College Football Playoff Scenarios (Week 8)

We have to begin by talking about that Michigan State win. It was the most inexplicable victory I can ever remember witnessing. It was more bizarre than Auburn’s Kick Six win over Alabama because even though that was off a missed field goal, seeing a return touchdown decide a game isn’t all that uncommon. I can’t ever remember seeing a fumble-return touchdown as time expired. The reason Herm Edwards’ ...

Michigan State made a dramatic statement with a win an amazing last second win over rival Michigan. Despite the close calls by Michigan State and the top ranking of Ohio State, we are keeping the Spartans in the playoffs over the Buckeyes. Still that trip to Ohio State on November 21st looms large. The Buckeyes are looking better though and they will certainly be favored to beat the Spartans at home. But for now MSU has the momentum and even a one-loss Michigan State or Ohio State team will be in the playoff mix. The rest of our projected ...

Last Four In: Richmond, Charleston Southern, Southeastern Louisiana, Western Illinois

First Four Out: New Hampshire, Indiana State, Samford, Liberty

With several teams in the CSM Top 25 falling this weekend, the playoffs, quite frankly, are anyone’s guess now. There are just too many key games left to figure out who’s in and who’s not. What we do know is that with Samford and Liberty losing, the ...

Last Four In: Richmond, Samford, Southeastern Louisiana, Youngstown State

First Four Out: Villanova, Indiana State, Portland State, North Dakota

Upcoming games this weekend should have significant playoff implications as the season hits the midseason mark: Northern Iowa meets Western Illinois, South Dakota State and Youngstown State tangle, Montana State visits Portland State and New Hampshire ...

Week 6 Football Bowl Projection Breakdown

The Big 12 continues to be one of the most interesting conferences to watch this season. Texas, coming off of an awful loss to TCU, beat Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry by a score of 24-17. That knocked Oklahoma from the ranks of the unbeaten. TCU and Baylor are still the teams to beat in the conference, but TCU barely escaped Manhattan with a win. It is not necessarily because TCU and Baylor are ...

Last Four In: Richmond, Northern Arizona, McNeese State, Samford

First Four Out: North Dakota, Indiana State, Southeastern Louisiana, William & Mary

Northern Arizona registered a key conference victory over Montana State on Saturday that could give the Lumberjacks a legitimate chance of making the 24-team FCS playoff field. Although it lost to Montana, Northern Arizona doesn’t face North Dakota ...

Week 5 Football Bowl Projection Breakdown

Not surprisingly, the ACC is headed for a Clemson and Florida State showdown. That contest is not until November 7th, but it looks probable that both will be undefeated. The ACC is not all that tough, but with the way everything else is going, a one-loss Clemson or FSU squad has a good shot at the playoffs. With the Tigers holding on to beat Notre Dame, Clemson’s toughest game may be behind them. And ...

Last Four In: New Hampshire, Portland State, McNeese State, Samford

First Four Out: Indiana State, Stony Brook, Southeastern Louisiana, Richmond

James Madison picked up a huge win over SMU on Saturday night. The Dukes are now 4-0 and have averaged over 50 points per game. The CAA should fear quarterback Vad Lee and the James Madison offense and Stony Brook will find out just how good this team is on ...

Week 4 Football Bowl Projection Breakdown

The Pac-12 keeps making news when it comes to the playoff picture. With two losses, Oregon is almost certainly out. It does not help that they were completely blown out at home against Utah. Like the Utes, who have certainly made a case for being in the playoff hunt, UCLA looked good on the road. The Bruins knocked off Arizona 56-30 and quarterback Josh Rosen is getting better every week. UCLA has a lot ...

Last Four In: Stony Brook, Portland State, Samford, McNeese State

First Four Out: Indiana State, Southeastern Louisiana, New Hampshire, Northern Arizona

Is the nation’s longest playoff streak (11 straight FCS appearances) in jeopardy? Only time will tell as Stony Brook stunned New Hampshire, 31-6, on Saturday to put the Wildcats at 1-2. Usually prolific on offense, New Hampshire isn’t scoring many ...