Every year, Pac-12 football gets little respect. Due its cannibalism in 2019, no team stood out enough in Pac-12 football. However, the 2020 conference schedule is loaded with competition.
17 games against 2019 bowl participants
15 games against teams with eight or more wins in 2019
8 Power Five opponents: Michigan, Ohio State, TCU, Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Alabama
Two games against Notre Dame
With difficult schedules in 2020, the 2020 Pac-12 football conference champion should make College Football Playoffs. For the full schedule, check it here.
USC Keeps Graham Harrell and Tries to Aquire Todd Orlando
Which makes sense. Somehow, with injury after injury at quarterback, his USC offense finished third in the Pac-12 in points per game. Additionally, remember that Kedon Slovis was a 2019 FWAA Freshman All-American. Giving Harrell a full offseason with Kedon Slovis at the helm is excellent for USC and for Pac-12 football.
Although Todd Orlando got the boot in Texas, USC still went for him. His 2019 Longhorns ranked 54th in Football Outsider’s DFEI rankings, while USC barely trailed them at 57th. Apparently his experience at Texas is more important than their defense at Texas. It’s a safe move, but remains to be seen whether or not he can lift USC’s defense any higher.
WSU Hires Nick Rolovich, Rolovich Buys Drinks for Cougar Fans
Mike Leach will forever be remembered as one of the most entertaining coaches in Pullman. However, new head coach Nick Rolovich is coming out swinging.
Nick Rolovich held an impromptu meet-and-greet with #WSU fans in Seattle, sharing wings, beers & posing for photos with anybody who showed up to Magnolia Village Pub.
Certainly, this is one of the oddest moves of a head coach. But, it’s a move that gained respect and admiration in the Cougar fanbase. Yes, Leach is gone, However, it appears that Rolovich understands Cougar nation.
Well, this is great news for Oregon State. The Beaver’s talented Isaiah Hodgins declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his breakout junior season. Losing him is huge. So, adding receiving talent is a must for Oregon State if they want to compete with other Pac-12 football programs.
As Jim Cramer might say, “buy, buy, buy.” I’ll be first to admit that I’m horrible with financial stocks. I pretend to know what I’m saying when it comes to IPOs and annual reports, but I’m actually clueless. That being said, when it comes to scouting acting talent, I’d like to think I can spot a few superstars in the making. I had my chips in early on Saoirse Ronan and Jennifer Lawrence and those bets have paid off significantly. For these four actresses, superstardom is on the horizon.
It’s not Mount Rushmore season, but here are my four actresses to watch in 2020.
Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh in Little Women / Sony
Breakout Star of the Year starts and ends with Florence Pugh. Lamar Jackson is a close second. From the end of 2018 to 2019, this is Pugh’s run: Outlaw King, The Little Drummer Girl, Fighting with My Family, Midsommar, and Little Women. Soon, Pugh will become an international superstar in the upcoming Marvel film, Black Widow. Pugh has such a strong and commanding presence that she seems to steal the show in every film she’s in. Look at what Pugh did in Little Women. Amy was famously the most hated March sister. Thanks to a brilliant script from Greta Gerwig, Pugh brought Amy from the outhouse to the penthouse and even picked up her first Oscar nomination for the performance. All aboard the Florence Pugh Hype Train.
LITTLE WOMEN: For the 7th adaptation, Greta Gerwig somehow made her version seem so fresh and original. Jumping back and forth between timelines was brilliant. Saoirse, as always, delivers. Florence Pugh is going to be the biggest star on the planet one day. #littlewomen
Maya Erskine delivered one of the sneaky-best / most enjoyable performances of the year as Alice in Plus One. The film stars Erskine and Jack Quaid as two friends who decide to attend weddings together as each other’s date in order to avoid the fact that all of their friends are getting married. If you’re in your late 20s, this movie is not a work of fiction, but rather, a documentary. Erskine is hilarious and charming in one of the better rom-coms of the past five years. Plus, along with Anna Konkle, Erskine co-created and starred in Hulu’sPEN15, the hysterical series about the trials and tribulations of middle school in the early 2000s. Konkle and Erskine star as 13-year-old versions of themselves, which provides countless laughs and cringeworthy moments. Binge now to bask in Erskine’s comedic genius before season 2 arrives in 2020.
Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley is on a rocketship to superstardom. It is a CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY that “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” did not receive a nomination for Best Orginal Song. The world was robbed of an all-time Oscar moment because Buckley will not be able to perform this beautiful song at the Dolby Theatre. For now, go watch Wild Rose on Hulu. Wild Rose stars Buckley as Rose-Lynn Harlan, an aspiring country singer from Glasgow who dreams of moving to Nashville and becoming a star. It’s a delightful film with a knockout performance from Buckley. The talented actress also starred in Chernobyl as the pregnant wife of the fallen firefighter. Buckley is joining my must-see list, where I’ll watch anything that a certain actor or actress is in regardless of the subject matter. Buckley has a packed 2020 including a starring role in Fargo season 4 and the latest film from Charlie Kaufman, I’m Thinking of Ending Things.
Ana de Armas
Ana de Armas in No Time to Die / Universal Pictures
Once I saw Ana de Armas in War Dogs, I was sold. As Stevie Wonder sings, “Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours.” If you didn’t see War Dogs, Knock Knock, Hands of Stone, your first introduction to de Armas could have been Blade Runner 2049. However, her true breakout role with American audiences happened in Knives Out, one of the best films of 2019. Knives Out proved to me that de Armas could star in big productions and deliver memorable performances. De Armas’s profile is about to skyrocket when she portrays a CIA agent in the new Bond movie, No Time to Die. Furthermore, de Armas will play the iconic Marilyn Monroe in Blonde. There’s no stopping the Cuban-Spanish actress.
Do you agree with this list? Do you want to add anyone? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet me, @danny_giro.
Although the Pac-12 football season is over, the offseason is just as important. Unafraidshow’s Pac-12 Football Review updates everyone on the biggest stories of each week of the Pac-12 football offseason.
Recruits, transfers, coaching changes and returning players drastically change next year’s landscape. Which players are leaving for the NFL draft? Who are the newest coaches or recruits? What news is the most important or compelling from each program?
The Biggest News Around the Pac-12, Program by Program
Arizona: The Wildcats hire Andy Buh as OLB coach
BREAKING: Arizona Wildcats complete defensive staff with hiring of Andy Buh as OLB coach. Buh has extensive DC experience. Move signals shift to base 3-4 scheme. Story: https://t.co/BKsQbbCjoo
With 22 years of collegiate coaching experience, Andy Buh adds leadership and knowledge to the Wildcats defense. Most recently, Buh was defensive coordinator for Rutgers in 2019 and Maryland from 2016 to 2018. In his decades of coaching, he mainly spent time as defensive coordinator or linebackers coach. Pac-12 fans should remember him from his days with Jim Harbaugh at Stanford. The signing of Buh will round out a new Arizona coaching staff after Marcel Yates and Iona Uiagalelei were both fired.
In his first two years as a Pac-12 football coach, Herm Edwards is 15 and 11 with two bowl game appearances. His collegiate success with Arizona State surprised many. While his 7 and 6 2018 season was a good start, he put his faith in freshman Jayden Daniels . Many coaches overlook 175lb freshman quarterbacks. But, Edwards displayed excellent coaching instincts and uncovered a Pac-12 Star. Daniels’ led the Sun Devils to a huge victory over the Oregon Ducks. If Arizona State and Edwards continue to find success in recruiting and personnel management, the Sun Devils will make a run for the title soon enough.
Cal: Golden Bears name Angus McClure Offensive Line Coach
Most recently, Angus McClure aided the Nevada Wolf Pack to back-to-back bowl games. His offensive lineman in 2018 allowed just 1.31 (18th in FBS) sacks per game. Adding McClure to the coaching staff should aid UCLA’s 64th-ranked offensive line.
With 28 years of experience, including a decade with UCLA, Angus McClure is also known for his excellent recruiting. He understands the west coast and the Pac-12. UCLA needs any help they can get and landed an excellent coaching piece.
Colorado: Laviska Shenault signs with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group
After a breakout 2018 season and lesser, but still explosive, 2019 campaign, Laviska Shenault is headed to the NFL Draft. On Wednesday, Shenault signed with Klutch Sports Group, founded by Rich Paul. Paul and Kultch Sports represent NBA stars LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Draymond Green, and many more. Currently, they only represent Alvin Kamara, Melvin Gordon and Jarvis Landry in the NFL. So, Shenault is joining impressive company. He joins Chase Young and Jeffrey Okudah as Klutch Sports’ potential draftees.
In excellent news for the Rose Bowl champs, four NFL Draft eligible juniors announced a 2020 return. Thomas Graham, Deommodore Lenior, Jordon Scott, and Austin Davis want one more season with the Ducks. This decision is huge for the Ducks’ 2020 defense. They finished the 2019 season ranked as No.6 in the nation, per footballoutsiders. Retaining these four junior cornerbacks and defensive lineman likely frustrated the Pac-12 competition.
Oregon State
Looking forward to a sixth year for defenders Addison Gumbs and Jeromy Reichner. NCAA recently approved their clock extensions. #GoBeavspic.twitter.com/5qHuG9ebkP
In great luck for the Beavers, both Addison Gumbs and Jeromy Reichner were awarded an NCAA extension. Neither made an impression in the 2019 Pac-12 football season. Reichner missed all of 2019, while Gumbs played just a game and a half. with the adjustment, Gumbs will be a redshirt sophomore in 2020. With the extensions, Oregon State can bolster its 2020 defense and try for a better season.
Although not finalized, Vince Oghobaase is expected to head to Boston College. But, that might not be the worst thing. Every college football fan knows that the 2019 UCLA defense was horrid. They let opponents roll up 34.8 points per game (116th in the nation). So, while losing a defensive line coach to another program sounds bad, it opens up the possibility for better recruiting and player development.
USC: Kedon Slovis named FWAA Freshman All-American
Congratulations to @KedonSlovis on being named a Freshman All-American by @TheFWAA!
While the Pac-12 is losing many big-named quarterbacks to the 2020 NFL Draft, young stars like Kedon Slovis and Jayden Daniels are the future of the Pac-12 football. Slovis is the first freshman since Sam Darnold to be named FWAA Freshman All-American. However, Slovis earned that title as a true freshman. He is the first true freshman in USC history to gain that honor. His 3,505 passing yards, 30-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 71.9-percent completion percentage were outstanding. Slovis is primed for 2020.
Utah: Leki Fotu is getting noticed
There isn’t much news coming out of Utah right now. But at least Leki Fotu is getting draft love. Like Paulson Adebo, defensive lineman Leki Fotu made it on PFF’s 200 Top-100 Draft Board and is ranked 91st on drafttek’s 2020 NFL Draft list.. He is the 12th-best defensive tackle, per Walter Football, and is looking like a quality defensive lineman in the 2020 draft. Pac-12 football players getting drafted is always important for our programs.
Washington: Huskies hire Offensive Coordinator John Donovan
Washington welcomes John Donovan as the new offensive coordinator for the Dawgs.
In a peculiar move, the Washington Huskies hired John Donovan as their new offensive coordinator. Donovan, spending his last four years as a Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive quality control coach, hasn’t been an O.C. since 2014 for Penn State. Additionally, the year after Donovan was fired in Penn State, they went on to win the Big 10 Championship.
After the 2019 season, the Huskies had a huge coaching void. Chris Petersen stepped down and the Dawgs fired Bush Hamden and Jordan Paopao. So, with promoting defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake to head coach, it made it even more important for a quality offensive coordinator. They went with Donovan, who has a lot of question marks and concerns.
Washington State: Mike Leach leaves for Mississippi State
Welcome to one of the best days of the year. Two wildcard football games during the day and the Golden Globes at night is my idea of a perfect day. Like most years, the Golden Globes are very difficult to predict and the 2020 ceremony is no different. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) loves star power and I don’t blame them whatsoever. You’d be hard-pressed to find something cooler than Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Quentin Tarantino being “stars” at their table. That being said, trying to decipher where the HFPA stands on each performance is a challenge because I have no idea who is in the HFPA. Plus, it’s the first major awards show of the year so it sets the tone for the shows in the coming weeks.
Here are my biggest questions/storylines going into the ceremony:
The Irishman, Marriage Story, or Once Upon a Time inHollywood are the top dogs. Will they each take home a few wins and split up the vote?
USUALLY, the winner of Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy wins at least one other award. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it’s something to keep in mind when determining predictions.
Hardest categories to predict: Best Actor – Drama, Best Director, Best Orginal Score, and Best Screenplay.
Upsets of the night: The Morning Show wins Best Television Series – Drama and Sacha Baron Cohen wins Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film.
Here are my predictions for the 2020 Golden Globes.
2020 GOLDEN GLOBES – FILM
BEST MOTION PICTURE — DRAMA
1917
The Irishman
Joker
Marriage Story
The Two Popes
Who Should Win: 1917 Who Will Win: The Irishman
BEST MOTION PICTURE — MUSICAL or COMEDY
Dolemite Is My Name
Jojo Rabbit
Knives Out
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Rocketman
Who Should Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Who Will Win: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
BEST ACTOR – DRAMA
Christian Bale – Ford v Ferrari as Ken Miles
Antonio Banderas – Pain and Glory as Salvador Mallo
Adam Driver – Marriage Story as Charlie Barber
Joaquin Phoenix – Joker as Arthur Fleck / Joker
Jonathan Pryce – The Two Popes as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Who Should Win: Adam Driver – Marriage Story as Charlie Barber Who Will Win: Joaquin Phoenix – Joker as Arthur Fleck / Joker
BEST ACTRESS – DRAMA
Cynthia Erivo – Harriet as Harriet Tubman
Scarlett Johansson – Marriage Story as Nicole Barber
Saoirse Ronan – Little Women as Josephine “Jo” March
Charlize Theron – Bombshell as Megyn Kelly
Renée Zellweger – Judy as Judy Garland
Who Should Win: Saoirse Ronan – Little Women as Josephine “Jo” March Who Will Win: Renée Zellweger – Judy as Judy Garland
BEST ACTOR – COMEDY/MUSICAL
Daniel Craig – Knives Out as Benoit Blanc
Roman Griffin Davis – Jojo Rabbit as Jojo Betzler
Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Rick Dalton
Taron Egerton – Rocketman as Elton John
Eddie Murphy – Dolemite Is My Name as Rudy Ray Moore
Who Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Rick Dalton Who Will Win: Eddie Murphy – Dolemite Is My Name as Rudy Ray Moore
BEST ACTRESS – COMEDY/MUSICAL
Ana de Armas – Knives Out as Marta Cabrera
Awkwafina – The Farewell as Billi Wang
Cate Blanchett – Where’d You Go, Bernadette as Bernadette Fox
Beanie Feldstein – Booksmart as Molly Davidson
Emma Thompson – Late Night as Katherine Newbury
Who Should Win: Ana de Armas – Knives Out as Marta Cabrera Who Will Win: Awkwafina – The Farewell as Billi Wang
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Tom Hanks – A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood as Fred Rogers
Anthony Hopkins – The Two Popes as Pope Benedict XVI
Al Pacino – The Irishman as Jimmy Hoffa
Joe Pesci – The Irishman as Russell Bufalino
Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Cliff Booth
Who Should Win: Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Cliff Booth Who Will Win: Brad Pitt – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Cliff Booth
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Kathy Bates – Richard Jewell as Barbara “Bobi” Jewell
Annette Bening – The Report as Dianne Feinstein
Laura Dern – Marriage Story as Nora Fanshaw
Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers as Ramona Vega
Margot Robbie – Bombshell as Kayla Pospisil
Who Should Win: Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers as Ramona Vega Who Will Win: Jennifer Lopez – Hustlers as Ramona Vega
BEST DIRECTOR
Bong Joon-ho – Parasite
Sam Mendes – 1917
Todd Phillips – Joker
Martin Scorsese – The Irishman
Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Who Should Win: Bong Joon-ho – Parasite/Sam Mendes – 1917 Who Will Win: Bong Joon-ho – Parasite
BEST SCREENPLAY
Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story
Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won – Parasite
Anthony McCarten – The Two Popes
Quentin Tarantino – Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Steven Zaillian – The Irishman
Who Should Win: Bong Joon-ho and Han Jin-won – Parasite Who Will Win: Noah Baumbach – Marriage Story
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Beautiful Ghosts” (Taylor Swift, Andrew Lloyd Webber) – Cats
“(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – Rocketman
“Into the Unknown” (Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez) – Frozen II
“Spirit” (Beyoncé, Timothy McKenzie, Ilya Salmanzadeh) – The Lion King
“Stand Up” (Joshuah Brian Campbell, Cynthia Erivo) – Harriet
Who Should Win: “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – Rocketman Who Will Win: “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – Rocketman
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Alexandre Desplat – Little Women
Hildur Guðnadóttir – Joker
Randy Newman – Marriage Story
Thomas Newman – 1917
Daniel Pemberton – Motherless Brooklyn
Who Should Win: Thomas Newman – 1917 Who Will Win: Randy Newman – Marriage Story
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Farewell (USA)
Les Misérables (France)
Pain and Glory (Spain)
Parasite (South Korea)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (France)
Who Should Win: Parasite (South Korea) Who Will Win: Parasite (South Korea)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Frozen II
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The Lion King
Missing Link
Toy Story 4
Who Should Win: Toy Story 4 Who Will Win: Toy Story 4
Merritt Wever and Toni Collette in Unbelievable / Netflix
2020 GOLDEN GLOBES – TELEVISION
BEST TELEVISION SERIES — DRAMA
Big Little Lies
The Crown
Killing Eve
The Morning Show
Succession
Who Should Win: Succession Who Will Win: The Morning Show
BEST TELEVISION SERIES — MUSICAL or COMEDY
Barry
Fleabag
The Kominsky Method
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Politician
Who Should Win: Fleabag Who Will Win: Fleabag
BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES or MOVIE
Catch-22
Chernobyl
Fosse/Verdon
The Loudest Voice
Unbelievable
Who Should Win: Chernobyl / Unbelievable Who Will Win: Chernobyl
LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
Brian Cox – Succession as Logan Roy
Kit Harington – Game of Thrones as Jon Snow
Rami Malek – Mr. Robot as Elliot Alderson
Tobias Menzies – The Crown as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Billy Porter – Pose as Pray Tell
Who Should Win: Rami Malek – Mr. Robot as Elliot Alderson Who Will Win: Brian Cox – Succession as Logan Roy
LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA
Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show as Alex Levy
Olivia Colman – The Crown as Queen Elizabeth II
Jodie Comer – Killing Eve as Oksana Astankova / Villanelle
Nicole Kidman – Big Little Lies as Celeste Wright
Reese Witherspoon – The Morning Show as Bradley Jackson
Who Should Win: Jodie Comer – Killing Eve as Oksana Astankova / Villanelle Who Will Win: Jennifer Aniston – The Morning Show as Alex Levy
LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION COMEDY
Michael Douglas – The Kominsky Method as Sandy Kominsky
Bill Hader – Barry as Barry Berkman / Barry Block
Ben Platt – The Politician as Payton Hobart
Paul Rudd – Living with Yourself as Miles Elliot / Miles Elliot’s Clone
Ramy Youssef – Ramy as Ramy Hassan
Who Should Win: Bill Hader – Barry as Barry Berkman / Barry Block Who Will Win: Bill Hader – Barry as Barry Berkman / Barry Block
LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION COMEDY
Christina Applegate – Dead to Me as Jen Harding
Rachel Brosnahan – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Miriam “Midge” Maisel
Kirsten Dunst – On Becoming a God in Central Florida as Krystal Stubbs
Natasha Lyonne – Russian Doll as Nadia Vulvokov
Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag as Fleabag
Who Should Win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag as Fleabag Who Will Win: Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag as Fleabag
LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR TELEVISION FILM
Christopher Abbott – Catch-22 as Capt. John Yossarian
Sacha Baron Cohen – The Spy as Eli Cohen / Kamel Amin Thaabet
Russell Crowe – The Loudest Voice as Roger Ailes
Jared Harris – Chernobyl as Valery Legasov
Sam Rockwell – Fosse/Verdon as Bob Fosse
Who Should Win: Jared Harris – Chernobyl as Valery Legasov Who Will Win: Sacha Baron Cohen – The Spy as Eli Cohen / Kamel Amin Thaabet
LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR TELEVISION FILM
Kaitlyn Dever – Unbelievable as Marie Adler
Joey King – The Act as Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Helen Mirren – Catherine the Great as Catherine the Great
Merritt Wever – Unbelievable as Det. Karen Duvall
Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon as Gwen Verdon
Who Should Win: Kaitlyn Dever – Unbelievable as Marie Adler / Merritt Wever – Unbelievable as Det. Karen Duvall Who Will Win: Michelle Williams – Fosse/Verdon as Gwen Verdon
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A SERIES, MINISERIES, OR TELEVISION FILM
Alan Arkin – The Kominsky Method as Norman Newlander
Kieran Culkin – Succession as Roman Roy
Andrew Scott – Fleabag as The Priest
Stellan Skarsgård – Chernobyl as Boris Shcherbina
Henry Winkler – Barry as Gene Cousineau
Who Should Win: Andrew Scott – Fleabag as The Priest Who Will Win: Andrew Scott – Fleabag as The Priest
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A SERIES, MINISERIES, OR TELEVISION FILM
Patricia Arquette – The Act as Dee Dee Blanchard
Helena Bonham Carter – The Crown as Princess Margaret
Toni Collette – Unbelievable as Det. Grace Rasmussen
Meryl Streep – Big Little Lies as Mary Louise Wright
Emily Watson – Chernobyl as Ulana Khomyuk
Who Should Win: Toni Collette – Unbelievable as Det. Grace Rasmussen Who Will Win: Helena Bonham Carter – The Crown as Princess Margaret
What are your predictions for the 2020 Golden Globes? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet me, @danny_giro.
It is that time of year again. College football playoff and bowl game season! The College Football Playoff (CFP) matchups are set. Bowl game matchups are set. There is a lot at stake during the college football post-season. Bragging rights for winning a bowl game, being crowned the CFP champion, and last but not least – MONEY. There are millions of dollars at stake for coaches, conferences, and schools. However, there is one group that is systematically left out of the financial distributions. That group is none other than the football players themselves.
It is true that the NCAA permits bowl game participants to receive up to $550 in gifts. However, those gifts severely pails in comparison to the rewards that coaches, schools, and conferences receive. Right out the gate, the conferences of the schools that qualify for the College Football Playoff semifinal games receive 6 million dollars for each team. Conferences that do not have a CFP contender still have a chance to rake in 4 million dollars for each team that qualifies for a bowl game. However, this revenue barely scratches the surface of all of the money that is at stake. Let’s take a look at how much the coaches, schools, and conferences stand to earn during the college football post-season.
The CFP and Bowl Games are a Cash Cow for the Participating Coaches
Several college football coaches enjoy million-dollar salaries. CFP champion coach, Dabo Swinney, signed a 9.3 million per year contract for his base salary Many more coaches enjoy salaries in the upper six figures. However, the college football post-season is the sweetest time of year for qualifying coaches. It is sweet because qualifying for post-season play demonstrates that the coach has led the team through a very successful season. It is also sweet because qualifying for post-season play equals sizeable bonus money for the coaches.
Coach Mack Brown at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Take the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill coach, Mack Brown, for instance. He will receive $75,000 for the Tar-heels qualifying for the Military Bowl. This $75,000 is additional compensation on top of the $3.5 million he earns as an annual salary. Brown is not the only person on his staff who will be a bonus beneficiary. The Tar-heels assistant coaches will receive bonuses up to “two-twelfths of their annualized salaries”. Meanwhile, the football players will receive a compilation of arguably useless gifts up to $550 in value.
Another coach who stands to make more in bonus money than most people make in a year is Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Day replaced Ohio State coaching legend, Urban Meyer, and quickly realized that he needed to make a name for himself. Make a name for himself is just what he did in leading the Buckeyes to the CFP for the first time since 2016. Day stands to earn an additional $450,000 in CFP bonuses. Per Day’s contract, he will earn $200,000 just for the Buckeyes making an appearance in the CFP. Day stands to make another $250,000 if the Buckeyes make it to the CFP semifinals.
However, Ohio State and Clemson are set to face off in the Fiesta Bowl. If the Buckeyes are successful in that game, Day will not receive $250,000 if the Buckeyes make it to the CFP semifinals. Instead, Day will receive $350,000 for “team participation in the finals of the College Football Playoff.” These are only the bonuses that two coaches stand to receive for post-season play. Every other qualifying coach stands to receive similar compensation. Meanwhile, the football players are left with arguably useless gifts totaling up to $550 in value.
Conferences and Schools Rake in the Cash from the CFP and Bowl Games too
Merely having a school qualify for the CFP semifinals or a bowl game earns a conference at least 6 to 4 million dollars respectively. There is so much money available to the conferences and schools from post-season play. Each conference with a school that qualifies for post-season play receives $300,000. Each qualifying independent school receives $300,000 as well. An independent school is one that does not belong to a conference like Notre Dame.
Additionally, each of the ten conferences receives a base amount of money. Conferences who participate in the Orange, Rose, and Sugar Bowl receive approximately $66 million for each conference. Conferences that do not participate in those bowls receive approximately $90 million in the aggregate that is dispersed as the conferences see fit. If Notre Dame qualifies, it receives $3.19 million as an independent school. The other three independent schools receive $1.56 million.
Furthermore, each conference with a school participating in the Cotton, Fiesta, or Peach Bowl or the CFP National Championship receives an additional $2.43 million to cover game expenses. This is a lot of money. Meanwhile, the football players receive arguably useless gifts totaling up to $550 in value. The schools do use some of the money to fund their athletic departments to make collegiate sports participation possible. However, there is still enough money that football players can receive more than $550 worth of gifts.
The Bowl Gifts Are a Joke in Comparison to the Coaching Bonuses and Revenue the Conferences and Schools Receive
Football players who participate in bowl games and the CFP are allowed to receive $550 worth of gifts. In the scheme of things, the gifts are arguably worthless and pails in comparison to the six-figure bonuses their coaches receive. Participants in the Peach Bowl will receive a $390 Vanilla Visa Gift Card, a Fossil watch, and a football. While a $390 gift card sounds nice, it is nothing for all of the hard work and effort players put into their sport. It is certainly nothing compared to the bonuses the coaches receive.
Participants in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl receive a PlayStation 4 Gift Package, a Fossil watch, an Ogio Shuttle Pack backpack, a history of bowl games book, and an Ice Shaker Insulated bottle. A PlayStation 4 is a nice gift. However, is it really that useful for a college football player who puts in 40 plus hours a week on football and has to study too? It would seem that sharing the revenue with the players would be a better option. However, that is not going to happen because of the NCAA’s farce of amateurism.
What if the NCAA, Conferences, and Schools Decided to Share the Revenue With the Players?
If the revenue was shared with the players it would provide a major financial boost for the players. This is especially true for players who come from disadvantaged situations. Such players often need extra money to make ends meet. Players who may need extra cash cannot even sell their gifts without fear of being declared ineligible for receiving an impermissible benefit like Terrelle Pryor. In 2010, Pryor was suspended for selling his sportsmanship award from the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. If the NCAA, conferences, and schools decided to share some of the revenue they could eliminate this problem for their athletes.
The NCAA could hold the money in a trust for the football players to receive after they graduate. They could provide financial planning seminars to help them manage the money and use it in a productive manner. This would help the players way more than a fossil watch ever could. With all of the money floating around college football post-season play, the players should receive more than a $550 gift.
Defensive and Special Teams Touchdowns Highlight Pac-12 NFL Upside
In this week’s edition, we were graced with incredible play. Vita Vea impressed last week, but week 13 was a treat for football fans! Trick plays, blocked kicks, and unbelievable defensive plays highlight the Pac-12 NFL Players Week 13.
The Big List of Pac-12 NFL Performers, College by College
With 5 minutes remaining in a tied game, the Indianapolis Colts lined up to take the lead. That field goal would give them a 20-17 lead over the Titans. However, Dane Cruikshank thwarted their plans.
Although Cruikshank is primarily a special teams player, he’s made his mark. Players dream of blocking a single kick, let alone two in one season. For his special teams efforts, he climbs to the top of Arizona’s Pac-12 NFL bests.
Obviously, this wasn’t the best play in NFL history. But, it made for an insane highlight and contributed to a huge upset. How are these Miami Dolphins 3-and-9 and beating teams like the Philadelphia Eagles?
With this touchdown pass, Matt Haack and Jason Sanders etched their names in the record books. This was the first time in NFL history that a pure punter completed a touchdown pass to a kicker. Unbelievable!
Cal
Cameron Jordan – New Orleans Saints
Cameron Jordan is a wrecking ball. His four sacks against the Atlanta Falcons tied a Saints record for sacks in a game. Wayne Martin, in 1997, was the last Saints player to accomplish this feat.
After this monster performance, Jordan set his career-best in sacks (13.5). His 87.3 PFF grade is creeping up to elite once again. If he continues his dominance, he’ll decisively be Cal’s 2019 best Pac-12 NFL player.
Colorado
Jimmy Smith – Baltimore Ravens
Against the San Francisco 49ers, Jimmy Smith allowed just 3 receptions for 38 scoreless yards on 6 targets. It was another shut-down game for him.
Since returning from injury, Smith is playing at an exceptional level. His plus-33.7 Coverage Rating and 52-percent Catch Rate Allowed are exactly what the Ravens needed. Combined with the current form of Marcus Peters and you’ve got a Super Bowl secondary.
Oregon
DeForest Buckner – San Francisco 49ers
They've been eatin' and now they need your help tweetin'
In a potential Super Bowl preview, DeForest Buckner and the 49ers held Lamar Jackson’s Ravens to just 20 points. In the game, Buckner played 83-percent of snaps and totaled six tackles.
Also, Buckner got the credit for one sack against Lamar Jackson. As everyone is aware, Jackson is the most elusive quarterback in the league. Getting him down is always worth recognition. Great performance by this Pac-12 NFL player.
Oregon State
Jordan Poyer – Buffalo Bills
Jordan Poyer said he believes this was a statement win for the #Bills as they beat the Cowboys with the number one offense in the league, 26-15 on the national stage on Thanksgiving to get to 9-3. @WGRZ#BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/zdYhtXptys
On Thanksgiving Day, the Buffalo Bills feasted on the Dallas Cowboys. Their defense held the Cowboys to just 15 points. Although he ended up compiling 355 yards and two touchdowns, he did so on 49 attempts. In addition, the Bills sacked Prescott four times and intercepted him once.
At AT&T Stadium, Jordan Poyer did his regular thing. He totaled five tackles, including stuffing one run. His 73.0 PFF grade displays his contribution to pass and run defense.
Stanford
Richard Sherman – San Francisco 49ers
Richard Sherman is currently allowing just 0.50 receiving yards per snap in coverage. That's the lowest of any qualifying CB, and so far, the lowest of Sherman's career. #49ers
Sherman maintains his top 5 spot in coverage grade and passer rating allowed as well. pic.twitter.com/LcxFsx7QdP
Right now, Richard Sherman is playing incredible football. At age 31, his form is perfect as he and the San Francisco 49ers vie for the NFC West.
Against Baltimore Ravens, Sherman not only locked down coverage but tallied seven tackles. His tackling will always be an underrated aspect of his game. Even though Richard Sherman is credited with 20 receptions allowed, he only let receivers gain 105 yards. Unreal. His close-down ability and tackling is most impressive.
Also, of note is Richard Sherman’s off-the-field work.
NFL cornerback clears over $27,000 in schools' cafeteria debt – THANK YOU, Richard Sherman https://t.co/RaBqkKf7SH
Fabian Moreau gets the INT as Kyle Allen misses his receiver on the slant. Straight at him up good reaction to a ball that got on him quickly, seen plenty of DBs drop that. #Redskinspic.twitter.com/7ZpBN4XfLp
Although Star Lotolelei got his first career interception, Marcus Williams still remains the best Pac-12 NFL player out of Utah. On the season, he’s allowed just 9 receptions on 17 targets, while also intercepting four passes.
Additionally, Williams is a sure-tackler. He managed seven tackles against the Atlanta Falcons. His 91.0 PFF grade displays an elite safety and the Saints are lucky to have him.
Welcome to the big leagues Taylor Rapp! In a dominant win against Arizona, Rapp earned his first career interception and touchdown. He now totals 47 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 4 stuffed runs, and one pick-six. Rapp has a bright future ahead of him.
Washington State
Gardner Minshew – Jacksonville Jaguars
The mustache is back! In everyone’s best interest, Gardner Minshew is once again the starting quarterback of the Jaguars. After Nick Foles committed his third turnover in three drives, the crowd chanted “We want Minshew.”
While Minshew couldn’t lift the Jaguars to a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’ll look to beat the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend.
Chants of “Sko Buffs” reverberated throughout Folsom Field as Colorado Buffaloes fans stormed the field after a 20-14 upset victory over the Washington Huskies. Going along with the win over Stanford, this win may shock some nationally. However, it shows the progress the team has made under Mel Tucker. Colorado Buffaloes Week 13 was the best of the season.
Honoring Seniors and Alums
The
2019 Colorado Buffaloes honored their seniors before their Week 13 game against
the Washington Huskies. Among the seniors honored were quarterback Steven Montez
(fifth-year), wide receiver Tony Brown, cornerback Delrick Abrams Jr., linebacker
Davian Taylor, and safety Mikial Onu (graduate transfer). These seniors leave a
complicated legacy at CU Boulder. They were undefeated against rivals CSU and
Nebraska but were unable to make bowl games in 2017 and 2018.
The 1994 team that pulled off the “Miracle at Michigan” was also honored. Quarterback Kordell Stewart and the coach of that team, Bill McCartney, were among those honored.
Saying Farewell to Ralphie V
Also, the Buffaloes had to conduct a farewell of sorts to Ralphie V, who has been forced to retire because her speed has increased, causing safety concerns. Ralphie V was honored at halftime. Fans had the opportunity to visit with Ralphie V before the game, even though she did not run. The Buffaloes also had the “V” roman numeral on the left side of their helmet to honor Ralphie. On the positive side, the Buffaloes are looking to identify the next Ralphie (which will be Ralphie VI). Ralphie V has run for the Buffaloes since 2008 and is 13 years old. She will be cared for by the football program in retirement.
Fans
should attend games at Folsom Field just to see Ralphie run. It is a sight to
behold and a unique experience for fans of college football.
Buffaloes
Stifle Huskies Offense
The
team was ready to honor Ralphie V and the ’94 team. Offensively, the Buffaloes
were stifled on their opening possession, but Alex Kinney had a 62-yard punt
that was a thing of beauty. The football landed at the 1-yard line and bounced its
way to the sideline. Somehow, it stayed out of the endzone, and the defense
would not let this opportunity go to waste.
The Buffaloes stifled the Huskies on their first possession, and it would start a first half trend. Washington quarterback Jacob Eason was harassed by the Buffaloes’ pass rush for four sacks in the first half, but the Huskies had a chance to score in the second quarter. Being in the right place at the right time, linebacker Nate Landman picked off Eason to stop the drive. In what would be a six-point outcome, getting this interception was huge for the Buffaloes. Their backs were against the wall, and they did not break.
The next three Huskies possessions would all be three-and-outs to end the half, giving the Buffaloes their first shutout in a half this season. Washington has not had good offensive play as of late, and the Buffaloes capitalized on it.
Buffaloes Open Game Up On Shenault’s Highlight Play
The offense would get off to a good start thanks to the legs of Steven Montez, evading defenders on multiple occasions. These plays could have been sacks, but Montez was determined to get positive plays all night. However, the Buffaloes struggled in the red zone, as their two first half opportunities resulted in two field goals. Colorado had chances to open this game up, and Laviska Shenault took advantage of a prime opportunity to do just that.
With 1:37 remaining in the second quarter, Montez would throw to Shenault, who got over his defender who looked to have a better position on the ball. He caught it for a touchdown, and it was the perfect moment for the tandem that has been so prevalent in Colorado Buffaloes football for the past two years. Montez, on senior night, was able to give his top receiver a chance. Shenault, in what may be his last game at Folsom Field, was able to haul in one more highlight-reel catch in front of the Folsom Faithful. Montez broke the passing touchdown record with his 61st career touchdown pass. The Buffaloes went into the locker room as raucous cheers saturated Folsom Field.
Washington
Does Not Go Quietly
Washington would not go quietly, and was helped by CU’s mishaps on defense though. On a 3rd-and-7 during the Huskies’ opening possession, Derrion Rakestraw was flagged for unnecessary roughness on what would have been a fourth down for the Huskies. Washington was also able to convert a 2nd-and-17, 3rd-and-11, and 3rd-and-6 on the opening drive also. The Huskies would eventually score to make the game 13-7.
The Buffaloes’ offense would respond, as they drove 82 yards in 11 plays. On a 2nd-and-goal from the Washington two-yard line, Montez appeared to trip but was able to pitch the ball back to Alex Fontenot. He would leap into the end zone to give the Buffaloes a 20-7 lead. It was very encouraging to see the offense pick the defense up. At times this season, the offensive and defensive units have had trouble complementing each other. However, the Buffaloes have improved in playing complementary football.
Washington
was determined to stay in the game despite improvements in the Buffaloes’ game.
The Huskies would convert two fourth downs in the next drive. There was a
feeling of nervousness as the Buffaloes had to stay on the field defensively.
Once again, the Huskies were within six points with 12:35 left to go.
Defense Does Enough, Buffaloes Close Game Out Again
Once
again, the Buffaloes were in another one-possession game in the fourth quarter
at Folsom Field. The offense was unable to move the ball, but they did not make
the big mistake. However, the Buffaloes had a huge scare on special teams.
With
about seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Buffaloes were forced
to punt. Washington senior Aaron Fuller returned a punt 52 yards to the
Colorado 37-yard line. It looked like he was about to run it all the way back,
but the last line of defense prevailed for the Buffaloes. The defense would
force Washington into a third-and-five. Jacob Eason would scramble back and
lose his footing, resulting in a 13-yard team sack for the Buffaloes. However,
the Huskies would be able to pin the Buffaloes at their own 1-yard line.
The Buffaloes looked to run out the clock, just as they did in College Football Week 11 against Stanford. Being backed up against the wall, Montez looked to have been sacked in the end zone. However, Washington was lined up offsides, so there was not that much suspense at the moment. On the next play, Montez muscled his way for a first down, but went out of the game. The Buffaloes almost gave the ball away on the next play as Alex Fontenot fumbled a read-option play. Backup quarterback Blake Stenstrom fell on top, and Montez would return to the game.
Because of the fumble, the Buffaloes were forced into a 3rd-and-16. Montez would find a freshman to help him make what would be the defining plays of his last drive at Folsom Field. Dimitri Stanley would make receptions of 27 and 18 yards on the next two plays to put the Buffaloes in position to close out the games. The offensive line and Alex Fontenot took it from there, running methodically and making Washington use all of their remaining timeouts. The Buffaloes were 0-7 in seven Pac-12 meetings against the Huskies. However, streaks are meant to be broken, and 1-7 sounds a lot better than 0-7. The Buffaloes got their third conference win of the season over Washington, 20-14.
A Senior Night to Remember, But Bowl Hopes On the Line Versus Utah
Mel Tucker now has another win against a stalwart of the Pac-12 in Washington. However, the job is not done. The Colorado Buffaloes have a chance at getting a miracle birth into a bowl game if they can shock the world in Salt Lake City next Saturday. Utah is the sixth-best team in the country in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 14 As it Should Be. The Buffaloes has not proved that they can play in a close road game since September, but this team has broken their own trends all season.
Getting to 6-6 would be huge for Mel Tucker. He is already being praised by fans and media for the job he has done recruiting. Making a bowl game would only bolster the future hype around Tucker and the team. The 2019 Colorado Buffaloes have used the hashtag “#savagesea20n” throughout the season, and it would be truly savage if they kept Utah, and thus, the Pac-12, from College Football Playoff consideration and get a bowl birth of their own next week.
At 9 and 1, the Utah Utes are truly coming into their own. After moving from the Mountain West Conference to the Pac-12, they took a few seasons to get their feet under them. Now. ranked No. 7 in the nation (just one spot behind Oregon), the Utah Utes are making their name known. Just two more regular-season games and a pivotal clash against the Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship. If the Utes win all three, they earn College Football Playoffs or at least a Rose Bowl appearance.
Utah vs Oregon. Who gets playoffs?
The gap between the Utah Utes and Oregon Ducks is slight. Both programs sit at 9 and 1 in the Pac-12 and they are side by side in the AP rankings. Additionally, Oregon’s only loss this season came to Auburn (currently ranked 15th), while USC (currently ranked 23rd) beat Utah. ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Oregon a 48.1-percent chance of winning the Pac-12 Title and Utah a 38.1-percent chance. It’s ever so close.
Across the experts, analysts and fans, the debate is tight. SB Nation’s Fan Pulse ranked Utah at 7 and Oregon at 8. Even ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach are split in their Oregon vs Utah projections. While both have LSU making the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Bonagura has Utah and Schlabach picked Oregon.
Ever so close to each other, here’s why the Utah Utes will reign supreme in the Pac-12.
The Utah Utes Defense is Elite
The Utah defense has gone 14 quarters at home without allowing a single touchdown 🤯😳 pic.twitter.com/Wuu6nCQBST
Through 10 games, they’ve allowed just 11.3 points-per-game to opponents. They are elite.
According to PFF grading, Utah’s defense is the third-best in the FBS. Breaking it down further, PFF ranked Utah top-five in both run-defense and coverage. Against Utah, runners average 2.3 yards-per-carry, while only scoring three rushing touchdowns against them all season. There’s no room to run with stars like Leki Fotu and John Penisini hovering.
In coverage, the Utah Utes are equally impressive. Terrell Burgess and Julian Blackmon are at the top of their game. Opposing quarterbacks average:
56-percent Completion Percentage
193 Passing Yards
1 Passing Touchdown
1.3 Interceptions
Their defense is stout against the run, can cover any receiver and is opportunistic. In addition to their 13 interceptions, the Utes also have 7 fumble recoveries. They capitalize on mistakes. And, they limit opposing big plays.
For anyone that watches Utah Utes games, Tyler Huntley is the Russell Wilson of college football. Efficient, accurate and deadly in limited opportunities. Remember that Tyler Huntley was the best quarterback in the Pac-12 and still is now. He’s the big reason why the Utah Utes are averaging 34.7 points-per-game and blowing out opponents.
Yes, Justin Herbert is still ranked as the better quarterback prospect by most. But, come on, we can’t keep ignoring Huntley. His efficiency is off the charts!
In comparison, Justin Herbert only ranks higher than Huntley in passing yards and passing touchdowns. The rest goes to Huntley and proves he’s the better quarterback right now.
Moss is powerful, physical runner. He’s difficult to tackle and has the ability to take any carry to the house. Combining his rushing talent with Huntley’s elite passing created the best offense in the Pac-12.
Utah Utes and Oregon Ducks common opponents
So far this season, the Utes and Ducks had four common opponents. USC, Washington State, Cal and Washington. In those matchups, Oregon won all four. The Utah Utes, on the other hand, lost to USC. So, Oregon is 4-0 against common opponents, while Utah is 3-1. The edge goes to Oregon. Right?
Actually, it’s a bit more complicated. Oregon handily beat USC 56-24, while Utah lost 23-30. They also both let Washington keep it close. But, Utah beat Cal and Washington State by far better margins. Oregon won 17-7 against Cal. Meanwhile, Utah torched Cal 35-0. Additionally, Oregon barely beat Washington State 37-35. But, Utah won with ease 38-13.
Yes, they lost to USC. But, it’s far closer than people think. Utah is proving to be a powerful adversary.
What a difference a week makes in the race for the College Football Playoff. Last week, I declared No. 15 Auburn the most important team in the country. After their loss to No. 4 Georgia, Auburn is still the most important team in the country. Auburn’s loss hurt No. 6 Oregon’s and No. 5 Alabama’s (who has bigger problems) resume, but it strengthed No. 4 Georgia’s body of work.
This past Tuesday, the committee revealed their latest playoff rankings*. The top 6 remained the same as a week ago.
A full look at the November 1️⃣9️⃣ #CFBPlayoff Selection Committee Rankings.
For comparison, my College Football Playoff includes:
LSU
Ohio State
Clemson
Oregon
This weekend is highlighted by the “Big Ten Game of The Year,” No. 8 Penn State vs. No. 2 Ohio State. Can Penn State get back into the top 5 or will Ohio State surpass LSU for the top overall seed? Here are the Top 5 CFP storylines heading into Week 13.
Who Will Take Control Of The Big Ten East?
J.K. Dobbins, who's rarely played in the second half this season, was asked about Ohio State having four-quarter games against Penn State and Michigan coming up.
He responded, "Why do they have to be four-quarter games?"
Penn State is the 8th ranked team in the playoff rankings. The Nittany Lions are no slouch. That being said, do you want to know the line for Saturday’s game? Penn State is an 18.5 point underdog against Ohio State. EIGHTEEN AND A HALF POINT UNDERDOG! Is Penn State not as good as we think or is Ohio State a lot better than we think? I’m leaning towards the Buckeyes being a superior team. Plus, Ohio State will welcome back top prospect Chase Young. Despite Penn State having a loss, if they beat Ohio State, the Nittany Lions will be in the driver’s seat of the Big Ten Championship. If Ohio State wins, the Buckeyes will play in the conference title game.
Life Without Tua
Tua Tagovailoa / Getty/Wesley Hitt
Tua Tagovailoa suffering a season-ending hip injury not only sucks for Alabama fans, but for college football fans in general. It’s a devastating blow for college football. That being said, all hope is not lost. The Crimson Tide are still one of the nation’s top teams even with backup quarterback Mac Jones under center. Alabama plays the little sisters’ of the poor (Western Carolina) on Saturday before traveling to Auburn next week. Don’t count out Alabama for the playoff just yet.
Bounce Back Game For Minnesota
Penn State is currently ranked ahead of Minnesota despite Minnesota winning head to head. Here is why according to the College Football Playoff Committee. pic.twitter.com/2BWfhhKeui
I’m going to sit here and say No. 10 Minnesota was a fraudulent team. That’s not the case. Iowa is a tough place to play. Just ask Ohio State and Michigan how hard it is to win at Kinnick Stadium. There are no moral victories in losses, but Minnesota proved to me that they’re capable of being a force in the Big Ten West for years to come. That being said, their magical season is intact. If they defeat Northwestern on Saturday, the Gophers will have a winner-take-all game next week against No. 12 Wisconsin. Will the boat row into Wisconsin with only one blemish?
Can Baylor Ever Recover?
Move over, Atlanta Falcons. There’s a new member of the “28-3” club. Last Saturday night, Baylor was about to change the trajectory of its program. Up 28-3 in the second quarter and 31-10 at halftime, the Bears were in cruise control. Then, Jalen Hurts and the Sooners took over and mounted an improbable comeback, capped off by a field goal with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter to win, 34-31. I can’t even put into words how devastating of a loss that was for Baylor. However, their season is not over. They can still clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship with a win over Texas on Saturday. To add fuel to the fire, Oklahoma will most likely be their opponent in the conference title. Revenge game, anyone?
State Of The Pac-12
Tonights rankings tell us…absolutely nothing…as they did the first year, they will do whatever they want on selection day
Only consistency is that they take path of least resistance…generally favors brands
Oregon and No. 7 Utah are both 9-1 and sit atop of the Pac-12 North and Pac-12 South respectively. Both teams hit the road this weekend as Oregon plays Arizona State and Utah takes on Arizona. If both are 11-1 heading into the Pac-12 Championship, the winner of that game should make the College Football Playoff. The keyword is “should.” If you’re 100% convinced that the winner of the Pac-12 title game will make the playoff, then you haven’t followed college football the past five seasons. If Alabama is sitting at 11-1 at the end of the season, you’re crazy if you don’t think the committee will consider putting the Tide in. To be honest, the committee probably wants to put in Alabama over a Pac-12 champion. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s the truth. It’s not fair, but neither is life.
What are your top College Football Playoff storylines for Week 13? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow, or email us at immad@unafraidshow.com.
This wee, only one Pac-12 NFL player repeated from Week 10’s Best Pac-12 NFL list. Finally, we get some fresh faces and new players on here. Let’s see who joined the ranks of the best!
It’s not often that a place-kicker joins the best of Pac-12 NFL players. Yet here we are. With the New England offense moving slowly, their defense and special teams are picking up the slack.
In a tight, 17-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Nick Folk scored the majority of the Patriots’ points. He went three-for-three with field goals of 35, 22 and 39 yards.
Arizona State
Lawrence Guy – New England Patriots
Lawrence Guy's turn. #Eagles running zone weak away from the tight ends. Guy, with great pad level, knifes between the two blockers on the combo block on the right side to get into the backfield. #Patriotspic.twitter.com/oIHquCqBxU
On Sunday, he managed to hit quarterback Jameis Winston four times, get 1.5 sacks and add a tackle for a loss. It was another All-Pro game for Cameron Jordan. His stats and 82.0 PFF grade are why he is still among the best Pac-12 NFL players in the league.
Although the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Oakland Raiders, Josh Tupou played very well. It was by-far his best game of the season. Tupou compiled seven tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, one stuff and one forced fumble.
Honestly, is there anything better to watch than a special teams touchdown? They are rare, special and should be treated as such.
In the first quarter, up 3-0, Kenjon Barner fielded the punt from Younghoe Koo at the Atlanta 22. He then took it 78 yards to the house. The seventh-year journeyman just earned his first, NFL punt/kick return touchdown. Of course, his highlight-touchdown is worthy of praise.
Yes, their game was against the hapless Miami Dolphins. Nonetheless, the Buffalo Bills won by 17 and Miami finally couldn’t cover the spread.
In this game, Jordan Poyer did his usual damage as a reliable tackler. He totaled six tackles (four solo) and also added a fumble recovery. On the season, Poyer now has 72 tackles, one sack, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception.
Stanford
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers
.@run__cmc is the FIRST player in NFL HISTORY to rush for at least 1000 yards AND have at least 500 receiving yards in the first 10 games of a season. 💪 pic.twitter.com/C2anxZnrje
Somehow, even though he compiled nearly 200 yards from scrimmage, the Carolina Panthers only scored three points. How on Earth is that possible? What else does Christian McCaffrey have to do?
In their Week 11 matchup, our Pac-12 NFL superstar turned 14 carries into 70 rushing yards and also caught 11 balls for 121 yards. 191 yards from scrimmage. Yet, only three points for the Panthers. This team needs to get a viable quarterback or send the Stanford star to another team. His play deserves the playoffs.
UCLA
Eric Kendricks – Minnesota Vikings
Eric Kendricks restructured his contract in May to provide cap relief for the #Vikings.
Eric Kendricks is elite. Right now, he’s playing the best football of his career. He currently owns a 90.5 PFF grade. Last week, he earned a spot on the top Pac-12 NFL list with his fourth-down heroics.
Because of his stellar form, the Vikings have utilized Kendricks in pass coverage this season. He’s stepped up to the challenge with 12 pass break-ups. Eric Kendricks, with 85 tackles and 12 pass breaks-ups, is playing like a top-three linebacker.
Though his 43.7 (No. 25) QBR on the season is uninspiring, Sam Darnold played his best game this week. He displayed an excellent passing ceiling with 293 yards and 4 touchdowns. Yes, he still took two sacks and threw an interception against Washington. But, this was one of the better games for Darnold and his 6-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio since returning from illness is promising.
Also, keep in mind these two things before putting down Darnold:
Heading into Week 11, Marcus Williams already was PFF’s top safety. That’s already praise enough for a Pac-12 NFL player. But then, he went and showed out in Week 11. Games like this show why he is the best of the best. Not only did he record three tackles and two pass break-ups. But, he also took an interception to the house.
There’s nothing like a pick-six for football fans. Especially defense enthusiasts. Marcus Williams is having a career year.
Down ten to six with just over two minutes left in the first half, Danny Shelton came up big. His strip-sack of Carson Wentz put the Patriots in excellent field position. Unfortunately, as is the case this year with the Patriots’ offense, they came away with three points. Though they started at the Eagles 22, they couldn’t score a touchdown. It’s a shame.
But, what isn’t a travesty is the New England Patriots’ defense. They look like one of the greatest defenses of all time. If players like Danny Shelton can keep bailing out the offense, they might win yet another Super Bowl.
As most know, the Arizona Cardinals need help in their secondary. Their pass-defending is among the worst in the league. However, Jalen Thompson got his first interception this week.
Additionally, he also had his first pass break-up. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for the rookie out of Washington State.
