College Football Playoff

Dec. 1, 2021

Michigan scored their most impressive victory of the Jim Harbaugh era with a strong win over rival Ohio State last week. The Wolverines upset the Buckeyes 42-27 at the Big House, that pushed them into the #2 spot of the new College Playoff rankings. The final rankings will determine which four teams will play in the two CFP semifinals on New Year’s Eve and will be released Sunday, Dec. 5 at noon on ESPN.

Unbeaten Georgia remained No. 1 for the fifth consecutive week, followed by Michigan, Alabama, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and Notre Dame.

Michigan faces #13 Iowa this Saturday in the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis. If they win they figure to play in a CFP semifinal at either the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic or Capital One Orange Bowl.

Georgia reached 12-0 for the first time since its last national championship season in 1980 with a 45-0 victory at Georgia Tech on Saturday. The Bulldogs play Alabama in Saturday’s SEC championship game in Atlanta. Georgia might get into the CFP even if it loses to the Crimson Tide because of its dominance this season. They may be the only club who could lose this week and still retain a position in the top four teams.

Undefeated Cincinnati plays Houston in the AAC Championship this Saturday and with a win they probably retain a position in the top four clubs. Both Oklahoma State and Notre Dame are one loss teams that need one of the top clubs to lose this week to move up a few positions to get into the magic four teams.

College Football Top Rankings

1. Georgia, SEC (12-0)
2. Michigan, Big Ten (11-1)
3. Alabama, SEC (11-1)
4. Cincinnati, AAC (12-0)
5. Oklahoma State, Big 12 (11-1)
6. Notre Dame, Independents (11-1)
7. Ohio State, Big Ten (10-2)
8. Ole Miss, SEC (10-2)
9. Baylor, Big 12 (10-2)
10. Oregon, Pac-12 (10-2
11. Michigan State, Big Ten (10-2)
12. BYU, Independents (10-2)
13. Iowa, Big Ten (10-2)
14. Oklahoma, Big 12 (10-2)
15. Pitt, ACC (10-2)
16. Wake Forest, ACC (10-2)
17. Utah, Pac-12 (9-3
18. N.C. State, ACC (9-3)
19. San Diego State, MW (11-1)
20. Clemson, ACC (9-3)
21. Houston, AAC (11-1)
22. Arkansas, SEC (8-4)
23. Kentucky, SEC (9-3)
24. Louisiana, Sun Belt (11-1)
25. Texas A&M, SEC (8-4)

By Conference: SEC 6, ACC 4, Big Ten 4, Big 12 3, American Athletic 2, Independents 2, Pac-12 2, Mountain West 1, Sun Belt 1.

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 Classic, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game presented by the Capital One Venture X card. This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Friday, December 31, 2021, at the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

College Football Monday – Week 14

Michigan Beats Ohio State
Oklahoma St Outlasts Sooners in Wild Bedlam Contest

                Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
    Michigan Pounds Ohio St, 42-27
 
Upset of the Week –
    Oklahoma State Comes back vs Oklahoma, 37-33 in Bedlam Bowl

Offensive Player of Week – RB Hassan Haskins – Michigan
Defensive Player of Week – DE Aidan Hutchinson – Michigan
 
Upcoming Championship Games – 12/4
   SEC – #1 Georgia (12-0) vs #2 Alabama (11-1) at Atlanta, Ga.
   Big Ten – #4 Michigan (11-1) vs #13 Iowa (10-2) at Indianapolis, In.    
   
DraftInsiders.com – Staff – Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Georgia                       12-0
2 Alabama                     11-1
3 Cincinnati                  12-0
4 Michigan                    11-1
5 Notre Dame               11-1                 
6 Oklahoma State      11-1
7 Ohio State                  10-2                 
8 Oregon                       10-2                 
9 Oklahoma                 10-2                 
10 Ole Miss                   10-2
11 Baylor                       10-2                 
12 Michigan State     10-2
13 Iowa                         10-2
14 Pittsburgh             10-2                 
15 Wake Forest          10-2     
16 BYU                          10-2
17 Utah                           9-3       
18 North Carolina St    9-3
19 Houston                     11-1
20 San Diego St           11-1
21 Louisiana                 11-1
22 Kentucky                  9-3
23 Clemson                    9-3                   
24 Texas A&M              8-4
25 Arkansas                 8-4                   
 
Coaches Poll
 
Rank /     Team                         Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (62)                 12-0      1550    
2          Alabama                        11-1      1440    
3          Michigan                       11-1      1408    
4          Cincinnati                    12-0      1399    
5          Oklahoma State         11-1      1285    
6          Notre Dame                 11-1      1250    
7          Ohio State                    10-2      1133    
8          Ole Miss                        10-2      1097    
9          Baylor                           10-2      1046    
10         Oregon                         10-2      932      
11         Oklahoma                   10-2      851      
12         Iowa                             10-2      845      
13         Michigan State         10-2      840      
14        BYU                                10-2      741      
15         Pittsburgh                  10-2      640      
16         Houston                      11-1      607      
17         Utah                               9-3        596      
18        Wake Forest               10-2      531      
19         San Diego State        11-1      396      
20         NC State                       9-3        334      
21         Louisiana                     11-1      268      
22         Kentucky                      9-3        226      
23         Texas A&M                  8-4        202      
24         Clemson                       9-3        170      
25         Arkansas                      8-4        128      
 
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin 100, UTSA 36, Appalachian State 30, Air Force 16, Minnesota 13, Purdue 11, Utah State 8, Coastal Carolina 8, Penn State 5, Fresno State 3, UCLA 3, Mississippi State 2
 
Dropped from rankings: Wisconsin 18, UTSA 20

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 12

Chiefs Defense Stifles Cowboys
Colts Pound Bills

Team of the Week 
Colts (6-5) crush Bills (8-3) – 41-15
Colts’ runner Jonathan Taylor rips Bills defense for 5 TDs.

Upset of the Week
Texans shock Titans – 22-13

Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Jonathan Taylor – Colts        
  Defense – DL Chris Jones – Chiefs
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Elijah Moore – Jets
    Defense – CB Asante Samuel – Chargers
 
Games of Week 12 
   LA Rams (7-3) at Green Bay Packers (8-3)
     Great potential shootout between Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 9-2 Cardinals
Cardinals beat the Seahawks to retain a two game lead in the NFC West. Get their bye week, hoping to get QB Kyler Murray fully healthy for the stretch run.

#2 – 8-3 Titans
The hot/cold Titans lose to another cellar dweller in the Texans. Travel to NE for major AFC test with postseason implications.

#3 – 8-3 Packers
The Packers lose a wild North matchup vs the Vikes. QB Aaron Rodgers continues to compensate for the Packers deficiencies. Host the Rams in key NFC contest.

#4 – 7-3 Bucs
Bucs Tom Brady diced the Gmen’s defense to pieces. Travel to Indy in another fine matchup.

#5 – 7-3 Rams
Rams are rested to travel to Titletown for a vital NFC game. Looking for offense to return.

#6 – 7-3 Ravens
Ravens were fortunate to comeback vs the Bears. Host the Browns hoping Lamarr Jackson is at full strength.

#7 – 7-4 Patriots
Pats won their 5th straight game and host the Titans in a critical AFC matchup with postseason implications.

#8 – 7-4 Chiefs
Chiefs are gaining momentum game by game with win over Cowboys. Get their bye week to continue their second half charge.

#9 – 7-3 Cowboys
The Cowboys were stifled by the Chiefs. Host the Raiders on Turkey day.

#10 – 6-5 Colts
The Colts have turned it around with big win over the Bills. Host the Bucs in key matchup.

#11 – 6-4 Bills
Bills have fallen over last month and last week to the Colts continued their slide. Travel to NO on Thanksgiving hoping to turn the tide.

#12 – 6-4 Bengals
Bengals drilled the Raiders. Host the Steelers in a key North matchup.

#13 – 5-5 Chargers
Chargers came back vs the Steelers. Need to continue vs the Broncos in Mile High.

#14 – 5-5 49ers
The 49ers took care of the Jaguars. Host the Vikings in telltale NFC matchup.

#15 – 5-4-1 Steelers
Steelers collapsed late vs the Chargers. Travel to Cinny and face Bengals in vital contest for their postseason chances.

#16 – 6-5 Browns
Browns just got by the Lions. Travel to Baltimore in vital North contest that may define any postseason hopes.

#17 – 5-5 Vikings
Vikings were relentless in their win over the Packers. Continue tough schedule with trip to San Fran.

#18 – 5-5 Saints
Saints were blitzed by the Eagles. Host Bills on Thanksgiving that may determine fate for both clubs.

#19 – 5-6 Eagles
The Eagles jumped the Raiders to continue their hot streak. Face the Giants looking to get to .500.

#20 – 5-5 Raiders
The Raiders continue to struggle and show lack of unity. Face Cowboys in Big D on Turkey day.

#21- 5-5 Broncos
Broncos are rested from their bye week. Host Chargers in key West showdown.

#22 – 4-6 Falcons
Falcons were outclassed again, this time by the Patriots. Face the Jaguars in a must win situation.

#23 – 3-7 Giants
The Giants were toasted in Tampa. Offense continues their annual struggle.

#24 – 4-7 Dolphins
Dolphins coming off their 3rd consecutive victory. Host the Panthers looking to a return to respectability.

#25 – 4-6 WFT
The WFT beat the Panthers with late score. Host the Seahawks this Monday night.

#26 – 4-6 Panthers
Panthers will go with Cam Newton the rest of the season, hoping his magic works again.

#27 – 3-7 Seahawks
Seahawks struggled vs the Cardinals. Travel to the Capital for the Monday night affair.

#28 – 3-7 Bears
The Bears let the Ravens game to get away from them. Sinking into the abyss.

#29 – 2-8 Texans
Texans are rested coming off their bye. They travel to Nashville for a demanding matchup.

#30 – 2-8 Jaguars
Jaguars are again competing for the lowest scoring team in the league.

#31 – 2-8 Jets
Jets were manhandled again by the Dolphins. Rookie QB Zach Wilson returns for the 2nd half.

#32 – 0-9-1 Lions
Lions lost to the Browns. They face Bears on Thanksgiving hoping to avoid being the leagues’ biggest turkey.

All-Star Game Schedule 2022

A full schedule of postseason All-star games return this year after closing down every event except the Senior Bowl Classic last offseason. The Covid 19 virus cancelled a wide range of events, making the scouting process very difficult. The NFL Draft 2021 class will be interesting to evaluate in a few more seasons and seeing if a higher number of early draft selection become busts and more late round sleepers emerge over the first three or four seasons.

Both dates and locations of several events have changed in many cases for the major All-star venues, in addition to several small college All-star events.  DraftInsiders.com scouting staff will be at events plus the NFL Combine 2022. Each All-star event will have announcements thru the postseason with player and coaching additions and updates. Check back here for updates related to All-star game changes.

DraftInsiders.com staff will update events and will create several Emails and Tweets from every event over the week long practices and games.  

All-Star Game Schedule 2022

Jan. 15 -Hula Bowl – Orlando, Florida
The Hula Bowl is set to be played at the University of Central Florida on Jan. 15, 2022. The game is usually played in Honolulu but Aloha Stadium is going through a renovation. The Hula Bowl moved its historic game from Honolulu to Orlando for its 2022 game. The iconic game is pleased to feature an amazing lineup of coaching legends for its Orlando Debut.  This year’s coaching staff has over 275 years of combined coaching experience.  The game will maintain much of its rich Hawaiian heritage, and will continue with its two squads, titled the AINA and KAI, representing the Land and Sea in Hawaiian.

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith will return to the sidelines to be the AINA head coach at the 2022 Hula Bowl.  During his time at the helm of the Falcons, he became the franchise’s winningest head coach by number of wins.  In addition, he was awarded the prestigious NFL 2008 Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.

Brian Billick will head up the KAI squad. He was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 1998. The team broke the NFL scoring record in the 1998 season. Following this record setting performance, Billick spent nine seasons as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens from January 19, 1999 to December 31, 2007. On January 28, 2001, Billick won Super Bowl XXXV as the Ravens’ head coach in a 34–7 victory over the New York Giants. It was the Ravens’ first Super Bowl appearance. He was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor in 2019.

Jan. 29 – NFLPA Collegiate Bowl – Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Ca.
The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl announced their 10th edition of its game will take place on January 29, 2022. Originally slated for the week before, the new date best allows the Collegiate Bowl to once again provide participants with the world-class experience that’s made it the premier postseason all-star showcase. After going virtual for the 2021, the game will once again be played at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and be televised on NFL Network. Former NFL head coaches, Jeff Fisher and Marvin Lewis have been selected to lead the American and National teams for the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. The 10th annual game will take place at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California and air live on NFL Network.

Feb. 3 – East-West Shrine Bowl – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 97th annual East-West Shrine Bowl has moved to Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas.

Feb. 5 – Senior Bowl – Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
In 2021, a new era in the Senior Bowl’s history began with the game moving to Hancock Whitney Stadium on the South Alabama Jaguars’ campus. Throughout its history, the Senior Bowl has produced over 55 players that went on to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The game is unique among college all-star games as the teams are coached by NFL staff. Former MVPs of the game include the likes of Dan Marino, LaDainian Tomlinson, Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert.

Coaching staffs will be announced after the NFL season. They come from non playoff clubs that retain their coaching staffs and usually drafting in the top 5 selections for the NFL Draft 2022.

Senior Bowl Game
Saturday, February 5, 2022, 1:30pm CT, Mobile, Alabama
University of South Alabama, Hancock Whitney Stadium
TV: NFL Network
TICKETS: ON SALE!

College Football Monday – Week 13

Ohio State Bombs Michigan State
Utah Shocks Oregon

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
    Ohio St Destroys Michigan St, 56-7

Upset of the Week –
   Utah Shocks Oregon, 38-7

Offensive Player of Week – QB Bryce Young – Alabama
Defensive Player of Week – LB Devon Lloyd – Utah
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 11/25
    #25 Mississippi State (7-4) @ #10 Ole Miss (9-2)
         Clash of instate SEC rivals
 
Saturday 11/27
#3 Ohio St vs #7 Michigan
#6 Oklahoma vs #8 Oklahoma St
#2 Alabama vs Auburn

DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

 Rank / Team               Record               
1 Georgia                     11-0
2 Alabama                    10-1
3 Ohio State                 10-1                 
4 Cincinnati                 11-0
5 Notre Dame               10-1                 
6 Oklahoma                 10-1                 
7 Michigan                   10-1
8 Oklahoma State      10-1
9 Oregon                      9-2                   
10 Ole Miss                  9-2
11 Baylor                     9-2                   
12 Michigan State       9-2                   
13 Iowa                         9-2
14 UTSA                       11-0     
15 Texas A&M              8-3                   
16 Pittsburgh               9-2                   
17 Wake Forest            9-2       
18 BYU                         9-2
19 Utah                        8-3       
20 North Carolina St    8-3
21 Houston                  10-1
22 Wisconsin               8-3       
23 Louisiana                10-1
24 San Diego St           10-1                 
25 Mississippi State    7-4                   
 
Coaches Poll
 
Rank /     Team                         Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (62)                 11-0      1550    
2          Alabama                       10-1      1450    
3          Ohio State                    10-1      1428    
4          Cincinnati                    11-0      1388    
5          Notre Dame                  10-1      1258    
6          Michigan                      10-1      1250    
7          Oklahoma State           10-1      1210    
8          Ole Miss                       9-2        1049    
9          Oklahoma                    10-1      1010    
10         Baylor                          9-2        977      
11         Oregon                         9-2        864      
12         Iowa                             9-2        722      
13         Michigan State             9-2        698      
14         Texas A&M                   8-3        683      
15         BYU                             9-2        675      
16         Houston                       10-1      572      
17         Pittsburgh                    9-2        507      
18        Wisconsin                    8-3        485      
19         Utah                             8-3        478      
20         UTSA                           11-0      475      
21         Wake Forest                 9-2        404      
22         San Diego State           10-1      257      
23         Louisiana                     10-1      236      
24        NC State                       8-3        196      
25         Kentucky                      8-3        91        
 
Others receiving votes: Arkansas 67, Clemson 56, Mississippi State 42, Penn State 22, Appalachian State 20, Purdue 10, Air Force 9, Coastal Carolina 9, Oregon State 2
 
Dropped from rankings: Arkansas 22
 

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 11

Titans Defense Stifles Saints – 23-21
Packers Shutout Seahawks – 17-0

Team of the Week 
Patriots (6-4) crush Browns (5-5) – 45-7
Patriots QB Mac Jones tears Browns defense to shreds.

Upsets of the Week
WFT beats Bucs – 29-19
Panthers Shock Cardinals – 34-10
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs        
  Defense – DL Jeffery Simmons – Titans
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – QB Marc Jones – Patriots
    Defense – S Javon Holland – Dolphins
 
Game of Week 11 
   Dallas Cowboys (7-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)
     Long-time arch rivals clash for AFC West leadership

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 8-2 Titans
The hot Titans win their 6^th straight game which propels them to the top spot.

#2 – 8-2 Packers
The Packers back on the beam with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. Defense is playing well and shuts out the Seahawks. Travel to Minnesota for key North matchup.

#3 – 7-2 Cowboys
The Cowboys exploded vs the Falcons. Travel to KC for a postseason type test.

#4 – 8-2 Cardinals
Cardinals lost without Kyler Murray. Travel to Seattle this week with Murray questionable.

#5 – 7-3 Rams
Rams were stifled again by the 49ers. Get their bye week, looking to regroup for 2^nd half.

#6 – 6-3 Bucs
Bucs were surprised in the Capital coming off their bye. Host Giants this Monday night.

#7 – 6-3 Ravens
Ravens were shocked in Miami. Travel to Chicago this Sunday, hoping to retain North leadership.

#8 – 6-3 Bills
Bills bombed the Jets. Host the Colts in key AFC battle.

#9 – 6-4 Patriots
Pats won their 4^th straight game behind the hot hand of QB Marc Jones. Dangerous club gaining momentum.

#10 – 6-4 Chiefs
Chiefs exploded vs the Raiders and AFC West leadership. Host the Cowboys this week.

#11 – 5-5 Colts
The Colts got by the Jaguars in a key game to get to .500. Travel to Buffalo in key AFC matchup.

#12 – 5-4 Chargers
Chargers failed to beat the Vikings. Host Steelers hoping to recapture their edge.

#13 – 5-4 Bengals
Bengals travel to Las Vegas, needing to get back in the win column.

#14 – 5-4 Raiders
The Raiders have struggled the past two weeks and face key contest to maintain postseason hopes.

#15 – 5-4 Saints
Saints came up just short vs the Titans. Travel to Philly for critical game for both teams’ playoff hopes.

#16 – 5-3-1 Steelers
Steelers tied vs the winless Lions. Travel to LA and face Chargers, maybe without Big Ben.

#17 – 4-5 49ers
The 49ers played their best game vs the Rams. Get the Jaguars this week looking to hit the .500 mark.

#18 – 5-5 Browns
Browns were bombed by rookie QB Marc Jones. Host the Lions to regain playoff chase.

#19 – 5-5 Broncos
Broncos were blitzed by the Eagles at home. Get their bye week, hoping to find answers for the 2nd half.

#20 – 4-5 Falcons
Falcons were outclassed by the Cowboys. Host the hot Patriots this Thursday night.

#21 – 3-6 Giants
The Giants are rested off their bye week. Get runner Barkley back for Monday night clash with the Bucs.

#22 – 4-5 Vikings
Vikings edged the Chargers last Sunday. Host the Packers in a vital matchup for any postseason hopes.

#23 – 4-6 Eagles
The Eagles blasted the Broncos.  Host the Saints in big NFC matchup.

#24 – 4-5 Panthers
Panthers beat the Cardinals without Kyler Murray. Cam Newton is back and directed the win.

#25 – 3-6 Seahawks
Seahawks were shutout in Russell Wilson’s return. They face a must win situation at home vs the Cardinals this week.

#26 – 3-6 Bears
The Bears are rested for visit from the Ravens. At the turning point for any postseason hopes.

#27 – 3-7 Dolphins
Dolphins coming off huge victory over the Ravens. Look for three in a row facing Jets on road.

#28 – 3-6 WFT
The WFT surprised Bucs at home. Travel to Carolina hoping to build some momentum.

#29 – 2-7 Jaguars
Jaguars fell short vs the Colts in a tough loss. Host the hot 49ers this week.

#30 – 2-7 Jets
Jets were crushed again, this time by the Bills. They may have the worst roster in the league.

#31 – 1-8 Texans
Texans are rested coming off their bye. They travel to Nashville for a demanding matchup.

#32 – 0-8-1 Lions
Lions didn’t lose vs the Steelers, though they didn’t win. The NFL’s first tie of the season keeps the Lions from going winless in 2021.

NFL Draft 2022 –

Draft Insiders’ staff

First round selection order at midseason

#          Team             W-L   Schedule
1          Detroit            0-8-1     .554
2          Houston           1-8        .534
3          Jacksonville    2-7        .512
4          NY Jets             2-7        .575
5          Phil (Miami)     3-7        .511
6          NY Giants (Chic)  3-6     .548
7          NY Giants                     3-6        .553
8          NY Jets (Seattle)           3-6        .571
9          Washington                   3-6        .571
10         Philadelphia                4-6        .511
11         Atlanta                          4-5        .452
12         Minnesota                     4-5        .530
13         Miami (San Fran)           4-5        .534
14         Denver                          5-5        .462
15         x Indianapolis                5-5        .468
16         Cleveland                      5-5        .516
17         Cincinnati                      5-4        .434
18         Las Vegas                      5-4        .476
19         Carolina                        5-5        .473
20         LA Chargers                  5-4        .541
21         New Orleans                 5-4        .541
22         New England                6-4        .441
23         Kansas City                  6-4        .564
24         Pittsburgh                   5-3-1     .482
25         Buffalo                         6-3        .394
26         Baltimore                    6-3        .471
27         Tampa Bay                   6-3        .494
28         Detroit (LA Rams)        7-3        .446
29         Dallas                           7-2        .494
30         Green Bay                    8-2        .467
31         Arizona                         8-2        .505
32         Tennessee                    8-2        .516

X – The Colts #1 pick will go to the Eagles if QB Carson Wentz participates in either 75% of the Colts offensive plays this season or he plays in 70% if they make the playoffs.

Currently four teams, the Bears, 49ers, Seahawks and Rams do not have a 1st round selection.

Teams 19-32 make the playoffs if the season ended today. These playoff clubs in the draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results through postseason play.

April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – Las Vegas, Nevada.

College Football Monday – Week 12

Baylor Drills Oklahoma
Michigan Edges Penn State

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
    Ohio State Crushes Purdue
 
Upsets of the Week –
   Baylor Shocks Oklahoma, 27-14
   Mississippi State beats Auburn, 43-34

Offensive Player of Week – QB Will Rogers – Mississippi State
Defensive Player of Week – DE Aidan Hutchinson – Michigan
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 11/20
    #8 Michigan State (9-1) @ #3 Ohio State (9-1)
         Clash for Big Ten East Leadership
     
DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Georgia                       10-0
2 Alabama                     9-1
3 Ohio State                  9-1                   
4 Cincinnati                 10-0                 
5 Oregon                         9-1                   
6 Notre Dame               9-1                   
7 Oklahoma                   9-1                   
8 Michigan State          8-1                   
9 Michigan                     9-1
10 Oklahoma State      9-1
11 Wake Forest             9-1                   
12 Baylor                       8-2                   
13 Ole Miss                    8-2
14 Iowa                           7-2
15 UTSA                         10-0     
16 Texas A&M              7-3                   
17 Pittsburgh               8-2                   
18 North Carolina St    8-2
19 BYU                            8-2
20 Houston                  9-1
21 Wisconsin               7-3       
22 Louisiana                9-1
23 Arkansas                 7-3                   
24 San Diego St           9-1                   
25 Utah                          7-3       
 
Coaches Poll
 
Rank /     Team             Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (62)     10-0      1550    
2          Alabama           9-1        1464    
3          Cincinnati        10-0      1401    
4          Ohio State        9-1        1363    
5          Oregon            9-1        1320    
6          Notre Dame      9-1        1181    
7          Michigan          9-1        1153    
8          Michigan St     9-1        1139    
9          Oklahoma St    9-1        1102    
10         Ole Miss           8-2        948      
11        Oklahoma        9-1        878      
12         Wake Forest     9-1        847      
13         Baylor              8-2        826      
14         Iowa                 8-2        637      
15         BYU                 8-2        605      
16         Texas A&M       7-3        560      
17         Houston           9-1        541      
18         UTSA               10-0      528      
19         Pittsburgh        8-2        446      
20        Wisconsin        7-3        407      
21         Louisiana         9-1        239      
22         Arkansas          7-3        212      
23         San Diego St    9-1        210      
24         NC State           7-3        138      
25        Utah                 7-3        133      
 
Others receiving votes: Kentucky 113, SMU 45, Coastal Carolina 34, Appalachian State 31, Mississippi State 26, Penn State 20, Auburn 18, Utah State 9, Purdue 7, Louisville 5, Kansas State 4, Fresno State 4, Clemson 4, Arizona State 2
 
Dropped from rankings: Auburn 20, Coastal Carolina 21, Penn State 23
 

Heisman Trophy Watch 2021

Nov 12, 2021

QB Bryce Young – Alabama, Soph.
QB CJ Stroud – Ohio State, Fr.
RB Kenneth Walker III – Michigan State, Jr.
QB Caleb Williams – Oklahoma, Fr.
QB Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh, Sr.
QB Matt Corral – Ole Miss, Jr.

Heisman Trophy award for 2021 will be announced live on Dec. 11, 2021 at 8 pm on ESPN.
Frank Coyle has been a Heisman Trophy award voter for 28 years.

Top Candidates

QB Bryce Young – Alabama, Soph.
First year starter has taken SEC by storm. Two late SEC games vs Arkansas and Auburn may determine his chances.

QB CJ Stroud – Ohio State, Fr.
Freshman starter performed well vs a soft early schedule. Finishes vs three top Big Ten clubs, Purdue, Michigan St and Michigan puts him center stage.

RB Kenneth Walker III – Michigan State, Jr.
Big athletic runner has been dominant in the Big Ten. His final two games vs Ohio St and Penn St. gives him a change to make a final statement.

QB Caleb Williams – Oklahoma, Fr.
Freshman starter took over early this season and never looked back. Gets three big late games vs Baylor, Iowa St and Oklahoma that gives him a chance to move to the top of this list.

QB Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh, Sr.
Record setting senior has directed a potent offense vs top clubs. Maybe got on the radar late but completing an impressive final season.

QB Matt Corral – Ole Miss, Jr.
Slick throwing junior had a strong first half. Late season injury may be hurt his chances, though a late test vs Texas A&M could change that.

Walter Payton Award 2021 Watch List

UNI football’s Trevor Penning is the first offensive lineman to be named to this year’s Walter Payton Award watch list.

Penning was among 11 players added today, which now includes 46 players. The 2021 Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.

Trevor Penning is our #1 small college prospect and a potential high draft selection. He is scheduled to play in the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

For the 2021-22 Award Calendar- Player & Coach Awards – Go to www.draftinsiders.com

The Payton Award is celebrating its 35th anniversary season. It’s named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance.

Penning became the first Panther to earn the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week award Oct. 25 following UNI’s win over No. 6 South Dakota State. He also earned MVFC First Team Preseason honors.

Newest members by position:

Quarterback
Davis Alexander, Portland State
Ren Hefley, Presbyterian
Keon Howard, UT Martin
Cole Johnson, James Madison
Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
Jason Shelley, Missouri State
Xavier Shepherd, Kennesaw State

Running Back
Malik Grant, Sacred Heart
Isaiah Ifanse, Montana State

Wide Receiver
Xavier Gipson, Stephen F. Austin

Offensive Line
Trevor Penning, UNI