Pool Poll Rivalry Week: Hoosiers and Buckeyes Crush Rivals Hopes to Create Epic Undefeated Showdown in the Big Ten Championship

Brutus had some fun in the snow on Saturday.

    Rivalry Week delivered on the thrills, group shoving matches, and conference clinching games we all come to love this time of year. So, let's break down who survived and see who's playing this weekend. Also, thank God the Big Ten and SEC were clear cut, because these computer tiebreaker scenarios are so BCS (all rankings are Pool Poll Rankings).

Indiana took all hope from Purdue on Friday.

Big Ten Championship: Indiana (12-0, #2) vs Ohio State (12-0, #1) Saturday (8:00 PM FOX)

How'd we get there: The Buckeyes allowed a squeak of hope after two quick field goals by the Wolverines, but unlike the last four years, Ryan Day didn't forget that he has two elite receivers compared to a not as elite secondary. As they had all year, OSU made all the right adjustments at halftime to crush their opponents dreams of pulling off an upset, although 6-0 was the largest deficit the Buckeyes have faced all year. A depleted Michigan was playing with house money like last year, but this time, the house took them for everything Bryce Underwood was getting paid in NIL money.

Indiana didn't toy with its opponent, instead, the Hoosiers jammed it down the Boilermakers throats and held their eyes open like in Bird Box or A Clockwork Orange if you prefer a more cultured reference. It was the third victory by 50 points for Indiana, who will surely provide the toughest test for Ohio State this year. 

Bowl Bound (12): It wasn't just about the Big Ten Championship for some, others were playing for their bowl hopes. Rutgers and Penn State played in an exciting loser goes home matchup that saw the Nittany Lions (6-6) edge the Scarlet Knights (5-7) 40-36. Plenty of other teams were going bowling no matter what, but that didn't mean that trophies weren't on the line. Illinois (8-4) forced 4 turnovers to turn away Northwestern (6-6); Iowa (8-4) dropped 40 on Nebraska (7-5); Oregon (11-1) kept its playoff hopes alive with a win over Washington (8-4); USC (9-3) rubbed it in UCLA's (3-9) face by going for two late; and finally, Minnesota (7-5) won the Paul Bunyan Axe in a snowy battle with Wisconsin (4-8). Michigan (9-3) can get excited to take on Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl or whatever.

Alabama forced a fumble late to survive the Iron Bowl.

SEC Championship: Alabama (10-2, #12) vs Georgia (11-1, #3) Saturday (4:00 PM ABC)

How'd We Get Here: First, it started with Georgia already clinching a spot and then surviving its rivalry with Georgia Tech (16-9). That meant three teams had their shot at playing the Bulldogs. First up was Texas A&M (11-1) who watched stunned as Arch Manning and Bevo ran all over the field to pull off the Texas sized upset (27-17). That opened the door for Ole Miss (11-1) who took care of Mississippi State (5-7) in the Egg Bowl. Then after the game, Lane Kiffin got in a yelling match with a reporter and told his players he's headed to LSU. Perhaps it was karma then that caused Auburn (5-7) to fumble and then later muff a punt that cost them a chance to stun Alabama and make a bowl game. In fact, with that loss Auburn ensured that all 80 bowl game spots were filled and that no team (that didn't need a first-year waiver) would be left out of bowl season. Thanks Auburn, from all the 6-6 group of 5 teams.

Bowl Bound (10): Sure Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Ole Miss, Oklahoma (10-2), Vanderbilt (10-2), and Texas (9-3) are all bowl eligible, but all seven have a case for the College Football playoffs. Obviously, they all can't make it, but now you know who Paul Finebaum will be lamenting about come selection Sunday. Tennessee (8-4), Missouri (8-4) and LSU (7-5) will all be going bowling as well, giving the SEC 10 teams overall.

BYU looks to seek revenge in the Big 12 Championship.

Big 12 Championship: BYU (11-1, #6) vs Texas Tech (11-1, #7) Saturday (12:00 PM ABC)

How'd We Get Here: Like the Big Ten, this was a pretty simple scenario. If the top two teams won, they were in. It wasn't even close. Texas Tech dismantled West Virginia, 49-0, while BYU eliminated UCF from bowl contention with a 41-21 drubbing. The Red Raiders bested the Cougars earlier this year and because of the SEC bias that is pervasive amongst voters, the loser will likely not make the playoffs despite only having two losses.

Bowl Bound (10): Utah (10-2) eliminated Kansas (5-7) from contention, while Houston (9-3) did the same to Baylor (5-7). TCU (8-4) survived the lightning delay to knock off Cincinnati (7-5). Arizona (9-3) won the Territorial Cup and ended the Big 12 hopes of Arizona State (8-4). Iowa State (8-4) was nearly knocked off by Oklahoma State (1-11), while Kansas State (6-6) secured a bowl berth with a win over Deion and Colorado (3-9).

Virginia is looking for its first outright ACC Championship.

ACC Championship: Duke (7-5, #56) vs Virginia (10-2, #18) Saturday (8:00 PM ABC)

How'd We Get Here: The worst possible scenario rolled out in the ACC. A five-loss team could win the whole thing and not be ranked, allowing another Group of 5 team to sneak into the postseason depending on where they are ranked. James Madison, North Texas, Tulane, and UNLV are chomping at the bit. Virginia did its part; they beat Virginia Tech and are playing for the ACC Championship for the first time since 1995 when they shared it with Florida State. They also shared the title in 1989 with Duke, which is the last time the Blue Devils were involved. They also won three-straight outright titles from 1960-62.

Still, Miami (10-2) throttled Pitt (8-4) to give themselves a chance at maybe even persuading the committee to consider them as a two-loss team. Then, SMU (8-4) just needed to not blow the game against Cal (7-5) and they would play Virginia. Instead, the Bears scored late, and the Mustangs missed a field goal to tie the game, sending Duke to the ACC Championship.

Bowl Bound (11): Miami and Virginia have the playoffs on its mind, but likely only one of them would go. Duke would really push the boundaries if they won, while SMU, Pitt, and Cal will all go to their bowl destinations without controversy. Of course, Duke wouldn't be in this scenario if Wake Forest (8-4) could've won. Georgia Tech (9-3) could've prevented Duke if they would've defeated Pitt last week. Louisville (8-4), NCST (7-5), and Clemson (7-5) all knocked around its rivals to try and secure a better bowl landing spot.

Tulane looks to rumble into the CFP.

AAC Championship: Tulane (10-2, #16) vs North Texas (11-1, #8) Friday (8:00 P.M. ABC)

How'd We Get Here: It was a win and in scenario for the AAC, although Navy (9-2) had an outside shot after its Thanksgiving win over Memphis (8-4). First up was North Texas, who tossed around the ball and scored at will with one of the best offenses in College Football to drop Temple (5-7) from bowl contention. Tulane had an even easier time with Charlotte (1-11) cruising to a 27-0 win.

Bowl Bound (8): The loser of Tulane and North Texas won't make the playoffs, and Navy is at a slight disadvantage because they don't play the final game until after the selection committee when they take on Army (6-5). USF (9-3) kept Rice (5-7) from making a bowl game; UTSA (6-6) couldn't keep the Black Knights out; Memphis sulks in after losing three-straight; and ECU (8-4) left no doubt by throttling FAU.

UNLV looks to avenge a loss to Boise State earlier this season.

Mountain West Championship: Boise State (8-4, #49) vs UNLV (10-2, #19) Friday (8:00 PM FOX)

How'd We Get Here: Computers. Stupid computers. It would've been an incredible story for New Mexico (9-3), who hadn't been in a MWC Game since 2016 and haven't won a conference title since they won the WAC in 1964. They battled San Diego State (9-3), who with a win clinched an automatic bid. It took overtime and the Lobos forced a turnover, but rather than kick a field goal to win, they ran the ball and fumbled. They still managed to hang on to a 23-17 win in double-overtime. Now all they needed was Utah State (6-6) to hold its lead against Boise State. Instead, the Broncos rallied to win 25-24 to create a three-way tie. Then UNLV crushed Nevada (3-9) to not only claim the Fremont Cannon but force a four-way tie. The Lobos were aware that a four-way tie was not in their favor and that left the Aztecs, Broncos, and Rebels hoping that a computer would pick them. Once it gargled out the data, it produced a rematch between Boise State and UNLV.

Bowl Bound (7): I mentioned New Mexico, Boise State, UNLV, Utah State, and San Diego State, but perhaps my favorite is the return of Hawaii (8-4) to winning football. Fresno State (8-4) also punched their ticket.

James Madison is hoping for some playoff magic.

Sun Belt Championship: Troy (8-4, #55) vs James Madison (11-1, #10) Friday (7:00 PM ESPN)

How'd We Get Here: This was as clean cut as it gets. James Madison had already clinched going into Saturday and then still won by 46 at Coastal Carolina (6-6). Then it was a winner faces JMU game that Troy took advantage of by knocking out Southern Miss (7-5), 28-18.

Bowl Bound (9): While James Madison is thinking playoffs, Troy, Southern Miss, Coastal Carolina, and Old Dominion (9-3) had all punched its bowling tickets heading into Saturday. However, the Sun Belt had the most elimination games and benefitted the most from an exact number of teams making it. First, Georgia Southern (6-6) eliminated Marshall (5-7), then Arkansas State (6-6) survived a wild finish at Appalachian State (5-7). Texas State (6-6) throttled South Alabama and Louisiana (6-6) survived an overtime thriller with rival Louisiana Monroe.

Western Michigan's lone MAC loss came at the hands of Miami.

MAC Championship: Miami (7-5, #67) vs Western Michigan (8-4, #46) Saturday (12:00 PM ESPN)

How'd We Get Here: Of course, MACtion would be complicated. Thanks to an incomplete head-to-head matchups, things got into a complicated conference opponent record tiebreakers. What we knew heading into Saturday was Western Michigan was in after beating Eastern on Tuesday. Central (7-5) was eliminated by Toledo (8-4), Ohio (8-4) kept its hopes alive and eliminated Buffalo (5-7) from bowl season. That meant it all came down to Miami and Ball State, and the Cardinals didn't even try for drama, their rolled right over and allowed the Redhawks to take their spot in the MAC title game despite losing to both Toledo and Ohio.

Bowl Bound (5): Western, Central, Toledo, Miami, and Ohio all survived a conference that cannibalized itself. Except UMass, who didn't win a single game. Also, bon voyage to Northern Illinois who went 3-9 in their final season of MACtion as they now head to the Mountain West.

The Gamecocks eliminated WKU from CUSA title hopes.

Conference USA Championship: Jacksonville State (8-4, #42) vs Kennesaw State (9-3, #30) Friday (7:00 PM CBS Sports Network)

How'd We Get Here: Jacksonville State kicked a walk-off field goal to keep Western Kentucky (8-4) from securing its spot in the CUSA Championship. That meant that Kennesaw State just needed to take care of business against Liberty, but that was easier said than done. It took two overtimes, but the Owls, in just their second season at the FBS level, upended the Flames 48-42.

Bowl Bound (5): None the teams have a real shot at a playoff bid, and its game is featured on the least accessible channel of all the championship games. Seriously, it will be easier to find the SWAC Championship (Jackson State vs Prairie View A&M on ESPN 2, winner plays SCST in the Celebration Bowl) than CUSA's game. Kennesaw State, Jacksonville State, and WKU, will be joined by Louisiana Tech (7-5) and FIU (7-5) as the conferences only bowl teams. That is unless the NCAA makes an extra bowl game to allow first year teams Missouri State (7-5) and Delaware (6-6) a chance to earn a postseason berth which would give CUSA an alarming 7 bowl teams.

Final Regular Season Top 25 looks like this:

1. Ohio State

2. Indiana

3. Georgia

4. Ole Miss

5. Oregon

6. BYU

7. Texas Tech

8. North Texas

9. Texas A&M

10. James Madison

11. Oklahoma

12. Alabama

13. Notre Dame

14. Vanderbilt

15. Utah

16. Tulane

17. Miami

18. Virginia

19. UNLV

20. Navy

21. USC

22. Tulane

23. USF

24. Michigan

25. San Diego State

Dropped Out: Georgia Tech and UConn

Watchlist: Arizona, Georgia Tech, Houston, New Mexico, Kennesaw State, UConn, Old Dominion, Arizona State, Iowa State, Washington, TCU, Louisville, Tennessee, Illinois, and Fresno State.

Final Rankings: Teams 83-136 have all been finalized. Congrats, I guess, to UMass (0-12) for finishing dead last. St. Francis (PA) was the only FCS team to finish winless earning them spot 129 in this year's FCS poll. Congrats to Southern and Mississippi Valley State for securing their second wins of the season in their final games with dramatic wins over Grambling and Florida A&M respectively.

FCS Playoffs

South Dakota State won in a winter wonderland against New Hampshire.

First Round:

Yale 43 Youngstown State 42 (Trailed 42-14 in 3rd Q)

Villanova 52 Harvard 7

Rhode Island 27 Central Connecticut State 19

Abilene Christian 38 Lamar 20

Illinois State 21 SELA 3

North Dakota 31 Tennessee Tech 6

South Dakota State 41 New Hampshire 3

South Dakota 38 Drake 17

Second Round (12/6)

Villanova vs Lehigh

South Dakota vs Mercer

Illinois State vs North Dakota State

Abilene Christian vs Stephen F. Austin

North Dakota vs Tarleton State

Yale vs Montana State

South Dakota State vs Montana

Rhode Island vs UC Davis

Pool Poll: Not Much Changes in Leadup to Rivalry Week

 

Notre Dame dropped 70 on Syracuse!

    The Top 10 in this week's Pool Poll stayed mostly the same, although Ohio State and Indiana both leap frogged Texas A&M after the Aggies played a 1-10 FCS squad to vastly lower their Opponent Win Average. Oregon and Oklahoma secured big wins over other Top 25 teams in USC and Missouri respectively, and three other Top 25 teams lost, dropping two of them out of the Top 25. Georgia Tech was knocked around by Pitt, while Western Kentucky lost a respectable contest to LSU, and Houston was bumped off by TCU. That left the Top 25 looking like this:

The Buckeyes bumped up to the top spot after drubbing Rutgers.

1. Ohio State (11-0, 77.5 WA, 0 LA) Up Next: Michigan (9-2, 14)

2. Indiana (11-0, 88.7, 0) Up Next: Purdue (2-9, 131)

3. Texas A&M (11-0, 93.3, 0) Up Next: Texas (8-3, 27)

4. Ole Miss (10-1, 76.1, 20) Up Next: Mississippi State (5-6, 87)

5. Georgia (10-1, 76.4, 56) Up Next: Georgia Tech (9-2, 21)

6. BYU (10-1, 78.1, 10) Up Next: UCF (5-6, 92)

7. Oregon (10-1, 78.2, 9) Up Next: Washington (8-3, 29)

8. Texas Tech (10-1, 90.3, 38) Up Next: West Virginia (4-7, 99)

9. North Texas (10-1, 92.3, 29) Up Next: Temple (5-6, 94)

James Madison will be playing in the Sun Belt Championship.

10. James Madison (10-1, 105.9, 21) Up Next: Coastal Carolina (6-5, 73)

11. Oklahoma (9-2, 55.1, 31.5) Up Next: LSU (7-4, 45)

12. Alabama (9-2, 62.2, 52.5) Up Next: Auburn (5-6, 80)

13. Notre Dame (9-2, 63.1, 12) Up Next: Stanford (4-7, 100)

14. Michigan (9-2, 76.6, 33.5) Up Next: Ohio State (11-0, 1)

15. Tulane (9-2, 76.6, 49.5) Up Next: Charlotte (1-10, 133)

16. Utah (9-2, 77.9, 23) Up Next: Kansas (5-6, 88)

17. Vanderbilt (9-2, 79, 31) Up Next: Tennessee (8-3, 30)

18. Virginia (9-2, 79.4, 57.5) Up Next: Virginia Tech (3-8, 117)

19. Miami (9-2, 88.9, 43) Up Next: Pitt (8-3, 31)

The Aztecs are trying to get some respect and sneak into the CFP.

20. San Diego State (9-2, 92.9, 56) Up Next: New Mexico (8-3, 40)

21. Georgia Tech (9-2, 97, 62) Up Next: Georgia (10-1, 5)

22. UNLV (9-2, 102.6, 53) Up Next: Nevada (3-8, 119)

23. Navy (8-2, 101.9, 22) Up Next: Memphis (8-3, 33)

24. UConn (9-3, 104.3, 81.3) Up Next: Bowl Game

25. USC (8-3, 53.3, 32.3) Up Next: UCLA (3-8, 112)

Dropped Out: WKU and Houston

Watch List: Arizona State, Texas, USF, Washington, Tennessee, Pitt, SMU, Memphis, WKU, Wake Forest, Houston, Kennesaw State, Arizona, Old Dominion, and New Mexico

Now, on top of rivalry week, this weekend will feature all but one conference championship spot up for grabs. James Madison is the only team to secure a spot in their conference championship, as they will await the winner of Troy and Southern Miss to decide the Sun Belt. The Dukes are climbing up the ranks and have the CFP on their minds if they can win their final two games. Here's a look at all the other scenarios for this weekend.

SEC

Georgia and Ole Miss are two of the three one loss SEC teams trying to make the championship.

Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss all enter this week with a chance to claim the SEC crown, as well as improve their position in the CFP. Texas A&M sits in the best position of win and they're in, but Arch Manning and the Longhorns (8-3) are geared up for a Texas sized showdown. Alabama needs to win over Auburn (5-6) in the Iron Bowl, Georgia needs to win some Good Old Fashion Clean Hate with Georgia Tech (9-2), and Ole Miss needs to win the Egg Bowl over Mississippi State (5-6). If any team not named Texas A&M loses, they are out, unless all three teams lose together, though that seems unlikely. The most likely scenario is a three-way tie that will be decided by the conference records of their SEC opponents that they played. That benefits the Crimson Tide, who faced the toughest SEC schedule of the four teams remaining.

Big Ten

The Game will decide who plays in the Big Ten Championship.

Four teams enter with a chance to play in the Big Ten Championship, although the path for two of the teams is much harder. Indiana currently sits with the best chance to move on. The Hoosiers take on Purdue (2-9) for the Old Oaken Bucket and own a head-to-head win over Oregon if the Ducks are the lone team tied with them. The Ducks need Ohio State to lose and to win against Washington (8-3). Of course, the Buckeyes would rather drop dead than lose five straight to the Team Up North aka THE Michigan Wolverines (9-2). The Maize and Blue need the most help as they must defeat TOSU AND Oregon has to lose to Washington

 Big 12

Texas Tech and BYU are hoping for a rematch in the Big 12 Championship.

Texas Tech and BYU control their destiny as a win puts them in the Big 12 Championship. The Red Raiders have West Virginia (4-7) in their way while the Cougars await UCF (5-6). However, if either team loses, they open the door for Arizona State and Utah. The Sun Devils need a win over Arizona (8-3) and a Texas Tech loss to get in. The Utes need to beat Kansas (5-6) and then get BYU and ASU to win with Texas Tech losing in order to beat ASU in the tiebreaker department.

ACC

The Panthers threw a wrench in the ACC plans for a clear-cut championship.

It's clear that no one actually wants to win the ACC. Georgia Tech blew its chance to control its own destiny by losing their final ACC contest to Pitt. That put the Yellow Jackets at two losses in the ACC, but they are joined by Duke and Miami. Those three teams are all eliminated if Virginia, SMU, and Pitt all take care of business. Pitt and Miami go head-to-head, while Duke has a tough task in Wake Forest (8-3). SMU takes on Cal (6-5), while Virginia gets its rival Virginia Tech (3-8) at a low point. The nightmare scenario that needs a lot of losses would be for Duke to make the ACC Championship and win with 5 losses. That could take torpedo the chance for any other ACC team to make the CFP, so the boys in Charlotte might be decked out in their finest black and gold on Saturday. 

Virginia is in with a win or a Pitt loss. Pitt needs to win and either SMU or Virginia to lose. SMU is in with a win or if they finish in a three-way tie with UVA and Pitt.

AAC

The Mean Green and Midshipmen are both vying for a shot at the AAC Championship.

All the clamoring is about Tulane who will get in with a win over Charlotte (1-10) and currently ranks as the highest non-Power 5 team in the CFP rankings. However, North Texas has just one loss on the season to USF and have a shot at the title with a win over Temple (5-6). If the Mean Green or Green Wave stumble, the door is left open for Navy. Also, in some bizzarro universe, East Carolina's game against Florida Atlantic (4-7) comes into play if all three teams lose. That could create a tiebreaker scenario that hurts Tulane and leaves them out of the AAC Championship.

MAC

Western and Central could renew their rivalry in the MAC Championship.

The MAC would never be an easy situation to navigate, but there's at least one team that has the easiest path. If Western Michigan (7-4) can avoid an upset at the hands of their much cooler, yet less respected directional foe, Eastern Michigan (4-7) they will be headed to Detroit. After that is where it gets crazy. Central Michigan (7-4) and Toledo (7-4) will eliminate one team from contention when they go head-to-head. Ohio (7-4) takes on Buffalo (5-6) and they hold the tie breaker with Miami (6-50, who plays Ball State (4-7).  It'll all come down to conference winning percentage, so anyone with UMass on their schedule could be hurting. The only way to know who's in is to let MACtion play out and let the dust settle.

CUSA

Kennesaw State has had one of the best turn arounds in 2025.

One of the less messy scenarios is the CUSA Championship. Western Kentucky (8-3) and Jacksonville State (7-4) are facing off, and the winner of that contest punches its ticket to the CUSA Championship. Kennesaw State (8-3) will make the game with a victory over Liberty (4-7), but a loss will eliminate them if the Gamecocks lose as they won the head-to-head with the Owls earlier in the season.

Mountain West

UNLV booted Hawaii from a shot at the Mountain West Championship.

The Mountain West has seen some weird things play out to leave four teams fighting for the two spots in the championship game. UNLV (9-2) plays for the Fremont Canon against Nevada (3-8), but also a shot at the title, but they need some help. First, they need San Diego State (9-2) to knock off New Mexico (8-3) and Utah State (5-6) to upset Boise State (7-4). The Aztecs are win and they are in regardless of all the other results. However, if the Lobos stun the Aztecs, and the Broncos knock off the Aggies, that will create a four-way tie for first place in the Mountain West and that brings it down to everyone's least favorite scenario, computers. Whatever the algorithm is for the conference, the top two teams the computer spits out will head to championship.

Pool Poll: How to Find Hidden Gems in a Bummer Weekend of Games

 

Alabama was knocked out of the top 10 after a loss to Oklahoma.

    Last week gave us some fantastic games including a wild 28-point comeback by Texas A&M, and two big SEC showdowns with Oklahoma upsetting Alabama and Georgia knocking off Texas. Michigan needed a late field goal to beat Northwestern, Georgia Tech had to rally against 1-win Boston College, and Memphis lost again to finally knock them out of playoff contention. With all that excitement last week, this week gives us a rather lacking schedule in the penultimate week of the regular season.  Before we look at that, here's a quick look at this week's Top 25.

Like the Top 3 in this week's CFP, the Pool Poll stays the same.

1. Texas A&M (10-0, Last Week 1)

2. Ohio State (10-0, 2)

3. Indiana (11-0, 3)

4. Ole Miss (10-1, 4)

5. Texas Tech (10-1, 5)

6. Georgia (9-1, 7)

7. BYU (9-1, 8)

8. Oregon (9-1, 9)

9. North Texas (9-1, 10)

10. Georgia Tech (9-1, 11)

11. James Madison (9-1, 12)

12. Virginia (9-2, 14)

13. Alabama (8-2, 6)

14. USC (8-2, 17)

15. Notre Dame (8-2, 18)

16. Oklahoma (8-2, 19)

17. Michigan (8-2, 23)

18. Tulane (8-2, 22)

19. Utah (8-2, 25)

20. Vanderbilt (8-2, 13)

21. Miami (8-2, 26)

22. San Diego State (8-2, 29)

23. WKU (8-2, 27)

24. Houston (8-2, 16)

25. Navy (8-2, 33)

Dropped Out: Memphis, Texas, USF, and Louisville

Watch list: UNLV, Memphis, UConn, Arizona State, Texas, USF, Washington, Louisville, Tennessee, Fresno St, Nebraska, Illinois, Cincinnati, Missouri, and Southern Miss

Now, with all of this laid out, most of these teams are playing some real bottom barrel teams, as is SEC tradition in the final weeks. With a victory, OSU will leapfrog Texas A&M for the top spot as the Aggies will face one of the lowest possible teams in Samford. Thanks to my weekly updated FCS rankings this year, the 1-10 Samford Bulldogs are ranked 258th out of a possible 265 teams. Georgia takes on Charlotte (133), Alabama faces Eastern Illinois (232), and Notre Dame has Syracuse (119). 

Still, there's hope for excitement just yet. These bummer weeks can lead to wild upsets and 24 teams  are trying to become bowl eligible. Some of those teams have it easy like Clemson (5-5) is facing Furman (192), while others are like Rutgers, who tries to become bowl eligible against the Buckeyes. Akron (4-7) finishes its season Tuesday night and UConn (8-3) will be done with the regular season on Saturday There are also nine games this week that are between teams with winning records, so let's hyperfocus on those matchups.

1. Hawaii (7-3, 4-2 MWC) vs UNLV (8-2, 4-2) Friday (FS1 10:30 PM)

What's exciting: These two meet up late on Friday for a Mountain West showdown for a chance to see who will play San Diego State in the Mountain West Championship, if things remain the same. Look for lots of passing and points in this one.

2. Missouri (7-3, 3-3 SEC) vs Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2) Saturday (ABC 12:00)

What's exciting: Oklahoma gets a chance to bolster their playoff resume with a win over a ranked opponent. Missouri can try to spoil their former Big 12 foe and potentially salvage an outside chance at the playoffs.

3. Louisville (7-3, 4-3 ACC) vs SMU (7-3, 5-1) Saturday (ESPN 2 12:00)

What's Exciting: The Mustangs have a chance to make an appearance in the ACC Championship, but the Cardinals can play spoilers. Louisville is also hoping to snap a two-game skid that knocked them out of playoff contention.

4. Missouri State (7-3, 5-1 CUSA) vs Kennesaw State (7-3, 5-1) Saturday (ESPN+ 2:00)

What's Exciting: In year one in the FBS the Bears are already bowl eligible, but they'll need a waiver from the NCAA to participate. The Owls are in year two and have already rebounded from a disastrous first season in the FBS. Both have a shot at CUSA crown, but neither would be close enough to make the playoffs.

5. USC (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten) vs Oregon (9-1, 6-1) Saturday (CBS 3:30)

The Trojans and Ducks square off in a Pac-12 battle that won't actually do much to decide the Big Ten unless Indiana or Ohio State stumble in their final games. Still, it should be fun to watch, and both can jockey for a playoff spot to help bolster the Big Ten's representation.

6. TCU (6-4, 3-4 Big 12) vs Houston (8-2, 5-2) Saturday (FOX 4:00)

What's Exciting: Houston has a distant chance to make the playoffs, but TCU would love to play spoiler and get to a better bowl game.

7. Pitt (7-3, 5-1 ACC) vs Georgia Tech (9-1, 6-1) Saturday (ESPN 7:00)

What's Exciting: Both teams have a shot to make the ACC Championship with a win and that could lead to an automatic berth. The Yellow Jackets can seal the deal this week as they play some Good Old Fashion Clean Hate against Georgia next Saturday.

8. Western Kentucky (8-2) vs LSU (6-4) Saturday (SEC Network 7:00)

What's Exciting: An upset of the Tigers and a CUSA title could give the Hilltoppers the boost they need to sneak into the playoffs, but those are some pretty big what ifs.

9. BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) vs Cincinnati (7-3, 5-2) Saturday (FOX 8:00)

What's Exciting: BYU needs this win to stay alive in the playoff picture since the Big 12 has been absolutely disrespected by the CFP committee. UC has an outside chance to make the Big 12 Championship and a victory in that game is their only path to the playoffs.

SICKO MODE OPTIONS: The Bottom 10 has two marquee matchups, both featuring CUSA bottom feeders. First, Middle Tennessee State (1-9) takes on Sam Houston State (2-8) who are riding a two-game win streak. Next, New Mexico State (3-7) take on UTEP (2-8) for a chance to win the silver spade in the Battle of I-10.

Pool Poll Chaos: A&M Is Number One and North Texas Is Invited to the Playoffs AKA Why I'm Not Allowed to Run College Football

 

The Aggies snuck into the top spot after a strong win over Missouri.

    The College Football Playoffs committee has released their second rankings and frankly, it really doesn't mean anything, but it does give people something to argue about. But as usual, those cowards are afraid to take any real swings and in two weeks, it'll probably look completely different. Still, how can a committee rationalize a team that beats a ranked opponent still stuck behind a team that needed a miracle to beat a team that's dropped six straight (see below).

Indiana was this close to losing.

    The overall performance of the Big Ten is leaving a lot to be desired. Sure, you could argue about the depth, or maybe, Washington isn't a top 25 team and that's why they lost to Wisconsin. Of course, that's the argument that Texas fans have for why they lost to Florida. Still, the Big Ten's average rank for teams is well below the SEC and is struggling to stay ahead of the Big 12.

Ohio State is stuck with a schedule of bums, that hurts its Win Average.

    Now if the Pool Poll was the BCS of its time, then the playoffs would look something like this:

First Round Byes (*Hypothetical Conference Champ)

1. Texas A&M (SEC*)

2. Ohio State (Big Ten*)

3. Indiana (Big Ten)

4. Ole Miss (Sec)

First Round Matchups:

5. Texas Tech (Big 12*) vs 12. James Madison (Sun Belt*)

6. Alabama (SEC) vs 11. Georgia Tech (ACC*)

7. Georgia (SEC) vs 10. North Texas (AAC*)

8. BYU (Big 12) vs 9 Oregon (Big Ten)

The nail was almost driven into the coffin of Vanderbilt before they escaped from Auburn.

The rest of the rankings have these teams waiting in the wings to snatch the final spots:

13. Vanderbilt (SEC)

14. Virginia (ACC)

15. Memphis (AAC)

16. Houston (Big 12)

17. USC (Big Ten)

18. Notre Dame (No Conference and That's Why They Should Be Forced into One, Like Just Join the ACC Already) 

19. Oklahoma (SEC)

20. Texas (SEC)

21. South Florida (AAC)

22. Tulane (AAC)

23. Michigan (Big Ten)

24. Louisville (ACC)

25. Utah (Big 12)

Now let's break it down at a conference level. I judge a conference by their Power Index by taking the amount of teams in the Top 50 and subtract the number of teams ranked 100 or worse, and that's where this arbitrary line of distinction has been drawn. I will also attach each team's WA which is calculated by averaging the rank of the opponent with the other wins they've accumulated.

Alabama has the strongest WA of any team in the Pool Poll by a considerable amount.

SEC (+6)

1. Texas A&M (9-0, 73.7), 4. Ole Miss (9-1, 72.8), 6. Alabama (8-1, 41), 7. Georgia (8-1, 76.4), 13. Vanderbilt (8-2, 79.9), 19. Oklahoma (7-2, 64.4), 20. Texas (7-2, 65), 41. Tennessee (6-3, 79), 50. Missouri (6-3, 102)

105. South Carolina (3-6, 92.3), 106. Florida (3-6, 32.7), 123. Arkansas (2-7, 136)

The Ducks needed a late field goal to stay in the conversation.

Big Ten (+5)

2. Ohio State (9-0, 74.6), 3. Indiana (10-0, 87.3), 9. Oregon (8-1, 90.1), 17. USC (7-2, 54.3), 23 Michigan (7-2, 75.4), 35. Nebraska (7-3, 88.4), 40. Washington (6-3, 63.8), 44. Illinois (6-3, 93.2), 46. Iowa (6-3, 99.5), 47. Minnesota (6-3, 100)

102. UCLA (3-6, 52), 103. Wisconsin (3-6, 72.7), 109. Michigan State (3-6, 121.7), 112. Penn State (3-6, 129), 128. Purdue (2-8, 178)

Texas Tech dropped BYU right out of the top spot in the Big 12.

Big 12 (+5)

5. Texas Tech (9-1, 89.9), 8. BYU (8-1, 87.5), 16. Houston (8-2, 98.8), 25. Utah (7-2, 80.9), 28. Cincinnati (7-2, 96.7), 39. Arizona State (6-3, 50.5), 43. TCU (6-3, 92)

116. Colorado (3-7, 80.3), 132. Oklahoma State (1-8, 162)

Wake Forest's upset of Virginia has the ACC in shambles.

ACC (+3)

11. Georgia Tech (8-1, 92.3), 14. Virginia (8-2, 81.8), 24. Louisville (7-2, 78.6), 26. Miami (7-2, 89), 31. Pitt (7-2, 101.9), 36. SMU (7-3, 99.9), 49. Wake Forest (6-3, 100.8)

107. Virginia Tech (3-6, 107), 118. Stanford (3-7, 99), 120. Syracuse (3-7, 130), 135. Boston College (1-9, 252)

Tulane knocked Memphis out of the top spot in AAC.

AAC (+2)

10. North Texas (8-1, 92.1), 15. Memphis (8-2, 92.6), 21 USF (7-2, 68.7), 22. Tulane (7-2, 73), 33. Navy (7-2, 113.4)

San Diego State watched its chance slip away after a thumping by Hawaii.

MWC (+1)

29. San Diego State (7-2, 97.4), 34. UNLV (7-2, 115.1), 37. Hawaii (7-3, 101), 42. Fresno State (6-3, 85.3), 45. Boise State (6-3, 96.3)

104. San Jose State (3-6, 81.7), 110. Air Force (3-6, 127), 122. Colorado State (2-7, 135), 131. Nevada (1-8, 159)

108. UAB (3-6, 107), 121. Tulsa (2-7, 118.5), 133. Charlotte (1-8, 190)

The Owls have had one of the best turnarounds from last season.

CUSA (-2)

27. Western Kentucky (7-2, 91.3), 32. Kennesaw State (7-2, 109.4)

115. New Mexico State (3-6, 171.3), 125. UTEP (2-7, 148.5), 129. Middle Tennessee State (1-8, 82), 130. Sam Houston State (1-8, 127)

Charles Huff has brought his success from Marshall to Southern Miss.

Sun Belt (-3)

12. James Madison (8-1, 110.9), 30. Southern Miss (7-2, 98.7)

100. Louisiana (4-6, 129.3), 111. Texas State (3-6, 128.7), 114. Louisiana Monroe (3-6, 152.3), 126. South Alabama (2-7, 162), 134. Georgia State (1-8, 256)

The Bobcats reign at the top of the MAC was short-lived after a loss to Western Michigan as of this blog.

MAC (-5)

48. Ohio (6-3, 100.5)-Lost Tuesday to Western Michigan

101. Akron (4-6, 129.5)-Lost Tuesday to Kent State, 113. Kent State (3-6, 146)-Won over Akron on Tuesday, 117. Bowling Green (3-7, 92.3), 119. Eastern Michigan (3-7, 116.7), 124. Northern Illinois (2-7, 145) 136. UMass (0-9, 0)

Pool Poll: Number of Undefeated Teams Drops to Four as Saturday Sees Major Top 10 Shakeup

Georgia Tech dropped its first game of the season.

    Saturday was a wild weekend that saw three Top 10 teams lose (Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, and Miami), two undefeated teams suffer their first loss (Tech and Navy), and another SEC coach get the axe (Hugh Freeze/Auburn). The wildness even trickled down to the FCS where No. 2 Tarleton State (9-1) lost to a 4-4 Abilene Christian team while No. 4 South Dakota State (7-2) lost to a 2-6 Indiana State team. There's also been a lot of talk online about SEC bias, but I assure you that the SEC is still probably the deepest conference, and I've got a boat load of data over the years to support that. like it or not.

    Since I'm a little behind, let's just jump into the Top 25:

Jeremiah Smith is 10th in receiving with 925 yards and 9TD.

1. Ohio State (8-0, 67.9 WA, 0 LA)

Last Week Rank: 1

Last Week: Julian Sayin carved up Penn State in a 38-14 win. Sayin has thrown 23 TDs and just 3 INT while also only being sacked three times.

Up Next: Purdue (2-7, 128)

2. Texas A&M (8-0, 78.5, 0)

Last Week Rank: 2

Last Week: The Aggies were off last week, so QB Marcel Reed was able to rest his 23 total TDs to get ready for a solid SEC foe.

Up Next: Missouri (6-2, 35)

3. Indiana (9-0, 85.6, 0)

Last Week Rank: 4

Last Week: The Hoosiers throttled Maryland and haven't allowed more than 20 points in any game this season while averaging 46.4 points per game.

Up Next: Penn State (3-5, 103)

4. BYU (8-0, 87.5, 0)

Last Week Rank: 3

Last Week: The Cougars took their last bye week to prepare for a Top 25 showdown.

Up Next: Texas Tech (7-1, 10)

Trinidad Chambliss has gone from Division II (Ferris State) to trying to win an SEC title.

5. Ole Miss (8-1, 55.8, 20)

Last Week Rank: 8

Last Week: The Rebels knocked around South Carolina and get a virtual bye week against a bum FCS team.

Up Next: The Citadel (4-5, 209)

6. Virginia (8-1, 81.8, 57)

Last Week Rank: 10

Last Week: The Cavaliers survived another close call as the pulled away late from Cal, 31-21.

Up Next: Wake Forest (5-3, 58)

7. North Texas (8-1, 92.1, 29)

Last Week Rank: 15

Last Week: The Mean Green handed Navy its first loss of the season.

Up Next: Bye

8. Georgia Tech (8-1, 92.3, 79)

Last Week Rank: 5

Last Week: The Yellow Jackets were stung by NCST, who also gave Virginia their only loss this season.

Up Next: Bye

9. Memphis (8-1, 92.6, 116)

Last Week Rank: 11

Last Week: The Tigers saw their opportunity to get to the playoffs open back up with a win over Rice and Navy's loss.

Up Next: Tulane (6-2, 31)

David Bailey has just 16 tackles, but 11.5 are sacks (most in the FBS).

10. Texas Tech (8-1, 100.6, 38)

Last Week Rank: 16

Last Week: The Red Raiders coasted by Kansas State, 43-20.

Up Next: BYU (8-0, 4)

11. Alabama (7-1, 39.3, 86)

Last Week Rank: 7

Last Week: The Crimson Tide took the week off to get ready for an LSU team that recently fired Brian Kelly.

Up Next: LSU (5-3, 53)

12. Georgia (7-1, 77.4, 56)

Last Week Rank: 18

Last Week: The Bulldogs nearly needed a drink at the World's Largest Cocktail Party, but they were able to get past Florida late, 24-20.

Up Next: Mississippi State (5-4, 69)

13. Louisville (7-1, 78.6, 29)

Last Week Rank: 17

Last Week: The Cardinals struggled early but rallied past Virginia Tech, 28-16.

Up Next: Cal (5-4, 66)

14. San Diego State (7-1, 97.4, 62)

Last Week Rank: 21

Last Week: The Aztecs have been sneaking up the rankings and winning like they did against Wyoming on Saturday.

Up Next: Hawaii (6-3, 50)

No doubt the Ducks mascot wore their Labubu costume during their bye week.

15. Oregon (7-1, 98.1, 9) 

Last Week Rank: 13

Last Week: The Ducks took the week off.

Up Next: Iowa (6-2, 35)

16. Navy (7-1, 113.4, 15)

Last Week Rank: 6

Last Week: The Midshipmen were sunk 31-17 at the hands of the Mean Green.

Up Next: Notre Dame (6-2, 29)

17. James Madison (7-1, 115.7, 21)

Last Week Rank: 23

Last Week: The Dukes keep winning and picked up their sixth win by more than 10-points.

Up Next: Marshall (4-4, 77)

18. Oklahoma (7-2, 64.4, 31.5)

Last Week Rank: 27

Last Week: The Sooners picked up a huge victory over Tennessee to knock the Volunteers out the Pool Poll at least.

Up Next: Bye

19. Texas (7-2, 65, 61.5)

Last Week Rank: 28

Last Week: The Longhorns also picked up a huge SEC win when they held off a late rally by Vanderbilt.

Up Next: Bye

Jordan Marshall is doing a fantastic job filling in for Justice Haynes.

20. Michigan (7-2, 75.4, 33.5)

Last Week Rank: 25

Last Week: The Wolverines were sloppy in the redzone and allowed Purdue to hold the ball for lengthy drives, but did enough to win 21-16.

Up Next: Bye

21. Vanderbilt (7-2, 78.9, 31)

Last Week Rank: 9

Last Week: The Commodores were too little too late in their rally against Texas.

Up Next: Auburn (4-5, 87)

22. Utah (7-2, 80.9, 23)

Last Week Rank: 33

Last Week: The Utes absolutely demolished Cincinnati in Salt Lake City, 45-14.

Up Next: Bye

23. Western Kentucky (7-2, 91.3, 77)

Last Week Rank: 31

Last Week: The Hilltoppers cruised by New Mexico State.

Up Next: Bye

24. Cincinnati (7-2, 96.7, 36)

Last Week Rank: 12

Last Week: The Bearcats were throttled by Utah.

Up Next: Bye

The Cougars fumbled the bag in the Big 12 title race.

25. Houston (7-2, 101.1, 69.5)

Last Week Rank: 14

Last Week: The Cougars were upended by West Virginia, 45-35.

Up Next: UCF (4-4, 82)

Dropped Out: Tulane, Miami, UNLV, and Washington

Watch List: Pitt, USC, Washington, Notre Dame, USF, Tulane, Miami, TCU, Iowa, Missouri, Southern Miss, Kennesaw St, UNLV, Arizona State, and Tennessee

Bottom 10:

The Beavers finally got in the win column against an FBS school.

127. Oregon State (2-7)

128. Purdue (2-7)

129. Middle Tennessee St (1-7)

130. Nevada (1-7)

131. Charlotte (1-7)

132. Georgia State (1-7)

133. Oklahoma State (1-8)

134. Boston College (1-8)

135. Sam Houston State (0-8)

136. UMass (0-8)

FCS Top 10

The Bison nearly lost their winning streak to Youngstown State.

1. North Dakota State (9-0)

2. Lehigh (9-0)

3. Montana (9-0)

4. Harvard (7-0)

5. Tennessee Tech (9-0)

6. Tarleton State (9-1)

7. Presbyterian (8-1)

8. Monmouth (8-1)

9. Mercer (7-1)

10. South Dakota State (7-2)