College Football Monday – Week 15

Alabama Bombs Georgia
Cincinnati Bearcats – Nation’s Only Unbeaten Club

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  Alabama Pounds Georgia, 41-24
 
Upset of the Week – Baylor over Oklahoma State, 21-16

Offensive Player of Week – QB Bryce Young – Alabama
Defensive Player of Week – LB Will Anderson – Alabama
 
Championship Semi Final Games – Dec, 31, 2021
 
   Cotton Bowl – Arlington, Texas – 3:30 pm, ESPN
  #1 Alabama (12-1) vs #4 Cincinnati (13-0)
 
   Orange Bowl – Miami, Fla – 7:30 pm, ESPN
   #2 Michigan (12-1) vs #3 Georgia (12-1)
 
National Championship Game – Jan. 10, 2022
  Semi Final winners
Indianapolis, In, – 8 pm, ESPN  
 
DraftInsiders.com – Staff – Top 25 Rankings
 

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Alabama                    12-1
2 Michigan                   12-1
3 Georgia                     12-1
4 Cincinnati                 13-0
 
5 Notre Dame              11-1                 
6 Ohio State                 10-2                 
7 Ole Miss                     10-2
8 Utah                           10-3     
9 Baylor                        11-2                 
10 Michigan State      10-2
11 Oklahoma State     11-2
12 Pittsburgh               11-2                 
13 Oklahoma               10-2                 
14 Oregon                     10-3                 
15 Iowa                          10-3
16 Wake Forest           10-3
17 BYU                            10-2
18 North Carolina St   9-3
19 Clemson                     9-3                   
20 Louisiana                12-1
21 Houston                    11-2
22 Arkansas                  8-4                   
23 Kentucky                  9-3
24 Texas A&M               8-4
25 San Diego St           11-2
 
College Football Playoff Rankings
 
Rank /     Team             Record
1          Alabama             12-1                 
2          Michigan            12-1                 
3          Georgia              12-1                 
4          Cincinnati         13-0                 
5          Notre Dame      11-1                 
6          Ohio State         10-2                 
7          Baylor                11-2                 
8          Ole Miss            10-2                 
9          Oklahoma St    11-2                 
10         Michigan St    10-2                 
11         Utah                   10-3                 
12         Pittsburgh       11-2                 
13         BYU                   10-2                 
14         Oregon             10-3                 
15         Iowa                  10-3                 
16         Oklahoma        10-2                 
17         Wake Forest    10-3                 
18         NC State            9-3                   
19         Clemson            9-3                   
20         Houston           11-2                 
21         Arkansas          8-4                   
22         Kentucky          9-3                   
23         Louisiana         12-1                 
24         Texas A&M       8-4       
25         San Diego St    11-2                 

Championship Weekend 2021
SEC and Big Ten Matchups Have Major Impact on
Final Playoff Four Teams

Friday Dec 3
Matchup /Time (ET)    
 
Conference USA Championship Game
Western Kentucky vs   #22 UTSA
            7:00 PM            CBSSN             Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
 
PAC-12 Championship Game
#11 Oregon      #19 Utah
            8:00 PM            ABC     Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV      
 
Saturday, December 4
Matchup / Time  (ET)        
 
Big 12 Championship Game
#8 Baylor vs #7 Oklahoma State
            12:00 PM          ABC                 AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX 
 
MAC Championship Game
Kent State vs Northern Illinois
            12:00 PM          ESPN               Ford Field, Detroit, Mi 
 
Mountain West Championship Game
Utah State vs #21 San Diego State
            3:00 PM            FOX                 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, Ca          
 
Sun Belt Championship Game
Appalachian State Vs Louisiana
            3:30 PM            ESPN               Cajun Field, Lafayette, La       
 
SEC Championship Gam
#1 Georgia vs #3 Alabama
            4:00 PM            CBS                 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga 

AAC Championship Game
#24 Houston vs #4 Cincinnati
            4:00 PM            ABC                 Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Oh         
 
Big Ten Championship Game
#5 Michigan vs #16 Iowa
            8:00 PM            FOX                 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In    
 
ACC Championship Game
#17 Pittsburgh vs #18 Wake Forest
            8:00 PM            ABC                 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC        

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.

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
 

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 10

Titans Defense Stifles Rams
Chiefs Roll over Packers

Team of the Week 
Titans (7-2) over Rams (7-2) – 28-16
Titans defense sacks Matthew Stafford five times along with two interceptions.

Upset of the Week
Jaguars Shock Bills – 9-6
LB Josh Allen Beats QB Josh Allen
   
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Lamar Jackson – Ravens        
  Defense – LB Josh Allen – Jaguars
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – TE Pat Freiermuth – Steelers
    Defense – LB Micah Parsons – Dallas
 
Games of Week 11 
   Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-3)
     Long-time arch rivals clash for AFC West leadership

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 8-1 Cardinals
Cardinals were impressive with win over 49ers. Host the Panthers this week.

#2 – 7-2 Rams
Ram’s explosive offense was stuffed by the Titans. Major text in San Fran on Monday night this week.

#3 – 6-2 Bucs
Bucs are rested after their bye week. Travel to Capital to start their second half playoff push.

#4 – 6-2 Titans
The Titans were very impressive vs the Rams. Host the Saints.

#5 – 7-2 Packers
The Packers struggled mightily without Aaron Rodgers. Host the Seahawks Sunday.

#6 – 6-2 Ravens
Ravens beat the Vikings on a late FG. Travel to Miami this Thursday night.

#7 – 6-2 Cowboys
The Cowboys lost to the hungry Broncos. Host underrated Falcons this week.

#8 – 5-3 Bills
Bills came up empty vs the Jaguars with no TDs scored. Travel to NJ to face the Jets.

#9 – 5-3 Chargers
Chargers edged the Eagles. Host the Vikings hoping to recapture their earlier momentum.

#10 – 5-4 Patriots
Pats drilled Carolina in an important test. Host the Browns for a key AFC matchup for postseason hopes.

#11 – 5-4 Chiefs
Chiefs held on again this time vs the Packers without Aaron Rodgers. AFC West leadership vs Raiders at stake this week.

#12 – 5-4 Bengals
Bengals were bombed by the Browns. Get their bye week to regroup after losing their early momentum.

#13 – 5-3 Raiders
The Raiders were stymied by the Giants in a difficult week. Host the Chiefs this Sunday.

#14 – 5-3 Saints
Saints were handled at home again by their rival Falcons this time in key South matchup. Face tough trip to Nashville.

#15 – 4-3 Steelers
Steelers held on for crucial victory over Bears. Host winless Lions this Sunday.

#16 – 5-4 Browns
Browns took it to the Bengals for a huge win. Travel to New England for a major test in a critical AFC  contest.

#17 – 5-4 Broncos
Broncos beat the Cowboys for two in a row. Host the Eagles hoping to get hot in the 2nd half.

#18 – 4-5 Colts
The Colts smoked the Jets on Thursday night. Host the Jaguars in a key game to get to .500.

#19 – 4-4 Falcons
Falcons went into New Orleans and won a key game. Travel to Big D for a vital NFC matchup with postseason implications.

#20 – 3-5 49ers
The 49ers were drilled by the Cardinals with a weak defensive effort. Host the Rams in a must win situation Monday night.

#21 – 3-5 Vikings
Vikings lost another tough one, this time to the Ravens. Face vital game vs Chargers Sunday on the road.

#22 – 3-6 Giants
The Giants come off solid win over Raiders. Get their much-needed bye week to get their banged up roster healthy.

#23 – 3-5 Seahawks
Seahawks face the Packers with both QBs Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, likely to return this week.

#24 – 3-5 Bears
The Bears are hitching to rookie QB Justin Fields and hope to turn the page for a new era.

#25 – 4-5 Panthers
Panthers were schooled by the Patriots. QB Sam Darnald has become a turnover machine.

#26 – 3-6 Eagles
The Eagles fell to the Chargers on a late FG. Head to Denver in a must win situation.

#27 – 2-7 Dolphins
Dolphins beat the Texans. Prep for Thursday night matchup with Ravens.

#28 – 2-6 Jets
Jets were crushed by the Colts. QB Mike White sustained a minor hand injury.

#29 – 2-6 Jaguars
Jaguars shocked the Bills last week with a strong defensive performance.

#30 – 2-6 WFT
The WFT coming off their bye hoping to figure out their poor first half.

#31 – 1-8 Texans
Texans were handled by the Dolphins. They will continue their major rebuilding process this offseason.

#32 – 0-8 Lions
Lions are rested off their bye week, hoping to regroup for a better second half performance.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 9

Packers Roll over Cardinals
Titans Take Command in AFC South with Win over Colts

Team of the Week 
Packers (7-1) over Cardinals (7-1) – 24-21
Aaron Rodgers works his magic one more time in crunch time.

Upset of the Week
Jets Shock Bengals – 34 -31
Backup QB Mike White Steps Up Big
   
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Mike White – Jets        
  Defense – DL Chris Jones – Chiefs
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – RB Michael Carter – Jets         
    Defense – LB Micah Parsons – Dallas
 
Games of Week 10 
   Titans (6-2) at Rams (7-1)
     Clash of Strong Contenders

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 7-1 Rams
Ram’s offense continues to be one of the league’s top explosive passing games. Host the Titans in a major interconference matchup.

#2 – 7-1 Cardinals
Cardinals were handled by the Packers. Travel to San Fran for key West contest.

#3 – 6-2 Bucs
Bucs came up short vs the Saints. Get their bye week to rest up for second half push.

#4 – 7-1 Packers
The Packers beat the Cardinals last week. Aaron Rodgers tested with Covid and out vs Chiefs.

#5 – 5-2 Bills
Bills are trying to build a cushion vs soft part of schedule. Travel to Jacksonville hoping to maintain two game lead in East.

#6 – 6-1 Cowboys
The hot Cowboys host the Broncos trying to maintain strong lead in the East.

#7 – 6-2 Titans
The Titans continue to impress with a win vs the Colts. Travel to LA for Rams matchup without Derrick Henry.

#8 – 5-2 Ravens
Ravens are coming off their bye week. Host the Vikings this week.

#9 – 4-3 Chargers
Chargers were edged by the Patriots in key AFC contest. Travel to Philly seeking a much needed victory.

#10 – 5-3 Bengals
Bengals were shocked by the battered Jets. Host the Browns in a defining AFC North game this Sunday.

#11 – 5-2 Raiders
The Raiders dealing with the Henry Ruggs tragedy currently. Travel to face the Giants in a difficult week.

#12 – 5-2 Saints
Saints stepped up vs the Bucs to win a vital South contest. Host the Falcons in another South matchup.

#13 – 4-4 Patriots
Pats edged the Chargers in a key AFC contest. Travel to Carolina in an important test for postseason.

#14 – 4-4 Chiefs
Chiefs held on for a Monday nite victory vs Giants. Host the Packers without Aaron Rodgers Sunday.

#15 – 4-3 Steelers
Steelers beat Cleveland on the road. Host Bears in a key game to keep them in playoff picture.

#16 – 4-4 Browns
Browns are struggling getting it all together. Face the Bengals in a critical AFC North contest.

#17 – 4-4 Broncos
Broncos beat WFT to end their losing streak. Travel to Big D that may determine any postseason hopes.

#18 – 3-5 Colts
The Colts lost a heartbreaker with the hot Titans. Host the Jets in a must win situation.

#19 – 3-4 49ers
The 49ers beat the Bears with an improved offense. Host the Cardinals in a must win situation Sunday.

#20 – 4-4 Panthers
Panthers beat the Falcons to break their losing streak. Host the Patriots in a vital matchup for their playoff hopes.

#21 – 3-4 Vikings
Vikings lost a tough one to the Cowboys. Travel to Baltimore for key contest for any playoff aspirations.

#22 – 3-4 Falcons
Falcons came up short vs the Panthers. Face key South matchup with trip to New Orleans.

#23 – 3-5 Bears
The Bears are hitching to rookie QB Justin Fields and hope to turn the page for a new era.

#24 – 2-6 Giants
The Giants find new ways to lose with 4^th quarter meltdown vs the Chiefs.

#25 – 3-5 Seahawks
Seahawks won without QB Russell Wilson and get a bye this week to regroup for second half.

#26 – 3-5 Eagles
The Eagles jumped the Lions bones last week. Host the Chargers this Sunday.

#27 – 2-6 WFT
The WFT comes up short weekly with little firepower and a spotty defense.

#28 – 2-5 Jets
Jets win behind QB Mike White to shock the Bengals. Face the Colts this Thursday nite.

#29 – 1-7 Dolphins
Dolphins lack firepower to stay with top clubs. Looking to win at home vs Texans.

#30 – 1-7 Texans
Texans were bombed by the Rams. They missed opportunity to trade several players prior to deadline.

#31 – 1-6 Jaguars
Jaguars were crushed by the Seahawks. Host the Bills this week in another tough matchup.

#32 – 0-8 Lions
Lions mercifully get their bye week after another beating last Sunday.

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 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News 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

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll
Bucs and Cards Head Rankings

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 8

Cardinals Roll over Texans – NFL’s Only Undefeated Club
Bengals Bomb Ravens in Key AFC North Clash

Team of the Week 
Bengals (5-2) over Ravens (5-2) – 41-17
Joe Burrow smokes Ravens defense

Upset of the Week
  Titans Crush Chiefs – 27-3
Chiefs struggling vs top clubs
   
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals        
  Defense – DE Denico Autry – Titans
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Ja’Marr Chase – Bengals         
    Defense – LB Azeez Ojulari – Giants
 
Games of Week 9 
   Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Arizona Cardinals (7-0)
     Clash of NFC Powerhouses

  Tampa Bay Bucs (6-1) at New Orleans Saints (4-2)
Hot NFC rivals will determine leadership into the 2^nd half of the season

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 6-1 Bucs
Bucs torched the Bears. Face key South matchup in New Orleans.

#2 – 7-0 Cardinals
Cardinals rolling over opponents. Host Packers in major NFC Thursday nite game.

#3 – 6-1 Rams
Rams are taking care of business weekly. Travel to Houston for an apparent mismatch.

#4 – 6-1 Packers
The Packers are crushing opponents. Face Cardinals without Rodger’s favorite weapon, Davonte Adams.

#5 – 4-2 Bills
Bills are rested for the Dolphins coming to town. Prepping for a 2nd half run.

#6 – 4-2 Chargers
Chargers regrouped during their bye and host the Patriots in key AFC contest.

#7 – 5-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys travel to Minnesota for an important NFC game.

#8 – 5-2 Titans
The Titans impress again this time vs the Chiefs. Face South opponent the Colts in an important divisional matchup.

#9 – 5-2 Bengals
Bengals bombed the Ravens for a statement game. Travel to face the battered Jets this Sunday.

#10 – 5-2 Ravens
Ravens were shocked by the Bengals with their weakest defensive performance of the season.

#11 – 5-2 Raiders
The Raiders win another one with a new coaching staff.

#12 – 4-2 Saints
Saints outlasted the Seahawks during a weak Monday night offensive display.

#13 – 4-3 Browns
Browns defense contained a struggling Bronco offense. Prepare for key North clash with the Steelers.

#14 – 3-4 Colts
The Colts beat the 49ers. Get the hot Titans at home this week in vital AFC South matchup.

#15 – 3-4 Chiefs
Chiefs must regroup quickly for Monday nite game vs Giants. Coming off bashing by Titans.

#16 – 3-4 Patriots
Pats bomb the pathetic Jets for their 12^th consecutive victory in the series.

#17 – 3-3 Steelers
Steelers rested for their trip to Cleveland that might determine which club challenges for the postseason.

#18 – 3-3 Vikings
Vikings waiting for Cowboys to come in a crucial Sunday night game for any playoff aspirations.

#19 – 3-3 Falcons
Falcons are taking care of business and trying to sneak into the playoff picture with Panthers coming to town.

#20 – 3-4 Broncos
Broncos lost their 4th in a row with their weak offense the main problem especially in the passing game.

#21 – 2-4 49ers
The 49ers lack the fire power to beat playoff clubs currently.

#22 – 3-4 Bears
The Bears were bashed again this time by Tom Brady. Host 49ers in a key test for their postseason hopes.

#23 – 2-5 Giants
The Giants defense showed up vs the Panthers and QB Daniel Jones dissected their defense.

#24 – 3-4 Panthers
Panthers lost their 4th in a row as Sam Darnold continues to return to reality after a strong start.

#25 – 2-5 Seahawks
Seahawks are struggling without QB Russell Wilson and may lose any chances for the postseason waiting for his return.

#26 – 2-5 WFT
The WFT defense was dissected again and are falling out of any playoff chances.

#27 – 2-5 Eagles
The Eagles go to Detroit for a winnable game in a season of disappointment.

#28 – 1-6 Dolphins
Dolphins lost to the Falcons last week. Looking to surprise the Bills on the road.

#29 – 1-6 Texans
Texans were crushed by the Cardinals. Host the high-powered Rams this week.

#30 – 1-5 Jets
Jets lost rookie QB Zach Wilson during blowout to the Patriots. Face the hot Bengals at home.

#31 – 1-5 Jaguars
Jaguars are rested from their Dolphins victory. Face a desperate Seahawks club this week that may return them to reality.

#32 – 0-7 Lions
Lions host the Eagles this week in their potentially first victory since last December.

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 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News 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

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 7

 Cardinals Drills Browns – NFL’s Only Undefeated Club
Ravens Crush Chargers in a Key AFC Matchup

Team of the Week 
    Ravens (5-1) over Chargers (4-2) – 34-6
Ravens defense swarms Justin Herbert

Upset of the Week
   Jaguars Beat Dolphins – 23-20
Jaguars end their 20-game losing streak

 Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Jonathan Taylor – Colts    
  Defense – DT Kenny Clark – Packers
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – QB Mac Jones – Patriots
    Defense – LB Derrick Barnes – Lions

Games of  Week 8 
  Bengals (4-2) at Ravens (5-1)
      Clash of AFC North Leaders

  Kansas City (3-3) at Tennessee (4-2)
AFC Contenders in Key Midseason Matchup

NFL Team Power Poll

Ranking /Record /Team
#1 – 5-1 Bucs
Bucs jumped the Eagles early and held on for another victory.

#2 – 6-0 Cardinals
Cardinals blasted the Browns to remain the NFL’s only unbeaten club with another strong performance.

#3 – 5-1 Rams
Rams took the Giants defense apart behind the hot hand of Matt Stafford.

#4 – 5-1 Ravens
Ravens drilled the Chargers with their strongest defensive performance of the season.

#5 – 5-1 Packers
The Packers Aaron Rodgers smoked the Bears defense for their 5^th straight win.

#6 – 4-2 Bills
Bills lost a shootout with the Titans that could play out bigger down the road.

#7 – 4-2 Chargers
Chargers were flat vs the Ravens and get their bye week now to regroup.

#8 – 5-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys are running on all cylinders and beat the Patriots in OT.

#9 – 4-2 Titans
The Titans bowed their neck vs the Bills Monday night. Host the Chiefs in another huge AFC matchup.

#10 – 4-2 Bengals
Bengals continue to impress, though get an acid test with a trip to Baltimore this Sunday.

#11 – 3-3 Chiefs
Chiefs regrouped vs WFT and prepare for key AFC road game in Nashville.

#12 – 3-3 Browns
Browns defense was pounded again and must recover quickly for Thursday night game.

#13 – 4-2 Raiders
The Raiders found a way to beat the Broncos after a wild week of changes on coaching leadership.

#14 – 3-2 Saints
Saints will be well rested for the Seahawks Monday night in a key NFC matchup.

#15 – 3-3 Colts
The Colts pounded the Texans to keep pace in the competitive South division.

#16 – 3-3 Broncos
Broncos have lost three in a row and face AFC rival, the Browns in Cleveland on Thursday.

#17 – 2-4 Patriots
Pats lost a wild OT game vs the Cowboys that puts them in an important contest vs the rested Jets.

#18 – 3-3 Steelers
Steelers edged the Seahawks in OT to reach .500. Get their bye week to prep for a playoff run.

#19 – 3-3 Vikings
Vikings edged Carolina in another win that keeps them alive in the NFC playoff chase.

#20 – 2-3 49ers
The 49ers are rested for vital home game vs the Colts Sunday night.

#21 – 3-3 Bears
The Bears were bashed by Aaron Rodgers again. Travel to Tampa in a major test for their fate this season.

#22 – 3-3 Panthers
Panthers lost their 3^rd in a row as Sam Darnold continues to return to reality after a strong start.

#23 – 2-4 Seahawks
Seahawks lost tough OT game to Pittsburgh. Host the Saints Monday night that may determine any hope for the postseason.

#24 – 2-3 Falcons
Falcons coming off their bye week. Travel to Miami for key matchup.

#25 – 2-4 Redskins
The Redskins defense failed to contain the Chiefs last week. Travel to Titletown in a must win situation.

#26 – 2-4 Eagles
The Eagles fought the Bucs tough in their loss. Go to Las Vegas hoping to claim a much-needed win.

#27 – 1-5 Giants
The Giants were outclassed by the Rams. Host the Panthers in a must win game.

#28 – 1-5 Dolphins
Dolphins lost to the winless Jaguars last week. Host the Falcons hoping to regroup for second half.

#29 – 1-5 Texans
Texans were crushed by the Colts. Travel to Arizona to face the undefeated Cardinals this Sunday.

#30 – 1-4 Jets
Jets rested for their trip to New England hoping to avert a midseason collapse.

#31 – 1-5 Jaguars
Jaguars shocked the Dolphins to end their 20-game losing streak. Get their bye week to enjoy the victory.

#32 – 0-6 Lions
Lions are being outclassed weekly and face the potent Rams in LA this Sunday.

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 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News 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

Creator of ‘Mr Irrelevant’ – Paul Salata Passes

Paul Salata, the Newport Beach businessman and philanthropist who founded Mr. Irrelevant Week 45 years ago, died Saturday, October 16th. Salata was 94 years old and passed the day before his 95th birthday this past Sunday. He had been in declining health for several years.

Salata was part of the rich bizarre history and lore of the NFL Draft. He created Irrelevant Week in 1976 to honor the last player selected in the NFL Draft, who would be known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” A week’s worth of activities, including a welcome party, a golf tournament, a trip to Disneyland and The Lowsman Banquet’ with a parade, were among the events.

Mr. Irrelevant would be presented the ‘Lowsman Trophy’, which looked like the famed Heisman Trophy except the football player on the Lowsman Trophy is dropping the football. This last selection in the NFL Draft also created the ‘Salata Rule’ after an incident in 1979 between the LA Rams and Pittsburgh Steeler. The Rams passed on the next to last selection to allow the Steelers to move up one spot and the Rams would get the final selection. The Steelers also passed on the selection which forced the Commissioner Pete Rozelle and NFL office to rule that no team can pass on the next to last selection to claim the final overall draft choice. Steelers retained the last draft choice.

Salata gave to many charitable causes – Irrelevant Week always benefited local charities – and created endowments at USC where he played football and baseball.

Salata was master of ceremony and guest of honor at many events for many years in Orange County. His quick wit was always on display. One example: Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Ryan Succop was a Mr. Irrelevant when he was the last player drafted in 2009 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Succop’s last name is pronounced “suck up.” With that in mind, Salata’s introduction of Succop included, “He comes from a whole family of Succops.” As a Buccaneer in 2021, Succop became the first ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to win a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs.

Salata was a successful sewer contractor. The late Orange County Register columnist John Hall often called Salata “The Sewer King.”

Before getting into the business world, Salata was an outstanding receiver at USC. He caught a touchdown pass for the Trojans in a 25-0 victory over Tennessee in the 1945 Rose Bowl game (Salata would claim he caught two touchdown passes in the game, but an official, Salata said, made a mistake when the official ruled Salata was out of bounds on what would have been a touchdown reception). At USC, he was an infielder and part of the Trojans’ first College World Series title. His USC playing days were interrupted by an 18-month stint in the Army Air Corps.

Salata played for the Baltimore Colts when the Colts were in the All-American Football Conference and rejoined the team when the Colts were integrated in the NFL. He played for the San Francisco 49ers in 1949 and 1950. During the 1950 season, he had 50 receptions, playing for the 49ers and Colts that season.

He also played in the Canadian Football League in which he was an all-star receiver with the Calgary Stampeders. Salata played college and minor-league baseball.

Salata was an extra or bit-player in 18 films, including as a prisoner of war in “Stalag 17,” as one of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball players in the original “Angels in the Outfield,” the ‘Ten Commandments’, ‘Singin in the Rain’, and he was the guy who sliced open Frank Sinatra’s nose in “The Joker Is Wild.”

He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Melanie Salata Fitch, son Brian Salata, granddaughters Alix and Marie, and brother George.

Salata Fitch assumed the leadership role in Irrelevant Week in recent years and hopefully continues this amazing tradition.