How do the All-Time AP Top 25 Teams look heading into 2018?

The All-Time AP Top 25   

How are the top rated programs of all-time performing heading into 2018?

            AP All-Time Rank, Team Points Top 20 Top 10 Top 5 1st 2nd (2017 final rating)

1. Oklahoma 890.5 55 41 32 6 4 (#3 in '17) - the Sooners (12-2) are coming off their second CFP appearance in four years of the CFP. HC Lincoln Riley will have a lot of work ahead, with #1 NFL draft choice QB Baker Mayfield absent. Riley and his coaching staff return 6 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and senior PK/P Austin Seibert back in 2018. Stassen Composite has OU trending at #8 in the country and #1 in the Big 12 again. Last national title: 2000, under Bobby Stoops!
2. Alabama 888 55 43 26 12 3 (#1 in #17) - the Crimson Tide (13-1) are the defending national champion. HC Nick Saban has taken each team to the College Football Playoff, since its inception in 2014. The Tide return 7 starters on offense, including both QBs, but only 3 on defense and will have new kickers on special teams in 2018. A new year for  The schedule again is favorable for the defending champions, who have won 2 of  4. Stassen Composite has Bama trending as the #2 team, now. They did not win the SEC West in '17, but they are projected to win it back in '18. The past decade has been impressive with ten Top 10 finishes and five national championships for Coach Saban! 
3. Ohio State 881 56 37 26 5 7 (#5 in #17) - the Buckeyes (12-2) began August, with an announcement that HC Urban Meyer was placed on administrative leave, due to the circumstances surrounding the firing of assistant coach Zach Smith, and his domestic abuse allocations. The Buckeyes co-OC Ryan Day was named interim HC for camp. The coaching staff returns 7 offensive starters, but they will have to turn to sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins, 5 defensive starters and both their PK and punter. OSU have made two CFP appearance, winning the inaugural in 2014, but they were eliminated 31-0 in the 2016 semi-finals by Clemson. Stassen Composite  has the Buckeyes #3 heading into 2018 and the team to beat in the #1 in the Big Ten East, the #1 projected division in College Football. The Big Ten didn't send a team in 2017, after the Buckeyes lost another 31 point game, this time in the regular season 55-24 at Iowa!
4. Michigan 801 57 38 15 2 2 (not rated in '17) - Talk about a program under-performing, as hits Year 4 under HC Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines (8-5) were the only Big Ten team that failed to win their bowl game in 2017. Seven teams pulled out wins in Big Ten bowls, but South Carolina defeated Michigan 33-28, knocking them completing out of Top 25 consideration. Harbaugh needs to find a new QB again. Like his first year, he turns to an immediate transfer, as Ole Miss QB Shea Patterson arrives in Ann Arbor. The coaching staff is working with 8 starters back on offense, 9 defensive starters from a unit that should be very strong, plus both kickers. Despite the under performance in 2017, Stassen Composite has the Wolverines trending #9 nationally, and #2 in the B1G East. Last national title: 1997, under Lloyd Carr!
5. Notre Dame 783.5 53 36 23 8 5 (#11 in '17) - the Fighting Irish (10-3) took care of business 21-17 over LSU to close out 2017, but the past BCS participant hasn't made it into the College Football Playoff, like Michigan, who will open in South Bend to kickoff the 2018 season! HC Brian Kelly returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Brandon Wimbush, 9 defensive starters and both specialty players. Stassen Composite has the Irish trending at #13. Last national title: 1988, under Lou Holtz!
6. USC 672 52 28 19 5 5 (#12 in '17) - the Trojans (11-3) have never reached the CFP and lost the Cotton Bowl 24-7 to #3 Ohio State. HC Clay Helton must replace their QB, but do return 7 offensive starters, 6 defensive starters and both kickers. Without QB Sam Darnold back, the Trojans are trending #15 in the Stassen Composite nationally, but still #1 in the Pac 12 South!
7. Nebraska 638 43 30 13 4 2 (not rated in '17) - the Huskers (4-8) last major bowl game was the 2001 BCS title game in the Rose Bowl, where they lost 37-14 to Miami-FL. Excitement is soaring, with the hiring of HC Scott Frost, the former Huskers' QB of the program's last national title team. Frost and his entire staff are coming off a 13-0 season at UCF in 2017. Frost and his staff return 7 offensive starters, with true freshman QB Adrian Martinez leading as the opening day starter for 2018. The Blackshirts have been silent for years in Lincoln. DC Erik Chinander, a former Iowa walk-on lineman has 8 defensive starters back and the punter back. No immediate Top 25 bounce back is projected and the Huskers are trending #5 in the B1G West by Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1997, under Dr. Tom Osborne!
8. Texas 626 42 26 10 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Longhorns (7-6) welcomed HC Tom Herman last year, but the season got off to a slow start. A 51-41 loss in the season opener to Maryland (4-8) at home didn't set the tone for an immediate jump start. But, by season's end, the Longhorns did pick up a 33-16 win over Missouri (7-6) in the Texas Bowl. The coaching staff have 7 starters on offense back, including sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger; also 7 starters are back on defense, but the kickers will be new and likely young. The Longhorns are trending in the Stassen Composite #17 nationally and #2 in the Big 12, behind rival OU. The last BCS game was 2009. Last national title: 2005, under Mack Brown!
9. Tennessee 560 40 23 13 2 4 (not rated in '17) - the Volunteers (4-8) turn to Alabama's DC Jeremy Pruitt, as the new HC, his first head coaching job. This is a program that recruits well, but haven't had a double digit win season, in over a decade. The new coaching staff return 6 starters on offense, with Stanford graduate transfer QB Keller Chryst projected #1 at position; 6 starters on defense, including their placekicker. The Vols are trending in the Stassen Composite at #40 nationally and #6 in the SEC East, so it may be a slow start in 2018? Last national title: 1998, under Phillip Fulmer!
10. Penn State 558 41 26 14 2 3 (#8 in '17) - the Nittany Lions (11-2) won the Big Ten in 2016, but fell short in '17, with back to back losses on the road against Ohio State and Michigan State. They are coming off a 35-28 win in the Fiesta Bowl over Washington, as HC James Franklin will have senior QB Trace McSorley back. The offense returns 7 starters, including McShorley, but only 3 starters are back on defense, plus their punter, so their will be some adjustments, with RB Saquon Barkley, top TE, and #1, #3 WRs gone. The roster is at full-strength again, after the demise due to the fallout of Joe Pa and the Sandusky scandal in 2011. Stassen Composite has the Nittany Lions trending #12 nationally and #4 in the strong B1G East division. Last national title: 1986, under Joe Paterno! 
11. Florida State 533.5 30 19 17 3 2 (not rated in '17) - the Seminoles (7-6) have gone three straight season, without a birth in the CFP, making it in the first year of the FBS playoff system! A new era begins with HC Willie Taggert returning to Florida, after one season at Oregon. The Seminoles return 8 starters on offense, with junior QB Deondre Francois back; only 4 defensive starters back, plus punter. FSU is coming off a 42-13 Independence Bowl win over Southern Miss, and a two game win streak over Group of 5 programs to build on! The Stassen Composite has the Seminoles trending #18 nationally and #2 in the ACC Atlantic. Last national title: 2013, in the final BCS season, under Jimbo Fisher!
12. LSU 528 40 21 9 2 3 (#18 in '17) - the Tigers (9-4) enter Year 3 under HC Ed Oregeron, with one of the losses, a 24-21 loss vs. Troy (11-2) last year. They also fell to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl to close out  the season. The staff has a new OC and only 5 starters return on offense, 5 starters on defense, plus both kickers. QB has yet be decided, as junior Joe Burrow arrived this Summer from Ohio State and is in contention. Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #20 nationally and #4 in the SEC West, so their is work ahead, if they wish to be in the mix nationally for the first time, since 2011. Last national title: 2007, under Les Miles!
13. Georgia 481.5 33 21 11 1 3 (#2 in '17) - the Bulldogs (13-2) are coming off the SEC title and runner-up in the College Football Playoff, with a 26-23 OT loss to fellow SEC brother, Alabama. HC Kirby Smart enters Year 3, with 8 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Jake Fromm, but only 5 starters are back defensively, plus their PK junior Rodrigo Blankenship. The Tigers are trending #4 nationally and #1 in the SEC East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1980, under Vince Dooley!
14. Auburn 467 35 19 9 2 2 (#10 in '17) - the Tigers (10-4) beat Alabama 26-14 to win the SEC West, but lost 28-7 in the SEC title game, then were upset 34-27 in the Peach Bowl to undefeated UCF (13-0). HC Gus Malzahn enters Year 6 and has not made the CFP, after their loss in the final BCS title game to FSU. The coaching staff returns 6 offensive starters, including junior QB Jarrett Stidham, 7 starters on defense, but will likely have new young kickers. The Tigers are trending #7 nationally #2 in the SEC West in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 2010, under Gene Chizik!
15. Miami-FL 466 30 15 10 5 4 (#13 in '17) - the Hurricanes (10-3) enter the third season under Mark Richt, at his alma mater, coming off the first double digit season in over 10 seasons. Both coordinators return, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Malik Rosier, and 7 starters on defense, plus punter. The Stassen Composite has the Hurricanes trending #10 nationally and #1 in the ACC Coastal division. Last national title: 2001.
16. Florida 449.5 28 17 11 3 1 (not rated in '17) - the Gators (4-7) welcome former OC Dan Mullen back to Gainsville, after nine seasons as HC at Mississippi State. The new HC has 10 starters back on offense, including sophomore QB Feleipe Franks; and 9 defensive starters, but new kickers and coordinator and staff. The Stassen Composite has the Gators trending #21 nationally and #2t in the SEC East division. Last national title: 2008, under Urban Meyer, while Mullen was OC!
17. Michigan State 389.5 27 17 9 1 4 (#15 in '17) - the Spartans (10-3) enter Year 12 under HC Mark Dantonio, who bounced back from a 3-9 season, coming off the Big Ten title and birth in the College Football Playoff in 2015. The Spartans beat Washington State 42-17 in the Holiday Bowl and return 16 Big Ten honorees, with 19 returning starters, with 10 on offense and 9 on defense. Junior QB Brain Lewerke returns along with both kickers. The Spartans are trending #11 nationally and #3 in the tough B1G East in the Stassen Composite. Last national title: 1966, under Duffy Daugherty!
18. UCLA 378 32 17 9 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Bruins (6-7) dismissed Jim Mora and lost 35-17 to Kansas State (8-5) in the Cactus Bowl. New HC Chip Kelly returns the college game, after a 28-35 NFL record and previously four seasons in the Pac 12 at Oregon. The new coaching staff will need to groom a new QB, with 5 offensive starters back and 7 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has UCLA trending at #44t and #4 in the Pac 12 South. Last national title: 1954.
19. Clemson 348 27 11 5 2 2 (#4 in '17) - the Tigers (12-2) have either lost to Alabama or beat them in the College Football Playoff the past three seasons, going 1-2, with the title in 2016 in a 35-31 win over the Tide! HC Dabo Swinney enters his 11th season, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Kelly Bryant, 8 defensive starters also return, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Tigers trending #1 nationally and #1 in the ACC Atlantic division, so another date with Alabama could occur again, if business is taken care of in 2018! Last national title: 2016, under Dabo!
20. Arkansas 328 28 14 4 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Razorbacks (4-8) let coach Bret Bielema go after five seasons. HC Chad Morris arrives after leading SMU (7-6) to first bowl since 2012. The new staff will have to find a new QB, but they return 9 offensive starters, along with 8 defensive starters and both kickers. The Razorbacks haven't won double digit games, since back to back marks in 2010-11. Like the Cornhuskers in the Big Ten, the Razorbacks are not trending to open the season in the Top 25, and the Stassen Composite has them trending last in the SEC West division, after 1-7 last year. Last national title: 1964.
21. Wisconsin 313 21 14 3 0 1 (#7 in '17) - the Badgers (13-1) are entering Year 4 under HC Paul Chryst, who is 34-7 at Wisconsin, having won back to back B1G West divisions and leading his team to the first 12-0 regular season record in program history. The Badgers return 9 offensive starters, including junior QB Alex Hornibrook, and only 4 defensive starters to the #3 defense in the country from last season. Both kickers are back, but PK has been sidelined again. The Stassen Composite has the Badgers trending at #6 nationally and the consensus #1 in the B1G West division for 2018. Last national title: The highest team without a national title in the past!
22. Texas A&M 299.5 25 12 3 1 0 (not rated in '17) - the Aggies (7-6) let go of Kevin Sumlin, after six seasons, with only the first season with double digit wins at 11-2. HC Jimbo Fisher moves over from Florida State and inherits a Aggies team coming off a 55-52 loss to Wake Forest (8-5) in the Belk Bowl. The new staff return 8 offensive starters, including sophomore QB Nick Starkel, and 8 defensive starters, plus their PK. The Stassen Composite has the Aggies trending #30 nationally and #5 in the SEC West division. Last national title: 1939, under Homer H Norton!
23. Washington 293 22 11 6 0 2 (#16 in '17) - the Huskies (10-3) failed to repeat in 2017, after making their lone appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2016. The Huskies came up short against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, but they will look to rebound in HC Chris Petersen's fifth season at Washington. The coaching staff returns 8 offensive starters, including senior QB Jake Browning, entering his fourth season, as a starter. The defense returns 9 starters, plus their punter. The Stassen Composite is trending the Huskies #5 nationally and #1 in the Pac 12 North for 2018. Last national title: 1991, under Don James!
24. Ole Miss 282.5 23 12 4 0 2 (not rated in '17) - the Rebels (6-6) on the heals of scandal in 2017, leading to the dismissal of Hugh Freeze before the season, after five seasons at the helm. Interim coach Matt Luke was retained, after the season. He and his staff have 8 returning starters on offense, with part-time starting senior QB Jordan Ta'amu back; 7 starters back on defense. The Tigers are not getting any preseason love entering 2018. The Stassen Composite has Mississippi trending #6 in the SEC West division for 2018. The other all-time AP Top 25 program without a national title.
25. Iowa 276 22 14 3 0 1 (not rated in '17) - the Hawkeyes (8-5) won their first bowl game, since 2010, with a 27-20 win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. HC Kirk Ferentz enters his 20th season as dean of College Football again. His staff returns in tack and revamping the offensive staff before last season. The Hawkeyes return 7 offensive starters, including junior QB Nate Stanley, 5 defensive starters and both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Hawkeyes trending #32t nationally and #2 in the B1G West division heading into 2018. Last national title: 1957, under Forest Evashevski!

Who were ranked to close out 2017, but not in the all-time AP Top 25?

• #6 UCF (13-0) - the Knights welcome HC Josh Heupel moving over from Missouri, where he was OC the past two seasons. In 2015, the program was 0-12, in George O'Leary's final season. Scott Frost took the program from 6-7 to 13-0 in his two seasons at the helm. The entire new staff return 6 starters on offense, including junior QB McKenzie Milton, and 6 defensive starters, plus both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Knights trending #24t nationally and the consensus #1 in the AAC East division for 2018.
• #9 TCU (11-3) - the Horned Frogs enter Year 18 under HC Gary Patterson and a 39-37 win over Stanford in the Alamo Bowl. Only five starters are back offensive and they will need to find a new starter at QB. The defense returns 6 starters and their placekicker. The Stassen Composite has the Horned Frogs trending #19 nationally and #3 in the Big 12 for the 2018 season. Last national title: 1938, under Dutch Meyer!
• #13 Oklahoma State (10-3) - the Cowboys are entering their 14th season under HC Mike Gundy coming off a 30-21 win over Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl. QB Mason Rudolph and his top two receivers have departed, but 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters return, along with both kickers. The Stassen Composite has the Cowboys trending #26 and #4 in the Big 12 for 2018. 
• #17 Northwestern (10-3) - the Wildcats enter Year 13 under HC Pat Fitzgerald and have won back to back bowl games for the first time in program history, with a 24-23 win over Kentucky (7-6) in the Music City Bowl. The Wildcats have a question at QB, with senior Clayton Thorson coming off an ugly ACL injury in the bowl win last year. The Stassen Composite has the Wildcats trending #29 nationally and #3 in the B1G West heading into 2018.
• #19 Mississippi State (9-4) - the Bulldogs welcome former PSU OC Joe Moorhead, as their new head coach. MSU returns 9 starters on offesne, including senior QB Nick Fitzerald; 8 defensive starters and their sophomore PK. The Bulldogs are coming off a 31-27 win over Louisville in the Taxpayer Bowl. The Bulldogs are trending #16 in the Stassen Composite, #3 in the SEC West.
• #20 Stanford (9-5) - the Cardinal won the Pac 12 North division, losing the title game 31-28 to USC. Then, fell short in the Alamo Bowl to TCU 39-37. HC David Shaw enters Year 8, with 9 returning starters on offense, including sophomore QB KJ Costello; 6 starters on defense, including PK and punter. The Cardinal are trending #14 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 North heading into 2018.
• #21 USF (10-2) - the Bulls are coming off a 38-34 win over Texas Tech in the Birmingham Bowl, their second straight over a P5 there. HC Charlie Strong enters Year 2, with 6 offensive starters returning and 5 defensive starters. Junior QB Blake Barnett arrives in Tampa, after stops at Bama and ASU. The Bulls are expected to fall back nationally outside the Stassen Composite heading into 2018, but #2 in the AAC East.
• #22 Boise State (11-3) - the Broncos are coming off a 38-28 win over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, as HC Bryan Harsin enters Year 5 at the helm. The Broncos return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Brett Rypien; 10 defensive starters and both kickers. The Broncos are trending #22 in the Stassen Composite and the consensus #1 in the MWC Mountain division, after defeating Fresno State 17-14 in last season's MWC title game.
• #23 North Carolina State (9-4) - the Wolfpack are coming off a 52-31 Sun Bowl win over Arizona State, as HC Dave Doeren enters Year 8 at the helm. The Wolfpack return 6 offensive starters, including senior QB Ryan Finley; but only 3 defensive starters and their punter. NC State is trending #36 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Atlantic division in 2018.
• #24 Virginia Tech (9-4) - the Hokies are coming off a 30-21 loss to Oklahoma State in the Camping World Bowl. HC Justin Fuente enters Year 3 with 7 offensive starters back, including sophomore QB Joshua Jackson; only 5 back on defensive and their punter. The Hokies are trending #23 in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• #25 Memphis (10-3) - the Tigers are coming off a 21-20 loss at home in the Liberty Bowl against Iowa State (8-5) to close out last season. HC Mike Norvell enters Year 3 at the helm, with 7 offensive starters back; 8 defensive starters and their PK. Junior, grad transfer Brady White from ASU is an option at QB. The Tigers are trending #39 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the AAC West division for 2018. 

They made the inaugural College Football Playoff; but not Top 25 all-time!

• Oregon (7-6) - the Ducks were 13-2 in 2014 and played in the College Football title game, but they have fallen to a low of 4-8 in 2016. Last season, under HC Willie Taggert, they finished 7-5 in the regular season, only to lose Taggert to Florida State. Co-OC Mario Cristobal was named HC and DC Jim Leavitt was retained, but their debut was a 38-28 loss to Boise State in the Las Vegas Bowl. The new coaching staff will return 7 starters on offense, including junior QB Justin Herbert; 7 starters on defense, plus their punter. Stassen Composite has Oregon trending #24t nationally and #3 in the Pac 12 North. The Ducks were 3-2 in BCS era bowl games, but the program is seeking their first national title, after losing the first CFP title game in 2014!

Don't forget about our conference or our team in 2018!

• West Virginia (7-6) - the Mountaineers lost to Utah 30-14 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl to close out last season. HC Dana Holgorsen enters Year 8, with 7 offensive starters back, including senior QB Will Grier; 5 starters back on defense, along with both kickers. WVU is trending #27 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• South Carolina (9-4) - the Gamecocks are coming off a 26-19 win over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. HC Will Muschamp returns 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Jake Bentley; 6 back on defense and both kickers. The Gamecocks are trending #28 in the Stassen Composite and #2t in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Missouri (7-6) - the Tigers are coming off a 33-16 loss to Texas in the Texas Bowl last year. HC Barry Odom is entering Year 3, with 9 starters back on offense, including senior QB Drew Lock; 7 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Tigers are trending #31 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the SEC East division for 2018.
• Arizona (7-6) - the Wildcats are coming off a 38-35 loss against Purdue (7-6) in the Foster Farms Bowl. New HC Kevin Sumlin will have 7 starters back on offense for the Wildcats, including junior QB Khalil Tate; 9 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Wildcats are trending #32t in the Stassen Composite and #2 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Utah (7-6) - the Utes are coming off a 30-14 win in the Heart of Dallas Bowl over West Virginia last year. HC Kyle Whittingham is entering his 14th Year at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, including junior QB Tyler Huntley; 6 starters back on defense and both kickers, who are among the best in the nation. The Utes are trending #34 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the Pac 12 South division for 2018.
• Florida Atlantic (11-3) - the Owls are coming off a 50-3 win over Akron (7-7) in the Boca Raton Bowl last season. HC Lane Kiffin enters Year 2, with 5 starters back on offense and 10 defensive starters back. Kiffin hasn't determine his #1 QB yet heading into game against OU. FAU are trending #35 in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the C-USA East division for 2018.
• Georgia Tech (5-6) - the Yellow Jackets are coming off a losing season for the second time in three years, under HC Paul Johnson entering his 11th season. The Jackets return 8 starters on offense, including senior QB TeQuon Marshall; 5 starters back on defense and both kickers. GT is trending #37 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Kansas State (8-5) - the Wildcats are coming off a 35-17 win over UCLA in the Cotton Bowl last season. HC Bill Snyder signed a five year extension this summer, as he enters the 10th straight season and 27th overall at the helm in Manhattan. The Wildcats return 8 starters on offense, including junior QB Alex Delton; 5 defensive starters are back. K-State is trending #38 in the Stassen Composite and #7 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Duke (7-6) - the Blue Devils are coming off a 36-14 win over Northern Illinois (8-5) in the Quick Lane Bowl last season. HC David Cutcliffe enters Year 11, with 7 offensive starters back, including junior QB Daniel Jones; 8 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Blue Devils are trending #41 in the Stassen Composite and #3 in the ACC Coastal division for 2018.
• Louisville (8-5) - the Cardinals are coming off a 31-27 loss to Mississippi State in the Taxslayer Bowl last year. HC Bobby Petrino enters Year 9 at the helm, with 7 starters back on offense, both kickers, but only 4 starters back on defense. The Cardinals are trending #42 in the Stassen Composite and #4 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Boston College (7-6) - the Eagles are coming off a 27-20 loss against Iowa in the Pinstripe Bowl last season. HC Steve Addazio enters Year 6, with 10 starters back, including sophomore QB Anthony Brown; 6 defensive starters back and their PK. The Eagles are trending #43 in the Stassen Composite and #5 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• Arkansas State (7-5) - the Red Wolves are coming off a 35-30 loss against Middle Tennessee (8-5) in the Camellia Bowl last season. HC Black Anderson enters Year 5, with 7 starters back on offense, including senior QB Justice Hansen; 5 back on defense and both kickers. The Red Wolves are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #1 in the Sun Belt West division for 2018.
• Texas Tech (6-7) - the Red Raiders are coming off a 38-34 loss to USF in the Birmingham Bowl last year. HC Kliff Kingsbury enters Year 6, with 6 starters back on offense, 10 starters back on defense and both kickers. The Red Raiders are trending #44t in the Stassen Composite and #8 in the Big 12 for 2018.
• Wake Forest (8-5) - the Demon Deacons are coming off a 55-52 win against Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl last season. HC Dave Clawson enters Year 5 at the helm, with 8 starters back on offense, 6 starters back on defense and their punter. The Demon Deacons are trending #47t in the Stassen Composite and #6 in the ACC Atlantic division for 2018.
• The top picks in the MAC in 2018 - Ohio U (9-4) in the East and Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West. HC Frank Solich is heading into his 14th season at Ohio, while HC Rod Carey is heading into Year 6 for NIU.

Nope, Iowa State is not trending in any preseason Top 25 ratings

• Iowa State (8-5) - the Cyclones are coming off a 21-20 win against Memphis in the Liberty Bowl last year. HC Matt Campbell enters Year 3, with 6 starters back on offense, including senior QB Kyle Kempt; 6 starters back on defense and their PK. The Cyclones are trending #6 in the Big 12 in 2018.

Uncharted territory: Iowa Football and the Big Ten; 3 more to play in Week 1 of College Football

Tough way to begin 2016 for LSU and four other SEC schools ...

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Week 1 doesn't define a season. Look at the past two years in the B1G & beyond ...

Good example: Stanford Cardinal in 2015, after an ugly 16-6 loss at Northwestern to kickoff the 2015 season. By the way, the Cardinal played 0-12 UCF in Week 2 at home. They won 31-7. The following week, @ #6 USC, who finished 7-6 and no reason they are at Top 25 program right now or then ...

Preseason Polls are meaningless. Examples ...

Should we write off OU, LSU or Northwestern right now?

Last year, Oklahoma lost to Texas in the Red River Shoutout and still made Final 4 in CFP. 

They call Houston, a winner by upset, but Houston ended #8 last year. Why so low to open 2016?

This picture was used in discussing the OU/Houston game on Twitter.

Is a battle between #5 vs. #8 a big upset, if #8 wins the game?
Was Stanford's win over Iowa an upset in the Rose Bowl, after all, when you compare the common opponent in 2015?

Wins and losses matter, but teams for the CFP will be judged on the full season, especially the conference title, which is important, so hard to see two from same division or same conference, if not in a title game?

Look who reached his 64th win over ranked opponents in College
Football, the old head coach at Michigan State. By the way,
Steve Spurrier was honored at Florida, with the field name
on Saturday night, as Gators beat UMass 24-7.

In 2014, eventual #1 Ohio State lost at home to VA Tech in Week 2.

Well, the Big Ten finished the first week of the 2016 College Football with a 12-2 record, just like Iowa during the 2015 season.

There was a blowout by a Pac 12 team on the West Coast and a Michigan team beat the B1G at the end of the game in the final minute. Sound familiar ...

Wow, are you excited about the 2016 College Football season? 

There are THREE FBS games left this Labor Day weekend.

Wait, ESPN keeps talking about TWO games. 

Of course, the Power 5 is what matters, more importantly teams not named ODU or even Iowa.

One talking head said Desmond King won the first major trophy for Iowa, since the 1950s. Just like Iowa does not face a winning program on the road in 2016. ESPN is dead wrong on both accounts, are they not?

How far can the Hawkeyes fly in 2016, with 15 starters returning
and now a mix of 10 new true freshmen playing snaps this season?

By the way, there are more than TWO more Games over the weekend. Yes, Phil Steele had the game playing on Saturday too, but look at your LSU TV schedule for what games are really on folks!

ODU plays today, as well as the showdown in Austin. The final game will kickoff from Orlando on Labor Day in primetime on ABC.

- a battle for bragging rights in VA
- a battle for respect in Texas
- a battle between ACC-SEC bragging rights 

Not sure they have the same interest, since no B1G, except, Notre Dame and Florida State are involved. Oh, odu ...

How about Clemson over Auburn, Wisconsin over LSU, South Alabama over Mississippi State, West Virginia over Missouri, not as happy to hear Southern Miss rallied to beat Kentucky as the SEC witnesses five programs falling in Week 1?

By the way, it is Year 6 of the new era of Big Ten Football or is it Year 3, since the CFP is now here and we scrapped the Leaders and Legends?

Iowa is coming off 12-0. The two game losing streak, it was a three game losing streak last year at this time, Iowa was coming off and the Cy-Hawk Game is next.
Of course, this is the 1981 season all over again for Iowa, after all ...

• The world or at least many in the media have it for the B1G 2 again ...
• It is at Defcon 5, after OSU opened with a 77-10 win over Urban Meyer's former program ...
• For the first time, since 1975, Michigan beat a program by 60 or more points ...
• Who is Iowa - they don't play OSU or MSU this year?
• PSU was 7-6 last year ...
• Can we dream of 1981 of 1985 when Iowa vs. Michigan is played?
• Iowa ends the season at Kinnick with Nebraska, since we both are in the B1G now, but when was the last time Iowa won over Nebraska at Kinnick (1981) ...

Iowa opened the 2016 season playing ten true freshmen, clearly uncharted territory for the Hawkeyes? In 2007, 11 true freshmen played through out the season, I read recently.

One thing we don't like to see about Iowa defense ... 

A team not at full strength, but remember DE Drew Ott in 2015. Remember, MLB Josey Jewell is averaging 1 tackle right now per game. An assist at that ...

The Iowa Hawkeyes are lead by senior QB 16 C.J. Beathard,
who is now 14-2 as a starting QB. Next up: vs. Iowa State.

At Iowa, C.J Beathard is our QB. Though, we may see more of Tyler Wiegers in 2016?

Look at Alabama's first week at QB, in the win over USC. They did win right?

After all, it is a long season and don't forget about VA Tech, Arizona and Ole Miss [2]; Northwestern,Texas and Nebraska in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

By the way, no undefeated team has won the CFP, in the first two years.

Florida State and Clemson each went 13-1 at end, and didn't make title game, after undefeated regular seasons.

This is Year 3 of the CFP and the new B1G and it will be a roller coaster of a season, just like many B1G games.
                                                                                                                             

The Ohio State Buckeyes are 27-2, since the CFP kicked off.

1. Ohio State (1-0) - the team to beat in 2016? 

OU, the other B1G East opponents, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Nebraska ...

But, not for Iowa in the regular season. They will see others, such as Iowa State this week.

Neither for Alabama, who appear headed to play more spread offense, than any previous Nick Sabin team, ever. The OC creation of Lane Kiffin, oh my?

Iowa junior RB 25 Akrum Wadley, lead the Hawkeyes' ground
attack in the 45-21 win over Miami-OH in the season opener.
He also recovered a key fumble early in the game, as Iowa
allowed a free shot on QB C.J. Beathard. Iowa recovered
three fumbles to fuel the opening win of the 2016 season.

2. Iowa (1-0) - are they worthy, what would a game vs. OR ST, WMU, LSU or Fresno St have been like on Saturday? 

This is Year 5 of Phil Parker and Greg Davis, how special can 2016 be w/ new KF and the new Hawkeye team for this year?

The Spartans enjoy a bye week in Week 2, as they hit the road
@ Notre Dame, as senior QB 7 Tyler O'Connor, looks to build
on his 1-0 record on the road, as a starter, after leading MSU
to a 17-14 win to help clinch the B1G West division title.

3. Michigan State (1-0) - the Badgers open the B1G season in East Lansing on 9/24. 

The #12 Spartans have a bye week ahead of road trip against Notre Dame on 9/17.

4. Wisconsin (1-0) - yes, they just beat LSU and a won bowl game over USC last year. Lost last year to Alabama 35-7 to Iowa 10-6 and Northwestern 13-7. 
The Badgers win on defense and Paul Chryst is in Year 2 ...

The 2016 Michigan Wolverines kicked off the season, with the
first of five home games, including a 63-3 win over Hawaii'.
Sleep deprived Wolverines slaughter jet lagged Rainbow Warriors!

5. Michigan (1-0) - the Wolvernies face 1-0 UCF next. The Knights have given up less points than the Wolvernes, who open w/ 5 straight games in Ann Arbor for 2016.

Western Michigan defeated a Big Ten team for the first time, since
the 2007 win @ Iowa 28-19 to close out the Hawkeyes' regular
season. It is a game of inches, as the Wildcats may have learned?

6. Northwestern (0-1) - yes, they lost to WMU 22-21 on Saturday. In the loss, junior running back Justin Jackson scored all three touchdowns for the Wildcats, but a costly fumble at the goal line by sophomore quarterback Clayton Thorson, ended the bid for a win.

The Wildcats beat Stanford in home opener last year and what did that say, it is a long season? One game doesn't define you, as a team?

The Nebraska paid tribute to the passing of punter Sam Foltz
during the season opener, as they only sent ten men onto the
field, ahead of the first punt attempt of the 2016 season. After
the delay of game penalty, Nebraska went on to defeat Fresno
State in the game, 43-10, with a 2nd half shutout.

7. Nebraska (1-0) - Mike Riley just won his 100th game as a College head coach. KF has 128 wins now at Iowa?

They have 1-0 Wyoming, who defeated NIU 40-34 in OT.

We all remember the Huskies out of the MAC? 

Tracy Claeys surprised the BTN
crew, when he went for 2 with a
seven point lead late in the 4Q.

8. Minnesota (1-0) - they beat Oregon State ugly in opener w/ three DQs or was it 2) 

B1G @ Penn State on 10/1 for B1G opener. They don't play anyone strong in OCC, except Gary Anderson's Beavers.

Penn State University announced recently they will honor the
50th anniversary of the hiring of Joe Paterno, as head football
coach, during the 9/17 game against Temple.

9. PSU (1-0) - the Nittany Lions are @ Pitt this Saturday, then host Temple. It is nice to see Penn State resuming with the Panthers in non-conference play.

Will they win or free fall? 

Open B1G @ Michigan, as well on 9/24.

The Hoosiers return 13 starters from a 6-7 team that
lost 44-41 in OT to Duke in the Pinstripe Bowl.
RG Dan Feeney, LB Clyde Newton, LB Marcus
Oliver and WR Ricky Jones are all back in 2016

10. Indiana (1-0) - Ball State is next, after road win @ FIU. The Hooisers are coming off bowl game, as they begin Kevin Wilson's sixth season. He was OC I believe in 1999, when Northwestern last lost to a MAC program in season opener?

Two B1G games are ahead to wrap up non-conference
play and September for the new Fighting Illini, as
the Lovie Smith era has come to Champaign,
after 20 years working the sidelines of the NFL.

11. Illinois (1-0) - host UNC, off loss to UGA in Atlanta, this Saturday in Champaign ...make or break game for former #23 Tar Heels? Western Michigan (1-0) also plays Illinois to round off non-conference play in 2016.

Can the Lovie Smith era, like the 1979 Iowa Hawkeyes under J. Hayden Fry, with a strong game(s) or even better with a big win(s)?

The Boilermakers opened 2016 with a new offensive and
defensive coordinator, as coach Darrell Hazell enters a critical
stage in 2016, his fourth season at the helm.

12. Purdue (1-0) - next up are the Cincinnati Bearcats from the AAC for Boilermakers. The Boilermakers took care of business against Eastern Kentucky and move on to the next test, with three non-conference games at home, including a bye week.

First year head coach D.J. Durkin celebrate his first career win
over a FCS program 

13. Maryland (1-0) - travel to play @FIU on Friday, so they face a Panthers program looking to get to 1-1 vs. B1G East.

The Chris Ash era has begun, as #16 Washington rolls 48-13
over the Scarlet Knights to kickoff the 2016 season. The next
game against 0-1 Howard, who were 1-10 last season may
not provide much feedback, in preparation for a B1G season.

14. Rutgers (0-1) - new head coach Chris Ash has work ahead before B1G opener on 9/24 w/ native state, Iowa.  Ironically, the Scarlet Knights play Howard, who were at Maryland for the season opening loss 52-13, to kickoff Week 2.

That's football ...

Sunday, September 4th 

• Notre Dame at Texas 6:30 pm on ABC / espn3 - the Longhorns have won 16 straight home openers by an average of 37 points, wow! Who do they actually play in home openers? Rice was opponent last year, after the 38-3 loss @ Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are 9-2 all-time in this series, winning five straight now. This game will likely be close?
• Hampton at Old Dominion 2:30 pm on $CUSA Video - There hasn't been much talk about this one. Phil Steele magazine had this one for the 3rd (Saturday), but C-USA pulled a nice win in the SEC on Saturday. ODU's next opponent is @ Appalachian State on Saturday, who took Tennessee down to the wire, losing in OT, after 17 straight points were given up by Mountaineers. ODU does play @ North Carolina State in Week 3, as they kickoff the 2016 season today against the Pirates, who were 6-5 at the FCS level in 2015 ...

Monday, September 5th 

• Florida State vs. Ole Miss (Orlando) 7:00 pm on ESPN - a loss to Ole Miss in back to back season didn't cost the Razorbacks in either 2014 or 2015, on the road to the College Football Playoff ...

Week 4 College Football Playoff team: Who's In?

 

   

5. Michigan State

6. Notre Dame

The FBS is down to two final unbeaten teams: Clemson (11-0) and Iowa (11-0)

Clemson and Iowa are the two remaining unbeaten teams in FBS College Football.

Iowa City, IA -- The #1 Clemson Tigers (11-0, 8-0 ACC Atlantic) and the #3 Iowa Hawkeyes (11-0, 7-0 B1G West), in each of the major polls, are the two sole remaining unbeaten teams in FBS College Football heading into the final weekend of the regular season for each team. Each will take to the road to face rivals, as the Tigers head to Columbia to face South Carolina, while Iowa faces Nebrasaka @ Lincoln.

By the way, Clemson has lost the last three games in Columbia. The game will kickoff on Saturday at 11 a.m. CST on ESPN. The Tigers beat South Carolina 35-17, last season. The Gamecocks fell to 3-8, after a 23-22 loss to The Citadel on Saturday.

Who are the Top 4 right now? There is no secret that Iowa and the Big Ten are not the favorites of ESPN.

ESPN likes the Big 12, with four of the Top 10. Florida almost got knocked off
on Saturday, when they were forced into OT against Florida Atlantic.

Yes, Iowa is 11-0  in 2015 ...

1. Alabama - over an undefeated Clemson, not sure that is completely right?
2. Clemson - Top undefeated team in college football ,,,
3. Oklahoma - They look like the best one loss team, outside of the Crimson Tide, but they nearly lost at home to TCU on Saturday!
4. Oklahoma State - not sure I agree with this one at all, since non-conference including zero Power 5 opponents ,,,
5. Iowa - only remaining Big Ten team that is undefeated ... win out and they are in the College Football Playoff in 2015.

There are some big, big games in the College Football Playoff this week:

• Alabama @ Auburn on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on CBS
• Notre Dame @ Stanford on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on FOX
• Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State on Saturday at 7 p.m. on ABC
• Florida State @ Florida on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN
• Baylor @ TCU on Friday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN

Iowa at 11-0 for the first time in program history.

The Big Ten championship game will be determined in the East on Saturday. The West was already determined this past Saturday, when Iowa defeated Purdue 40-20, as the Hawkeyes finished out the season 7-0 at home.

1. Iowa (7-0 B1G West) - the Hawkeyes haven't played a top team in the East, but they have defeated everyone they have faced all season and are the only unbeaten remaining in the conference.
2. Michigan State (6-1 B1G East) - the Spartans opened play in November with a late minute loss @ Nebraska, but took care of business @ Ohio State, with a field goal on the final play to win 17-14 and fall right back into the driver's seat in the B1G East ...
3. Michigan (6-1 B1G East) - They need help in East Lansing, as first year coach Jim Harbaugh seeks to bring the Wolverines their first win over the Buckeyes, since 2011, when Luke Fickell enjoyed a year leading his alma mater ...
4. Ohio State (6-1 B1G East) - Well the regular season conference win streak is done at 30, as the Buckeyes fall for the first time in the regular season in conference play under Urban Meyer ... some interesting comments from two players, as a trip to face the Team Up North is next in Ann Arbor ...
5. Northwestern (5-2 B1G West) - after back to back 5-7 seasons, under Pat Fitzgerald, his tenth season at his alma mater has more joys than cries ... short drive down to Soldier Field to face Illinois, who the Wildcats lost to 47-33 last season!
6. Wisconsin (5-2 B1G West) - road trip ahead for first year Paul Chryst @ Minnesota ...
7. Penn State (4-3 B1G East) - second year coach James Franklin has both the Buckeyes and Wolverines hoping the Nittany Lions can play spoiler to the Spartans B1G season ...
8. Nebraska (3-4 B1G West) - a win in the Heroes Game would give the Huskers 6th under first year coach Mike Riley!
9. Minnesota (2-5 B1G West) - new coach Tracy Claeys earned his first B1G win, after three straight losses to Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa, with win over Illinois ... now seeking 6th win of season and first win over Wisconsin, since 2003 ...
10. Indiana (1-6 B1G East) - after getting their first B1G win in Maryland, they seek another B1G win @ Purdue to become bowl eligible for the first time, since 2007!
11. Illinois (2-5 B1G West) - Interim coach Bill Cubit hasn't earned the job ... Soldier Field is the finale of the regular season, as the Fighting Illini work to become bowl eligible!
12. Purdue (1-6 B1G West) - the Boilermakers haven't dropped three straight in the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket, since 1944-47, so third year coach Darrell Hazell may become the next?
13. Rutgers (1-6 B1G East) - the Scarlet Knights lone win was over the Hoosiers, but they may be in the cellar at season's end, if they don't take care of business at home to close out 2015!
14. Maryland (0-7 B1G East) - the Terrapins will determine who their new coach will be, as Mike Locksley is holding the interim title for now ...

MSU's Tyler O'Connor completed 7-of-12 passes for 89 yards and one touchdown while Barrett went
9-for-16  for 46 yards and one TD. O'Connor picked up 11 of his 25 rushing yards (on eight carries) while
 converting a crucial fourth-and-3 situation on MSU's second touchdown drive. Barrett let the Buckeyes
with 15 carries for 44 yards. Regular QB Connor Cook was injured and couldn't play for MSU.

Clemson jumps Ohio State in the AP Top 25 Poll, after win over Florida State 23-13 on Saturday

Cedar Rapids, IA -- So, the Big Ten loses the top spot, as Ohio State (9-0) beats Minnesota in Columbus, 28-14. The new AP College Football poll has Clemson (9-0) the new #1, after 23-13 home win over Florida State. The Tigers clinched the ACC Atlantic division title, with win over the Seminoles.

If played today, Clemson (9-0) would play North Carolina (8-1, 5-0 ACC
Costal), in the ACC Companionship game.

The latest College Football Playoff poll will be released on Tuesday night on ESPN. There will be some big games ahead in Week 11 of the 2015 College Football season.

Who's In heading into Week 11?

1. Alabama

2. Clemson

3. Ohio State

4. Notre Dame

The AP Top 25 Poll Top 4 (all receiving #1 votes)

1. Clemson

2. Ohio State

3. Alabama

4. Baylor

rest of the Top 25

The Big Ten lead by #2 Ohio State has six ranked teams heading into Week 11.

8. Iowa (9-0)

14. Michigan State (8-1)

15. Michigan (7-2)

23. Wisconsin (8-2)

24. Northwestern (7-2)

Football Recaps November 7th

Members of the 2013 Iowa team hoist home Floyd of Rosedale, after the victory
23-7 in Minneapolis. However, last year, the Golden Gophers took Floyd from
Iowa, in a win, at home in Minneapolis. Does Iowa win him back for 2015?

#8 Iowa (9-0, 5-0 B1G West) returns to action Saturday, Nov. 14, hosting Minnesota (4-5, 1-4 B1G West) at 7 p.m. (CST) inside Kinnick Stadium in a battle for Floyd of Rosedale. The Big Ten Network will have the broadcast on Saturday night.

The First Saturday of November is in the Books, with two remaining Big Ten and Big 12 undefeated teams remaining ...

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Who's In?

It will not really matter, until after December 5th and maybe December 12th, if Navy Academy keeps running the table ...

Here's our Top 4, after the First Saturday of November:

1. Alabama (8-1)

2. Clemson (9-0)

3. Ohio State (9-0)

4. Notre Dame (8-1)

#12 Oklahoma State beat #5 TCU 49-29 in Stillwater on Saturday.

Does Oklahoma State pass Iowa in the College Football Playoff poll, after the Cowboys' win in Stillwater over once, unbeaten TCU (8-1) in the Big 12? We will find out on Tuesday night, as two Big Ten and Big 12 teams remain unbeaten heading into Week 11 of the 2015 College Football season.

• Ohio State (9-0) @ Illinois this Saturday
• Iowa (9-0) host Minnesota this Saturday night
• Baylor (9-0) hosts Oklahoma this Saturday night
• Oklahoma State (9-0) @ Iowa State this Saturday

Nebraska junior WR #87 Brandon Reilly last second TD reception stands over MSU.

Nebraska (4-6) took down once, unbeaten #7 Michigan State (8-1) in Lincoln on Saturday night with a 39-38 win. The Cornhuskers jump out the Big Ten West cellar, at 2-4, with overcoming the 12 point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Spartans still control their own destiny at 4-1 in the B1G East, with Maryland, @ Ohio State and Penn State left in November.

Iowa 9-0, 5-0 B1G West in 2015 after Week 1 of November ...

The Hawkeyes are 9-0 for the second time in program history. For the second time in the Kirk Ferentz era, and the second time, after taking down Indiana, but this time around, it was in Bloomington, Indiana where the Hawkeyes pulled to 9-0 on the season.

Iowa @ Indiana was a hard fought game in Bloomington, as Iowa makes it
6 of last 7 in the Iowa-IU series, with a 35-27 win on Saturday over Hoosiers.

#9 (#10/#11 in the polls) Iowa (9-0, 5-0) defeated Indiana (4-5, 0-5), 35-27 Saturday at Memorial Stadium, in Bloomington. The Hawkeyes have won six of the last seven in the Iowa-IU sereis.

"First of all, just really proud of our football team. The way they competed today, it was really a big win for us, certainly, and something we've emphasized to our team is winning in November. Our best teams have done that and if you're going to compete at a championship level, that's really imperative. Guys did a great job competing out there today. I thought they really prepared well this week and certainly gutted it out and got the job done there in the 4th quarter. And I think if you look at the 4th quarter it's a bit representative of our football team. The defense came up with some big plays, the offense drove the ball when we really needed it, special teams factored in, and the team really responded throughout the course of the game. They did a good job to respond to whatever took place out there. Those are all positive." - Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz

Iowa is 5-0 in the Big Ten for the third time under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa opened 5-0 in the Big Ten in 2009 (5-0) and 2002 (8-0). The next two weeks, Iowa will be back home at Kinnick Stadium to host Minnesota and Purdue.

For the second time in the Kirk Ferentz era, Iowa is 9-0 to kickoff a season.

Iowa has won five consecutive true road games for the first time since 2008-09. The Hawkeyes won a trip to the Orange Bowl in 2009. A 13-0 finish in 2015 may be the Hawkeyes' ticket for a return date in the Orange Bowl, since the 4th seed is slated for Miami this year.

The Hawkeyes keep rolling, while the Hoosiers are seeking their first B1G win of 2015. Next up for IU: vs. Michigan.

Iowa has scored 31 or more points six times this season, including the last three games. The Hawkeyes are averaging 27.5 in Big Ten games on offense and are giving up 12.8 yards on defense, second best in the Big Ten in 2015.

Iowa junior QB #16 goes over for a touchdown to close out scoring in the 2nd
quarter. Iowa took a 21-17 lead at the half, with less than 25 seconds remaining.
Despite the groin and hip injury, Beathard fought for each yard and scored.

Junior QB C.J. Beathard is 10-0 as Iowa’s starting quarterback, a record that includes a 5-0 mark on the road, a 5-0 mark at home, and a 6-0 mark in the Big Ten. Numbers include 162-of-278 passing for 2,076 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions, and 247 yards rushing with four rushing touchdowns. He is the first quarterback in school history to win his first nine career starts.

Iowa junior CB #14 Desmond King with his 8th interception on the 2015 season.
In the last two games against Indiana's QB Nate Sudfeld, Iowa had back to back
Pick 6 interceptions, but King has two interceptions now against Sudfeld in 2 wins.

Junior CB Desmond King recorded his eighth interception of the season in the fourth quarter. He leads the nation in the category and ties the Iowa school record for interceptions in a single season, joining Lou King (1981) and Nile Kinnick (1939). 

Iowa junior WR #89 Matt VandeBerg is the Hawkeyes go-to receiver for the
2015 offense, as the Hawkeyes reach 5-0 in the B1G West and 9-0 overall, with
the 35-27 win @ Indiana on Saturday. VandeBerg had 5 catches for 68 yards.

The 1981 season was extremely special in the modern era; the 2015 season is on a journey to reach the first-ever Big Ten Championship Game, if the Hawkeyes can finish it out in November? Iowa has a two-game lead in the Big Ten West, ahead of Wisconsin, who the Hawkeyes beat 10-6 to open the 2015 Big Ten season, in Madison. Last year, the Badgers finished 7-1 to win the Big Ten, but lost the Big Ten opener to Northwestern. This year, they need help by others.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz and the 2015 Hawkeyes before the game.

Senior PK Marshall Koehn scored five points today with five PATs. Koehn has 141 career points, 19th all-time. Ferentz chose to go for touchdowns on Saturday, rather than use his placekicker on fourth down for field goals. The Hawkeyes finished with five offensive touchdowns. They were stopped on fourth down, but not enough to change the outcome of the game.

Iowa sophomore RB #25 Akrum Wadley "next man in" on a 65 yard
touchdown run against Indiana to give Iowa a 7-0 lead in the opening minute.

Sophomore RB Akrum Wadley’s 65-yard touchdown run on Iowa’s first possession was a career long. Wadley rushed for 120 yards on 12 carries. He has two 100-yard rushing games this season, three in his career. Wadley was injured in the third quarter and did not return.

Junior RB LeShun Daniels had his first career multi-touchdown game. Daniels scored from four yards in the second quarter, and again from one yard in the fourth quarter. Iowa has had three running backs this season deal with ankle injuries.

Iowa junior RB #29 LeShun Daniels with one of his two touchdowns @ IU.

The Hawkeyes should have all four running backs back in action, as they head into next Saturday's night game with Minnesota.

Iowa senior WR #4 Tevaun Smith plays an important role in 2015.

Senior WR Tevaun Smith had 4 catches for 55 yards. He moved from 30th to 28th on Iowa’s all-time list for receiving yards (1,262). Smith was a victim of targeting late in the second quarter. He returned in the third quarter, despite the bumps and bruises to his back.

Iowa senior WR #17 Jacob Hillyer for one of his many important catches.

Senior WR Jacob Hillyer set career bests in receptions (4) and receiving yards (53). He has been very strong in the running game blocking this season, but this game, he really shined in the passing game.

Iowa defensive stats during the Hawkeyes 35-27 win @ Indiana.

Iowa sophomore MLB #43 Josey Jewell lead Iowa on Saturday on defense.

Sophomore MLB Josey Jewell had a team-high 15 tackles and 11 solo stops. Both are career-highs. He was a play-maker all over the field and is showing outstanding leadership, with the play calls for the Iowa defense in 2015.

The Iowa offense has taken care of business in the 4th quarter all season long.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz has 124 wins as a member of the Big Ten Conference, eighth all-time. Ferentz has 73 Big Ten wins, eighth all-time. Back in 1982, Iowa's game @ Indiana went down to a final stop at the Iowa 2 yard line to preserve a 24-20 Iowa win. Today, the game had far more on the line, but the Hawkeyes didn't allow it to get too close.

Indiana junior RB #8 Jordan Howard, the transfer from UAB, scored two
touchdown runs against Iowa on Saturday. He ran 22 times for 174 yards,
2 touchdowns, but was limited in the second half, after an outstanding 1st half.

Indiana won the toss and deferred to the second half. Iowa received the opening kickoff in eight of nine games this season (Wisconsin), and has outscored its opponents 50-16 in the first quarter. In 17 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Kirk Ferentzand the Hawkeyes received the opening kickoff in 170-of-209 games (103-67). Iowa has started the game on defense in 39-of-209 games under Ferentz (21-18).

Indiana senior QB #7 Nate Sudfeld came up short again in 2015.

"Obviously, we've been competitive all season against the best teams in the nation, but I'm tired of being competitive," Indiana senior QB Nate Sudfeld said. "We're good enough, I know I'm a good enough player to win these games, and I know we have good enough players around us to outplay the teams we're playing against. It's up to us players."

Instant replay was used three times today.

• Indiana first down reception (confirmed)
• Indiana personal foul: targeting on Simmons (confirmed)
• C.J. Beathard touchdown rush (confirmed)

Scott Siepker ‏@scottsiepker  Nov 2

NEW VIDEO: Our reply to "Joe talks to his kids about an undefeated Iowa." #SECMyth #Hawkeyes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQnYfkDO5Ks …