ESPN's analysts, reporters and Insiders weigh in on their top four teams From ESPN.com - College Football - Who's in? Playoff predictions
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Final 2014 Bowl Projections
I do not envy the selection committee. They got no help from the games this weekend, as TCU, Baylor and Ohio State all won, with the Buckeyes looking great without J.T. Barrett at quarterback. Projections and explanations below, with a bolded name and # signifying an accepted bid:
New Years Six Games
Rose (January 1 in Pasadena, CA) [Semifinal]: #2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State
Sugar (January 1 in New Orleans, LA) [Semifinal]: #1 Alabama vs. #4 TCU
Cotton (January 1 in Arlington, TX): Ole Miss (at-large) vs. Baylor (at-large)
Fiesta (December 31 in Glendale, AZ): Arizona (at-large) vs. Boise State (Group of 5 rep)
Orange (December 31 in Miami, FL): Georgia Tech (ACC) vs. Michigan State (highest ranked non-champ from Big Ten or SEC)
Peach (December 31 in Atlanta, GA): Ohio State (at-large) vs. Mississippi State (at-large)
· I’m sticking with TCU because the committee has been smitten with them all season and they put the appropriate level of beating on woeful Iowa State Saturday Baylor did their job against Kansas State but I have no idea if it’s enough to jump them that far. It’s incredibly weird that the playoff might come down to playing the Minnesota Golden Gophers instead of the Buffalo Bulls, but here we are. (And remember, Jeff Long said the last thing they’d look at would be head-to-head.) I think Ohio State’s loss to Va Tech takes them out of the conversation, even with the impressive title game win and how hard ESPN is pushing them. Also, it’s usually wise to trust Nate Silver’s math, even if even he thinks it’s tight.
· However, here’s the other angle: The committee is going to give too much weight to this weekend because of recency bias. Combine how good Ohio State looked with how easy it would be to exclude the Big 12 and blame them for not having a conference title game and you can start to see how the Buckeyes are in at number four. I’m not going to pretend to know how this is going to work out, but don’t disregard the idea of a group of powerful humans taking the easy way out. That would be a huge benefit to Ohio State.
· Florida State is probably going to be third.
· Ole Miss takes the spot projected to go to Wisconsin.
· Staying with Alabama over Oregon as number one, but don’t be surprised if the Ducks jump. The important thing for both is that the Tide will be relatively close to home in New Orleans while Oregon stays out west in Pasadena.
· Michigan State is a lock for the Orange as the highest ranked non-champion from the Big Ten or SEC. Because of this, the Big Ten loses its spot in the Citrus Bowl. The biggest gift the committee could give the Big Ten would be to move Mississippi State ahead of Michigan State, but considering they were both idle and the Spartans were two spots ahead of the Bulldogs, that seems improbable.
· Arizona and Boise State seem like Fiesta Bowl locks due to geography.
· I think the Big 12 team that isn’t in the playoff (whether it’s TCU or Baylor) is a lock for the Cotton, meaning Ohio State would head to the Peach. Ole Miss and Mississippi State will be their opponents and could swap spots, but considering the Rebels started their season in Atlanta, we’ll project them to go to the Cotton and Mississippi State to the Peach. If Ohio State makes the playoff, we’ll have a pair of Texas vs. Mississippi games.
The Rest
GoDaddy (January 4 in Mobile, AL): Northern Illinois (MAC) vs. Arkansas State# (Sun Belt)
Birmingham (January 3 in Birmingham, AL): Memphis (American) vs. Arkansas (SEC)
Alamo (January 2 in San Antonio, TX): Kansas State (Big 12) vs. UCLA (Pac-12)
Armed Forces (January 2 in Fort Worth, TX): Houston (American) vs. Western Kentucky* (C-USA alternate for Big 12)
Cactus (January 2 in Tempe, AZ): Oklahoma State (Big 12) vs. Washington (Pac-12)
TaxSlayer [Gator] (January 2 in Jacksonville, FL): Minnesota (ACC/Big Ten) vs. LSU (SEC)
Citrus (January 1 in Orlando, FL): Clemson (ACC over Big Ten) vs. Missouri (SEC)
Outback (January 1 in Tampa, FL): Wisconsin (Big Ten) vs. Auburn (SEC)
Belk (December 30 in Charlotte, NC): NC State (ACC) vs. South Carolina (SEC)
Music City (December 30 in Nashville, TN): Notre Dame (ACC or Big Ten) vs. Georgia (SEC)
Foster Farms (December 30 in Santa Clara, CA): Iowa (Big Ten) vs. Stanford (Pac-12)
Liberty (December 29 in Memphis, TN): West Virginia (Big 12) vs. Tennessee (SEC)
Russell Athletic (December 29 in Orlando, FL): Louisville (ACC) vs. Oklahoma (Big 12)
Texas (December 29 in Houston, TX): Texas (Big 12) vs. Texas A&M (SEC)
Holiday (December 27 in San Diego, CA): Nebraska (Big Ten) vs. USC (Pac-12)
Independence (December 27 in Shreveport, LA): Miami (FL) (ACC) vs. Florida (SEC/C-USA)
Military (December 27 in Annapolis, MD): Cincinnati (American) vs. Virginia Tech (Navy)
Pinstripe (December 27 in New York, NY): Duke (ACC) vs. Penn State (Big Ten)
Sun (December 27 in El Paso, TX): Boston College (ACC) vs. Arizona State (Pac-12)
BitCoin (December 26 in St. Petersburg, FL): Central Florida (American) vs. North Carolina (ACC/C-USA)
Quick Lane (December 26 in Detroit, MI): Pittsburgh (ACC/MAC) vs. Maryland (Big Ten)
Heart of Dallas (December 26 in Dallas, TX): Rutgers (Big Ten) vs. Rice (C-USA)
Bahamas (December 24 in Nassau, BS): Marshall (C-USA) vs. Toledo (MAC)
Hawaii (December 24 in Honolulu, HI): Louisiana Tech (C-USA) vs. Utah State (MWC)
Boca (December 23 in Boca Raton, FL): Middle Tennessee (C-USA) vs. Central Michigan (MAC)
Poinsettia (December 23 in San Diego, CA): San Diego State (MWC) vs. Navy# (Navy)
Miami Beach (December 22 in Miami, FL): East Carolina (American) vs. BYU# (BYU)
Camellia (December 20 in Montgomery, AL): Western Michigan (MAC) vs. South Alabama# (Sun Belt)
Las Vegas (December 20 in Las Vegas, NV): Colorado State (MWC) vs Utah (Pac-12)
New Mexico (December 20 in Albuquerque, NM): UTEP (C-USA) vs. Fresno State (MWC)
New Orleans (December 20 in New Orleans, LA): Louisiana-Lafayette# (Sun Belt) vs. Air Force (MWC)
Potato (December 20 in Boise, ID): Bowling Green (MAC) vs. Nevada (MWC)
· Oklahoma State is a surprising entrant to the conversation with their Bedlam upset in Norman, heading to the Cactus and bumping someone else out.
· Wisconsin’s loss was very bad news for the Big Ten, as it leaves the conference with more teams than bowl agreements. Illinois and Penn State are 6-6 but are coming off bowl droughts and have massive alumni bases. Maryland and Rutgers are 7-5 but are newcomers to the league. I’m projecting Illinois to be left out but the Quick Lane may elect to take the Illini due to their geographic advantage over the Terps, who could also end up in the Pinstripe.
· The only bowl with a spot open is the Armed Forces, and they have a secondary agreement with Conference USA. This means Western Kentucky (or whichever C-USA team is left out of their primary agreements) will rise above Texas State, Ohio, Temple and the leftover Big Ten team unless there is some wiggle room in the contract to allow a local team (Texas State) or Power Five team (Illinois?) to enter.
· Shuffling the Pac-12 because apparently the Foster Farms is all in on taking Stanford. The big loser here is Arizona State, who having recently played in the Holiday slips all the way down to the Sun. These things can happen when you end the season on a two-game losing streak.
· Boston College to the Pinstripe Bowl makes a lot of sense but there are reports the Blue Devils are a sure thing to head to Yankee Stadium.
· Pitt ends up going to Detroit for the second consecutive postseason. Sorry, Panthers, I just think the Military Bowl is going to go with relatively local Virginia Tech.
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Final 2014 Bowl Projections
Florida State, the nation's only undefeated team, should be in the playoff
Florida State just completed its second consecutive undefeated season, won its third consecutive ACC title and it’s going to spend the next 12 hours sweating about whether or not it’s going to be able to play for a national championship.
The College Football Playoff committee has been steadily downgrading the Seminoles for their close wins against what is perceived to be inferior competition. Consequently, the nation’s only undefeated team came into the night ranked No. 4 and its 37-35 win against Georgia Tech in the ACC title game might have done it few favors.
It’s the fourth consecutive game the Seminoles have won by five or fewer points. The difference in this contest is that Florida State actually held onto a lead instead clawing back from a deficit in the second half.
Still, with No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Oregon seemingly entrenched in their playoff spots, the Nos. 3 and 4 spots are creating the biggest mystery. No. 3 TCU thrashed Iowa State in its finale. No. 5 Ohio State dismantled Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game and No. 6 Baylor beat Kansas State. One could argue that each of those wins was better than Florida State’s.
It’s hard to fathom the committee leaving out the nation’s lone undefeated team, but it’s clear that it put the Seminoles on notice by dropping them to No. 4 and promoting TCU two spots to jump them.
It’s unfortunate Florida State is at the mercy of a committee that doesn’t think very highly of it because despite the score, Saturday’s ACC title game was the best offensive game the Seminoles have had in weeks. And while the defense was abused by the Yellow Jackets in the first half, it clamped down in the second half and helped secure the win.
By leaving the only undefeated team out of the playoff, if such a thing comes to pass, the College Football Committee risks setting a dangerous precedent. It’s essentially saying that no matter the result of a contest, teams are subject to the whimsy of the committee and how it feels a team should have played versus how it did play even if it won.
Winning is hard and no one has done it more consecutive times than Florida State. At some point, regardless of how the committee thinks about the way Florida State should have won, just winning has to count for something.
For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Florida State, the nation's only undefeated team, should be in the playoff
Ohio State blows out Badgers for Big Ten title
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Cardale Jones threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, Ezekiel Elliott ran for a career-high 220 yards and two scores and No. 6 Ohio State made an emphatic statement with a 59-0 rout over No. 11 Wisconsin in Saturday's Big Ten championship game. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Ohio State blows out Badgers for Big Ten title
Florida St. foils feisty Georgia Tech to win ACC
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Florida State has made its case to play for a second straight national championship. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Florida St. foils feisty Georgia Tech to win ACC
OSU's statement: 59-0 over Wisconsin
Cardale Jones threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, Ezekiel Elliott ran for a career-high 220 yards and two scores and No. 5 Ohio State made an emphatic statement with a 59-0 rout over No. 13 Wisconsin in Saturday's Big Ten championship game. From ESPN.com - College Football - OSU's statement: 59-0 over Wisconsin
Ohio State destroys Wisconsin to win Big Ten, but will the Buckeyes crack the Top 4?
Mission accomplished; but will it be enough to crack the Top 4?
The Buckeyes annihilated the Badgers in all phases en route to a resounding 59-0 victory – and they did so with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones making his first career start. Jones’ inexperience didn’t matter, though. Jones played a fantastic game, completing 12-of-17 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Each of those scores were on deep balls to Devin Smith (four catches, 137 yards) of 39, 44, and 42 yards.
Sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott had a huge game for the Buckeyes as well. On 20 carries, Elliott racked up 220 yards and two touchdowns. His 81-yard score in the first quarter was the first indication that the Badgers were in for a rough ride.
Overall, the Buckeyes, with their dominant offensive line, registered 558 yards of total offense against the nation’s second-ranked defense that allowed an average of only 260 yards per game all season.
While the offense continued to tack on points, the Ohio State defense was arguably even more impressive. It limited Wisconsin’s offense to just 258 yards (many of which came in garbage time) while running back Melvin Gordon, the nation’s leading rusher, was held to just 76 yards on 26 carries – a 2.9 yard average compared to the 8.0 yards per carry average he put up through the regular season. With Gordon getting consistently swallowed up, the Badgers had to go to the air more than they hoped. That didn’t work either.
It was a complete and thorough beatdown for 60 minutes.
There were no signs of any nerves for Jones despite making his first start on a huge stage. He completed his first three passes of the game – the third of which went to Smith for a 39-yard touchdown. If that didn’t settle him in, Elliott’s 81-yard scamper off a read option certainly did.
While the defense continued to stymie the Badgers, Jones and the offense scored points on their next three drives via a field goal and two touchdowns to go up 31-0 with 6:36 left in the first half.
The defense capped off the perfect half when defensive end Michael Bennett forced a Gordon fumble and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Joey Bosa returned it four yards for a touchdown to make it 38-0.
Ohio State took its foot off the gas pedal a bit in the second half. Jones hit Smith for a third time early on in the third quarter, but the Buckeyes mainly kept the ball on the ground and chewed up clock on the ground with Elliott and Curtis Samuel, who added two late touchdowns.
The win improved Ohio State’s record to 12-1 on the season, but will that one loss – a week two home setback to 6-6 Virginia Tech – end up costing the Buckeyes a spot in the College Football Playoff?
The four teams ahead of Ohio State in the CFP rankings – Alabama, Oregon, TCU and Florida State, along with No. 6 Baylor – all took care of business this weekend. The fourth-ranked Seminoles completed an undefeated season with a close win over Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship.
It’s hard to see the committee keeping the defending national champions out of the playoffs, so that final spot probably comes down to Ohio State and the Big 12 co-champions, TCU and Baylor.
Baylor beat TCU 61-58 on Oct. 11, and committee chair Jeff Long said Saturday morning that head-to-head wins and losses have not been factored into the rankings yet. With Sunday’s final rankings coming, that comment makes it sound like Baylor would be ranked higher than TCU with both teams finishing the season at 11-1 and the Bears winning the head-to-head matchup.
At that point, does Ohio State and its 11-game winning streak, capped off by Saturday night’s statement over Melvin Gordon and the Badgers, have a better resume than the Bears? The argument certainly can be made and the committee will have a hard time keeping the Buckeyes out of that No. 4 spot.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long to find out.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
For more Wisconsin news, visit BadgerBlitz.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Ohio State destroys Wisconsin to win Big Ten, but will the Buckeyes crack the Top 4?
ACC crown caps FSU's perfect regular season
Jameis Winston threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, and Florida State (No. 4 CFP, No. 2 AP) held off Georgia Tech (No. 11 CFP, No. 12 AP) 37-35 Saturday night to win its third consecutive ACC championship. From ESPN.com - College Football - ACC crown caps FSU's perfect regular season
Petty guides Baylor to share of Big 12 title
Bryce Petty threw for 412 yards, Johnny Jefferson had two touchdown runs and sixth-ranked Baylor claimed a share of its second consecutive Big 12 title with a 38-27 win over ninth-ranked Kansas State on Saturday night. From ESPN.com - College Football - Petty guides Baylor to share of Big 12 title
Petty helps No. 5 Baylor past No. 9 Kansas St
WACO, Texas (AP) Bryce Petty threw for 412 yards, Johnny Jefferson had two touchdown runs and fifth-ranked Baylor claimed a share of its second consecutive Big 12 title with a 38-27 win over ninth-ranked Kansas State on Saturday night. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Petty helps No. 5 Baylor past No. 9 Kansas St
Bama rips Mizzou in SEC title game
Bama rips Mizzou in SEC title game From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Bama rips Mizzou in SEC title game
Sooners lose RB Perine (ankle sprain) in loss
Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine's status for the Sooners' potential bowl game is in question after the true freshman left Saturday's 38-35 overtime loss to Oklahoma State with an ankle injury on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Sooners lose RB Perine (ankle sprain) in loss
Miller: We Have To Win With Defense
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Miller: We Have To Win With Defense
Danielson has issue with CFP committee's No. 1
Danielson has issue with CFP committee's No. 1 From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Danielson has issue with CFP committee's No. 1
Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy shows off his dance moves after beating Oklahoma (Video)
Oklahoma State scored 24 of the game’s last 31 points to upset in-state rival Oklahoma in overtime, 38-35. Part of that comeback was an explosive 92-yard punt return for touchdown by Tyreek Hill with just 45 seconds remaining to force overtime.
The win clinched bowl eligibility for the Cowboys and the post-game locker room was a joyous scene. It even featured head coach Mike Gundy showing off some wild dance moves.
We’ve seen Gundy’s dancing skills a few times in the past, but you know he had to bring out something special after beating the Sooners.
After the game, Gundy also cleared up some rumblings that he may be looking to take another job.
"I don't want anyone to think there's not a 100% commitment to #okstate from Mike Gundy. And there always will be. Period." Mike Gundy
— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) December 7, 2014 Hopefully that means we’ll get more videos of Gundy dancing in the future.
For more Oklahoma State news, visit OStateIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy shows off his dance moves after beating Oklahoma (Video)
Wichita St. rebounds with blowout of St. Louis
Ron Baker scored 18 points, and No. 8 Wichita State beat Saint Louis 81-52 on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Wichita St. rebounds with blowout of St. Louis
Big Ten tournament heads East to MSG in 2018
For now the Big Ten Tournament will make a cameo appearance in Madison Square Garden, but league commissioner Jim Delany said he doubts this will be a one-time only engagement. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Big Ten tournament heads East to MSG in 2018
After rolling Missouri, Alabama should stay at No. 1 in playoff rankings
And all signs point to yes after Alabama's 42-13 win over Missouri in Saturday's SEC Championship Game.
The Crimson Tide controlled the game basically from start to finish. While Alabama made a few unforced errors, it got away with them. And besides, with the way the game unfolded, it never felt like Missouri could capitalize anyway.
The Tigers pulled within 21-13 in the third quarter after the Tigers discovered that the best offense was a Maty Mauk scramble and deep heave to Jimmie Hunt. Twice it set the Tigers up for scores, but the second one only produced a field goal. At 21-17, perhaps it would have been a different ballgame. But instead, Missouri only got to within eight with an Andrew Baggett field goal.
As soon as Alabama got the ball back, it was an exercise in offensive efficiency. The Tide traversed 64 yards in 10 plays and Christion Jones capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown catch. After Missouri punted, Alabama was in the end zone again just over seven minutes later. The rout was on.
Missouri defensive end Shane Ray, a possible top-10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft if he declares, was ejected in the first half for targeting on a late hit on Alabama quarterback Blake Sims after Sims threw a TD pass to DeAndrew White. While Ray's absence certainly didn't help a Missouri defense that's incredibly reliant on the excellence of its front four, it wasn't a turning point in the game.
Before Ray left, Alabama spread Missouri out and used quick throws to the edges for big gains. The trend continued after Ray left with some strong running mixed in as well.
While Oregon looked incredibly impressive in exacting revenge on Arizona on Friday night in the Pac-12 Championship Game, Oregon's display shouldn't be enough to unseat Alabama at the top of the College Football Playoff committee's final rankings on Sunday.
Sure, you can nitpick with the Tide's deep pass defense, which was exploited for the second straight game, but the exploitations on Saturday only came after Mauk had been dispersed from the pocket and was freelancing. The play of Alabama's defensive front, which completely stopped Missouri's running game, is why Mauk was out of the pocket in the first place.
While Mauk ended up throwing for 272 yards, Missouri only ran for 41. Alabama compiled 504 total yards by averaging nearly 10 yards per pass and five yards per rush against one of the best defenses in not only the SEC, but the entire country.
The Tide may not be perfect, but no team is. Since Alabama entered Saturday at No. 1, there's no reason it should leave it anywhere else.
For more Alabama news, visit TideSports.com.
For more Missouri news, visit PowerMizzou.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - After rolling Missouri, Alabama should stay at No. 1 in playoff rankings
Zags come up short at line, fall to No. 3 Zona
No. 3 Wildcats beat No. 9 Zags 66-63 in OT From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Zags come up short at line, fall to No. 3 Zona
10 Things Better Than a Boyfriend
Holidays are a lovely time to spend with family...who all seem to ask the same question: "Are you seeing anyone?!" From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - 10 Things Better Than a Boyfriend
Oklahoma St beats No. 18 Oklahoma 38-35 in OT
NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Tyreek Hill returned a punt 91 yards for a touchdown with 45 seconds remaining to force overtime and Ben Grogan kicked a 21-yard field goal in the extra period to give Oklahoma State a 38-35 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma on Saturday. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Oklahoma St beats No. 18 Oklahoma 38-35 in OT
No. 1 Alabama routs Missouri 42-13 for SEC title
ATLANTA (AP) Blake Sims threw a pair of touchdown passes, T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry each had a couple of touchdown runs, and top-ranked Alabama pulled away in the fourth quarter to win its 24th Southeastern Conference championship with a 42-13 victory over No. 14 Missouri on Saturday. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 1 Alabama routs Missouri 42-13 for SEC title
No. 1 Bama earns SEC title, routs Missouri
Blake Sims threw a pair of touchdown passes and top-ranked Alabama pulled away in the fourth quarter to win its 24th Southeastern Conference championship with a 42-13 victory over No. 16 Missouri on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - No. 1 Bama earns SEC title, routs Missouri
OK State rallies, sinks Sooners on FG in OT
Tyreek Hill returned a punt 91 yards for a touchdown with 45 seconds remaining to force overtime and Ben Grogan kicked a 21-yard field goal in the extra period to give Oklahoma State a 38-35 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - OK State rallies, sinks Sooners on FG in OT
OSU lineman to wear Karageorge's No. 53
Ohio State defensive lineman Michael Bennett will wear No. 53 Saturday against Wisconsin to honor late teammate Kosta Karageorge. From ESPN.com - College Football - OSU lineman to wear Karageorge's No. 53
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has throat surgery
“We waited until the end of the regular season to surgically address an issue with Coach Beamer’s throat,” Virginia Tech head physician Dr. Gunnar Brolinson said in a statement. “The procedure went as planned, without complications, and he simply needs some rest before he returns to his normal routine. He’s been cleared to continue his game planning and film study and will return to the practice field as soon as possible. I fully expect Coach Beamer to coach in his 22nd consecutive bowl game.”
Beamer has coached Virginia Tech since 1987 and to get to his 22nd bowl, his team had to beat Virginia in its last game of the season to go to 6-6. The Hokies will find out their bowl destination on Sunday.
The school also said that Beamer was at home and resting comfortably in Blacksburg, Va.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has throat surgery
Oklahoma loses Perine to injury vs. OK State
Oklahoma loses Perine to injury vs. OK State From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Oklahoma loses Perine to injury vs. OK State
Ohio State's Michael Bennett to wear Kosta Karageorge's number (Photo)
Ohio State defensive end Michael Bennett will honor fallen teammate Kosta Karageorge in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday night.
Karageorge, a walk-on senior defensive tackle, was found dead last Sunday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, four days after he was reported missing. Per the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Bennett will wear Karageorge’s No. 53 instead of his usual No. 63.
☑️ Pads ☑️ Helmet ☑️ Uniform ☑️ Cleats We're ready to go. #GoBucks #B1GFCG http://ift.tt/1z9Etqr
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) December 6, 2014 As you can see above, Ohio State tweeted out a photo of its locker room in Lucas Oil Stadium with Bennett’s locker and his No. 53 jersey on the left.
According to the Plain-Dealer, Bennett, a senior with 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, was one of the pallbearers at Karageorge’s funeral on Wednesday.
Karageorge had a history of concussions and reportedly texted his mother the night he went missing and referenced the concussions while apologizing for being "an embarrassment."
“We knew he had a lot of concussions. But you never knew he was depressed or anything like that,” Bennett said earlier this week. “I think he was one of the most positive out of everybody, which goes to show you can’t tell when something sneaks up. There’s no way to notice it.”
The Buckeyes will also wear a helmet decal in Karageorge’s honor.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Ohio State's Michael Bennett to wear Kosta Karageorge's number (Photo)
Miley Cyrus Might Have Made Out With Paris Hilton?
Wow, busy week for reported lady-on-lady lovin’. After hearing that Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss may have (but totally didn’t) make out at a concert... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Miley Cyrus Might Have Made Out With Paris Hilton?
Report: Beamer to coach bowl after procedure
Report: Beamer to coach bowl after procedure From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: Beamer to coach bowl after procedure
Source: Beamer 'fine' after minor procedure
Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has undergone a minor medical procedure and will more than likely return for the Hokies' bowl game, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad, confirming an SI.com report. From ESPN.com - College Football - Source: Beamer 'fine' after minor procedure
Mizzou's Ray ejected for hit on Bama's Sims
Missouri standout defensive end Shane Ray was ejected for targeting early in the second quarter of the SEC championship game against No. 1 Alabama. From ESPN.com - College Football - Mizzou's Ray ejected for hit on Bama's Sims
Burger King Brings Back Yumbo [Stuff The Intern Forgot]
Burger King is bringing back the Yumbo, which is a ham-and-cheese sandwich that they have not served in 40 years. According to our friends over... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Burger King Brings Back Yumbo [Stuff The Intern Forgot]
Missouri standout DT Ray ejected for targeting
Missouri standout DT Ray ejected for targeting From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Missouri standout DT Ray ejected for targeting
Marshall comes from behind to beat La. Tech for C-USA title
Cato, Marshall’s senior quarterback, threw a late fourth quarter touchdown pass to freshman Deon-Tay McManus to give the Thundering Herd a come-from-behind 26-23 win over an undermanned Louisiana Tech team that played without five starters.
When McManus hauled in that game-winning catch with 1:50 left on the clock, it marked Marshall’s first lead of the game.
Despite playing at home, the Herd didn’t do much to help itself, turning the ball over four times and having a punt blocked late in the third quarter. Still, when a missed Tech field goal allowed Marshall to take over from its own 32-yard line down 23-19 with 5:01 to go, Cato, who finished with 308 yards passing, dinked and dunked his way down the field on an 11-play, 68-yard drive to win the game.
Playing at a rainy Joan C. Edwards Stadium, play favored the Bulldogs early on. Junior tailback Kenneth Dixon established his presence on the ground on La. Tech’s first drive, breaking off a few hard runs en route to a 26-yard field goal to open the scoring.
On the other side, Cato struggled to get anything going against a stout Bulldogs’ defense. The Herd came up empty on its first two drives, then on the third drive, an exchange between Cato and running back Steward Butler was fumbled and recovered by the Bulldogs. Dixon reeled off a 33-yard touchdown run on the very next play to give Tech a 10-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Marshall responded on a Cato-to-McManus touchdown on the next drive, but later on in the half, Marshall made another mistake – this time on special teams. A bouncing Bulldogs’ punt deflected off of Marshall’s Michael Johnson and Tech recovered. Four plays later, Dixon scored again – this time from 30 yards – to extend the lead to 17-7.
Marshall’s defense was able to keep Cody Sokol and the Bulldogs in check for the rest of the half and senior kicker Justin Haig hit two field goals to keep the Herd within striking distance at half, 17-13.
Haig hit his third 40-plus yard field goal to open the second half to cut the lead to one, but another Marshall miscue – a blocked punt – gave Tech great field position again. Dixon (20 carries, 156 yards) made the Herd pay again, scoring his third touchdown of the game from 19 yards out to open up a 23-16 lead (the extra point failed) heading into the fourth quarter.
Marshall’s first drive of the final frame ended in a lost fumble deep in Tech territory, but Tech could not capitalize this time around. Marshall got the ball back soon after and Haig hit his fourth field goal of the game, a 24-yarder, to cut the lead to 23-19.
Tech took over with 8:34 to go with a chance to eat up some clock, but its drive stalled when Marshall stuffed a 3rd-and-2 play from the Herd 28-yard line for a loss of four yards. Kyle Fischer then missed from 49-yards out, setting up Marshall’s game-winning drive.
Though its undefeated season was spoiled by Western Kentucky last weekend, Marshall’s C-USA title still gives it a shot to represent the Group of Five in a New Years bowl game. Of course, No. 22 Boise State would need to lose in the Mountain West title game Saturday night, but the chance is still alive.
If Boise does win, the 12-1 Herd, as league champions, will get to choose which C-USA bowl game it wants to play in.
The loss drops Louisiana Tech’s record to 8-5 heading in to a bowl game.
For more Marshall news, visit HerdNation.com. For more Louisiana Tech news, visit BleedTechBlue.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Marshall comes from behind to beat La. Tech for C-USA title
Green Bay stuns cold-shooting No. 15 Miami
Junior Carrington Love scored a career-high 20 points Saturday and Green Bay deployed an effective zone defense in the second half to hand the No. 15-ranked Miami Hurricanes their first defeat, 68-55. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Green Bay stuns cold-shooting No. 15 Miami
Virginia rolls to snap VCU's home win streak
Justin Anderson scored 21 points, including a late 3-pointer in the middle of a clutch 15-0 run, and No. 7 Virginia ended VCU's 22-game home winning streak with a 74-57 victory Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Virginia rolls to snap VCU's home win streak
Dads’ Surprisingly Impressive Holiday Dubstep Performance
Whatever excuse you had for not performing in the talent show just became null and void. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Dads’ Surprisingly Impressive Holiday Dubstep Performance
Marshall rallies, wins 1st C-USA championship
Rakeem Cato passed 5 yards to Deon-Tay McManus with 1:50 remaining to lift Marshall over Louisiana Tech 26-23 on Saturday for the Thundering Herd's first Conference-USA championship. From ESPN.com - College Football - Marshall rallies, wins 1st C-USA championship
Cincinnati claims share of AAC title with win over Houston
Cincinnati joined the party in first place with a 38-31 win over Houston on Saturday. The victory pushes the Bearcats to 7-1 in the conference and into a tie with Memphis and Central Florida, which clinched a share of the title on Thursday with a miracle Hail Mary touchdown to beat East Carolina.
Cincinnati's only loss of the season was to Memphis. But the head-to-head matchup doesn't matter. Since the AAC plays an eight-game schedule and there are 11 teams in the conference, not everyone plays each other. UCF, which lost to UConn, didn't play either Cincinnati or Memphis. The Tigers' only conference loss was to Houston.
The Bearcats were up 35-17 at the end of the third quarter on Saturday but things got a little dicey in the fourth. A horrific blown coverage on Houston WR Markeith Ambles resulted in an 89-yard touchdown as Houston cut the lead to 35-24.
Then, after the lead was sliced to 38-31 with over five minutes to go, Cincinnati had to weather a last-ditch drive by Houston. But three consecutive incompletions in the end zone ended the game and gave the Bearcats the win.
Quarterbacks Gunner Kiel and Munchie Legaux split time for Cincinnati and they were both effective. Kiel was 15-24 for 190 yards and two touchdowns and Legaux was 10-14 for 158 yards. RB Mike Boone had 17 carries for 85 yards and three touchdowns.
Though there are three co-champions, it's likely the AAC will be shut out of any chance at the New Year's Day Bowl spot that's given to the highest-ranked champion of the AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt. Boise State is a big favorite against Fresno State and Conference USA champion Marshall has just one loss. Each of the AAC's three teams has three total losses.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Cincinnati claims share of AAC title with win over Houston
SMU wins at UConn for first victory of season
SMU wins at UConn for first victory of season From College Football News : CBSSports.com - SMU wins at UConn for first victory of season
TCU has done its job, now it's up to the College Football Playoff committee
TCU made its final statement by soundly defeating Iowa State 55-3 to notch an 11-1 record and claim a share of the Big 12 title.
But will it be enough to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff?
To this point, the College Football Playoff committee has been mostly pro-TCU, elevating it to No. 3, ahead of undefeated Florida State, after last week’s dominance of Texas. However, the Horned Frogs loss to No. 6 Baylor continues to be the elephant in the room.
Baylor and several pundits contend that because Baylor defeated TCU in their game this season, the Bears should earn a playoff spot over the Horned Frogs. The committee has contended that the two resumes have not been comparable up until this final point, so head-to-head has not come into play.
However, Baylor does face No. 9 Kansas State tonight, a game that many believe will level the playing field between TCU and Baylor.
But that doesn’t change the fact that TCU is ahead of Florida State and Ohio State, which also have games this evening. This isn’t just a matter of swapping one team for another, it’s a matter of saying Baylor is better than Ohio State and Florida State, or, at the very least, Ohio State if those teams win.
Also, there’s nothing that says Baylor and TCU can’t both be in the playoff if the scenario works out that way, though the Bears would almost assuredly need Florida State to lose.
The bottom line is that if TCU, which was in the playoff heading into the weekend and did more than enough to show it belongs in the playoff, is removed from the top 4 then the system needs an overhaul. What’s the point of ranking teams week-by-week if those rankings really mean nothing? All the committee is doing is giving teams false hope and then telling them that whatever they do on the field is at the mercy of the subjective criteria of 12 people sitting in a hotel boardroom.
All of this, of course, could be a moot point if Baylor loses or even plays a close game with the Wildcats. TCU beat Kansas State 41-20. All things considered, Baylor would probably have to have a similar victory to level the playing field if we’re to believe the committee’s logic in comparing these two teams.
From the time the playoff was announced, it was clear that no matter how it played out, someone was going to be upset. Whether it was four teams or eight teams, someone was going to feel cheated. There’s no perfect system and some team is going to fully understand that by the end of the weekend.
For more TCU news, visit PurpleMenace.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - TCU has done its job, now it's up to the College Football Playoff committee
SMU avoids winless season with victory over UConn
For the first time since 2011, there will be no winless team in major college football.
SMU, which entered Saturday at 0-11, went to UConn and won 27-20 on Saturday for the program's first win in 378 days. SMU, was 5-7 last season and last won at South Florida on Nov. 23, 2013.
And the victory resulted in a bath for interim coach Tom Mason.
Former Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris was announced earlier in the week as SMU's new coach. June Jones had resigned two games into the 2014 season and was replaced by Mason.
Want to congratulate the players, staff and the Seniors at SMU on the WIN today. #Tempo #PonyUP
— Chad Morris (@coachchadmorris) December 6, 2014 Saturday's winning touchdown was scored with less than 10 minutes left by running back Prescott Line to break a 20-20 tie.
UConn punted the ball back to SMU with 4:13 left in the hopes of using all three timeouts to get the ball back for one more chance to tie the game. However, Line ran for 17 yards on 3rd-and-1 to give SMU a critical first down after UConn used two timeouts. From there, Matt Davis runs of 21 and 16 yards iced the game.
Not only was SMU winless before Saturday, all of its losses had been ugly. The Mustangs entered with an average loss of 42-10. The worst loss was a 56-0 drubbing at the hands of TCU and the closest was a 14-13 loss to South Florida. Had the Mustangs lost, SMU would have been the only winless team at the FBS level.
Now, with Morris taking the reins of the program, SMU has some optimism pointing towards 2015. The rebuilding job may not be any easier because of the game, there's at least a reason to smile about 2014.
For more SMU news, visit HillTopics.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - SMU avoids winless season with victory over UConn
Watch: Arizona Center Pukes on Football Before Hiking It — Like A Boss [VIDEO]
Watch as the center for the University of Arizona football team vomits on the ball–but doesn’t let that stop him from snapping like a boss…...
From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED » COED - Watch: Arizona Center Pukes on Football Before Hiking It — Like A Boss [VIDEO]
From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED » COED - Watch: Arizona Center Pukes on Football Before Hiking It — Like A Boss [VIDEO] No. 3 TCU blasts Cyclones in final playoff pitch
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) Trevone Boykin passed for a career-high 460 yards and caught a touchdown pass as No. 4 TCU earned at least a share of the Big 12 championship and did nothing to hurt its case to be included in the College Football Playoff with a 55-3 victory against lowly Iowa State on Saturday. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 3 TCU blasts Cyclones in final playoff pitch
Cincy holds off Houston for American title share
CINCINNATI (AP) Gunner Kiel threw for a pair of touchdowns before leaving again, and Mike Boone ran for three touchdowns as Cincinnati held on for a 38-31 victory over Houston on Saturday that that clinched a share of the American Athletic Conference championship. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Cincy holds off Houston for American title share
SMU avoids winless season, beating UConn 27-20
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) SMU quarterback Matt Davis ran for 191 yards and a touchdown and threw for another 145 yards to lead the Mustangs to their only win of the season, 27-20 over UConn. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - SMU avoids winless season, beating UConn 27-20
TCU routs Iowa St. to earn share of Big 12 title
Trevone Boykin passed for a career-high 460 yards and caught a touchdown pass as TCU earned at least a share of the Big 12 championship and did nothing to hurt its case to be included in the College Football Playoff with a 55-3 win over Iowa State. From ESPN.com - College Football - TCU routs Iowa St. to earn share of Big 12 title
No. 2 Wisconsin shakes off rival Marquette
Josh Gasser scored 12 points on four 3-pointers, 7-footer Frank Kaminsky added 15 points and 10 rebounds and No. 2 Wisconsin managed a 49-38 win Saturday over Marquette. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - No. 2 Wisconsin shakes off rival Marquette
Follow: No. 3 TCU rolling to win vs. Iowa St.
Follow: No. 3 TCU rolling to win vs. Iowa St. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Follow: No. 3 TCU rolling to win vs. Iowa St.
McElwain brings can-win attitude to Florida
Florida coach Jim McElwain took playful shots at his alma mater, Eastern Washington, the NFL's Oakland Raiders and himself. From ESPN.com - College Football - McElwain brings can-win attitude to Florida
SEC Championship Game 2014: Cheerleader Photos
Tonight the Missouri cheerleaders will have to do everything in their power to pump up their fans to beat the Alabama Crimson Tide. It’s going... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - SEC Championship Game 2014: Cheerleader Photos
NJIT stuns No. 17 Michigan using critical 3
Damon Lynn made a critical 3-pointer with less than three minutes to go and finished with 20 points to help New Jersey Institute of Technology stun No. 17 Michigan 72-70 Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - NJIT stuns No. 17 Michigan using critical 3
Vols' Woodson sits this week to focus on school
Tennessee forward Dominic Woodson won't dress for Saturday's game with Kansas State after being excused from team activities this week to focus on academic obligations. From ESPN.com - College Basketball - Vols' Woodson sits this week to focus on school
Dressing Up as Common Adjectives
Photo: ELLE As Sylvia Plath pleaded “Is there no way out of the mind?” so we ask ourselves: “Is there no way out of adjectives?” Who hasn’t suffered from the unintended cruelty of a carelessly thrown adjective: what do you mean I’m “weird,” “tired,” and “plump”? I thought I was edgy, melancholy, and curvy. The […] From College Fashion - Dressing Up as Common Adjectives
What Happens When Girls Get Ready Together
The scene: a friend’s dorm room, your bedroom, or a hotel room. The characters: a group of friends greater than the room’s capacity. Clothes are... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - What Happens When Girls Get Ready Together
Watch TCU QB Trevone Boykin grab his first-career TD reception (GIF)
TCU needed a big effort against Iowa State on Saturday to secure its spot in the College Football Playoff and it got everyone’s attention early with a trick play for its first score of the game.
Quarterback Trevone Boykin took the snap at TCU’s 45-yard line, threw a lateral to receiver David Porter, who threw it back to Boykin. Boykin, who played some receiver last season, had a wall of blockers in front of him and he scampered down the sideline to the end zone.
It was Boykin’s first career touchdown and a nice highlight as he competes for the Davey O’Brien and Heisman Trophy.
For more TCU news, visit PurpleMenace.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Watch TCU QB Trevone Boykin grab his first-career TD reception (GIF)
Ga. Tech extends coach Johnson through 2020
Ga. Tech extends coach Johnson through 2020 From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Ga. Tech extends coach Johnson through 2020
Report: Six La. Tech players ruled ineligible
Report: Six La. Tech players ruled ineligible From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Report: Six La. Tech players ruled ineligible
14 Ways Sorority Girls Celebrate December
Impromptu photo shoot in the snow! From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - 14 Ways Sorority Girls Celebrate December
Johnson, Georgia Tech agree on extension
Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension through the 2020 season, athletic director Mike Bobinski announced Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Johnson, Georgia Tech agree on extension
Woman Who Won the Week: Stella Maxwell Gets Known With Victoria’s Secret [PHOTOS]
Stella Maxwell hit the runway for the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show this week–along with six other newcomers, but Stella really took a big leap... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Woman Who Won the Week: Stella Maxwell Gets Known With Victoria’s Secret [PHOTOS]
How To Live Your Life In Amy Poehler GIFs
Amy Poehler is a goddess. I firmly believe that whatever powers that exist beyond our mortal plane sent us this golden-haired, twinkly-eyed, cackling sprite as... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - How To Live Your Life In Amy Poehler GIFs
Looks on Campus: Gabrielle – DePauw University
Gabrielle considers herself to be new to style and fashion, but she looks like an old pro. Her blue hair caught my eye on campus before, and has rapidly become her signature look. Friendly, adorable, and smart, Gaby wants to be a doctor so she can help others. While she still is learning about fashion, […] From College Fashion - Looks on Campus: Gabrielle – DePauw University
Eliminator -- College football's Week 15 victims and survivors
The Ducks are in, but three more playoff spots are up for grabs on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Eliminator -- College football's Week 15 victims and survivors
7 Movies Your Boyfriend Will Drag You To See Over Winter Break
Exodus: God and Kings Release Date: December 12, 2014 Why It Might Not Be So Bad: This isn’t your Sunday school version of the well-known... From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - 7 Movies Your Boyfriend Will Drag You To See Over Winter Break
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