The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

1.     Clemson, 10-0, 1
2.     Ohio State, 10-0, 2
3.     Alabama, 9-1, 6
4.     Notre Dame, 9-1, 4
5.     Oklahoma State, 10-0, 4
6.     Iowa, 10-0, 9
7.     Oklahoma, 9-1, 12
8.     Baylor, 8-1, 3
9.     Florida, 9-1, 10
10.   North Carolina, 9-1, 14
11.   Michigan State, 9-1, 15
12.   Texas Christian, 9-1, 11
13.   Florida State, 8-2, 16
14.   Stanford, 8-2, 8
15.   Houston, 10-0, 17
16.   Michigan, 8-2, 18
17.   Oregon, 7-3, 25
18.   Wisconsin, 8-2, 21
19.   Louisiana State, 7-2, 7
20.   Southern Cal, 7-3, 24
21.   Utah, 8-2, 13
22.   Navy, 8-1, 23
23.   Washington State, 7-3, NR
24.   Northwestern, 8-2, 22
25.   Ole Miss, 7-3, NR

OUT:  Mississippi State (18) and UCLA (19)

VOTES:  Mississippi State, Arkansas, Georgia, Pittsburgh, UCLA, Texas A&M, Memphis and Louisville.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS

Everett Golson got the start at quarterback, and right out of the gate it did not go well.  On the first play, Golson tried to pull back a pass and fumbled the ball away inside the Seminole red zone. It should be noted N. C. State is a talented team and not one to play around with. Thankfully, the FSU defense was not about to be pushed around, so the first miscue by Golson only resulted in a Wolfpack field goal. Golson, who had done a very good job this season in protecting the football, was not finished. Golson tossed a couple of picks, and before the first quarter ended, FSU found themselves in a 17-7 hole. The Wolfpack is talented up front on defense, and they brought gap fillers left and right, baiting Golson to beat them with throws, which Golson appeared unable to do.  I think Golson got the start with the thought of him using his legs to pause the Wolfpack pass rush, but for whatever reason, this did not occur. As a result, Dalvin Cook was finding yardage tough, although plays around the end were not dialed up. Appropriately, Golson was pulled for Sean Maguire. Almost instantly, the offense picked up. Maguire made some mid range throws that forced the Wolfpack defense to back away from the line of scrimmage, which then allowed Dalvin Cook to get loose.  For those learning coaching, this would be some great film to look at. With Maguire, receivers who were not effective, starting making catches.  So, FSU got the offense on track and ran away from the pesky Pack 34-17.  Defensively, the Seminoles are really getting stout.  Playmakers at every level are making things happen, and exhibiting quality depth. While five star recruits DE Josh Sweat and S Derwin James showcasing themselves as emerging superstars, you have to give it up for senior safety Javien Elliott, a former walk on who is making a big contribution on the stop troops. Several former FSU stars were at the game, including Derrick Brooks and Charlie Ward.  Bobby Bowden was also there, honored as the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year anniversary winner.  Additionally, Warrick Dunn was on hand as Dalvin Cook broke his single season rushing record. Dunn spoke at the Sod Talk pregame. FSU will get healthy against Chattanooga before traveling to Gainseville to play the Gators. FSU is 8-2.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS

Nebraska has not won back to back games in 378 days, and traveled across the country to play at Rutgers. Although it is hard to imagine, this was huge game for the Big Red.  The 'Huskers needed to capitalize off the big home win over #7 Michigan State last week, and keep themselves open for a bowl game invite.  Man, has the bar fallen in the capital city.  Anyhow, the 'Skers came ready, and opened the scoring with Cethan Carter getting loose and running for a 37 yard touchdown.  Everything was clicking on offense, with Tommy Armstrong hitting Jordan Westerkamp and Imani Cross running tough.  The 'Huskers led early 21-0.  Then, with Armstrong having a great game, he began to do what he does far to frequently; throw the ball to the other team.  Armstrong proceeded to toss three interceptions, which would have really hurt Nebraska had they not had a 21 point lead and the opponent was a stronger team than the Scarlet Knights.  Rutgers pulled to 21-14, but you never felt as though Nebraska was not in complete control.  The Big Red defense played a real good game.  Nate Gerry looked like his old self, there was a pass rush, and Vincent Valentine and Greg McMullen left their home on the side of milk cartons to be disruptive forces on the line along side Maliek Collins.  Nebraska has shown they are a decent team that can play with most anyone provided they do not kill themselves with turnovers, penalties and execution errors. The Big Red will take a much needed bye week, and then welcome Iowa, ranked #5 at this writing, into Lincoln for a big one. Nebraska will need it secure a bowl game, which by itself should be all that needs to be stated. Iowa is a strong running team, but if Nebraska has had an area of success in 2015, it is stopping the run. Winning this game will be a real springboard for 2016, and with most of the current team returning, should be a double digit win campaign at worst.