What I'm Watching- College Football Slate 10/15

Despite my disgust with the FBS/BCS bowl system I will admit, I anxiously await the first BCS rankings which are released this Sunday. And to be quite honest, this is about the only time something positive comes out of the BCS rankings. The reason being- we finally have some clarity in trying to figure out who the best teams in the country are. With so much disagreement between the AP and coaches polls, fans have been stuck waiting, debating, and wondering. The most recent Coaches Poll has Oklahoma, LSU, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Stanford as their top 5. On the other hand, the most recent AP poll has LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Boise State as their top 5.  Almost an identical mix of teams, however, the only rank they agree on is Wisconsin’s. I think LSU is the best team in the country right this second and I believe their track record is most deserving of #1. I have ‘Bama coming in at a very close #2, which is fine by me because they face off three weeks from today. If both stay undefeated a ranking will be determined like it should be, in a head-to-head match up. At #3 I have Oklahoma whose biggest win was @ (then #5) Florida State and who still has 4 ranked opponents left on their schedule. They don't have enough quality wins in my opinion despite their big numbers. At #4 I’ agree with both polls and put Wisconsin in that slot, again, the hardest chunk of their schedule has yet to come and they have a lot of work ahead of them. And #5 is the team flying under everybody’s radar who could take the #4 spot in the BCS- the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This team is high octane and hopefully runs the table to setup a Dec. 3 showdown with their in state rival the Oklahoma Sooners.

(11) Michigan v. (23) Michigan St. 12 PM ESPN

Quite possibly the most on the line in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy as the winner gains an inside track to win the Big Ten Legends division. Michigan State has won the last 3 games of this series.  MSU executed well in stopping Michigan QB Denard Robinson last year, intercepting him 3 times and holding him to 86 yds rushing. They’re calling for a windy one in East Lansing today with 25-30 mph winds. How does this affect Denard Roninson’s ability to throw the football? I think the wind is very problematic for Michigan’s offense and Sparty wins a close, defensive battle.

(20) Baylor v. (21) Texas A&M 12 PM FX

Longtime in-state, conference rivals will battle for the 108th time in the “Battle of the Brazos”. I’ll admit this is the recall game for the noon slot. By that I mean whenever it’s a commercial, challenge, or PAT in the Michigan/Michigan St. game I’ll hit the last button on the remote. Just the way it is in the game, no hard feelings to the residents of Texas or fellow Big12 members. Although this stat may cause some hard feelings for Baylor fans, Baylor is winless in their last 12 trips to College Station (0-11-1). Hey at least they got a tie, because they haven’t won @ Texas A&M since 1984. Ouch! Can RG3 continue to add to his magical season? Most likely, due to the the fact Texas A&M loves a good ole’ shootout. More importantly, can Baylor get the 27 year winless streak @ Texas A&M off their backs? It’s a tough omen to shake, for that reason I like the Aggies in this one. 

UMass v. Delaware 3:30 PM CSN-NE

UMass heads down to Newark, DE to face longtime CAA foe and #8 Delaware. UMass has had a rough time on the road in the CAA the last few seasons and has always had a tough time playing @ Delaware. In fact, Delaware is 13-3 against the Minutemen in games played in Newark. UMass recorded their last win @ Delaware in 2005, and undoubtedly would like to leave the CAA on a high note beating a conference rival that’s had their number. Expect to see a lot of points in this one that’s for sure.

Ohio St. v. (16) Illinois 3:30 PM ABC/ESPN

Illinois is off to a blazing start and looking to go (7-0) for the 1st time since 1951. Talk about bringing a program back from the dead, head coach Ron Zook is on the verge of doing just that with a win against the Buckeyes. The Fighting Illini will have their hands full against an embattled Ohio State team that has yet to win a Big Ten game (0-2). History is on the Buckeyes side in this match up as they’ve won 8 straight @ Illinois. Keep an eye on Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase (Sheel-house) who owns the 5th highest QB rating in nation, and you’ve probably never heard his name before, let alone knew how to pronounce it.

Florida v. (24) Auburn 7:00 PM ESPN

Good ole’ SEC battle in the night slot where the Gators will give freshman QB Jacoby Brisset his first start in a must win game for them. Bottom line, Florida loses they can kiss there chances at the SEC East goodbye. This is the first meeting between these two teams since 2007 and is always a must watch, the fact the last four games in this series have been decided in the last minute makes it that much more exciting. (Auburn won 3 of those 4) I am so confused by this game I can only hope it’s a competitive game that comes down to the last minute…again

(18) Arizona St. v. (9) Oregon 10:15 PM ESPN

Biggest headline in this Pac-12 (weird writing 12) match up, is Oregon will be without their RB and leading rusher in the nation LaMichael James who is out with an elbow injury. Arizona State leads the all-time series 16-15 dating back to 1966. The Ducks have won the previous six meetings, and Arizona State's last win over the Ducks game in 2004.Arizona State is in the same boat as Baylor and Illinois. All three teams are off to great starts and face a team they haven’t been able to beat in ages. If Arizona State wins this game look for them to make some serious noise and most likely win the Pac-12 South, this is by far the toughest game they have left on their schedule.