A look at the Big Ten teams, after Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season

Have a problem with @JLaurinaitis55 keeping Michigan at No. 3?

He hears you, but there's a reason he isn't dropping the Wolverines.

Get his latest power rankings, presented by @ArcelorMittalUS. pic.twitter.com/1ii71JPunF

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 3, 2018

There are various schools of thoughts, when it comes to Top 25 ratings and conference power ratings heading into each season. Around the country, there are certain programs that often are ranked on reputation.

For example, last year, Florida State was a prime example of a school expected to finish in the Top 5, but at season's end, it finished 7-6, with wins over Delaware State, a 4-7 Florida, ULM and a bowl win over Southern Miss to take a 3-6 record and finish with a winning record. Florida State is often one of the most overrated programs each year, in College Football.

Another team with plenty of questions to answer entering 2018 is Michigan. The Wolverines finished 8-5 last year, with three straight losses @ Wisconsin, against Ohio State and in the bowl game against South Carolina. Now, they have lost four straight, with the 24-17 loss @ Notre Dame to open 2018 College Football season.

My problem with Michigan at #3 in the Big Ten power ratings is based on what have they done to earn the preseason #3 rating in the first place?

Despite a new season, familiar struggles returned for Michigan, as the Wolverines fell to No. 12 Notre Dame.

Game story: https://t.co/9OMMwKQJjl pic.twitter.com/AAkDrkceF4

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 2, 2018

The Big Ten appears to be loaded in 2018? Michigan State and Penn State struggled in Week 1, but they won. Michigan shouldn't be awarded for a moral victory, as James Laurinaitis appears to suggest that should be considered?

Notre Dame is a good program, but ultimately, like with Florida State in 2017. We don't know how good any team may be, until after enough games are played. Notre Dame lost to Georgia, @ Miami-FL and @ Stanford last year, so good losses. They are often overrated.

There are five college football teams that are continually overrated.

Notre Dame.
Texas.
Michigan.
USC.
FSU.

I never trust their rankings until the season's progressed a ways.

— Connor Mighell (@cmigbear) September 4, 2018

Michigan and Nebraska are two Big Ten programs that are often among the Top 7 schools overrated in preseason ratings. Texas is the most common example. On Saturday, they clearly rose up and demonstrated why, when they fell 34-29 @ Maryland in a game played in Landover, MD.

Deja vu for the Longhorns.

Texas loses to Maryland in back-to-back season openers. pic.twitter.com/W7C1JDJGJb

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 1, 2018

So, after Week 1, here are the Big Ten power ratings ....

1. Wisconsin (1-0) - the Badgers have won 3 of the first 4 West division titles; and 5 of the first 7 division titles, when you toss in the first 3 seasons of Leaders and Legends, when division play began in the 2011 season in the Big Ten. Week 1 - beat Georgia State 34-3. Week 2 - vs. New Mexico (1-0) - first meeting between each program.
2. Michigan State (1-0) - the Spartans return 19 starters from last year's team, including one 3 OT loss @ Northwestern. It's not uncommon for Mark Dantonio teams to start slowly. The Spartans won the Big Ten in 2015. Week 1 - beat Utah State 38-31. Week 2 - @ Arizona State (1-0) - which is certainly going to be a big test, at night, in the Valley of the Sun! 
3. Ohio State (1-0) - the Buckeyes have had some off the field issues, since Big Ten Media Days. In the past two seasons, OSU has lost two games by 31 points. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten last year. Week 1 - destroyed Oregon State 77-31. Week 2 - vs. Rutgers (1-0), as head coach Urban Meyer returns to practice on Tuesday, but Meyer's three game suspension remains in force.
4. Penn State (1-0) - the Nittany Lions enter 2018 needing to replace play-makers on offense and welcome a new offensive coordinators. They won the Big Ten in 2016. Week 1 - beat Appalachian State 45-37 in OT. Week 2 - @ Pittsburgh (1-0), the Panthers beat the Nittany Lions here in 2016, so this one should be very interesting.
5. Northwestern (1-0, 1-0 B1G West) - the Wildcats opened 2018 in conference play for the first time in a long, long while. Week 1 - won @ Purdue 31-27, as two QB system of Clayton Thorson and T.J. Green is utilized by head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Week 2 - vs. Duke (1-0), who beat the Wildcats 41-17, after the Wildcats had won back to back non-conference games against the Blue Devils in previous seasons.
6. Iowa (1-0) - the Hawkeyes tallied the 144th win to boost Kirk Ferentz into the all-time win leader, as head coach. Week 1 - beat Northern Illinois 33-7. Week 2 - CyHawk game against Iowa State (0-0), who are looking to complete a game, after thunderstorms shelved their opener on Saturday night.
7. Michigan (0-1) - the Wolverines have one victory over a rival entering the fourth season of head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines will get plenty of opportunities to move up, since they play 1-5 in conference play. Week 1 - lost @ Notre Dame 24-17. Week 2 - vs. Western Michigan (0-1), the Wolverines should be safe in another home opener, having won 25 of last 28.
8. Purdue (0-1, 0-1 B1G West) - the Boilermakers play two quarterbacks and often the old saying with quarterbacks, if you have two, you likely have none. This appeared to be the case, watching game one. Week 1 - lost to Northwestern 31-27. Week 2 - vs. Eastern Michigan (1-0), who will start former Iowa QB Tyler Wiegers, who had a solid first start for the Eagles.
9. Indiana (1-0) - the Hoosiers were the only Big Ten team to pick up a win on the road to open the season. Week 1 - won @ FIU 38-28 to pick up first win of season. Week 2 - vs. Virginia (1-0), as the Hoosiers have won 14 of the past 16 home openers.
10. Nebraska (0-0) - the Scott Frost era has to wait one week to officially kickoff, after a thunderstorm Saturday night canceled the home opener. Week 1 - vs. Akron - canceled. Week 2 - vs. Colorado (1-0), the Huskers have won three straight in the series and three straight in Lincoln. Last meeting was 2010.
11. Rutgers (1-0) - the Scarlet Knights open the third season, with head coach Chris Ash. Week 1 - won 35-10 over Texas State. Week 2 - @ Ohio State (1-0), the Buckeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights 56-0 last season in New Brunswick, after 58-0 previously in Columbus.
12. Maryland (1-0) - the Terrapins opened 2018, with new offensive coordinator Matt Canada, also in the interim head coach role, after D.J. Durkin was placed on administrative leave in August. Week 1 - beat Texas 34-29 to begin back to back seasons, with an upset win over a ranked Longhorns team (note - not ranked in my Top 25). Week 2 - @ Bowling Green (0-1), which is ironically Durkin's alma mater.
13. Minnesota (1-0) - the Golden Gophers opened the second year under head coach P.J. Fleck, with another non-conference win. They Golden Gophers are 4-0 OOC under Fleck. Week 1 - beat New Mexico State 48-10. Week 2 - vs. Fresno State (1-0), the Bulldogs were 10-4 last season and are likely the best non-conference, since Fleck arrived that the Golden Gophers have lined up against.
14. Illinois (1-0) - the Fighting Illini entered 2018, coming off a ten game losing streak. Week 1 - despite playing from behind much of the game, Illinois beat Kent State 31-24. Week 2 - vs. Western Illinois (0-1), the Fighting Illini are 2-0 in this series outscoring the Leathernecks 65-0.

Week 2: Two more Big Ten teams take the field, while the top match ups take place out West involving Pac 12 teams

Two more games involving Big Ten programs kickoff Week 1 of the 2018 College Football season on Friday night, as games kicked off in Minneapolis and West Lafayette on Thurday night involving three B1G teams.

2018 Season Trailer. Leave the jersey in a better place.
#HEAVE pic.twitter.com/16AwI3GDJh

— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 31, 2018

#9 Michigan State (10-3 in '17) kicks off the 12th season under Mark Dantonio, as Utah State (6-7) comes to East Lansing, after opening at Wisconsin in 2018. Over in Madison, the #8 Wisconsin Badgers (13-1) kickoff 2018 against Western Kentucky (6-7) on Friday night

The Wisconsin Badgers went undefeated for the first time in
the regular season last year, in program history. Can they
hit higher heights in the 2018 College Football season?

• #35 Northwestern 31, #36 Purdue 27, as both team relied on two quarterbacks in a competitive game, where the Boilermakers fell behind by 14 points on two occasions, the second time leading to the difference in the game.
• Minnesota 48, New Mexico State 10, as Golden Gophers true freshman QB Zack Annexstad made his debut as the #1 quarterback. Can he whether a 12 game schedule appears to be the first question, after the experience in Game 1?

Friday, August 31st
Syracuse at Western Michigan	5:00 pm	CBSSN
Army at Duke	6:00 pm	ESPNU
Utah State at #9 Michigan State	6:00 pm	BTN
#45 San Diego State at #12 Stanford	8:00 pm	FS1
Western Kentucky at #8 Wisconsin	8:00 pm	ESPN
Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver)	8:30 pm	CBSSN
The 2018 College Football Season kicked on Thursday ....
Monmouth at Eastern Michigan	5:30 pm	$espn+ Video
Portland State at Nevada	8:00 pm	MWC Video

Preseason has ended: Bring on the 2018 Big Ten Football

So, who do we like in the Big Ten pecking order, as we kickoff the 2018 College Football Season begins tonight?

All five returning starters are back for the 2018 UW Badgers,
who have won 3 out of 4 West divisions, since 2014 and the
kickoff of the College Football Playoff. Can they win the B1G?

• #1 Wisconsin (13-1) - the loaded offense and 34-7 over the past 3 seasons under HC Paul Chryst makes the Badgers the team to beat in the West and a likely participant in Indianapolis in 2018 ....

Junior QB 14 Brian Lewerke leads the MSU Spartans and
the hope to pull the rope back into Indianapolis, after missing
last season. Behind UW, who have been to five Big Ten Title
games. The Spartans have been to three themselves.

• #2 Michigan State (10-3) - HC Mark Dantonio returns 19 starters from last year and a favorable schedule, with key games coming to East Lansing in 2018 ....

Member of the Ohio State of Trustees resigned over the light
punishment given to Urban Meyer in light of the August news
unfolding in Columbus, leading to the suspension of Meyer
and athletic direction Gene Smith. Meyer loses 3 games in 2018.

• #3 Ohio State (12-2) - the off the field issues surround HC Urban Meyer's program should likely knock the Buckeyes lower, but we shall see how the football plays out in 2018 ....

The Penn State Nittany Lions return senior QB Trace McSorley, but some top
play-makers have moved onto the NFL and new players will need to step up
at RB, WR and TE for the 2018 College Football season.

• #4 Penn State (12-2) - the Nittany Lions are seeking to get back to the Big Ten title game, after falling short last year. New players will have to step up and HC James Franklin will have his third OC, since arriving in State College, in 2014.

Junior Ole Miss QB transfer 2 Shea Patterson will engineer the
4th season of Michigan football under HC Jim Harbaugh, as
the Wolverines travel to South Bend, to face Notre Dame.

• #5 Michigan (8-5) - the Wolverines fell short last season and were the only Big Ten bowl team, out of eight bowl participants, to lose their bowl match up. The defense should be strong, but how will the offense step up in 2018 ....

Northwestern senior QB 18 Clayton Thorson is coming off knee
surgery and is questionable for the B1G season opener tonight.

• #6 Winner of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Wildcats beat the Boilermakers 23-13 last season, it appears more and more likely junior QB T.J. Green will have to lead his team into West Lafayette for a program known for slow starts lately under HC Pat Fitzgerald ....



It's about that time! To Fight For Iowa | #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/2s6cXSIIsC

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 30, 2018



• #7 Iowa (8-5) - the Hawkeyes are seeking to get back in the West division title position, after back to back seasons falling short against the Badgers and Wildcats. How much has Iowa's offense, defense and special teams improved this off season, as the Hawkeyes enter the 20th season under HC Kirk Ferentz?

The Boilermakers have two QBs coming off injuries. Tonight,
the QB jerseys stay off and the 2018 starter will make his debut
for the 2nd season of Purdue football under Jeff Brohm. Will
it be senior 11 David Blough or junior 2 Elijah Sindelar at QB?

• #8 Loser of Northwestern (10-3) @ Purdue (7-6) - the Boilermakers only return four defensive starters from last season, so how fast can they get out of the blocks, after a strong first season under Jeff Brohm, know mostly for offense?

New HC Scott Frost returns to Nebraska in 2018. A place back
 in 1997, where he lead the Dr. Tom Osborne to the Cornhuskers last
co-national championship, shared with the Michigan Wolverines.

• #9 Nebraska (4-8) - the Huskers will open the 2018 season, with a true freshman at QB, with an offense, with talent in the skill positions, but questions in the trenches and with zero Blackshirts to pass out Day 1 ....

The Indiana Hoosiers head to Florida to kickoff the 2018 College
Football season at Florida International (8-5).

• #10 Indiana (5-7) - the Hoosiers enter the second straight season under HC Tom Allen, who continues to lead the IU defensive unit, as well.

Like Nebraska and Minnesota, Rutgers will ask a true freshman,
QB 8 Artur Sikowski, to lead the Scarlet Knights offense in 2018.

• #11 Rutgers (4-8) - the Scarlet Knights enter the third season under HC Chris Ash, who will have his third offensive coordinator to lead the offense. How will Rutgers step up in the trenches, when they get into Big Ten play?

This was supposed to be D.J. Durkin's third season at the helm
of the Maryland Terrapins. But, following the release of a player's
autopsy, the media found underlying questions of abuse in the
Maryland football program. Durkin hasn't been fired, but members
of the strength and conditioning program are gone and plenty of ???  

• #12 Maryland (4-8) - the Terrapins turn to first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada to lead the program, as D.J. Dirkin remains on administrative leave. Injuries hampered the quarterback position last season, as five players took the position. Can this team weather the storm in 2018?

Year 0 is in the books, as HC P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Golden
Gophers open 2018 against New Mexico State (0-1 in '18,
7-6 in '17) in TCF Bank Stadium tonight. Row the boat ....

• #13 Minnesota (5-7) - the Golden Gophers will be the third B1G program turning to a true freshman quarterback to run their offense. The Gophers should be more physically ready to compete in 2018.

Coming off a 2-10 season, is Lovie Smith on the hot seat entering this year? pic.twitter.com/4ZmM4dAkDh

— Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) August 30, 2018

• #14 Illinois (2-10) - the Fighting Irish enter 2018 coming off a ten game losing streak, as HC Lovie Smith brings in a new offensive coordinator and the spread offense, last played at Arizona and Michigan, as Rod Smith returns to B1G to serve under HC Lovie Smith.

How Cidsports would rank the Top programs heading into 2018?

Best four for this year's College Football Playoff in 2018

• Alabama
• Clemson
• Georgia
• Washington

Cidsports Top 45 heading into the 2018 College Football Season

• #1 Clemson (12-2) 
• #2 Alabama (13-1)
• #3 Georgia (13-2) 
• #4 Oklahoma (12-2)
• #5 Washington (10-3) vs. #6 Auburn (10-4)
• #7 Ohio State (12-2)
• #8 Wisconsin (13-1)
• #9 Michigan State (10-3)
• #10 Penn State (11-2)
• #11 Miami-FL (10-3)
• #12 Stanford (9-5) 
• #14 Michigan (8-5) @ #13 Notre Dame (10-3) 
• #15 USC (11-3)
• #16 TCU (11-3)
• #17 LSU (9-4)
• #18 Mississippi State (9-4)
• #20 Virginia Tech (9-4) @ #19 Florida State (7-6)
• #21 Boise State (10-3)
• #22 Oklahoma State (10-3)
• #23 UCF (13-0)
• #24 Iowa (8-5)
• #25 FAU (11-3)
• #26 Texas (7-6)
• #27 West Virginia (7-6)
• #28 South Carolina (9-4)
• #29 Oregon (7-6)
• #30 North Carolina State (9-4)
• #31 Iowa State (8-5)
• #32 Boston College (7-6)
• #33 Utah (7-6)
• #34 Kansas State (8-5)
• #35 Northwestern (10-3) @ #36 Purdue (7-6)
• #37 Arizona (7-6)
• #38 Houston (7-5)
• #39 Memphis (10-3)
• #40 Troy (11-2)
• #41 Florida (4-7)
• #42 Kentucky (7-6)
• #43 Arkansas State (7-5)
• #44 Fresno State (10-4)
• #45 San Diego State (10-3)

Who are the teams trending for the College Football Playoff for 2018?

There are the obvious picks heading into the 2018 College Football season:

1. Clemson
2. Alabama 

They have been there before and some are picking them to make a return in 2018:

1. Ohio State 
2. Georgia 
3. Washington
4. Oklahoma
5. Michigan State

Been there before, but not likely yet, in 2018:

1. Florida State - one site likes them at #5 according to Stassen Composite
2. Oregon - #18 was as good as it gets heading into 2018 ....

So, who could be the new guys to make the College Football Playoff in 2018:

1. Wisconsin
2. Auburn
3. Michigan
4. Penn State

There are eleven programs trending, as being in the College Football Playoff conversation for 2018. One too many?

Is anyone missing from the discussion in 2018?

• 2014, Baylor just missed
• 2015, Iowa just missed
• 2016, Penn State just missed
• 2017, Ohio State just missed
• 2018, who will be next?

Often, it has been the Big Ten that just missed in the College Football Playoff. The SEC was the first conference to land two teams, and both teams played in last year's title game.

Iowa Football 2017: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly ...

Since 2014, the Iowa Hawkeyes have won 10 of 12 rivalry game trophies,
including three straight against the Nebraska Huskers on Black Friday.
Iowa rolled to a 55-14 win on Friday, after a 14-14 deadlock at the half.

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-5 B1G West) wrapped up the 2017 regular season with a 56-14 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-8, 3-6 B1G), who had their lowest finish, since 1957, due to the loss in Lincoln. The Hawkeyes have now won four of the last five games in the series and the fifth game was an overtime lost, leaving fans saying, what if?

Iowa senior RB 25 Akrum Wadley lead the Hawkeyes in scoring, with three
rushing TDs. All four Iowa RBs came away with a rushing TD, fueled by
42 unanswered second half points, as the Hawkeyes moved to 7-5 for the season.

The Hawkeyes were not projected to be a top flight team in 2017 in the Big Ten, but 7-5 isn't where anyone in the Iowa fan base is satisfied with either. But, there were plenty of what if moments this season, as well?

Clearly, throughout the 2017 Big Ten season, Wisconsin became the most consistent program in the Big Ten, aided by a very favorable schedule, much like Iowa, in 2015.

The Hawkeyes were held to only 66 yards offense, as the scoring was fueled
off two Pick 6 touchdowns by Iowa junior CB Joshua Jackson. It knocked
everyone, but Wisconsin out of the Big Ten West division race.

The Badgers rolled over Iowa to jump to 10-0 this season, with a strong arm 38-14 win, up in Madison over the Hawkeyes, who were coming off an historic 55-24 win over Ohio State. The Badgers claimed their first 10-0 record in program history, with the B1G win over Iowa. The Badgers, with a win over Minnesota today, will join Iowa, who went 12-0 in 2015, to finish a season undefeated at 12-0.

The 2017 Iowa Hawkeyes beat Ohio State for the first time, since the 2004 season.

Ohio State finished 12-0 in 2012, during Urban Meyer's first season in Columbus, but the Buckeyes were on probation, so no post-season. They followed it up in 2013, with a 12-0 start, but lost in the Big Ten title game 34-24 to Michigan State. In 2014, the Buckeyes didn't go 12-0, but they won the Big Ten title game 59-0 over Wisconsin and rolled to the inaugural College Football Playoff title.

In the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game, Michigan State RB L.J. Scott scored
in the final minute to hand the Iowa Hawkeyes a 16-13 defeat, as the Hawkeyes
end an undefeated season on the field in Indianapolis.

In 2015, Iowa came up short in a 16-13 loss to Michigan State in the Big Ten title game. No College Football Playoff and no Big Ten title. In 2016, the Hawkeyes finished 8-4 in the regular season, but three tough losses at Kinnick Stadium stung, but a 14-13 win over Michigan to knock them out of the Big Ten title hunt gave the fans hope for 2017.

On the final play of the game, Penn State knocked off Iowa 21-19 to open the
2017 Big Ten season. The Hawkeyes would fall in back to back B1G games, with
a 17-10 road loss in East Lansing, against Michigan State.

What if, Iowa could have avoided the 21-19 loss on the final play of the game, against Penn State at Kinnick Stadium?

The Dean of College Football, Kirk Ferentz, in his 19th season as head coach at
Iowa, handed the play calling duties over to his son, Brian, for the 2017 season.

The Hawkeyes struggled throughout the 2017 season, with a young offense, extremely inconsistent special teams and even at times on defense. Also, the Hawkeyes had four assistant coaches in new roles on the offensive side, lead by first-year offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. It was truly an up and down season for Kirk Ferentz, who was enjoying his 19th season at the helm for Iowa.

Iowa will head their 15th bowl game under Kirk Ferentz in 2017

Iowa linebackers fueled three interceptions in the 56-14 win at Nebraska. The
Hawkeyes were lead by three senior linebackers, as Josey Jewell, Bo Bower and
 Ben Niemann played outstanding at times. Senior Kevin Ward lead the Iowa
special teams and started in the 17-10 OT loss @ Northwestern this season.

The Hawkeyes will need to replace four linebackers in 2018. One player to watch will be sophomore linebacker Kristian Welsh, who pulled down one of the three interceptions against Nebraska, in the new look linebacker corp. But, the Hawkeyes will have one more game lead by linebackers Bo Bower, Josey Jewell, Ben Niemann and Kevin Ward. Hopefully, the bowl prep will help, linebacker coach Seth Wallace looks to replace the productive unit.

First year offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz had his ups and downs in 2017,
including a Senior Day loss at the hands of Purdue. He also received a reprimand.
after a halftime melt down up in the press box during another Big Ten game.

Kirk Ferentz opened the 2017 season, with four coaches in new positions all on the offensive side the ball, as mentioned. Brian Ferentz was promoted from offensive line/run game coordinator, while Ken O'Keefe returned from the NFL, after five seasons to serve as quarterbacks coach. New offensive line coach Tim Polacek and new wide receivers coach Kelton Copeland arrived in the Spring, from North Dakota State and Northern Illinois, respectively. There has been growth, along with frustration and inconsistencies.

Iowa saw two true freshman step up against Nebraska, as CB 8 Matt Hankins
made his first career start, while SS 9 Geno Stone, came into the game early,
to provide eight tackles, in place of injured senior SS 19 Miles Taylor.

Iowa defensive coordinator and secondary coach Phil Parker saw his defense get three more interceptions to raise the season total to 19, which leads the FBS in 2017. Iowa junior cornerback Joshua Jackson is a Thorpe finalists, as a first-year starter, leading the nation in interceptions and among the best in pass breakups.

Nebraska junior WR 8 Stanley Morgan takes on role of breakup guy, as he fights
for the ball with Iowa junior CB 15 Joshua Jackson during the Heroes Game, on
Black Friday. Morgan scored two touchdown receptions to lead the Huskers.

Building blocks for the future in Iowa City

Iowa will need to replace 18 seniors, after the 2017 season. On offense, the Hawkeyes will have four returning offensive linemen back, two strong tight ends, as sophomore, first-year starting quarterback Nate Stanley will likely build on solid numbers, after his first full season under and behind the center.

Iowa sophomore QB 4 Nate Stanley enjoyed two five touchdown games, in his
first season, as a starting quarterback. In his first road start at Iowa State, and his
huge breakout party nationally against Ohio State, Stanley showed solid skills.

The Hawkeyes, as of this week, played the fourth most challenging schedule, in 2017. The Hawkeyes beat Iowa State and Ohio State, but lost to Penn State, Michigan State, Northwestern and Wisconsin, who at one time or another were all among the Top 25 in the nation.

The Iowa Hawkeyes also introduced "The Wave" in 2017. 

While the Iowa Hawkeyes didn't successfully compete for the Big Ten West division title in 2017. The University received tremendous national press, after unveiling "The Wave" at the end of the first quarter at home games at Kinnick Stadium. Clearly, college football is a competitive sport, but at the end of the day, it is only a game, unlike the real fight children face over at the children's hospital in Iowa City.

Mike Riley is relieved of his duties as Huskers head coach

Mike Riley was fired in Lincoln on Saturday, as the three year experiment ends.
It was 20 years ago that Michigan and Nebraska were co-National Champions,
as the 1997 season, under Lloyd Carr for the Wolverines and Dr. Tom Osborne for
the Huskers. How the fans in Lincoln want to get back into the national conversation.

Lincoln, NE – Athletic Director Bill Moos announced today that the University of Nebraska has ended Head Football Coach Mike Riley’s employment effective immediately. Moos will talk with members of the media at 1 p.m. today (Nov. 25) in the West Memorial Stadium Don Bryant Press Box (Sixth Floor) and has begun the search for Nebraska’s next head football coach.

“Mike Riley has brought tremendous professionalism and energy to the Nebraska football program, but unfortunately, those attributes have not translated to on-field success,” Moos said. “After a thorough review of all aspects of our football program, I have chosen to move in a different direction.”

After consulting with university leaders, Moos decided to seek a new coach for the storied football program, which finished with a disappointing 4-8 record in 2017. The University of Nebraska Football Program has won five national championships and entered the 2017 season ranked fourth all-time with 889 victories since the program’s first year in 1890. Hired as Nebraska’s 29th coach on Dec. 5, 2014, Riley posted a 19-19 mark over three seasons.

Moos said the focus now turns to hiring a head coach who will put the Huskers in the best position to compete in the Big Ten and nationally. Nebraska will move quickly in its search to secure a new head coach and Moos has appointed Assistant Coach Trent Bray, who coaches Husker linebackers, to serve as head coach in the interim.

“I expect to find a leader for our football program that will put our student-athletes in a position to compete for championships and grow as young men. I am confident our next coach will meet that standard.”

GameDay: Iowa (3-1, 0-1) @ Michigan State (2-1)

East Lansing, MI --- The Iowa Hawkeyes (0-1 B1G) travel to East Lansing for the first time, since 2012, to face the Michigan State Spartans, in a West vs. East showdown. The Hawkeyes last played the Spartans to close the 2015 Big Ten season, in the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.

This series has been a close one. Since Mark Dantonio, became the Spartans head coach, in 2007, the series is tied 4-4. Since the dean of college football, Kirk Ferentz became Iowa's coach, in 1999, the series is tied 7-7. The Hawkeyes are 7-5-1, since 1982, up in East Lansing.

The last game played in this series, the 2015 Big Ten Championship
Game came down to the last series,as the Spartans, pulled out a 15-13
slug-fest in Indianapolis to clinch the Big Ten title and a date in the
College Football Playoff.

Most games often come down to one series or even one play, as the 2009, walk off touchdown by Iowa. We have seen games in overtime, including the 2007 game that first pit each head coach; and the last game played in East Lansing.

Our prediction today, in East Lansing ... another close one!

• Iowa 22
• Michigan State 18

Cidsports first Top 30 Rankings after Week 1 of the 2016 College Football season.

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Preseason polls and early polls do have to be taken with a grain of salt. No College Football Playoff champion, in only two years of history, has ever won the title with a perfect record in the season. Both Ohio State and Alabama, lost regular season games in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Week 2 and Week 3 games, actually for each program, so while early losses matter, Oklahoma overcame a loss in Texas in 2015 and we will see, if they can do it again in 2015?

Alabama OC Lane Kiffin has Crimson Tide buzzing, after a win over his
former team. The Crimson Tide will also play Tennessee in SEC play,
another former team, so there are many backstories as the 2016 season unfolds.

The two most dominate programs in College Football are Alabama and Ohio State over the past three seasons. Florida State won the last BCS title played, in 2013, and Michigan State is tied for #3 in winning percentage with the Seminoles, followed by Clemson.

Power 5 programs keep getting richer on the backs of College Football. Story

The MSU Spartans did it with a single quarterback, Connor Cook, who graduated after 2015, but the defending Big Ten champions can't be discounted completely in 2016, though they come in at #12 in the preseason. The Spartans lean on senior QB Tyler O'Connor, who is 2-0 as a starter now, including leading the Spartans 17-14 win over the Buckeyes in Columbus, last year. 

If the College Football Playoff was selected today ... we wousld place a Group of 5 school in, using the data from last year, which is always a part of preseason and early polling!

So, after Week 1 of the 2016 College Football season, here is our Top 30 ...

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0/ 38-5 2013-present) - defending champion, Roll Tide!
2. Clemson Tigers (1-0/ 36-6) - awful good over last three seasons ...
3. Houston Cougars (1-0/ 30-11) - they were #8 at the end last season, with win over Florida State, and now OU ...
4. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0/ 39-4) - the Buckeyes shouldn't have lost in the regular season last year; very young this year, with 6 starters back!
5. Florida State Seminoles (1-0/ 38-4) - young at QB, but experienced all around him ...
6. Stanford Cardinal (1-0/ 32-10) - young QB; seems to be a theme around FBS ...
7. Michigan State Spartans (1-0/ 37-5) - bye week ahead and they have a new, senior QB ...
8. Washington Huskies (1-0/ 25-16) - watch out Pac 12, it is Chris Petersen's third team here ...
9. TCU Horned Frogs (1-0/ 28-11) - door of opportunity in 2016 ...
10. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0/ 28-13) - this is where they finished 2015 ...
11. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0/ 31-10) - Paul Chryst has signature win in his first five season as a head coach, second season at hometown school ...
12. Michigan Wolverines (1-0/ 23-16) - Harbaugh plays five straight in Ann Arbor ...
13. Oklahoma Sooners (0-1/ 30-10) - not how Bob Stoops and the Sooners wanted to get started ...
14. Ole Miss Rebels (0-1/ 27-13) - the Rebels came very close vs. Seminoles ...
15. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0/ 29-11) - new era begins with a solid win over UNC to kick it off ...
16. Baylor Bears (1-0/ 33-7) - transition year will likely have ups and downs ...
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0/ 28-12) - single QB system planned for 2016 ...
18. Oregon Ducks (1-0/ 34-8) - can they find a way back to the Top 10?
19. LSU Tigers (0-1/ 27-12) - not a good start for Les Miles and his staff in Lambeau ...
20. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0/ 22-17) - survived a home scare in OT ...
21. Louisville Cardinals (1-0/ 30-10) - we shall see how the Cardinals do in 2016 ...
22. North Carolina Tar Heels (0-1/ 24-17) - near win vs. Bulldogs in season opener ...
23. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1/ 27-13) - fall in OT in Austin, as streak over Longhorns end ...
24. Texas A&M Aggies (1-0/ 26-14) - nice win over Bruins to kickoff 2016 ... 
25. Florida Gators (1-0/ 22-17) - a 24-7 win over UMass is a little underwhelming ...
26. Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) - the Cornhuskers open with a win over Fresno State, after a bowl win over UCLA ... 
27. San Diego State Aztecs (1-0/ 27-14) - the Aztics had a strong season in 2015, so can they repeat?
28. UCLA Bruins (0-1/ 28-12) - the Bruins fall in OT in Texas against the Aggies, so they have now lost three straight, dating back to end of 2015 regular season ...
29. Boise State Broncos (1-0) - they used to be known as the #1 non-BCS program, but since the CFP, the Broncos haven't carried the new banner as top Group of 5 school ...
30. Texas Longhorns (1-0/ 20-19) - the 50-47 win over preseason # 9 Notre Dame in 2 OT boosts the Longhorns record over the last 3+ years to one game over .500. Charlie Strong was 6-7 in 2014, then 5-7 in 2015, so he is off to a great start in 2016, but the Longhorns need to show consistency, after all, they did beat rival Oklahoma 24-17 in 2015, but lost games against Cal, @ ISU in the last 12 months ...

On par Game of the Week: Western Michigan 22, Northwestern 21 - looking at the preseason composite rankings, this season opener was between the #43 and #44 programs in College Football, entering 2016 ... it went right down to the wire, as the Wildcats fumbled, turned the ball over at the goal line of the Broncos to close out the game!

Overrated for the Top 25: Preseason #14 USC (8-6 in 2015), simply a blue blood name pick, who ranked #34 in winning percentage, over the prior three seasons in College Football, entering coach Clay Helton's first full season at the helm ...

Next Group of 5 school: Western Kentucky (1-0/ 29-11), ended the 2015 season ranked #24 in the AP poll, followed by San Diego State (1-0/ 27-14).

Best near miss against a Power 5: Appalachian State (0-1/ 18-8), who nearly upset Tennessee, falling 20-13 in overtime in Knoxville on Thursday night.

Gameday Saturday: the bulk of College Football kicks off the 2016 season!

MSU senior WR 88 Monty Madaris breaks out in home
opener, as Spartans open with 28-13 win over Furman.

Cedar Rapids, IA --- The Big Ten moved to 3-0 on Friday night of Week 1, as the defending Big Ten champion Michigan State Spartans (1-0) defeated Furman 28-13, in a mistake filled game for the favorites. In Iowa high school football, Cedar Rapids Washington blanked the cross-town rival Cedar Rapids Kennedy 21-0 to move to 2-0 on the 2016 season.

Now, we turn to Gameday Saturday, on September 3rd. Our preseason rating are a composite from Stassen.com to kickoff the 2016 College Football season ...

• Boston College vs. Georgia Tech (Dublin, Ireland) 6:30 am on ESPN2 - an ACC - a battle of two 3-9 programs in 2015, kicks off the ACC inter-division match in Dublin, as these two team meet for the first time, since 2012, when the Yellow Jackets defeated the Eagles 37-17 ... 
• #29 Boise State at Louisiana Lafayette 11:00 am on ALT / SNY / (CSMA / CSCA / NESN+) / espn3 / ASN (affiliates) - after meeting for the first time in 2014, the Ragin' Caguns host the return match, in this Sun Belt-MWC game in a soaked filled Louisiana ...
• Bowling Green at #4 Ohio State 11:00 am on BTN - the Buckeyes only return 6 starters from a 12-1 team, while the Falcons return 11 starters from a 10-4 team in the debut of new coach Mike Jinks, as the former RB coach at Texas Tech fills the new role, where Ohio State's Urban Meyer began his highly successful coaching career as a head coach ...
• Eastern Kentucky at Purdue 11:00 am on ESPN News - the Boilermakers enter coach Darrell Hazel's fourth season, with new coordinators on each side of the football, coming off a disappointing 2-10 season, only 6-30 overall, as the Colonels are coming off a 6-5 season in FCS ...
• Fordham at Navy 11:00 am on CBSSN -the Midshipman finished 11-2, including a 44-28 Military Bowl win over Pitt, in Year 1 in the AAC in 2015, while the Rams finished 9-3 in FCS play and are ranked #20 in the preseason FCS ratings ...
• Hawaii at #8 Michigan 11:00 am ESPN - the Rainbow Warriors (0-1) were opening the 2016 in Australia only a week ago, in a 51-31 loss to Cal (1-0) ... so, the air miles already may make the kickoff against the Wolverines an even taller hurdle, as Jim Harbaugh enters Year 2 at the helm, coming off a strong 10-3 first season!
• #19 Houston vs. #3 Oklahoma (Houston) 11:00 am on ABC - one of the top Power 5 programs faces off with the nation's top returning non-Power 5 to kickoff the 2016 season in a showdown in NRG Stadium ...
• Howard at Maryland 11:00 am on BTN - the D.J. Durkin era kicks off in College Park, as Michigan's former DC, takes over the Terrapins program coming off a 3-9 record ... the Bison were only 1-10 in FCS play!
• Missouri at #34 West Virginia 11:00 am on FS1 - a SEC-Big 12 showdown from Morgantown, as Tigers, off a 5-7 season, welcome Barry Odom as head coach, against Mountaineers program coming off 8-5 season, as they enter the 6th season under Dana Holgorsen!
• South Alabama at #36 Mississippi State 11:00 am on SECN - the Bulldogs enter the 8th season under Dan Mullen, coming off a 9-4 season, as they turn the keys over to a new QB, while the Jaguars are coming off a 5-7 season out of the Sun Belt ...
• #44 Western Michigan at #43 Northwestern 11:00 am on ESPNU - the Broncoes are coming off a bowl win over Middle Tennessee and a 8-5 season, as P.J. Fleck enters his 4th season at the helm, while Pat Fitzgerald enters his 11th season at the Wildcats coming off a 10-3 season, and a tough 45-6 Outback Bowl loss at the hands of Tennessee ...
• Liberty at Virginia Tech 11:30 am on ACC Network - the Hokies off a 7-6 record kick off the Justin Fuente era, the first game, since 1986, where Frank Beamer isn't leading VA Tech ...
• Rutgers at #16 Washington 1:00 pm PAC-12 Network - the Chris Ash era begins for the Scarlet Knights, as Rutgers hits the road to kick off 2016, as Chris Peterson, enters Year 3 in Seattle, coming off a 7-6 campaign and a 44-31 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over Southern Miss!
• Kent State at Penn State 2:30 pm on BTN - the unranked Nittany Lions enter Year 3 under James Franklin coming off back to back 7-6 seasons, as the Golden Flashes come into Happy Valley off a 2-9 season, as Jay Hopson takes over the helm for Kent State ...
• #6 LSU vs. #31 Wisconsin (Green Bay) 2:30 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Tigers and Badgers kick off from Lambeau Field, as LSU welcomes the former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the sidelines, in a rematch of the 2014 opener, as coach Paul Chryst enters his 2nd season at the helm for the Badgers ...
• Miami-OH at #18 Iowa 2:30 pm on ESPNU - it has been 13 years, since the Redhawks and Hawkeyes kicked off a season at Kinnick Stadium, as Iowa is coming off a 12-2 season and Miami a 3-9 year ...
• Murray State at Illinois 2:30 pm on BTN - the Lovie Smith era kicks off in Champaign, as Smith returns to the college game, after two decades in the NFL ...
• Southeastern Louisiana at #20 Oklahoma State 2:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - the Cowboys are coming into the 12th season under Mike Gundy, as junior QB Mason Rudolph likely becomes the full-time starter at the position ...
• Texas State at Ohio U 2:30 pm on CBSSN - Frank Solich enters his 12th season leading the Bobcats, coming off a 8-5 campaign, while the Everett Withers takes over the Bobcats from San Marcos coming off a 3-9 season ... as the battle of two Bobcat programs in this MAC-Sun Belt showcase in Athens today ...
• #21 UCLA at #28 Texas A&M 2:30 pm on CBS - both programs are coming off 8-5 seasons and bowl losses, with each coach entering their 5th season at the helm, the Bruins and Aggies are 2-2 head to head, in the first meeting in College Station ...
• Louisiana Tech at #30 Arkansas 3:00 pm SECN - it is the fourth season in Fayetteville, as the Being Bret Bielema star, is coming off 3-9, 7-5 and now an 8-5 season; while the Bulldogs are coming off a 9-4 season, with a 2nd place finish in the C-USA West!
• UC Davis at #24 Oregon 4:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - the Ducks ended their double digit seasons at seven, after a 3OT loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, as the Aggies arrive in Eugene, coming off a 2-9 season in FCS play ...
• #15 Georgia vs. #23 North Carolina (Atlanta) 4:30 pm on ESPN - the Bulldogs welcome the Kirby Smart era, after a 10-3 season and 24-17 win over Penn State in the Taxslayer Bowl; while Larry Fedora enters Year 5 in Chapel Hill coming off a strong 11-3 campaign, but Russell Athletic 49-38 loss to Baylor ...
• Rhode Island at Kansas 6:00 pm on (ESPN Extra / espn3) / Jayhawk TV Sacred - the Jayhawks were 0-12 in 2015, as David Beaty's first season included an FCS loss in the opener at the hands of South Dakota State ... the Rams were a 1-10 team in FCS in 2015, so opportunity knocks for the FBS Power 5 program, with only 12 wins, since 2010 ...
• San Jose State at Tulsa 6:00 pm CBSSN - both programs finished 6-7 last year, in this AAC vs. MWC showdown, in a series where the home team has a 4-2 record ...
• SMU at North Texas 6:00 pm on (CSBA / NESN+) / ASN Video - an AAC vs. C-USA showdown, in this off again, on again in-state rivalry, as the visitor has a seven game losing streak in the series ...
• Southern at Louisiana Monroe 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3 - the first meeting among these LA state schools, as Matt Viator takes over the Warhawks' program coming off a 2-11 campaign, while the Jayhawks were 6-5 in FCS play ... the Warhawks are 6-0 lifetime in FBS vs. FCS meeting, so this one should be very interesting!
• Towson at #48 South Florida 6:00 pm on CSMA / espn3 / ASN - the Bulls enter Year 4 under Willie Taggart, coming off a 8-5, though a 45-35 loss vs. WKU in the Miami Beach Bowl; while the Tigers were 7-4 in FCS play in 2015 ...
• Southern Miss at Kentucky 6:30 pm on ESPNU - the Wildcats enter Year 4 under Mark Stoops, with back to back 5-7 seasons, while the Golden Eagles finished 9-5, after three straight losing seasons, winning only four games!
• UMass at #26 Florida 6:30 pm on SECN - this is the first meeting, as the Gators are coming off a 10-4 season, including a three game losing streak, with losses against Florida State, Alabama and Michigan. Earlier loss was @ LSU, so four solid program, as the Gators meet UMass for the first time!
• #1 Alabama vs. #14 USC (Arlington) 7:00 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Crimson Tide are 5-2 lifetime against the Trojans, with last meeting in the 1985 Aloha Bowl, when Alabama won 24-3. Former Bama secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt returns to Tuscaloosa to fill the vacant DC role in 2016 ...
• Eastern Washington at #35 Washington State 7:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - the Cougars and Eagles are meeting for the fourth time in the series, second in the modern era, as Washington State has always taken care of business against this FCS program, including a 24-20 win in 2012 ...
• Fresno State at #25 Nebraska 7:00 pm BTN - the Cornhuskers enter the second season under Mike Riley, coming off a disappointing 6-7 season, as the Blackshirts need to up game and the offense needs to avoid turnovers ...
• New Mexico State at UTEP 7:00 pm on beIN - a Sun Belt - CUSA showdown, as the Miners seek to land their eight straight against the Aggies down the road on I-10.
• Northern Iowa at Iowa State 7:00 pm on Cyclones.tv (cable IA) - the Cyclones welcome the Matt Campbell era, as Paul Rhoads exits after seven seasons in Ames. Last season, the Panthers fell 31-7, but won in 2013 28-20, as veteran Mark Farley's team took care of business in the FCS vs. FBS in-state rivalry. The Panthers are #5 in FCS chasing the five time FCS champion North Dakota State in the Valley!
• South Dakota State at #13 TCU 7:00 pm on FSN Affiliates - the first meeting between the preseason FCS #14 Jackrabbits and the #13 FBS Horn Frogs, who are coming off a 11-2 season and 47-41 3 ot win over Oregon in the Alamo Bowl ...
• Stephen F. Austin at Texas Tech 7:00 pm on FSN Affiliates - the Red Raiders are coming off a 7-6 season in 2015; while the Lumberjacks were 4-7 in FCS play and are 0-2 in this series ...
• #2 Clemson at #37 Auburn 8:00 pm on ESPN - the Auburn Tigers own a 14-2 record in this series, but the Clemson Tigers have won two straight, including a 26-19 outcome in the 2012 season on a neutral field ...
• Arizona vs. #38 BYU (Glendale) 9:30 pm on FS1 - Rich Rodriquez enters his fifth season in Tucson, while the Cougars, coming off a 9-4 record, welcome Kalani Sitake era, as the former Utah and Oregon State DC returns to coach his alma mater ...
• Northern Illinois at Wyoming 9:30 pm on CBSSN - the first two seasons for Craig Bohl have ended in 4-8 and 2-10, quite the contrast from his winning ways leading North Dakota State to FCS titles; while Rod Carey has slipped off to 8-6, after 12-2 and 11-3 leading the Huskies to early MAC titles ...
• Northern Arizona at Arizona State 10:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - after back to back ten game win seasons, Todd Graham's Sun Devils fell to 6-7 in 2015; while the Lumberjacks were 7-4 in FCS play ... the FBS power has won nine straight in this series, including a 63-6 victory in the 2012 season opener!
• Abilene Christian at Air Force 1:00 pm on MWC Video / SLC Video / Livestream Video - the Falcons are coming off a 8-6 season in 2015, while the Wildcats were 3-8 in only their third season at the FCS level ...
• Alabama A&M at Middle Tennessee 6:00 pm on $CUSA Video - the Blue Raiders were 7-6 last season, while the Bulldogs were 3-8 in FCS play; it is the first meeting in this series, as sophomore QB Brett Stockstill leads his father's team, as Dad enters his eleventh season ...
• Alabama State at UTSA 6:00 pm on KMYS-CW 35 (cable) - the Hornets were 6-5 in FCS play, while the host Roadrunners were 3-9 in their fifth season in FCS play, as the Frank Wilson era kicks off in San Antonio ...
• Austin Peay at Troy 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Trojans are coming off a 4-8 season, in Neal Brown's first season leading the program; while the Governors come to down, with a 1-34 record the last three seasons, including a 0-6 record against FBS programs ...
• Florida A&M at #32 Miami-FL 5:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Hurricane welcome the Mark Richt era, coming off a 8-5 season; the Rattlers were only 1-10 last year in FCS play ...
• New Hampshire at #27 San Diego State 7:30 pm - coming off an 11-3 season, the Aztecs under Rocky Long are hoping to move up the non-Power 5 ladder and into a New Year's Bowl 6 game, if the right dominoes can fall in 2016 ... the Wildcats were 7-5 last season and have played in 12 straight FCS playoffs, the active leader, though #1 North Dakota State has won five straight titles ...
• NC Central at Duke 5:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Blue Devils won 55-0 last year, over the Eagles, who finished 8-3 in FCS, while Duke finished 8-5, including a 44-41 OT win over Indiana to close out 2015 ...
• Savannah State at Georgia Southern 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Eagles were 9-4 last season and have a 11-0 record in this series; while the Tigers were 1-9 last year in FCS ...
• SEMO at #45 Memphis 6:00 pm on espn3 - after a 10-3 season in 2014, the Tigers fell to 9-4, as Mike Norvell takes over the helm at Memphis, while the Redhawks were 4-7 last year in FCS ...
• South Carolina State at UCF 6:00 pm on espn3 - the Knights were 0-12 last season and have brought Scott Frost in, as OC at Oregon, to lead the program; the Bulldogs were 7-4 in FCS play last season, but lost in the only meeting in this series 17-0 in 2008 ...
• Southern Illinois at Florida Atlantic 5:00 pm on $CUSA Video - the Owls and Salukis each only won three games last season, in the FBS and FCS, respectively, as they meet for the first time in Boca Raton ...
• Villanova at #33 Pittsburgh 12:30 pm on WatchESPN - Pat Narduzzi lead the Panthers to a 8-5 season, two games better than previous year, in his first season as head coach; while the preseason #22 ranked FCS program, the Wildcats were 6-5 last year and looking to finish stronger ...
• VMI at Akron 5:30 pm on espn3 - the Zips were 8-5 last season, as Terry Bowden pulled off his first winning season and a 23-21 bowl win over Utah State, in his fourth season leading the MAC program; the Keydets were 2-9 in FCS play last year ...
• Western Carolina at East Carolina 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Pirates dropped to a 5-7 record in Ruffin McNeill's final season over six years, as Scottie Montgomery takes over the program, after serving as OC at Duke the past three seasons; the Calamount's were 7-4 in FCS, but they have lost seven straight in this series, last played in 1981 ...

Friday Night Lights, as Appalachian State's Thursday night bid for an upset falls short in OT

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The 2016 College Football season kicked off with the Sydney Cup in Australia, last Saturday, then a host of games on Thursday night, including a thriller in OT in Knoxville, as Tennessee.

In Australia, the Cal Bears defeated Hawaii' 51-31 in Week 0, played on Saturday. Week 1 officially kicked off on Thursday night and will run through Labor Day, which is the new norm in College Football.

Junior QB #11 Taylor Lamb lead the Mountaineers offense,
who lead for 40 minutes over the #7 rank Volunteers

Appalachian State University football came up one bounce of the football from upsetting 100,000-plus fans again. The game was played nine years to the day, from the win in 2007, in Ann Arbor. This time in Knoxville, against the same offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, who coached at Michigan in 2007.

Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd recovered a Josh Dobbs' fumble in the end zone for the only score in overtime as the Volunteers held off a determined Appalachian State team on Thursday night in Neyland Stadium, 20-13.

Appalachian State (0-1) led for 40 minutes, never trailed in regulation, and held #7 Tennessee to 319 yards of offense, less than 300 in regulation. The Mountaineers outhit and outplayed Tennessee (1-0) for the first three quarters, leading 13-3 at half and holding the Vols out of the end zone until 10:30 left in the game. Tennessee scored 17 unanswered point to pull out the win on Thursday night.

Indiana opens 2016 with a road win, with a 34-13 win over
FIU, out of the Conference USA. IU's home opener is
next Saturday, when Ball State comes to Bloomington.

On Thursday night, the Big Ten Conference opened with 2 victories, as Minnesota defeated Oregon State 30-23 at home, while Indiana won on the road against FIU 34-13 in Miami. The Big Ten plays game three tonight, as defending Big Ten champion Michigan State kicks off the 2016 College Football season.

We fell short in our pick, for an upset in Knoxville on Thursday night. Here is a look at Friday night's action in College Football ...

Michigan State kicks off 2016 season
tonight against Furman.

• 
  
• Army at #46 Temple 6:00 pm on CBSSN - The Owls are looking to build on a six game winning streak, as Army comes to town tonight ...
• Ball State at Georgia State 6:00 pm on (CSNC+ / NESN+) / espn3 / ASN (affiliates) - in the first meeting last year, the Cardinals fell 31-19 at home during the mid-season ...
• Furman at #12 Michigan State 6:00 pm on BTN - the Spartans have won eight straight in the Mark Dantonio era and 17 straight overall in home openers, so very tall order for the underdog Paladins ...
• Colorado vs. Colorado State (Denver) 7:00 pm on ESPN - the Buffaloes took care of business 27-24 over the Rams last year, but in 2014, when it was a season opener, CSU took care of business 31-17 ...
• Northwestern State at #18 Baylor 6:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - a lot has taken place this off season in Waco and prior to the firing of Art Briles ... the Demons are the opening day opponent for the 2016 season under interim coach Jim Grobe at Baylor!
• Kansas State at #10 Stanford 8:00 pm on FS1 - Big 12 vs. Pac 12, as the Wildcats-Cardinal meet for the first time in series history ... the Cardinal are only 2-4 in season openers vs. Power 5 opponents!
• #47 Toledo at Arkansas State 8:00 pm on ESPNU - the Red Wolves are 0-4 vs. the Rockets, including last year's 37-7 game on the road, but Blake Anderson enters 3rd season for A-State, while kicks off Jason Candle era, after Matt Campbell bolted for Iowa State ...
• Albany at Buffalo 6:00 pm on espn3 - the Bulls are 5-7 in the series, but took care of business 51-14 last year, after the series was renewed, after being idle, since 1988 ...
• Cal Poly at Nevada 8:30 pm on Nevada Video / MWC Video - the Wolf Pack have won four straight, including a 63-0 blowout back in 1998 last meeting ...
• Colgate at Syracuse 6:00 pm on WatchESPN - the Orange have won 15 straight against the Raiders, ranked #16 in FCS ...
• MVSU at Eastern Michigan 5:00 pm on espn3 - the Eagles are 6-1 in home openers against FCS programs, like the Delta Devils. MVSU is 0-8 in previous meetings against FBS programs.

Our preseason rankings were compiled from Stassen.com. Yes, it looks like a good night for the home team.

For me tonight, it is time for a little Iowa high school football, as Cedar Rapids Washington hosts Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Kingston Stadium, in Week 2 of Class 4A, in this inter-district contest.