Giants’ Rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux Dominates Sunday Night Game 

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week – 12/19/22

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report
Kayvon Thibodeaux Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Giants’ rookie edge defender put on a dominant performance vs the Commanders on Sunday night earning defensive rookie of the week for the 3^rd time this season. Thibodeaux is a well- developed defender with big play ability off the edge plus good run support talent to hold the edge and pursue down the line.

In a strong rookie defensive group, he has the skill set to be one of the special players in this draft class. He took over the game Sunday night vs the Commanders and changed the outcome in the balance. He has filled the much needed impact edge defender the Giants have sought in recent years.

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report

March 2022
NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports – Top 300+ Rankings

Defensive End – Positional Overview:

This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group which could produce as many as six #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 5 should go in the top 15 selections. There could be as many as 10-12 in the top three rounds with as many as 15 thru the middle rounds. Aidan Hutchinson is the best defender in this draft class and could be a top two overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. Kayvon Thibodeaux is an explosive edge defender and among the best of this special class of edge defenders. He figures in the top few selections.

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Scouting Report

* Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 – 6-4, 255                Oregon – Sp. 4.60                        
                NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware               Rating 93

Physically gifted true junior declared for the NFL Draft after an injury marred 2021 season limited by an ankle injury. Freakish athlete with rare combination of length, agility, speed and power to play in both NFL fronts. Long angular frame with long arms (33 1/8”) and quick feet to play both outside positions in either pro scheme. Shows explosiveness off the snap to be an impact speed pass rusher with the size, length and natural strength to also win as a power rusher. The ideal defender as a weak side end in a 4-3 scheme, as well as the agility and foot quickness to play outside in a 3-4 front. His versatility and upside potential make him attractive to all defenses and should land among the top overall selections. Despite facing double team blocking, he continued to make impact plays along the talented Ducks’ front. Rare physical traits for the position with the agility of a linebacker and power of a lineman. Chiseled physique and well distributed with the room to add muscle to fit the prototypical measurables for an elite pro edge rusher. Shows fine functional strength to stack and shed blockers, though can be engulfed at the point at times. Uses his good height to his advantage and uses his long arm to get blockers off his body and follow with technique to separate and burst to the ball. Very good movement skills and footwork for his size and when called upon to drop into coverage on zone blitzes, showed good agility and coordination. Displays a very good spin move to disengage blockers with a great closing burst. Special quick-twitch athleticism and comes off the snap quickly and shows rare flexibility to bend the edge. Consistent with his knee bend and use of leverage. Currently his pass rush is a nice combination of speed and power, though he needs to refine and add new moves to become a premier pro edge defender. Shows the speed to be very effective in pursuit to the opposite sidelines or downfield. Fine length to effectively disrupt passing lanes and be a factor deflecting passes. Shows a strong jarring hand punch, though needs further development to gain a consistent early advantage. Shows deceptive strength to hold the POA and win most individual battles, though his narrow frame makes him vulnerable at the point. Relies mainly on his initial burst and swim move to beat blockers and needs to develop moves like a rip and using his long arm better especially facing the double team. Must play with good pad level to maintain leverage. Sound awareness with agility and balance to move down the LOS to finish. Fine short area burst to win early on the down and penetrate the backfield. Over the 2021 season, he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 7 sacks and earned 1st team Pac-12 honors. His production slipped late in the season when he received special attention weekly with double team blocking. Over his three-year career, he played in 31 games with 123 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 3 FF, 7 PBU and 19 sacks. In three Pac-12 championship games, he combined for 21 QB hurries, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 254 lbs. with 33 1/8” arms and 9 3/4” hands. Ran a 4.58 time with a 1.59 ten-yard split. Added 27 reps in the lifting. Excellent fit for weakside end in a 4-3 set or the attack backer role in a 3-4 scheme. Talented defender with the complete skill set, though must dispel the somewhat hot and cold label. Blue chip #1 prospect with the skills similar to Demarcus Ware in AA, body type and Pro Bowl potential. Must adapt to facing double teams to be an elite NFL defender. Dedication to football has been questioned, though his production disputes that. Top 5 pick with incredible upside and scheme diversity to become a difference maker. Special elite edge rusher.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

Draft Insiders’ 2022 All-American Teams

Frank Coyle
DraftInsiders.com – Annual All-American Teams

First Team
Offense

QB Caleb Williams – USC
RB Bijan Robinson – Texas
RB Blake Corum – Michigan
WR Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee
WR Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State
WR Xavier Hutchinson – Iowa State
TE Michael Mayer – Notre Dame
LT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern
G Andrew Vorhees – USC
C John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota
G O’Cyrus Torrence – Florida
RT Dawand Jones – Ohio State
All-Purpose – Deuce Vaughn – Kansas State

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long-time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards plus All-American teams annually for 30 years.

Defense

Edge Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama
Edge Isaiah Foskey – Notre Dame
DL Jalen Carter – Georgia
DL Calijah Kancey – Pittsburgh
LB Ivan Pace Jr. – Cincinnati
LB Jack Campbell – Iowa
LB Tommy Eichenberg – Ohio State
CB Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson – TCU
CB Clark Phillips – Utah
S Kaevon Merriweather – Iowa
S Brian Branch – Alabama

Special Teams

PK Joshua Karty – Stanford
P Adam Korsak – Rutgers
KR Jaylin Lucas – Indiana
PR Anthony Gould – Oregon State

Second Team
Offense

QB C.J. Stroud – Ohio State
RB Mohamed Ibrahim – Minnesota
RB Zach Charbonnet – UCLA
WR Josh Downs – North Carolina
WR Tank Dell – Houston
WR Rashee Rice – SMU
TE Dalton Kincaid – Utah
LT Joe Alt – Notre Dame
G Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame
C Olusegun Oluwatimi – Michigan
G Cooper Beebe – Kansas State
RT Alex Palczewski – Illinois
All-Purpose – Sean Tucker – Syracuse

Defense

Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Kansas State
Edge Karl Brooks – Bowling Green
DL Tuli Tuipulotu – USC
DL Tyree Wilson – Texas Christian
LB Drew Sanders – Arkansas
LB Nick Herbig – Wisconsin
LB Cedric Gray – North Carolina
CB Emmanuel Forbes – Mississippi State
CB Devon Witherspoon – Illinois
S Kamren Kinchens – Miami (FL)
S Ronnie Hickman – Ohio State

Special Teams

PK Christopher Dunn – NC State
P Tory Taylor – Iowa
KR Johnnie Lang – Arkansas State
PR Eric Garror – Louisiana

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 15

 Eagles Head New Rankings

Eagles Blitz Giants
Lions Shock Vikings
Chargers Edge Dolphins

All byes are complete

Team of the Week 
Chargers beat Dolphins in key AFC Matchup
 
Players of the Week
  NFC
   Offense – QB Jared Goff – Lions
   Defense – DE Brandon Graham – Eagles
 
 AFC
   Offense – QB Trevor Lawrence – Jaguars
   Defense – LB Josh Uche – Patriots
  
Rookies of the Week
  Offense – RR Dameon Pierce – Texans
  Defense – CB Marcus Jones – Patriots
 
Games of Week 15
   Thursday – 49ers at Seahawks – 8:15 pm – NBC
Saturday – Dolphins at Bills – 8:15 pm – CBS
Sunday – Giants at Commanders – 8:20 pm – ESPN
 

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 12-1 Eagles
The Eagles bombed the Giants to continue their dominance in the NFC to claim a playoff berth. They are playing for the East title this month and home field advantage for the entire postseason.

#2 – 10-3 Chiefs
Chiefs won a shootout with the Broncos with Patrick Mahomes once again working his magic. Looking to gain home field advantage down the stretch for key later playoff games.

#3 – 10-3 Bills
Bills won a key game vs the Jets to hold a two game lead in the AFC East. Host the Dolphins this Saturday with major playoff implications for both clubs. They might have the best combination of offense and defense in the league and hope to gain home field advantage for the postseason.

#4 – 9-4 49ers
The 49ers won their 6^th consecutive game vs the Bucs behind a dominant defensive performance.  They travel to Seattle to face their NFC West rival in a matchup that can defend the division title and both playoff holes. Rookie QB Brock Purdy was outstanding in his NFL debut.

#5 – 10-3 Vikings
Vikings were blitzed by the Lions last week with their defense showing major flaws. They host the Colts this week on Saturday where they can win the NFC North title with a victory.

#6 – 10-3 – Cowboys
The Cowboys held on to beat the stubborn Texans. Travel to Jacksonville to face the improving Jaguars and need to win to stay within reach of the hot Eagles prior to their Christmas Eve matchup.

#7 – 9-4 Bengals
The Bengals are peaking late again behind QB Joe Burrow and a host of quality receivers. Hit the road for the next two weeks to face the Bucs and Patriots. AFC North title may come down to their finale at home vs the Ravens.

#8 – 9-4 Ravens
The Ravens edged the Steelers in another slugfest behind backup QB Tyler Huntley. Travel to Cleveland in another physical AFC North matchup with the Browns in a desperate must win situation.

#9 – 8-5 Dolphins
Dolphins lost a tough contest vs the Chargers which leaves their playoff hopes under pressure. Travel to Buffalo in an AFC East battle which can determine the division winner. Dolphins need to step up here to gain a playoff berth and some late season momentum.

#10 – 7-6 Seahawks
Seahawks were looking ahead to the 49ers and lost to the Panthers last week. They must recover quickly to host the 49ers on Thursday night. San Fran is on a six game winning streak with arguably the best defense in the NFL.

#11 – 7-6 Titans
The Titans lost to the Jaguars, but still maintain a two game lead in the weak AFC South. Travel to LA for a huge conference matchup with the Chargers.  Titans defense especially the secondary performed poorly and faces the talented Justin Herbert this week in maybe a playoff preview matchup.

#12 – 7-6 Chargers
The Chargers won a critical games vs the Dolphins which has them strong wild card contenders. They host the Titans which is equally important for their playoff hopes. Their offense is clicking behind QB Justin Herbert and capable of carrying this club into the postseason.

#13 – 7-5-1 Giants
The Giants continue to struggle after being blown out by the Eagles. Their 1-4-1 swoon puts them a must win situation in their rematch with the Commanders in the Capital Sunday night. Runner Saquon Barkley has been less than 100% and needs to give this injury riddled offense a spark to help QB Danny Jones.

#14 – 7-6 Patriots
The Pats handled the Cardinals to stay within reach of playoff contention. They travel to Las Vegas where a victory could propel them to a strong position for one of the wild card spots. Belichick continues to put together masterful defensive game plans and faces a major text in QB Carr and WR Adams.

#15 – 7-6 Jets
Jets fell short vs the Bills with QB Mike White banged up in the process. They host the tough Lions this week in a must win situation for both clubs. Their defense will have to be up to the task vs hot QB Jared Goff.

#16 – 7-5-1 Commanders
The Commanders are well rested coming off their late bye week. Face the Giants again this time at home. They are in the thick of the NFC playoff race and must win here to stay in contention for a wild card spot.

#17 – 6-7 Lions
The hardnosed Lions smashed their rival Vikings in a key North matchup. They have won 5 of their last 6 games and have shown a potent passing game and tough defense in the process. Face the Jets at MetLife with both clubs clinging to their playoff hopes in the balance.

#18 – 6-7 – Bucs
Bucs got hammered by the 49ers, though still remain atop of the weak NFC South. They host, the Bengals and QB Joe Burrow in a critical game for both clubs for their divisional title hopes. Bucs play a soft schedule after this through December.

#19 – 5-8 Falcons
Falcons turned the page during their bye week and named rookie QB Desmond Ridder their starter going forward. He faces the tough Saints defense in New Orleans, a major chore in his NFL debut. The Falcons are only 1 game behind the struggling Bucs for NFC South leadership.

#20 – 5-8 Packers
The Packers are coming off their bye week and host the equally disappointing Rams on Monday night. They could make big changes with a loss here and possibly replace star QB Aaron Rodgers for young backup Jordan Love. Packers could make a huge roster turnoff after the season.

#21 – 4-9 Saints
The Saints come off their bye week and host the Falcons and rookie starting QB Desmond Ridder. They are in a must win situation weekly, though still capable of winning the NFC South. QB Andy Dalton needs to step up here and put together a streak vs a soft final month.

#22 – 5-8 Jaguars
Jaguars beat the Titans for another impressive victory over a strong AFC contender. QB Trevor Lawrence has taken a huge step up this season and shined Sunday in key spots. Their defense also has showed marked improvement and no longer an AFC doormat. Host the Cowboys this Sunday looking to surprise another top club.

#23 – 4-9 Rams
Rams beat the Raiders on Thursday night to end their midseason swoon. Their playoff hopes are slim to none. They travel to Green Bay in a battle of two of the biggest disappointments in the league.

#24 – 5-8 Browns
Browns failed vs the Bengals which put their slim playoff in a desperate mode. Vet QB Deshaun Watson continues to struggle in his return to the game after his 11-game suspension. Host the Ravens this week in a matchup that has always been very entertaining.

#25 – 5-8 Steelers
Steelers lost an old fashion slugfest with the Ravens. They lost rookie QB Kenny Pickett to a concussion which forced vet Matthew Trubisky to start. He threw 3 interceptions which turned the game around. Travel to Carolina and playing out the string.

#26 – 4-8-1 Colts
Colts are coming off their bye and play the Vikings on Saturday. New HC Jeff Saturday is trying to get a feel of what players to take forward next season and the final games should be a strong determining audition.

#27 – 5-8 Raiders
Raiders fell to the Rams which broke their recent momentum. Host the Patriots in a must win situation for any mathematical changes for a Wild card berth.

#28 – 4-9 Cardinals
The lost struggling QB Kyler Murray to an ACL injury which ends his season. They lost to the Patriots which virtually limits any chances for the postseason. Travel to Denver in a battle of two of the most disappointing teams entering this season.

#29 – 5-8 Panthers
Panthers shocked the Seahawks last week behind a strong performance from Sam Darnold. Host the Steelers and hope to stay alive in the NFC South where a .500 record probably wins the division.

#30 – 3-10 Bears
The Bears are rested for their matchup with the Eagles. They are on a 6 game losing streak despite nice development from young QB Justin Fields. The remaining schedule is difficult and probably guarantees a top 3 selection in the NFL Draft.

#31 – 3-10 – Broncos
Broncos and Russell Wilson continue to come up short. Wilson directs the lowest scoring offense in the league currently. Host the banged-up Cardinals this week.

#32 – 1-11-1 Texans
Texans play hard but know how to loss close games and came up short vs the Cowboys. Host the Chiefs this week and are close to claiming the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2023.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc. for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites

Trojan’s Caleb Williams Wins Heisman Trophy

On Saturday night in New York city, Caleb Williams of Southern Cal won the Heisman Trophy award for 2022.  Williams outraced Texas Christian’s Max Duggan, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Georgia’s Stetson Bennett for college football’s most prestigious award.

Williams received 544 first-place votes. His 2,031 points easily beat out Duggan, who finished second. Stroud was third, followed by Bennett. Williams also won the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp award on Thursday night, symbolic of the nation’s best player.

Heisman Trophy 2022 Voting

Top-10 finishers in the Heisman Trophy voting. Ballots went out to 929 electors, which included 870 media members, 58 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote:

Player                           1st-2nd-3rd       Total Pts

Caleb Williams              544-168-63        2,031
Max Duggan                 188-357-142      1,420
C.J. Stroud                   37-119-190           539
Stetson Bennett             36-65-111          349
Hendon Hooker             17-47-81            226
Bryce Young                 17-28-34             141
Blake Corum                 8-25-51              125
Michael Penix Jr.           9-20-47             114
Bijan Robinson              4-12-39             75
Drake Maye                  3-6-21                 42

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long-time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

His vote

1. J. Stroud – Ohio State
2. Caleb Williams – Southern Cal
3. Max Duggan – Texas Christian

Williams addressed his fellow contestants in attendance.
“I may be standing up here today, but y’all get to go to the College Football Playoff,” Williams said in his acceptance speech, in saluting the other finalists in front of him. “Guess you can’t win them all.”

Over the course of 13 games this season, the former five-star recruit from the Washington, D.C., area dazzled with his play, throwing for 4,075 yards and 37 TDs and only 4 interceptions. He rushed for 372 yards and 10 TDs, as a dangerous dual threat. He displayed excellent quickness and vision when protection broke down and was able to turn scrambling plays into huge plays and highlight runs.

Williams’ performance went beyond the numbers and highlights. His leadership turned a struggling Trojan program around in his initial season. After head coach Lincoln Riley left Oklahoma for Southern Cal, Williams followed shortly.

Southern Cal has won 11 games this season currently for the first time since the 2017 season. With Williams under center, USC started 8-0 for the first time since 2006 and defeated both of its rivals — UCLA and Notre Dame in the same season for the 1st time since 2016.

Williams joins Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray as the 3rd QB under Riley to win the Heisman award. Riley also coached 2019 Heisman runner-up Jalen Hurts.

He becomes the 8^th USC player to win the award, though Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman remains vacated. He is the 3rd quarterback from the school to win following Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer.

Williams is the 4^th transfer in the past 6 years to win the Heisman award, following QBs, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Joe Burrow. This year’s voting marks the 11th time in the last 13 years that a QB has won the award.

College Football Award Winners 2022

Complete List of 2022 College Football Award Winners

Frank Coyle is a longtime national scout of both College and NFL players. He is also a long-time member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

Award                           Category                       Winner                      School

Maxwell Award              Player of the Year          Caleb Williams                  USC
Walter Camp Award      Player of the Year          Caleb Williams                 USC
Davey O’Brien Award     Best Quarterback           Max Duggan                  TCU
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award   Best Quarterback     Max Duggan      TCU
Doak Walker Award       Best Running Back        Bijan Robinson              Texas
Biletnikoff Award           Best Wide Receiver       Jalen Hyatt                     Tennessee
John Mackey Award      Best Tight End              Brock Bowers                  Georgia
Rimington Award           Best Center                   Olu Oluwatimi                 Michigan
Outland Trophy             Best Interior Lineman     Olu Oluwatimi               Michigan
Vince Lombardi Award   Best Player of the Year  Will Anderson                Alabama
Bednarik Award             Defensive Player of the Year    Will Anderson     Alabama
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Defensive Player of the Year   Will Anderson    Alabama
Butkus Award                Best Linebacker             Jack Campbell              Iowa
Jim Thorpe Award         Best Defensive Back     Tre’vius Hodges-Tomlinson TCU
Paul Hornung Award     Most Versatile Player     Jack Coletto                  Oregon State
Lou Groza Award          Best Placekicker            Christopher Dunn          NC State
Ray Guy Award             Best Punter                   Adam Korsak                  Rutgers
Burlsworth Trophy         Top Former Walk-On     Stetson Bennett            Georgia
Disney Spirit Award       Most Inspirational          Tylee Craft                     North Carolina
William Campbell Trophy    Academic Heisman   Jack Campbell              Iowa
Wuerffel Trophy              Community Service     Dillan Gibbons               Florida State
Home Depot Award       Coach of the Year          Sonny Dykes                 TCU
Broyles Award               Top Assistant Coach     Garrett Riley                   TCU
Eddie Robinson Award  Coach of the Year          John Stiegelmeier          South Dakota State

Ted Hendricks Award    Edge Defender of Year              No Winner announced currently
Lott Impact Award         Outstanding Defensive Player    No Winner announced currently

College Football Bowl Schedule

College Football Playoff Schedule

Saturday, Dec. 31 – Semi Finals

CFP Semifinal at Fiesta Bowl
#2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona – 4 p.m., ESPN

CFP Semifinal at Peach Bowl
#1 Georgia vs. #4 Ohio State
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga – 8 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Jan. 9

CFP National Championship
Winners of Semifinal matchups
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Ca – 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Complete College Football Bowl Schedule

Friday, Dec. 16

Bahamas Bowl – Miami (Ohio) vs. UAB
National Stadium – Nassau, Bahamas
11:30 am – ESPN

Duluth Trading Cure Bowl – UTSA vs. Troy
Exploria Stadium – Orlando, Florida
3 pm – ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 17

Wasabi Fenway Bowl – Cincinnati vs. Louisville
Fenway Park (Boston)
11 am – ESPN

Cricket Celebration Bowl – Jackson State vs. North Carolina Central
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga
Noon – ABC

Capital One Bowl Mania – New Mexico Bowl
SMU vs. BYU
University Stadium – Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 pm – ABC

Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel
Washington State vs. Fresno State
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Ca
3:30 pm – ABC

LendingTree Bowl
Rice vs. Southern Miss
Hancock Whitney Stadium – Mobile, Alabama
5:45 pm – ESPN

SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Florida vs. Oregon State
Allegiant Stadium – Las Vegas
2:30 pm – ESPN

Frisco Bowl – North Texas vs. Boise State
Toyota Stadium – Frisco, Texas
9:15 pm – ESPN

Monday, Dec. 19

Myrtle Beach Bowl – Marshall vs. UConn
Brooks Stadium – Conway, South Carolina
2:30 pm – ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State
Albertsons Stadium – Boise, Idaho
3:30 pm – ESPN

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl
Liberty vs. Toledo
FAU Stadium – Boca Raton, Florida
7:30 pm – ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 21

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Western Kentucky vs. South Alabama
Caesars Superdome – New Orleans
9 pm – ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 22

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Baylor vs. Air Force
Amon G. Carter Stadium – Fort Worth, Texas
7:30 pm – ESPN

Friday, Dec. 23

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Louisiana vs. Houston
Independence Stadium – Shreveport, Louisiana
3 pm – ESPN

Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Missouri
Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
6:30 pm – ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 24

EasyPost Hawai’i Bowl
Middle Tennessee State vs. San Diego State
Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex – Honolulu, Hi
8 pm – ESPN

Monday, Dec. 26

Quick Lane Bowl
New Mexico State vs. Bowling Green
Ford Field – Detroit, Mi
2:30 pm – ESPN

Tuesday, Dec. 27

Camellia Bowl
Georgia Southern vs. Buffalo
Cramton Bowl – Montgomery, Alabama
Noon – ESPN

SERVPRO First Responder Bowl
Memphis vs. Utah State
Gerald J. Ford Stadium – Dallas, Tx
3:15 pm – ESPN

TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl
Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina
Protective Life Stadium – Birmingham, Alabama
6:45 pm – ESPN

Guaranteed Rate Bowl
Wisconsin vs. Oklahoma State
Chase Field – Phoenix, Az
10:15 pm – ESPN

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Military Bowl Presented by Peraton
UCF vs. Duke
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)
2 pm – ESPN

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Kansas vs. Arkansas
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium – Memphis, Tennessee
5:30 pm – ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
Oregon vs. North Carolina
Petco Park – San Diego, Ca
8 pm – Fox

TaxAct Texas Bowl
Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss
NRG Stadium (Houston)
9 pm – ESPN

Thursday, Dec. 29

Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Syracuse vs. Minnesota
Yankee Stadium – New York
2 pm – ESPN

Cheez-It Bowl
Oklahoma vs. Florida State
Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
5:30 pm – ESPN

Valero Alamo Bowl
Texas vs. Washington
Alamodome – San Antonio, Tx
9 pm – ESPN

Friday, Dec. 30

Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Maryland vs. NC State
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, North Carolina
Noon – ESPN

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Pittsburgh vs. UCLA
Sun Bowl Stadium – El Paso, Texas
2 pm – CBS

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
Notre Dame vs. South Carolina
TIAA Bank Field – Jacksonville, Florida
3:30 pm – ESPN

Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl
Ohio vs. Wyoming
Arizona Stadium – Tucson, Arizona
4:30 pm

Capital One Orange Bowl
#6 Tennessee vs. #7 Clemson
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, Florida
8 pm – ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 31

TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Iowa vs. Kentucky
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee
Noon – ABC

Allstate Sugar Bowl
#5 Alabama vs. #9 Kansas State
Caesars Superdome – New Orleans
Noon – ESPN

Monday, Jan. 2

ReliaQuest Bowl
Mississippi State vs. Illinois
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
Noon – ESPN2

Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
LSU vs. Purdue
Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Florida
1 pm – ABC

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#10 USC vs. #16 Tulane
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
1 pm – ESPN

Rose Bowl Game
#8 Utah vs. #11 Penn State
Rose Bowl – Pasadena, California
5 pm – ESPN

Saturday, Dec. 31 – Semi Finals

CFP Semifinal at Fiesta Bowl
#2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
4 p.m., ESPN

CFP Semifinal at Peach Bowl
#1 Georgia vs. #4 Ohio State
Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga
8 p.m., ESPN

Monday, Jan. 9
 
CFP National Championship Game
Winners of Semifinal matchups
SoFi Stadium – Inglewood, Ca
7:30 p.m., ESPN

College Football Playoff

CFP Semi-Final Playoff Matchups
Selection Committee Rankings

Georgia, Michigan, TCU & Ohio St Reach Final Four

CFP Semi-Final Playoff Matchups – Dec 31, 2022
Georgia Holds #1 Ranking and Faces #4 Ohio St in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
#2 Michigan will face #3 TCU in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

 CFP National Championship will be played Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca.

Top 25 Teams

Games Played through Saturday, December 3

Rank     Team          Overall Record
1          Georgia              13-0
2          Michigan           13-0
3          TCU                  12-1
4          Ohio State        11-1
5          Alabama           10-2
6          Tennessee        10-2
7          Clemson           11-2
8          Utah                 10-3
9          Kansas State    10-3
10         Southern Cal     11-2
11         Penn State        10-2
12         Washington       10-2
13         Florida State     9-3
14         Oregon State    9-3
15         Oregon             9-3
16         Tulane               11-2
17         LSU                  9-4
18         UCLA                9-3
19         South Carolina  8-4
20         Texas               8-4
21         Notre Dame      8-4
22         Mississippi St    8-4
23         NC State           8-4
24         Troy                  11-2
25         UTSA               11-2

CFB Playoff
About the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game. This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The Los Angeles region will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium.

College Football Playoff Expands To
12 Teams Beginning In 2024

Members of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers have agreed to begin the newly-expanded 12-team playoff during the 2024-2025 season.

“We’re delighted to be moving forward,” said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. “When the board expanded the playoff beginning in 2026 and asked the CFP Management Committee to examine the feasibility of starting the new format earlier, the Management Committee went right to work. More teams and more access mean more excitement for fans, alumni, students and student-athletes. We appreciate the leaders of the six bowl games and the two future national championship game host cities for their cooperation. Everyone realized that this change is in the best interest of college football and pulled together to make it happen.”

The first round of the playoff in 2024 will take place the week ending Saturday, December 21, at either the home field of the higher-seeded team or at another site designated by the higher-seeded institution. (No. 12 at No. 5, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7, and No. 9 at No. 8.) The specific game dates, likely late in that week, will be announced later.

For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the four quarterfinal games and two Playoff Semifinal games will be played in bowls on a rotating basis. The 2024 quarterfinals will take place in the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. The 2025 quarterfinals will take place in the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. Specific dates for all quarterfinal and semifinal games will be announced at a later time.

The national championship games will be played January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, and January 19, 2026, in Miami.

“On behalf of the Management Committee and the Board of Managers, this is thrilling,” Hancock added. “It’s been a long process, but we are pleased that more teams and more students will have the opportunity to compete for the national championship beginning in the 2024 season. A new era of college football is about to begin. I look forward to it.”

“This is a great day for college football,” said Mark Keenum, President of Mississippi State University and chairman of the CFP Board of Managers. “I’m glad we are able to follow through and launch the expanded playoff early. It’s very exciting for schools, alumni and everyone involved.”

Members of the CFP Board of Managers include Tim Caboni – Conference USA (President, Western Kentucky); Jim Clements – Atlantic Coast Conference (President, Clemson); Gordon Gee – Big 12 Conference (President, West Virginia); Jack Hawkins – Sun Belt Conference (President, Troy); Rev. John Jenkins – President, Notre Dame (Independent); Kristina Johnson – Big Ten Conference (President, Ohio State); Mark Keenum (chair) – Southeastern Conference (President, Mississippi State); Kirk Schulz – Pacific-12 Conference (President, Washington State); Satish Tripathi – Mid-American Conference (President, Buffalo); Gerald Turner – American Athletic Conference (President, SMU); Keith Whitfield – Mountain West Conference (President, UNLV).

For more information on the CFP, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com.

CFB Playoff

About the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game.

This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The Los Angeles region will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium.

College Football Playoff
Selection Committee Rankings

Top 25 Teams by CFP

   Games Played through Sat., November 26

Rank Team           Overall Record
1 Georgia                      12-0
2 Michigan                    12-0
3 TCU                           12-0
4 Southern Cal             11-1
5 Ohio St                      11-1
6 Alabama                    10-2
7 Tennessee                 10-2
8 Penn St                     10-2
9 Clemson                    10-2
10 Kansas St                9-3
11 Utah                         9-3
12 Washington             10-2
13 Florida St                 9-3
14 LSU                         9-3
15 Oregon St                9-3
16 Oregon                    8-3
17 UCLA                       9-3
18 Tulane                     10-2
19 South Carolina          8-4
20 Texas                      8-4
21 Notre Dame              8-4
22 UCF                         9-3
23 North Carolina          9-3
24 Mississippi St           8-4
25 NC St                       8-4

CFB Playoff

About the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game.

This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The Los Angeles region will host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 13

Eagles Rally to Edge Packer
Bengals Beat Titans
49ers Shutout Saints

Team of the Week 
Bengals Edge Titans in key AFC Matchup
 
Players of the Week
  NFC
   Offense – QB Jalen Hurts – Eagles
   Defense – LB Micah Parson – Cowboys
 
 AFC
   Offense – QB Trevor Lawrence – Jaguars
   Defense – DT Ed Oliver – Bills
  
Rookies of the Week
  Offense – WR Garrett Wilson – Jets
  Defense – LB James Houston – Lions
 
Games of Week 13
   Thursday – Bills at Patriots – 8:15 pm – NBC
Sunday – Bengals at Titans – 1:00 pm – CBS
Sunday – Commanders at Giants – 1:00 pm – Fox
 

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 9-2  Chiefs
Chiefs dismantled the Rams behind another strong performance from Patrick Mahomes. Their potent offense is the best in the game and added veteran back Melvin Gordon this week with an eye on the late and postseason games.

#2 – 10-1 Eagles
The Eagles came back and beat the Packers to maintain the best record in the league. QB Jalen Hurts is a dangerous dual threat who is playing with great confidence which can take this club far into the playoffs with a continued strong defensive effort.

#3 – 8-3 Bills
Bills held on to beat the Lions on Thanksgiving. Face the Patriots this Thursday night in a vital matchup with the entire division separated by only two games. Josh Allen faces a key test vs this Belichick savvy defense.

#4 – 9-2 Vikings
Vikings edged the Patriots on Thanksgiving to maintain a four game + lead in the NFC North. Host the tough Jets this week with both clubs looking to strengthen this playoff position.

#5 – 8-3 Dolphins
Dolphins took care of business vs the Texans. Travel to San Fran where their high powered offense will get fully tested by the 49ers tough defense. The 49ers are peaking and one of the dangerous clubs in any postseason scenario.

#6 – 7-4 49ers
The 49ers came up big again, this time shutting out the Saints. They look to increase their NFC West lead behind veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. Host the Dolphins this week in a major interconference battle between strong playoff contenders.

#7 – 8-3 – Cowboys
The Cowboys came up big vs the Giants and moved into 2^nd place in the NFC East. Host the Colts and need to finish here to press the Eagles prior to their Christmas Eve matchup.

#8 – 7-4 Bengals
The Bengals come off a big win over the Titans behind QB Joe Burrow. Host the Chiefs in an AFC Championship game rematch this week. Burrow has been at this best vs the Chiefs and Mahomes and will probably need to be again for a Bengal win.

#9 – 7-4 Ravens
The Ravens came up short late again and lost to the Jaguars. Host the disorganized Broncos this week and need the win to keep pace with the Bengals in the North. Club is going to have to show more composure in crunch time situations to advance this offseason.

#10 – 7-4 Titans
The Titans lost a tough game vs the Bengals, though maintains a three game lead in the AFC South.
Travel to Philly for a huge interconference matchup. Back Derrick Henry will have to be at his best while
the Titans defense needs to bring their A game to contain Eagles’ Jalen Hurts.

#11 – 7-4 Giants
The Giants lost a tough game vs the Cowboys with a banged-up roster.  They have lost 3 of the last 4 games and must step up this week vs the hot Commanders in a key NFC East matchup. Runner Saquon Barkley and QB Danny Jones will have to be on their game to take command vs a tough defense.

#12 – 6-5 Chargers
The inconsistent Chargers hung on vs the Cardinals. They play up and down to the competition and are still in the process of learning to win. Their offense struggles with injuries along the line and receiving corps limiting QB Justin Herbert. They travel to Las Vegas this week in a must win situation to stay in the AFC playoff picture.

#13 – 6-5 Seahawks
Seahawks fell to the Raiders for a crushing defeat. They travel to LA to face the Rams in a vital game for them to stay in the NFC playoff race. Their defense has failed in too many big spots this season.

#14 – 6-5 Patriots
The Pats come off a tough Thanksgiving lost to the Vikings. They host the Bills this Thursday in a key AFC East matchup where the division is only separated by two games. Belichick is a master in these type of games in December.

#15 – 7-4 Jets
Jets responded to the QB change to Mike White and beat the Bears. They travel to Minnesota and hope to build their momentum within one game of the AFC leadership. Their defense faces a huge test vs the Vikings potent passing game.

#16 – 7-5 Commanders
The Commanders won for the 6^th time in seven games that has them in the thick of the NFC playoff race. They travel to MetLife to face the Giants who they face twice over the next three weeks around their bye week. QB Taylor Heinicke and tough defense makes this club dangerous.

#17 – 5-6 – Bucs
Bucs lost a heartbreaker in OT to the Browns putting them under the .500 mark again. They host rival, the Saints on Monday night which probably eliminates one of the NFC South contenders. Bucs play a soft schedule through December.

#18 – 5-7 Falcons
Another hot and cold NFC South club. The Falcons struggled vs the Commanders with little offensive production. They host the Steelers in a must win situation and their unreliable defense needs to step up or the Falcons start planning for the 2023 season.

#19 – 4-8 Packers
The Packers caved in the crunch time to lose to the Eagles. They hope Aaron Rodgers is healthy to face the Bears in Chicago. Packers could be turning over the reigns to Jordan Love with another loss.

#20 – 3-8 Rams
Rams were manhandled by the Chiefs which puts their playoff dreams of repeating to slim or none. They host the Seahawks in an NFC West battle that becomes a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#21 – 4-7 Browns
Browns got it done vs the Bucs which kept their slim playoff hopes alive. They get newly acquired QB Deshaun Watson back this week off his 11-game suspension. They hope he becomes the stimulus for a late run at the postseason.

#22 – 4-8 Saints
The Saints fell to the 49ers last week which puts them in a must win situation weekly. Travel to Tampa to face rival the Bucs who they have dominated in recent years. QB Andy Dalton gets a huge spot where he must step up to have a future here.

#23 – 4-8 Cardinals
The lost to the Chargers in another inconsistent performance which has become their trademark this season. They get a late bye this week to regroup and see if starting QB Kyler Murray is healthy and ready to take this club the final five games and establish some continuity.

#24 – 4-7 Jaguars
Jaguars beat the Ravens for their most impressive victory of the current regime. QB Trevor Lawrence had a strong game and can develop into a top starter, though a stronger supporting cast is vital to take the next steps. Travel to Detroit to face another young club hoping to build a winning foundation.

#25 – 4-7 Lions
The hardnosed Lions lost a Thanksgiving heartbreaker to the Bills. They are well rested to host the Jaguars in a battle of two emerging young clubs who can surprise going forward.

#26 – 4-7 Steelers
Steelers are coming off a win over the Colts. Travel to Atlanta hoping their young offense behind rookie top pick QB Kenny Pickett continues to gain valuable experience for the future.

#27 – 4-6-1 Colts
Colts fell to the Steelers to give new HC Jeff Saturday his first defeat. Players are auditioning for next season and travel to Big D to see if they can continue to build momentum for the future.

#28 – 4-7 Raiders
Raiders shocked the Seahawks in OT and hope to build off that victory. Host the Chargers in a must win situation for any mathematical changes for a Wild card berth.

#29 – 4-8 Panthers
Panthers beat the inept Broncos last week. Get a late bye week this weekend to figure out what happened after early a hopes. Look to Sam Darnold the final month for answers to their revolving QB situation.

#30 – 3-9 Bears
The Bears were wacked by the Jets. QB Justin Fields continues to go through his growing pains with a marginal supporting cast. They host the Packers in a game for pride.

#31 – 3-8 – Broncos
Broncos and Russell Wilson were terrible again in their lost to the lowly Panthers. Travel to Baltimore for a difficult matchup. Expect massive changes here, though limited salary cap space and draft choices makes this one of the worst situations in the league.

#32 – 1-9-1 Texans
Texans were outclassed by the Dolphins. Host the Browns and former star QB Deshaun Watson in his debut after his trade and long suspension. Interesting story line this weekend.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 30 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS and ESPN on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites