SKSergiokosco: CFB Week 10 Preview

By: Tre Bailey

SKSergioKosco Blogger

Before we get started this week I just wanted everyone to know that here at SergioKosco; we are committed to our fans and just wanted to do a little something to give back to you all. We will be hosting our first SergioKosco tank give away, the first person to comment the phrase “don’t blink” will receive a free SergioKosco tank of their choosing. Best of luck to all, and now time for the main attraction.

Weekly Recap

If you haven’t heard already, Frank Beamer; head coach of Virginia tech has decided that this will be his final rodeo for the Hokies. This decision is shocking to some, but to others well they saw it coming. Coach Beamer will always be a Virginia Tech Legend and hopeful can lead his team to a few more victories before his time is done. With the news of his retirement; another head coaching position just opened, this offseason will be full of coaching moves and honestly I think it will be very exciting.

While we caught news of a coach retiring, we also caught news of a coach having to suspend one of his players. Yes I am talking about JT Barrett being suspend for this Saturday’s game against a Minnesota team who gave Michigan a run for their money. Coming off of his first start since breaking his ankle last year, JT finds himself sidelined again after being cited for Operating a Vehicle Impaired. His lack of judgement led to questions of if he should even be a captain on the team aside for being suspended. Ultimately he will face a one game suspension, loss of scholarship for the summer term, and having to earn the trust of his team back. Consider this punishment light, luckily the buckeyes have Cardale Jones ready to go, although he hasn’t lived up to the 3 game hype of last year’s championship drive; he is still undefeated as a starter and you can’t take that away from anyone.

Now it is that time of the year where the committee begins to vote on the playoff rankings. Personally I think this system is flawed, and a bunch of people who don’t know a thing about football attempt to pick the best 4 teams possible to compete for a national championship. With the initial polls releasing this week we the top 4 looked something like this:

1)      Clemson

2)      LSU

3)      Ohio State

4)      Alabama

Now I usually save my rankings for later but let’s talk about that now. There are so many things wrong with this list. For one to rank the defending National Champs anything less than number 1 is an insult. They have proven that they are the top team in the nation by not losing a game since week 1 of last season. In my opinion to lose your top spot you have to lose a game, plain and simple. I have no issue with LSU sitting at number 2, with the way that they are playing LSU is deserving of that second spot. Clemson, while not the number one team in the nation I do believe is deserving of a top 4 spot, but falling in at 3 or 4. The acc isn’t really a strong conference, and many individuals will argue the same. The do indeed handle opponents and I will not forget what they did to Ohio State the year before last…. Needless to say I am still slightly bitter about that game. Now my largest issue with the initial top 4 is the team siting at the number 4 spot. It seems that year in and year out Alabama will always be in the conversation. I mean they can be 8-4 and people will say they deserve a shot at the title, and judging by the bias of the committee they would probably get one. There are plenty of teams out there who are still un-beaten who deserve to be ranked in that spot. Teams such as Baylor, Tcu, Michigan State, Memphis, Iowa, and Oklahoma State. All teams who haven’t lost a game but won’t get the respect they deserve because Alabama shines brighter than stars at night in the eyes of the College Football Playoff Committee. Here are my top 4 rankings which may be a little more accurate.

1)      Ohio State

2)      LSU

3)      Clemson

4)      Baylor

With Michigan state, TCU, Iowa, and Memphis in the conversation. I remember the good ole days when losing a game basically meant losing your chances at the national championship. Where the computer decided your fate. Being 2 years removed from that system seems like an eternity now.

Memphis in Review

Now 8-0 the tigers are getting absolutely no respect what so ever. To say that they aren’t deserving of a top 10 ranking is absolutely disrespectful and ignorant. This is a team who beat Ole Miss, the same team that gave Alabama its only loss of the season. While you couldn’t say Memphis is better than Alabama through this logic, it is fair to say that the tigers have shown they can compete with the best teams out there despite not being in a power 5 conference. I predict that if they go on to win the final 4 games of the season, Memphis could make the college football playoff picture pretty difficult especially if they capture wins on the road both at Houston and Temple.

Heisman Watch

My views on the Heisman race haven’t changed what so ever. All of these men are well deserving at a chance to hold the trophy, and have their name inscribed in college football history.

1)      Leanord Fournette- The current leading rusher and heart and soul of the LSU offense. For obvious reasons finding his way to the top of my list

2)      Ezekiel Elliot- The second best running back in the NCAA and probably one of the most versatile. A threat in the pass and ground game he is definitely a candidate.

3)      Trevone Boykin- The most dynamic quarterback in one of the most dynamic offenses. If TCU finishes undefeated he will definitely be in the race.

4)      Corey Coleman- I had the opportunity to play against him in high school and his playmaking ability is surreal. It has only gotten better during his career at Baylor.

5)      Christian McCaffrey- An absolute sleeper and playmaker for Stanford. Great ball carrying ability and deceptive speed.

6)      Paxton Lynch- Currently 7-0 and counting for the rebuilt Memphis program

Games Of the week

LSU vs Alabama- A game with playoff implications on the line. If LSU wins they most likely knock of any chances Bama had at a title run this year which i am sure everyone is tired of seeing. If Bama wins well then i suppose we will have to wait until the SEC championship to see if Florida has anything to say about the Crimson tide and their Playoff hopes

Florida State vs Clemson- Another game with huge playoff implications. Clemson has a lot on the line coming into this game, and Florida state isn't just going to give the game away. If FSU can pull away with a victory, they can possibly find themselves with their name in the mix of being in the top 4. With the new voting system this could make for some interesting conversations.

Oklahoma State vs TCU- TCU has been on the defense these past couple of weeks, a few close calls since the Texas Tech game the Horned Frogs can find some more trouble against the Cowboys this time around especially on the road. OSU has a lot to prove and could potentially propel Baylor into the top 4 CFP rankings. We haven't seen a stand alone big 12 winner in a few years now, and now that there are 3 undefeated teams things could get a little confusing seeing that they don't have a conference championship game. The way the Cowboys are playing now I wouldn't overlook an upset 

Recruiting Spotlight

This week’s High School Spotlight Recruit: K.J. Costello Senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Coto de Caza, California. Committed to Stanford. This kid is an absolute monster. Standing at 6’4’’ his tall stature makes him an ideal target for colleges looking for a more traditional style QB. He has a huge arm, keeps his eyes downfield while going through his progressions, makes mature decisions and protects the ball. Consistent with his downfield accuracy and a quick release makes him a perfect fit for the pro-style offense that they run at Stanford.  Check out his highlights from his Junior season.

Check out the Highlights from Week 9