Road to The College Football Playoff: How Each Team Gets In Week 11

College Football Playoff Rankings Week 11

The first College Football Playoff Committee rankings were released and this is the perfect time to start the “Road to the CFB Playoff” series. I will examine every team with a realistic path to the top four and how they can get there. Every Sunday I release the College Football Top 10 Rankings As It Should Be. Nine of my top teams were there, and 1-5 were almost exactly like the committees, except mine, are ranked by three criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance.

College Football Playoff Committee Rankings Week 11

College Football Playoff Rankings

From the Top 25 teams, there are 12 teams with ANY shot to make the top four. The entire top 10 is in play plus Baylor and Minnesota. Auburn is eliminated for now because they have no path to the SEC Championship game, and would need a lot of weird things to happen. Plus they would need to beat Georgia and Alabama. The same is true of Wisconsin. They have a path to the Big Ten championship, but chaos would have to happen for them to get in the top four.

As of this week here is how it appears the CFB Playoff Top 4 will shake out.

  1. Undefeated Big Ten Winner- Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota
  2. Undefeated or 1 loss SEC Champion- LSU, Alabama, Georgia
  3. Clemson
  4. Pac-12 Champion- Oregon, Utah

Now one to each team and their path(s)

Ohio State: Win and they are in. There is no scenario where they are undefeated and/or win the Big Ten Championship with one loss and don’t get in (it would be impossible for them to lose to Rutgers or Maryland). Even if the Buckeyes lost to Penn State in a couple of weeks, they would have a strong case compared to 1-loss Alabama, Oregon, Utah. The Buckeyes could make it undefeated to the Big Ten Championship and lose to Minnesota which would send college football into a tailspin.

LSU: Win and they are in. Beat Alabama, don’t get tripped up by Ole Miss, Arkansas (LOL), or Texas A&M. Ohio State and LSU are the only teams that could lose in their conference championship games and still have a playoff case.

Alabama: The Crimson Tide have NO room for error in 2019. Their awful non-conference schedule plus only playing no ranked teams before this weekend against LSU will hurt. Even if Alabama beats LSU and goes on to the SEC Championship and loses to 1-loss Georgia, they will be out unless Ohio State, Penn State, or Clemson lose in their conference game to a 1 or more loss team.

Penn State: Win out and no one can leapfrog them. Penn State has a better resume than Alabama but the CFB Playoff committee still put them behind Bama, so is there any way the Nittany Lions get in the pot four with a loss? I do not see a scenario that doesn’t involve Ohio State losing twice and PSU winning the Big Ten Championship which is far fetched.

College Football Top 10

Clemson: There are two ways Clemson gets in; win out and they are guaranteed a playoff spot, or pray for the unlikely demise of about 3-4 teams. We won’t even go down that rabbit hole, it’s too weird.

Georgia: There is only one way Georgia gets in, winning out. They cannot afford any more losses. The CFB Rankings already rewarded them for the Florida and Notre Dame wins more than it punished them for the horrendous S. Carolina loss. Even if UGA wins the SEC Championship but loses one of their last three games to Auburn, Texas A&M, or Georgia Tech they will be left out of a playoff of undefeated Big Ten champ, Clemson, 1 l-loss Pac-12 champ.

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Oregon and Utah: The Pac-12 is very alive even though people tried to bury them early in the season. Both teams are in nearly the exact same situation. If both teams are 11-1 when they meet in the Pac-12 championship it should be a top 5 or 5 vs 6 matchup. The winner will most likely get in the playoff. Oregon will have a better shot than Utah because traditionally, the committee has leaned toward named brand teams.

Oklahoma: Lincoln Riley’s team is sitting at #9. It is much lower than most people thought, but right about where I had them in the College Football Playoff Rankings As It Should Be (CFPRAISB). They need Oregon or Utah to lose and the other win the Pac-12. In addition, they need LSU to beat Alabama. They also need to beat Baylor twice and Baylor to finish 11-2. A Clemson loss wouldn’t hurt either.

Florida: Florida needs a miracle at this point. Their last three games are Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Florida State. None of those games move the needle. They would also need Georgia to lose two games to send Florida to the SEC Championship. If that happens they would need to beat an undefeated LSU or Alabama. And… nevermind. It’s not happening.

Baylor Bears College Football Playoff

Baylor: The Bears are in the same situation they were in in 2015 when Ohio State jumped Baylor and TCU. They don’t have the respect of the nation. The difference is that they are still undefeated. Baylor needs to dominate Texas, beat Oklahoma twice, or beat K-State in the Big 12 championship.

Minnesota: Win out and they will make the playoff. They sit at #17 right now, but if they defeat Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio State over the next five weeks they will be the #1 team in the nation. No one will have run a gauntlet like that.

This playoff top four would be a lot easier to figure out and there would be no need for expansion if teams scheduled better. Imagine a college football world where everyone scheduled 10 or 11 Power Five games. Every Saturday would be power-packed. That is part of the reason there are some who believe the traditional conference model will go away and there will be one super conference of around 30 teams that only play each other.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

Pac-12 Football Seasons: Colorado Buffaloes Week 10

Pac-12 NFL Draft 2020

Watching the Colorado Buffaloes in Week 10 left fans teetering on the edge and get to the breaking point. A bad start and inconsistencies in all three phases doomed the Buffaloes, as they left the Rose Bowl with a 31-14 loss to the UCLA Bruins in College Football Week 10? The Buffaloes did get good news via Mel Tucker’s Twitter:

Bad Start Dooms the Colorado Buffaloes

The offense looked out of sync all night. Alex Fontenot, the starting running back, was inactive. The offense received the kickoff. Hoping for a first-possession jolt they have rarely got on the road in Pac-12 play, they went three and out.

The defense came into the game as the worst third down defense in the Pac-12, letting opponents convert 49.5% of the time. They got gashed on the first drive, and did not look ready to play. This start was frustrating considering how they played in their previous two road games against Oregon and Washington State, getting outscored 86-13.

Steven Montez Buffaloes 2019 season

Before anyone could blink, the Buffaloes were down 10-0. Matters got even worse as Steven Montez threw an interception. UCLA scored on the very next play to take a 17-0 lead. This interception was increasingly frustrating because K.D. Nixon looked to be open earlier in the route. Montez decided to wait until he had met up with UCLA defenders to throw it.

It was still the first quarter, and the Buffaloes looked like they had not fixed what has caused their terrible road starts in Pac-12 play. The Buffaloes did not pick up a first down until there was 3:35 left in the first quarter, and looked like they were going to get pummeled. In fact, they would not cross midfield until early in the second quarter. The Colorado Buffaloes have too much offensive talent for this to be acceptable.

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Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams Inconsistencies

Laviska Shenault did not have nearly the same impact he had a week ago against USC (9 receptions, 172 yards, 1 TD). Against UCLA, he had three receptions for 16 yards and a 15-yard run on a wildcat play. Injuries have limited his availability, but it is frustrating when the star of the team has such a limited impact even when he is out on the field.

Trailing 17-0, Montez would have a rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter to put the Buffaloes on the board. He would add a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was inconsistent the whole night, as there were aspects of his game that simply not good enough. The running game was effective in spurts, but backup running back Jaren Mangham was never able to take over the game.

Colorado buffaloes week 10

The offense drove into UCLA territory to end the first half, and had a chance to cut the lead to 17-10. However, James Stefanou missed a 47-yard field goal, and the Buffaloes were unable to keep the momentum they built off of the touchdown drive where Montez scored. 

Buffaloes Defense Improves Throughout Game, But Can’t Get Rid of Dubious Streak

The defense held their own after the first quarter, as they forced UCLA to punt on three straight possessions in the second quarter. It looked as if the Buffaloes would have a chance to get back into the game. If the defense played well, the offense would get their opportunities to get back into the game. Carson Wells got an interception in UCLA territory to start the 2nd half, but James Stefanou would miss another field goal, this time a 29-yarder.

Consequently, the defense could not get rid of their dubious, now 14-game streak of allowing 30+ points to opposing teams. Sure, some things went better after the first quarter for the Buffaloes. Despite their effort, the first quarter set them back in every regard. They were unable to establish their presence even if one might consider them equal to UCLA as far as talent is concerned.

Bad Pac-12 Conference Road Losses Put 2019 Buffaloes Season On Brink

Overall, this game was hard to watch. It was a rehash of road losses in the Pac-12 from previous seasons and this season alike. There was never really a moment where it felt like momentum could completely swing in the Buffaloes’ favor. Unfortunately, the same miscues that led to two consecutive 5-7 campaigns in 2017 and 2018 have bled over into this season. Even worse, this talented Buffaloes team may finish with an even worse record than their two predecessors.

Mel Tucker is tasked with the challenge of creating a new norm. He has been able to coach the players up well, and they have shown up in front of their home fans. However, the team has always struggled on the road in Pac-12 play since joining the conference, and they have only had one true breakthrough win on the road in the Pac-12. In 2016 against Oregon, they won 41-38 and catapulted themselves to a Pac-12 South title. That was supposed to be the new normal, and everyone thought the rise of Colorado football was real that season. The more this Buffaloes team loses, the more that season looks like an anomaly in 15 years of inferiority regardless of the conference the Buffaloes have been in.

Looking ahead to Colorado Buffaloes Week 11

In College Football Week 11, the Buffaloes will be back home for homecoming week against the Stanford Cardinal. They are currently 3.5-point underdogs for this game, but the Buffaloes could certainly win this game. This game presents another opportunity for the Buffaloes to show they belong on the field with one of the name brands in the conference of champions. Stanford has had an up-and-down season, sitting at 4-4. The game is of the utmost importance as far as bowl eligibility, as the Buffaloes need to win out at this point to make a bowl game sitting at 3-6.         

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11: Fight to the Finish for Bowl Games

Pac-12 Football Review: Senior Bowl, Clay Millen Offers, Todd Orlando

Welcome to the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11. Overall, it was a great week for the conference. The two best teams had great performances on national television while the east coast was still awake. However, Pac-12 refs managed to steal the show and become the center of attention. The officiating is so bad that even commissioner Larry Scott who said Pac-12 referees were on par with other conferences at Pac-12 Media had to admit what we all know:

“I sit through a review every single week with David Coleman, the head of our officiating, and I can tell you there’s a significant number of mistakes every week,” Scott said according to Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times.

Players and fans deserve better than to have crucial games be affected by horrendous officiating.

A few weeks ago a writer put out a parity “Pac-12 simulator” for the rest of the season that had every team finishing between 5-7 and 7-5. With the exception of Oregon and Utah, he was not far off. There is a logjam of parity and averageness below the two elite teams. Weirdly, UCLA is still alive to win the south, but that would require beating Utah.

If Oregon and Utah meet with 1-loss in the Pac-12 Championship, the winner should land a spot in the College Football Playoff Top 4.

For Reference Check out the Pac-12 Power Rankings from Week 10.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11:

Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. Only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games. The Pac-12 Power Rankings will available on Unafraid Show every Monday morning. Make sure you send your comments and grievances to immad@unafraidshow.com.

12. Colorado Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4)

Last Week: 14-31 (L) at UCLA

Things are continuing to spiral out of control for the Buffaloes. They have lost five straight games and six of their last seven. Colorado has only been competitive in two of the six losses. Mel Tucker’s team appears to have quit on him the same way they quit on Mike MacIntyre when they lost seven straight to close last season. Those same players are there, which means the roster and program need a complete overhaul.

The Buffaloes are recruiting a lot of junior college players which should add a lot of depth and hungry new talent for 2020. With Stanford, Washington, and Utah left on the schedule the Buffaloes might drop eight straight to finish the season.

11. Arizona Wildcats (4-5, 2-4)

Last Week: 28-56 (L) vs Oregon State

Pac-12 Power Rankings

The Wildcats are a complete disaster. It is clear that this team is short on top tier playmakers on both sides of the ball. But, that is not even their biggest problem. For weeks I have noted that this team has no identity. Kevin Sumlin has continuously played quarterback shuffle between Khalil Tate and Grant Gunnell. The two quarterbacks couldn’t have more different styles of play. This causes confusion amongst the players and doesn’t allow Arizona to built offensive continuity.

Sumlin also fired his defensive coordinator Marcel Yates last week. The team proceeded to give up 56 points and 572 yards of total offense. Arizona moved into last place in the Pac-12 in total defense (481 ypg) and scoring defense (37.3 ppg).

10. Cal Golden Bears (4-4, 1-4)

Last Week: IDLE

Cal had a week off which means they are one week closer to getting their quarterback Chase Garbers back. The Bears broken offense has had a dramatic effect on their defense. Bad field position and turnovers have consistently put the defense in positions that even the ’85 Chicago Bears couldn’t defend against. Cal’s defense knows that do have any shot this week against Washington State, they must score points with a pick-six or fumble-six.

At this point, it would take nothing short of a miracle for Cal to make a bowl game.

9. Washington State Cougars (5-4, 2-4)

Last Week: IDLE

Washington State

The Cougars are statistically the best offense in the Pac-12. They average 41 points per game and 521 yards per game. The floor has just fallen in on the moral of Wazzu since blowing a 32-point lead against UCLA. Mike Leach has three games to find one win to get his team to their 5th consecutive bowl game.

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8. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-3, 2-3)

Last Week: IDLE

There is a term in the NFL called the “rookie wall”. That is when rookies have played more snaps and have been grinding for consecutive weeks than they did in college. Arizona State has hit the college version of that. Herm Edwards’s team is extremely young at key positions and it is starting to show.

They lived on the edge and won many early-season games by the hairs on their chinny chin chins. Now, as the season grows longer their focus faded and their youth is showing. This off week should revive the Sun Devils and they should perform much better against USC this week.

7. Washington Huskies (5-4, 2-4)

Last Week: 28-33 (L) vs Utah

Hunter Bryant Washington Hawaii

We cannot ignore the results and allow any bias to affect the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11. Chris Petersen is a really good coach and Washington is a talented football team. However, they are 2-4 in conference play with losses to Cal, Stanford, Oregon, and Utah. Teams are their record, and UW is a middle of the road Pac-12 team right now despite playing close games against Oregon and Utah.

Jacob Eason is such an enigma to me. In the Utah game, he made throws in the first half that prove he could be an NFL 1st round pick. Then he proceeded to throw two awful interceptions including a pix-six that turned the game in Utah’s favor.

The Huskies are a young football team on defense and should be much better next season. However, the Washington fans seem to be growing impatient with the coaching staff’s lack of signature wins.

6. Stanford Cardinal (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: IDLE

Stanford has been extremely beaten up this season, particularly at the quarterback position. The Cardinal have been night and day depending on their quarterback situation. If the quarterback is KJ Costello or Davis Mills the team can function passing the football which then opens up their running game. Hopefully, the off week allowed the team to get healthy and they can get the six wins needed to get to a bowl game.

5. Oregon State Beavers (4-4, 3-2)

Last Week: 56-38 (W) at Arizona

There is not an honest person around that could say they believed Oregon State would be second in the Pac-12 North after ten weeks of football. Jonathan Smith has far exceeded expectations in 2019. This is the same team that lost seven games by at least 21 points in 2018. Oregon State’s offense has carried them this season. The offensive combinations of Luton, Pierce, Jefferson, and Hodgins have been a nightmare for opposing defenses (except Utah). They are averaging almost 34 ppg and 431 yards per game.

Don’t sleep on DE Hamilcar Rashed for Pac-12 defensive player of the year. He leads the conference with 12 sacks.

Beavers fans who were just hunting to find winnable games on the schedule are now looking at the possibility of making a bowl game.

4. UCLA Bruins (4-5, 4-2)

Last Week: 31-14 (W) vs Colorado

Pac-12 Power Rankings UCLA

This cannot be real. UCLA is #4 in the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11. Who behind them do you put in front of a team that is 4-2 in the conference? NOBODY.

Chip Kelly has his team peaking at the right time. The Bruins even control their own destiny in the Pac-12 South. Win their last three games against Utah, USC, and Cal and they are in the Pac-12 Championship. I’m not a madman so I don’t see that happening, but just making a bowl game would be a huge victory.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson is growing up in front of our eyes and is making better decisions each week. Even UCLA’s defense has improved over the last few weeks. Their defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro has lit a fire under his team and they have responded.

If UCLA does the unthinkable and wins the Pac-12 South I am going to spike the football so hard on everyone who called me crazy in the preseason.

3. USC Trojans (5-4, 4-2)

Last Week: 24-56 (L) vs Oregon

USC doesn’t feel good to me at the three spot, but who the hell else could I put here? The Trojans are playing below expectations and have a head coach that nearly everyone believes will be replaced at the end of this season. But, they are the only team to beat Utah and are 4-2 in the conference.

USC was just demolished by Oregon. It was one of the first times that Clay Helton’s team looked like their will had been broken. His players play hard for him because they like him. College football is a results-based business and the results aren’t good enough for the Trojans.

2. Utah Utes (8-1, 5-1)

Last Week: 33-28 (W) at Washington

Is Utah better than Oregon? There are a ton of people in Salt Lake City and a couple of people in the national media who believe so. Kyle Whittingham has his team firing on all cylinders. They are tough, physical, and disciplined. The only knock on this team is that for the first time in a long time their kicking game is suspect.

I have said that Utah won’t be able to ride their defense and Zack Moss to the Pac-12 Championship game. I thought QB Tyler Huntley would have to have 2 special performances to get them there. But, that looks to be untrue right now. Maybe his special ability is his leadership and calming effect on the team.

Zack Moss is a workhorse. The only way to beat Utah is to stop him.

1. Oregon Ducks (8-1, 6-0)

Last Week: 56-24 (W) at USC

Oregon Ducks Pac-12 Rankings

The Ducks had a statement game against USC for the entire nation to see. After being held scoreless in the first quarter, they went on a 56-7 scoring run. Oregon is a complete football team. When Oregon’s offense, defense, and special teams are firing at the same time, they may be one of the four best teams in the nation.

To this point, Oregon looks like the toughest team in the Pac-12. They have faced injuries to starters and overcome having a target on their back every week. Every team in the Pac-12 wants to knock the shine off the Ducks. Week 11 is an off week for the Ducks to get healthy and mentally regroup for the stretch run.

Check back every Monday for the next Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 11.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 11 As it Should Be

Atlanta Justin Herbert Georgia Bulldogs College Football Rankings Top 10

Welcome to the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 11 As it Should Be. Even though only half of the top 10 teams were in action, there was still significant movement in the rankings. The more information we have, the better more accurate the rankings get. The first edition of the CFB Playoff CommitteeTop 25 will be released on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if they reward the named brand preseason top 5 teams or the teams with the best resumes. Rankings should be fair and unbiased, but that’s not the world we live in when preseason polls ultimately affect the final rankings.

We always think there will be chaos in college football, but it rarely happens. However, this season it is clear that nothing can be taken for granted.

The Big Ten will have just a good of a “we should have two teams in the CFB Playoff” as the SEC, even though neither should get two when Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah can play with anybody in the nation.

College Football Playoff

We now have enough information to start putting together CFB Playoff scenarios. So here is how it should shake out at this point.

  1. Undefeated Big Ten Winner- (Ohio State/Penn State). But Minnesota could mess everything up by winning the Big Ten with one loss. Assuming that loss is to Penn State or Wisconsin, Minnesota would still have a real chance to get in.
  2. SEC Champion- This gets a little complicated because Georgia, Alabama, and LSU could all win the conference and the winner could have 2 losses. Or you could have 1-loss Georgia beating an undefeated Alabama or LSU.
  3. Clemson- They have no competition in the ACC so they will finish undefeated with a string of blowout victories.
  4. Pac-12 Champion- (Oregon/Utah) If both teams finish the season 11-1 the conference championship game will featured a top 10 showdown. And both teams are playing exceptional football right now.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. I get criticized from time to time by people who only want to see the college football world through the lens of the AP Poll. These rankings are not going to look like the AP Poll. Open your eyes to see a different view of evaluating the top 10. Most polls including the College Football Playoff Committee give college blueblood teams a massive “benefit of the doubt.” I don’t believe in that. Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. After the preseason rankings, only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games.

I re-rank the top 10 every Sunday from scratch. The previous week’s rankings do not factor into the next week. So, the rankings will change, sometimes drastically every week because we will have new information. So make sure to come back every Sunday. For reference, you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 10.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 10:

Next Up: Minnesota, Florida, Michigan

10. Oklahoma Sooners (7-1)

Last Week: at IDLE

College Football Rankings

People are writing the Sooners out of the playoff, but it’s much too early, and way too many games left to do that. They still have games against TCU, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, a top 15 matchup with Baylor, and the Big 12 Championship game. There is still so much football left to be played to say a team is left for dead.

I bet Lincoln Riley took this off week to focus on his defense that was run over by Kansas State. If Oklahoma gets their defense fixed, there is no question about this team’s ability to hoist the crystal trophy.

9. Baylor Bears (7-0)

Last Week: 17-14 West Virginia

If wasn’t pretty against West Virginia, but a win is a win, especially when that win is a midweek game. Playing on Thursday nights should be reserved for Group of 5 teams instead of Power 5 schools. We still don’t know a ton about Baylor because they haven’t played a ranked team and their dominance is questionable. However, they ave jumped through all the requisite hoops in front of them and beat the team (K-State_ that beat Oklahoma.

I would be willing to bet most college football fans can’t name two players off their team. So, I’ll help out…

QB: Charlie Brewer, RBs: John Lovett, JaMycal Hasty, WR: Denzel Mims, Tyquan Thornton

8. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1)

Last Week: 24-17 (W) vs Florida

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 9

That terrible loss to South Carolina clearly woke the Bulldogs up. Georgia put on a really good showing against Florida. They struggled running the football but still managed 100 yards on the ground. Their defense put Florida’s running game in a headlock, 1.1 yards per carry. They now have the inside track to the SEC East crown and date with either Alabama or LSU in the SEC Championship. As long as UGA doesn’t get tripped up by Auburn or TAMU before then their CFB Playoff dreams will remain alive.

7. Utah (8-1)

Last Week: vs 33-28 (W) at Washington

The Utes defense is for real. After starting slowly against the Washington Huskies, the defense buckled down and slowly bled them out. They confused Jacob Eason and forced him into two terrible interceptions including a pick-six. Utah has been able to dominate games on the ground without an explosive passing attack. They do a good job of winning first down and staying in 3rd and short.

Utah does not beat themselves. They play fundamentally sound and will be a real problem for ANY opponent. Some are even arguing they are better than the Oregon Ducks.

6. Oregon Ducks (8-1)

Last Week: vs USC

Justin Herbert Oregon Football

Oregon put an absolute whipping on USC. Since conservative play-calling caused their week one loss to Auburn, the Ducks have steamrolled the competition. Their defense and offensive line have led the way. This is Oregon’s best team since the 2015 team that went to the CFB Championship in 2015. East coast bias will try and dismiss the Ducks, but this is a complete football team. They are one of the few teams in the nation who are tops in the nation in scoring offense and scoring defense.

People thought the the Pac-12 was out of the CFB Playoff conversation. But ten weeks into the season Oregon and Utah are squarely back in the conversation.

Check out our Pac-12 Football Podcast, Pac-12 Apostles:

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5. Clemson Tigers (9-0)

Last Week: 59-14 (W) vs Wofford

Without any obvious opportunities for quality wins on the schedule, it is crucial the Clemson’s dominance remains on max. Wofford was nothing more than a SEC-like November cupcake. I for one hate these games. It is a waste of time and does a disservice to fans. Who wants to watch that besides Wofford fans and Clemson’s third-string players’ families?

Is it possible that Clemson’s defense is better than last years’ with multiple first-round draft picks? They are still one of the most dominant teams in college football.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0)

Last Week: IDLE

There is only question on the mind of every college football fan, “How healthy is Tua?”. He had a procedure to shore up an ankle injury suffered in the Tennessee game. It feels like Bama’s entire season rests on this one game against LSU. It would be hard to imagine a scenario where the Bama loses to LSU and gets in the CFB Playoff. Their non-conference schedule is terrible and their conference schedule doesn’t have Georgia or Florida on it.

It sure will be nice to see the Crimson Tide play a good team this season. Eight wins and no games against teams currently ranked in the top 25. The fact they have been #1 in the AP poll makes ZERO sense.

3. Penn State (8-0)

Last Week: IDLE

It only took eight wins and an off week for the national media to recognize all the good work Penn State has done. So many people tried to minimize their quality win against Michigan. However, the Wolverines are 7-2 with their only losses against Penn State and Wisconsin. Ohio State is the popular pick out of the Big Ten, but the Nittany Lions won’t go down without a fight.

This week they get an opportunity for another quality win as they take on undefeated Minnesota.

Penn State College Football Rankings

2. LSU (8-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Nothing can go wrong if you don’t play. LSU has been so dominant and has qualities wins this season. There is nothing any team that played this weekend could have done to knock the Tigers out of the top 2. Everything is on the line against Alabama. This feel like the first time since Cam Newton was at Auburn that people believe anyone but Bama is the best team in the SEC.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0)

Last Week: IDLE

Ohio State Top 10

A week off is the perfect opportunity to get on the Chase Young Heisman train. He is by far the most dominant defensive lineman in college football. The scary part is that Nick Bosa and Young were on the same DL last year. Ohio State had at Purdue last year, but at the end of the season, they were one of the four best teams in the country. This year they are leaving no doubt.

OSU has proven they are the most complete team in the country. They are dominant on offense, defense, and special teams. Plus they have multiple top 25 wins. They are the #1 team in the country.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 11.

The Utah Utes are better than the Oregon Ducks

Utah Utes College Football Playoff Week 3

Don’t overlook the Utah Utes

Utah Utes logo

While the Oregon Ducks held onto the spotlight with their seventh-straight win, the Utah Utes deserve more recognition. Granted, the Utes are ranked ninth in the nation, but they still don’t get the love they deserve from Pac-12 fans. With a top defense and an effective offense, the Utah Utes are the best team in the Pac-12.

The Oregon Ducks showed weakness against Washington and Washington State

After dominating opponents for five straight weeks, Oregon slipped. Now, they didn’t lose to Washington or Washington State. But, their wins were too close for a top team.

  • Nevada, Montana, Stanford, Cal and Colorado: 195 Points Scored: 25 Points Allowed
  • Washington and Washington State: 72 Points Scored: 66 Points Allowed

Against Washington and Washington State, Oregon’s point differential dropped from Plus-175 to Plus-6. Their defense bent against Jacob Eason and Anthony Gordon.

Additionally, they also needed heroic wins against the Huskies and Cougars. In Week 8, the Oregon Ducks overcame a 14-point deficit and got the benefit of a late, no-call on the Huskies final drive. Additionally, they needed a last-second field goal to beat the Cougars. Yes, the Ducks got the wins, but it wasn’t pretty.

The Utah Utes get it done on defense

Lights out. Cal couldn’t get anything going against Utah. Similarly, most of Utah’s opponents struggle against the Utes. This season, Utah football is:

Additionally, Utah has PFF’s two highest graded defenders, Julian Blackmon (86) and Terrell Burgess (84). These safeties are just one reason why Utah steamrolls its opponents. Defensively, the Utah Utes have it all. Teams can’t run against them, pass against them or score against them. It’s a deadly squad ready to win a championship.

Quality and consistent on offense

With such a stifling defense, the Utah Utes only need an average offense to compete. A game-manager at quarterback would suffice. Considering that their holding opponents to 10.3 points per game, the offense doesn’t have to do much.

However, Utah’s offense is putting up 33.1 points per game with a quality, balanced, offensive system. In six of their eight games, they’ve scored at least 30 points. Their quarterback, Tyler Huntley, is having a quiet and underrated season. Currently, Huntley has 1,778 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 229 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns and just one interception.

Additionally, per PFF, Huntley ranks first in the nation in Adjusted Completion Percentage. This metric factors out “dropped passes, throwaways, spiked balls, batted passes and passes where the QB was hit as he threw the ball.” His 86.9-percent Adjusted Completion Percentage displays his elite accuracy. Huntley’s 10.3 yards per attempt (6th in nation) and 123.4 passer rating (7th in the nation) show how underrated he is. Huntley is accurate, efficient and elite. Don’t sleep on Tyler Huntley.

Moreover, the Utah Utes utilize their powerful running back, Zack Moss. Moss, per PFF, is forcing a missed tackle on 45-percent of his rush attempts, third highest of the league. His five forced missed tackles and 65 yards after contact in their recent win display this. Moss’ 10 rushing touchdowns lead the Pac-12 and he also rolled up 728 rushing yards. Keep in mind, Utah’s benched Moss multiple times this season in blowout wins. If he played every quarter this season, he’d likely have over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Moss is a top runner in the nation and the Utah Utes lean on him to close out games.

Move Aside Oregon, it’s time for the Utah Utes to rise

In almost every defensive metric, the Utah Utes are better than the Oregon Ducks. Additionally, quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss are efficient and productive when called upon. They have an elite defense, a strong offense, and every reason to be crowned as the Pac-12 kings.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10: Blowouts and Nailbitters

Best pac-12 defenses

Welcome to the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10. Aside from Oregon and Utah, it is nearly impossible to pick winners consistently from week to week in conference play. Teams who get a big win seem to get blown out the following week. It makes no sense, but that’s life in the Pac-12. The North division is all but wrapped up by Oregon while the South division is up for grabs. Even UCLA is still very alive to win the south. USC still controls its own destiny. Two teams, Oregon and Utah have a shot at landing a berth in the College Football Playoff Top 4 if things shake out in their favor. That also makes the Rose Bowl up for grabs if Oregon gets in the playoff. So, keep your eyes on Utah vs Washington this Saturday.

I would be wrong if I didn’t mention how brutal the Pac-12 refs were this weekend. Until this weekend I thought they had been better. But, they came back to full 2018 form last week. We have seen in the NFL that challenging pass interference calls is stupid and doesn’t work. But there has to be something done to train the refs to be better.

For Reference Check out the Pac-12 Power Rankings from Week 9.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10:

Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. Only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games. The Pac-12 Power Rankings will available on Unafraid Show every Monday morning. Make sure you send your comments and grievances to immad@unafraidshow.com.

12. Cal Golden Bears (4-4, 1-4)

Last Week: 0-35 (L) vs Utah

Cal Pac-12 Power Rankings

Things have completely fallen apart for the Golden Bears since Chase Garbers broke his collarbone. They are averaging 8 points per game over their last three games. Even the defense’s consecutive streak of holding opponents under 24 points was broken. We are watching the bottom falling out on a team that was 4-0 and had some believing they could win the Pac-12 North.

At this point, it would take nothing short of a miracle for Cal to make a bowl game.

11. Colorado Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4)

Last Week: 31-35 (L) vs USC

Colorado showed a lot more life against USC than they did against Oregon and Washington State. Their offense was efficient and Steven Montez stopped throwing interceptions. These Buffaloes have limited depth and little margin for error offensively because their defense gives up 486 yards and 35 points per game. At least Laviska Shenault had a big game and entertained the Colorado faithful.

Knowing their defense is so bad, I can’t figure out why Mel Tucker decided to punt on 4th and 4 at USC’s 38-yard line with 6 minutes left leading by four points.

10. Arizona Wildcats (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week: 31-41 (L) at Stanford

There is no more frustrating team to watch than Arizona. They have now lost three straight. Kevin Sumlin is trying to use two quarterbacks in every game, but it’s not working. QB math is not the same as real math. 1+1 =0. If you a coach says he has two QBs he really has none. The team gets divided and chooses sides, and there is bitterness and frustration that brews under the surface.

Arizona is second in the Pac-12 in total offense (492 ypg) and second to last in total defense (469 ypg).

9. Stanford Cardinal (4-4, 3-3)

Last Week: 41-31 (L) vs Arizona

What a difference a quarterback makes. The same team that looked completely inept against UCLA with Jack West under center was clicking on all cylinders against Arizona with KJ Costello. It is unbelievable to see how far the Cardinal have fallen offensively. They are 10th in Pac-12 in rushing (120 ypg) and 11th in passing (228 ypg).

Right now, the goal has to be getting to a bowl game. With Stanford’s up-and-down play who knows how their last four games (Colorado, WSU Cal, Notre Dame) will go.

Pac-12 Power Rankings UCLA

8. UCLA Bruins (3-5, 3-2)

Last Week: 42-32 (W) vs Arizona State

What on earth has happened to UCLA’s defense in the last two weeks? The defense had been awful against everyone, but then had moments of domination against Stanford and Arizona State. Most fans were even calling for DC Jerry Azzinaro’s job. This has been a completely different team since their 32-point comeback at Washington State. Chip Kelly seems to have the Bruins headed in the right direction.

At the end of the ASU game, Dorian Thompson-Robinson injured his knee. Any hope UCLA has of making a bowl game may be out the window if he misses time.

7. Oregon State Beavers (3-4, 2-2)

Last Week: IDLE

Pac-12 Power Rankings week 10

By far the most improved team in the conference is Oregon State. They are no longer amongst the worst teams statistically. The Beavers had a week off and will be doing their best to play Pac-12 spoiler. They have already knocked off Cal and UCLA. OSU heads to Arizona this week.

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6. Washington State Cougars (4-4, 1-4)

Last Week: 35-37 (L) at Oregon

Washington State’s loss to Oregon was a heartbreaker. There is nothing worse than to make a comeback and lose. The good news is the Cougars are back to competing on the field. Mike Leach had much higher expectations for this season than what the results have been. At Pac-12 media day, he not-so-subtly hinted that his team wasn’t getting enough respect. It has been clear that the attention WSU was getting was appropriate.

This is still one of the most dangerous teams to play in the conference.

5. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-3, 2-3)

Last Week: 32-42 (L) at UCLA

Over the last two weeks, ASU has been the worst team in the Pac-12. But they were amongst the best through the first six weeks. Their offensive woes that were present early in the season are back on full display. Herm Edwards’ young team did not mentally bounce bad well from the Utah beatdown. It feels like this team hit a wall. That is pretty normal when you play the most freshman in the conference.

This team is averaging 23 ppg on the season and giving up 21ppg. The Sun Devils margins a super thin.

4. USC Trojans (5-3, 4-1)

Last Week: 35-31 (W) vs Colorado

The Trojans have their quarterback of the present and future in Kedon Slovis. I would not be surprised if JT Daniels ends up in the transfer portal. after this season. Two of USC’s five wins (Utah, Colorado) belong to the wide receiving corps. In both games, they took over the game and were literally unstoppable. If I have said it once, I have said it 500 times, St. Brown, Vaughns, and Pittman are the best WR unit in college football.

It seems pretty unbelievable that USC controls their own destiny in the Pac-12 South despite Clay Helton being fired rumors hovering all season.

3. Washington Huskies (5-3, 2-3)

Last Week: IDLE

The Washington Huskies going to be mad and extremely focused with Utah coming to town. They feel like they let a game against Oregon slip through their fingertips. They have a chance to ruin the Utes CFB Playoff hopes and keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive. If they beat Utah and finish 9-3 and Oregon goes to the CFB Playoff, the Rose Bowl can choose between Utah and Washington. If that is not enough motivation to show up big, I don’t know what is.

2. Utah Utes (7-1, 4-1)

Last Week: 35-0 (W) vs Cal

The Utes have done mean things to ASU and Cal the last two weeks. They gave up a combined 3 points and 230 yards of total offense. Utah may be a little upset that everyone is talking about Oregon making the CFB Playoff but not mentioning them. Joel Klatt even believes they are the best team in the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10. That may end up being the ultimate jinx because he has caped for Georgia and Wisconsin the week before they were upset too. Here is the CFB Top 10 As it Should Be.

I really like this Utah team but know their game in Seattle will be extremely difficult. All season I have said that Tyler Huntley will have to be great 2 games when the defense gives up points. This game against Washington will be that game.

1. Oregon Ducks (7-1, 5-0)

Last Week: 37-35 (W) vs Washington State

Oregon is getting every team’s best shot. The entire conference is trying to derail the Ducks CFB Playoff dreams. Next man up mentality has been paramount for this team in 2019. They have either lost of had key wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers, and defensive linemen miss time. The offensive line will have to continue to dominate if the Ducks want to finish the season unscathed. Justin Herbert’s efficient and near mistake-free football has added to their success.

Now, don’t screw it up. This could end up being a very special season.

Check back every Monday for the next Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 10.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 10 As it Should Be

Penn State College Football Top 10 Rankings

For the third weekend in a row, we learn that no team in the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9 As it Should Be is safe from upsets. First, it was Georgia, followed by Wisconsin and now Oklahoma. I will note that Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State is a better loss than Georgia’s to South Carolina who sported a losing record. The AP poll likely won’t reflect that and we all know why. Rankings should be fair and unbiased, but that’s not the world we live in when preseason polls ultimately affect the final rankings.

We always think there will be chaos in college football, but it rarely happens. However, this season it is clear that nothing can be taken for granted.

College Football Playoff

We now have enough information to start putting together CFB Playoff scenarios. So here is how it should shake out at this point.

  1. Undefeated Big Ten Winner- (Ohio State/Penn State). But Minnesota could mess everything up by winning the Big Ten with one loss. Assuming that loss is to Penn State or Wisconsin, Minnesota would still have a real chance to get in.
  2. SEC Champion- This gets a little complicated because Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and LSU could all win the conference and the winner could have 2 losses. Or you could have 1-loss Georgia or Florida beating an undefeated Alabama or LSU.
  3. Clemson- They have no competition in the ACC so they will finish undefeated with a string of blowout victories.
  4. Pac-12 Champion- (Oregon/Utah) If both teams finish the season 11-1 the conference championship game will featured a top 10 showdown.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. I get criticized from time to time by people who only want to see the college football world through the lens of the AP Poll. These rankings are not going to look like the AP Poll. Open your eyes to see a different view of evaluating the top 10. Most polls including the College Football Playoff Committee give college blueblood teams a massive “benefit of the doubt.” I don’t believe in that. Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. After the preseason rankings, only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games.

I re-rank the top 10 every Sunday from scratch. The previous week’s rankings do not factor into the next week. So, the rankings will change, sometimes drastically every week because we will have new information. So make sure to come back every Sunday. For reference, you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 10:

Next Up: Minnesota, Georgia, SMU, Michigan

Before you even ask: Auburn led Oregon for :09 of that game and Bo Nix has been awful passing the ball against any team with a pulse. Georgia has to play their way back in the mix after losing to 2-3 South Carolina at home.

10. Oklahoma Sooners (7-1)

Last Week: at 41-48 (L) Kansas State

Bad Loss to a good opponent. This is a much better loss that Georgia losing to S. Carolina The Sooners just ran out of time on their comeback against Kansas State. There are still no concerns about the Oklahoma offense even though they were stalled for much of the 2nd and 3rd quarters. However, the same cannot be said about Oklahoma’s leaky defense. At one point K-State scored on seven straight drives.

Alex Grinch had Oklahoma’s defense playing better but we should have seen this coming. They got no turnovers in the last three games and none Saturday either. Good defenses get stops and turnovers.

People are writing the Sooners out of the playoff, but it’s much too early, and way too many games left to do that.

9. Baylor Bears (7-0)

Last Week: 45-27 (W) at Oklahoma State

College Football Top 10

Baylor is a clear case of why preseason rankings matter in college football when they really shouldn’t. If any big named Power 5 conference team was 7-0 they would have so much more buzz around them. People would be talking CFB Playoff and Big 12 championship. I would be willing to bet most college football fans can’t name two players off their team. So, I’ll help out…

QB: Charlie Brewer, RBs: John Lovett, JaMycal Hasty, WR: Denzel Mims, Tyquan Thornton

8. Utah (7-1)

Last Week: vs 35-0 (W) vs Cal

Over the last two weeks, Utah has given up a total of 3 points and 230 yards of total offense. There is no more suffocating defense in college football. My question about Utah has been surrounding their offense. Can they score enough points in a shootout? Can Tyler Huntley be great passing the ball when someone stops their running game?

Since their surprising loss to USC, the Utes have been lights out. They do not have any signature wins set, but their dominance has been top tier and they have knocked down the opponents on their schedule. Things are falling into place for a top 10 showdown with Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship.

Utah Utes

7. Florida Gators (6-1)

Last Week: IDLE

This week off came at the perfect time for the Gators. They need to get a few guys healthy, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. And the Gators need to get their offense together during the first 3 quarters of the game. They are money in the 4th though!

Dan Mullens will have a chance to get his biggest win at Florida when they play Georgia this week.

6. Oregon Ducks (7-1)

Last Week: vs 37-34 (W) Washington State

Playing against the #1 offense in the nation is tough, but the Ducks passed the test. Injuries are starting to mount for the Ducks. They were without their best LB Troy Dye for the Washington State game and it showed. The Ducks offensive line is the reason this team is 7-1. If you have not watched Oregon’s left tackle Penei Sewell play please do so. He is the best OL in the country and he’s only a sophomore.

Justin Herbert’s stats aren’t eye-popping, but he is playing extremely efficiently and he’s not turning the ball over.

People thought the the Pac-12 was out of the CFB Playoff conversation. But ten weeks into the season Oregon and Utah are squarely back in the conversation.

Check out our Pac-12 Football Podcast, Pac-12 Apostles:

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5. Clemson Tigers (8-0)

Last Week: 59-7 vs Boston College

DOMINATION. This was probably Clemson’s most complete game of the season. It was good to see Trevor Lawrence have a game without an interception. I know it was against Boston College, but Alabama played Arkansas, the same thing. Dabo Swinney knows that his team just has to make it through their rather soft schedule unscathed to get to the CFB Playoff. The only difference between the Tigers and Bama is that Clemson struggled against UNC and Bama has struggled against no one.

Without any obvious opportunities for quality wins on the schedule, it is crucial the Clemson’s dominance remains on max.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0)

Last Week: 48-7 (W) vs Arkansas

No Tua, No Problem. Mac Jones stepped in and threw three touchdown passes to help Bama cruise to victory. All eyes will be on Tua’s ankle health over the next two weeks. Will he be back for the LSU game? We do need to see Bama’s rushing game improve.

It sure will be nice to see the Crimson Tide play a good team this season. Eight wins and no games against teams currently ranked in the top 25. The fact they have been #1 in the AP poll makes ZERO sense.

3. Penn State (8-0)

Last Week: 28-7 (W) at Michigan State

Slowly but surely the Nittany Lions are getting the respect they deserve. They have knocked off Iowa, Michigan, and Michigan State in consecutive weeks. Don’t even try to say Michigan is not good. They just blew the doors off Notre Dame who took Georgia to the edge. Penn State won’t be confused with an offensive juggernaut, but they do have serious big-play potential with WR KJ Hamler.

If Penn State finishes the season undefeated they will be the most battle-tested team in the nation. They would have beaten Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State, and the winner of the Big Ten West.

2. LSU (8-0)

Last Week: vs 23-20 (W) Auburn

Joe Burrow LSU

We finally have seen someone slow down LSU’s explosive offense. Joe Burrow still finished 32-42 for 321 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers just keep passing every test thrown at them. A lot of people questioned their defense, but they showed up big against Auburn. Aside from one 70 yard run that didn’t score, Auburn got nothing.

Everything is on the line for LSU against Alabama next week. Will Ed Orgeron be able to dethrone Alabama even though they were crowned preseason champions?

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0)

Last Week: vs 38-7 (W) Wisconsin

A lot of people expected the Wisconsin game to be close because of the bad weather, but I knew the Buckeyes would blow them out. This was a case of styles make fights. OSU’s high-powered offense against Wisconsin’s run the ball with ball-control style. The Buckeyes’ defense was just lights out. Chase Young is clearly the BEST defensive player in the country right now. There is no reason he shouldn’t be one of the frontrunners for the Heisman trophy. He dominated a very good offensive line with 4 sacks and 5 tackles for loss.

OSU continues to prove they are the most complete team in the country. They are dominant on offense, defense, and special teams. Plus they have multiple top 25 wins. They are the #1 team in the country.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 10.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9: Everything is Earned, Nothing is Easy

Unafraid Show's Pac-12 2020 NFL Draft Preview: Part Two

Welcome to the Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9. Aside from Oregon and Utah, it is nearly impossible to pick winners consistently from week to week in conference play. Teams who get a big win seem to get blown out the following week. It makes no sense, but that’s life in the Pac-12. The North division is all but wrapped up by Oregon while the South division is up for grabs. Even UCLA is still very alive to win the south. USC still controls its own destiny. Two teams, Oregon and Utah have a shot at landing a berth in the College Football Playoff Top 4 if things shake out in their favor.

Pac-12 Power rankings and standings

For Reference Check out the Pac-12 Power Rankings from Week 8.

Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9:

Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. Only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games. The Pac-12 Power Rankings will available on Unafraid Show every Monday morning. Make sure you send your comments and grievances to immad@unafraidshow.com.

12. Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 1-3)

Last Week: 10-41 (L) vs Washington State

It feels like we are watching a repeat of the 2018 season. Colorado started the season off hot. It looked like Mel Tucker changed whatever caused this team to lose seven straight last season. We all know the Buffs suffer from a lack of depth, particularly on the defensive side. However, it is the offense that is most concerning. They were averaging 30 ppg but have only scored a combined 13 points in the last two weeks.

Their schedule to finish the Pac-12 season is just as hard as the beginning. They will need a serious wakeup call to even compete for a bowl game. Maybe they should feed Lavishka Shenault the ball more.

11. Stanford Cardinal (3-4, 1-3)

Last Week: 16-34 (L) vs UCLA

Pac-12 Power Rankings UCLA

I thought Stanford had righted the ship when they beat Washington. But, I could not have been more wrong. You know things are going left when your offense is so bad that UCLA’s defense looks good. With the exception of Washington, Stanford’s running game has been largely ineffective. It feels so weird saying that about a David Shaw coached team for the second year in a row. “Intellectual Brutality” may be dead.

It doesn’t help matters that the Cardinal top two quarterbacks KJ Costello, and Davis Mills have been in and out of the lineup.

10. UCLA Bruins (2-5, 2-2)

Last Week: 34-16 (W) at Stanford

For the second year in a row, Chip Kelly’s UCLA is making a push in the back half of the season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is getting better and more effective leading the offense each week. The good news is that UCLA beat Stanford for the first time in a decade. And their defense is no longer the worst in the Pac-12 in scoring defense, total defense, and passing defense.

However, the Bruins should not get too happy because the Cardinal were really bad. Maybe, this team has an “Angels in the Outfield” type run in them in the home stretch of Pac-12 play.

9. Arizona Wildcats (4-3, 2-2)

Last Week: 14-41 (L) vs USC

There is no more confused team in the Pac-12 conference. “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways”. Arizona is unsure if they want to be a read-option team with Khalil Tate or a drop back and throw it team with Grant Gunnell. Until Kevin Sumlin makes a definitive decision of his style of play this team will continue to spiral out of control.

8. Cal Golden Bears (4-3, 1-3)

Last Week: 17-21 (L) vs Oregon State

I feel bad for the Cal Bears. They have the smallest margin for error of any team to win games with QB Chase Garbers injured. If Cal’s defense gives up more than 17 points they will struggle to win. It was just a month ago they were 4-0 and people believed this team could challenge for the North title. Now, they look like a team that will struggle to make a bowl game. They lost to Oregon State…

7. Oregon State Beavers (3-4, 2-2)

Last Week: 21-10 (W) at Cal

What an amazing couple weeks for the Beavers. First, they take down UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Next, they played a game that we will ignore to keep things positive. Then they come back and beat Cal. OSU has now doubled the amount of Pac-12 games they have won in the last 2 seasons combined. They also have matched their win total for the last two seasons combined as well.

Jonathan Smith has his team headed in the right direction and will no longer be a doormat for the teams ranked #3-12 in the Pac-12 Power Rankings.

6. Washington State Cougars (4-3, 1-3)

Last Week: 41-10 (W) at Colorado

Mike Leach instituted a social media ban and the team won a game. Those things are not related, but Leach would probably tell you it is. The reality is the Cougars have one of the nation’s best offenses and were playing against one of the worst defenses in the nation over the last couple weeks. The biggest of the season will be answered this week against Oregon. Has Leach fixed whatever prompted him to call his team, “fat, dumb, etc”, or will they get blown out again?

The HBO 24/7 cameras were following them around last week. So it will be interesting to see how Leach runs his program compared to Herm Edwards at Arizona State.

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5. Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2, 2-2)

Last Week: 3-21 (L) at Utah

In hindsight, last week’s loss at Utah was not as bad as it looked. In fact, it should have been expected. ASU’s offensive line is young, inexperienced, and had been extremely shaky all season. Then they went up against the best and oldest defensive line in the Pac-12. It should have been obvious what was going to happen. Every time Jaden Daniels dropped back to pass he was met by a Utah defended almost immediately. The stats say Daniels was awful at 4/18 passing. But, I highly doubt there is a QB in the nation who could have done much better under the circumstances.

The arrow is still way up on the Sun Devils. They are just young. I bet they will be preseason favorites to win the South in 2020.

The fact that Eno Benjamin managed to rush for over 100 yards in this game just speads to how good and NFL ready he is.

4. USC Trojans (4-3, 3-1)

Last Week: 41-14 (W) vs Arizona

Pac-12 Power Rankings USc

USC’s beat down of Arizona is a total good news, bad news situation. The good news is they dominated Arizona on both sides of the ball. And they got Kedon Slovis back under center and he looked sharp. The bad news is that injuries continue to mount for the Trojans. Their running backs were down to their 4th and 5th string by the time the game finished.

USC is 4-3 but still controls its own destiny in the Pac-12 south. Win out and a berth in the Pac-12 Championship and possibly Rose Bowl await. With the exception of the Oregon game, their last five games look very winnable.

3. Washington Huskies (5-3, 2-3)

Last Week: 35-31 (L) vs Oregon

It never feels good when you lose a game after being up 14 points on your biggest rival. Well, That’s what happened to the Washington Huskies. They had the Ducks on the ropes but couldn’t close the deal. Jacob Eason had arguably his best game of the season and the offense was spectacular for three quarters.

We are still not sure who Washington is though. Are they the team that was explosive offensively against Oregon or the team that looked lifeless against Cal and Stanford?

The Huskies get a much needed week off to regroup and finish the season strong and get to a good bowl game.

2. Utah Utes (6-1, 3-1)

Last Week: 21-3 (W) at Arizona State

Their matchup with Arizona State took a physical toll on both teams. We saw a lot of big hits, injuries, and even an ejection for targeting. The Utes imposed their will on the Sun Devils defensively. Leki Fotu, Bradlee Anae, and the rest of the defensive line absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage and lived in the ASU’s backfield. They held ASU and their freshman phenom Jayden Daniels to 25 yards passing.

Utah’s defense is now #1 in the Pac-12 in points per game (11.7) and total defense (252 ypg). The Utes are making a case for debate about who should be the #1 team in Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9.

Oregon Ducks Pac-12 Football

1. Oregon Ducks (6-1, 4-0)

Last Week: 35-31 (W) at Washington

It was gut-check time for the Ducks in the second half of the Washinton game. Justin Herbert grew up and extended plays to made a couple of big throws when his team needed him the most. But, this win was more about what Mario Cristobal has tried to build this team on; physicality, and running the football. Oregon’s offensive line, tight ends, and running backs took control of the game in the second half.

The Ducks now sport the Pac-12 second-best scoring offense (35.9 ppg) and defense (11.9 ppg). They will get every Pac-12 team’s best shot from here on out, so any let down will be rewarded with a loss.

Check back every Monday for the next Pac-12 Power Rankings Week 9.

College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9 As it Should Be

Justin Fields Ohio State

In back to back weeks we have a major upset that affects the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9 As it Should Be team. Wisconsin fell to Illinois a week after Georgia got stunned by South Carolina. UGA fell to #10 in the AP poll despite losing at home to a team with a 2-3 record. But, watch how far Wisconsin falls down the polls after losing on the road. This is the entire reason the CFB rankings As It Should Be was created. Rankings should be fair and unbiased, but that’s not the world we live in when preseason polls ultimately affect the final rankings.

The way this season is shaping up, everyone may be on board with an 8 team playoff. There will be so many 1 loss teams who will be deserving of a chance to play for a championship. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to have the five Power 5 champions and highest-ranked Group of 5 team to get automatic bids? There would still be two spots left for at-large bids. You would always get the best and most deserving teams in the tournament. That might actually cause teams to schedule better non-conference games because they would know they could still get in the CFB Playoffs with 1-2 losses. Fans would then get better games.

The Rules: No Bias, No Bull College Football Rankings

There is no more unbiased ranking out there than Unafraid Show’s College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 6. I get criticized from time to time by people who only want to see the college football world through the lens of the AP Poll. These rankings are not going to look like the AP Poll. Open your eyes to see a different view of evaluating the top 10. Most polls including the College Football Playoff Committee give college blueblood teams a massive “benefit of the doubt.” I don’t believe in that. Teams are ranked by the correct criteria: quality wins, schedule played, and dominance. After the preseason rankings, only games played matter. No consideration is given for future games.

I re-rank the top 10 every Sunday from scratch. The previous week’s rankings do not factor into the next week. So, the rankings will change, sometimes drastically every week because we will have new information. So make sure to come back every Sunday. For reference, you can check College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 8.

College Football Top 10 Rankings Week 9:

Next Up: Auburn, Georgia, SMU, Baylor, Wisconsin

Before you even ask: Auburn led Oregon for :09 of that game and Bo Nix has been awful passing the ball against any team with a pulse. Georgia has to play their way back in the mix after losing to 2-3 South Carolina at home.

college football rankings

10. Utah (6-1)

Last Week: Arizona State

Utah has really good players, but they also have grown men playing. Behind BYU, they may have the oldest average age in college football. I have tried to doubt this team offensively but Zack Moss and Tyler Huntley just keep getting it done. The best thing Utah has going is their defense. They are physical, stout, and stingy. Through seven games they are barely giving up over 10 points per game in a conference known for scoring points.

9. Notre Dame (5-1)

Last Week: IDLE

A week off won’t hurt the Fighting Irish. Their body of work is solid so far. But they will need to be dominant to finish the season to have any chance at the CFB top 4 with one loss. Notre Dame doesn’t face another team that will be ranked for the rest of the season (maybe Virginia Tech).

8. Florida Gators (6-1)

Last Week: 38-27 (W) at South Carolina

florida gators football

If this team is nothing, they are resilient. The Florida Gators fight till the end. They are a 4th quarter team. They seem to make plays on defense and offense when it matters the most. Kyle Trask has been the best thing to happen to this team offensively. He is not the runner that we are used to seeing on Dan Mullen led teams, but he is a good passer.

This team seems to have the inside track to the SEC East right now. But a November 2nd date with Georgia will be the deciding factor.

7. Oregon Ducks (6-1)

Last Week: 35-31 (W) vs at Washington

The Ducks marched into Husky Stadium to play their biggest rival Washington and walked out with a win. Washington threw everything except the kitchen sink at the Ducks and they responded in a major way. The biggest concern for Oregon at this point is injuries. They have to keep their key players healthy if they want to finish the season 12-1 and have a legit shot at the CFB Playoff.

This is not the same Oregon team that got conservative and lost to Auburn in the second half of week one. Their defense has been one of the best in the country and they have hit their stride offensively.

6. Penn State (7-0)

Last Week: 28-21 (W) vs Michigan

college football top 10 rankings

I have mixed feelings about their win against Michigan. They jumped out early 21-0 early in the 1st half, but couldn’t put the Wolverines away. Their offense was largely ineffective after that. Their defense allowed multiple big plays as well. But at the end of the day, a win is a win. Michigan is not a great football team, but they are a good football team. A quality win for the Nittany Lions. It was very tight decision between PSU at #6 and #4 ahead of Bama and Clemson because of their schedules.

The winner of the Big Ten is 100% getting in the CFB Playoff if they are undefeated. Penn State is more than halfway home and has earned their way into the #6 spot of College Football Rankings Week 9.

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5. Clemson Tigers (7-0)

Last Week: 45-10 (W) at Louisville

The Tigers’ defense is so good, and they might be even better than last year. Good thing because Trevor Lawrence is having a real sophomore slump. He now leads the ACC in interceptions thrown. But he finished the game with a solid stat line, 20-29 233 yards, and 3TD, 2ints. This team is still dominating everyone so how can you dock them too many points. Florida and Georgia have offensive struggles too, but nobody seems to discount them for that. Weird right… SEC bias?

The only thing separating Alabama and Clemson right now is that Clemson struggled against UNC. Neither team has played anybody worth talking about.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0)

Last Week: vs 35-13 (W) at Texas A&M

Alabama has not played one team that is currently ranked in the top 25. The fact they have been #1 in the AP poll makes ZERO sense.

Alabama is vulnerable this year. This is not the same team we are accustomed to seeing. They aren’t running the ball dominantly and their defense is young and inexperienced. Tua Tagoviloa is the engine that makes this team go. His leadership, accuracy getting the ball to their talented WRs is what makes this 2019 team special. He left the Tennessee game in the second half and everything changed.

If he has to miss any time Bama could be in trouble. They should be able to get past Arkansas next week, but LSU on November 9th won’t go well.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (7-0)

Last Week: 52-14 (W) vs West Virginia

The numbers for Jalen Hurts are just getting silly at this point. He added another nearly 394 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns. He now has 25 total touchdowns through seven games. It is hard to believe that Oklahoma’s offense is better than it was last year with Kyler Murray at QB, but they are.To make Oklahoma even more absurd, their defense is finally decent. They aren’t good yet, but are MUCH improved from the Swiss cheese defense last year.

2. LSU (7-0)

Last Week: 36-13 (W) at Miss State

College Football Rankings Week 9

LSU is destroying everyone in their way. Joe Burrow looks like not only an NFL quarterback, but he may be a franchise QB. I cannot wait to see this team play over the next three weeks against Auburn and Alabama. If they can win those two games, the path is clear to the College Football Playoff.

The only question is can their defense keep up when they get into a shootout.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)

Last Week: 52-3 (W) at Northwestern

Ohio State chewed Northwestern up and spit them out. This team looks incredible. Their offense and defense have cut through any resistance like a hot knife through butter. Justin Fields clearly made the right move by leaving Georgia. He looks better than Jake Fromm, and his team does too.

The Buckeyes will breeze to the CFB Playoff top four if they beat Penn State on November 23rd.

Check back next Sunday morning for the College Football Top 10 Power Rankings Week 9.

How the Best PAC-12 Defenses Stack Up with the Rest of College Football

Best pac-12 defenses

The PAC-12 may not be nationally known for having elite defenses, but this season it has become clear that many of the best overall defensive teams reside on the west coast, along with some of the best individual defensive players.

Four teams – Oregon, Utah, Arizona State, and Cal – are among the top 20 in all of college football in scoring defense, with another (Washington) coming in at No. 28.

Of course, the other side of that coin is that four other teams are actually among the 33 worst defenses in the NCAA at preventing scoring: Washington State, Arizona, Oregon State, and UCLA, who is allowing opponents to score a whopping 37.7 points on average.

So, as one might expect, the PAC-12 is actually pretty average defensively – at least when evaluating them based on points allowed.

Let’s take a look at those elite defenses though, and how they are getting it done in 2019.

Best Pac-12 Defenses 2019

Troy Dye Oregon Pac-12 defenses 2019

Oregon Ducks

The Ducks have long been stigmatized as a speedy, offense-oriented team with little attention or care for their defense – a stigma that has lasted well past the Chip Kelly era despite a reality that contradicts that narrative.

This season, Oregon is allowing the third-fewest points per game on average, at just 8.7 points per game. They are successful at limiting both the run game (107.5 rushing yards per game – 23rd in the nation) and the pass game (196.2 passing yards per game – eighth in the nation) which of course means they are in the top 10 in fewest yards allowed per game – eighth to be exact, at just 267.7 yards per game.

Linebacker Troy Dye, a potential first round pick, has been perhaps their biggest performer on defense, with 33 combined tackles and one sack.

Mase Funa and Kayvon Thibodaux are getting it done off the edge with 5.5 combined sacks, and safety Jevon Holland already has three interceptions.

The Ducks still have an outside chance at a college football playoff appearance, and while their strength is still their quarterback, Justin Herbert, their defense will have played a big role if they make it that far.

Utah Utes

The Utes are probably the PAC-12’s most impressive defensive team, although they are limited somewhat against the pass.

Led by a flurry of playmakers, including Devin Lloyd, Francis Bernard, Julian Blackmon, and Bradlee Anae, the Utes have held opponents to just 13.2 points per game on average.

Their run defense is elite, and would be the best in the entire NCAA were it not for the ridiculousness that is the University of Wisconsin’s defense.

While their pass defense still leaves something to be desired, they do have seven interceptions as a team, including three that have been returned for touchdowns.

Utah will contend for a Rose Bowl appearance this season, thanks primarily to their defensive prowess.

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Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State may not have the playmakers that Utah or Oregon have, but as a team, they have allowed just 17.7 points per game on average, good for 16th in the nation.

They are considerably better against the run than the pass, giving up big games to Washington State and Colorado who both like to attack through the air.

Still, it’s been a wildly successful season for the Sun Devils, who held the Michigan State Spartans to just seven points and only gave up 17 to Cal.

The team still has Utah and Oregon on their schedule, however, so they’ll need to really tighten up if they want to contend for the Rose Bowl this year.

Cal Bears Evan Weaver pac-12 defenses

Cal Golden Bears

Cal has one of the most exciting playmakers in the nation in linebacker Evan Weaver. Weaver leads the entire nation with 83 combined tackles, an absolutely ridiculous total through just six games.

Cal has only allowed one team to score over 20 points this season, in their 24-17 loss to Arizona State.

As such, their 18.3 points per game allowed ties them with Auburn for 18th in the nation – despite only average numbers in run and pass prevention.

The PAC-12 may not be known for their defensive prowess, but there are still a handful of elite defensive teams that can manhandle any opponent on any given night.

Pac-12 defenses are some of the best in all of college football in 2019.