College Football Top Ten as of 11-14-2023
The weeks are down to a precious few and several teams are jockeying for playoff positioning. Here is this week’s new Top Ten:
Top Ten as of 11-14-2023
#10. Oregon State 8-2 (+80,000) - Oregon State blasted Stanford this past week and now has the chance to be the ultimate spoiler on the road to the college football playoffs. Next Up: vs #5 Washington; Last week’s Rank (Unranked)
#9. Louisville 9-1 (+15,000) - The Cardinals have quietly just kept on winning this season. They snuck by Virginia by 7 and a win over Miami this week will ensure a New Year’s Day bowl game for Louisville. Next Up: at Miami; Last week’s Rank (Unranked)
#8. Texas 9-1 (+2000) - Texas’ win over Alabama looms large and keeps them in the playoff discussion with just one loss. Next Up: at Iowa State; Last week’s Rank (8)
#7. Oregon 9-1 (+800) - Oregon’s loss at Washington has to sting. This is a dangerous team that could cause problems if they snuck in the playoffs. Next Up: at Arizona State; Last week’s Rank (7)
#6. Alabama 9-1 (+650) - Alabama has a clear path to the College Football playoffs if they win out. The loser of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game will likely drop out. The Crimson Tide will need some help with Washington and Florida State. Next Up: vs. Chattanooga; Last week’s Rank (6)
#5. Washington 10-0 (+1400) - The Huskies got past the Utes last week but they have their hands full this week against a potent Oregon State team. Next Up: at #10 Oregon State; Last Week’s Rank (5)
#4. Florida State 10-0 (+950) - The Seminoles are always happy to survive the Hurricanes and they did just that in a 27-20 win last week. Next Up: vs. N. Alabama; Last week’s Rank (4)
#3. Ohio State 10-0 (+800) - The Buckeyes rolled up 35 points by halftime vs. MSU and put it on cruise control in the second half. Similar result likely this week against Minnesota. Next Up: vs. Minnesota; Last week’s Rank (3)
#2. Michigan 10-0 (+215) - No Jim Harbaugh, no problem for the Wolverines. The Wolverines went into Penn State and shut down the Nittany Lions offense en route to a win. Be wary of a trap game at Maryland this week with the Buckeyes looming. Next up: at Maryland; Last week’s Rank (2)
#1. Georgia 10-0 (+255) - TE Brock Bowers returned and had a touchdown in a one-sided affair over Ole Miss at home. All streaks remain on the line for the Bulldogs as they travel to Tennessee this week. Next Up: at Tennessee; Last week’s Rank (1)
In parenthesis, the odds of winning the National Title.
Upset Watch Week 9:
Things don’t always go according to plan in college football. Each week we will look at a possible upset against one of our top ten teams. I’ve now hit on each of my last three upset watch picks after Utah (+9.5) lost by just a touchdown at Washington, 35-27.
#18 Utah (+9.5) at #5 Washington 3:30 PM on Saturday: Utah has struggled this season against ranked opponents but they have two factors that could keep this game close and help them to cover: they rarely turn the ball over and have the ability to dominate time of possession. The Huskies could be ripe for a letdown game here after upending USC on the road last week.
The One That Got Away Week 1:
Each week we will look at a game from the previous week in which defeat was snatched away from the jaws of victory with a fateful play near the end of the game. We’ve all been there, why not painfully rehash it?
Florida (+13.5) at #19 LSU
One week after losing to Arkansas for the first time in the Swamp, I had no illusions of a Florida win over LSU at Tiger Stadium. With 13.5 points in my pocket, I didn’t need a win, I just needed to cover the spread.
By the end of the first half, I was feeling very good about my bet. The Gators were showing resiliency in a hostile environment. LSU scored first but the Gators quickly tied it at 7. After an 85-yard run by LSU QB Daniels to give the Tigers a 17-7 lead, the Gators didn’t fold but instead drove down for a score to close out the half, trailing 17-14.
The third quarter looked like gold, gold Jerry! After an opening touchdown by LSU, the Gators scored touchdown two minutes apart to take a 28-24 lead. What could possibly go wrong? Yeah, I know, I said it wayyyyyy too soon! LSU matched Florida with two quick touchdowns and led 38-28 to close out the third quarter.
On to the fourth quarter, a tenuous 10-point deficit with 13.5 points in my pocket gave me a slight lead. Florida scored five minutes in and it was 38-35. Dare I dream? Not so fast! LSU scored with just over nine minutes left for a 45-35. Come on Gators, one more score and…ugh!!! LSU scored with just over two minutes left, 52-35. I’m cooked. Wait! Florida isn’t done yet! They’re driving!! Oh yes! The ol’ backdoor cover is going to bail me out. First and goal…under a minute left. Second and goal…wait, third and goal..swallow…fourth and goal. One last chance and…ok, I’ll just shut this off. Final Score: #19 LSU 52 Florida 35 (+13.5) - Loss