Woodshed top 20 college football rankings: Week 14
Well, championship week was kind of like kissing your sister wasn't it? I mean, there wasn't any real drama that unfolded.
Alabama did what everybody in the world thought they'd do against Florida in the SEC championship game. I feel sorry for my buddy Eric who made a birthday weekend out of going to Atlanta to see Florida's awesome quarterback performance. The Gators are a long way away from competing for the national title. And I'm not alone in thinking that. All 8-4 does is get them a date with Iowa. That's where their program is right now. And I hope Iowa fans don't hate me for saying that.
Clemson seems to do just what they have to do to win. I really don't think Virginia Tech is that good -- 9-4 in the ACC is not exactly title game material. Clemson should have rolled them pretty easily, but instead they made fans test the batteries in their remotes switching back and forth between the Big Ten title game and ACC title game. Clemson's defense gave up 35 points. If I'm Dabo Swinney, that's a little concerning going into the playoffs.
Washington did what they had to do in the Pac-12 to win the conference title game. But again, we're talking about the Pac-12. Only Michigan fans will tell you that the Pac-12 is any good, because they beat Colorado. Yawn. Let's just say I'm suspect on the defense that is played in that conference. The Pac-12 is the Big 12. Congrats to the Huskies for having a great year and winning the conference title.
Congratulations to Penn State as well for winning the Big Ten title game. Yes, they can be called conference champions, but they shared a division title with both Michigan and Ohio State, they didn't win it outright. I know PSU fans haven't won anything in a while, but that's how it works. I will say this, they are hot right now. But to me, the two losses trump the head to head. Now if they played in a dome or neutral site, then I wouldn't be preaching as much. The Rose Bowl is a nice bowl game for the teams that forgot that wins matter in September.
AND THE HEISMAN GOES TO?
These are the finalists heading to New York.
1. Lamar Jackson -- Louisville
2. Deshaun Watson -- Clemson
3. Baker Mayfield -- Oklahoma
4. Dede Westbrook -- Oklahoma
5. Jabrill Peppers -- Michigan
Let's not kid ourselves here. Nobody in the world has the numbers Lamar Jackson has, nor the highlight reel. It's a reel that video gamers invent from. Action Jackson has 3,390 yards through the air with 30 touchdown passes and, here's where it's silly, 1,538 yards and 21 TDs rushing. But if he hadn't blown up Florida State like he did, I am not sure he'd win it. The two losses to end the season are a concern, but I just don't think you can overlook the stats.
Here's what the Woodshed Heisman final five looks like:
1. Lamar Jackson -- Louisville
2. Deshaun Watson -- Clemson
3. Adoree' Jackson -- USC
4. Dalvin Cook -- Florida State
5. Jabrill Peppers -- Michigan
If Peppers makes it as a finalist, then Adoree' Jackson must too. That guy is electric on kickoff returns, punt returns, at cornerback and when they line him up on the offensive side of the ball, too. I'm a Peppers fan, but his best highlight of the year was called back for a block in the back. It didn't actually happen. And I could make a case that they just hide him on defense rather than move him around to be a game breaker.
If Deshaun Watson wins, it's because they made it a team/leadership award. Remember when Manti Te'o finished second in Heisman voting in 2012? Watson likely took most of the votes that should have gone to Dalvin Cook, so this Heisman race may be closer than people think. I wouldn't be upset if Watson won it though.
DID THE COMMITTEE GET IT RIGHT?
As much as James Franklin wants to ignore it, September games matter.
I actually believe that Penn State should be in the playoffs, but not at the hands of Ohio State. Yes, OSU's only loss was in Happy Valley on a windy day in which a blocked field goal was the difference in the game. Had weather not played a factor in the game, I'd say Penn State is better. But that's not the case, weather did play a factors. The Nittany Lions also had a convenient bye week to prepare for a Buckeyes team that had just beaten Wisconsin on the road in overtime. Franklin isn't talking about that, is he? OSU played back-to-back contests against teams coming off a bye week.
I would like to see the Big Ten change its rules so the top two teams play in the conference title game. Geographically speaking, Wisconsin seems to always get to play in the game with a loss or two because they are in a weaker division. Seriously, the Big Ten should think about starting its own committee that chooses who gets to play in the Big Ten title game.
I know one coach would have been bitterly disappointed in the decision, but a rematch of Penn State vs. Ohio State would have settled who goes to the playoff, no? Who passes the look test?
Here's how the Woodshed sees it:
1. ALABAMA (13-0)
"Hey Pa, we got a gimme on New Year's Eve."
I'm pretty sure that the tickets for the National Championship game have sold out because Alabama fans booked all of their travel plans for Tampa instead of Atlanta. The Tide have been on cruise control for the last four weeks. The only bump in the road was a 10-0 victory over LSU. This is partly because coach Nick Saban has collected five-star recruits like nobody else. Many of you don't believe in these type of rankings, but I follow recruiting because I believe it's one area you can measure the type of athletes on a team. Over the past four years, 22 five-star recruits have signed on with Alabama. The rest of the SEC has 45 spread amongst them. Now you know why they pass the eye test. It's not because of their resume, although being undefeated in the SEC does mean a lot. Every other team in the SEC has at least four losses, let that sink in a bit.
Resume victories: No. 9 USC, No. 17 Auburn, No. 19 LSU, No. 20 Florida
2. OHIO STATE (11-1)
There seems to be a lot of debate of whether or not Ohio State deserves to be in the playoff or not. All you have to do is look at their resume. In the history of the playoffs, there isn't a team that has better wins. I am all about picking the four best teams in college football. I laugh when I hear other media types say that Penn State is a better team than Ohio State. I am disappointed that they won't get a chance to play again this year. Strength of schedule means something, and Ohio State did its part by scheduling and smoking Oklahoma. If Oklahoma isn't that good, then why do they have two Heisman finalists? OSU has a stiff test in Clemson, another program that has been neck and neck with Urban Meyer when it comes to recruiting. In fact, in looking at the five-star talent, Clemson has the edge in that department by two, but when you add the four-star talent, Ohio State overwhelms the Tigers by 11 (give or take a couple players due to transferring or the NFL).
Now I'm not saying that the star ranking actually does anything. But I find it interesting that OSU only trails Alabama when measuring recruiting. Ohio State deserves to be ranked No. 2 because of its victories and it has the best loss of anyone.
Resume victories: No. 6 Michigan, No. 7 Oklahoma, No. 8 Wisconsin, No. 24 Nebraska
Losses: No. 5 Penn State
3. PENN STATE (11-2)
I'm breaking from the traditional one team per conference in the final four, because I want to see the four best teams in the playoff. Penn State is hot, and it has the resume to prove it. I know in years past I was suspect on taking two teams from one conference, but I just want to see the best four teams play. If it weren't for the month of September, Penn State would be ranked No. 1. My only issue with the Lions not being ranked higher than OSU is that they played at home and were dominated throughout the game. That was a game where the scoreboard didn't necessarily tell who the better team was that day. OSU lost on two special teams errors due to weather. James Franklin is doing exciting things in Paterno land, but I wouldn't be talking too much about conference champions when you're not playing the best in the conference for that title. PSU, you do have my respect. I for one thought Franklin was on his way out earlier this year.
Resume victories: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 8 Wisconsin, No. 21 Nebraska
Losses: No. 6 Michigan, No. 22 Pitt
4. CLEMSON (12-1)
This team is so hard to figure out. I just don't understand how they gave up 35 points to Virginia Tech. Nothing against the Hokies, but they just don't have me shaking in my boots. For those who waited to vote, Deshaun Watson may have vaulted to the top of the Heisman race with his 5 TD performance in the ACC title game. He passed for almost 3,914 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also rushed for 529 yards and six scores. Not a bad resume at all. Clemson's passing game against Ohio State's defensive backfield is going to be a fun matchup of NFL prospects.
Resume victories: No. 10 Florida State, No. 15 Louisville, No. 17 Auburn, No. 18 Virginia Tech
Losses: No. 22 Pittsburgh
5. MICHIGAN (10-2)
I'm bitterly disappointed that the Wolverines don't get a shot in the playoffs. Fans of the Blue need to ask their coach to not lose two games in November if they want to play with the big boys. Seriously, if the Wolverines didn't lose to Iowa, none of this stuff about the Big Ten would ever be in question. "Fack" of the matter is that we'd still be hearing about the poor officiating in the Ohio State game. I mean, there was a web site that broke it down like the JFK assassination. "Back and to the left, back and to the left." If you don't remember Kevin Costner saying that, how about Jerry Seinfeld?
The Wolverines are still potent and now we'll get to see them face Florida State in the Orange Bowl, which should be a doozy! Harbaugh will find a way to make this game a spectacle. Pop the popcorn!
Resume victories: No. 5 Penn State, No. 8 Wisconsin, No. 11 Colorado
Losses: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 21 Iowa
6. WASHINGTON (12-1)
The Huskies looked pretty good in herding the Colorado Buffaloes. They racked up a lot of wins this year in the Pac-12, but I'd have been more impressed if they ran the table. The loss to USC sticks out like a sore thumb. In looking at the talent on the roster, Washington has 23 four-star players in the program. That's virtually half of what Michigan, Clemson and OSU have in their programs. And if you want to compare with Alabama, they are sitting on top with 71 according to 247 Sports' recruiting rankings. The good thing is only 11 can play on the field at the same time. I think an invite to the playoff was a mistake, and one that will change the way the committee thinks about league champions for future playoff runs.
Resume victories: No. 11 Colorado, No. 17 Stanford
Losses: No. 9 USC
7. OKLAHOMA (10-2)
If you listen to Penn State's argument about being hot, winning a conference title and not having the games count in September, then you have to vote for Oklahoma, too. The only issue is the Nittany Lions beat Ohio State at home, while the Buckeyes whooped Bob Stoops' Sooners in Norman. What that game did was eliminate the Big 12 from any serious national championship conversation. The Sooners have some weapons -- Baker Mayfield is ninth in the nation in passing with 3,669 yards this season. The Big 12 needs a conference title game. Until they get one, they will be bowling rather than title hunting.
Resume victories: No. 13 Oklahoma State, No. 14 West Virginia
Losses: No. 2 Ohio State, Houston
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (9-3)
The Trojans are a hot football team as well. That's why the Rose Bowl matchup with Penn State is going to be a hoot. Adoree' Jackson is a special cornerback, so much so that I believe he should be in New York for the Heisman ceremony. Jackson had two interceptions against Washington. Southern Cal's victories are good, and I believe USC is the best team in the Pac-12, but those losses keep them from being ranked any higher.
Resume victories: No. 4 Washington, No. 11 Colorado
Losses: No. 1 Alabama, No. 16 Stanford, Utah
9. WISCONSIN (10-3)
The Badgers just didn't have enough steam to stop Penn State. If the game had ended in the first half, nobody would be talking about Penn State. But PSU prevailed, sending Wisconsin to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, where they'll meet Cinderella story Western Michigan.
Resume victories: No. 19 LSU, No. 21 Iowa, No. 24 Nebraska
Losses: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 5 Penn State, No. 6 Michigan
10. LOUISVILLE (9-3)
Doesn't everybody remember the coming out party of Lamar Jackson? I think "they just scored again" should be on Cards T-shirts when they face Florida State next year. The Cards folded down the stretch, losing their last two games of the year to Houston and Kentucky. Get it? Cards? Folding? The 63-20 dismantling of FSU was the Cardinals' only victory vs. a ranked team this year.
Resume victories: No. 10 Florida State
Losses: No. 3 Clemson, Houston, Kentucky
11. FLORIDA STATE (9-3)
The Seminoles have a lot of talent on the roster, more than most programs in the nation. The Orange Bowl matchup with Michigan will be an interesting one to watch between Michigan's defense and Florida State's offense. The two teams are pretty even across the board. FSU's Dalvin Cook will look to go out with a bang before dashing off to the NFL.
Resume victories: No. 20 Florida
Losses: No. 3 Clemson, No. 15 Louisville, North Carolina
12. FLORIDA (8-4)
This is a mercy pick here. I mean, who has Florida beaten? I still look at that roster and wonder how good can they become. Injuries have plagued the Gators. The SEC should think about changing the rules for their SEC title game, too. That title game was over before my buddy decided to make the trip to Atlanta. They're pitted against Iowa in the Outback Bowl. Which four-loss team is better? If you look at the recruiting rankings, Florida has much more talent. But Iowa always seems to overachieve.
Speaking of Outback, did you see this?
That kangaroo must be bitterly disappointed.
Resume victories: No. 19 LSU
Losses: No. 1 Alabama, No. 12 Florida State, Tennessee, Arkansas
13. IOWA (8-4)
The Hawkeyes rushing attack is dangerous, just ask Michigan. If they can beat the Wolverines, who many view as a top-five team, then they deserve to be ranked higher than they are in the AP. It's possible that the Big Ten is as loaded as the SEC once was. The man to watch is Akrum Wadley, who literally will shake you out of your shoes. If I'm Iowa, I make sure he has 20 touches a game.
Resume victories: No. 6 Michigan, No. 24 Nebraska
Losses: No. 5 Penn State, No. 8 Wisconsin, North Dakota State, Northwestern
14. COLORADO (10-3)
Michigan people were saying, "You had one job!" The Buffaloes had a great season, but it's like a nice glass of iced tea. Finally we will see who is better, the Pac-12 or Big 12. The Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma State should be a high scoring affair.
Resume victories: No. 16 Stanford
Losses: No. 4 Washington, No. 6 Michigan, No. 9 USC
15. WESTERN MICHIGAN (13-0)
Row the Boat. It's a thing, look it up. Ohio gave them a scare though, that's what Bobcats do. Congrats on the perfect record, beating two Big Ten teams along the way. The reward? They'll play a third Big Ten team in the Cotton Bowl (Wisconsin). I personally wanted to see the Broncos get a chance to play Tennessee or LSU.
Resume victories: Northwestern, Illinois
16. OKLAHOMA STATE (9-3)
The Cowboys laid an egg when it came to competing with their in-state rival for the Big 12 championship. If the Cowboys want to be serious, they are going to have to recruit some defensive talent. Defense wins championships. Giving up more than 600 yards in a title game isn't going to make the boosters happy. Back to the Alamodome for the Cowboys.
Resume victories: None
Losses: No. 7 Oklahoma, Central Michigan, Baylor
17. STANFORD (9-3)
The Cardinal ran off five victories to end the season, but I don't think they will beat North Carolina in the Sun Bowl. Christian McCaffrey had over 1,900 yards combined rushing and receiving for Stanford. He's the only reason Stanford is even ranked.
Resume victories: USC
Losses: No. 4 Washington, No. 11 Colorado, Washington State
18. NEBRASKA (9-3)
That final regular-season loss to Iowa hurt the resume for sure. But the best thing about a bowl game is that it gives the Cornhuskers a chance to heal those wounds. They face off with Tennessee. I always love that SEC vs. Big Ten matchup. No real resume victories of note though.
Resume victories: None
Losses: No. 2 Ohio State, No. 8 Wisconsin, No. 21 Iowa
19. PITTSBURGH (8-4)
The Panthers had a difficult schedule. They lost to No. 13 Oklahoma State, North Carolina, No. 18 Virginia Tech and Miami. But look at who they beat. The Miami loss is the one that keeps this team from not being ranked higher. And that's not a jab at the Hurricanes. I expect Miami to be in the Woodshed rankings next year.
Resume victories: No. 3 Clemson, No. 5 Penn State
Losses: No. 13 Oklahoma State, No. 18 Virginia Tech, Miami, North Carolina,
20. TEMPLE (10-3)
I wanted to put Navy here to honor the Midshipmen and their great season, but that wouldn't make sense because Temple just beat Navy pretty bad. Navy had a couple nice wins over Notre Dame and Houston, while Temple beat everybody in the American Athletic Conference but Memphis. While the Owls can start looking ahead to their bowl game vs. Wake Forest, the Midshipmen are preparing for their rivalry game with the cadets from West Point this weekend. I look forward to watching this game just for the sweet new uniforms Army is going to wear.
Footnote
Kudos to Purdue for hiring Western Kentucky's Jeff Brohm. That is a home-run hire. Purdue needs somebody who can win with less. That means finding a guy that can innovate on offense. Oregon probably should have made that hire. Indiana should have made that hire. Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin just got a little more competition. Indiana should go after P.J. Fleck or Lane Kiffin. Adding Kiffin to the Big Ten would make those matchups a little more fun to watch, no?
Fans, here are #NavyFootball’s @UAFootball designed “Beat Army” uniforms for this year's #ArmyNavy Game! pic.twitter.com/8QpFGWHQ2R
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) December 6, 2016
