SKSergiokosco: CFB Week 14 Preview

By: Tre Bailey

SKSergioKosco Blogger

My apologies to you all for missing a week of college football action, it feels like forever since I’ve posted. That being said let’s get down to some business.

Weekly Recap

Baylor and TCU go into an overtime thriller which left all of Baylor nation in dismay as a crippled TCU team managed to come away with the victory. Oklahoma Tops Oklahoma State solidifying themselves as the Big 12 champs after what may have seemed like a long season ahead after falling to Texas earlier in the season. Texas Tech finds its way over Texas in very close fashion. And Kansas still hasn’t won a game. With OU as the Big 12 champion, and there being no conference championship game there is no reason OU won’t be a finalist for the college football playoff.

In Big 10 Action, as most of you may have known Ohio State fell to Michigan State 2 weeks ago, only to follow the loss with a route of Michigan. While I am upset we didn’t finish the season undefeated; and also losing our playoff spot I cannot be upset with blowing Michigan out. Michigan State and Iowa will face each other in the conference championship game with the winner almost guaranteeing themselves a spot in the college football playoff. Personally I hope Iowa pulls it off after all of these years of rebuilding to finally see them see success would be nice.

The sec championship game has been set for the past few weeks now as Alabama and Florida have been the clear favorites. Sadly enough I don’t think Florida will be able to pull this out after suffering a somewhat demoralizing 27-2 loss against Florida State. I promise I won’t get into a rant of how the SEC is absolutely pitiful, overrated, has no solid quarterback in the conference what so ever, the list goes on. Maybe Florida can pull something out of the hat, but I can’t foresee them finding an answer to Derrick Henry.

Stanford happened to ruin Notre Dame’s chances at playoff contention, which is amazing because the committee now can show some respect to other teams. USC won against UCLA solidifying their spot in the PAC12 title game. With that being said USC and Stanford will have a rematch unfortunately at this point in the season the pac12 champion will be paying for pride instead of a playoff spot. Even if Stanford wins they are a 2 loss team so it would be difficult to justify placing them in the playoff picture.

The ACC Championship game is set and it is most likely the most impactful game with playoff implications. Clemson will face UNC in the ACC championship and I cannot stress how excited I am to watch this game. If Clemson wins the playoff picture will remain the same for the most part. If UNC wins the question then arises if they deserve to rise 6 spots into the top 4 for a playoff spot. My opinion is if you defeat the number one team in the nation. After having a 11-1 season only losing your first game winning 11 straight I firmly believe you deserve a playoff spot no questions asked if UNC wins as much as it may pain me to say they are in.

In Playoff news the picture is nearly set. 3 of the top four teams have conference title games this weekend which could make for some Murky water. Fortunately enough the only loss that could affect the complete picture is if Alabama loses to Florida. If Clemson loses UNC gets in. The winner between Iowa and Michigan State is in, OU doesn’t have a game so their spot is secure. Now if Alabama loses to Florida it opens the door to Ohio state sitting at #6 or if Stanford wins the Pac12 title, and Bama loses do they creep in over Ohio State for the 4^th and final playoff spot? If Either Bama or Clemson loses chaos will occur in the Playoff picture.

Current Rankings 

1	Clemson	12-0	—
2	Alabama	11-1	—
3	Oklahoma	11-1	—
4	Iowa	12-0	—
5	Michigan State	11-1	—
6	Ohio State	11-1	2
7	Stanford	10-2	2
8	Notre Dame	10-2	2
9	Florida State	10-2	4
10	North Carolina	11-1	4

Memphis in Review

Memphis rebounds to topple SMU and Paxton Lynch sets a record for 7 touchdowns thrown in the first half of the game. What a way to cap off an amazing season for the tigers. Now it has been officially announced that Fuente will not be returning next season as he accepted the Head coaching position at Virginia Tech. Until a replacement is found Darrell Dickey will serve as the interim coach for the bowl game.

Heisman Watch

A Small update to my Heisman standings. Based off of performance as an individual and overall team success.

1)      Derrick Henry- The dynamic playmaker for the crimson tide. Always reliable, and the reason Alabama still has a chance.

2)      Baker Mayfield- having a monster year for the Sooners, relentless leader, and incomparable passion for the game.

3)      Deshaun Watson-the leader of the number one team in the nation deserving of the award.

4)      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

Recruiting Spotlight

Levonta Taylor- Cornerback; Ocean Lakes HS, Virginia Beach VA

Commited to Florida State.

The nation’s top corner recruit this kid is going to do huge things on that FSU defense. This kid is physical for his size and will only get better over the years. Currently at 183 lbs if he manages to bulk up to 190-195 and maintain his 4.3 40 speed this kid will be lockdown on the perimeter. For a corner he has good tackling ability. Also a huge threat in the return game as he saw some action on both sides of the ball. 

Coaching Updates

Clay Helton is named the head coach at USC after serving as the interim for the past 6 weeks Justin Fuente will take over at Virginia Tech Mark Richt is out at Georgia, and in at Miami; Bryan McClendon will serve as the interim until the offseason when Kirby Smart the current DC at Alabama will take over as the new head coach. Scott Frost is taking over at UCF. Defensive coordinator Barry Odom will take over the head coaching duties at Missouri, a decision made possible as Gary Pinkel decided to resign to focus on his personal health.

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