Urban Meyer is, according to the only other man anyone would consider for the title, “the best college coach right now in football.” Those are Nick Saban’s exact words. Although to be fair, he said that on GameDay last week before Ohio State turned in what Meyer called “one of the worst-executed performances since we’ve been here.” He wasn’t just talking about the players; Meyer is the type of person who, if you were to invite him to your house and sucker punch him at the front door, would blame himself for not expecting it. He also has an unimpeachable track record of quickly turning setback into progress, so if you think you’re going to get another jab in, he will make you pay.

While there are a number of issues contributing to the uncharacteristic lack of offensive production, the foremost in everyone’s mind is the quarterback situation. To say that it’s been a rollercoaster ride would be both a cliché that I am better than and also an entirely accurate metaphor. Neither starter Cardale Jones nor backup J.T. Barrett has been impressive since week one. It’s enough to furrow the brow of even the most optimistic fan, except: week one. Both QBs looked great against Virginia Tech in the opener and have inexplicably regressed in the following two games.

Jim Harbaugh has no doubts about his quarterback. Jake Rudock has not performed well in any of the three games so far, yet there doesn’t seem to be any significant challenger behind him. One could argue that this is actually a preferable position to be in, and it probably is, if your team isn’t shouldering the expectations that come with returning a large percentage of a national championship team and being the first-ever consensus #1 team in the pre-season AP poll.

Harbaugh has the luxury of being a slam-dunk hire at a top-notch program coming off an extended period of poor performance. Every win is another Reese’s in his plastic pumpkin bucket. When you have no expectations, your confidence can’t be shaken. Michigan’s 2-1 record is viewed as an improvement, despite being exactly the same as last year. (In fact, the Wolverines haven’t started worse than 2-1 since 2008, when they only won three games all year.)

And for all the indecision Meyer seems to be having about his quarterbacks, one thing still hasn’t changed: Jones will start again today, for the seventh consecutive game. He is currently 6-0 as a starter, although it’s difficult to credit him for the NIU win. Many fans are disappointed by this decision, and you can’t really blame them. It’s a pretty typical reaction when the starting QB is struggling, even when the backup didn’t finish fifth in Heisman voting the previous year.

But if you can’t have confidence in a three-time national championship coach who has won 93% of the games he’s coached at Ohio State, then who exactly is going to earn your trust? Consider the stats of Barrett, Jones, and Rudock so far this year:

A. 56.5% completion, 7.3 yards/attempt, 118.82 rating
B. 64.8% completion, 6.4 yards/attempt, 118.46 rating
C. 57.1% completion, 5.5 yards/attempt, 116.61 rating

A is Cardale Jones. J.T. Barrett is C. Yet, I’m pretty sure Urban isn’t lying awake at night, cursing the heavens that he doesn’t have Jake Rudock on his roster.

An area where both teams (and fan bases) can find an abundance of confidence is the defensive side of the ball. Northern Illinois’ Drew Hare threw for around 360 yards in each of his first two games, but only managed 80 against Ohio State. Similarly, Michigan stifled the UNLV running game, which had put up respectable if not stellar numbers in their first two games. Through three games, both teams rank in the top 15 in yards allowed per carry, and in the top 25 in yards allowed per pass attempt. Overall, Ohio is #3 and Michigan is #7 is yards allowed per play.

Of course, all that really matters is the score, and again both teams do a phenomenal job of keeping their opponents out of the end zone. Ohio State is giving up just 12.3 points per game, good for #11 in the country (tied with Clemson.) Michigan is right behind, giving up 12.7 and sharing the #13 spot with Wisconsin.

Today, Michigan welcomes #22 BYU, fresh off a disappointing 1-point loss to UCLA. A victory in this game could potentially catapult the Wolverines into the top 25. Statistically, BYU doesn’t really excel at anything except game-winning Hail Mary passes. This is a prime opportunity for Michigan to make a statement in a game against a team that is probably overrated.

Ohio State will be hosting Western Michigan and looking to play with the kind of confidence they displayed on Labor Day night, which seems much longer than just 19 days ago. The Broncos only real strong point is their passing attack; QB Zach Terrell has already thrown for 947 yards this year (that’s over 400 more than Ohio State’s QBs) and his backup is Joe Flacco’s brother, who looked decent in limited action against Murray State last week.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will look to settle an under-performing quarterback battle but mainly to improve their record to 4-0 this coming weekend when they take on Western Michigan. Here are the need-to-knows about the game:

When: Saturday, September 26 @ 3:30 pm

Where: Ohio Stadium. Columbus, Ohio

TV: ABC/ESPN2

Spread: Ohio State (-27)

The Western Michigan Broncos bring in a 1-2 record into Columbus in hopes of knocking off an uninspiring Ohio State Buckeyes team who is still struggling to find its starting quarterback.

This is something that Broncos head coach PJ Fleck will be looking to take advantage of in his game plan to stop the Buckeye offense. Interestingly, Fleck knows the Buckeyes well as he was a graduate assistant for OSU in 2006. Fleck played at Northern Illinois as a wide receiver, and he is currently 10-18 in his coaching career at Western Michigan. While earning 2014 MAC Coach of the Year, Fleck made some progress with an 8-5 record, but his team fell to Air Force in the bowl season, 38-24.

Players to Watch

Western Michigan’s aerial attack with star wide-outs Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman should be provide a good test for Buckeye corner-backs Eli Apple and Gareon Conley. Davis and Braverman recorded a combined 164 receptions, 2,405 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns last season. So far this season, they’re on pace to pass those markers. In the first three games, Davis has tallied 309 yards on 18 receptions with three schools, while Braverman has amassed 398 yards on 40 receptions and also three touchdowns.

The gunslinger for the Broncos is junior quarterback Zach Terrell who has thrown for 947 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season, six of them going to either Davis or Braverman.

For the good guys, it will be intriguing to see who Meyer starts at quarterback, but I would expect to see more of Braxton Miller who was only targeted two or three times in last week’s game against Northern Illinois. I would also keep an eye out for junior h-back and wide receiver Dontre Wilson to fully emerge as a true weapon in the midst of an offense with so many other weapons. Wilson made an impressive appearance, albeit a small one in last week’s game against the Huskies. He recorded three receptions for 20 yards, but he showed the quickness and speed that has been lacking from the offense thus far. Lastly, a true deep threat is still needed for “Zone 6” to replace last year’s Devin Smith, and I expect Johnnie Dixon to have a solid game at the receiver position this week.

Prediction

Western Michigan – 10 / Ohio State 52

This should (hopefully) be the week that the Buckeyes offense explodes and figures themselves out. Even though the starting quarterback is still unknown, I expect either one to get out of their slump. Meyer should correct the offensive struggles out with Warriner and Beck, and the results will be explosive and more reminiscent of the season opener against Virginia Tech.

The defense will remain solid despite giving up one touchdown to the Broncos’ passing attack, and the fans should be able to breathe a sigh of relief before the Buckeyes start their Big Ten Conference slate with Indiana the week after.

For those looking to break the game down with the opposition, you can check out the Broncos Stampede forum.

Two very sluggish and lackluster offfensive performances in a row. Coming off a game that saw starting quarterback Cardale Jones post 4/9 passing for 36 yards, with 2 interceptions, the popular opinion was that J.T. Barrett would claim the starting quarterback spot against Western Michigan.

As is often in life, popular opinion was incorrect. Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer stated that Cardale Jones would still start at quarterback.

While the quarterback decision loomed over the proceedings this week, there are other areas related to Ohio State that must be considered as they take on Western Michigan in Ohio Stadium at 3:30 pm ET on ABC (or ESPN, depending on where you live).

1. Establishing A Consistent Offensive Identity ~ I completely agree with Coach Meyer when he states that “Quarterbacks are product of those around them”. I also believe that in many respects that Ohio State may have an issue with having too many weapons that the coaching staff is trying to incorporate into the offense. If you are not aware of how Meyer came to design his style of the spread option offense, please click on this link to learn about when Coach Meyer was an assistant at Notre Dame, and a painful loss to Nebraska that did not include former Fighting Irish WR David Givens.

What is the point? That in the quest to include playmakers, Ohio State is deviating from what led them to the emphatic victories over Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon on their way to the national championship in 2014.

To make Cardale Jones more effective at quarterback, Ohio State needs to be able to run the ball with authority against Western Michigan. Yes, I know Ezekiel Elliott has been running for over 100 yards against Hawaii and Northern Illinois, but the running game has not been nearly as dominant as it was last season in those aforementioned games. Once Ohio State has the dominant running game going, it will open up the passing game for play-action opportunities down the field. Once the running game is going north and south, it will open up the opportunity to run east and west with Braxton Miller or Curtis Samuel out of the wildcat. In case this sounds familiar, it is because I mentioned it earlier this week on our regularly scheduled edition of the Men of the Scarlet and Gray Podcast with Shannon Sommers.

2. Be Patient With Cardale Jones ~ Easier said (or in this case, written) than done. No quarterback can get into a rhythm if they believe they will be pulled after the first time a mistake is made. I was in Ohio Stadium last weekend against Northern Illinois, and the mood was palpable after Jones threw his second interception that Barrett would be entering the game. While I hope and believe Jones will play better than he did against Northern Illinois, it is crucial for Jones’ confidence that he is given the opportunity to go the distance, to squash any chances of a quarterback controversy from growing beyond the point that it already has.

3. “A Lot Of Hope Is Dangerous” ~ If that phrase sounds familiar, props to you for recognizing it. Northern Illinois left Ohio Stadium feeling that the game at Ohio State was winnable, as Ohio State only defeated them 20-13. How does this relate to Western Michigan? It will be important for Ohio State’s psyche to crush the hope of Western Michigan, early and often. Once Ohio State gets a lead, it will be crucial to maintain a level of intensity that has not been seen this season since the opening game victory at Virginia Tech.

Prediction: Look for Ohio State to come out with a focus and intensity after what can only be presumed as a physical week of practice. While I have no idea how Cardale Jones will perform, look for a better game plan that will take the best of Jones’ talents, and the offensive line playing at a level not seen since the opening game. I am going Ohio State 42, Western Michigan 14.

I would be remiss if I did not give many plaudits and compliments to my co-host Shannon Sommers on the Men of the Scarlet and Gray podcast for lining up the esteemed Bill King as a guest. Bill was tremendous in our interview, and if you have not yet heard the podcast, you are really missing out on what was a very informative and fun time.

Believe it or not, the 2015 regular season is a quarter of the way complete. Even though the #1 Buckeyes are sitting at 3-0, there is a lot that needs fixed.

Ohio State has made a smart move and hired me- Nick Picker (2 time America’s Top Business Analyst) to come to Columbus and give a report on how each department is running.

Despite the 6 figure salary it brings me, appraisals are arguably the dumbest invention in human history. Confused as to why your business is struggling? Why not pay some arrogant jamoke thousands of dollars to come visit you for a week and pass judgement? Mortgage appraisals are even worse…

You want house? Not before some nerd slithers around your new place and cuts the value of your future home by 10K because Ned (who lives a mile away) lost his job and got his house foreclosed on (This is literally how it works).

What were we talking about? Oh football. I graded every department of the Bucks on the standard business model: Needs Improvement, Meets Expectations or Exceeds Expectations based on the first three games.

Here’s my Quarterly 2015 Ohio State Football Appraisal:

Of course I will start with the Quarterback Department:

Grade: Needs Improvement

Assessment: There is too much talent here between Barrett and Jones to play as poorly as they have the last two weeks. Not all the fault lies with them and I will get into that later.

Action Plan: Start using your legs more. This offense has flourished when the quarterback is a threat to keep the ball and for some reason this has been forgotten the last two games. This will open up the field more for everybody on offense.

RB and HB Department:

Grade: Meets Expectations

Assessment: Elliott is still the best player on offense and will start breaking more long gains when others around him improve. Braxton and Samuel (now moved to WR) have been steady. Need more big plays. Brionte Dunn should get more carries.

Action Plan: Other than some concerning fumbles, there is not much these guys can do until the blocking and passing game improves. Just keep hitting the holes and eventually the big plays from week 1 will be common place.

Wide Receiver Department:

Grade: Meets Expectations

Assessment: The only reason this wasn’t a needs is because Michael Thomas (on the few chances he has been given) has been exceptional. It seems every time he is targeted it is a first down, pass interference or touchdown. Curtis Samuel has been moved to WR on this weeks depth chart due to injuries to Parris Campbell and Noah Brown. Freshmen Johnnie Dixon and Terry Mclaurin need to become veterans and quick. Is Corey Brown still on the team?

Action Plan: To everybody but MT: If you’re not going to become a downfield threat then at least start blocking. Start going downfield more and make Braxton run legit WR routes 5-10 times a game.

Tight End Department:

Grade: Needs Improvement

Assessment: Does Ohio State have tight ends anymore? Nick Vannett had a few catches last week and appeared to find holes in the zone but how about somebody make a play? Marcus Baugh is supposedly coming along…

Action Plan: Go on the field and do normal tight end things like block and make a catch.

Oline Department:

Grade: Needs Improvement

Assessment: Out of sync is the best way to describe this unit. Odd fronts have caused confusion, penalties and no room for the running game. Very disappointing for a department with so much experience.

Action Plan: How about when you practice during the week you actually prepare for multiple fronts? Understand that when you are Ohio State and defending National Champion that teams will try to trick you with new wrinkles. Maybe get your mean streak back?

Dline Department:

Grade: Exceeds Expectations

Assessment: Stifling the run game and chaotic pressure on the quarterback have been the norm for this crew. Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard have been outstanding newcomers while Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington have been QB and RB nightmares.

Action Plan: Keep doing what you’re doing.

Linebacker Department:

Grade: Exceeds Expectations

Assessment: Joshua Perry and Raekwon McMillan have been steady tacklers and exactly what is needed for the defense. Darron Lee has been arguably the best defensive playmaker in the nation. My goodness does he have a nose for the ball.

Action Plan: Stay healthy as the backups are still an unknown.

Defensive back Department:

Grade: Exceeds Expectations

Assessment: Minus two misdirection plays in the first week, this unit has given up nothing. Von Bell is always around the ball making plays, Tyvis Powell is solid as usual, Eli Apple has gotten even better after a great freshmen year and Gareon Conley has performed 10x better than anybody has expected.

Action Plan: For the love of Woody, do not change.

Kicking Department:

Grade: NA

Assessment: I am too important and make too much money to waste my time on evaluating kickers.

Action Plan: NA

Offensive Coaching Department:

Grade: Needs Improvement

Assessment: Yikes, where to start? Odd play calling, quarterback limbo and a complete change of identity from a National Title year have killed the mojo on offense. Seems like they are making life difficult by trying to appease all the playmakers.

Action Plan: Most importantly- pick a quarterback. One.

Quit trying to force the ball to players by design; call the best play for the situation and let the players decide who will step up. It’s time to quit worrying about feelings.  On 3^rd and short in 4 down territory, quit calling deep patterns; give it to Zeke.  Throw the damn ball to Michael Thomas downfield at least 5 times a game; good things will happen.

Defensive Coaching Department:

Grade: Exceeds Expectations

Assessment: With great players and an aggressive approach, yards are hard to come by for Buckeye opponents so far.

Action Plan: Go to the offense meeting rooms during the week and coach them on keeping it simple and playing aggressive.

2015 Buckeyes Final Grades

Grade: Needs Improvement

Assessment: This team is not national championship caliber yet. The good thing is not many other teams are either.

AP: Let it ride boys. Enjoy the game again.

By: Phil Schoch, Twitter me @osuphil95

Each week in this spot, we look to college football’s clandestine desert numerologists and predict each B1G match-up as well as a few national spotlight games.

This is how wannabe gamblers lose their house, car, wife…

In week three, Pick ‘em & Tidbits nearly flat-lined and registered a 4-11 record versus the spread. Brutal! I was 12-3 straight up. For the second consecutive week, my PM Stukenborg Fearless Prediction went to overtime and fell short. Nebraska (+3.5) scored 23 points in the final 8 minutes at Miami to force overtime. Then Tommy Armstrong lost his mind on the first play of OT and threw a horrendous INT. After moving the ball inside the five yard line, Miami settled for a field goal (and non-cover) and the win. After three weeks, I am 19-29 against the spread and 38-10 straight up.

The long-climb to respectability and .500 begins this week, or next.

Bret Bielema’s tears are bacon fat drippings. This week Texas Tech savors the flavor from their post-game victory chalice (which undoubtedly is shaped like gun). #burtforillini #chiefilliniburt

Disclaimer: You’ve seen the stats! Please do not wager any of your hard earned dollars based on anything written in this weekly post.

Around the B1G…

Saturday, September 26

BYU has been through the wringer this season. Hail Mary victory at Nebraska. Final minute heroics versus Boise. One point loss at UCLA. Now they fly to the Eastern time zone for a noon kick versus Michigan. If BYU has anything left in the tank, I think they win straight up.

Pick ’em says… Come on Cougs! I want to see cutaways to sad Michigan fans. BYU, 27-24.

Remember when the Velvet Mountain led the Jayhawks to a BCS Orange Bowl win – only 8 years ago?! But Mark Mangino was a big meanie, so Kansas brought in Charlie FUPA. Now they are basically a high school JV team and Charlie is piling his Kansas buyout checks on top of his Notre Dame checks. What an agent!

Pick ’em says… Rutgers is a rotting mess, but they’re not Kansas. Scarlet Knights, 31-17.

Mark Dantonio keeps his business socks on for game day too, because even against weak MAC schools It’s Business Time. NSFW ALERT! Flight of the Conchords, It’s Business Time- https://youtu.be/AqZcYPEszN8.

Pick ’em says… Two minutes in heaven is better than one minute in heaven. Spartans, 38-13.

As these two know, crunch time INT’s are killers. I kinda feel badly for Armstrong. He willed the Huskers to the 23-point 4th quarter comeback against the ‘Canes. Which anyone will tell you, is quite a tough task with 50,000 empty seats yawning each play.

Pick ’em says… Huskers have suffered two crushing defeats this season (see BYU Hail Mary). Need this win to level out at 2-2. Nebraska, 35-21. 

Purdue stinks – the team and the air. I’m stunned Bowling Green is only a slight favorite.

Pick ’em says… Falcons, 41-28.

Bloomington, Indiana native, composer Hoagy Carmichael, is best known for composing four of the most-recorded American standards: Stardust, Georgia on My Mind, The Nearness of You, and Heart and Soul. Dweeby piano rocker, Ben Folds, grew up  in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Pick ’em says… Indiana will likely be favored by about 6ish (?). Hoosiers, 27-21. 

A Baltimore legend. Give me a classic, refreshing Natty Boh over whatever bath tub hooch the Mountaineers swill.

Pick ’em says… ‘Neers, 42-24.

I know, Necessary Roughness went with Texas State Fightin’ Armadillos, but the film was shot on North Texas’ campus in Denton. The colors and uniforms are a nod to the Mean Green as well. Kathy Ireland kicks field goals. Sinbad is an offensive lineman. For all you youngsters, it’s a ensemble cast classic. Robert Loggia, in a defensive coordinator/interim head coaching role delivers the greatest halftime speech of all time. NSFW ALERT! https://youtu.be/ZEbN6Vnr1g8

Pick ’em says… Sorry Armadillos. Iowa, 31-10.

At my advanced age, Halloween in Minnesota is far more appealing.

Pick ’em says… The Buckeye offense has been a juggernaut compared to the putrid Gopher O. 10-7 over Kent State? At home? After three outings, the Gophers are averaging less than 17 points per game! Gophers, 17-14.

Establish a starting and lasting quarterback. Establish the power run game. Establish your true play makers. JUST ESTABLISH SOMETHING! The hodgepodge, grab bag play calling and below expectations O-line play have made the past two weeks maddening for Buckeye fans hoping to see 50-60 point outbursts.

Pick ’em says… No more excuses. Bucks, 51-13.

A win here and Penn State will be one of the ugliest, awfullest 3-1 teams in the country. Ugliest and awfullest also describes the hideous Nittany Lion mascot.

Pick ’em says… WE ARE! 3-1! WE ARE! UGLY & AWFUL! 27-10.

From 1966 – 2012, legendary Minster (Ohio) resident, Paul ‘P.M.’ Stukenborg (pictured above) posted his weekly sports predictions in the hometown paper, The Community Post. Each week, Pick ’em will make a P.M. Stukenborg Fearless Prediction and call for an underdog to to knock off the favorite.

Pick ’em says… Illini resoundingly declared themselves a B1G bottom feeder last week against an average North Carolina squad. MTSU, 38-28.

The Wildcats are off to a legitimately, semi-impressive 3-0 start. The NW victory over Stanford was certainly validated when the Cardinal trounced Southern Cal last week in LA. 

Pick ’em says… ‘Cats are giving up less than 6 points per game. 25,000 empty bleacher seats will watch Northwestern win by an undetermined amount.

Hawaii to Ohio. Ohio to Hawaii. Hawaii to Wisconsin. What day is it? Where am I? That is a brutal travel stretch.

Pick ’em says… Watch Blue Bloods staring water-hoarding Tom Selleck and the chip-on-the-shoulder Backstreet Boy. Friday nights on CBS! Badgers, 38-14. 

This rivalry used to be appointment TV. Now it’s worthless SEC East noise.

Pick ’em says… Florida writers would have you believe that Urban Meyer cursed the Gator program. More like Will Muschamp was more chump than champ. https://youtu.be/Ji-cT58rgNc. Vols, 24-17.

A Horned Frog that will haunt your dreams and a Texas Tech bell ringer who may or may not be master of his domain.

Pick ’em says… Upset alert? I have a queasy feeling about this one, or maybe it’s the images above. Frogs, 48-38.

How lousy is this week’s schedule of games? This is the ESPN GameDay location and prime time game of the week. Big road test for UCLA’s true freshman QB Josh Rosen.

Pick ’em says… Rich Rod Football Rules! 41-35.

Upsets Galore Causes Huge Playoff Shakeup

Welcome to my weekly column, A Look Around the Country, which will highlight notable games from the week before and week ahead as well as the Heisman and Playoff race. Special features include an in-depth look at the Buckeyes, as well as a Michigan update, mainly for folks to bask in their misfortunes. As always, feel free to comment with your own opinions and I hope you enjoy!

Down goes Alabama, Auburn, and USC in what was the first weekend this season that featured a number of huge upsets. The Big Ten now has the top two ranked teams in the country in Ohio State and Michigan State but the Big 12’s TCU and Baylor are not far behind.

Notable Games Last Week

LSU 45, Auburn, 21

The Bayou Bengals looked very impressive in their dismantling of Auburn on Saturday and that is reflected in my rankings below. At this point in the season, LSU is my favorite to win the SEC and grab a berth in the Playoff. Auburn, on the other hand, should enjoy themselves in the Gator Bowl.

Notre Dame 30, Georgia Tech 22

Even after losing Malik Zaire and many others for the season, the Irish were able to take down perhaps the ACC’s best team in Georgia Tech. Notre Dame has slowly improved every week and despite their injury problems is slowly working its way up the polls. Clemson and USC still loom but they are starting to feel like the Buckeyes did last year…a team of destiny.

Stanford 41, USC 31

The Pac 12 race got a lot more interesting as the Trojans lost to the team they always seem to lose to when they’re good: Stanford. I had USC in my playoff to start the season but it appears that I might be wrong. Maybe my prediction was one year too early.
Ole Miss 43, Alabama 37
The upset of the year so far came in the form of Ole Miss taking down the Tide for the second year in a row. I hadn’t been impressed with Alabama yet anyway, but this just solidified that. Ole Miss is now a favorite in the SEC and their game with LSU on November 21 might be the game of the year in the South.

Big Games this Week

Western Michigan at Ohio State

After a completely underwhelming offensive performance against Northern Illinois, the Buckeyes hope to be much better against another MAC foe. The big headline now is who Urban Meyer is going to choose as his permanent starting QB. I think JT is our guy (I’ve been saying that since January) but if I had to guess, both are going to play this week. Luckily, the Silver Bullet Defense has been playing better than anybody else in the country and as long as they continue to do that, we should be fine. Stay tuned to MOTSAG for more coverage on this week’s game.

Saturday, September 26 at 3:30pm on ESPN2

UCLA at Arizona

An early season Pac 12 showdown pits two relatively underrated teams against each other. UCLA QB Josh Rosen has turned himself into a Heisman candidate but Rich Rodriguez (our old buddy) has brought resurgence into the Wildcat program. The winner of this game could really solidify a high ranking headed into October.

Saturday, September 26 at 8pm on ABC

Utah at Oregon

The other Pac 12 showdown of the week features two teams in transition. The Utes are undefeated and a win against the Ducks would go a long way toward a playoff campaign. Oregon needs to keep winning to make Michigan State’s resume look better and I expect that to happen this weekend.
Saturday, September 26 at 8:30pm on FOX
That is it for this week’s big games. If you have to go to a fall wedding, I hope it was scheduled for this weekend.

Saturday, September 26, 8:30 PM on FOX

Michigan Update

Michigan was able to take down 1990s basketball power UNLV over the weekend and are now sitting at 2-1. BYU comes to Ann Arbor and I expect them to take down the Wolverines. That QB situation is just not good.

Heisman Watch

Leonard Fournette, LSU: +

Derrick Henry, Alabama: E

Trevone Boykin, TCU: E

Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State: E

Connor Cook, Michigan State: +

Cardale Jones, Ohio State: –

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. Ohio State (beat Northern Illinois, plays Western Michigan)

2. Michigan State (beat Air Force, plays Central Michigan)

3. LSU (beat Auburn, plays Syracuse)

4. Baylor (bye week, plays Rice)

Just Missed the Cut

5. Ole Miss (beat Alabama, plays Vanderbilt)

6. Notre Dame (beat Georgia Tech, plays Umass)

7. TCU (beat SMU, plays Texas Tech)

8. Georgia (beat South Carolina, plays Southern)

9. UCLA (beat BYU, plays Arizona)

10. Clemson (beat Louisville, bye week)