16. New Hampshire 35 at 1. UNI 38
9. Delaware State 7 at 8. Delaware 44

12. Fordham 35 at 5. Massachusetts 45
13. Eastern Illinois 11 at 4. Southern Illinois 30

15. Eastern Washington 44 at 2. McNeese State 15
10. James Madison 27 at 7. Appalachian State 28

14. Wofford 23 at 3. Montana 22
11. Eastern Kentucky 14 at 6. Richmond 31

Quarterfinals
8. Delaware at 1. Northern Iowa
5. Massachusetts at 4. Southern Illinois

15. Eastern Washington at 7. Appalachian State
14. Wofford at 6. Richmond

It is usually on Saturday where we have all the movement, but the BCS and the coaching world has shaken up a lot in the past two days. First on Thursday, USC woke up and looked really impressive in beating Arizona State. Even with that win they do not control their own destiny in the Pac-10. Oregon controls their own destiny, if they win their final two games they will get the Pac-10’s BCS Bid. USC needs an Oregon loss, and Arizona State is still alive, but they need a loss by both Oregon and USC. With Dennis Dixon out, I expect Oregon to lose one of their last two, and USC to take home another Pac 10 Title.

In the first shocker LSU was upset in 3OTs by Arkansas. I have been saying it all along in the podcast that the Tiger defense, which was suppose to be the strength of this team, has gone downhilll and would cost them a game down the line. Well it did, for most of the game Houston Nutt did not even use a quarterback in the game. They used Darren McFadden at quarterback. Speaking of McFadden, I will say this once and once only…he should get the Heisman and if he doesn’t, it is a real shame. The man is THE best player in the country, plain and simple.

With Arkansas winning their 5 of their last 6 games, that might have saved Houston Nutt’s job. Mark May was reporting last week that Nutt would be fired after the season, but after this win against LSU, that might not be the case. Nutt said he would not resign, and why would he? He would forfeit a lot of money that way.

Texas had a chance to lay claim to the Big 12 South title, but fell flat on their face against Texas A&M. Colt McCoy was built up as a Heisman Candidate in the beginning of the year, but in my opinion he has been nothing but a disappointment. His yardage and completion percentage look good, but when you only throw 3 more TDs than INTs, it is not a good year for a QB. A&M won for the second year in a row and after the game their head coach Dennis Franchione resigned. Rumors are flying that Tommy Tubberville is going to be sought out by A&M.

Colorado beat Nebraska, and once again Nebraska gave up a ton of points. After the game it is rumored that Bill Callahan resigned, and that is not a surprise to anyone. Right now, I can see LSU’s defensive coordinator Bo Pellini and Buffalo’s head coach Turner Gill being the leading candidates. Pellini will also be a top candidate for the LSU job if Les Miles gets the Michigan job.

Finally, Hawaii took a huge step forward toward their BCS Bowl hopes by beating Boise State last night. It wasn’t as much their offense, but the Warriors’ defense impressed me. They held Boise State and Ian Johnson at bay. The only black mark against Hawaii right now is that their schedule is ranked 118 in the country, but I believe they will get a BCS invite if they beat Washington in their season finale. If they get shut out because of a two loss team, it will be tragic.

Last week before the conference championship games and Lorena is still in the lead. Here are the picks for this week’s games of the week.

USC @ Arizona State

-The Sun Devils are looking to lock up a Rose Bowl berth. -Greg Gowins, Average Joe

-Arizona State - Holding opponents to 50% completions on the season is one heck of a defensive prophylactic. - Jim Gindin, Football Frontier

-Pete Carroll has never lost a game in November. It won’t change this week. - Brian Sakowski, In The Bleachers

-Arizona State has had an excellent season, but I think the Trojans are starting to pull it all together. - Charlie Swager, In The Bleachers

-Trojans come up large when it counts. USC by 12 - Chris Mason, In The Bleachers

-Arizona State. USC has been fighting off mediocrity lately. It catches up to them this week. - Jon Johnston, Corn Nation

Boise State @ Hawaii

-Ian Johnson proposes to Colt Brennan’s girlfriend after the game. Broncos by 14. - Chris, In The Bleachers

-The cinderella season ends for Hawaii this week. Broncos know how to win games like this. -Brian, In The Bleachers

-Boise State — If Hawaii can win this, I think they are deserving of a BCS bid. The Broncos have had an amazing run over the past few seasons–I think they can handle Hawaii’s attack. - Charlie, In The Bleachers

-Boise St. isn’t going to let any mid-major go undefeated on their watch. -Mike Rizzo, Rizzo Sports

-Boise State - Because Hawaii hasn’t proven it can beat anyone. Jim, Football Frontier

- The dream season comes to an end for the Warriors. - Greg, Average Joe

Missouri @ Kansas

-Kansas — I think the Jayhawks’ defense is for real and their offense has come together nicely. I think they cruise here. - Charlie, In The Bleachers

-Missouri - Because Kansas hasn’t proven it can beat anyone. - Jim, Football Frontier

-I really don’t care, but I wonder if Kansas has more poll points than Mangino’s weight. Mizzou by 13. - Chris, In The Bleachers

-Kansas continues their impressive run. - Greg, Average Joes

-This game is a toss up in my mind. Missouri has played better teams and I think that’ll help them win a close one. - Brian, In The Bleachers

-Missouri - What a game - the Big 12 North has been maligned lately because of past years’ performance. The winner of this game takes the Big 12 and plays in the national title game. There is no home field advantage, in fact, it’s pretty neutral. Missouri has yet to let down, so the Pinkel factor may still come into play. Missouri has many weapons and
a more experienced quarterback. Jon, Corn Nation

Connecticut @ West Virginia

-Cleverness here. WVU by 34. - Chris, In The Bleachers

- The Mountaineers are just too strong for the Huskies. -Greg, Average Joes

-WVU — With a BCS bid on the line, I think the Mountaineers roll at home. - Charlie, In The Bleachers

-The Mountaineers are too much offensively for the Huskies to handle. They keep their national title hopes alive this week.

-West Virginia - The Mountaineers are averaging 47 a game at home, and Connecticut has struggled on the road. - Jim, Football Frontier

Virginia Tech @ Virginia

- The Cavs pull out another close game. - Greg, Average Joe

-If the Hokies didn’t blow that 10 point lead against BC, they could be #2 in the BCS right now. Either way they have too much talent for the Wahoos. -Brian, In The Bleachers

-The biggest battle in Virginia history… Period. VT by 21. -Chris, In The Bleachers

-The Hokie defense is among the best in the country, and a win secures a BCS berth. -Jim, Football Frontier

Arkansas @ LSU

-McFadden runs all over Glen Dorsey. LSU by 11. - Chris, In The Bleachers

- Arkansas will put up a good fight, and if this game was in Fayetteville, I probably would pick the Razorbacks. -Greg, Average Joes

- Arkansas will point up points, but LSU is too focused on the #1 prize to let this one slip. -Brian, In The Bleachers

Tennessee @ Kentucky

- The greatest QB battle the world has ever seen. UK by 16. - Chris, In The Bleachers

- Kentucky will spoil Tennessee’s SEC Title hopes. - Brian, In The Bleachers

- The Vols win a close one. -Greg, Average Joes

The “Experts’” Picks for This Week’s Games

Bruce Feldman - USC, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kentucky
Brian Sakowski - USC, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kentucky
Charlie Swager - USC, Boise St, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, LSU, Kentucky
Chris Mason - USC, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kentucky
John Radcliff -
Jon Johnston - Arizona State, Hawaii, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kentucky
Adam Nettina - Arizona State, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia, LSU, Tennessee
Mike Rizzo - USC, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia, LSU, Tennessee
Jim Gindin - Arizona State, Boise St, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Kentucky
Tony Delbusso - Arizona State, Hawaii, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Tennessee
Cyril Tircuit - Arizona State, Hawaii, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Tennessee
Greg Gowins - Arizona State, Boise State, Kansas, West Virginia, Virginia, LSU, Tennessee
Lorena The Dodgerchick - USC, Hawaii, Missouri, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Tennessee

I recently caught up with Ford City grad and CMU safety Cutris Cutts. Curtis talks about his college days and looks forward to pursuing a pro career. 

1. First off I understand you’re injured right now, CMU won their MAC Division, will your team be headed to a bowl, and if so are you going to able to play?

Right now we have clinched the MAC West Division and will play in the MAC Championship game against Miami(OH) on December. Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete again this season.

2. Looking back on your college career, what will you remember the most?

My teammates are what I will remember the most looking back on my career. Our roster is made up of players from all over the country, and the bond that we share as a team is everlasting.

3. I understand your considering becoming a pro and entering the NFL Draft, is that still your goal?

Playing in the NFL has always been a dream of mine, and right now I am still in pursuit of that dream. Right now I am focusing on my rehab so that I will be able to train in January, February, and March to be able to work out on our Pro Day for NFL Scouts.

4. At what point did you realize you could go pro? Did any coaches or scouts point you in that direction?

Going into my Junior year is when I realized that I would have an opportunity to possibly compete at the professional level. I knew that I would need to have a productive Senior year and show scouts the improvements I made from a year ago. unfortunately I got injured, but I was able to play well in the games I competed in to attract the attention of agents that could help me pursue my dreams. Agents also brought to my attention where certain Draft Services had me rated on their player rankings going into the 2008 NFL Draft.

5. You played strong safety in college, do you think that will be your position at the next level?

I have played both safety positions in college, but I feel my talents best suit me to play strong safety.

6. The draft is still many months away, what do you have to do between now and then?

First I need to get healthy and continue to rehab my injury. After our season is over I will sign with an agent, and then train for 8-10 weeks prior to our Pro Day.

7. The Ford City football program has been extremely successful in recent years. Since your teams started this run, what do you think the Sabers success?

I am definitely proud of the success that the Sabers have had since I graduated. I feel that the players commitment to strength train in the off season is one factor to their success. They have also been able to translate the work they do off the field and implement it on the field, which has given them recent success.

8. What factors contributed to your growth as an athlete, that have helped put you into the position your at today?

The environment that I have been trained in during college has lead to my improvement as a player. When you are able to focus all of your attention on one sport and work at it all year long, you should get better. If you do not get better something is definitely wrong. I have also been able to develop each year and really begin to understand the safety position and have developed my skills to become the player that I am today.

With the Big Ten being done with play and more and more teams getting closer (or further away) from bowl eligibility, I was able to make some better guesses this week. But they still are guesses. There are a lot of games this week (Hawaii/Boise State) that will clear up the picture even more. Navy is the only team that has accepted a Bowl Bid so far.

One note, these projections are based on the standings now and how I think they will play out throughout the rest of the season. They are not solely based on the standings right now. I also tried to no pick teams with only 5 wins, but if I thought they had a good chance of getting to 6, I included them.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Mountain West vs Navy/At Large
Navy vs Northwestern

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Sun Belt #1 vs C-USA #4
Troy vs East Carolina

PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Big East (or MAC) vs C-USA #3
Toledo vs Houston

New Mexico Bowl
Mountain West vs WAC
Utah vs Fresno State

Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Mountain West #1 vs Pac 10 #5
BYU vs California

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
C-USA #5 vs WAC
Memphis vs Fresno State

Motor City Bowl
Big 10 #7 vs MAC
Michigan State vs Central Michigan

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Big 12 #3 vs Pac 10 #2
Texas vs USC

Texas Bowl
Big 12 #8 vs C-USA #6
Oklahoma State vs Southern Mississippi

Champs Sports Bowl
ACC #4 vs Big 10 #4 or #5
Virginia vs Penn State

Emerald Bowl
ACC #5/6/7 vs Pac 10 #4
Georgia Tech vs UCLA

Meineke Car Care Bowl
ACC #5/6/7 vs Big East #3
Florida State vs South Florida

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
C-USA #1 vs SEC #6
Central Florida vs Arkansas

Alamo Bowl
Big 10 #4/5 vs Big 12 #5
Wisconsin vs Texas Tech

Petro Sun Independence Bowl
Big 12 #7 vs SEC #8
Colorado vs South Carolina

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Mountain West vs Pac 10 #6
Air Force vs Iowa

Brut Sun Bowl
Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame vs Pac 10 #3
Rutgers vs Oregon State

Humanitarian Bowl
ACC #8 vs WAC
Purdue vs Nevada

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
ACC #5/6/7 vs SEC
Wake Forest vs Alabama

Chick-fil-A Bowl
ACC #2 vs SEC #5
Boston College vs Kentucky

Insight Bowl
Big 10 #6 vs Big 12 #6
Indiana vs Texas A&M

Outback Bowl
Big 10 #3 vs SEC
Michigan vs Tennessee

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Big 12 #2/3 vs SEC
Oklahoma vs Auburn

Gator Bowl
ACC #3 vs Big 12/Big East/Notre Dame
Clemson vs Connecticut

Capital One Bowl
Big 10 #2 vs SEC
Illinois vs Florida

International Bowl
Big East/Notre Dame vs MAC #4/5
Cincinnati vs Ball State

GMAC Bowl
C-USA #2 vs MAC
Tulsa vs Bowling Green

Rose Bowl Presesented by Citi
BCS vs BCS (Big 10 vs Pac 10 champion if available)
Ohio State vs Arizona State

Allstate Sugar Bowl
BCS vs BCS (SEC champion if available)
Georgia vs Hawaii

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
BCS vs BCS (Big 12 champion if available)
Kansas vs Oregon

FedEx Orange Bowl
BCS vs BCS (ACC champion if available)
Virginia Tech vs West Virginia

Allstate BCS National Championship
BCS #1 vs BCS #2
LSU vs Missouri

Lorena still holds the lead. I did correct some records that were incorrect from last week

1. Lorena The Dodgerchick - 57-29 (4-3)
2t. Mike Rizzo - 54-32 (3-4)
2t. Adam Nettina - 54-32 (5-2)
4t. Greg Gowins - 52-34 (2-5)
4t. Jim Gindin - 52-34 (3-4)
4t. Charlie Swager - 52-34 (4-3)
4t. Bruce Feldman - 52-34 (5-2)
8t. Tony Delbusso - 49-37 (3-4)
8t. John Radcliff - 49-37 (4-3)
10. Cyril Tircuit - 46-40 (4-3)
11t. Brian Sakowski - 45-41 (5-2)
11t. Chris Mason - 45-41 (4-3)
11t. Jon Johnston - 45-41 (4-3)

USA Today Coaches Poll

1. LSU (51) 10-1 1,483
2. Kansas (8) 11-0 1,441
3. West Virginia (1) 9-1 1,345
4. Missouri 10-1 1,328
5. Ohio State 11-1 1,276
6. Arizona State 9-1 1,158
7. Georgia 9-2 1,105
8. Virginia Tech 9-2 1,019
9. Oklahoma 9-2 931
10. Oregon 8-2 890
11. Texas 9-2 883
12. USC 8-2 879
13. Hawaii 10-0 828
14. Florida 8-3 736
15. Virginia 9-2 626
16. Boston College 9-2 619
17. Boise State 10-1 593
18. Illinois 9-3 485
19. Tennessee 8-3 430
20. Wisconsin 9-3 343
21. Connecticut 9-2 264
22. Clemson 8-3 225
23. Brigham Young 8-2 161
24. Texas Tech 8-4 80
25. Auburn 7-4 65
Others Receiving Votes
Cincinnati 63, Air Force 51, Michigan 38, Kentucky 36, South Florida 32, Arkansas 25, Penn State 22, Florida State 12, UCF 11, Rutgers 7, TROY 2, Michigan State 2, Oklahoma State 2, Oregon State 1, Fresno State 1, Houston 1, Indiana 1.
Dropped From Rankings
Penn State 22, Michigan 23, Cincinnati 25.

AP Poll

AP Top 25
1. LSU (60) 10-1 1,619
2. Kansas (3) 11-0 1,541
3. Missouri (1) 10-1 1,469
4. West Virginia (1) 9-1 1,457
5. Ohio State 11-1 1,341
6. Georgia 9-2 1,246
7. Arizona State 9-1 1,219
8. Virginia Tech 9-2 1,131
9. Oregon 8-2 1,057
10. Oklahoma 9-2 1,031
11. USC 8-2 967
12. Florida 8-3 874
13. Texas 9-2 863
14. Hawaii 10-0 795
15. Boston College 9-2 678
16. Virginia 9-2 614
17. Boise State 10-1 597
18. Illinois 9-3 548
19. Tennessee 8-3 512
20. Connecticut 9-2 327
21. Clemson 8-3 294
22. Wisconsin 9-3 274
23. Brigham Young 8-2 158
24. Cincinnati 8-3 149
25. Auburn 7-4 100
Others Receiving Votes
Texas Tech 89, South Florida 73, Kentucky 38, Michigan 19, Arkansas 9, Air Force 7, California 6, Florida State 6, Oregon State 5, Penn State 4, Utah 4, UCF 2, Tulsa 1, Northern Iowa 1.
Dropped From Rankings
Kentucky 22, Michigan 23.

BCS Rankings

1. LSU 10-1
2. Kansas 11-0
3. West Virginia 9-1
4. Missouri 10-1
5. Ohio State 11-1
6. Arizona State 9-1
7. Georgia 9-2
8. Virginia Tech 9-2
9. Oregon 8-2
10. Oklahoma 9-2
11. USC 8-2
12. Florida 8-3
13. Texas 9-2
14. Boston College 9-2
15. Hawaii 10-0
16. Virginia 9-2
17. Illinois 9-3
18. Tennessee 8-3
19. Boise State 10-1
20. Connecticut 9-2
21. Wisconsin 9-3
22. Clemson 8-3
23. South Florida 8-3
24. Cincinnati 8-3
25. BYU 8-2

The Division 1-AA championship bracket was announced today. The teams with the higher seed get the home games.

16. New Hampshire (7-4) at 1. UNI (11-0)
9. Delaware State (10-1) at 8. Delaware (8-3)

12. Fordham (8-3) at 5. Massachusetts (9-2)
13. Eastern Illinois (8-2) at 4. Southern Illinois (10-1)

15. Eastern Washington (8-3) at 2. McNeese State (11-0)
10. James Madison (8-3) at 7. Appalachian State (9-2)

14. Wofford (8-3) at 3. Montana (11-0)
11. Eastern Kentucky (9-2) at 6. Richmond (9-2)

The finals are December 14, 2007 on ESPN2HD at 8pm EST at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Division II playoffs started yesterday with all 32 teams in action. For the first time in D-III history a number 1 seed lost in the first round as W&J lost. The scores are listed by Region and the winners move on to play next Saturday in the second round.

Mount Union Bracket
Mount Union 42 Ithaca 18
New Jersey 17 RPI 14
Curry 42 Hartwick 21
St. John Fisher 24 Hobart 7

New Jersey will play at Mount Union.
Curry will play at St John Fisher.

Central Bracket
Central 38 Olivet 17
St. John’s 41 Redlands 13
UW-Eau Claire 24 St. Norbert 20
Bethel 28 Concordia (Wis.) 0

St John’s will play at Central.
UW-Eau Claire will play at Bethel.

Washington and Jefferson Bracket
North Carolina Wesleyan 35 Washington and Jefferson 34 OT
Mary Hardin-Baylor 52 Trinity (Texas) 23
Muhlenberg 31 Salisbury 21
Wesley 45 Hampden-Sydney 17

North Carolina Wesleyan plays at Mary Hardin-Baylor
Muhlenberg plays at Wesley.

UW-Whitewater Bracket
UW-Whitewater 34 Capital 14
North Central 44 Franklin 42
Wabash 31 Mt. St. Joseph 21
Case Western Reserve 21 Widener 20

North Central will play at UW-Whitewater
Wabash will play at Case Western Reserve.

The Division II playoffs started yesterday with 16 teams in action. The scores are listed by Region and the winners move on to play next Saturday in the second round.

Northwest Region
Central Washington 40 Ashland 24
North Dakota 44 Winona State 2

Central Washington plays at Nebraska-Omaha.
North Dakota plays at Grand Valley State.

Southwest Region
Abilene Christian 56 Mesa State 12
West Texas A&M 40 Washburn 39

Abilene Christina plays at Chadron State
West Texas A&M plays at NW Missouri State.

Northeast Region
Southern Connecticut State 45 Bryant 28
Indiana (PA) 45 West Chester 35

Southern Connecticut State plays at California (PA).
Indiana (PA) plays at Shepherd.

Southeast Region
Catawba 66 Albany State 35
Delta State 45 Shaw 7

Catawba plays at Valdosta State.
Delta State plays at North Alabama.