Welcome back to my weekly column, A Look Around the Country. I’m highlighting notable games from the previous week, the week ahead and of course, the Heisman and Playoff race. Special features include an in-depth look at the Ohio State and a Michigan update, mainly for folks to bask in their misfortunes. Feel free to comment with your opinions, I hope you enjoy!
Notable Games Last Week
Michigan State 17, Ohio State 14
Welp, the Buckeyes were not able to overcome questionable play calling and terrible weather and dropped their first game since September 2014. The loss all but destroys Ohio State’s playoff hopes unless mayhem ensues the next 2 weeks. Michigan State finds themselves in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten East and with a win over Penn State, they will face Iowa in the Big Ten Championship with a trip to the Playoff on the line.
Baylor 45, Oklahoma State 35
Down goes another Big 12 playoff favorite as the Bears knocked off the Cowboys Saturday in Stillwater. Now the only hope for that conference remains with Oklahoma as a win over Oklahoma State would give them a great chance to make the Playoff.
Oklahoma 30, TCU 29
Oklahoma barely escaped TCU and will face the Oklahoma State Cowboys this week for the potential right to go to the Playoff.
Ole Miss 38, LSU 17
After the 3rd straight loss for the Tigers, it appears that the Les Miles era at LSU will be coming to an end at the conclusion of this season. Miles has one National Title in Baton Rouge and his firing will add just another name to the list for head coaching vacancies across the country.
Big Games This Week
Ohio State at Michigan
The greatest rivalry in sports will kick off for the 112th time this Saturday in Ann Arbor with the long awaited match up of Meyer vs Harbaugh, Part I. Ohio State’s playoff hopes are on life support with a New Year’s Six Bowl their likely destination unless they drop this one. Michigan has been playing inspired all season and let’s be honest, this Saturday’s game is all their fans, players, and coaches have been thinking about since Jim Harbaugh was hired. This will be an all out war like it always has been and I cannot wait to watch. There is just nothing like watching Scarlet and Gray clash with Maize and Blue. There is nothing else like it in the world. Woody and Bo will be smiling down onto Michigan Stadium come noon on Saturday.
Saturday, November 28 at Noon on ABC
Florida at Florida State
One of the best in-state rivalries in the country will take place in Tallahassee with Florida’s playoff hopes on the line. If the Gators are able to win this one, then beat Alabama in the SEC Title Game, it will be difficult to keep them out of the playoff. But the Noles have been waiting for this one all year and with it being at Doak, I give them the edge.
Saturday, November 28 at 7:30pm on ESPN
Notre Dame at Stanford
The Irish can likely clinch a playoff berth this Saturday with a win over Stanford, who has been no slouch this season. The only way the Irish are left out of the playoff after a win would be if everyone in front of them were to win, as well as Oklahoma. It would then come down to the playoff committee to decide. I think the Irish win and set up a rematch with Clemson down in the Orange Bowl. We shall see.
Saturday, November 28 at 7:30pm on FOX
Oklahoma at Oklahoma State
Bedlam! Playoff hopes will be on the line at Boone Pickens Stadium with the Sooners needing a win and some help from other teams across the country to make it into the playoff. The Cowboys controlled their own destiny but could not escape last weekend’s game with Baylor. I think Oklahoma State wins and the Big 12 will yet again be left on the outside looking in.
Saturday, November 28 at 8pm on ABC
That Team Up North Update
If you don’t know what this week is or what it means, get the hell out of here.
Heisman Watch
1. Derrick Henry, Alabama
Unless Henry has the worst game imaginable and Baker Mayfield goes off for 1000 yards, the Heisman Trophy will be headed to Tuscaloosa for the second time.
My Playoff if the Season Ended Today
*Editor’s Note: This will be a volatile poll every week based on performance in the past week and resume to date, very similar to the Playoff Committee.
1. Clemson
2. Alabama
3. Iowa
4. Notre Dame
Just Missed the Cut
5. Michigan State
6. Oklahoma
7. Baylor
8. Ohio State
9. Florida
10. Stanford
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