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

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

1. Clemson
2. Alabama 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is anyone missing from the discussion in 2018?

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

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

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.

Week 1 College Football Top 4 results ...

2015 College Football Season

Week 1 College Football Top 4

1. Ohio State (1-0) 
2. Alabama (1-0) 
3. Winner of Baylor (1-0) at TCU (1-0) on Friday, November 27th game
4. Oregon (1-0) @ Michigan State (1-0) winner in Week 2 will determine the #4 spot

Of course, Michigan State @ Ohio State on Saturday, November 21st is a part of the CFP this season, so there are some more prospects, but it is early and the Top 4 will likely see some movement throughout the 2015 College Football season.

All in a day's work

Ohio State junior QB 12 Cordale Jones started the fourth game of his Buckeyes career,
making his first true road start, in Blacksburg. #1 Ohio State is loaded with Jones, sophomore 
QB and captain J.T. Barrett and senior HB Braxton Miller. Throw in junior running back 
Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield. A good showing for the CFP defending champions in the 
season opener at Virginia Tech.

Iowa survives 11 inning affair to advance to play Missouri State again

Springfield, MO -- The Iowa Hawkeyes and Oregon Ducks took 11 innings to finish, with Iowa advancing in the loser's bracket with a 2-1 win. Up next, the winner's bracket champion, Missouri State, who beat Iowa on Saturday 5-3.

Missouri State took an early 1-0 lead after the first inning in the 7:00 first pitch in Springfield.

Iowa Baseball Team wins first NCAA Tournament game in 43 years

Hawkeyes advance in winners bracket on Saturday

Springfield, MO -- #2 seed Iowa defeated #3 seed Oregon 3-1 to advance in winner's bracket of the double elimination Springfield Region. It was Iowa's first win in 43 years, since the 1972 trip to the College World Series in Omaha.

Tonight's game between #1 seed Missouri State and #4 seed has been postponed due to weather. Iowa will face the winner tomorrow night at 8:05 p.m. in Springfield. Weather impacted the Iowa-Oregon game, as well. But, they were able to get the game completed.

NCAA Baseball Regional for Iowa: Hawkeyes face Oregon on Friday in Springfield, MO

How 'bout those Hawkeyes?               

Iowa City, IA - The Iowa Hawkeyes are headed to Springfield, MO for the NCAA Regional baseball play, as a number two seed. The Hawkeyes will open on Friday, in the second season, under Iowa's new baseball coach.
                                                    

Iowa Hawkeyes (39-16)
NCAA tourneys: 4 (last one in 1990)
CWS appearances: 1 (1972)
Region: Springfield, MO
Opponents: 1. Missouri State; 3. Oregon; 4. Canisus
NCAA opener: 2 p.m. ET Friday vs. Oregon
Factoid: The Hawkeyes are in the NCAA tourney for the first time since 1990.
Twitter: @UIBaseball - Source: Big Ten Network

The Hawkeyes will face third-seeded Oregon at 1 p.m. (CT) at Hammons Field. Missouri State is the top-seeded team in the regional and the No. 8 national seed. The Bears will face No. 4 seed Canisius -- the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion -- at 6 p.m.

Iowa is making its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1990 and the fourth regional appearance in school history. The Hawkeyes boast a No. 29 RPI and finished runner-up in the Big Ten with a 19-5 record. Iowa is 39-16 overall -- the most wins for the program since 1985.

Iowa head coach Rick Heller is taking the Hawkeyes to his
first NCAA Tournament, in his second season at the helm.

Iowa head coach Rick Heller will be taking his third Division I team to NCAA Regional play (Northern Iowa, 2001; Indiana State, 2012). He is one of five active coaches to bring three different Division I schools to NCAA Regional play and one of eight all-time.

Oregon used a late season surge to earn an at-large berth, as the Ducks won their final five series in Pac-12 play and nine of their last 10 games overall. Oregon closed out the regular season with a key series win, taking 2-of-3 games at home against Pac-12 champion UCLA -- the top overall national seed.

Sophomore Cole Irvin is the Ducks' Friday night starter, going 2-4 with a 4.01 ERA in 74 innings. The southpaw has allowed 40 runs (33 earned) on 73 hits and has 42 strikeouts to 22 walks.
Offensively, Oregon has a .254 team batting average with just one player hitting above .300. Mitchell Tolman leads the team with a .329 average with team-highs in hits (72), runs (42), and RBIs (40). He is slugging .475 and reaching base at a .462 clip.

College Football Playoff Title Game: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Game is on ESPN between Oregon vs Ohio State in the first College Football Playoff Title Game from Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium.

It's not a Rose Bowl, but the final on College Football Game for the 2014 season is a Pac 12 vs. Big Ten matchup.

Go Buckeyes!

Happy New Year's as B1G plays in four of five Bowls to welcome in 2015!

Cedar Rapids, IA - - The new College Football Playoff officially kicks off today in 2015, with the Sugar and Rose Bowls, serving as semi-final match ups. In addition, three other bowl games will feature Big Ten teams, as College Football welcomes in 2015!

Who will win the first CFP National Championship?

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Florida State
4. Ohio State

The Rose Bowl will field Oregon vs. Florida State, while the night cap in the Sugar Bowl features Alabama vs. Ohio State. The winners will play Monday, January 12th in the Championship Game.

“Every great team has a routine,” Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer said. “It's our job not to disrupt the routine. We do that the best we can when we're on the road, whether it be State College or East Lansing or New Orleans for a bowl game. So we're a real stickler about that, our routine is best Fridays in football and it starts today. … Our players enjoy the routine on Friday. The most important thing, task at hand, is we get our meetings done quickly. We have a run through, walk through, and then we have to make sure they sleep.”

How will 2015 be for these football programs, along with us all?

Will it be routine, special, up or down?

The season is done for most College Football programs.

The Big Ten has four games to celebrate the New Year today and one final bowl game on Friday, featuring the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Preview of Iowa vs. Tennessee in the TaxSlayer Bowl on 1/2.

First up:
11 a.m. from Tampa on ESPN2 is the Outback Bowl:
Wisconsin vs. Auburn, as the Badgers athletic director Barry Alvarez (0-1 in '12) leads UW into another bowl game serving as interim coach.

Auburn vs. Wisconsin Outback Bowl Preview

At 11:30 a.m. from Dallas on EPSN is the Cotton Bowl:
Michigan State vs. Baylor, as the Spartans face the Big 12's co-champion, who won the head to head match-up, with TCU.

Baylor vs. Michigan State Cotton Bowl Preview

At Noon from Orlando on ABC is the Citrus Bowl:
Minnesota vs. Missouri, as the Golden Gophers enjoy a rare New Year's Day on the gridiron against a SEC opponent. It has been over 50 years for the Golden Gophers ...

Minnesota vs. Missouri Citrus Bowl Preview

The Big Ten vs. SEC in the final four of five bowl match ups for the respective conferences. There will be some big time bragging rights on the line.

The SEC West has witnessed LSU, Ole Miss and Mississippi State all fall thus far during the 2014-15 bowl season. What happens today?

The first semi-final comes from the Granddaddy of all bowl games from Pasadena, California. It will be a 4 p.m. kickoff on ESPN as the ACC champ faces the traditional entry from the Pac 12 in the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl:
4 p.m. on ESPN
Florida State vs. Oregon
The undefeated, defending BCS champion Seminoles travel across the country to face the Ducks in the Granddaddy!

The final game of the New Year's Day will take place in New Orleans as the SEC champion takes on the Big Ten champion in the Heart of the SEC, the Sugar Bowl.

Sugar Bowl:
7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Alabama vs. Ohio State
Nick Saban vs. Urban Meyer

The 2015 New Year's Day bowl line up should make for an exciting day. The new College Football Playoff and bowl lineup has been outstanding thus far in Year 1.

It should only help make 2015 a great year. Happy New Year to all!

Let's crown five outright Power Five Champs in 2014 with first College Football Playoff

Cedar Rapids, IA -- The new four team playoff creates a better Bowl System. It also provides for a fixed +1 system for a NCAA FBS Championship Game, which structures better than the old BCS system.

The season becomes more interesting with the CFP. The final bowl picture is better handled with 12 teams slotted into six bowls.

The final result should better bowl match-ups with the Top 12 teams matched up. The outright conference team can also be crowned for each Power 5 conference.

The top Two Bowls get a +1 system. It is a bowl system with the top two rated bowls getting a title game (+1).

Iowa fans despite the disappointment can get a great bowl opportunity, since we play in the B1G. As long as you are bowl eligible, the bowl selection process should provide far mar balanced match-ups.

The idea of Iowa vs. Stanford is great. Neither team had the type of season they wanted. But, 15 practices can award each with an opportunity to spring into 2015 with some momentum.

This is a better bowl system with a +1 for top two bowls. The BCS didn't create good match-ups, outside the picking of #1 vs. #2.

So, who should get Top 4 spots?

But, ultimately the Top 11 Power 5 teams and Top non-power conference team will get slotted into a better bowl match-up, than the old BCS.

Baylor vs. TCU would be a good rematch. Not the same as OU vs. Nebraska, but who would be #1 on a neutral field? Who is the outright Big 12 champion for 2014?

Are either worthy of #1 - no.

The Committee should reward Ohio State, since injury hurt them in their lone non-conference loss. The QB injury hit them 2 times and they appear for the most part as plug and play team. They went undefeated In conference play and outright champion.

Let Baylor (8-1) and TCU (8-1) play for a Big 12 outright champion game in this year's bowl picture.

Sugar - Alabama (8-1) vs. Florida State (9-0)

Rose - Oregon (8-1) vs. Ohio State (9-0)

Conference titles matter and the four above won outright titles.

The new system is a great way to preserve and improve bowl system, unlike BCS, and allow for a +1 Game.

TCU vs. Baylor on neutral field would crown an outright Big 12 winner. Let's see the real champion is in 2014.

peace

TCU hadn't played ISU yet, which hurt them in SOS. It helped them previous in the weekly rankings.

It's Monday, as the New Year nears!

Some will be working on Monday, December 30th, while others will be playing ...

Armed Forces Bowl:
Middle Tennessee vs. Navy at 10:45 a.m. on ESPN (HD)
Anchors away!

Music City Bowl :
Georgia Tech vs. Ole Miss at 2:15 p.m. on ESPN (HD)
Go Yellow Jackets in Nashville!

Alamo Bowl :
Oregon vs. Texas at 5:45 p.m. on ESPN (HD)
Final swan song for the Longhorns coach Mack Brown in San Antonio!

Holiday Bowl:
Arizona State vs. Texas Tech at 9:15 p.m. on ESPN (HD)
Pac 12 vs. Big 12 night cap in San Diego!

Could we witness a Major Upset on Thursday Night College Football?

Thursday, October 18th

Houston at SMU, 7:00 p.m. on FSN affiliates (HD) - a Thursday night C-USA showdown... Go Mustangs, as former SWC foes meet in Dallas

#2 Oregon at Arizona State, 8:00 p.m. on ESPN (HD) - The Sun Devils look to earn there way into the Top 25, as leaders of the Pac 12 North and Pac 12 South meet in Tempe.  Do the Ducks stay clean for BCS title run?

Week 5 Recap and CIDSports Top 25, as we close out September in College Football

 College Football closed out September with some surprises and another week of interesting games ...

• Former #4 Stanford falls on Thursday night @ Washington 17-13!
• Friday night football was a yawn, as BYU blanks Hawaii 47-0!
• The Big Ten opened play with five games from the battle for Floyd of Rosedale to Wisconsin @ Nebraska on ABC in prime time on Saturday night!
• West Virginia 70, Baylor 63 as Mountaineers welcome the Big 12 era!
• Another FCS win as Stony Brook beats Army 23-3!
• Iowa State falls for the first time, as Texas Tech come into Ames and beat the Cyclones 24-13!
• Texas @ Oklahoma State wins 41-36 to open Big 12 play!
• #3 Oregon beats Washington State 51-26 in Pac 12 play!

CIDSports Top 25 after Week 5 and the close of September play:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0 SEC West) 1 - The defending BCS champions closed out September undefeated with a 33-14 win over Ole Miss.  Week 6: Bye week, as Crimson Tide head to the Show Me State in Week 7 @ Missouri.

2. LSU Tigers (5-0, 1-0 SEC West) 2 - The defending SEC champions closed out September undefeated with a lackluster win over FCS Towson 38-22.  Week 6: @ Florida, as the meat of the schedule begins for the Tigers.

3. Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac 12 North) 3 - The defending Pac 12 champions closed out September undefeated with a 51-26 win @ Washington State.  Week 6: vs. #22 Washington, as Ducks attempt to stay on top in the Pac 12, in search of fourth straight Pac 12 title.

4. Florida State Seminoles (5-0, 2-0 ACC Atlantic) 5 - The Seminoles hit the road and took care of a Big East opponent in an OOC game @ South Florida 30-17.  Week 6: @ North Carolina State (3-2, 0-1 ACC Atlantic), as the Seminoles return to conference play on the road.

5. South Carolina Gamecocks (5-0, 3-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks continue winning ways with a 38-17 road win @ Kentucky.  Week 6: vs. # 6 Georgia, as the 3-0 Gamecocks and Bulldogs look to move to 4-0 and top position in the SEC East.

6. Georgia Bulldogs (5-0, 3-0 SEC East) 9 -  The Bulldogs beat Tennessee 51-44 in an important SEC East game.  Week 6: @ #5 South Carolina, as Bulldogs look to get back a victory in this series, after losing two straight!

7. Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 7 - The Wildcats enjoyed a bye week, after picking up a conference road win @ Oklahoma the previous week. Week 6: vs. Kansas (1-3, 0-1 Big 12), as Kansas schools square off in little Manhattan.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 8 - The Mountaineers rolled to victory in a 70-63 shootout with former #19 Baylor in the Big 12 debut.  Week 6: @ #10 Texas, which should provide more of contrast between offense and defense.

9.  Florida Gators (4-0, 3-0 SEC East) 10 - The Gators enjoyed a bye week to close out September, as second year under coach Will Muschamp is off to a good start.  Week 4: vs. #2 LSU, in a key SEC East vs. West match up for the Gators.

10. Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 15 - The Longhorns win @ then #21 Oklahoma State 41-36 to open Big 12 play.  Week 6: vs. #8 West Virginia, which will clearly be the biggest test to date for the Longhorns, who continue the third year of a rebuilding project, after participating in the BCS title game at the end of the '09 season.

11. Stanford Cardinal (3-1, 1-1 Pac 12) 4 - The Cardinal dropped a Thursday night Pac 12 showdown @ Washington 17-13 to fall for the first time in '12.  Week 6: vs. Arizona (3-2, 0-2 Pac 12), as the Cardinal work to get back to winning in the Pac 12.

12. USC Trojans (3-1, 1-1 Pac 12) 11 - The Trojans enjoyed a bye week to end September.  Week 6: @ Utah (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12), in an important road test in the Pac 12 South.

13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) 13 - The Fighting Irish closed out September with a bye week.  Week 6: vs. Miami-FL (4-1, 3-0 ACC Coastal) - the game will be in Chicago at Soldiers Field, with both looking to get a nice win in the ND-ACC match up.  The Irish beat the Hurricane 33-17 in the 2010 Sun Bowl.

14. TCU Horned Frogs (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 12 - The Horned Frogs concluded September undefeated with a bye week ahead of continuing Big 12 play in October.  Week 6: vs. Iowa State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12), as the Cyclones dropped the Big 12 opener 24-13 at home vs. Texas Tech.

15. Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) 14 - The Sooners have only played three games to open September, with two bye weeks, including one to close the month.  Week 6: @ Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12), in a key match up in Lubbock for both teams.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten Leaders) 16 - The Urban Meyer era enjoys Juice @ Michigan State, with a 17-16 win to open Big Ten play for '12.  Week 6: vs. #21 Nebraska, as the Buckeyes look to continue on the plus side in the Leaders, as the Cornhuskers want the same in the Legends division.

17. Clemson Tigers (4-1, 1-1 ACC Atlantic) 17 - The Tigers rebounded in conference play with a 45-31 win @ Boston College.  Week 6: vs. Georgia Tech (2-3, 1-2 ACC Coastal), who are coming off a 49-28 loss at home vs. Middle Tennessee.

18. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 22 - The Bulldogs closed out September undefeated with a bye week.  Week 6: @ Kentucky (1-4, 0-2 SEC East), as the Bulldogs look to have strong October in coach Dan Mullen's fourth season.

19. Oregon State Beavers (3-0, 2-0 Pac 12) 23 - The Beavers have won back to back Pac 12 road games to open the season, with the most recent a 38-35 win @ Arizona.  Week 6: vs. Washington State (2-3, 0-2 Pac 12), as the Beavers get to open conference play at home vs. Cougars.

20. Louisville Cardinals (5-0) 20 - The Cardinals survive a rain storm and 21-17 win @ Southern Miss.  Week 6: Bye week, as they prepare for Big East opener @ Pitt in Week 7.

21. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) 25 - The Cornhuskers opened their second year in the Big Ten with a comeback win over Wisconsin 30-27.  Week 6: @ Ohio State, in a key road test for coach Bo Pelini, as he enjoys an opportunity to get another notch against his alma mater.

22. Washington Huskies (3-1, 1-0 Pac 12 North) nr - The Huskies beat then #4 Stanford 17-13 to notch another big win in the fourth year of the Steve Sarkisian era.  Week 6: @ #3 Oregon, in a huge Pac 12 North game, after beating the other giant in the North to close September.

23. UCLA Bruins (4-1, 1-1 Pac 12 South) nr - The young Bruins appear to like playing on the road, with a 42-14 win @ Colorado, after losing Pac 12 home opener a week before.  Week 6: @ California (1-4, 0-2 Pac 12 North).

24. Boise State Broncos (3-1, 1-0 MWC) 24 - The Broncos closed September with a road win to open MWC play, with a 32-29 win over New Mexico.  Week 6: @ Southern Miss (1-3), as the C-USA host the MWC Broncos in an OOC showdown.

25. Northwestern Wildcats (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten Legends) nr - The Wildcats opened B1G play with a 44-29 home win vs. Indiana 44-29 to stay undefeated and earn a slot in the Top 25.  Week 6: @ Penn State (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten Leaders), as the Wildcats hit the road in Happy Valley to face the Nittany Lions pulled off the win in Evanston last season.

Out of Top 25 after Week 5:

Former #18 Michigan State (3-2, 0-1 Big Ten Legends) - the Spartans lost at home 17-16 in Big Ten opener to #16 Ohio State.  Next up: @ Indiana (2-3, 0-1 Big Ten Leaders), as they work to get back up into the Big Ten title race and Top 25.  Former #19 Baylor (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) - the Bears lose shoot out @ #8 West Virginia 70-63 to fall for first time in '12.  Next up: Bye Week!  Former #21 Oklahoma State (2-2, 0-1 Big 12) - the Cowboys lost at home in the Big 12 opener to then #15 Texas 41-36.  Next up: Bye week!

FCS upsets for Week 5:

Independent Army (0-4) falls to an FCS program, as Stony Point beats the Cadets 23-3 to continue the woes at Army.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 5 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 2-0 vs. OOC opponents, with a FCS win and a C-USA win.  The SEC East is lead by 3-0 Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.  The SEC West is lead by Alabama at 2-0, with LSU and Mississippi State at 1-0.

Big Ten - 1-0 vs. OOC opponents, with win over C-USA.  Northwestern, Nebraska and Iowa open 1-0 in the Legends division, while Ohio State and Penn State open 1-0 in the Leaders division in '12.

Big 12 - 1-0 vs. OOC opponent, with win @ C-USA.  Big 12 has five teams at 1-0, with Kansas State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia, so very early race, like most conferences.

Pac 12 - Strictly Pac 12 play as Oregon and Oregon State lead the North at 2-0, while Arizona State is 2-0 to lead South heading into October.

ACC - 2-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over WAC and Big East wins, but losses vs. Sun Belt, WAC and Big East.  The Atlantic division is lead by Florida State at 2-0, while the Coastal division is lead by Miami-FL at 3-0, with Duke and Virginia Tech at 1-0.

Big East - 3-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over MAC, ACC and @ C-USA, with lone loss vs. ACC.  No conference games in Week 5, as Rutgers and Cincinnati take 1-0 lead in Big East to close out September.

MWC - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with win @ WAC, but losses @ Independent and @ WAC.  Nevada, Boise State, Fresno State and UNLV are all 1-0 as the MWC closes out September play.

C-USA - 0-5 vs. OOC opponents, with losses @ SEC, @ Big Ten, vs. Sun Belt, vs. Big 12 and vs. Big East.  To end September in C-USA, UCF and Marshall are 1-0 in the East, while Tulsa is 2-0 and Houston 1-0 in the West.

Independents - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with win over MWC, while losses at home vs. FCS and vs. WAC.  Only one game has been played in September between fellow Independents, with Notre Dame's win over Navy.

WAC - 3-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over @ ACC, @ Independent and vs. MWC, while losses @ MWC and @ ACC.  UTSA is 1-0 to open WAC play in September with the lead.

MAC - 1-1 vs. OOC opponents, with win over FCS, while lost @ Big East.  MAC leaders to end September were Kent State and Miami-OH at 2-0, with Ohio U. at 1-0 in the MAC East; while Toledo at 2-0 and Northern Illinois at 1-0 to lead MAC West.

Sun Belt - 2-0 vs. OOC opponents with wins @ ACC and @ C-USA to close out September.  At the end of September, Louisiana-Lafayette leads the conference race at 2-0, with Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee at 1-0.  Troy is 2-1., with Arkansas State and North Texas 1-1.

Week 4 Recap: CIDSports Top 25 Ratings

The NFL needs some "REAL" officials, after watching the bizarre finish in the Green Bay-Seattle game on Monday Night Football.  Iowa fans are not happy about the mixed crew that worked the Iowa-Central Michigan game this past weekend.  Some bizarre moments indeed in Week 4 in College Football.

There were some outstanding Top 25 games in Week 4, with some of lower rated teams moving up.  Other games around the country saw the underdog or visitor taking care of business on the road!

Week 5 will kick-off play in the Big Ten Conference.  The conference has only three undefeated teams heading into conference play, with #16 Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota.  All three teams will play conference games, with the Buckeyes and Golden Gophers traveling.

Week 4 Top 25:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - After opening SEC play in Week 3, the Crimson Tide went back outside the conference and took down Florida Atlantic 40-7 to remain #1 in the nation.  Week 5: vs. Mississippi (3-1), for the SEC home opener against the Rebels, who lost at home to # Texas in Week 3.

2. LSU Tigers (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) 2 - Yes, some people will say why keep the Tigers #2, but the defending SEC champs continue winning, with a road win @ Auburn 12-10 in the SEC '12 opener.  Week 5: vs. Towson State (2-1), a FCS program, as the Tigers enjoy the final OOC game of the season.

3 Oregon Ducks (4-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 3 - The Ducks opened the Pac 12 at home in '12 with a 49-0 white wash of new coach Rich Rodriguez former #20 Arizona.  Week 5: @ Washington State (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12 North), as the Cougars lost Pac 12 opener at home 35-34 to Colorado (1-3, 1-0 Pac 12 South).

4. Stanford Cardinal (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 4 - The Cardinal enjoyed a bye week, after a huge Pac 12 opening win 21-14 vs. USC in Week 3.  Week 5: @ Washington (2-1) on Thursday night on ESPN.

5. Florida State Seminoles 10 (4-0, 2-0 ACC Atlantic) 10 - The Seminoles win a huge Top 10 match at home vs. former #9 Clemson 49-37, as the Jimbo Fisher era in Year 3 starts '12 with a huge level of excitement.  Week 5: @ South Florida (2-2, 0-1 Big East), in the second all-time meeting and first outside Tallahassee.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks took care of business in the SEC home opener with a 31-10 win over Missouri to welcome the Tigers to SEC play.  Week 5: @ Kentucky (1-3, 0-1 SEC East), as the Gamecocks make second trip on the road in conference play.

7. Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 13 - The Wildcats open Big 12 play with a 24-19 road win @ former #5 Oklahoma.  Week 5: Bye week, as the Wildcats will host in-state Kansas (1-3, 0-1 Big 12) in the Big 12 home opener in Week 6.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) 7 - The Mountaineers finished non-conference play with a 31-21 win over Maryland to head into the new Big 12 undefeated.  Week 5: vs. #19 Baylor (3-0), in the Big 12 opener for both teams.

9. Georgia Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 SEC East) 8 - The Bulldogs soundly defeated Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2 SEC East) 48-3 to stay undefeated in SEC East play.  Week 5: vs. Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC East), as the Bulldogs look to keep pace with the leading Gators in the SEC East.

10. Florida Gators (4-0, 3-0 SEC East) 16 - The Gators continue to lead the SEC East with a 38-0 home victory over Kentucky.  Week 5: Bye week, ahead of a inter-conference home game with #2 LSU in Week 6.

11. USC Trojans (3-1, 1-0 Pac 12 South) 11 - The Trojans rebounded from the opening Pac 12 loss with a 27-9 home win over California (1-3, 0-1 Pac 12 North).  Week 5: Bye week ahead of a Thursday, October 6 game @ Utah (2-2, 0-1 Pac 12 South) in Week 6 on ESPN.

12. TCU Horned Frogs (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) 12 - The Horned Frogs returned to non-conference play in Week 4 with a 27-7 win over Virginia.  Week 5: @ SMU (1-2) in the intra-city showdown

13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0) 18 - Three in a row over the Big Ten, as the Fighting Irish take care of business at home in South Bend with a 13-6 win over former #14 Michigan.  Week 5: Bye week ahead of Week 6 game vs. Miami-FL (3-1, 2-0 ACC Coastal), as the Irish get an earlier dose of ACC football.  The Irish have announced this week that the series with Michigan will be winding down, with the 5 game contract with the ACC contract.

14. Oklahoma Sooners (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) 5 - The Sooners opened Big 12 with a disappointing home loss to former #13 Kansas State.  Week 5: Bye week, ahead of returning to conference play with a road opener @ Texas Tech (3-0) in Week 6.

15. Texas Longhorns (3-0) 15 - The Longhorns completed non-conference play a week ago and enjoyed a bye week during Week 4.  Week 5: @ #21 Oklahoma State (2-1), who are also coming off a bye week.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) 16 - The Buckeyes remain undefeated with a 29-15 win over UAB.  Week 5: @ #18 Michigan State (3-1), for a key inter-division opener in the Big Ten.

17. Clemson Tigers (3-1, 0-1 ACC Atlantic) 9 - The Tigers fell @ former #10 Florida State 49-37 in the ACC opener.  Week 5: @ Boston College (1-2, 0-1 ACC Atlantic), as the Eagles will have had two weeks to prepare for this one.

18. Michigan State Spartans (3-1) 22 - the Spartans struggled in the first half, but rebounded in the second half to win 23-17 over Eastern Michigan.  Week 5: vs. #16 Ohio State (4-0), in the Big 12 opener for '12.

19. Baylor Bears (3-0) 23 - The Bears traveled Friday night of Week 4 @ Louisiana-Monroe with a 47-42 win.  Week 5: @ #8 West Virginia (3-0), as both teams open up conference play in the new Big 12.

20. Louisville Cardinals (4-0) 24 - The Cardinals continued non-conference play with a 28-21 road win @ Florida International.  Week 5: @ Southern Miss (0-3, 0-1 C-USA East), as the Golden Eagles are coming off a rugged road loss @ Western Kentucky 42-17.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) 21 - The Cowboys enjoyed a bye week before opening Big 12 play in '12.  Week 5: vs. #15 Texas (3-0), as both teams look to get off to positive start in conference play.

22. Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 SEC West) nr - The Bulldogs beat Auburn in Week 2 28-10 and won in Week 4 with a 30-10 win over South Alabama.  Week 5: Bye week ahead of opening October play @ Kentucky in Week 6.

23. Oregon State Beavers (2-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) nr - The Beavers have knocked out two Top 25 teams to open '12, with the latest a 27-20 Pac 12 opener @ former #19 UCLA.  Week 5: @ Arizona (3-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South), in an important game for both teams early in Pac 12 play.

24. Boise State Broncos (2-1) nr - The Broncos took care of business in Week 4 with a 7-6 win over Brigham Young.  Week 5: @ New Mexico (2-2), in the MWC opener of the year for both teams.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1) 25 - The Cornhuskers rolled in the final tune up before conference play with a 73-7 win over FCS Idaho State.  Week 5: vs. Wisconsin (3-1), the Badgers ruined the Cornhuskers debut in '11 in the Big Ten with a 48-17 win in Madison, so can coach Bo Pelini and Nebraska get the W at home?

Battle of unbeaten teams in Week 5: Texas Tech (3-0) @ Iowa State (3-0), each team is coming off a bye week and will open Big 12 play undefeated in '12.

Out of Top 25 after Week 4:

Former #14 Michigan Wolverines (2-2) - The Wolverines lost @ former #18  Notre Dame 13-6 heading into a bye week.  Former #19 UCLA Bruins (3-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South) - the Bruins lost 27-20 at home in the Pac 12 opener vs. Oregon State.  The Bruins travel to Colorado in Week 5.   Former #20 Arizona Wildcats (3-1) - the Wildcats lost 49-0 in the Pac 12 opener @ #3 Oregon.  The Wildcats host #23 Oregon State in Week 5.

FCS upsets for Week 4:

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 4 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 5-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS (2), C-USA and Sun Belt (2), with loss vs. Big East.  SEC East is lead by Florida at 3-0, followed by Georgia and South Carolina at 2-0.  In the SEC West, Alabama, LSU and Mississippi State are all 1-0.

Big Ten - 7-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS (2), C-USA (2), MAC and Big East (2), with losses vs. MAC, @ Independent and WAC.  The Big Ten opens conference play with 5 games, while Purdue (2-1) wraps up OOC play with Marshall (2-2).

Big 12 - 3-1 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. @ Sun Belt and ACC (2), while loss came @ MAC.  Right now, Kansas State and TCU have opened conference play and lead at 1-0.

Pac 12 - Week 4 was all in conference and after two weeks of conference play... Oregon, Stanford and Oregon State are all 3-0 in Pac 12 North play, while Arizona State and Colorado lead in Pac 12 South at 1-0.

ACC - 5-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS, MAC, Independent and C-USA (2), with losses @ Big 12 (2).  In the ACC Atlantic, Florida State leads at 2-0, while in the ACC Coastal, Miami-FL is 2-0 and Virginia Tech is 1-0.

Big East - 3-4 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS, @ SEC and Sun Belt, while losses @ MAC (2) and @ Big Ten (2).  Rutgers and Cincinnati are tied at 1-0 to lead.

MWC - 3-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. Independent and @ WAC (2), with losses vs. WAC (2) and C-USA.  Nevada and UNLV lead MWC right now at 1-0.

C-USA - 1-6 vs. OOC opponents, with win vs. MWC, with losses @ Big Ten (2), vs. SEC, @ ACC (2) and @ Sun Belt.  East Carolina and Marshall lead the C-USA East, while Tulsa leads C-USA West at 1-0.

Independents - 2-2 vs, OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS and Big Ten, while losses @ MWC and @ ACC.  Notre Dame is only team undefeated and is 1-0 vs. other Independents.

WAC - 5-2 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over FCS (2), @ MWC (2) and @ Big Ten, while losses @ MWC(2).  USTA and Louisiana Tech are both undefeated, but no teams have opened conference play yet.

MAC - 6-3 vs. OOC opponents, with wins over FCS (2), @ Big Ten, vs. Big East (2) and vs. Big 12, with losses @ ACC, @ Big Ten and @SEC.  In the MAC East, Kent State and Miami-OH lead at 1-0, while in the MAC West, Ball State and Toledo lead at 1-0.

Sun Belt - 2-4 vs. OOC opponents, with wins vs. FCS and C-USA, while losses vs. Big 12, vs. Big East and @ SEC (2).  Louisiana-Lafayette and Middle Tennessee lead at 1-0 as Sun Belt play begins to be played.

Week 3 Recap: CIDSports Top 25

Three weeks of College Football are in the book for 2012.  The FCS programs have pulled out some outstanding wins over BCS and non-BCS teams.  Non-BCS teams have picked up some wins and some scares.  The Top 3 has stayed strong, but some other Top 10 teams have fallen hard.  The SEC continues the #1 banner, while the Big Ten appears to lack a national powerhouse in '12.

Here's our CIDSports Top 25 after Week 3:

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0 SEC West) 1 - The Tide Roll in Week 3 as they open the SEC in '12 with a 52-0 white wash of QB depleted Arkansas.  The Crimson Tide have given up 14 points in the opener to Michigan, then back to back shutouts.  Week 4: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-2, 0-1 Sun Belt), a team that opened with only a 7-3 win over FCS Wagner.  

2. LSU Tigers (3-0) 2 - The first three OOC games are in the books as conference play begins in Week 4.  LSU warm up in Week 3 was 63-14 win over Idaho.  Week 4: @ Auburn (1-2, 0-1 SEC West), as LSU opens the SEC West in a important game, while Auburn faces a critical test, after near loss at home vs. ULM (31-28).

3. Oregon Ducks (3-0) 3 - The OOC segment rolls to an end in Week 3 as Oregon take out FCS Tennessee Tech 63-14.  Now, conference play enters the Ducks '12 path.  Week 4: vs. Arizona (3-0), in what could be a scoring fireworks display as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

4. Stanford Cardinal (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12 North) 7 - We have had the Cardinal a Top 10 program heading into '12.  We saw the 21-14 home win over former #4 USC likely, as both teams opened Pac 12 play.  Week 4: bye week, as the Cardinal play next, Thursday, September 27TH, @ Washington (2-1) for the first conference road trip.

5. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) 5 - The Sooners enjoyed a bye in Week 3 ahead of '12 conference opener in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. Kansas State (3-0), where the Sooners have a five straight win streak in the series.

6. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 6 - The Gamecocks have weathered the storm through three weeks with QB Conner Shaw injured.  Gamecocks beat UAB 49-6 in Week 3.  Week 4 - vs. Missouri (2-1, 0-1 SEC East), in a key SEC East match up, with both teams with QB woes.

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-0) 8 - The Mountaineers hammered James Madison 42-12 in Week 3.  Week 4: vs. Maryland (2-1), as Mountaineers wrap up OOC play ahead of making debut in the new Big 12.

8. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC East) 10 - The Bulldogs beat Florida Atlantic 56-20 to keep rolling in '12. Week 4: vs. Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1 SEC East), as the Bulldogs return to SEC play.

9. Clemson Tigers (3-0) 11 - The Tigers roll into ACC play with a 41-0 win over FCS Furman.  Week 4: @ #10 Florida State (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic), in the biggest game of Week 4 in the ACC and in the nation!

10. Florida State Seminoles (3-0, 1-0 ACC Atlantic) 12 - The Seminoles opened ACC play in Week 3 with a 52-0 waxing of Wake Forest at home.  Week 4: vs. #9 Clemson (3-0), as the Seminoles open ACC play with back to back home games, after opening the season with back to back FCS wins!

11. USC Trojans (2-1, 0-1 Pac 12 South) 4 - The Trojans fall @ former #7 Stanford 21-14, which shouldn't have been a complete surprise, because the Cardinal are a very good program right now.  Next up: vs. California (1-2), against a Cal Bears team that nearly out played Ohio State in Columbus, but not on the score board.

12. TCU Horned Frogs (2-0, 1-0 Big 12) 13 - The Horned Frogs came off a bye week to win first Big 12 game on the road @ Kansas 20-6.  Week 4: vs. Virginia (2-1), in a non-conference game.

13. Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) 15 - The Wildcats finished OOC play with a win over North Texas 35-21 at home.  Week 4: @ #5 Oklahoma (2-0), in the Big 12 opener on the road in Norman.

14. Michigan Wolverines - (2-1) 16 - The Wolverines pounded UMass 63-13 in the Big House in preparation for a big road trip and rivalry game in Week 4.  Week 4: vs. @ #18 Notre Dame (3-0), in series that has witnessed 7 of 8 games ending in upset.

15. Texas Longhorns (3-0) 17 - The Longhorns took to the road to SEC Country to defeat Ole Miss 66-31 ahead of conference play in the Big 12.  Week 4: bye week before traveling to #21 Oklahoma State (2-1) in Week 5 for the Big 12 opener.

16. Florida Gators (3-0, 2-0 SEC East) 18 - Early games in the SEC as the Gators win back to back road games in conference play, with the latest a 37-20 win @ Tennessee.  Week 4: vs. Kentucky (1-2) in the conference home opener of '12.

17. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) 19 - It wasn't pretty, but Buckeyes win 35-28 in Columbus over California to remain unblemished in the Urban Meyer era.  Week 4: vs. UAB (0-2), as the Buckeyes wrap up non-conference ahead of Big Ten play.

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-0) 20 - The Fighting Irish's road trip to East Lansing ended in a 20-3 win @ Michigan State.  Week 4: vs. #14 Michigan, as the Fighting Irish complete the third game in three against Big Ten opponents.

19. UCLA Bruins (3-0) 22 - The Jim Mora, Jr. era is off to a fast start in Southern California as Bruins beat Houston 37-6 to end non-conference play.  Week 4: vs. Oregon State (1-0), as both teams open Pac 12 play in '12.

20. Arizona Wildcats (3-0) nr - The Rich Rodriguez era is off to a great start, as well, as the Wildcats beat FCS South Carolina State 56-0 to close out non-conference play.  Week 4: @ #3 Oregon (3-0), in what will be a huge test for the Wildcats in the Pac 12 opener.

21. Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) 21 - The Cowboys rebounded at home with a 65-24 win over Louisiana-Lafayette.  Week 4: bye week ahead of hosting #15 Texas (3-0) in the Big 12 opener for '12.

22. Michigan State Spartans (2-1) 9 - The Spartans fall at home vs. former #20 Notre Dame 20-3 to drop out the Top 10 in '12.  Week 4: vs. Eastern Michigan (0-3) in the final non-conference tune up before opening Big Ten play.

23. Baylor Bears (2-0) 23 - The Bears took care of business against FCS Sam Houston State 48-23 in Week 2.  Week 4: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-1), in a dangerous non-conference game before conference play begins.

24. Louisville Cardinals (3-0) 24 - The Cardinals remain undefeated after beating North Carolina at home 39-34.  Week 4: vs. Florida International (1-2), as the Cardinals continue non-conference play in '12.

25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-1) nr - The Cornhuskers rebounded from Week 2 loss @ UCLA, with a 42-13 win over Arkansas State at home.  Week 4: vs. Idaho State (1-1), in an easy tune up before hitting the second season in the Big Ten for the Cornhuskers.

Out of Top 25 after Week 3:

Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0 ACC Coastal) - the former #14 Hokies fell in Week 3 @ Pittsburgh 35-17 to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Bowling Green (1-2, 0-1 MAC East), in an opportunity to get things cleaned up before returning to ACC play.

Tennessee (2-1, 0-1 SEC East) - the former #25 Volunteers fell in Week 3 vs. former 18 Florida 37-20 defeat to fall out of the Top 25.  Week 4: vs. Akron (1-2), as the Volunteers look to get back in the win column, after a disappointing SEC opener.

FCS upsets for Week 3:

Cal Poly defeats Wyoming 24-22 as MWC takes hit against FCS opponent.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 3 by conference and Notes:

SEC - 8-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS, Sun Belt (3), C-USA (2), Pac 12 and WAC.  Losses vs. Sun Belt and Big 12.  Florida leads SEC East at 2-0 ahead of Georgia and South Carolina, while Alabama and Mississippi State are 1-0 to lead the SEC West, after Week 3.

Big Ten - 10-2 vs. OCC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2), Sun Belt, MAC (3), Pac 12, ACC, Independent and WAC.  Losses vs. Independent and MAC.

Big 12 - vs. 7-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), Sun Belt (2) and @ SEC.  TCU debuts in the new Big 12, with a 1-0 conference mark for the early lead.

Pac 12 - 6-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (3), @ MWC, Independent and C-USA.  Losses @ Big Ten, @ SEC and @ MWC.  Pac 12 North is lead early by Stanford at 1-0, while only USC at 0-1 has played in the South.

ACC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. four FCS opponents.  Losses vs. Big East (3) w/ two on road, and @ Big Ten

Big East - 5-0 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins vs. FCS (2) and ACC (3).  Rutgers won season opener to join Cincinnati with an early 1-0 lead in the Big East, after Week 3.

Conference USA - 3-6 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Sun Belt and WAC.  Losses vs. SEC (2), MAC, Sun Belt, WAC and Pac 12.  East Carolina beat Southern Miss to open 1-0 lead in the C-USA East.

Independents - 1-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included win over Big Ten, but losses vs. MAC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

MWC - 5-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS (3), Pac 12 and MAC, while losses vs. FCS, Pac 12, Big 12 and WAC.

WAC - 3-3 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, C-USA and MWC, while losses vs. SEC, Big 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 4-4 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over FCS, Independent, C-USA and Big Ten, while losses vs. Big Ten (3) and MWC.  Toledo opened MAC play with a 27-15 win over Bowling Green to take 1-0 lead in MAC East with Ball State.

Sun Belt - 2-8 vs. OOC opponents, which included wins over C-USA and SEC, with losses vs. Big Ten, Big 12 (2), SEC (3), C-USA and ACC

Week 3 is in the books as we get ready for Week 4 and some outstanding games!

CIDSports Top 25 Ratings after Week 2 of the College Football Season

Week 1 and Week 2 are now in the books.  A tough Week 2 for the Big Ten and some big upsets around the BCS, including a huge one involving a SEC West team!

CIDSports Top 25

1. Alabama (2-0) - the Crimson Tide are a clear #1 after last year's BCS title and the wins over Michigan (41-14) in Arlington and Western Kentucky (35-0) to kick off '12.  Week 3: @ Arkansas (1-1) in the SEC West opener for '12.

2. LSU (2-0) 1 - the defending SEC champions and BCS runner-up is off to a solid start in '12 with wins over North Texas (41-14) and Washington (41-3).  Week 3: vs. Idaho (0-2) in a clear mismatch that the Tigers can enjoy before the SEC opener in Week 4.

3. Oregon (2-0) 2 - the Ducks have enjoyed two high scoring games to kick off '12 with wins over Arkansas State (57-34) and Fresno State (42-25).  Week 3: vs. Tennessee Tech (2-0), a FCS that were co-champs of the Ohio Valley in '11.  Tech is 0-27 vs. FBS programs, ouch!

4. USC (2-0) 3 - the Trojans are off to a good start, but Week 2 was tougher than Week 1.  Trojans opened with Hawaii (49-10), then East Coast trip to East Rutherford vs. Syracuse (42-29).  Week 3: @ #_ Stanford (2-0) to open Pac 12 play.  Last year, the Cardinal won 56-48 in 3 OT on the road vs. the Trojans.

5. Oklahoma (2-0) 7 - the Sooners move up, after two Top 10 teams fall in Week 2.  The Sooners have wins over UTEP (24-7) and Florida A&M (69-13) and will enjoy a bye, Week 3.  Next up: vs. #_ Kansas State (2-0) to open Big 12 play in Week 4.

6.  South Carolina (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 8 - the Gamecocks opened '12 with a SEC East road win @ Vanderbilt (17-13), followed by a win vs. East Carolina (48-10).  Week 3: vs. UAB (0-1), where coach Steve Spurrier takes a 45-0 record vs. non-BCS opponents as a head coach.

7. Stanford (2-0) 9 - the Cardinal have had two straight solid years and open '12 with two wins over San Jose State (20-17) and vs. Duke (50-13).  Week 3: vs. #4 USC (2-0) in the Pac 12 opener.

8. West Virginia (1-0) 10 - the Mountaineers beat Marshall (69-34) in Week 1, then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. James Madison (2-0) in Landover, MD.

9. Michigan State (2-0) 12 - the Spartans are the top Big Ten team, after an ugly Week 2 for the Conference going 6-6.  The Spartans opened '12 with wins over Boise State (17-13) and @ Central Michigan (41-7).  Week 3: vs. #20 Notre Dame (2-0) in a series where nine of the last 12 games have been decided by single points, including 34-31 in OT last time in East Lansing in '10.  Fighting Irish crushed the Spartans last year, so payback alert?

10. Georgia (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 13 - the Bulldogs opened SEC East play in Week 2 with a win @ Missouri (41-20), after an opening season win vs. Buffalo (45-23).  Week 3: vs. Florida Atlantic (1-1, 0-1 Sun Belt), who lost conference opener last week under new coach Carl Pelini.

11. Clemson (2-0) 14 - the Tigers opens '12 with wins over Auburn (26-19) in Atlanta and vs. Ball State (52-27).  Week 3: vs. Furman (0-2) as Tigers enjoy tune up before ACC opener in Week 4 @ #12 Florida State.

12. Florida State (2-0) 15 - the Seminoles opened vs. two-FCS opponents to kick off '12 with wins over Murray State (69-3) and Savannah State (55-0).  Week 3: vs. Wake Forest (2-0) in the ACC Atlantic opener in a series Wake has won 4 of last 6, including last season.

13. TCU (1-0) 16 - the Horned Frogs open '12 in Week 2 with a win over Grambling (56-0).  Week 3: @ Kansas (1-1) for the Big 12 opener, after moving over from the MWC, where they were undefeated the final three seasons.

14. Virginia Tech (2-0, 1-0 ACC Coastal) 18 - the Hokies open '12 with a Labor Day win vs. Georgia Tech (20-17) in OT and vs. Austin Peay (42-7).  Week 3: @ Pittsburgh (0-2, 0-1 Big East) against their former Big East rivals, the Panthers, who will be joining the ACC next year.

15. Kansas State (2-0) 23 - the Wildcats picked up a solid win in Week 2 vs. Miami-FL (52-13), after opening '12 vs. Missouri State (51-9).  Week 3: vs. North Texas (1-1) in what could be a trap game before Big 12 opener in Week 4 @ OU?

16. Michigan (2-0) 17 - the Wolverines got rocked in the Week 1 opener vs. #1 Alabama (41-13) in Arlington, then held on at home vs. Air Force (31-25).  Week 3: vs. UMass (0-2) before heading to South Bend to face Notre Dame in Week 4.

17.  Texas (2-0) 19 - the Longhorns opened with back to back MWC wins vs. Wyoming (37-17) and New Mexico (45-0) to open '12.  Week 3: @ Ole Miss (2-0) in a dangerous Big 12-SEC road game.

18. Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) 21 - the Gators win SEC opener @ Texas A&M (20-17) in Week 2, after opening season with win over Bowling Green (27-13).  Week 3: @ #25 Tennessee (2-0) for the first SEC East showdown and the first Top 25 showdown vs. Volunteers, since '07.

19. Ohio State (2-0) nr - the Buckeyes struggled in '11 finishing 6-7, after 24-17 Gator Bowl loss to Florida, the first losing season since '88.  The Buckeyes opened '12 with wins over Miami-OH (54-10) and vs. Central Florida (31-16).  Week 3: vs. California (1-1), who the Buckeyes own a 5-1 record over the Golden Bears, but haven't played since '72.

20. Notre Dame (2-0) nr - the Fighting Irish opened the season in Dublin with a win over Navy (50-10), then the first of three with the Big Ten, with a win in home opener vs. Purdue (20-17).  Week 3: @ #9 Michigan State (2-0), as the Fighting Irish announced this week that they are joining the ACC in all sports other than football.

21. Oklahoma State (1-1) 6 - the Cowboys won the Big 12 last year, but unlike '11, fell in Week 2 @ Arizona (59-38), after opening the season with win vs. Savannah State (84-0).  Week 3: vs. Lousiana-Lafayette (2-0, 1-0 Sun Belt), who beat Lamar (40-0) to open season, then @ Troy (37-24) in Sun Belt opener.

22. UCLA (2-0) nr - the Bruins have kicked off the Jim Mora, Jr. era with two wins @ Rice (49-24) and vs. Nebraska (36-30) to jump into the Top 25 early in '12.  Week 3: vs. Houston (0-2), who were upset in opener to Texas State (30-13), then lost to Lousiana Tech (56-49) to open '12.

23. Baylor (1-0) 24 - the Bears opened season in Week 1 over SMU (59-24), then enjoyed a bye week.  Week 3: vs. Louisiana-Monroe (1-0), who is coming off upset win @ Arkansas (34-31).

24. Louisville (2-0) 25 - the Cardinals opened Week 1 with a win over Kentucky (34-14), then followed it up with a win vs. Missouri State (35-7) to open '12.  Week 3: vs. UNC (1-1) in an important Big East-ACC match up at home, which the Tar Heels won 14-7 last year.

25. Tennessee (2-0) nr - the Volunteers enter the Top 25 after wins over North Carolina State (35-21) in Atlanta, then at home vs. Georgia State (51-13).  Next up: vs. #18 Florida (2-0, 1-0 SEC East) in the Volunteers SEC opener of  '12.

Out of Top 25 after Week 2:

Ranked # 5 heading into '12, but Arkansas (1-1) fell at home to Louisina-Monroe (1-0) 34-31 to fall out of the Top 25, after QB Tyler Wilson suffers head injury.  Former #11 Wisconsin (1-1) lost @ Oregon State (1-0) 10-7, after a sluggish opening win vs. Northern Iowa (26-21).  Former #20 Nebraska (1-1) lost @ UCLA (36-30) to fall out of the Top 25.  Former #22 Missouri (1-1, 0-1 SEC East) lost in Week 2 to then #13 Georgia (41-20) at home.

FCS upsets for Week 2:

Sacramento State beat Colorado (30-28), as Pac 12 takes hit vs. FCS.

Northern Arizona beat UNLV (17-10) and North Dakota State beat Colorado State (22-7), as MWC takes two hits vs. FCS.

Illinois State beat Eastern Michigan (31-14), as MAC takes hit vs. FCS.

Breakdown of OOC records in Week 2 by conference and Notes:


SEC - 6-2 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Sun Belt and Big Ten.  One win over FCS and the Pac 12.

Big Ten - 6-6 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Pac 12 (3 on road), ACC, Big 12 and vs. Notre Dame.  Win over SEC, one FCS program.
Big 12 - 7-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to C-USA.  Two FCS wins and one over ACC, Big Ten and Pac 12.

Pac 12 - 9-3 vs. OOC opponents, with one FCS loss, SEC and WAC.  Two FCS wins, as well as three wins over Big Ten at home, one vs. Big East, ACC and Big 12.

ACC - 8-2 vs. OOC opponents, with Pac 12 and Big 12 loss.  Four wins over FCS, along with wins over Big 12 and Big East (2).

Big East - 3-3 vs. OOC oppoents, with two ACC losses and Pac 12.  Two FCS win and WAC win.

MWC - 1-7 vs. OOC opponents, with two FCS losses, Big Ten, C-USA, MAC, Pac 12 and Big 12.  Lone win over Army.

C-USA - 3-5 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to Big Ten, SEC (2), Sun Belt and WAC. Two wins over FCS and Big Ten.

Independents - 1-2 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to MWC.  One FCS win and Big Ten win.
WAC - 4-3 vs. OOC opponents, with losses to MAC(2) and Big 12.  Two FCS wins, Pac 12 and C-USA.

MAC - 7-6 vs. OOC opponents with losses vs. FCS, SEC, Sun Belt, Big Ten (2), ACC.  Wins vs. four FCS teams, WAC (2) and MWC.

Sun Belt - 5-1 vs. OOC opponents, with loss to SEC.  Wins vs. two FCS programs, SEC, MAC and C-USA.

Cy-Hawk Game: Iowa State 9, Iowa 6 in Iowa City

The Cyclones win second straight over Iowa, as they beat Iowa by 3 again.

Our Cidsports Preseason Top 25 ratings for the 2012 College Football Season

How should preseason polls be judged?

Should the defending champ be judged differently?
Should teams have to earn there way back up the Top 25 ladder, after a poor season(s)?
Should the preseason rankings be based on today or how the season should finish in January?

Are there 10 teams worthy of a spot in the Top 10 heading into 2012? Over the past couple of seasons, we would say "no" and this season actually doesn't look any different. Hard to say any Big Ten team is worthy of a Top 10 ranking, with the questions each program has heading into the 2012 season.

Early ratings are often premature, just look at preseason rankings, since 1989. There are plenty of programs who are often overrated or underrated year in and year out. Top Five typically over hyped annually heading into the College Football Season:

Notre Dame - No different this year, with the coaches ranking the Irish #24 coming off 8-5 year?

Oklahoma - Bob Stoops is 108-27 the past 10 seasons, but hasn't won a BCS title, since '00!

Texas - Both preseason polls have Longhorns #15, despite 8-5 and 5-7 in '11 and '10... #19 is too high!

Florida State - What has the ACC done lately? Seminoles were 9-4 last year, but '05 since last BCS bowl!

Nebraska - The Cornhuskers finished 5-3 in Big Ten Legends division and 9-4 overall and now 11 years, since they played in a BCS bowl...

Typically, preseason polls like named BCS teams year in and year out. No different in 2012...

So, who should be #1 heading into the 2012 College Football season?

1. Alabama (12-1, 7-1 SEC West) - The Crimson Tide have won two of the past three BCS titles under coach Nick Saban entering his sixth season in Tuscaloosa. Junior QB AJ McCarron is back, with five other offensive starters and what should be the nation's Top OL. Only five defensive starters return with all-American skills from last year's national title team, but both specialists are back for the Tide! Season Opener: vs. Michigan on 9/1 in Arlington, TX.

The SEC rules the BCS, with six straight titles ...

2. LSU (13-1, 8-0 SEC West) - The Tigers are the last team to beat Alabama (9-6 ot '11 regular season). The Tigers are the defending SEC champions, but lost the BCS Title game 0-21 to Bama. Junior JC transfer Zach Mettenberger steps into the QB position, which is one reason the Tigers haven't won a BCS title, since '07. Both kickers are back along with seven offensive and six defensive, as Les Miles enters his eighth season at the helm in Baton Rouge. Biggest non-conferece tilt: vs. Washington on 9/8.

3. Oregon (12-2, 8-1 Pac12 North) - The Ducks are playing for their fourth straight conference title in '12. The Ducks are also coming off a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. They lost 19-22 to Auburn, the previous year in the BCS title game, so there is plenty of excitement for '12. Coach Chip Kelly is entering his fourth season in Eugene, with likely redshirt frosh Marcus Mariota at the helm at QB and senior Kenjon Barner back at RB. Both kickers are back, with five offensive and defensive starters returning. Key game: @ USC on 11/3.

4. USC (10-2, 7-2 Pac12 South) - The Trojans are coming off NCAA bowl sactions, as coach Lane Kiffin enters third season as head coach in Los Angeles. The Trojans still face scholarship sactions and depth is a concern heading into 2012. Senior QB Matt Barkley returns with eight other starters on offense, including the top 3 receivers. The Trojans defense returns seven starters and both kickers. The Trojans have won four straight bowls, since the BCS title game loss to Texas during '04 season. Conference opener: @ Stanford on 9/15.

5. Arkansas (11-2, 6-2 SEC West) - The off the field dismissal in Fayetteville of coach Bobby Petrino may make this pick a little high? But, senior QB Tyler Wilson returns along with six other offensive starters. The defense returns six starters from a squad that beat Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton. Both kickers also return for the Razorbacks. Interim coach John L. Smith was only 1-6 in previous bowl games. Key game: vs. Alabama on 9/15 in SEC opener.

6. Oklahoma State (12-1, 8-1 Big 12) - The Sooners are the defending Big 12 champ, coming off a 41-38 ot win over Stanford in the Fiesta; beat Oklahoma 44-10 in the season finale. A true frosh Wes Lunt is projected as #1 QB. Senior PK/P Quinn Sharp returns along with four offensive and eight defensive starters as coach Mike Gundy enters eighth season at the helm in Stillwater. Key OOC game: @ Arizona on 9/8.

7. Oklahoma (10-3, 6-3 Big 12) - Bob Stoops is entering his 14th season at the helm in Norman. The Sooners are coming off a 31-14 win over Stoops' alma mater, Iowa in the Insight. Senior QB Landry Jones is one of eight offensive starters back, along with both kickers and seven defensive starters. Injuries have been an issue for the Sooners over the last several seasons. Odd start the season with two bye weeks in September and the season opener @ UTEP. Big 12 opener: vs. K-State on 9/22.

8. South Carolina (11-2, 6-2 SEC East) - The Gamecocks enter 2012 with coach Steve Spurrier opening his eighth season in Columbia. Injury to junior RB Marcus Lattimore cut short a solid season. In '10, the Gamecokes won the SEC East for the first time, but lost the SEC championship to BCS champion Auburn. Junior QB Connor Shaw returns with five other offensive starters and five defensivie starters from the 30-13 win over Nebraska in the Capitial One game. Season/SEC opener: @ Vanderbilt on 8/30.

9. Stanford (11-2, 8-1 Pac12 North) - The Cardinal enter the second season in Stanford with coach David Shaw at the helm. The Cardinal must replace QB Andrew Luck and junior Josh Nunes will get the nod. He will have six offensive starters back, along with their placekicker and seven Cardinal back as starters on defense. Key Pac 12 division game: @ Oregon on 11/17.

10. West Virginia (10-3, 5-2 Big East) - Good bye Big East, hello Big 12, as the Mountaineers enter the 2nd season under coach Dana Holgorsen at the helm in Morgantown. The Mountaineers are coming off a 70-33 Orange Bowl win over Clemson as they move West to the Big 12. Senior QB Geno Smith returns along with seven other starters on offense, both kickers are back, along with six defensive starters. Key back to back Big 12 road trips: @ Texas on 10/6, then @ Texas Tech on 10/13.

Big Ten teams may develop into a Top 10 program in 2012, but at the present time, we don't see one worthy of Top 10 as the season kicks off in the coming week ...

11. Wisconsin (11-3, 6-2 Big Ten Leaders) - The Badgers have won back to back conference titles, including the first title game under coach Bret Bielema, now in his 7th year as head coach in Madison. Bielema is bringing in another ringer at QB, this time with junior Danny O'Brien from Maryland, after Russell Wilson departed for the NFL. Only five starters are back on offensive, while six starters are back defensively. The specialists will be new in '12. Key game: @ Nebrasaka on 9/29 in Big Ten opener.

12. Michigan State (11-3, 7-1 Big Ten Legends) - The Spartans are coming off a 33-30 3ot win in Outback over Georgia, as MSU finally gets a win in a bowl game for the first time, since '01. Coach Mark Dantonio returns eight starters on defense and both kickers, but only five return on offense and junior Andrew Maxwell will be the new QB. Season opener: vs. Boise State on 8/31.

13. Michigan (11-2, 6-2 Big Ten Legends) - Can 2nd year coach Brady Hoke in Ann Arbor do what Bob Stoops at OU or Gene Chizik at Auburn did in year two at there schools? Each lead there respectives teams into the BCS title game in their second season. The Wolverines were down prior to Hoke's arrival for three years. The Wolverines are coming off a 23-20 overtime win over Virginia Tech the Sugar. They are lead by senior QB Denard Robinson, five other offensive starters, seven defensive starters and both kickers are back. Key game: @ Ohio State on 11/24.

14. Georgia (10-4, 7-1 SEC East) - Both the Coaches and AP Poll rank the Bulldogs #6 coming off a 30-33 3OT loss to Michigan State in the Outback. The Bulldogs do return starting QB Aaron Murray and six other offensive starters. They will break in new kickers and nine defensive starters are back, but the Bulldogs appear to be a perfect example of a program that needs to earn a Top 10 ranking. SEC opener: @ Missouri on 9/8.

15. Florida State (9-4, 4-4 ACC Atlantic) - The Seminoles are lead by senior QB EJ Manuel and seven other offensive starters and placekicker. The defense returns nine starters from the 18-14 win in the Champs Sports over Notre Dame. Coach Jimbo Fisher begins third season at the helm in Tallahassee. The Seminole open '12 with back to back FCS games. Top OOC game in September: @USF on 9/29.

16. TCU (11-2, 7-0 MWC) - The Horned Frogs leave the MWC for the Big 12 as coach Gary Patterson enters his 12th season in Ft. Worth. Senior QB Casey Pachall leads five other returning starters on offense. Five defensive starters return from the team that beat Lousiana Tech 31-24 in the Poinsettia to win for their 7th bowl win in eight outings. Season finale: vs. Oklahoma on 12/1.

17. Boise State (12-1, 6-1 MWC) - The Broncos enter the seventh season under Chris Peterson in Boise with a rebuilding effort in the works, with only five starters on offense and 2 starters on defense returning from the squad that won 56-24 over Arizona State in Las Vegas to end '11. Junior Joe Southwick will step into the void at QB, with Kellen Moore's departure.

18. Virginia Tech (11-3, 7-1 ACC Coastal) - The Hokies open the 26th season under coach Frank Beamer in Blacksburg in 2012. Junior QB Logan Thomas highlights the three starters back on offense, but nine defensive starters are back, along with both kickers. The Hokies have played in four BCS bowls the past five seasons. Season Opener: vs. Georgia Tech in ACC opener on Labor Day 9/3.

19. Texas (8-5, 4-5 Big 12) - The Longhorns enter the 15th season under coach Mack Brown in Austin. After a BCS title game in '09, the Longhorns fell to 2-6 in the Big 12 in '10, but rebounded last year, with a nice 21-10 win over California in the Holiday. The QB position needs to have better production, as sophomore David Ash returns, along with eight other offensive starters. Six starters are back on defense, with newcomers on special teams. The Red River Shoutout on 10/13 is game 3 of the Big 12 season. Key game: @ Okie State on 9/29 in Big 12 opener.

20. Houston (13-1, 8-0 CUSA West) - The Cougars came up short in the CUSA title game, but rebounded with a 30-14 win over Penn State in the TicketCity. Tony Levine took the one game interim tag into the bowl game and landed the job as the new coach at Houston replacing Kevin Sumlin, who moved to Texas A&M. Only five starters return on offense, while seven starters are back on defense, along with both kickers. Sophomore QB David Piland redshirted last season, but he filled in as a starter for injured and now departed Case Keenum for 8 starts in '10 as a true frosh. Key OOC game: @ UCLA on 9/15.

21. Clemson (10-4, 6-2 ACC Atlantic) - Coach Dabo Swinney enters his fifth season in Clemson. Seven offensive starters return, including junior QB Tajh Boyd, seven starters are back on defense, along with the #1 placekicker. The Tigers are the defending ACC champions, but must rebound from a 33-70 loss in the Orange to West Virginia. Open season in Atlanta vs. Auburn on 9/1. Key game: @ Florida State on 9/22 for ACC opener.

22. Florida (7-6, 3-5 SEC East) - Coach Will Muschamp enters year 2 at helm in Gainsville. The Gators return seven offensive starters, 10 defensive starters and both kickers off of 24-17 Gator win over Ohio State. The QB position needs better production. Key back to back SEC road games: week 2 @ Texas A&M on 9/8 and week 3 @ Tennessee on 9/15.

23. Missouri (8-5, 5-4 Big 12) - The Tigers move from the Big 12 to the SEC East in 2012, as coach Gary Pinkel opens his 12th season in Columbia. The Tigers are coming off a 41-24 win over North Carolina in the Independence. Junior QB James Franklin lead six starters back on offense, while six defensive starters return and senior Trey Barrow takes over PK duties for '12. The Tigers will play a strong OOC schedule with a trip @ Central Florida on 9/29 and two other BCS conference opponents. Key game: @ South Carolina on 9/22.

24. Nebraska (9-4, 5-3 Big Ten Legends) - The Cornhuskers finished year one in the Big Ten with a winning record, but it has been over ten seasons now, since Nebraska played in a BCS bowl game. The Cornhuskers closed '11 with a 13-30 loss to South Carolina in the Capital One. Junior QB Taylor Martinez and senior RB Rex Burkhead lead the seven starters back on offense. Senior PK/Punter Brett Maher returns, along with seven defensive starters for '12. Season opener: vs. Southern Miss on 9/1.

25. Kansas State (10-3, 7-2 Big 12) - Though he took some time away from the head coaching position, Bill Snyder enters his 21st season at the helm in Manhattan. The Wildcats have enjoyed back to back bowl games over the past two seasons, but still looking for first win, since '02 Holiday ten seasons ago. Senior QB Collin Klien leads eight starters back on offense, while both kickers return, along with six starters on defense lead by senior MLB Arthur Brown. Key OOC game: vs. Miami-FL on 9/8.

Out of the polls (finished last season in the final AP/Coaches Poll):

13/12. Baylor (10-3, 6-3 Big 12) - Coach Art Briles enters fifth season at the helm in Waco, without QB Robert Griffin III, as the Heisman Trophy winner moves onto the NFL. The Bears have enjoyed back to back bowl seasons, including a 67-56 win over Washington last year in Alamo. Senior Nick Florence brings some experience to the table at QB, as six starters return on offense, both kickers and eight starters on defense return for the Bears. Season opener: vs. SMU on 9/2.

20/19. Southern Miss (12-2, 6-2 CUSA East) - The Golden Eagles are the defending champions of the C-USA heading into 2012 and are coming off a 24-17 win over Nevada in Hawaii. Former South Carolina DC Ellis Johnson replaces Larry Fedora in Hattiesburg, as Fedora exited after four seasons, taking the job at UNC. Junior Chris Campbell is projected by many at QB, but has lost practice time this preseason. Six starters on offense, a punter and four defensive starters return from last year. Key game: @ UCF on 10/13.

25/21. Cinicinnati (10-3, 5-2 Big East) - Can the Bearcats fill the void of Big East champion West Virginia exit to Big 12? Only four starters return on offense, while both kickers and seven starters return for Cincinnati, as coach Butch Jones enters third season at the helm. The Bearcats are coming off a 31-24 win over Vanderbilt in the Liberty. Season opener: week 2 vs. Pittsburgh on Thusday 9/6.

Not ranked (though ranked in the preseason AP/Coaches Poll):

18/NR Ohio State (6-7, 3-5 Big Ten Leaders) - The Buckeyes may be the best team in the Big Ten this season under first year coach Urban Meyer. NCAA probation will leave the Buckeyes in Columbus for the Holidays this season. Sophomore QB Braxton Miller highlights the six starters back on offense. Nine defensive starters are back, along with both kickers. The Buckeyes are in Columbus for four straight OOC games to open season, then Big Ten opener @ MSU on 9/29. Key game: @ Wisconsin on 11/17.

25/NR Auburn (8-5, 4-4 SEC West) - Coach Gene Chizik enters fourth season at the helm in Auburn. The Tigers won the BCS in '10 and have three bowl wins under Chizik, including a 43-24 win over Virginia last year in the Chick-fil-A. The Tigers return six offensive starters, both kickers and nine defensive starters in '12. Sophomore QB Kiehl Frazier brings speed to the position, but questions remain. Key game: vs. LSU on 9/22.

NR/24. Notre Dame (8-5 as Independent) - Coach Brian Kelly enters his third season at the helm in South Bend with a bowl win in '10 over Miami-FL and a bowl loss in '11 vs. Florida State. The Fighting Irish return eight starters on offense, punter and six starters on defense. The 2012 season opens in Dublin, Ireland on 9/1 as the Fighting Irish open vs. Navy as redshirt freshman Everett Golson is named starting QB. Key game: @ Oklahoma on 10/27.

NR/25. Louisville (7-6, 5-2 Big East) - Coach Charlie Strong enters his third season at the helm in Lousiville coming off a 24-31 loss vs. North Carolina State in the Belk. Sophomore QB Teddy Bridgewater is among the seven offensive starters back, with eight returning on the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals. Season opener: vs. Kentucky on 9/2.

Division and Conference Power Ratings:

The SEC is the #1 conference again!

SEC West: 1. Alabama, 2. LSU, 3. Arkansas, 4. newcomer Texas A&M, 5. Auburn, 6. Mississippi State, 7. Ole Miss.

SEC East: 1. South Carolina, 2. Georgia, 3. Florida, 4. newcomer Missouri, 5. Tennessee, 6. Vanderbilt, 7. Kentucky

Big Ten Leaders: 1. Ohio State (probation), 2. Wisconsin, 3. Purdue, 4. Illinois, 5. Penn State (probation), 6. Indiana.

Big Ten Legends: 1. Michigan State, 2. Michigan, 3. Nebraska, 4. Iowa, 5. Northwestern, 6. Minnesota.

Big 12: 1. Oklahoma State, 2. Oklahoma, 3. West Virginia, 4. TCU, 5. Texas, 6. Kansas State, 7. Baylor, 8. Texas Tech 9. Iowa State, 10. Kansas.

Pac 12 North: 1. Oregon, 2. Stanford, 3. California, 4. Washington, 5. Oregon State, 6. Washington State.

Pac 12 South: 1. USC, 2. Utah, 3. UCLA, 4. Arizona State, 5. Arizona, 6. Colorado.

ACC Atlantic: 1. Florida State, 2. Clemson, 3. North Carolina State, 4. Boston College, 5. Wake Forest, 6. Maryland.

ACC Coastal: 1. Virginia Tech, 2. Georgia Tech, 3. North Carolina, 4. Miami-FL, 5. Virginia, 6. Duke.

Big East: 1. Cincinnati, 2. Rutgers, 3. Louisville, 4. South Florida, 5. Pittsburgh, 6. Temple, 7. UConn, 8. Syracuse.

MWC: 1. Boise State, 2. Nevada, 3. San Diego State, 4. Air Force, 5. Wyuoming, 6. Fresno State, 7. Hawaii, 8. Colorado State, 9. UNLV, 10. New Mexico.

C-USA East: 1. Southern Miss, 2. UCF, 3. Marshall, 4. East Carolina, 5. UAB, 6. Memphis.

C-USA West: 1. Houston, 2. Tulsa, 3. SMU, 4. UTEP, 5. Rice, 6. Tulane.

Independents: 1. Notre Dame, 2. BYU, 3. Navy, 4. Army.

MAC East: 1. Ohio U., 2. Miami-OH, 3. Bowling Green, 4. Kent State, 5. Buffalo, 6. Massachusetts, 7. Akron.

MAC West: 1. Northern Illinois, 2. Toledo, 3. Western Michigan, 4. Ball State, 5. Eastern Michigan, 6. Central Michigan.

WAC: 1. Louisiana Tech, 2. Utah State, 3. San Jose State, 4. Idaho, 5. New Mexico State, 6. UT-San Antonio, 7. Texas State.

Sun Belt: 1. Arkansas State, 2. FIU, 3. Lousiana-Lafayette, 4. Western Kentucky, 5. Louisina-Monroe, 6. North Texas, 7. Troy, 8. Middle Tennessee, 9. South Alabama.

Let the Games of 2012 begin!