College Football Monday – Week 11

Purdue Upsets Michigan State
Texas A&M Beats Auburn

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
  #9 Texas A&M beats #17 Auburn, 20-3
 
Upset of the Week –
    Purdue over Michigan St., 40-29

Offensive Player of  Week – QB Aidan O’Connell – Purdue
Defensive Player of  Week – CB Steven Jones – Appalachian State
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 11/13
    #3 Oklahoma (9-0) @ #13 Baylor (7-2)
         Clash of Big 12 Contenders

DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Georgia                        9-0
2 Alabama                     8-1                   
3 Oklahoma                  9-0                   
4 Ohio State                  8-1                   
5 Cincinnati                  9-0                   
6 Oregon                        8-1                   
7 Notre Dame               8-1                   
8 Michigan  State       8-1
9 Texas A&M                 7-2                   
10 Michigan                  8-1                   
11 Oklahoma State     8-1
12 Wake Forest            8-1                   
13 Baylor                       7-2                   
14 Ole Miss                   7-2
15 Iowa                          6-2
16 UTSA                        8-0       
17 Auburn                     6-3                   
18 Pittsburgh               7-2                   
19 North Carolina St   7-2
20 BYU                           8-2
21 Houston                    7-1
22 Coastal Carolina     7-1       
23 Penn State               6-3
24 Wisconsin               6-3       
25 Louisiana                8-1
 

Coaches Poll

Rank /     Team             Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (64)     9-0        1600    
2          Alabama            8-1        1483    
3          Cincinnati         9-0        1430    
4          Oklahoma         9-0        1423    
5          Ohio State         8-1        1356    
6          Oregon               8-1        1291    
7          Notre Dame      8-1        1182    
8          Michigan          8-1        1099    
9          Michigan St     8-1        1074    
10         Oklahoma St   8-1        1045    
11         Texas A&M       7-2        1023    
12         Ole Miss            7-2        862      
13         Wake Forest    8-1        769      
14         Iowa                   7-2        636      
15         BYU                    8-2        552      
16         UTSA                 9-0        525      
17         Houston           8-1        472      
18         Baylor              7-2        449      
19         NC State           7-2        445      
20         Auburn             6-3        382      
21         Coastal Carolina 8-1    335      
22         Pittsburgh        7-2        293      
23         Penn State        6-3        249      
24        Wisconsin         6-3        177      
25         Louisiana         8-1        164      

          Others receiving votes: Arkansas 116, San Diego State 103, Purdue 77, Kentucky 74, Utah 34, Iowa State 21, Appalachian State 19, SMU 18, Minnesota 10, Nevada 3, Fresno State 3, Clemson 3, Tennessee 2, Arizona State 1
 
Dropped from rankings: Kentucky 17, SMU 24
 

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

College Football Monday – Week 10

Michigan St Rallies to Beat Michigan
Ohio St Thumps Penn St – 33-24

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
  #6 Michigan State beats #9 Michigan, 37-33

Upset of the Week –
     Mississippi State over Kentucky, 31-17

Offensive Player of Week – RB Kenneth Walker – Michigan State
Defensive Player of Week – DE Felix Anudike – Kansas State
Special Teams Player of Week – RS/CB Marcus Jones – Houston
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 11/6
    #13 Auburn (6-2) at #11 Texas A&M (6-2)
         Major Clash of SEC West Contenders

DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team               Record               
1 Georgia                       8-0
2 Cincinnati                 8-0                   
3 Alabama                    7-1                   
4 Ohio State                 7-1                   
5 Oklahoma                 9-0                   
6 Michigan State        8-0                   
7 Oregon                        7-1                   
9 Michigan                    7-1
10 Wake Forest            8-0                   
11 Texas A&M                6-2                   
12 Oklahoma State      7-1
13 Auburn                      6-2                   
14 Baylor                       7-1                   
15 Kentucky                  6-2                   
16 Ole Miss                    6-2
17 Iowa                           6-2
18 SMU                            7-1
19 Pittsburgh               6-2                   
20 UTSA                         8-0       
21 North Carolina St   6-2
22 Coastal Carolina     7-1       
23 BYU                             7-2
24 Houston                    7-1
25 Penn State               5-3
 

Coaches Poll

 Rank /     Team             Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (64)     8-0        1600    
2          Cincinnati        8-0        1460    
3          Alabama           7-1        1453    
4          Oklahoma        9-0        1423    
5          Ohio State        7-1        1336    
6          Michigan St     8-0        1325    
7          Oregon               7-1        1198    
8          Notre Dame      7-1        1095    
9          Wake Forest     8-0        1051    
10         Michigan          7-1        1050    
11         Oklahoma St    7-1        922      
12         Texas A&M       6-2        910      
13         Baylor               7-1        815      
14         Auburn             6-2        802      
15         Ole Miss           6-2        680      
16         Iowa                  6-2        512      
17         Kentucky          6-2        497      
18         UTSA                  8-0        401      
19         Houston           7-1        349      
20         BYU                   7-2        310      
21         Coastal Carolina 7-1    301      
22         NC State           6-2        265      
23         Penn State       5-3        215      
24         SMU                    7-1        192      
25         Pittsburgh        6-2        162      

  Others receiving votes: Louisiana 156, Fresno State 73, San Diego State 65, Arkansas 65, Minnesota 29, Wisconsin 26, Mississippi State 20, Appalachian State 10, Utah 10, Air Force 9, Liberty 4, Clemson 4, Iowa State 4, Arizona State 1
 
Dropped from rankings: San Diego State 20, Iowa State 23
 
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 28 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 ESPN 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.

2021-22 College Award Calendar – Player & Coach Awards

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, Eddie Robinson etc for the past 25 years.

Award Dates

Award                                Watch List     Semifinalists    Finalist

Bednarik Award                         July 19             Nov. 1           Nov. 23                    Heisman Trophy

Biletnikoff Award                       July 22            Nov. 15             Nov. 23

Bronko Nagurski Trophy            July 27                                    Nov. 17

Broyles Award                                                     Nov 23              Nov. 29

Burlsworth Trophy                                             Nov. 9               Nov. 16

Butkus Award                            July 26             Nov. 1               Nov. 22

Davey O’Brien Award                July 20             Nov. 8               Nov. 23

Disney Sports Spirit Award

Doak Walker Award                   July 21             Nov. 16             Nov. 23

Eddie Robinson Award                                                                 Dec. 7

George Munger Award                                      Nov. 3               Dec. 22

Heisman Trophy                                                                           Dec. 6

John Mackey Award                  July 23                                      Nov. 23

Lou Groza Award                      July 28             Nov. 4               Nov. 23

Maxwell Award                          July 19             Nov. 1               Nov. 23

Outland Trophy                         July 27             Nov. 17             Nov. 23

Paul Hornung Award                 July 29                                      Nov. 17

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award        July 26         Oct. 25               Nov. 23

Ray Guy Award                            July 28          Nov. 10             Nov. 23

Rimington Trophy                      July 23                                      Dec. 6

Stallings Award

Walter Camp Award                  July 30            TBA                  TBA

William V. Campbell Trophy                            Sept. 29            Oct. 27

Wuerffel Trophy                        July 29             Nov. 2               Nov. 23

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 is pleased to offer the 2021 NFL Draft Review Report. Download the FREE report and enjoy reading the latest news, stats and predictions.

College Football Monday – Week 9

Alabama & Ohio State Impress with Strong Victories
Illinois Upsets Penn State

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
  #10 Ole Miss beats LSU, 31-17
 
Upset of the Week –
     Illinois over Penn State, 20-18, 9 OTs (NCAA record)

Offensive Player of Week – RB Chase Brown – Illinois
Defensive Player of Week – DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – Oregon
 
Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 10/30
    #6 Michigan (7-0) at #7 Michigan State (8-0)
            Interstate Clash of Big Ten Unbeaten

     #13 Ole Miss (6-1) @ #21 Auburn (5-2)
           SEC West bowl contenders in a crucial matchup

DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team              Record               
1 Georgia                       7-0
2 Cincinnati                 7-0
3 Alabama                    7-1                   
4 Ohio State                 6-1                   
5 Oklahoma                 8-0                   
6 Michigan                   7-0
7 Michigan State       8-0                   
8 Oregon                       6-1                   
9 Ole Miss                     6-1
10 Kentucky                 6-1                   
11 Notre Dame             6-1                   
12 Iowa                           6-1
13 Texas A&M              6-2                   
14 Wake Forest            7-0                   
15 SMU                             7-0
16 San Diego State       7-0
17 Penn State                 5-2                   
18 Oklahoma State       6-1
19 Baylor                         6-1                   
20 Auburn                      5-2                   
21 Pittsburgh                 6-1                   
22 North Carolina St    5-2       
23 Coastal Carolina      6-1       
24 UTSA                          8-0       
25 Iowa St                      5-2
 

Coaches Poll
 
Rank /     Team             Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (64)      7-0        1600    
2          Cincinnati         7-0        1469    
3          Alabama            7-1        1439    
4          Oklahoma         8-0        1430    
5          Ohio State         6-1        1338    
6          Michigan           7-0        1313    
7          Michigan St      7-0        1208    
8          Oregon               6-1        1139    
9          Ole Miss             6-1        1019    
10         Iowa                   6-1        1008    
11         Notre Dame      6-1        950      
12         Kentucky           6-1        857      
13         Wake Forest     7-0        838      
14         Texas A&M        6-2        736      
15         Oklahoma St     6-1        684      
16         SMU                     7-0        535      
17         Penn State         5-2        517      
18         Baylor                6-1        509      
19         Pittsburgh        6-1        487      
20         San Diego St    7-0        431      
21         Auburn              5-2        418      
22         UTSA                 8-0        219      
23         Iowa State        5-2        190      
24         Coastal Carolina 6-1    134      
25         NC State            5-2        73        
 
Others receiving votes: Louisiana 42, BYU 42, Arkansas 41, Houston 27, Arizona State 27, Virginia 23, Oregon State 13, Florida 13, Fresno State 10, Air Force 9, Appalachian State 5, Liberty 3, Texas 3, Utah 1
 
Dropped from rankings: Clemson 24
 

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 28 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 ESPN 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.

College Football Monday – Week 8

Georgia Drills Kentucky to Retain #1 Ranking
Purdue Upsets #2 Iowa

Draft Insiders’ – Top 25 Weekly Rankings

Team of Week –  
  LSU over Florida 49-42
 
Upset of the Week –
     Purdue over Iowa 24-7

Offensive Player of Week – RB Tyrion Davis-Price – LSU
Defensive Player of Week – LB Will Anderson – Alabama
 

Upcoming Key Weekly Matchup – 10/23
    #23 Clemson (4-2) at #24 Pittsburgh (5-1)
     LSU (4-3) @ #15 Ole Miss (5-1)
 
DraftInsiders.com   Top 25 Rankings

Rank / Team               Record   
1 Georgia                     7-0
2 Cincinnati                 6-0
3 Alabama                    6-1                   
4 Ohio State                 5-1                   
5 Oklahoma                 7-0                   
6 Michigan                   6-0
7 Michigan State        7-0                   
8 Iowa                           6-1                   
9 Oregon                       5-1                   
10 Penn State               5-1                   
11 Oklahoma State       6-0
12 Kentucky                   6-1                   
13 Notre Dame              5-1                   
14 Texas A&M                5-2                   
15 Ole Miss                      5-1
16 North Carolina St   5-1   
17 Wake Forest              6-0                   
18 Coastal Carolina     6-0       
19  SMU                             6-0
20 San Diego State       6-0
21 Baylor                       6-1                   
22 Auburn                     5-2                   
23 Clemson                  4-2                   
24 Pittsburgh             5-1                   
25  UTSA                       7-0       

Coaches Poll

Rank /     Team                         Record / Pts    
1          Georgia (65)                 7-0        1625    
2          Oklahoma                    7-0        1508    
3          Cincinnati                    6-0        1467    
4          Alabama                       6-1        1446    
5          Ohio State                    5-1        1305    
6          Michigan                      6-0        1299    
7          Michigan State             7-0        1158    
8          Penn State                   5-1        1134    
9          Oklahoma State           6-0        1093    
10         Oregon                          5-1        1048    
11         Iowa                               6-1        1031    
12         Ole Miss                        5-1        826      
13         Notre Dame                 5-1        816      
14         Kentucky                      6-1        763      
15         Wake Forest                6-0        696      
16         Coastal Carolina       6-0        675      
17         Texas A&M                   5-2        580      
18         NC State                        5-1        528      
19         SMU                               6-0        399      
20         Baylor                           6-1        369      
21         San Diego State         6-0        334      
22         Auburn                         5-2        315      
23         Pittsburgh                    5-1        192      
24         Clemson                      4-2        146      
25         UTSA                           7-0        96        
 
Complete Rankings

Others receiving votes: Iowa State 38, Utah 35, Arkansas 31, BYU 23, Florida 23, Air Force 20, Louisiana 18, Arizona State 18, Purdue 16, Houston 11, Virginia 6, Texas 4, LSU 2, Fresno State 1
 
Dropped from rankings: Florida 17, Arkansas 19, BYU 20, Arizona State 22
 
 Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 28 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 ESPN 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.