY, WMU, @CMU, AKRON, NIU, @UMASS, EMU, @BG   (2-6, 3-9)
Eastern Michigan       (Eagles, 0-1, 1-4)      W morst, L @UF, L @ODU, L @MIST, L @AKRON, BUFF, @UMASS, NIU, CMU, @WMU, @BALL, TOLEDO  (1-7, 2-10)

NIU might go 11-1 and win the MAC again, but losing to Arkansas derails any hype they might have. CMU makes a bowl since only having on Michigan in a bowl game just feels wrong.

MAC Projected Bowl Teams (5): Northern Illinois, Akron, Bowling Green, Toledo, Central Michigan
MAC Projected Contract Teams: None

Mountain West

Mountain

pre:

Wyoming          (Buffaloes, 1-0, 3-2)   W mont, W AF, L @ORG, W FAU, L @MIST, @HAW, SJST, @CSU, @FRESNO, USU, BOISE, @NM     (6-2, 8-4) 
Boise State      (Broncos, 2-1, 4-2)     L MISS, W CSU, W @UCONN, W ULL, L @AF, W @NEV, FRESNO, BYU, @NM, SDSU, @WYO, USU     (6-2, 9-3)
Air Force        (Falcons, 1-1, 4-1)     W nichst, L @WYO, W @GAST, W BOISE, W NAVY, @USU, NM, @ARMY, @UNLV, NEV, @SDSU, CSU  (6-2, 10-2)
Utah State       (Aggies, 0-0, 3-2)      L @UT, W idst, W WF, L @ARKST, W @BYU, AF, @CSU, UNLV, @HAW, @WYO, NM, SJST, @BOISE  (4-4, 7-6)
Colorado State   (Rams, 0-1, 4-1)        W @COL, L @BOISE, W ucdavis, W @BC, W TULSA, @NEV, USU, WYO, @SJST, HAW, NM, @AF     (3-5, 7-5)
New Mexico          (Lobos, 0-1, 2-3)       L UTEP, L ASU, W @NMST, L FRESNO, W @UTSA, SDSU, @AF, @UNLV, BOISE, @USU, @CSU, WYO  (1-7, 3-9)

Boise coming back to earth creates a logjam on top, one I have the Air Force coming out on top of! Life isn't fair to Chuckie Keaton, and everyone makes a bowl except New Mexico, which seems right.

West

pre:

Fresno State      (Bulldogs, 2-0, 3-3)           L @USC, L @UTAH, L NEB, W soutah, W @NM, W SDSU, @UNLV, @BOISE, WYO, SJST, @NEV, HAW      (6-2, 7-5)
Nevada            (Wolfpack, 1-1, 3-2)           W soutah, W WAZZU, L @ARIZ, W @SJST, L BOISE, CSU, @BYU, @HAW, SDSU, @AF, FRESNO, @UNLV   (6-2, 9-3)
San Diego State   (Aztecs, 1-1, 2-3)             W nau, L @UNC, L @ORST, W UNLV, L @FRESNO, @NM, HAW, @NEV, IDAHO, @BOISE, AF, SJST        (4-4, 6-6)
San Jose State       (Spartans, 1-1, 2-3)           W ndak, L @AUB, L @MINN, L NEV, W UNLV, @WYO, @NAVY, CSU, @FRESNO, HAW, @USU, @SDSU       (2-6, 3-9)[/i]
Hawai�i              (Rainbow Warriors, 0-0, 1-4)   L WASH, L ORST, W uni, L @COL, L @RICE, WYO, @SDSU, NEV, USU, @CSU, @SJST, UNLV, @FRESNO  (0-8, 1-11)
UNLV                 (Rebels, 0-2, 1-5)             L @ARIZ, W nco, L NIU, L @HOU, L @SDSU, L @SJST, FRESNO, @USU, NM, AF, @BYU, @HAW, NEV    (1-7, 2-10)

Another 6-2 tie on top. I don't think Rainbow Warrior football is long for this world unless they can convince The Rock to fund the program and have him personally swim all of the equipment across the Pacific. He might do that last one after his next role he should be aircraft carrier size by then.

MWC Projected Bowl Teams (8): Air Force, Boise State, Nevada, Wyoming, Fresno State, Colorado State, Utah State, San Diego State
MWC Projected Contract Teams: None

Sun Belt

pre:

Georgia Southern      (Golden Eagles, 3-0, 4-2)  L @NCST, W savst, L @GT, W @USA, W APP, W @NMST, IDAHO, GAST, TROY, @TXST, @NAVY, ULM        (6-2, 8-4)
Arkansas State        (Red Wolves, 1-0, 3-2)     W monst, L @UT, L @U, W USU, W ULM, @GAST, @ULL, @IDAHO, USA, APP, @TXST, NMST               (6-2, 8-4)
Texas State           (Bobcats, 1-0, 3-2)        W arpb, L NAVY, L @ILL, W @TULSA, W IDAHO, ULL, @ULM, @NMST, GSU, @USA, ARKST, @GAST         (4-4, 6-6)
Louisiana-Lafayette   (Rajun� Cajuns, 1-0, 2-3)  W southern, L LATECH, L @MISS, L @BOISE, W GAST, @TXST, ARKST, USA, @NMST, @ULM, APP, @TROY  (5-3, 6-6)
Louisiana-Monroe      (Warhawks, 2-1, 3-2)       W WF, W IDAHO, L @LSU, W TROY, L @ARKST, @UK, TXST, @ATM, @APP, ULL, @NMST, @GSU             (6-2, 7-5)
South Alabama         (Jaguars, 2-1, 3-2)        W @KENT, L MSST, L GSU, W @IDAHO, W @APP, GAST, TROY, @ULL, @ARKST, TXST, @SC, NAVY          (4-4, 6-6)
New Mexico State         (Aggies, 1-1, 2-4)         W calpoly, W @GAST, L @UTEP, L NM, L @LSU, L GSU, @TROY, @IDAHO, TXST, ULL, ULM, @ARKST      (3-5, 4-8)
Troy                     (Trojans, 0-1, 0-5)        L @UAB, L DUKE, L abil, L @UGA, L @ULM, NMST, APP, @USA, @GSU, GAST, @IDAHO, ULL             (4-4, 4-8)
Appalachian State     (Mountaineers, 0-2, 1-4)   L @MICH, W camp, L @USM, L @GSU, L USA, liberty, @TROY, GAST, ULM, @ARKST, @ULL, IDAHO       (2-6, 4-8)
Georgia State            (Panthers, 0-2, 1-4)       W abil, L NMST, L AF, L @WASH, L @ULL, ARKST, @USA, GSU, @APP, @TROY, @CLEM, TXST            (0-8, 1-11)
Idaho                 (Vandals, 0-3, 0-5)        ND @UF, L @ULM, L WMU, L @OHIO, L USA, L @TXST, @GSU, NMST, ARKST, @SDSU, TROY, @APP         (0-8, 0-11)

Georgia Southern has a chance to win the Fun Belt and not make a bowl to due transfer ineligibility. Getting teams bowl eligible isn't a problem, it's finding them homes, but with the new bowls everyone should get a place to play and then some. Idaho should call Jeremy Foley at the end of the year and charge ten times their fee to come down to Gainesville at the end of the year, Gator would pay that.

Sun Belt Projected Bowl Teams (5): Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas State
Sun Belt Projected Contract Teams: None

Independents

pre:

BYU   (Cougars, 4-1)         W @UCONN, W @TEX, W HOU, W UVA, L USU, @UCF, NEV, @BOISE, @MTSU, UNLV, savst, @CAL       (7-5)
Army     (Black Knights, 2-3)   W BUFF, L @STAN, L @WAKE, L @ yale, W BALL, RICE, @KENT, AF, UCONN, @WKU, fordham, NAVY  (4-8)
Navy     (Midshipmen, 2-4)      L OHST, W @TEMP, W @TXST, L RUT, L WKU, L @AF, vmi, SJST, ND, GSU, @USA, ARMY            (4-8)

Remember, I have Notre Dame listed with the ACC due to their agreement. BYU's lost their luster with Taysom Hill's broken leg, but they still should make a bowl. Army/Navy will be fun at the end of the year, but not a good game.

Independent Projected Bowl Teams (1): BYU
Independent Projected Contract Teams: None

Number of Bowl Slots: 76
Number of Projected Bowl Teams: 71 - 10 (Big Ten), 9 (ACC, Pac-12, SEC), 8 (MWC), 5 (Big 12, American, C-USA, MAC, Sun Belt), 1 (Indep)

CFB Playoffs

pre:

Rose             1/1      Pasadena, California       Semifinal     Michigan State vs. Notre Dame
Sugar            1/1      New Orleans, Louisiana     Semifinal     Florida State vs. Auburn
Championship     1/12     Arlington, Texas           Final         Rose Winner vs. Sugar Winner

So I have no unbeaten teams outside of Marshall (and they don't count) and five teams with one loss: Florida State, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Baylor, and Auburn. Auburn makes it by virtue of surviving the SEC. Notre Dame makes it by virtue of being Notre Dame. That leaves two spots for three teams: FSU, Sparty, and Baylor. They'll want to keep the bowl traditions as close as they can, plus Sparty's one loss is on the road at Oregon, so they get sent to the Rose. Between FSU and Baylor, the nod goes to the defending champ. We don't want a regular season rematch if we can avoid it, so we need to split FSU and Notre Dame, plus the committee takes geography into consideration. The Rose Bowl gets a dream matchup, while the Sugar gets the rematch from last year's championship game. Baylor once again wonders what could have been.

Contract Bowls

pre:

Orange     12/31     Miami, Florida        ACC 1 vs. SEC/B1G/ND      Louisville vs. Alabama
Peach      12/31     Atlanta, Georgia      At-Large vs. At-Large     Ohio State vs. Ole Miss
Fiesta     12/31     Glendale, Arizona     At-Large vs. At-Large     Oregon vs. East Carolina
Cotton     1/1       Arlington, Texas      At-Large vs. At-Large     Baylor vs. Texas A&M

Three teams we have to take are Oregon, Baylor, and the highest Group of Five team in ECU. Unlike the BCS, there's no conference limitations so this is where all the SEC West teams will end up. Orange has their ACC tie, and with FSU/ND gone Big Wheel Bobby and Louisville is the next team up. To oppose them the Orange gets the most appealing 10-2 team in Alabama because PAWWWWWWWL! Everyone else has no tie-ins so the committee can have a free-for-all. Oregon stays out west in the Fiesta while Baylor stays in-state with the Cotton. Ohio State heads south to the Peach and gets Ole Miss. Texas A&M makes sense for the Cotton, while the Fiesta draws the short end of the stick again and has to host ECU.

And the rest.

pre:

R+L Carriers New Orleans 12/20 New Orleans, Louisiana Sun Belt vs. MWC Louisiana-Monroe vs. Fresno State
Gildan New Mexico 12/20 Albuquerque, New Mexico MWC vs. C-USA Wyoming vs. Oregon State
Royal Purple Las Vegas 12/20 Las Vegas, Nevada MWC vs. Pac-12 Air Force vs. Washington
Famous Idaho Potato 12/20 Boise, Idaho MAC vs. MWC Toledo vs. Colorado State
Raycom Media Camellia 12/20 Montgomery, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Akron vs. South Alabama
Miami Beach 12/22 Miami, Florida AAC vs. BYU Cincinnati vs. BYU
Boca Raton 12/23 Boca Raton, Florida C-USA vs. MAC Marshall vs. Northern Illinois
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia 12/23 San Diego, California MWC vs. Navy Boise State vs. California
Popeyes Bahamas 12/24 Nassau, Bahamas C-USA vs. MAC North Texas vs. Central Michigan
Hawai'i 12/24 Honolulu, Hawai�i C-USA vs. MWC UAB vs. Nevada
Heart of Dallas 12/26 Dallas, Texas Big Ten vs. C-USA Rutgers vs. Middle Tennessee
Quick Lane 12/26 Detroit, Michigan ACC vs. Big Ten Grey Cup Champ vs. Northwestern
BITCOIN St. Petersburg 12/26 St. Petersburg, Florida AAC vs. ACC Memphis vs. Duke
Military 12/27 Annapolis, Maryland AAC vs. ACC Buffalo vs. Virginia
Hyundai Sun 12/27 El Paso, Texas ACC vs. Pac-12 Virginia Tech vs. Arizona State
Duck Commander Independence 12/27 Shreveport, Louisiana ACC vs. SEC Louisiana Tech vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
New Era Pinstripe 12/27 Bronx, New York ACC vs. Big Ten Pittsburgh vs. Maryland
National University Holiday 12/27 San Diego, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Penn State vs. UCLA
AutoZone Liberty 12/29 Memphis, Tennessee Big 12 vs. SEC Oklahoma State vs. San Diego State
Russell Athletic 12/29 Orlando, Florida ACC vs. Big 12 Clemson vs. Kansas State
AdvoCare V100 Texas 12/29 Houston, Texas Big 12 vs. SEC Utah State vs. Georgia Southern
Franklin American Mortgage Music City 12/30 Nashville, Tennessee SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten Georgia vs. Iowa
Belk 12/30 Charlotte, North Carolina ACC vs. SEC NC State vs. South Carolina
San Francisco 12/30 Santa Clara, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Minnesota vs. Arizona
Citrus 1/1 Orlando, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Wisconsin vs. Mississippi State
Outback 1/1 Tampa, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Nebraska vs. Missouri
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces 1/2 Fort Worth, Texas AAC vs. Army Houston vs. Texas State
TaxSlayer 1/2 Jacksonville, Florida SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten LSU vs. Georgia Tech
Valero Alamo 1/2 San Antonio, Texas Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Oklahoma vs. Stanford
Cactus 1/2 Tempe, Arizona Big 12 vs. Pac-12 TCU vs. USC
Birmingham 1/3 Birmingham, Alabama AAC vs. SEC UCF vs. FIU
GoDaddy 1/4 Mobile, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State

Unlike past years conferences aren't necessary going in order of record making predictions even more of a crapshoot. We're short on teams so Georgia Southern, FIU and Buffalo all get to go. We're still shy a team, and with that slot being in Detroit I've slotted the Grey Cup Champions there for now. I hope they accept the invite :worry:

My math is probably all hosed up and this is going to be incredibly wrong, but that's what we get when I do these two months out. When complaining about anything I've done wrong, please refer to the previous statement tia.

Goddammit I've got someone double-slotted and I don't feel like fixing it right now. Point it out and I'll make amends thanks.

C. Everett Koop fucked around with this message at 05:34 on Oct 6, 2014

# ? Oct 6, 2014 05:29

anne frank fanfic: Oct 31, 2005

kayakyakr posted:

I hate wasting a high order post, just to disagree with you, but NEVER, never, never complain about more football. If they want to add another 32 bowls to the postseason, then I'm all for it.

Lol youre one of those dudes who keeps asking for more play in games in the basketball tournament

# ? Oct 6, 2014 13:45

Thoguh: Nov 8, 2002; College Slice

Gonna take a guess on the playoff teams so I can come back in December and laugh at how wrong I am.

1. Auburn
2. Baylor
3. Notre Dame
4. Michigan State

I'm least confident on the last one, but I think they've got a good chance of winning out (better than any of the Pac-12 teams) and I don't think the committee will include two teams from one conference unless there are no one loss P5 teams available from an unrepresented conference. It pains me to include Notre Dame in the list but I think they beat Florida State and the only other school in their way short of dropping a bad game is Arizona State.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 13:47

kayakyakr: Feb 16, 2004; Kayak is true

anne frank fanfic posted:

Lol youre one of those dudes who keeps asking for more play in games in the basketball tournament

No. Screw basketball. Halve the size of that drat tournament.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 15:41

KICK BAMA KICK: Mar 2, 2009

One point on the OP, I don't think you're using "contract bowl" correctly. The term doesn't refer to any given year's rotating non-playoff bowls; the three contract bowls are called that in contrast to "access bowls", the three playoff-affiliated bowls that aren't bound by traditional tie-ins.

Nola.com posted:

The Sugar, Rose and Orange bowls are the contract bowls, meaning they are affiliated with two or more of the five power conferences, the Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, ACC and PAC-12.

The Sugar Bowl will be affiliated with the SEC and Big 12. So in seasons when the Sugar Bowl isn�t hosting a semifinal game, the SEC and Big 12 will send teams to fill the two slots. The Rose Bowl is set up, as it has been for years, with the Big Ten and PAC-12. And the Orange is contracted with the ACC and either the Big Ten, SEC or Notre Dame.

The access bowls � Fiesta, Chick-fil-A and Cotton - will be filled by the CFP selection committee and will have little to no say in who comes to their games when they don�t host a semifinal game.

The slots in the access bowl will first be filled by any power conference champion that didn�t make the semifinal playoff and has no place in the contract bowl because it is hosting a semifinal.

The access bowl must also take the highest rated team from the five non-power conferences � known as the Group of Five � which consists of the MAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, American Athletic Conference and Mountain West. That team will be picked by the selection committee.

If there are any spots left to fill in the access bowls, the highest ranked teams, as ranked by the selection committee, will fill be put in those bowls.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 16:07

a neat cape: Feb 22, 2007; Aw hunny, these came out GREAT!

kayakyakr posted:

No. Screw basketball. Halve the size of that drat tournament.

No dont

# ? Oct 6, 2014 18:42

Rick: Feb 23, 2004; When I was 17, my father was so stupid, I didn't want to be seen with him in public. When I was 24, I was amazed at how much the old man had learned in just 7 years.

Man we're three weeks from me being skeptical about Arizona getting enough wins to be bowl eligible and now I have the sword of the hope of the Rose Bowl hovering over me.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 20:10

anne frank fanfic: Oct 31, 2005

kayakyakr posted:

No. Screw basketball. Halve the size of that drat tournament.

64 teams is (was) perfect and 8 teams will be as perfect as we can get for football

# ? Oct 6, 2014 22:15

HOTLANTA MAN: Jul 4, 2010; by Hand Knit; Lipstick Apathy

You have Georgia Southern in the Texas Bowl and they're ineligible

# ? Oct 6, 2014 22:16

kayakyakr: Feb 16, 2004; Kayak is true

HOTLANTA MAN posted:

You have Georgia Southern in the Texas Bowl and they're ineligible

He also has the Grey Cup winner (Canadian Football) in the Quick Lane bowl. He only had 71 bowl eligible teams, so the first ones that get a crack at that spot are the teams that are 6-7, then the provisional teams, then the ones who didn't play enough FBS teams, then the 5-6 teams, then the 5-7 teams.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 22:25

Basil Hayden: Oct 9, 2012; 1921!

kayakyakr posted:

He also has the Grey Cup winner (Canadian Football) in the Quick Lane bowl. He only had 71 bowl eligible teams, so the first ones that get a crack at that spot are the teams that are 6-7, then the provisional teams, then the ones who didn't play enough FBS teams, then the 5-6 teams, then the 5-7 teams.

6-7 teams have an exception that allows them to pretend they're 6-6 if the seventh loss comes in a conference championship game. This is a change from the original version of this rule, which stuck them between items 2 and 3 below and was therefore only invoked if there weren't enough regular bowl-eligible teams.

Also, if we somehow get a conference champion with a losing record, they're bowl eligible automatically as long as their conference has a bowl to send them to.

For everybody else the order is as follows:
1. Teams (who more or less necessarily must have a 6-6 record) who have a win over an FCS opponent that doesn't offer enough scholarships to count for the FCS Opponent exception (Ivy, Patriot, Pioneer, etc.).
2. Teams with a .500 winning percentage or better with two FCS wins (and not enough other wins to qualify normally).
3. 6-7 teams whose seventh loss came in the regular season (because they played an away game at Hawaii or whatever).
4. Teams in their last year of reclassification who would qualify if they were full members (App State, Georgia Southern and Old Dominion, basically, should they finish 6-6 or better).
5. 5-7 teams with top-five FBS APR (which, this year, would be Duke, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Utah State and Boise State, I think).

There's also a slight quirk in that any individual bowl game is only allowed to pick a team from these groups once in a four-year period, and this provision won't be available after 2015 unless they change the rule to extend it. The handbook doesn't say what happens if, even with the use of these five groups, there aren't enough teams to be found.

# ? Oct 6, 2014 22:48

The 7th Guest: Dec 17, 2003

The important thing is that there is a football game called the Bitcoin Bowl

# ? Oct 6, 2014 22:55

DriveC: Oct 27, 2008; Going to Gamestop at midnight for Halo: ODST. Didn't pre order. The guy on the phone told me I *might* get a copy. Whatever dude.

Quest For Glory II posted:

The important thing is that there is a football game called the Bitcoin Bowl

On the other hand it's not named the Beef O Brady Bowl anymore.

See ya at Beefs :smith:

# ? Oct 7, 2014 00:26

pillsburysoldier: Feb 11, 2008; Yo, peep that shit

Cross posted in the week 6 aftermath thread

Tony Barnhart @MrCFB � 23h 22 hours ago
Just landed in Dallas. Taking part In mock selection process for @CFBPlayoff on Thursday with my fellow scribes. Will be fun.

they used the 2008 season for their mock playoff:

Tony Barnhart @MrCFB � 4m 4 minutes ago
We have completed our Mock Selection for @CFBPlayoff. No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 USC in the Sugar Bowl; No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas in Rose.

Tony Barnhart @MrCFB � 2m 2 minutes ago
Alabama finishes No. 6 behind No. 4 USC and No. 5 Penn State. Committee gave them edge as conference champs.

Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt � 6m 6 minutes ago
In 2008, Alabama had one loss (to No. 1 Florida in a championship game.) No. 4 in final BCS. Didn't make "mock committee" Final Four today.

Cecil Hurt @CecilHurt � 5m 5 minutes ago
Just get ready, SEC fans. The real committee will be even worse.

http://t.co/SV0Kz6M1qe
http://t.co/gzEzmPBLRj

# ? Oct 9, 2014 20:24

Elephanthead: Sep 11, 2008; Toilet Rascal

So are there any Vegas Oddsmakers on the committee since it is their daily job to decide who would win every game before it is played and by how many points?

# ? Oct 9, 2014 20:35

Aenobarbus: Nov 7, 2012

Let me know when they do a mock up of the 2007 season. I'll have my popcorn ready...

# ? Oct 9, 2014 20:39

Grittybeard: Mar 29, 2010; Bad, very bad!

anne frank fanfic posted:

64 teams is (was) perfect and 8 teams will be as perfect as we can get for football

I favor 16 personally, but either way four is kind of dumb. But way less dumb than most of what college football has done so yay I guess.

This thread strikes me as coming really early but at the same time I admire your dedication Koop.

# ? Oct 9, 2014 20:44

Mahoning: Feb 3, 2007

Elephanthead posted:

So are there any Vegas Oddsmakers on the committee since it is their daily job to decide who would win every game before it is played and by how many points?

That's not their job.

# ? Oct 9, 2014 21:16

Tank44: Jun 13, 2005; We want the ball & We're going to score

C. Everett Koop posted:

Week 6: Chaos Reigns
CFB Playoffs

pre:

Rose             1/1      Pasadena, California       Semifinal     Michigan State vs. Notre Dame
Sugar            1/1      New Orleans, Louisiana     Semifinal     Florida State vs. Auburn
Championship     1/12     Arlington, Texas           Final         Rose Winner vs. Sugar Winner

Contract Bowls

pre:

Orange     12/31     Miami, Florida        ACC 1 vs. SEC/B1G/ND      Louisville vs. Alabama
Peach      12/31     Atlanta, Georgia      At-Large vs. At-Large     Ohio State vs. Ole Miss
Fiesta     12/31     Glendale, Arizona     At-Large vs. At-Large     Oregon vs. East Carolina
Cotton     1/1       Arlington, Texas      At-Large vs. At-Large     Baylor vs. Texas A&M

I do like the way the access bowls will try to do the best matchups. However with the G5 I hope these teams aren't that lovely and always get thrown in the Fiesta Bowl. As a west coast guy, I supopose that the Fiesta will almost always get a pac-12 school due to proximity and just don't want to see the Pac-12 vs G5 school each year.

# ? Oct 9, 2014 21:22

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

Week 7: CLANGA CLANGA CLANGA CLANGA

Legend: Bold = bowl eligible Italics = projected eligible ~~strike = bowl ineligible~~

ACC

Atlantic

pre:

Florida State    (Seminoles, 4-0, 6-0)       ND, @LOU, UVA, @U, BC, UF              (7-1, 11-1)
Clemson          (Tigers, 3-1, 4-2)          @BC, CUSE, @WF, @GT, GAST, SC          (7-1, 9-3)
Louisville       (Cardinals, 3-2, 5-2)       NCST, FSU, @BC, @ND, UK                (6-2, 9-3)
Boston College   (Eagles, 1-1, 4-2)          CLEM, @WF, @VT, LOU, @FSU, CUSE        (3-5, 6-6)
Syracuse         (Orange, 0-2, 2-4)          @WF, @CLEM, NCST, DUKE, @PITT, @BC     (1-7, 3-9)
Wake Forest      (Demon Deacons, 0-2, 2-4)   CUSE, BC, CLEM, @NCST, VT, @DUKE       (0-8, 2-10) 
NC State         (Wolfpack, 0-3, 4-3)        @LOU, @CUSE, GT, WF, @UNC              (3-5, 7-5)

Nole/Irish will be fun this Saturday provided Jameis doesn't do anything stupid in the next six days, which isn't a bet I'd like to take. BC moves into bowl territory with their win, while I'm becoming a little more bearish on NC State; I don't think they'll win at Louisville but if they can't win against the Orange I don't know what they're doing.

Coastal

pre:

Virginia        (Cavaliers, 2-0, 4-2)        @DUKE, UNC, @GT, @FSU, U, @VT           (5-3, 7-5)
Georgia Tech    (Yellow Jackets, 2-1, 5-1)   @UNC, @PITT, UVA, @NCST, CLEM, @UGA     (4-4, 7-5) 
Duke            (Blue Devils, 1-1, 5-1)      UVA, @PITT, @CUSE, VT, UNC, WF          (6-2, 10-2)
Virginia Tech   (Hokies, 1-1, 4-2)           @PITT, U, BC, @DUKE, @WF, UVA           (6-2, 9-3)
Pittsburgh      (Panthers, 1-1, 3-3)         VT, GT, DUKE, @UNC, CUSE, @U            (4-4, 6-6)
Miami           (Hurricanes, 1-2, 4-3)       @VT, UNC, FSU, @UVA, PITT               (3-5, 5-7)
North Carolina  (Tar Heels, 0-2, 2-4)        GT, @UVA, @U, PITT, @DUKE, NCST         (0-8, 2-10)

Operation 4-4 takes some major blows as only GT and Pitt are projected to finish at the .500 conference mark. I'm not comfortable with the idea that Virginia is a good football team, whether or not they hang with Duke next week should determine what they really are.

pre:

Notre Dame (Fighting Irish, 6-0) @FSU, @NAVY, @ASU, NW, LOU, @USC (11-1)

The end of Notre Dame's unbeaten season comes this Saturday at FSU, but the Irish will be favored the rest of the way. Better hope one of the Pac-12 teams get Notre Dame, because an 11-1 Irish team makes the playoff unless four major teams go 12-0.

ACC Projected Bowl Teams (11): FSU, Notre Dame, Louisville, Clemson, Duke, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, NC State, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Boston College
ACC Projected Playoff Contenders: Florida State, Notre Dame
ACC Projected Access Contenders: Louisville

Big Ten

East

pre:

Michigan State  (Spartans, 2-0, 5-1)          @IND, MICH, OHSU, @MARY, RUT, @PENN            (8-0, 11-1)
Ohio State      (Buckeyes, 1-0, 4-1)          RUT, @PENN, ILL, @MICHST, @MINN, IND, MICH     (7-1, 10-2)
Rutgers         (Scarlet Knights, 1-1, 5-1)   @OHSU, @NEB, WISC, IND, @MICHST, @MARY         (2-6, 6-6)
Maryland        (Terapins, 1-1, 4-2)          IOWA, @WISC, @PENN, MICHST, @MICH, RUT         (4-4, 7-5)
Penn State      (Nittany Lions, 1-2, 4-2)     OHSU, MARY, @IND, TEMPLE, @ILL, MICHST         (4-4, 8-4)
Michigan        (Wolverines, 1-2, 3-4)        @MICHST, IND, @NW, MARY, @OHSU                 (1-7, 3-9)
Indiana         (Hoosiers, 0-2, 3-3)          MICHST, @MICH, PENN, @RUT, @OHSU, PUR          (2-6, 5-7)

How the hell did Michigan beat Penn State? I know last year's game was as bad as a long OT game can get so I wasn't watching this poo poo but still. Sparty/Buckeye still determines the east, that hasn't and won't change.

West

pre:

Iowa           (Hawkeyes, 2-0, 5-1)               @MARY, NW, @MINN, @ILL, WISC, NEB      (5-3, 8-4)
Minnesota      (Golden Gophers, 2-0, 5-1)         PUR, @ILL, IOWA, OHSU, @NEB, @WISC     (4-4, 7-5)
Northwestern   (Wildcats, 2-1, 3-3)               NEB, @IOWA, MICH, @ND, @PUR, ILL       (5-3, 7-5)
Nebraska       (Huskers, 1-1, 5-1)                @NW, RUT, PUR, @WISC, MINN, @IOWA      (6-2, 10-2)
Wisconsin      (Badgers, 1-1, 4-2)                MARY, @RUT, @PUR, NEB, @IOWA, MINN     (7-1, 10-2)
Purdue         (Boilermakers, 1-2, 3-4)        @MINN, @NEB, WISC, NW, @IND            (2-6, 4-8)
Illinois       (Fightin� Illini, 0-3, 3-4)     MINN, @OHSU, IOWA, PENN, @NW           (0-8, 3-9)

Nothing really changes in the West. Nothing really changes in the Big 10. Same as it ever was. Same as it ever was.

Big Ten Projected Bowl Teams (10): Michigan State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers
Big Ten Projected Playoff Contenders: Michigan State
Big Ten Projected Access Contenders: Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Big 12

pre:

Baylor           (Bears, 3-0, 6-0)            @WVU, KU, @OK, OKST, @TTU, KST           (8-1, 11-1)
Oklahoma State   (Cowboys, 3-0, 5-1)          @TCU, WVU, @KST, TEX, @BAY, @OK          (6-3, 8-4) 
Kansas State     (Wildcats, 2-0, 4-1)         @OK, TEX, OKST, @TCU, @WVU, KU, @BAY     (6-3, 8-4)
Oklahoma         (Sooners, 2-1, 5-1)          KST, @ISU, BAY, @TTU, UK, OKST           (7-2, 10-2)
West Virginia    (Mountaineers, 2-1, 4-2)     BAY, @OKST, TCU, @TEX, KST, @ISU         (3-6, 5-7)
TCU              (Horned Frogs, 1-1, 4-1)     OKST, TTU, @WVU, KST, @KU, @TEX, ISU     (7-2, 10-2)
Texas            (Longhorns, 1-2, 2-4)        ISU, @KST, @TTU, WVU, @OKST, TCU         (2-7, 3-9)
Iowa State       (Cyclones, 0-3, 2-4)         @TEX, OK, @KU, TTU, WVU, @TCU            (1-8, 2-10)
Kansas           (Jayhawks, 0-3, 2-4)         @TTU, @BAY, ISU, TCU, @OK, @KST          (0-9, 2-10)
Texas Tech       (Red Raiders, 0-3, 2-4)      KU, @TCU, TEX, OK, @ISU, BAY             (3-6, 5-7)

The top part of the Big 12 doesn't change, but TCU hanging with Baylor makes me think a little higher of them. This is a very bipolar conference; the top teams are good but the bottom teams are fairly bad, so it could come down to what WVU/TTU do in getting that sixth and seventh bowl team and improving the conference's viability that will make or break the playoff.

Big 12 Projected Bowl Teams (5): Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, Oklahoma State, Kansas State
Big 12 Projected Playoff Contenders: Baylor
Big 12 Projected Access Contenders: Oklahoma, TCU

Pac-12

North

pre:

Oregon            (Ducks, 2-1, 5-1)          WASH, @CAL, STAN, @UTAH, COL, @ORST            (7-2, 10-2)
Stanford          (Cardinal, 2-1, 4-2)       @ASU, ORST, @ORG, UTAH, @CAL, @UCLA            (7-2, 9-3)
California        (Golden Bears, 2-2, 4-2)   UCLA, ORG, @ORST, @USC, STAN, BYU              (3-6, 6-6)
Washington        (Huskies, 1-1, 5-1)        @ORG, ASU, @COL, UCLA, @ARIZ, ORST, @WAZZU     (4-5, 8-5)
Oregon State      (Beavers, 1-1, 4-1)        UTAH, @STAN, CAL, WAZZU, ASU, @WASH, ORG       (3-6, 6-6)
Washington State   (Cougars, 1-3, 2-5)        ARIZ, USC, @ORST, @ASU, WASH                   (1-8, 2-10)

pre:

USC             (Trojans, 3-1, 4-2)      COL, @UTAH, @WAZZU, CAL, @UCLA, ND             (7-2, 8-4)
Arizona         (Wildcats, 2-1, 5-1)     @WAZZU, @UCLA, COL, WASH, @UTAH, ASU           (7-2, 10-2)
Arizona State   (Sun Devils, 2-1, 4-1)   STAN, @WASH, UTAH, ND, @ORST, WAZZU, @ARIZ     (6-3, 8-4)
Utah            (Utes, 1-1, 4-1)         @ORST, USC, @ASU, ORG, @STAN, ARIZ, @COL       (2-7, 5-7)
UCLA            (Bruins, 1-2, 4-2)       @CAL, @COL, ARIZ, @WASH, USC, STAN             (6-3, 9-3)
Colorado        (Buffaloes, 0-3, 2-4)    @USC, UCLA, WASH, @ARIZ, @ORG, UTAH            (0-9, 2-10)

We knew Arizona wasn't going to run the table, but junk science wins again late in the desert. Utah's got a chance to make a bowl if they can win in Corvallis next week.

Pac-12 Projected Bowl Teams (9): Stanford, Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, Washington, California, Oregon State
Pac-12 Projected Playoff Teams: None
Pac-12 Projected Access Teams: Oregon, Arizona

SEC

East

pre:

Georgia          (Bulldogs, 3-1, 5-1)     @ARK, UF, @UK, AUB, charso, GT       (6-2, 10-2)
Kentucky         (Wildcats, 2-1, 5-1)     @LSU, MSST, @MIZZ, UGA, @UT, LOU     (2-6, 5-7)
Florida          (Gators, 2-2, 3-2)       MIZZ, UGA, @VAN, SC, eastky, FSU     (3-5, 5-6)
Missouri         (Tigers, 1-1, 4-2)       @UF, VAN, UK, @ATM, @UT, ARK         (6-2, 9-3)
South Carolina   (Gamecocks, 2-3, 3-3)    furman, @AUB, UT, @UF, USA, @CLEM    (4-4, 8-4)
Tennessee        (Volunteers, 0-2, 3-3)   @MISS, BAMA, @SC, UK, MIZZ, @VAN     (2-6, 5-7)
Vanderbilt       (Commodores, 0-4, 2-5)   @MIZZ, ODU, UF, @MSST, UT            (0-8, 3-9)

Dawgs back on top for now. There's no reason for them not to run the table save Auburn but I can easily see this team screwing up somewhere along the way. East is a bit of a mess.

West

pre:

Mississippi State   (Bulldogs, 3-0, 6-0)         @UK, ARK, utmart, @BAMA, VAN, @MISS      (7-1, 11-1)
Ole Miss            (Rebels, 3-0, 6-0)           UT, @LSU, AUB, pres, @ARK, MSST          (7-1, 11-1)
Alabama             (Crimson Tide, 2-1, 5-1)     ATM, @UT, @LSU, MSST, wcar, AUB          (5-3, 9-3) 
Auburn              (Tigers, 2-1, 5-1)           SC, @MISS, ATM, @UGA, samford, @BAMA     (7-1, 11-1)
Texas A&M           (Aggies, 2-2, 5-2)           @BAMA, ULM, @AUB, MIZZ, LSU              (4-4, 8-4)
LSU                 (Tigers, 1-2, 5-2)           UK, MISS, BAMA, @ARK, @ATM               (3-5, 7-5)
Arkansas            (Razorbacks, 0-3, 3-3)       UGA, UAB, @MSST, LSU, MISS, @MIZZ        (0-8, 4-8)

We finally get a chance here as Cowbell and Reb prove that they're for real. Ole Miss gets tripped up by Auburn but wins the Egg Bowl and that creates a mess on top. Rule of thumb is always last loss hurts the most, so Auburn might benefit the most from their current loss if they knock off the Rebels. Bama and A&M's stock is down, as is LSU's a little bit.

SEC Projected Bowl Teams (9): Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Texas A&M, South Carolina, LSU
SEC Projected Playoff Teams: Auburn, Ole Miss, Miss State
SEC Projected Contract Teams: Georgia

American

pre:

East Carolina     (Pirates, 2-0, 5-1)              UCONN, @TEMPLE, @CIN, TULANE, @TULSA, UCF          (8-0, 11-1)
Temple            (Owls, 2-0, 4-1)                 @HOU, @UCF, ECU, MEM, @PENN, CIN, @TULANE          (4-4, 6-6)
UCF               (Knights, 1-0, 3-2)              TULANE, TEMPLE, @UCONN, TULSA, SMU, @USF, @ECU     (7-1, 9-3)
Houston           (Cougars, 1-1, 3-3)              TEMPLE, @USF, TULANE, TULSA, @SMU, @CIN            (5-3, 7-5)
Memphis           (Tigers, 1-1, 3-3)               @SMU, TULSA, @TEMPLE, @TULANE, USF, UCONN          (6-2, 8-4)
South Florida     (Bulls, 1-1, 2-4)                @TULSA, @CIN, HOU, @SMU, @MEM, UCF                 (2-6, 3-9)
Tulane            (Green Wave, 1-1, 2-4)           @UCF, CIN, @HOU, MEM, @ECU, TEMPLE                 (1-7, 2-10)
Tulsa             (Golden Hurricane, 1-1, 1-5)     USF, @MEM, SMU, @UCF, @HOU, ECU                    (3-5, 4-8)
Cincinnati        (Bearkats, 0-1, 2-3)             @SMU, USF, @TULANE, ECU, @UCONN, @TEMPLE, HOU      (5-3, 7-5)
SMU               (Mustangs, 0-1, 0-5)             CIN, MEM, @TULSA, USF, @UCF, HOU, @UCONN           (0-8, 0-12)
Connecticut       (Huskies, 0-3, 1-5)              @ECU, UCF, @ARMY, CIN, @MEM, SMU                   (1-7, 3-9)

ECU/UCF looks like it'll decide the conference and whether or not Pirate makes an Access Bowl at the end, which means it won't. Temple gets bumped up to a bowl so good for the Fightin' Cosbys.

American Projected Bowl Teams (6): East Carolina, UCF, Memphis, Cincinnati, Houston, Temple
American Projected Contract Teams: East Carolina

Conference USA

East

pre:

Marshall                   (Thundering Herd, 2-0, 6-0)     @FIU, FAU, @USM, RICE, @UAB, WKU                (8-0, 12-0)
Middle Tennessee State     (Blue Raiders, 3-1, 4-3)        UAB, BYU, @FIU, FAU, @UTEP                      (7-1, 9-3)
UAB                        (Blazers, 2-1, 4-2)             @MTSU, @ARK, @FAU, LATECH, MAR, @USM            (4-4, 6-6)
FIU                        (Golden Panthers, 2-1, 3-4)     MAR, RICE, @ODU, MTSU, @UNT                     (4-4, 7-5)
FAU                        (Owls, 1-1, 2-4)                WKU, @MAR, UAB, @UNT, @MTSU, ODU                (3-5, 4-8)
Old Dominion               (Monarchs, 1-3, 3-4)            @WKU, @VAN, FIU, LATECH, @FAU                   (1-7, 2-10)
Western Kentucky           (Hilltoppers, 0-2, 2-3)         @FAU, ODU, @LATECH, UTEP, ARMY, UTSA, @MAR      (1-7, 4-8)

No reason for Marshall not to run the rest of their schedule, but they'll still need ECU to lose. FIU picks up another win that gets them into a bowl straight up.

West

pre:

Louisiana Tech   (Bulldogs, 2-0, 3-3)          UTSA, @USM, WKU, @UAB, @ODU, RICE            (8-0, 9-3)
Rice             (Owls, 1-1, 3-3)              UNT, @FIU, UTSA, @MAR, UTEP, @LATECH         (2-6, 4-8)
UTEP             (Miners, 1-1, 3-3)            @UTSA, USM, @WKU, UNT, @RICE, MTSU           (2-6, 4-8)
UTSA             (Roadrunners, 1-1, 2-4)       @LATECH, UTEP, @RICE, USM, @WKU, UNT         (3-5, 4-8)
North Texas      (Mean Green, 0-2, 2-4)        @UAB, USM, @RICE, FAU, @UTEP, FIU, @UTSA     (4-4, 6-6)
Southern Miss    (Golden Eagles, 0-2, 2-4)     @UNT, LATECH, @UTEP, MAR, @UTSA, UAB         (0-8, 2-10)

Man I do not care about the C-USA West one bit.

C-USA Projected Bowl Teams (6): Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, FIU, UAB, North Texas
C-USA Projected Access Teams: Marshall

MAC

East

pre:

Bowling Green     (Falcons, 3-0, 5-2)            WMU, @AKRON, KENT, TOLEDO, BALL           (7-1, 9-3)
Akron             (Zips, 2-0, 4-2)               @OHIO, @BALL, BG, @BUFF, UMASS, @KENT     (7-1, 9-3)
Buffalo           (Bulls, 1-2, 3-4)              CMU, @OHIO, AKRON, KENT, @UMASS           (4-4, 6-6)
Ohio              (Bobcats, 1-2, 3-4)            AKRON, @WMU, BUFF, NIU, @MOH              (3-5, 5-7)
Massachussets     (Minutemen, 1-2, 1-6)          EMU, @TOL, BALL, @AKRON, BUFF             (1-7, 1-11)
Miami             (Redhawks, 1-2, 1-6)           @NIU, KENT, WMU, @CMU, OHIO               (2-6, 2-10)
Kent State        (Golden Flashes, 0-3, 0-6)     ARMY, @MOH, TOLEDO, @BG, @BUFF, AKRON     (1-7, 1-11)

Three weeks away from Bowling Green at Akron whiich should decide the division. UMass/MOH/Kent is just a worthless shitshow and if we're lucky they'll all be put out of their misery soon.

West

pre:

Toledo                (Rockets, 3-0, 4-3)       UMASS, @KENT, @NIU, BG, @EMU              (6-2, 7-5)
Central Michigan      (Chippewas, 2-1, 4-3)     BALL, @BUFF, @EMU, MOH, WMU               (5-3, 7-5)
Northern Illinois     (Huskies, 1-1, 4-2)       MOH, @EMU, @BALL, TOLEDO, @OHIO, @WMU     (7-1, 10-2)
Western Michigan      (Broncos, 1-1, 3-3)       @BG, OHIO, @MOH, EMU, @CMU, NIU           (3-5, 5-7)
Eastern Michigan      (Eagles, 1-1, 2-4)        @UMASS, NIU, CMU, @WMU, @BALL, TOLEDO     (1-7, 2-10)
Ball State            (Cardinals, 0-2, 1-5)     @CMU, AKRON, NIU, @UMASS, EMU, @BG        (2-6, 3-9)

NIU's loss at the hands of CMU eliminates any hopes that the Huskies could backdoor their way to an Access Bowl. They're still the odds on favorite to win the division since I don't trust a Toledo team that can't beat Iowa State. Pete Lembo's going to be a victim of bad timing and it could cost him his career.

MAC Projected Bowl Teams (5): Northern Illinois, Akron, Bowling Green, Toledo, Central Michigan
MAC Projected Access Teams: None

Mountain West

Mountain

pre:

Utah State         (Aggies, 1-0, 4-2)        @CSU, UNLV, @HAW, @WYO, NM, SJST, @BOISE     (4-4, 7-6)
Boise State        (Broncos, 2-1, 4-2)       FRESNO, BYU, @NM, SDSU, @WYO, USU            (6-2, 9-3)
Colorado State     (Rams, 1-1, 5-1)          USU, WYO, @SJST, HAW, NM, @AF                (3-5, 7-5)
Wyoming            (Buffaloes, 1-1, 3-3)     SJST, @CSU, @FRESNO, USU, BOISE, @NM         (5-3, 7-5)
Air Force          (Falcons, 1-2, 4-2)       NM, @ARMY, @UNLV, NEV, @SDSU, CSU            (5-3, 9-3)
New Mexico         (Lobos, 0-2, 2-4)         @AF, @UNLV, BOISE, @USU, @CSU, WYO           (1-7, 3-9)

Boise's gonna end up winning this division after all, aren't they?

West

pre:

Hawai�i             (Rainbow Warriors, 1-0, 2-4)     @SDSU, NEV, USU, @CSU, @SJST, UNLV, @FRESNO      (2-6, 3-9)
San Diego State     (Aztecs, 2-1, 3-3)             HAW, @NEV, IDAHO, @BOISE, AF, SJST                 (4-4, 6-6)
Fresno State        (Bulldogs, 2-1, 3-4)           @BOISE, WYO, SJST, @NEV, HAW                       (6-2, 7-5)
San Jose State      (Spartans, 1-1, 2-3)           @WYO, @NAVY, CSU, @FRESNO, HAW, @USU, @SDSU        (2-6, 3-9)
Nevada              (Wolfpack, 1-2, 3-3)           @BYU, @HAW, SDSU, @AF, FRESNO, @UNLV               (5-3, 8-4)
UNLV                (Rebels, 1-2, 2-5)             @USU, NM, AF, @BYU, @HAW, NEV              (1-7, 2-10)

Hawai'i is on top and let's just freeze these standings now and hold onto them forever, since it'll probably never happen again.

MWC Projected Bowl Teams (8): Air Force, Boise State, Nevada, Wyoming, Fresno State, Colorado State, Utah State, San Diego State
MWC Projected Access Teams: None

Sun Belt

pre:

Georgia Southern        (Golden Eagles, 4-0, 5-2)     GAST, TROY, @TXST, @NAVY, ULM                  (6-2, 8-4)
Arkansas State          (Red Wolves, 2-0, 4-2)        @ULL, @IDAHO, USA, APP, @TXST, NMST            (6-2, 8-4)
Texas State             (Bobcats, 1-0, 3-2)           ULL, @ULM, @NMST, GSU, @USA, ARKST, @GAST      (4-4, 6-6)
Louisiana-Lafayette     (Rajun� Cajuns, 1-0, 2-3)     @TXST, ARKST, USA, @NMST, @ULM, APP, @TROY     (5-3, 6-6)
South Alabama           (Jaguars, 2-1, 3-2)           GAST, TROY, @ULL, @ARKST, TXST, @SC, NAVY      (4-4, 6-6)
Louisiana-Monroe        (Warhawks, 2-1, 3-3)          TXST, @ATM, @APP, ULL, @NMST, @GSU             (6-2, 7-5)
Troy                    (Trojans, 1-1, 1-5)           APP, @USA, @GSU, GAST, @IDAHO, ULL             (4-4, 4-8)
New Mexico State        (Aggies, 1-2, 2-5)            @IDAHO, TXST, ULL, ULM, @ARKST                 (3-5, 4-8)
Appalachian State       (Mountaineers, 0-2, 1-5)      @TROY, GAST, ULM, @ARKST, @ULL, IDAHO          (2-6, 3-9)
Georgia State           (Panthers, 0-3, 1-5)          @USA, GSU, @APP, @TROY, @CLEM, TXST            (0-8, 1-11)
Idaho                   (Vandals, 0-4, 0-6)           NMST, ARKST, @SDSU, TROY, @APP                 (0-8, 0-11)

With a number of teams off things don't really change in the Fun Belt.

Sun Belt Projected Bowl Teams (5): Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Louisiana-Lafayette, Texas State
Sun Belt Projected Access Teams: None

Independents

pre:

BYU      (Cougars, 4-2)           NEV, @BOISE, @MTSU, UNLV, savst, @CAL     (7-5)
Navy     (Midshipmen, 3-4)        SJST, ND, GSU, @USA, ARMY                 (4-8)
Army     (Black Knights, 2-4)     @KENT, AF, UCONN, @WKU, fordham, NAVY     (4-8)

BYU's just playing out the string, Army/Navy are kinds whatever unless the Midshipmen can pull off some upsets in their Sun Belt games.

Independent Projected Bowl Teams (1): BYU
Independent Projected Access Teams: None

Number of Bowl Slots: 76
Number of Projected Bowl Teams: 75 - 11 (ACC), 10 (Big Ten), 9 (Pac-12, SEC), 8 (MWC), 6 (American, C-USA), 5 (Big 12, MAC, Sun Belt), 1 (Indep)

CFB Playoffs

pre:

Rose             1/1      Pasadena, California       Semifinal     Michigan State vs. Notre Dame
Sugar            1/1      New Orleans, Louisiana     Semifinal     Baylor vs. Auburn
Championship     1/12     Arlington, Texas           Final         Rose Winner vs. Sugar Winner

This is tougher than it was last week, with now two more teams projected to finish with just one loss bringing our total to eight, and the Big 12 being strengthened with five teams in the Top 15. One of the Mississippi's has to lose which will eliminate them from the playoff, and Auburn plays Ole Miss which is do or die for War Eagle. When in doubt, it's better to lose early than it is to lose late. Sparty's already had their loss, I've got the Irish losing this week to FSU, Auburn took their loss this week, and Baylor loses to the Sooners on Saturday. With Ole Miss' loss to Auburn coming on 11/1, if FSU can't run the table again, and I have them losing to Louisville on the 30th, he who loses last loses period. The defending champs, at 12-1, don't get a chance to be the last to win the BCS title and the first to win the CFB Playoff. Such is life. Winston is scum.

Contract Bowls

pre:

Orange     12/31     Miami, Florida        ACC 1 vs. SEC/B1G/ND      Florida State vs. Ole Miss
Peach      12/31     Atlanta, Georgia      At-Large vs. At-Large     Mississippi State vs. Ohio State
Fiesta     12/31     Glendale, Arizona     At-Large vs. At-Large     Stanford vs. ECU
Cotton     1/1       Arlington, Texas      At-Large vs. At-Large     Oklahoma vs. Nebraska

FSU does land on their feet as they go to the Orange Bowl as the ACC Champs. With Notre Dame in the playoff and not wanting to book Ohio State in the Orange Bowl for a second year, Ole Miss heads to Miami. The other 11-1 team, Mississippi State, heads to Atlanta, where they face off with Ohio State. Stanford wins a rematch over USC to claim the Pac-12 crown and go to the Fiesta, facing ECU. Oklahoma makes sense for the Cotton, where they face Nebraska in a surprise as the Big Ten gets a second team.

And the rest.

pre:

R+L Carriers New Orleans 12/20 New Orleans, Louisiana Sun Belt vs. MWC Louisiana-Monroe vs. Fresno State
Gildan New Mexico 12/20 Albuquerque, New Mexico MWC vs. C-USA Wyoming vs. FIU
Royal Purple Las Vegas 12/20 Las Vegas, Nevada MWC vs. Pac-12 Air Force vs. Arizona State
Famous Idaho Potato 12/20 Boise, Idaho MAC vs. MWC Toledo vs. Colorado State
Raycom Media Camellia 12/20 Montgomery, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Bowling Green vs. South Alabama
Miami Beach 12/22 Miami, Florida AAC vs. BYU Cincinnati vs. BYU
Boca Raton 12/23 Boca Raton, Florida C-USA vs. MAC Marshall vs. NIU
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia 12/23 San Diego, California MWC vs. Navy Boise State vs. California
Popeyes Bahamas 12/24 Nassau, Bahamas C-USA vs. MAC North Texas vs. CMU
Hawai'i 12/24 Honolulu, Hawai�i C-USA vs. MWC UAB vs. Nevada
Heart of Dallas 12/26 Dallas, Texas Big Ten vs. C-USA Oregon State vs. Middle Tennessee
Quick Lane 12/26 Detroit, Michigan ACC vs. Big Ten Virginia vs. Rutgers
BITCOIN St. Petersburg 12/26 St. Petersburg, Florida AAC vs. ACC Memphis vs. NC State
Military 12/27 Annapolis, Maryland AAC vs. ACC Temple vs. Pittsburgh
Hyundai Sun 12/27 El Paso, Texas ACC vs. Pac-12 Duke vs. Arizona
Duck Commander Independence 12/27 Shreveport, Louisiana ACC vs. SEC Boston College vs. Louisiana Tech
New Era Pinstripe 12/27 Bronx, New York ACC vs. Big Ten Virginia Tech vs. Northwestern
National University Holiday 12/27 San Diego, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Iowa vs. Oregon
AutoZone Liberty 12/29 Memphis, Tennessee Big 12 vs. SEC Kansas State vs. South Carolina
Russell Athletic 12/29 Orlando, Florida ACC vs. Big 12 Louisville vs. Oklahoma State
AdvoCare V100 Texas 12/29 Houston, Texas Big 12 vs. SEC Houston vs. San Diego State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City 12/30 Nashville, Tennessee SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten Missouri vs. Georgia Tech
Belk 12/30 Charlotte, North Carolina ACC vs. SEC Clemson vs. LSU
San Francisco 12/30 Santa Clara, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Minnesota vs. UCLA
Citrus 1/1 Orlando, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Wisconsin vs. Georgia
Outback 1/1 Tampa, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Penn State vs. Alabama
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces 1/2 Fort Worth, Texas AAC vs. Army Texas State vs. Buffalo
TaxSlayer Gator 1/2 Jacksonville, Florida SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten Texas A&M vs. Maryland
Valero Alamo 1/2 San Antonio, Texas Big 12 vs. Pac-12 TCU vs. USC
Cactus 1/2 Tempe, Arizona Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Utah State vs. Washington
Birmingham 1/3 Birmingham, Alabama AAC vs. SEC UCF vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
GoDaddy 1/4 Mobile, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Akron vs. Arkansas State

We end up one slot shy so 6-6 Buffalo gets to count both of their FCS wins and heads to Texas. If we need one more, Georgia Southern gets their waiver and will fill that spot. The Grey Cup Winners never returned my calls so gently caress 'em.

I'm sure there's errors aplenty, they'll fix themselves as we get closer to the end.

C. Everett Koop fucked around with this message at 04:16 on Oct 13, 2014

# ? Oct 13, 2014 03:57

Lessail: Apr 1, 2011; tell me how vgk aren't playing like shit again

p.s. help my grapes are so sour!

UNLV beat Fresno State so they should be 1-2 conference play 2-5 overall. Not that they're getting anywhere in the postseason

# ? Oct 13, 2014 04:08

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

Lessail posted:

UNLV beat Fresno State so they should be 1-2 conference play 2-5 overall. Not that they're getting anywhere in the postseason

1: How.
2: Record amended and projection changed to 1-7, 2-10.

# ? Oct 13, 2014 04:16

Lessail: Apr 1, 2011; tell me how vgk aren't playing like shit again

p.s. help my grapes are so sour!

C. Everett Koop posted:

1: How.
2: Record amended and projection changed to 1-7, 2-10.

With a field goal in overtime. Both teams were bad, basically.

# ? Oct 13, 2014 04:20

a neat cape: Feb 22, 2007; Aw hunny, these came out GREAT!

Fresno really isn't that much better than anyone else in the MWC this year

# ? Oct 13, 2014 04:24

kayakyakr: Feb 16, 2004; Kayak is true

TTU is not making a bowl. WVU probably will.

# ? Oct 13, 2014 14:10

SpiritualDeath: Jul 2, 2009; shaping your brain like pottery

I'm confused. It isn't possible for a conference to have an uneven record against itself, right? Unless I've been repeatedly doing the math wrong, you have that happening in your projections for nearly every conference, except the SEC. Some are only one game over/under, others are several off.

# ? Oct 14, 2014 11:37

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

SpiritualDeath posted:

I'm confused. It isn't possible for a conference to have an uneven record against itself, right? Unless I've been repeatedly doing the math wrong, you have that happening in your projections for nearly every conference, except the SEC. Some are only one game over/under, others are several off.

Not by design, but for a lot of these I'm just eyeballing them and going "sure x should beat y" and then forgetting exactly what I've done. I try to redo the projections each week, so the math will eventually even itself out by process of elimination.

Yes I could actually do comparisons and poo poo and base my projections off of poo poo like facts but gently caress that I ain't paying more attention to the MAC East or C-USA than I have to.

# ? Oct 15, 2014 00:22

pillsburysoldier: Feb 11, 2008; Yo, peep that shit

Bye week, Louisville, then clear sailing

I really hope enough chaos happens for Marshall to make it. Wasn't that kinda the point of playoffs?

# ? Oct 20, 2014 01:05

Basil Hayden: Oct 9, 2012; 1921!

pillsburysoldier posted:

Bye week, Louisville, then clear sailing

I really hope enough chaos happens for Marshall to make it. Wasn't that kinda the point of playoffs?

Marshall needs a stupid amount of help to make the playoffs, even if they win out as expected�like, we'd probably need most of the P5 champions to have as many as three losses before it looks realistic. C-USA is a garbage conference this year. I don't even know if Marshall can for sure make an access bowl if they win out.

Also I'm pretty sure the point of the playoffs definitely isn't to let mid-majors in. With the inevitable expansion to eight teams, maybe, but not yet.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 01:44

DJExile: Jun 28, 2007

Marshall would have to destroy everyone they play by like 50+ to even be considered. They're a good team this year but they're playing an absolute shitbox schedule. They'd need quite a bit of help from P5 teams getting upset in conference championships or something as well.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 01:46

Spintzel: Dec 31, 2007; Distractions makes it better when ya take up the ENTIRE ROAD

pillsburysoldier posted:

Bye week, Louisville, then clear sailing

I really hope enough chaos happens for Marshall to make it. Wasn't that kinda the point of playoffs?

Marshall is the backup plan b for ECU

# ? Oct 20, 2014 02:15

C. Everett Koop: Aug 18, 2008

Week 8: And No One In Tallahassee Learned Anything

Legend: Bold = bowl eligible Italics = projected eligible ~~strike = bowl ineligible~~

ACC

Atlantic

pre:

Florida State    (Seminoles, 5-0, 7-0)       @LOU, UVA, @U, BC, UF              (7-1, 11-1)
Clemson          (Tigers, 4-1, 5-2)          CUSE, @WF, @GT, GAST, SC           (7-1, 9-3)
Louisville       (Cardinals, 4-2, 6-2)       FSU, @BC, @ND, UK                  (6-2, 9-3)
Boston College   (Eagles, 1-2, 4-3)          @WF, @VT, LOU, @FSU, CUSE          (3-5, 6-6)
Syracuse         (Orange, 1-2, 3-4)          @CLEM, NCST, DUKE, @PITT, @BC     (1-7, 3-9)
Wake Forest      (Demon Deacons, 0-3, 2-5)   BC, CLEM, @NCST, VT, @DUKE        (0-8, 2-10) 
NC State         (Wolfpack, 0-4, 4-4)        @CUSE, GT, WF, @UNC                (3-5, 7-5)

I still think that Louisville will trip up FSU, though having more than a week to prep will help out the Noles. Everything else pretty much stays the same, though I'm half-tempted to actually say that Clemson will beat SC before I remember that they're still Clemson and I keep their projection at 9-3. I'm getting more bearish on NC State but three of their last four games are quite winnable.

Coastal

pre:

Duke            (Blue Devils, 2-1, 6-1)      @PITT, @CUSE, VT, UNC, WF           (6-2, 10-2)
Pittsburgh      (Panthers, 2-1, 4-3)         GT, DUKE, @UNC, CUSE, @U            (5-3, 7-5)
Virginia        (Cavaliers, 2-1, 4-3)        UNC, @GT, @FSU, U, @VT              (4-4, 6-6)
Georgia Tech    (Yellow Jackets, 2-2, 5-2)   @PITT, UVA, @NCST, CLEM, @UGA       (5-3, 8-4) 
Miami           (Hurricanes, 1-2, 4-3)       @VT, UNC, FSU, @UVA, PITT           (2-6, 5-7)
Virginia Tech   (Hokies, 1-2, 4-3)           U, BC, @DUKE, @WF, UVA              (6-2, 9-3)
North Carolina  (Tar Heels, 1-2, 3-4)        @UVA, @U, PITT, @DUKE, NCST         (1-7, 3-9)

Operation 4-4 takes another blow with only Virginia projected to finish at 4-4, though every team still has the possibility. Even though VT shat themselves at Pitt I still have them running the table for some stupid reason, which would including beating Duke and having the tiebreaker and being slaughtered by FSU. I'm thoroughly meh on the ACC Coastal.

pre:

Notre Dame (Fighting Irish, 6-1) @NAVY, @ASU, NW, LOU, @USC (11-1)

Don't get your hopes up too much; with the way Notre Dame lost they're in if they run the table. The ASU game isn't looking as much of a lock as it was in the past, with only Navy looking like it should be a clear and easy win. Irish are a good team, but they can't afford another L.

ACC Projected Bowl Teams (11): FSU, Notre Dame, Duke, Louisville, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, NC State, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Boston College
ACC Projected Playoff Contenders: Florida State, Notre Dame
ACC Projected Access Contenders: Duke

Big Ten

East

pre:

Michigan State  (Spartans, 3-0, 6-1)          MICH, OHSU, @MARY, RUT, @PENN                  (8-0, 11-1)
Ohio State      (Buckeyes, 2-0, 5-1)          @PENN, ILL, @MICHST, @MINN, IND, MICH          (7-1, 10-2)
Maryland        (Terapins, 2-1, 5-2)          @WISC, @PENN, MICHST, @MICH, RUT               (4-4, 7-5)
Rutgers         (Scarlet Knights, 1-2, 5-2)   @NEB, WISC, IND, @MICHST, @MARY                (2-6, 6-6)
Penn State      (Nittany Lions, 1-2, 4-2)     OHSU, MARY, @IND, TEMPLE, @ILL, MICHST         (4-4, 8-4)
Michigan        (Wolverines, 1-2, 3-4)        @MICHST, IND, @NW, MARY, @OHSU                 (1-7, 3-9)
Indiana         (Hoosiers, 0-3, 3-4)          @MICH, PENN, @RUT, @OHSU, PUR                  (2-6, 5-7)

Sparty and Buckeye each won their games by the same score and are setup for their division-deciding showdown in a couple of weeks. Maryland's got a better show of making a bowl than Rutgers, who pretty much needs to beat Indiana or face the indignity that the Enemies of Rutgers Athletics will be victorious again.

West

pre:

Minnesota      (Golden Gophers, 3-0, 6-1)         @ILL, IOWA, OHSU, @NEB, @WISC          (4-4, 7-5)
Nebraska       (Huskers, 2-1, 6-1)                RUT, PUR, @WISC, MINN, @IOWA           (6-2, 10-2)
Iowa           (Hawkeyes, 2-1, 5-2)               NW, @MINN, @ILL, WISC, NEB             (5-3, 8-4)
Northwestern   (Wildcats, 2-2, 3-4)               @IOWA, MICH, @ND, @PUR, ILL            (5-3, 7-5)
Wisconsin      (Badgers, 1-1, 4-2)                MARY, @RUT, @PUR, NEB, @IOWA, MINN     (7-1, 10-2)
Purdue         (Boilermakers, 1-3, 3-5)        @NEB, WISC, NW, @IND                      (1-7, 3-9)
Illinois       (Fightin� Illini, 0-3, 3-4)     MINN, @OHSU, IOWA, PENN, @NW              (0-8, 3-9)

Nothing really changes in the West. Nothing really changes in the Big 10. Same as it ever was. Same as it ever was. I wrote this last week and it remains true this week as well.

Big Ten Projected Bowl Teams (10): Michigan State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers
Big Ten Projected Playoff Contenders: Michigan State
Big Ten Projected Access Contenders: Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin

Big 12

pre:

Kansas State     (Wildcats, 3-0, 5-1)         TEX, OKST, @TCU, @WVU, KU, @BAY    (7-2, 9-3)
Baylor           (Bears, 3-1, 6-1)            KU, @OK, OKST, @TTU, KST           (7-2, 10-2)
Oklahoma State   (Cowboys, 3-1, 5-2)          WVU, @KST, TEX, @BAY, @OK          (5-4, 7-5) 
West Virginia    (Mountaineers, 3-1, 5-2)     @OKST, TCU, @TEX, KST, @ISU        (5-4, 7-5)
TCU              (Horned Frogs, 2-1, 5-1)     TTU, @WVU, KST, @KU, @TEX, ISU     (7-2, 10-2)
Oklahoma         (Sooners, 2-2, 5-2)          @ISU, BAY, @TTU, UK, OKST          (7-2, 10-2)
Texas            (Longhorns, 2-2, 3-4)        @KST, @TTU, WVU, @OKST, TCU        (2-7, 3-9)
Texas Tech       (Red Raiders, 1-3, 3-4)      @TCU, TEX, OK, @ISU, BAY           (3-6, 5-7)
Iowa State       (Cyclones, 0-4, 2-5)         OK, @KU, TTU, WVU, @TCU            (1-8, 2-10)
Kansas           (Jayhawks, 0-4, 2-5)         @BAY, ISU, TCU, @OK, @KST          (0-9, 2-10)

The good news for the Big 12 is that West Virginia should give them a sixth bowl team, which will help out their conference and playoff portfolio. The problem is that no one in the conference is unbeaten and I have everyone taking another loss, and it remains to be seen whether or not 10-2 will get you into the playoffs. For now my money is on no, and so the Big 12 needs to hope that either Baylor, K-State or TCU can run the table. The latter two play in a couple of weeks, while K-State and Baylor meet in the final week of the season. We'll see but it's not looking great.

Big 12 Projected Bowl Teams (6): Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia
Big 12 Projected Playoff Contenders: None
Big 12 Projected Access Contenders: Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU

Pac-12

North

pre:

Oregon            (Ducks, 3-1, 6-1)          @CAL, STAN, @UTAH, COL, @ORST            (8-1, 11-1)
Stanford          (Cardinal, 2-2, 4-3)       ORST, @ORG, UTAH, @CAL, @UCLA            (6-3, 8-4)
California        (Golden Bears, 2-3, 4-3)   ORG, @ORST, @USC, STAN, BYU              (3-6, 6-6)
Washington        (Huskies, 1-2, 5-2)        ASU, @COL, UCLA, @ARIZ, ORST, @WAZZU     (4-5, 8-5)
Oregon State       (Beavers, 1-2, 4-2)        @STAN, CAL, WAZZU, ASU, @WASH, ORG      (2-7, 5-7)
Washington State   (Cougars, 1-3, 2-5)        ARIZ, USC, @ORST, @ASU, WASH            (1-8, 2-10)

With Stanford losing to ASU I'm now selling on the Trees and that allows Oregon to run the table. Unless the Ducks beat themselves, and that road trip to Utah is looming after the Stanford game, it puts Oregon back in playoff contention at 11-1. Oregon State's loss knocks them out of bowl contention; with only Wazzu a game they'll be favored in it could come down to either Cal or Oregon State bowling, but not both.

South

pre:

USC             (Trojans, 4-1, 5-2)      @UTAH, @WAZZU, CAL, @UCLA, ND            (7-2, 8-4)
Arizona State   (Sun Devils, 3-1, 5-1)   @WASH, UTAH, ND, @ORST, WAZZU, @ARIZ     (7-2, 9-3)
Arizona         (Wildcats, 2-1, 5-1)     @WAZZU, @UCLA, COL, WASH, @UTAH, ASU     (7-2, 10-2)
Utah            (Utes, 2-1, 5-1)         USC, @ASU, ORG, @STAN, ARIZ, @COL        (3-6, 6-6)
UCLA            (Bruins, 2-2, 5-2)       @COL, ARIZ, @WASH, USC, STAN             (7-2, 10-2)
Colorado        (Buffaloes, 0-4, 2-5)    UCLA, WASH, @ARIZ, @ORG, UTAH            (0-9, 2-10)

So, uh, four teams projected at 7-2 and I don't know how all those tie-breakers will work and stuff so yeah. Pac-12 Thunderdome at Levi's Field and the winner faces Oregon I guess. Utah's now looking like they'll go bowling, so swap Beaver for Ute.
Pac-12 Projected Bowl Teams (9): Oregon, UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State, USC, Stanford, Washington, California, Utah
Pac-12 Projected Playoff Teams: Oregon
Pac-12 Projected Access Teams: Arizona, UCLA

SEC

East

pre:

Georgia          (Bulldogs, 4-1, 6-1)      UF, @UK, AUB, charso, GT      (6-2, 10-2)
Missouri         (Tigers, 2-1, 5-2)        VAN, UK, @ATM, @UT, ARK       (7-1, 10-2)
Kentucky         (Wildcats, 2-2, 5-2)      MSST, @MIZZ, UGA, @UT, LOU    (2-6, 5-7)
South Carolina   (Gamecocks, 2-3, 4-3)     @AUB, UT, @UF, USA, @CLEM     (4-4, 8-4)
Florida          (Gators, 2-3, 3-3)       UGA, @VAN, SC, eastky, FSU     (3-5, 5-6)
Tennessee        (Volunteers, 0-3, 3-4)   BAMA, @SC, UK, MIZZ, @VAN      (2-6, 5-7)
Vanderbilt       (Commodores, 0-4, 2-5)   @MIZZ, ODU, UF, @MSST, UT      (0-8, 3-9)

Georgia's in the drivers' seat and holds the tiebreaker over Missouri, but the home game against Auburn looms large. A&M isn't looking like a good team right now and if Mizzou can run their last three games, they win the division unless the Dawgs have a miracle in them.

West

pre:

Ole Miss            (Rebels, 4-0, 7-0)           @LSU, AUB, pres, @ARK, MSST              (7-1, 11-1)
Mississippi State   (Bulldogs, 3-0, 6-0)         @UK, ARK, utmart, @BAMA, VAN, @MISS      (7-1, 11-1)
Alabama             (Crimson Tide, 3-1, 6-1)     @UT, @LSU, MSST, wcar, AUB               (5-3, 9-3) 
Auburn              (Tigers, 2-1, 5-1)           SC, @MISS, ATM, @UGA, samford, @BAMA     (7-1, 11-1)
LSU                 (Tigers, 2-2, 6-2)           MISS, BAMA, @ARK, @ATM                   (4-4, 8-4)
Texas A&M           (Aggies, 2-3, 5-3)           ULM, @AUB, MIZZ, LSU                     (2-6, 6-6)
Arkansas            (Razorbacks, 0-3, 3-3)       UAB, @MSST, LSU, MISS, @MIZZ             (0-8, 4-8)

Time to sell A&M after that beating. They'll get win six over ULM but that's it for the Aggies. I'm sure there'll be two SEC West teams in the initial playoff rankings seeing how four of the top five in the AP is from this division, but they'll all play and beat each other in some way and form. Bert's going to be 0-16 in the SEC and if that doesn't put him on the hot seat in year three, I dunno what will cook his bacon.

SEC Projected Bowl Teams (9): Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, LSU, South Carolina, Texas A&M
SEC Projected Playoff Teams: Auburn, Ole Miss, Miss State
SEC Projected Contract Teams: Missouri, Georgia

American

pre:

East Carolina     (Pirates, 2-0, 5-1)              UCONN, @TEMPLE, @CIN, TULANE, @TULSA, UCF     (8-0, 11-1)
UCF               (Knights, 2-0, 4-2)              TEMPLE, @UCONN, TULSA, SMU, @USF, @ECU        (7-1, 9-3)
Temple            (Owls, 2-1, 4-2)                 @UCF, ECU, MEM, @PENN, CIN, @TULANE           (3-5, 5-7)
Houston           (Cougars, 2-1, 4-3)              @USF, TULANE, TULSA, @SMU, @CIN               (6-2, 8-4)
South Florida     (Bulls, 2-1, 3-4)                @CIN, HOU, @SMU, @MEM, UCF                    (3-5, 4-8)
Cincinnati        (Bearkats, 1-1, 3-3)             USF, @TULANE, ECU, @UCONN, @TEMPLE, HOU       (5-3, 7-5)
Memphis           (Tigers, 1-1, 3-3)               @SMU, TULSA, @TEMPLE, @TULANE, USF, UCONN     (7-1, 9-3)
Tulane            (Green Wave, 1-2, 2-5)           CIN, @HOU, MEM, @ECU, TEMPLE                  (1-7, 2-10)
Tulsa             (Golden Hurricane, 1-2, 1-6)     @MEM, SMU, @UCF, @HOU, ECU                    (2-6, 3-9)
SMU               (Mustangs, 0-2, 0-6)             MEM, @TULSA, USF, @UCF, HOU, @UCONN           (0-8, 0-12)
Connecticut       (Huskies, 0-3, 1-5)              @ECU, UCF, @ARMY, CIN, @MEM, SMU              (1-7, 3-9)

Pirate was off this weekend but they're still leading for the At-Large Access Bowl spot. SMU's the only winless team in the country, and they go to Tulsa and UConn, so unless they can knock off USF 0-12's looking pretty good. Bumping Temple from bowl contention.

American Projected Bowl Teams (5): East Carolina, UCF, Memphis, Cincinnati, Houston
American Projected Access Teams: East Carolina

Conference USA

East

pre:

Marshall                   (Thundering Herd, 3-0, 7-0)     FAU, @USM, RICE, @UAB, WKU                (8-0, 12-0)
Middle Tennessee State     (Blue Raiders, 4-1, 5-3)        BYU, @FIU, FAU, @UTEP                     (7-1, 9-3)
FAU                        (Owls, 2-1, 3-4)                @MAR, UAB, @UNT, @MTSU, ODU               (4-4, 5-7)
UAB                        (Blazers, 2-2, 4-3)             @ARK, @FAU, LATECH, MAR, @USM             (4-4, 6-6)
FIU                        (Golden Panthers, 2-2, 3-5)     RICE, @ODU, MTSU, @UNT                    (3-5, 6-6)
Old Dominion               (Monarchs, 1-3, 3-4)            @WKU, @VAN, FIU, LATECH, @FAU             (1-7, 2-10)
Western Kentucky           (Hilltoppers, 0-3, 2-4)         ODU, @LATECH, UTEP, ARMY, UTSA, @MAR      (2-6, 5-7)

MTSU's loss ensures that Marshall should run the division, but still need Pirate to lose in order to make the Access Bowl. FIU is back in limbo as they'll need a waiver to go after beating two FCS teams.

West

pre:

Louisiana Tech   (Bulldogs, 3-0, 4-3)          @USM, WKU, @UAB, @ODU, RICE              (8-0, 9-3)
Rice             (Owls, 1-1, 3-3)              UNT, @FIU, UTSA, @MAR, UTEP, @LATECH     (5-3, 7-5)
UTEP             (Miners, 1-1, 3-3)            @UTSA, USM, @WKU, UNT, @RICE, MTSU       (5-3, 7-5)
Southern Miss    (Golden Eagles, 1-2, 3-4)     LATECH, @UTEP, MAR, @UTSA, UAB           (1-7, 3-9)
UTSA             (Roadrunners, 1-2, 2-5)       UTEP, @RICE, USM, @WKU, UNT              (3-5, 4-8)
North Texas      (Mean Green, 0-3, 2-5)        USM, @RICE, FAU, @UTEP, FIU, @UTSA       (1-7, 3-9)

Man I still do not care about the C-USA West one bit. I guess Rice can go back to a bowl good for them. Bring UTEP too why not. Go home North Texas

C-USA Projected Bowl Teams (6): Marshall, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, Rice, UTEP, UAB
C-USA Projected Access Teams: Marshall

MAC

East

pre:

Bowling Green     (Falcons, 3-1, 5-3)            @AKRON, KENT, TOLEDO, BALL          (6-2, 8-4)
Akron             (Zips, 2-1, 4-3)               @BALL, BG, @BUFF, UMASS, @KENT      (7-1, 9-3)
Ohio              (Bobcats, 2-2, 4-4)            @WMU, BUFF, NIU, @MOH               (4-4, 6-6)
Massachussets     (Minutemen, 2-2, 2-6)          @TOL, BALL, @AKRON, BUFF            (3-5, 3-9)
Buffalo           (Bulls, 1-2, 3-4)              CMU, @OHIO, AKRON, KENT, @UMASS     (3-5, 5-7)
Miami             (Redhawks, 1-2, 1-7)           @NIU, KENT, WMU, @CMU, OHIO         (2-6, 2-10)
Kent State        (Golden Flashes, 0-3, 1-6)     @MOH, TOLEDO, @BG, @BUFF, AKRON     (0-8, 1-11)

BG and Akron both lose because of course they do. Ohio's win puts them into the .500 range, giving the MAC another team. Miami's our first team eliminated from bowl eligibility due to ineptitude, which Kent State's not going to go winless this year!

West

pre:

Toledo                (Rockets, 3-0, 4-3)       UMASS, @KENT, @NIU, BG, @EMU         (6-2, 7-5)
Northern Illinois     (Huskies, 2-1, 5-2)       @EMU, @BALL, TOLEDO, @OHIO, @WMU     (7-1, 10-2)
Western Michigan      (Broncos, 2-1, 4-3)       OHIO, @MOH, EMU, @CMU, NIU           (5-3, 7-5)
Central Michigan      (Chippewas, 2-2, 4-4)     @BUFF, @EMU, MOH, WMU                (5-3, 7-5)
Ball State            (Cardinals, 1-2, 2-5)     AKRON, NIU, @UMASS, EMU, @BG         (1-7, 2-10)
Eastern Michigan      (Eagles, 1-2, 2-5)        NIU, CMU, @WMU, @BALL, TOLEDO        (2-6, 3-9)

WMU's now projected to go bowling as well. I dunno how CMU can go from winning at NIU to losing at home against Ball State. MAC's a great big bowl of whatever this year.

MAC Projected Bowl Teams (7): Northern Illinois, Akron, Bowling Green, Toledo, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Ohio
MAC Projected Access Teams: None

Mountain West

Mountain

pre:

Boise State        (Broncos, 3-1, 5-2)       BYU, @NM, SDSU, @WYO, USU              (7-1, 10-2)
Colorado State     (Rams, 2-1, 6-1)          WYO, @SJST, HAW, NM, @AF               (6-2, 10-2)
Air Force          (Falcons, 2-2, 5-2)       @ARMY, @UNLV, NEV, @SDSU, CSU          (5-3, 9-3)
Utah State         (Aggies, 1-1, 4-3)        UNLV, @HAW, @WYO, NM, SJST, @BOISE     (5-3, 8-5)
Wyoming            (Buffaloes, 1-2, 3-4)     @CSU, @FRESNO, USU, BOISE, @NM         (2-6, 4-8)
New Mexico         (Lobos, 0-3, 2-5)         @UNLV, BOISE, @USU, @CSU, WYO          (1-7, 3-9)

Yeah, Boise's gonna win the division. Wyoming ain't going bowlin'.

West

pre:

San Diego State     (Aztecs, 3-1, 4-3)               @NEV, IDAHO, @BOISE, AF, SJST             (5-3, 7-5)
San Jose State      (Spartans, 2-1, 3-3)             @NAVY, CSU, @FRESNO, HAW, @USU, @SDSU     (3-5, 4-8)
Fresno State        (Bulldogs, 2-2, 3-5)             WYO, SJST, @NEV, HAW                      (5-3, 6-6)
Hawai�i             (Rainbow Warriors, 1-1, 2-5)     NEV, USU, @CSU, @SJST, UNLV, @FRESNO      (2-6, 3-9)
Nevada              (Wolfpack, 1-2, 4-3)             @HAW, SDSU, @AF, FRESNO, @UNLV            (3-5, 6-6)
UNLV                (Rebels, 1-2, 2-5)               @USU, NM, AF, @BYU, @HAW, NEV             (1-7, 2-10)

Remember last week when Hawai'i was on top of the division? Those were good times.

MWC Projected Bowl Teams (7): Boise State, Colorado State, Air Force, Utah State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Nevada
MWC Projected Access Teams: None

Sun Belt

pre:

Georgia Southern        (Golden Eagles, 4-0, 5-2)     GAST, TROY, @TXST, @NAVY, ULM            (8-0, 10-2)
Arkansas State          (Red Wolves, 2-0, 4-2)        @ULL, @IDAHO, USA, APP, @TXST, NMST      (7-1, 9-3)
Louisiana-Lafayette     (Rajun� Cajuns, 2-0, 3-3)     ARKST, USA, @NMST, @ULM, APP, @TROY      (7-1, 8-4)
South Alabama           (Jaguars, 3-1, 4-2)           TROY, @ULL, @ARKST, TXST, @SC, NAVY      (5-3, 7-5)
Louisiana-Monroe        (Warhawks, 2-1, 3-3)          TXST, @ATM, @APP, ULL, @NMST, @GSU       (6-2, 7-5)
Texas State             (Bobcats, 1-1, 3-3)           @ULM, @NMST, GSU, @USA, ARKST, @GAST     (4-4, 6-6)
Appalachian State       (Mountaineers, 1-2, 2-5)      GAST, ULM, @ARKST, @ULL, IDAHO           (3-5, 4-8)
Troy                    (Trojans, 1-2, 1-6)           @USA, @GSU, GAST, @IDAHO, ULL            (3-5, 5-7)
New Mexico State        (Aggies, 1-3, 2-6)            TXST, ULL, ULM, @ARKST                   (1-7, 2-10)
Idaho                   (Vandals, 1-4, 1-6)           ARKST, @SDSU, TROY, @APP                 (1-7, 1-10)
Georgia State           (Panthers, 0-4, 1-6)          GSU, @APP, @TROY, @CLEM, TXST            (0-8, 1-11)

I don't know if Georgia Southern running the table and winning the table overdoes their ban, and I don't feel like looking it up. Other than that some shuffling of deck chairs but no changes in the Fun Belt.

Sun Belt Projected Bowl Teams (5): Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Louisiana-Monroe, Texas State
Sun Belt Projected Access Teams: None

Independents

pre:

BYU      (Cougars, 4-3)           @BOISE, @MTSU, UNLV, savst, @CAL     (6-6)
Navy     (Midshipmen, 3-4)        SJST, ND, GSU, @USA, ARMY            (4-8)
Army     (Black Knights, 2-5)     AF, UCONN, @WKU, fordham, NAVY       (3-9)

BYU's going to be in danger of not making a bowl if they can't beat UNLV, which they better be able to. At least Army/Navy will have spiffy looking unis.

Independent Projected Bowl Teams (1): BYU
Independent Projected Access Teams: None

Number of Bowl Slots: 76
Number of Projected Bowl Teams: 76 - 11 (ACC), 10 (Big Ten), 9 (Pac-12, SEC), 7 (MAC, MWC), 6 (Big 12, C-USA), 5 (American, Sun Belt), 1 (Indep)

CFB Playoffs

pre:

Rose             1/1      Pasadena, California       Semifinal     Michigan State vs. Oregon
Sugar            1/1      New Orleans, Louisiana     Semifinal     Notre Dame vs. Auburn
Championship     1/12     Arlington, Texas           Final         Rose Winner vs. Sugar Winner

A 12-1 Michigan State and a 12-1 Oregon gives the Rose Bowl the matchup they want and everyone's happy. So it comes down to the Sugar and a 12-1 FSU, an 11-1 Notre Dame, and the SEC West winner, who at this point is Auburn at 12-1. You can't discount the traditional tie and that Auburn survived the toughest division/conference in football, so they're in. Now it's a matter of what do you value more: FSU beat Notre Dame but lost to Louisville, so do you value their win or their loss more? I've always operated under the idea that whoever loses last loses the most; the four currently listed already have gotten their L out of the way. Now if Auburn can't run the table it opens it up for one of the Mississippi's if they only take one loss, but unless everyone in the SEC West takes two loss someone's getting in from there.

Access Bowls

pre:

Orange     12/31     Miami, Florida        ACC 1 vs. SEC/B1G/ND      Florida State vs. Ole Miss
Peach      12/31     Atlanta, Georgia      At-Large vs. At-Large     Mississippi State vs. Ohio State
Fiesta     12/31     Glendale, Arizona     At-Large vs. At-Large     Oklahoma vs. ECU
Cotton     1/1       Arlington, Texas      At-Large vs. At-Large     Baylor vs. Nebraska

Only change here is Stanford's gone from the Access Bowls and Baylor falls out of the Playoff and down to the Cotton. FSU's still to the Orange, both Mississippi's get in, and ECU gets sent out west so Buckeye can poo poo the bed in a time zone preferential to their fanbase.

And the rest.

pre:

R+L Carriers New Orleans 12/20 New Orleans, Louisiana Sun Belt vs. MWC Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Utah State
Gildan New Mexico 12/20 Albuquerque, New Mexico MWC vs. C-USA Air Force vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Royal Purple Las Vegas 12/20 Las Vegas, Nevada MWC vs. Pac-12 Boise State vs. Washington
Famous Idaho Potato 12/20 Boise, Idaho MAC vs. MWC Toledo vs. San Diego State
Raycom Media Camellia 12/20 Montgomery, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Akron vs. South Alabama
Miami Beach 12/22 Miami, Florida AAC vs. BYU Cincinnati vs. BYU
Boca Raton 12/23 Boca Raton, Florida C-USA vs. MAC Marshall vs. Northern Illinois
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia 12/23 San Diego, California MWC vs. Navy Colorado State vs. Cal
Popeyes Bahamas 12/24 Nassau, Bahamas C-USA vs. MAC UTEP vs. CMU
Hawai'i 12/24 Honolulu, Hawai�i C-USA vs. MWC Middle Tennessee vs. Fresno State
Heart of Dallas 12/26 Dallas, Texas Big Ten vs. C-USA Nevada vs. Rice
Quick Lane 12/26 Detroit, Michigan ACC vs. Big Ten Boston College vs. Rutgers
BITCOIN St. Petersburg 12/26 St. Petersburg, Florida AAC vs. ACC Memphis vs. Georgia Tech
Military 12/27 Annapolis, Maryland AAC vs. ACC Houston vs. Virginia
Hyundai Sun 12/27 El Paso, Texas ACC vs. Pac-12 Virginia Tech vs. Stanford
Duck Commander Independence 12/27 Shreveport, Louisiana ACC vs. SEC NC State vs. Louisiana Tech
New Era Pinstripe 12/27 Bronx, New York ACC vs. Big Ten Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern
National University Holiday 12/27 San Diego, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Iowa vs. UCLA
AutoZone Liberty 12/29 Memphis, Tennessee Big 12 vs. SEC West Virginia vs. Missouri
Russell Athletic 12/29 Orlando, Florida ACC vs. Big 12 Duke vs. Kansas State
AdvoCare V100 Texas 12/29 Houston, Texas Big 12 vs. SEC Utah vs. LSU
Franklin American Mortgage Music City 12/30 Nashville, Tennessee SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten South Carolina vs. Louisville
Belk 12/30 Charlotte, North Carolina ACC vs. SEC Clemson vs. Texas A&M
San Francisco 12/30 Santa Clara, California Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Minnesota vs. Arizona State
Citrus 1/1 Orlando, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Wisconsin vs. Georgia
Outback 1/1 Tampa, Florida Big Ten vs. SEC Penn State vs. Alabama
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces 1/2 Fort Worth, Texas AAC vs. Army Texas State vs. Western Michigan
TaxSlayer Gator 1/2 Jacksonville, Florida SEC vs. ACC/Big Ten Ohio vs. Maryland
Valero Alamo 1/2 San Antonio, Texas Big 12 vs. Pac-12 TCU vs. Arizona
Cactus 1/2 Tempe, Arizona Big 12 vs. Pac-12 Oklahoma State vs. USC
Birmingham 1/3 Birmingham, Alabama AAC vs. SEC UCF vs. UAB
GoDaddy 1/4 Mobile, Alabama MAC vs. Sun Belt Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State

Currently projected at filling every slot leaves no one out, save possibly Georgia Southern depending on how the Sun Belt champion rules work. Otherwise, we're good for now, which will not hold.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 02:56

kayakyakr: Feb 16, 2004; Kayak is true

Texas Tech must beat UT (home) and ISU (road) and then upset one of TCU (-20), OU, or Baylor to make it to a bowl game. Giving up the game winning field goal to WVU looks terrible right now.

Completely different season if we're the ones who took that game. go from 3-4 outside looking in to 4-3 and riding a bit of momentum into the end of the season.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 03:32

Komet: Apr 4, 2003

I have historically disliked FSU, but I hope to God they win out because they're the only team that might save us from an all SEC playoffs.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 03:48

Basil Hayden: Oct 9, 2012; 1921!

Komet posted:

I have historically disliked FSU, but I hope to God they win out because they're the only team that might save us from an all SEC playoffs.

I can outright guarantee you that there is no way we get an all-SEC playoff.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 05:11

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 24, 2024 10:16

Mukaikubo: Mar 14, 2006; "You treat her like a lady... and she'll always bring you home."

Basil Hayden posted:

I can outright guarantee you that there is no way we get an all-SEC playoff.

I'll go a step further and :toxx:

myself that there will be at most 2 SEC teams in the 4 team playoff.

# ? Oct 20, 2014 05:19

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Sports Argument Stadium > The Football Funhouse > PLAYOFFS? YOU KIDDING ME? PLAYOFFS? (2014 Playoff/Bowl Chat)

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