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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 2, 2018

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

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

There are five college football teams that are continually overrated.

Notre Dame.
Texas.
Michigan.
USC.
FSU.

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

— Connor Mighell (@cmigbear) September 4, 2018

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

Deja vu for the Longhorns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preseason Polls are meaningless. Examples ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are THREE FBS games left this Labor Day weekend.

Wait, ESPN keeps talking about TWO games. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We all remember the Huskies out of the MAC? 

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

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

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

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

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

Will they win or free fall? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's football ...

Sunday, September 4th 

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

Monday, September 5th 

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

Kickoff Week in College Football, as we look at the Top 25 heading into the 2016 Season

Cedar Rapids, IA -- College Football heads into Year 3 of the College Football Playoff this week, with most programs kicking off, after last week's Sydney Cup played in Australia, featuring two non-ranked programs.  In 2015, Ohio State was the consensus pick in the Associated Press entering the season, after winning the first championship. Alabama lost to Ohio State in the first semi-final in 2014, but they rebounded in 2015, winning it all, while the Buckeyes were eliminated in Big Ten Conference play.

Ohio State won in 2014, then Alabama in 2015. Who is prime for 2016?

There is no consensus pick in 2016, but Alabama will get a lot of love and is picked in everyone's Top 4, but one preseason source. Relative newbie, Arena Fantastic doesn't have Alabama in the Top 4, after making the College Football Playoff each of the past two seasons. Arena Fantastic was #1 according to Stassen.com in overall preseason accuracy in 2015, overcoming Phil Steele for the first time, since 2012. Phil Steele has been the most accurate preseason magazine over the past 18 seasons.

Just about every program has certain questions heading into the 2016 season. 

• Whether it be a new QB, 
• Replacing players departing for the NFL or no longer in school,
• Other personnel or coaching questions,
• Challenging schedules,
• Even coaches on the hot-seat heading into 2016!

The Top 4 programs over the past 3 seasons, based on winning percentage:

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

In this year's preseason Top 25 polls, there are seven teams on everyone's list as a Top 25 program in 2016.

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Oklahoma
4. Ohio State
5. Florida State
6. LSU
7. Tennessee 

No Pac Ten teams are listed as a consensus Top 25 program, bu there are three SEC programs, two ACC programs, with a Big 12 and Big Ten program to fill out the list. In 2014, the list went ten deep, with someone not listing Alabama; while in 2015, the list went nine deep, with one preseason pick real good pick, not picking Auburn, who were on everybody else's Top 20, but fell to a 7-6 record in 2015.

In 2014, preseason #1 Florida State, #2 Alabama, #3 Oregon and #6 Ohio State all made the first College Football Playoff. 

In 2015, preseason #2 Alabama, #6 Michigan State, #14 Clemson and #21 Oklahoma all made the second College Football Playoff.

Who are the Top 9 in College Football that generally are underrated according to Stassen?

1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Kansas State
5. Michigan State
6. Iowa
7. Alabama
8. Arizona State
9. Wisconsin
10. Everyone else is typically overrated?

Most Common Overrated programs per Stassen: Texas and USC are tied for #1, dating back to 1989. Followed by: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State, Michigan, Florida, LSU and Miami-FL. The next ten are: UCLA, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Clemson, Georgia, Washington, Penn State, Ohio State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech. Auburn and Colorado wrap up the list, since 1989.

Will we get three newbies again in 2016 in the College Football Playoff? 

With Clemson at #2 this season on Stassen's list, will the Tigers be this year's repeat?

Here are our thoughts on our preseason Final 4 for the 2016 College Football Playoff ...

1. Clemson - Since they are many people's #2, and the #2 preseason pick has reached it two years straight, we will start with the Tigers.
2. LSU -  after Clemson, we will stick with another team, with the Tigers' nickname, as LSU brought in a new defensive coordinator in 2016 ... defense wins championships and Alabama can't be there every year ... 
3. Oklahoma - Bob Stoops hasn't won a National Championship, since 2000. He and Kirk Ferentz at Iowa are now the two longest reigning head coaches in College Football today, at the same school. K-State's head coach took some time off, so he wasn't listed.
4. Iowa, Stanford ... well, the two Rose Bowl opponents are on the thought list, but we will choose Washington, since we have to pick a 4th. Yes, I would like to dream the Hawkeyes in the College Football Playoff, they came within inches in 2016. The Stanford QB is holding me off, with picking the defending Rose Bowl and Pac 12 champions in 2016 ...

We will us Stassen.com for our 2016 Preseason College Football poll ... all 48 programs! Some random thoughts, as we kickoff the 2016 College Football season!

1. Alabama - the Crimson Tide are the defending champions, so others will have to earn the Top spot in the Poll. I do believe they will not repeat in the College Football Playoff in 2016 ... 
2. Clemson - I would pick the Tigers to repeat and reach the Final 4 in 2016, as they open @ Auburn this weekend ...
3. Oklahoma - They will face a heck of schedule with Houston in the opener and OSU in Week 3, but they are clearly the favorite in the Big 12 and they could open 3-0 in the OOC ...
4. Ohio State - since Urban Meyer arrived in 2011, they have only lost 4 games, they may get through the Big Ten in 2016, but we would say losing 16 starters will likely be a huge hurdle, despite the six starters back, including QB J.T. Barrett's success in 2014 ...
5. Florida State - They are a serious candidate for the ACC title and the College Football Playoff, but we are giving Clemson the nod, based on the starting QB ...
6. LSU - Les Miles was on the hot seat in 2015, and his choice of defensive coordinator, matched with the possiblities on offense ... we believe the Tigers are a good choice to produce in '16!
7. Tennessee - the Volunteers are entering 2016 with 17 starters back, but they find ways to come up short, why is this season any different?
8. Michigan - Who is the QB for coach Jim Harbaugh?
9. Notre Dame - What do they say, when you have two quarterbacks? Look at Ohio State in '15 ...
10. Stanford - new QB at Stanford makes the Cardinal a quesiton entering 2016 ...
11. Mississippi - tough season opener in Orlando on Labor Day, plus they have to face the SEC West ... don't see them as top program in 2016!
12. Michigan State - the Spartans are a team capable of repeating in the Big Ten ...
13. USC - personally, I believe the Trojans should begin outside the Top 25, after last year's 7-6 season.
14. TCU - the Horned Frogs may be the best program to rain on the Sooners run in the Big 12 ...
15. Washington - we like the Huskies to sneak up and take the Pac 12 in 2016 ...
16. Georgia - new coach, often good recruits, but as many say, can new coach Kirby Smart "find that missing something" in Athens?
17. Iowa - a rematch of MSU-Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game is our choice in 2016 ...
18. Baylor - moving on out ... not a fan of Waco's program, even before the ax fell on the head coach!
19. Houston - the Cougars open 2016 with a great showdown with the #3 Oklahoma Sooners ... a win would be huge for the Top non-Power 5 program in 2015 and likely in 2016!
20. Oklahoma State - it will be a one QB system most likely in 2016 ...
21. Louisville - the Cardinals play in the same ACC division as Clemson and Florida State ... spoiler alert!
22. North Carolina - the Tar Heels can make some huge noise against Georgia in the season opener, if they can pull out the win ...
23. UCLA - the Bruins enter coming off a bowl loss to the Big Ten's Nebraska Cornhuskers ...
24. Oregon - the Ducks play in Week 3 at the Nebraska Cornhuskers 
25. Florida - they begin 2016, right where they ended 2015 ...
26. Nebraska - they may have a great offense, but will the Blackshirts live up to the tradition in 2016?
27. San Diego State - next program in, as the next highest rated non-Power 5 program in the race to New Year's Six ...
28. Boise State - not the program they once were, as 
29. Arkansas - Being Bret Bielema has had some interesting programs, as a son of a hog farmer in Illinois leads the Razorbacks in the SEC West ...
30. Texas A&M - host UCLA in the season opener in another Week 1 SEC vs. Pac 12 showdown!
31. Miami-FL - new coach, can the Hurricane make some noise in 2016?
32. Wisconsin - the Badgers face a challenging schedule with five AP Top 25 opponents, beginning with #6 LSU in the season opener at Lambeau, in Green Bay!
33. West Virginia - open the season hosting Missouri, which should be a good one!
34. Washington State - the Cougars improved in 2015 ... could they take a huge bump in '16?
35. Mississippi State - they have a new QB ... play in a very strong division!
36. Pittsburgh - rooting for the Panthers in the 2016 ACC Coastal race!
37. BYU - like 2015, the Cougars will make a trip back into Big Ten country with an October date @ MSU ...
38. Texas - open the 2016 season with a date at home with Notre Dame ... opportunity knocks for Charlie Strong's Longhorns!
39. Auburn - the Tigers open the season with Clemson at home ... talk about an opportuntiy to throw a wrench in the Top 4!
40. Utah - The opened 2015 with a win over Michigan and Jim Harbaugh ... a date with Southern Utah in the opener in 2016 doesn't have the same flavor to it!
41. WKU - seeking to carry the C-USA banner as the top football program ...
42. Appalachian State - They are looking for more wins, after a 12-2 record in 2015 out of the Sun Belt!
43. Northwestern - the Wildcats may be a sleeper in the Big Ten West in '16, and open against #44 Western Michigan in Evanston ...
44. Western Michigan - The MAC often schedule the Big Ten in the non-conference, with the Broncos opening at Northwestern, then travel to Illinois in Week 3 for the second B1G game ...
45. Memphis - after 9-4 last year, can the Tigers put up style points in trying to earn a bid as a new member to the Big 12 in the near future?
46. Temple - the Owls will be Penn State's opponent for Joe Paterno regonition day, during Week 3 of the College Football season ... can the Owls make it two straight over the Nittany Lions?
47. Toledo - Jason Candle is the new head coach, after a 10-2 season provides coach Matt Campbell, a promotion to Iowa State University ...
48. South Florida - the Bulls were 8-5 last year, but 6-2 in the AAC East ...

Ranking the Big Ten heading into the 2016 season ...

random thought!

1. Ohio State Buckeyes - while the Buckeyes fell short in 2015 at home, with a single loss, and they have only three starters back on each side the football; Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes are always the team to beat entering a football season in the Big Ten!
2. Iowa Hawkeyes - if the played Michigan State right now, I like the Hawkeyes chances, with 15 starters back from Iowa's 12-2 program. The schedule remains favorable, but there are plenty of tests that still will need to be completed, including a date with Michigan in Week 10.
3. Michigan State Spartans - the Spartans have been playing very well over the past three seasons, with plenty of positives in turnover margin, but they will have a target on their back, due to wins over Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten East, last season ...
4. Michigan Wolverines - everybody love Jim Harbaugh's Wolverines, as they jump Michigan State and Iowa in the polls. Who is the QB for 2016? Earn it! This program has not won a Big Ten title, since 2004 and it has been nearly a decade, since they were in the conversation for the Big Ten crown ...
5. Northwestern Wildcats - the Wildcats were outstanding in ten wins in 2015, including a season opener, against the Rose Bowl champs, Stanford; but, they were not competitive in losses @ Michigan, vs. Iowa and in the bowl game vs. Tennessee ...
6. Wisconsin Badgers - they have a challenging schedule and conventional wisdom would suggest that the Badgers may be headed for a fall in the Big Ten West standings ...
7. Penn State Nittany Lions - we enter Year 3 of the coach James Franklin and questions remain, as they shift to a spread offense in 2016, as they replace the other coordinator on the defensive side, as well.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers - the Mike Riley era began with a 6-7 season, including a bowl win over UCLA. The offense returns a lot of skill, but will the Blackshirts be championship worthy?
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers - the Tracy Claeys era will complete a full season in 2016, after he took over for the ill Jerry Kill mid-season. Explosive plays are the question on offense and on defense, as the retooling continues, coming off a 6-7 season.
10. Illinois Fighting Illini - the Lovie Smith era kicks off in Champaign, as QB Wes Lunt returns for his senior season. The Illini will look to be a spoiler in the Big Ten in 2016 ...
11. Indiana Hoosiers - Kevin Wilson has the Hoosiers coming off a bowl season, which is rare, with only three bowls in the past 25 or so years! Opener @ FIU tonight!
12. Purdue Boilermakers - Darrell Hazel has new offensive and defensive coordinators, as he enters Year 4 and a make or break season, most likely in West Lafayette!
13. Maryland Terrapins - the D.J. Durkin era begins, as the former Michigan defensive coordinator gets the full gig in College Park. The Terrapins play back to back road games in FL, with visits @ FIU and UCF, so only six home games for a B1G team, wow!
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - the Chris Ash era begins, as the Iowa native brings a Ohio State and Houston flavor to Rutgers ... he will open B1G play against his native state team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. He opens the season @ Washington, which should be a great test!

Iowa (8-0) @ Indiana (4-4) will be televised next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN

As of games played through October 31st.

Iowa City, IA -- All 14 Big Ten programs will kickoff and play in Week 10 of the 2015 College Football season, on November 7th. Big Ten results in Week 9 from Big Ten Network.

Early Power Ratings of 14 Big Ten teams, after October 31st games ...

1. Ohio State 
2. Michigan State 
3. Iowa 
4. Michigan 
5. Wisconsin 
6. Northwestern 
7. Penn State 
8. Rutgers 
9. Indiana 
10. Maryland 
11. Minnesota 
12. Illinois 
13. Purdue 
14. Nebraska

November 7th Big Ten games:

• Penn State @ Northwestern - 11 a.m. on ESPNU
• Illinois @ Purdue - 11 a.m. on BTN
• Iowa @ Indiana - 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
• Wisconsin @ Maryland - 2:30 p.m. on BTN
• Rutgers @ Michigan - 2:30 p.m. on BTN
• Michigan State @ Nebraska - 7 p.m. on ESPN
• Minnesota @ Ohio State - 7 p.m. on ABC

The 120th season of Big Ten Football.

Half way point for many programs: How should we rank them?

2015 ... New Year's Eve

1. Ohio State (6-0) - sorry, but the Buckeyes have too many weapons not to keep #1
2. Utah (5-0) - The Utes are the surprise of the Pac 12, as well as all of College Football
3. Michigan State (6-0) - yes, call me a Big Ten homer, but who have the Baylor Bears played in 2015?
4. Baylor (5-0) - We may not have much respect, until November for this program?
5. Clemson (5-0) - The Tigers carry the ACC banner thus far in 2015!
6. LSU (5-0) - The Tigers lead the SEC right now ... though Texas A&M (6-0) is on the same pace!

• Texas takes out OU in the Red River Shoutout, as Charlie Strong wins first RRS!
• Michigan blanks Northwestern 38-0 to win fifth straight, after opening road loss @ Utah
• Washington State pulls out upset over Oregon in 2 OT ... how the Ducks have fallen!

Ranking the Big Ten after Week 6

1. Ohio State (2-0 B1G East)
2. Michigan State (2-0 B1G East)
3. Michigan (2-0 B1G East)
4. Iowa (2-0 B1G West)
5. Wisconsin (1-1 B1G West)
6. Penn State (2-0 B1G East)
7. Northwestern (1-1 B1G West)
8. Illinois (1-1 B1G West)
9. Nebraska (0-2 B1G West)
10. Minnesota (1-1 B1G West)
11. Rutgers (0-2 B1G East)
12. Indiana (0-2 B1G East)
13. Purdue (0-2 B1G West)
14. Maryland (0-2 B1G East)

Two coaches are fired, as North Texas (0-5) and Maryland (2-4) have taken the axes to their head coaches, after Week 6 losses. Dan McCarney is out at North Texas, while Randy Edsall is done at Maryland.

Two coaches out at Maryland as head coach as associate head coach receive the ax

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The University of Maryland Director of Athletics Kevin Anderson announced Sunday that Randy Edsall has been relieved of his duties as head football coach.

“We appreciate Randy’s tireless commitment to the University of Maryland,” said Anderson. “This was a difficult decision, but ultimately this is the best course of action for our football program moving forward.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley has been named the interim coach for the remainder of the season.

“Having spent more than a decade with the Maryland football program over the course of his career, I feel Mike is best suited to effectively guide our program through the remainder of the 2015 season,” Anderson said. “Mike has previous head coaching experience and is well-respected both locally and nationally.”

In addition, Assistant Head Coach/Outside Linebackers Coach, Lyndon Johnson has been relieved of his coaching duties.