Who are the most prominent programs around the FBS conferences heading into 2018?

American Athletic Conference

1. UCF (13-0) in the East
2. Memphis (10-3) in the West

• USF (10-2) and Temple (7-6) are 2-3 in West
• Could one of the them sneak up on UCF, with HC Scott Frost at Nebraska now and former Missouri OC Josh Heupel now head coach for the Knights?
• Houston (7-5) hopes to sneak into the conversation in the West

Atlantic Coast Conference

1. Clemson (12-2) in the Atlantic
2. Miami-FL (10-3) in the Coastal

• both Clemson and Miami-FL are consensus picks in 2018 in the ACC  
• could they repeat again in 2018?
• Notre Dame (10-3) is the Top independent again in 2018 and continues to play five ACC teams 

Big Ten Conference

1. Wisconsin (13-1) in the West
2. Ohio State (12-2) in the East

• No one is picking Michigan (8-5) to win the East outright, but they are expected to be in hunt
• Michigan State (10-3) and Penn State (11-2) could sneak into the East again
• Northwestern (10-3) is picked 3rd ahead of Iowa (8-5), but one site has the Wildcats in the West

Big 12 Conference

1. Oklahoma (12-2)

• Texas (7-6) is picked to be the team to knock out the Sooners in 2018, if anyone does it
• TCU (11-3) is next in line in the Big 12 race in 2018, after playing in the title game last year

Conference USA

1. Florida Atlantic (11-3) in the East
2. North Texas (9-5) in the West

• Marshall (8-5) is the best candidate to challenge FAU in the East
• Louisiana Tech (7-6) and UAB (8-5) are 2-3 in the West pecking order, top challengers to North Texas

Mid American Conference

1. Ohio U (9-4) in the East
2. Northern Illinois (8-5) in the West

• Miami-OH (5-7) and Buffalo (6-6) are 2-3 in the East pecking order, top challenges to Ohio U
• Toledo (11-3) won the West last season and is the best candidate to give NIU a challenge

Mountain West Conference

1. Boise State (11-3) in the Mountain
2. Fresno State (10-4) in the West
3. San Diego State (10-3) in the West

• No real contenders beyond the Top 3 according the experts in the MWC in 2018

Pacific 12 Conference

1. Washington (10-3) in the North
2. USC (11-3) in the South

• Arizona (7-6) could be a surprise in the South, despite new HC Kevin Sumlin
• Stanford (9-5) won the North last season, but Washington is a consensus pick in 2018

Southeastern Conference

1. Alabama (13-1) in the West
2. Georgia (13-2) in the East

• Alabama is a consensus pick in the West, despite Auburn (10-4) knocking them off in 2017
• Florida (4-7) and South Carolina (9-4) are tied for 2nd in the East pecking order, top challenges to Georgia in 2018

Sun Belt Conference

1. Arkansas State (7-5) in the West
2. Appalachian State (9-4) in the East
3. Troy (11-2) in the East

• The Sun Belt finally joins the other conferences with a conference title game this season
• Louisiana Monroe (4-8) is the best candidate in the West to sneak up on Arkansas State

Michigan State, Iowa and eight other Big Ten teams heading to Bowl Games in 2015-16

Michigan State represents the Big Ten in the Cotton Bowl, as one part of the
National CFP semi-finals. Iowa and Ohio State are headed to College Football
Playoff  bowls, as well, with dates in the Rose and Fiesta, respectively. 

IOWA CITY, IA -- Following its 16-13 win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, Michigan State has reached the College Football Playoff, while the Hawkeyes are headed to its first Rose Bowl Game in 25 years. Eight other Big Ten teams are headed to bowl games, including two 5-7 programs, due to open bowl slots in 2015-16.

In the final 27 seconds in Indianapolis, Michigan State knocked off Iowa,
16-13, to move into the Top 4 for the College Football Playoffs.

The Spartans (12-1, 7-1 Big Ten) were named the third seed in the four-team playoff and will play second-seeded and SEC Champion Alabama (12-1, 7-1 SEC) in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Thursday, Dec. 31 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (time 7 p.m. CST; TV: ESPN).

No. 1 seed Clemson (13-0) will face No. 4 Oklahoma (11-1) in the Capital One Orange Bowl, also on Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. CST.

The 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is set for Jan. 11 in Glendale, Arizona, at University of Phoenix Stadium. Ohio State won last year's National Championship in North Dallas, over Oregon 42-20 to finish 14-1.

The 2015 Iowa team captains heading out for the coin toss during the Big Ten
Championship Game with Michigan State on Saturday night in Indianapolis.

The University of Iowa has accepted an invitation to participate in the 102nd Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. (CST), on Friday, Jan. 1. The game will be televised by ESPN from the Rose Bowl (89,105). Fifth-ranked Iowa meet, Pac-12 champion and sixth-ranked Stanford (11-2).

For the first time, Iowa and Stanford will meet in a football game, as each
accepted bowl bids the Rose Bowl Game, a tradition between the Big Ten
vs. the Pac 12. The Hawkeyes haven't been in Pasadena in 25 years, while
the Cardinal are playing in its third Rose Bowl in four years.

The Hawkeyes are making their sixth appearance in the Rose Bowl, but their first appearance in Pasadena since 1991. The Hawkeyes are 2-3 in past Rose Bowl contests with their last victory coming in 1959 against California. Iowa has posted a 14-13-1 record in 28 previous bowl appearances.

Iowa won the Big Ten Conference West Division with a record of 12-1, including 8-0 in Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes' only loss came against No. 3 Michigan State (16-13) in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Stanford is lead by Heisman Trophy finalist senior AP offensive performer  #5
running back Christian McCaffery for the Cardinal coach David Shaw. 

This will be the first ever meeting between Iowa and Stanford. The Hawkeyes are 28-36-1 all-time against current teams in the Pac-12.

Iowa ranks third among Big Ten teams in bowl appearances and is bowl eligible for the 13th time under coach head Kirk Ferentz. Iowa has posted a 6-5 bowl record under Ferentz, including wins in four of seven January bowl games. Since the 2001 season, no Big Ten team has won more bowl games, or has a higher winning percentage in bowl games, than Iowa.

The Big Ten, Pac 12 and SEC lead the Power 5 conferences will bowl bids,
as the 2015-16 bowl season kicks off on Saturday, December 19th. The Big Ten
will get started after Christmas, on the 26th, when the Pinstripe Bowl is played.

Bowl matchups for the 2015-16 Bowl season.

Big Ten Matches Conference Record with 10 Bowl Teams

For the second straight year and just the third time in conference history, 10 Big Ten schools were selected for bowl competition on Sunday, including three teams earning berths in College Football Playoff bowls. The Big Ten’s total of 10 bowl teams equals the conference record for most bowl berths in a season, matching the 10 postseason teams following the 2011 and 2014 campaigns.

The Michigan State Spartans won its second Big Ten Championship game in
three seasons, with a 16-13 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Spartans have
played in three of the first five Big Ten Championship Games.

Big Ten Champion Michigan State earned a berth in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. Iowa and Ohio State also will take part in College Football Playoff bowls, with the Hawkeyes heading to the Rose Bowl Game and the Buckeyes earning a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. In addition, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State and Wisconsin collected bids as part of the largest and most diverse postseason lineup in conference history.

Two Big Ten centers are among the three finalists for the Remington Trophy,
as Iowa senior C #63 Austin Blythe and MSU senior C #66 Jack Allen were named.

Iowa returns to the Rose Bowl Game for the first time since a match-up with Washington to conclude the 1990 season. The Hawkeyes were ranked No. 5 by the College Football Playoff selection committee and will face No. 6 Stanford on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif. This will mark the sixth appearance for the Hawkeyes in Pasadena and 68th by a Big Ten squad. The Hawkeyes will be taking part in postseason play for the 29th time.

#8 Notre Dame (10-2) against #7 Ohio State (11-1) in the Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State will be back in the Fiesta Bowl for the first time since the 2008 season. The Buckeyes (11-1) were ranked No. 7 and will take on No. 8 Notre Dame (10-2) at Noon p.m. CST on Jan. 1 in Glendale, Ariz., a rematch of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl won by the Buckeyes. This will mark the seventh appearance for Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl and the ninth appearance by a Big Ten team. The Buckeyes will make their 46th official postseason appearance.

Rematch of the 2007 season, as Michigan and Florida square off in Orlando.
Michigan won the last game, 41-35, over the Gators. It was Michigan coach
Lloyd Carr's final game. This game matches teams with new head coaches.

No. 14 Michigan (9-3) will take part in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl at Noon CST on Jan. 1 in Orlando, Fla., against No. 19 Florida (10-3). The game will mark the Wolverines’ 44th bowl trip overall and fifth appearance in the Citrus Bowl, the Big Ten’s second-oldest current bowl partner behind only the Rose Bowl Game. Michigan last played in the Citrus Bowl at the conclusion of the 2007 season and defeated the Gators, 41-35. Big Ten teams have played in 25 Citrus Bowls, including each of the last 23 seasons.

#23 Tennessee (8-4) vs. Northwestern (10-2) in the Outback Bowl. The Volunteers
won the TaxSlayer Bowl last season over Iowa. The Wildcats are bowling for
the first time in three seasons, coming off back to back 5-7 seasons, under Pat
Fitzgerald, in his 10th season.

No. 13 Northwestern (10-2) will play in the Outback Bowl for the second time in school history and the first time since the 2009 season. The Wildcats will face No. 23 Tennessee (8-4) at 11 am CST on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla. Northwestern will be taking part in a bowl game for the 12th time in program history. The Outback Bowl is the Big Ten’s third-oldest current bowl partner and has been affiliated with the conference since the 1993 season. Big Ten schools have played in 26 Outback Bowls, including each of the last 22 seasons.

#25 USC (8-5) vs. Wisconsin (9-3) will meet in the Holiday Bowl.

Wisconsin (9-3) earned an invitation from the Holiday Bowl to face No. 25 Southern California (8-5) at 9:30 p.m. CST on Dec. 30 in San Diego, Calif. The Badgers are taking part in postseason play for a school-record 14th straight season and are making their 27th bowl appearance. Wisconsin will make its first trip to the Holiday Bowl, which will mark the 11th appearance by a Big Ten team.

Penn State (7-5) vs. Georgia (9-3) meet in the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Penn State will take part in the in the TaxSlayer Bowl at Noon ET on Jan. 2 against Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla. The Nittany Lions will be making their 46th appearance in postseason play and fifth in the TaxSlayer Bowl, with the most recent visit taking place at the conclusion of the 1976 season in what was then known as the Gator Bowl.

Duke (7-5) vs. Indiana (6-6) in the Pinstripe Bowl to kickoff the 2015-168
bowl season for the Big Ten Conference on December 26th. It is the first
bowl game, since 2007.

Indiana (6-6) will make the Big Ten’s second appearance in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at 3:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 26 against Duke (7-5) at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, N.Y. The Hoosiers are making their first postseason trip since the 2007 season and 10th overall. Penn State was victorious in the conference’s first Pinstripe Bowl appearance last season.

Nebraska (5-7) vs. UCLA (8-4) as the programs meet for the third time in
four seasons, but this one is in a bowl game, as two meet in the Foster Farms
Bowl. Mike Riley was 6-2 in bowl games for Oregon State, so it will be interesting.

Nebraska (5-7) will face UCLA (8-4) in the Foster Farms Bowl, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. CST on Dec. 26 in Santa Clara, Calif. Nebraska will make its first appearance in the Foster Farms Bowl, its 52nd bowl appearance overall and will play in a ninth straight postseason game. The contest will mark the fourth time that a current Big Ten team will play in the Foster Farms Bowl, including a 2007 appearance by Maryland in what was then called the Emerald Bowl.

Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Minnesota (5-7) in the Quick Lane Bowl,
as the MAC meets the Big Ten in Detroit.

Minnesota (5-7) earned a berth to face Central Michigan (7-5) in the second annual Quick Lane Bowl at 4 p.m. CST on Dec. 28 in Detroit, Mich. The Gophers will be making their 18th postseason appearance and fourth straight bowl trip. Rutgers earned a victory over North Carolina in the inaugural Quick Lane Bowl last season.

Four Big Ten programs will be home for the Holidays, not reaching bowl games

Illinois named Bill Cubit its coach, after carrying the interim tag most of the
2015 season. Cubit, who was a former head coach in the MAC, was given
a two year contract to lead the Fighting Illini. Illinois bowled in 2014.

• Illinois (5-7) didn't get selected for one of the remaining bowl slots. The Fighting Illini open the 2016 season with Murray State on Saturday, September 3rd.

Purdue hired Darrell Hazell in December 2012 and over three seasons, the
Boilermakers are 1-11, 3-9 and 2-10. There is plenty of work here with only
two Big Ten wins over the past three seasons. Purdue bowled in 2012.

• Purdue (2-10) - The Boilermakers only B1G win was 55-45 against Nebraska in 2015.

Maryland hired Michigan DC D.J. Durkin its newest coach, after firing
Randy Edsall ahead of its bye week. The Terrapins saw its two straight bowl
streak end in 2015. Durkin was a DC previously at Florida, as well.

• Maryland (3-9) - The Terrapins elected to hire a defensive coach, after suggesting they may go with an offensive minded coach, after the firing of Randy Edsall. They have suggested a spread offense will be employed under new coach D.J. Durkin.

After a 4-8 season and plenty of off the field issues, including a three game
suspension of coach Kyle Flood, Rutgers fired Flood and replaced him with
an Iowa native, Drake graduate, Chirs Ash. Ash was a DC at Wisconsin and
Ohio State, most recently. Rutgers last bowled in 2014.

• Rutgers (4-8) - The Scarlet Knights have named Iowa native and Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash its new head coach.

Iowa fans interested in purchasing tickets to the Rose Bowl Game are encouraged to make their request through the UI Athletics Ticket Office. By doing so, fans of the Hawkeyes will help the UI Athletics Department meet its obligation to the bowl game by selling the full allotment of tickets it assumes responsibility for as a participant.

Ticket prices range from $150-$185 with Iowa's ticket allocation located in sections 11-18. A benefit of purchasing bowl game tickets through the UI Athletics Ticket Office is a seat location inside the Rose Bowl among Hawkeye fans.

The UI Athletics Ticket Office will limit orders for game tickets to eight for Kinnick Gold & Kinnick Society; six for Champion Hawks; four for Golden & Silver Hawks; and two for remaining I-Club members, and season ticket holders. UI student season ticket holders may order one ticket and request to be seated with up to eight other students. Fans who are not I-Club or season ticket holders may go online and request to be placed on a waiting list.

The UI Athletics Ticket Office will assign seat location based on ticket orders received by the priority deadline of 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, Dec. 10. The UI Athletics Ticket Office will continue to accept orders for tickets beyond the priority deadline as long as it has ticket inventory available. The UI Athletics Ticket Office will notify fans of their order status by Monday, Dec. 14, at noon CT.

As always, the UI Association will offer an official tour for friends of the UI and fans of the Hawkeyes looking for a turn-key travel solution.

For more information on the Rose Bowl Game visit: www,tournamentofroses.com.

Conference Championship Weekend kicks off Friday night with MAC

Friday, December 4th 

Championship Game

MAC Championship Game: Bowling Green vs. Northern Illinois 7:00 pm on ESPN2 - The Falcons went 2-0 against B1G teams (@Maryland and @ Purdue) in 2015, while the Huskies gave the Ohio State Buckeyes a great game in September, losing 20-13 in Week 3. The Falcons had the stronger OOC schedule compared to the Huskies, who have been carrying the MAC banner for multiple seasons ...

Saturday, December 5th 

• AAC Championship Game: Temple at Houston 11:00 am on ABC / espn3 - The winner is seeking a New Year's 6 birth ... 
• CUSA Championship Game: Southern Miss at Western Kentucky 11:00 am on ESPN2
• Texas at Baylor 11:00 am on ESPN / espn3 Skycam - no conference title, with Oklahoma the regular season champion in the Big 12.
• Georgia State at Georgia Southern 1:00 pm on espn3 - Sun Belt, home state bragging rights on the line on Saturday.
• New Mexico State at Louisiana Monroe 2:00 pm on espn3 - Closing out play in the Sun Belt.
• Texas State at Arkansas State 2:00 pm on espn3 - Red Wolves can celebrate an undefeated Sun Belt title, with a home win on Saturday, but the title has been clinched.
• SEC Championship Game: Alabama vs. Florida 3:00 pm on CBS - The Crimson Tide are the pride of the SEC, so an upset by the Gators will knock the conference out of the College Football Playoff for 2015
• SWAC Championship Game: Alcorn vs. Grambling 3:00 pm on ESPNU - FCS programs that don't play for a FCS Championshp ...
• West Virginia at Kansas State 3:30 pm on FS1 - The Wildcats are seeking to become bowl eligible, though a bowl date is likely available at 5-7, with the number of bowls in 2015.
• Troy at Louisiana Lafayette 4:00 pm on espn3 - Both teams closing out Sun Belt play.
• Appalachian State at South Alabama 6:30 pm on espn3 - Both teams closing out Sun Belt play.
• MWC Championship Game: Air Force at San Diego State 6:30 pm on ESPN2 - The Aztecs are 8-0 in conference play, as the Falcons come into San Diego at 6-2.
• Pac-12 Championship Game: Stanford vs. USC 6:45 pm on ESPN / espn3 Skycam - The Cardinal have an outside shot at the College Football Playoff, if underdogs in the ACC and SEC take care of business ...
• ACC Conference Game: Clemson vs. North Carolina 7:00 pm on ABC / espn3 - The Tigers are one of two unbeaten teams remaining in the FBS. The Tar Heels have won 11 straight games, after losing the season opener against South Carolina.
• Big Ten Championship Game: Iowa vs. Michigan State 7:00 pm on FOX - The Hawkeyes are 4-0 head to head against the Spartans, when each team is ranked in the Top 25, but this is the first game ever, with each in the Top 5 ... Our Pick: Iowa 30, MSU 23!

DI-AA Playoffs Second round:

• G15: William & Mary at Richmond 11:00 am on on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G10: The Citadel at Charleston Southern 12:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G11: Colgate at Jams Madison 12:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G9: Chattanooga at Jacksonville State 1:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G16: Western Illinois at Illinois State 1:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G12: Montana at North Dakota State 2:30 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3
• G12: SHSU at McNeese 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3

G14: Northern Iowa at Portland State 9:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3

Sunday, December 6th

College Football Playoff selection show 11:00 am on ESPN - Who's In?

Bowl selection show 3:00 pm on ESPNU - Who is bowling in 2015?

Friday, December 11th

• DI-AA Quarterfinal 7:00 pm ESPN2 / WatchESPN

Saturday, December 12th

DI-AA Quarterfinal 11:00 am on ESPNU 

• Army vs. Navy 2:00 pm on CBS 

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 …

Happy All Saints Day: November has arrived and the first College Football Playoff rankings arrive Tuesday

1. Ohio State (8-0)

2. Clemson (8-0)

3. LSU (7-0)

4. Alabama (7-1)

November is a huge month in College Football, especially for the Big 12, since Baylor, Oklahoma State and TCU have not played anyone this season, with much of a College Football Playoff resume.

The Top team in the ACC, Clemson has one of the top resumes heading into
November in College Football.

Clemson has the highest win, with a 24-22 home win over Notre Dame, in Week 5.

The Power 5 undefeated, only four of the five have undefeated teams remaining:

• ACC - Clemson is 8-0
• Big 12 - Oklahoma State and TCU are 8-0, with Baylor 7-0
• Big Ten - Iowa, Michigan State and Ohio State are all 8-0
• Pac 12 - none are undefeated, though Stanford and Utah remain 7-1
• SEC - LSU in 7-0

The non-Power 5 undefeated teams:

• American - Houston and Memphis are 8-0
• Conference USA - none are undefeated, though Marshall remains 8-1
• FBS Independent - none are undefeated, though Notre Dame remains 7-1
• MAC - Toledo is 7-0
• MWC - none are undefeated, though Boise State is 7-2
• Sun Belt - none are undefeated, though Appalachian State remains 7-1

The College Football Playoff will be played on December 31st, New Year's Eve, with the Orange Bowl and Cotton Bowl.

Iowa is 8-0 and junior CB #14 Desmond King is tied for the lead in the nation with
seven interceptions, including his third pick 6 against Maryland.

The Gazette has story on Technology Iowa State University is using in recruiting ...

Ames, IA -- Iowa State uses world-class virtual reality for football recruiting from The Gazette.

• Iowa State at #2 Baylor 11:00 am on ESPN - the Big 12 schedule hasn't been pretty at times for the Cyclones as the opened at Waco to an early 21-0 deficit after the first quarter ...

Cy-Hawk Saturday, as Week 2 Saturday has arrived in 2015

Saturday, September 12th of the 2015 College Football Season

• South Florida (1-0) at #10 Florida State (1-0) 10:30 am on ESPN - The rubber match in the series, after each team took one, as Seminoles vs. Bulls square off in a morning kickoff in Tallahassee.
• Army (0-1) at UConn (1-0) 11:00 am on CBSSN - The Huskies were only 2-10 in '14, but took care of business in opener over Villanova, unlike Army, who fell in opener to Fordham (1 of 4 FCS wins over FBS programs in Week 1), but Black Hawks won last year's game in Yankee Stadium 35-21 ...
• Bowling Green (0-1) at Maryland (1-0) 11:00 am on BTN - the Green Eagles were 1-1 vs. B1G in '14, as they travel to College Park, with a 6-17 overall record vs. B1G; first meeting for Terrapins, as junior Perry Hills leads offense and exciting CB William Likely leads secondary and special team, after setting B1G return record in Week 1, dropping Nile Kinnick from record books ...
• Buffalo (1-0) at Penn State (0-1) 11:00 am on ESPN2 - What is happening in Happy Valley in year 2 of the James Franklin era? The Nittany Lions were taken down hard in the road opener, losing for the first time, since 1941, to Temple 27-10; regroup in home opener in State College against Buffalo, as the the Bulls opened '15 with a 41-15 win over Albany ... 
• Houston (1-0) at Louisville (0-1) 11:00 am FSN Affiliates / ACC-RSN / espn3 - The Cardinals usually take care of business, after an OOC loss, as Bobby Petrino hasn't lost back to back games, since coming back in '13.
• Indiana State (1-0) at Purdue (0-1) 11:00 am on ESPN News - The Sycamores move up to play a Power 5 program, against a Boilermakers program that is 9-0 vs. FCS. This is Darrell Hazell's third season (4-21), so Black & Gold need to step up game in West Lafayette home opener ...
• Jacksonville State (1-0) at #7 Auburn (1-0) 11:00 am on SEC Network - The Tigers have won nine straight home openers, as they drop down into the FCS for this year's opener, as JSU were the #3 seed in the FCS playoffs, after dropping 45-7 loss in '14 to Michigan State.
• Kansas State (1-0) at UTSA (0-1) 11:00 am FS1 - This the first meeting between each school, but Larry Coker's Roadrunners opened at #22 Arizona, losing 42-32, as Bill Snyder's Wildcats opened with 34-0 blanking of South Dakota ... could this be a dangerous one, after last year's three point loss to the Arizona Wildcats?
• Miami-OH (1-0) at #26 Wisconsin (0-1) 11:00 am ESPNU - The Badgers 35-17 loss to #2 Bama knocked UW out of the Top 25, and rightfully so. UW returns to the safe quarters of Madison for four straight home games, including the B1G opener vs. Iowa, in October. First meeting between Badgers and RedHawks, who were 2-10 last year, in Chuck Martin's first season.
• Oregon State (1-0) at Michigan (0-1) 11:00 am on ABC - The Wolverines opened the Jim Harbaugh era with a tough 24-17 loss at Utah, as Michigan hosts another Pac 12 opponent in the home opener, as Gary Anderson makes a quick return to the Big Ten, after departing Wisconsin, after two years. Time for graduate, transfer QB Jake Rudock to clean up the turnovers for the Wolverines even the score vs. Pac 12 opponents in '15.
• Western Illinois (1-0) at Illinois (1-0) 11:00 am on BTN - The Fighting Illini won in '07 over the Leathernecks ... that was a Rose Bowl team for Illinois; Western Illinois is playing third B1G, in two season, as they lost 37-3 @ Wisconsin and 24-7 @ Northwestern ... note Fighting Illini are 11-0 vs. FCS over the last 12 years, as Bill Cubit seeks to make it 12-0 in his first year as interim head coach.
• Wake Forest (1-0) at Syracuse (1-0) 11:30 am on ESPN Extra / ACC Network / espn3 - It's the ACC opener for both teams, as the Demon Deacons and Orange, both finished 3-9 last season, though Syracuse took down Wake 30-7 on the road last year.
• Eastern Washington (0-1) at Northern Iowa (0-1) 1:00 pm on ESPN Extra / (CSNC / espn3) / (SWX / PSN) (cable) - The Panthers fell hard 31-7 @ Iowa State; while Eastern Washington took their lumps @ #5 Oregon to open 2015 season, as these two FCS playoff teams seek to rebound, after the FBS roughed them up!
• Sacramento State (1-0) at Washington (0-1) 1:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The Hornets have stung two Pac 12 opponents in seven outings, knocking off Oregon State and Colorado, in the past; but Huskies are 24-5 lately in home openers, as this is first meeting in series.
• UMass (0-0) at Colorado (0-1) 1:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The Buffaloes lost opener @ Hawaii, as Pac 12 opened Week 1 at 7-5; UMass was one of two wins last year for Colorado, as Mike MacIntryre era enters year 3 with another 0-1 start, after a 4-8 first season.
• Liberty (1-0) at West Virginia (1-0) 2:00 pm on RSPI -  The Flame and Mountaineers have played once before, as WVU won 30-20 in '09, in this FCS vs. FBS showdown as Turner Gill tries to score one for the FCS in Morgantown.
• UTEP (0-1) at Texas Tech (1-0) 2:00 pm on on FSN Affiliates - A Lone Star battle in Lubbock, as last year's battle went back to back with Red Raiders winning 30-26. Big 12 has some challenges in Week 2?
• Austin Peay (0-1) at Southern Miss (0-1) 2:30 pm on (CSCN2 / CSBA) / ASN (affiliates) - The Governors come to Hattiesburg for first meeting between each school; Golden Eagles were more than tested in the opening season loss to #24 Mississippi State 34-16.
• Fresno State (1-0) at #15 Ole Miss (1-0) 2:30 pm on ESPN2 - MWC vs. SEC, as Bulldogs played once previously in Week 3 of 2010, when the Rebels took care of business 55-38, against the 8-5 FSU team.
• #8 Georgia (1-0) at Vanderbilt (0-1) 2:30 pm CBS / CBS Video - The SEC East opener for the Bulldogs and Commodores ... VU is only 5-45-1, but they did win two years ago 31-27 in James Franklin's final season; revenge of last road loss is common for Georgia in this series ...
• Hawaii (1-0) at #1 Ohio State 2:30 pm on BTN - The Rainbows opened with a home win over Colorado, as the #1 Buckeyes took care of business on Labor Day in Blacksburg over VA Tech; first meeting, as Ohio State enjoyed 35 game home winning streak, until last year's downer against the Hokies ...



CSU football's to-do list includes beating Minnesota - Denver Post
This could be a 0-2 start for Jerry Kill's Golden Gophers in '15.

• Minnesota (0-1) at Colorado State (1-0) 2:30 pm on CBSSN - The Golden Gophers defense will likely be leaned on in the first road opener for 2015; Jerry Kill's teams are 7-13 in road games, as he enters his fifth season in a Power 5 conference. Look for this one to be a close one.
• #11 Notre Dame (1-0) at Virginia (0-1) 2:30 pm on ABC - The Fighting Irish begin the first of six against ACC opponents in 2015; the only previous meeting was in the 1989 Kickoff Classic in the Meadowlands; where the Cavaliers lost 36-13.
• Stephen F. Austin (0-1) at #3 TCU (1-0) 2:30 pm on FS1 - The Horned Frogs may be off to a shaky start in their 4-2-5 defense. They defeated Minnesota 23-17, but entering Week 2, they have lost both starting linebackers, including a leave of absence by true freshman Mike Freeze, from his MLB spot.
• Tulane (0-1) at #16 Georgia Tech 2:30 pm on FSN Affiliates / ACC-RSN / espn3 - The Yellow Jackets will welcome the Green Wave into Atlanta after defeating Tulane 38-21 on the road in Week 2 in '14. The Yellow Jackets need to stay focused with road trip to South Bend on the horizon ...
• Washington State (0-1) at Rutgers (1-0) 2:30 pm on ESPNU - The Cougars are coming off a FCS loss against Portland State 24-17, so the Scarlet Knights may be in danger of looking ahead of the schedule, with B1G road opener @ Penn State next week ... last year's game was Rutgers win 41-38 in Seattle in last year's season opener.
• Weber State (0-1) at North Dakota State (0-1) 2:30 pm ESPN Extra / espn3 / NBC ND (cable) - The Bison fell in the Week 0 road opener at Montana 38-35, while Weber State lost at Oregon State last week, so this should be a hungry four-time defending FCS champion in home opener.
• Eastern Illinois (0-1) at Northwestern (1-0) 3:00 pm on ESPN News - The Wildcats have won eight straight over the FCS, as the Panthers come to town, they lost at Minnesota and Ohio U last season, so FBS programs are not new to them.
• Eastern Michigan (0-1) at Wyoming (0-1) 3:00 pm on RSNW / RSRM / RSSW / MWC Video - The Cowboys need to rebound; playing one of the weakest FBS programs as Craig Bohl has opened 4-9 in Laramie, after three FCS titles at North Dakota State, before making move last year.
• Middle Tennessee (1-0) at #2 Alabama (1-0) 3:00 pm on SEC Network - The Crimson Tide have won each of the previous games over Blue Raiders, but not in breakout style ... will we see style points today from Nick Saban's team?
• Toledo at #18 Arkansas 3:00 pm SEC Network Alternate / WatchESPN - The MAC travels to SEC Country, as Rockets now open 2015 season against the Razorbacks, who are 3-0 vs. MAC and took down Northern Illinois 52-14, last year.



Cy-Hawk Game kicks off on Fox at 3:45 p.m.

• Iowa (1-0) at Iowa State (1-0) 3:30 pm on FOX - The Hawkeyes are looking to take home the Cy-Hawk Trophy, as the trophy has switched hands in 8 of the last 11 meeting; it currently reigns in Ames, as the Cyclones have won three of last four in this one. Our pick: Hawkeyes 29, Cyclones 24
• San Diego State (1-0) at California (1-0) 4:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The last meeting, in '96 was an exciting 42-37 game; Aztecs vs. Golden Bears, in another MWC vs. Pac 12 game in Week 2 ... as Friday night's game: Utah 24, Utah State 14 (1-0 Pac 12)!
• Drake (1-0) at North Dakota (1-0) 5:00 pm on (FCSP / Midco (cable) / Video (FS Go / Big Sky)  - The Bulldogs visit North Dakota, who took down a FBS program in Week 1, for a Pioneer vs. Big Sky showdown in FCS ...
• #20 Oklahoma at #21 Tennessee 5:00 pm ESPN - A huge Big 12 vs. SEC showdown in Knoxville, as Bob Stoops saw Butch Jones rough up his alma mater 45-28 in last year's bowl game ... so can the Sooners make some noise carrying the Big 12 banner into SEC Country?
• #22 Arizona (1-0) at Nevada (1-0) 6:00 pm on CBSSN - Classic Pac 12 vs. MWC showdown in Reno, as Wildcats won home game last year 35-28, but now must travel to take on Wolf Pack ...
• Ball State at # 17 Texas A&M 6:00 pm on ESPNU - The Cardinals face the Aggies in their first meeting, but 2-17, including six straight road openers, losing last year at Iowa 17-13.
• East Carolina (1-0) at Florida (1-0) 6:00 pm on ESPN2 - The Pirates lost the only prior visit 24-13 in 1983, as they also lost Birmingham Bowl to Gators 28-20. Payback Game ...
• Marshall (1-0) at Ohio U (1-0) 6:00 pm on NESN2 / espn3 / ASN (affiliates) - Home openers for the Bobcats, facing a Marshall team that knocked off a Power 5 (Purdue) in their home opener to kick off 2015 ...
• #29 Memphis (1-0) at Kansas (0-1) 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra / Jayhawk TV / espn3 - The Tigers travel to Lawrence seeking a Power 5 win, in the first meeting between the Jayhawks and Tigers. Week 2 last year was a 42-35 loss @ UCLA, so Tigers should be ready ...
• North Texas (0-0) at SMU (0-1) 6:00 pm on ESPN Extra / espn3 - The Mean Green took the Mustangs down 45-6, but home team has won series six straight, since 1989. Can Dan McCarney open 1-0 in '15?
• Central Arkansas (0-1) at #28 Oklahoma State (1-0) 6:30 pm FSN Affiliates / FS Go Video - Bears vs. Cowboys in Stillwater ... as Oklahoma State returns home for season home opener.
• Kentucky (1-0) at South Carolina (1-0) 6:30 pm on SEC Network - another SEC East opener, as the Wildcats travel to Columbia to face the Gamecocks ... where UK won 45-38 at home!
• Lamar (1-0) at #4 Baylor (1-0) 6:30 pm on FSN Affiliates - The Bears enjoy their home opener in Waco, with the Cardinals coming to town, who were victimized 73-3 last year @ Texas A&M.
• Georgia State (0-1) at New Mexico State (0-1) 7:00 pm on ALT2 / espn3 / Aggie Vision - Last year's cellar dwellers in the Sun Belt, open conference play against one another, as Aggies took care of business last year 34-31 on the road against the Panthers ...
• Florida International (1-0) at Indiana (1-0) 7:00 pm on BTN (alternate) / BTN2Go Video - The Golden Panthers are 1-20 on the road against Power 5 programs, as Ron Turner returns to Big Ten country, with FIU. He was 5-3 vs. Hoosiers, as head coach at Illinois, as Kevin Wilson squares off, after a scary first week win over SIU.
• Idaho (1-0) at #9 USC  (1-0) 7:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - The Vandals travel to Los Angeles to face the Trojans, in a Sun Belt vs. Pac 12 showdown, that shouldn't be much of a contest.





#6 Michigan State QB 18
Connor Cook leads Spartans in
College Game of the Week
vs. #5 Oregon in East Lansing

Game of the Week in College Football: #5 vs. #6
• #5 Oregon at #6 Michigan State 7:00 pm  on ABC / espn3 - The Spartans were on the short end of the stick in last yea'rs 46-27 loss at Oregon in Week 2; MSU senior QB Connor Cook leads Spartans program heading into a three season run; while Cedar Rapids Kennedy athlete Christian French, a senior DE for the Ducks, heads closer to home in Big Ten Country in this Big Ten vs. Pac 12 showdown!
• Rice (1-0) at Texas (1-0) 7:00 pm LHN / LHN Video - Another Lone Star battle, as the Longhorns try to pick up the pieces, after an opening season loss at Notre Dame; the Owls opened 2011 in Austin, where Texas pounded them 34-9 ... the Owls are better than that today.
• South Alabama (1-0) at Nebraska (0-1) 7:00 pm on BTN - The Jaguars program began football in 2009, as Joey Jones was hired in 2008. They are 3-2 in road openers, with back to back wins over Tulane and Kent State, who are clearly not the Cornhuskers. South Alabama is 0-5 vs. Power 5 programs, losing 35-3 last year at Mississippi State, but gave Butch Jones' first Vols team a 31-24 scare in '13.
• Temple (1-0) at Cincinnati (1-0) 7:00 pm on ESPN News - It is the AAC East opener against two of the front runners, as the Owls come to Cincinnati, coming off biggest program win, since 1941 last week ... Bearcats have won five straight in this series, including 14-6 last year at Temple.
• #13 LSU at #24 Mississippi State 8:15 pm on ESPN - Big SEC West opener as Tigers open 2015 now, at Mississippi State, as Bulldogs host LSU, after 34-29 win in Week 4 to open SEC play last year.
• San Jose State (1-0) at Air Force (1-0) 9:15 pm on ESPNU - The MWC opener for both teams, as the Falcons and Spartans meet for the first time, since two WAC games in '96 and '97.
• #19 Boise State at BYU 9:15 pm on ESPN2 - The Broncos are 4-1 in this series, since '03, but lone loss was last meeting Provo. The Cougars are coming off an emotional final play win over Nebraska, so is a let down possible here?
• UCF (0-1) at Stanford (0-1) 9:30 pm on FS1 - Both teams opened with losses, but the Knights lost at home to FIU, as the Cardinal return home, after disappointing 16-6 loss at Northwestern. First meeting in this series, as UCF is 5-14, since '96 in road openers, but 3-2 in last five. Last year, the Knights opened 0-2, with losses to Penn State and at Missouri.
• #12 UCLA (1-0) at UNLV (0-1) 9:30 pm on CBSSN - The Bruins hit the road for Vegas for first meeting in this series. UCLA has won three straight in road openers ...
• Cal Poly (1-0) at #25 Arizona State (0-1) 10:00 pm on PAC-12 Network - This is the first game, since 1947 between these two programs, the Mustangs won at Montana last week; Todd Graham wants to see a solid rebound for the Sun Devils after a loss in Houston to Texas A&M in Week 1.
• Appalachian State (1-0) at #14 Clemson (1-0) 11:30 am on espn3 - Sun Belt vs. ACC, as Mountaineers open 2nd season as FBS program, coming off 7-5 season. Tigers don't want to be a victim here!
• Charleston Southern (1-0) at (0-1) Troy 6:00 pm on espn3 - Troy is 3-0 in games played '93-'95, the Buccaneers were 8-4 last year, but Georgia rolled them 55-9, so Trojans need to bring good game, coming off road loss at NC State. Troy was only 3-9 last season. Neal Brown seeking first win at Troy.
• Delaware State at Kent State 5:00 pm on espn3 - 
• Eastern Kentucky (1-0) at North Carolina State (1-0) 5:00 pm espn3 - The Wolfpack won 54-10 over the Colonels in '05; the Colonels were 1-1 last year vs. FBS with win over Miami-OH, but 52-3 loss at Florida.
• Furman (0-1) at Virginia Tech (0-1) 2:30 pm on espn3 - The Hokies get the Paladins to lick the wounds from the Labor Day openers vs. #1 Ohio State; Hokies are 5-0 in this series.
• Howard (0-1) at Boston College (1-0) 12:00 pm on espn3 - The Golden Eagles open back to back games with FCS opponents, so this one doesn't help in getting to bowl eligibility. BC must get to 7 wins this season to be bowling ...
• Missouri at Arkansas State 6:00 pm on espn3 - Last year, Missouri was knocked off by Indiana, so could this be a stumbling block in the '15 OOC for the Tigers? The Red Wolves have won ten straight home openers, but rarely are they against Power 5 opponents.
• Monmouth (0-1) at Central Michigan (0-1) 2:00 pm on espn3 - The Chippewas fell short in season opener vs. Power 5 program, now face the Hawks in first FCS match up, since lost to North Dakota State in '07.
• Murray State (1-0) at #30 Northern Illinois (1-0) 2:30 pm on espn3 -
• Nicholls (0-0) at Louisiana Monroe (0-1) 6:00 pm on espn3 - The Warhawks return to Monroe to lick wounds from Georgia defeat against in-state Colonels, who were winless in '14.
• Norfolk State (0-1) at Old Dominion (1-0) 6:00 pm on ASN (affiliates) - The Monarchs host the Norfolk State, in this cross city showdown. ODU is 2-0 in series with 27-24 win in '13, ahead of moving to FBS in '14. Monarchs are 5-1 in home openers and opened '15 with win at Eastern Michigan.
• North Carolina A&T at North Carolina 5:00 pm on espn3 - First meeting between these two Carolina programs, as Aggies were 9-3 last year, but Tar Heels should take care of business as ULL did in '14.
• North Carolina Central (1-0) at Duke (1-0) 5:00 pm on espn3 - The Eagles have lost three games previously to the Blue Devils, with back to back losses in '12 and '13 by an average of nearly 50-8 ...
• Northwestern State (0-1) at Louisiana Lafayette (0-1) 6:00 pm on espn3 - An in-state match up as Demons travel to Ragin' Cajuns for first visit, since '05. Demons beat LA Tech 30-27, so opportunity knocks for another FCS program?
• Pittsburgh (1-0) at Akron (0-1) 5:00 pm on espn3 - The Zips host a Power 5 program for just the second time, as Indiana played in '09 there. The Panthers hit the road for game 2 in the Pat Narduzzi, as Terry Bowden seeks another win over Pitt, after last year's 21-10 victory in the fourth game.
• Prairie View A&M (1-0) at Texas State (0-1) 6:00 pm on espn3 - Another Lone Star battle, as the Panthers have beat the Bobcats in the first two meetings back in '76 and '77 ... 129 miles separates this FCS program from this one in the FBS!
• Tulsa (1-0) at New Mexico (1-0) 7:00 pm on espn3 - AAC vs. MWC showdown, as Golden Hurricane travel to Albuquerque to face Lobos, as Bob Davie looks to open fourth season with his first 2-0 start ...
• Western Michigan (0-1) at Georgia Southern (0-1) 5:00 pm on espn3 - The Broncos were ruffed up at home vs. #6 Michigan State in season opener; now head to Statesboro to face the Eagles, who were blasted by West Virginia, week one.