College football is worth the trip, and this week's CFP predictions
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No. 15 USC at No. 8 Oregon was the marquee game of the weekend, a de facto elimination game for College Football Playoff consideration.
Reservations were made weeks ago to attend but due to travel complications on Friday, I was stranded locally in Rhode Island for a 12:30 p.m. Saturday kickoff. Not wanting to miss the classic at the iconic Autzen Stadium, I started out at 5:30 a.m. on game day and made the connection in Denver to Eugene and was in my seat at kickoff. The experience, from the outdoor press box, the crispy chilling air (42 degrees) temperature inside it, the smell of the timber trees and, yes, the raucous crowd only heightened my expectations.
When Oregon’s Malik Benson returned a USC punt 85 yards to break a 14-14 tie and electrified the Duck faithful to a fever pitch, I knew right then traveling more than 6,000 miles in one day to cover a four-hour game was a no-brainer. College football delivered and overcame the flight issues on Friday. The enormous challenge of how to get there only increased the passion to be there. The Ducks won a hard-fought 42-25 contest to secure their ranking but the memories will last forever. Put an Oregon Ducks’ game on your bucket list; you will not be disappointed.
Coaches cost big bucks
Florida State just committed to Mike Norvell for a seventh season after losing to N.C. State, 21-11, and falling to 5-6. Are you kidding me? Sure, he had one great season two years ago but is 7-16 since. This is Florida State, for crying out loud. Where are the boosters? The Seminoles should be in CFP contention every year based on their resources, history, fan base and brand. Because FSU gave Norvell a six-year extension after going 13-1 in 2023, a huge mistake, Seminole nation would not swallow the $59 million buyout, likely guaranteeing another season of unfulfilled expectations.
∎Ole Miss gave Lane Kiffin until Saturday after the Egg Bowl to make a decision on his future. Will it be LSU, Florida or Ole Miss? Either way, it will be for a lot more money, even though Kiffin states the decision will not be driven by money. This from the guy who was worth $14 million in 2016 and told Sports Illustrated, “I figured it out. I really don’t make any money.” Well, whatever happens, $14 million will probably be the starting point for a yearly salary. Maybe that still won’t be enough. St. Nick (Saban) came out and said the recruiting dates and transfer portal dates should both be changed to not affect decisions coaches like Kiffin have to make to get the jump on recruiting. Maybe he’s read our column.
No change at the top
No shakeup in the CFP rankings. Georgia Tech was exposed and eliminated by a blowout loss to Pitt. USC’s hopes are gone as are Cincinnati’s. Some teams were idle and others played exhibitions (Samford losing to Texas A&M, 48-0; Charleston to Georgia, 35-3; and Eastern Illinois bowing to Alabama, 56-0). If you saw the end of Colorado’s 42-17 home loss to Arizona State, you saw a team that quit on its coach, Deion Sanders. Horrendous tackling, disorganized and no inspiration the entire fourth quarter, Sanders needs to look in the mirror because the honeymoon is over. The 43,348 in attendance was the smallest crowd since 2022. Speculation is mounting regarding Sanders’ potential dismissal, with enthusiasm for the program replaced by cynicism and pessimism and a lack of confidence. Maybe he can turn it around, but for that to happen, Sanders needs to do a complete 180 for a team in disarray and where leadership is a problem. Once you’ve lost the locker room, you’re finished.
My CFP predictions
No. 1 Ohio State, No. 2 Indiana, No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 4 Georgia, No. 5 Texas Tech, No. 6 Mississippi, No. 7 Oregon, No. 8 Oklahoma, No. 9 Notre Dame, No. 10 Alabama, No. 11 BYU. Tulane remains remains the highest ranked non-Power Four team and qualifies. We remind you again of the likelihood of a BYU/Texas Tech Big 12 championship game and the loser falling, which could open up space for Utah, Miami or Vanderbilt, teams that currently are on the outside looking in as the Dec. 7 CFP selection day approaches. Utah’s escape at home against Kansas State (52-47) might drop them, and Vandy’s impressive 45-17 victory over Kentucky might elevate them. No. 18 Michigan is the only other team that has a realistic chance if it can get a victory this week against the No. 1 Buckeyes.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ken Schreiber predicts this week's CFP rankings
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