The Color & Pageantry Top 25

College Football

Top 25

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

OUT: Navy (19), Washington State (20), Mississippi State (21), UCLA (22) and Pittsburgh (24).

VOTES: Mississippi State, Arkansas, Navy, Memphis, UCLA, Miami, California, Toledo, Brigham Young, South Florida, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Washington, Washington State, Arizona State, Marshall, Auburn, West Virginia, Louisville and Southern Miss.

NEBRASKA ANALYSIS:

Iowa came into to Lincoln to play the Huskers after a short week hoping to capture an undefeatd regular season in advance to the Hawkeyes appearance in the B1G championship game, while Nebraska was getting healthy off a by week.  It was the perfect setting for the Big Red to make a bold statement, winning their second game this month over a top ten team and secure a spot in a bowl game. Would Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong play well, using his legs, firing timely and effective throws and protecting the ball, or would we see the other Tommy Armstrong, the one with the affection of throwing the ball to the other team?  It would be the latter.  Despite the Huskers much maligned but improving defense holding Iowa to only 250 yards, and 0-9 on third down, the Big Red could not overcome 4 interceptions by Armstrong, including a disastrous pick six.  As horrible as Armstrong was, the play calling, as usual, left a lot to be desired.  It should be noted Armstrong threw 45 passes. It seems the staff seeks balance of the run and pass, no matter the result.  All us fans are seeking results, as in first downs and touchdowns, so a disconnect is appearing.  I recall Bill Callahan, in his presser following the Huskers defeating Ball State 41-40 in 2007 in a near foundation shaking loss, gleeful as he described the pass numbers obtained by quarterback Sam Keller. Other than escaping with the win, I found nothing with relation to Nebraska football to be gleeful about on the eye opening afternoon, and became instantly aware Coach Callahan and I saw things differently with respect to the definition of success offensively.  I am concerned Coach Riley may be on the same path. Nebraska gained 433 yards, but again, did not seem to be able to run when they had to versus having some success running when they wanted to.  This discrepancy does not work at Nebraska. The line is improved from earlier in the year, but I question what is going on up front and we better see some measurable improvement in 2016.  The receivers were open, but Armstrong could not find them, and it appeared that while under duress on many occasions he did not want to run it. OC Danny Langsdorf was a liability, and did not appear interested in shifting the though process given the game situations. Defensively, the Huskers played well enough to win. The defensive line played tough and was disruptive, while the linebackers were solid.  The secondary was good, most notably CB Joshua Kalu and S Byerson Cockrell. Nebraska leveled several big hits on Iowa, including one which got S Nate Gerry tossed from the game.  These targeting penalties are out of control. This was a game Nebraska could have, and should have, won.  Credit Iowa, who as appreciated, does what they do.  But, simply, it would be difficult for just about any team to lose the turnover war 4-1 in freezing temps and come away with a win. Nebraska could not overcome it, and lost. It appears there are not enough winning teams to fill open bowl spots, so odds favor Nebraska can get one. Normally, I would say if you do not have a winning record, you should stay home. But, with the spots open, this team desperately needs the extra practice time.  It should be noted the team is very young and should be quite better in 2016. Sadly; however, it has become clear that someone other than Armstrong should be quarterbacking. Armstrong is one heck of an athlete, but his inability to protect the football, a lingering issue from a year ago, has seen zero improvement over this year with new coaching. As I have mentioned before, Zach Darlington led his high school team to the state of Florida championship in the states largest class, so he cannot be so lacking in talent he can find the field. AJ Blue should also get a look, but all eyes are on Patrick O'Brien, who comes in early and should be given every opportunity to win the job. I don't think Riley, and particularly Langsdorf, have time on their side to make additional missteps.

FLORIDA STATE ANALYSIS:

It was an interesting period heading into the Seminoles visit to The Swamp to face bitter arch-rival Florida. The Gators, who have had a great season winning the SEC East against high odds, have excited the Gator Nation, although in recent weeks the offense had bogged down considerably, with the Gators dodging disaster with very narrow wins over Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Florida Atlantic.  Florida State was dealing with swirling rumors of the impending firing of LSU coach Les Miles and Tigers hiring of coach Jimbo Fisher away from the Seminoles.  It appears overtures were made, but Fisher would stay put, and LSU, facing national scrutiny for the handling of the entire saga announced Miles will be retained.  For FSU on the field, the Seminoles offense had struggled on the road, and faced a top ten defensive unit in the Gators.  FSU had never previously won three consecutive trips to Gainesville.  Florida has an elite defense at every level, so yards were going to be tough.  FSU got an early field goal to take an early 3-0 lead.  Sean Maguire flung a side armed pass through traffic back across the field to hit tight end Jeremy Kerr for a touchdown.  Kerr is normally utilized for blocking, but as the play broke down, he found himself the recipient of gold!  It was his first ever catch, and it was a big one!  FSU led 10-0.  The Gators could get little going against the stellar Seminole defense.  When Florida did find success, either the 'Noles rose up or the Gators self destructed. The Gators had a fourth down in the red zone, but a poor snap doomed their fourth down attempt.  Drwin James had several big plays and DE Demarcus Walker was a bear, with signature back to back plays late in collecting a sack and then blocking a Gator field goal attempt. Florida could do nothing measurable against the stellar Seminole sop troops. Meanwhile, the Seminoles kept pounding away, and began to find seams in the Gator D.  Kermit Whitfield and Travis Rudolph had catches, and this opened up lanes for Dalvin Cook. Gator DE CeCe Richardson hit Maguire as he was about to throw, but it was a fumbled Maguire managed to recover in the end zone, resulting in a safety, making the score 13-2.  Has Florida fallen on the ball, it had a chance for some momentum in what would have been a one score game, but no. FSU then pounded away, getting another touchdown from Dalvin Cook and then scored again late on another Cook run for a 27-2 victory.  Cook finished with 186 yards rushing, and it is worth noting stellar play from K Roberto Aguayo and P Cason Beatty really helped the Seminoles.  FSU has now won 5 of the last six against Florida, and 3 in a row.  Jumbo Fisher is 11-1 against in state rivals Florida and Miami, which is HUGE!   FSU is 10-2 and will await a decent bowl game. Most importantly, this "rebuilding" season will set up the 2016 team, which has an abundance of returning letterman from this team, to shoot for big things.  If you wanted to beat FSU, you may have missed that opportunity.  It is noted this senior class went 48-5, the most wins for a class in the magnificent history of Florida State football. Congratulations, and Thank You all!