NCAA 128: Battle to ONE (2011 Football Replay)

[StLee]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ncaafootballlogo_zpsc38f30c5.jpg

Lee’s 2011 Season What-If Mega Tournament

"In the beginning, God created college football. And it was good." - Anonymous

INTRODUCTION

Technology is an amazing thing. And so is a creative mind in our world of possibilities. Hi, again, guys and gals interested in another of those “what if” dynasties. This time I am turning the BCS on its heels and making the entire NCAA football experience one big tournament. But it’s not that simple.

I imagined that I could eventually find a sports simulation where the NCAA would have 128 teams and I could set up eight super conferences to compete for the ultimate championship. Well, that has yet to happen, though I believe it will one day. In the mean time, I decided to create my own simulation using whatifsports.com (http://whatifsports.com).

THE SET UP

Welcome to an alternative NCAA Football 2011 season! In this world, some of the FBS’ newest teams decided to join early. Therefore, let’s welcome the newest members of the FBS: the University of Massachusetts, Old Dominion University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, the University of South Alabama, Texas State University-San Marcos, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. These seven programs are fine additions to the 2011 alternative season.

Because the NCAA has realigned, there are now eight super conferences of sixteen teams each aligned in regional brackets in a clocklike order: West, Northwest, North, Northeast, East, Southeast, South Central, and Southwest. Each conference is divided into two divisions.

THE SCHEDULE

For the season, each division plays a round-robin style schedule of seven games. After those games are played, teams are ranked 1-8 in their divisions and play the equivalent ranked team of the other division in a placement playoff. Therefore, in the West Conference, the top teams of each division will play for the conference championship. The second place teams will play each other, the third, etc. Once all games are played, each team will be individually ranked 1-16 in their conference and then placed into the Mega Tournament to crown football’s top team.

Therefore, before entering the Mega Tournament, each team will have played 8 conference games.

THE TOURNAMENT
In the Mega Tournament, all 128 teams will be placed into eight sixteen-team brackets and through elimination make it to the College Elite Series, where the last eight teams will battle it out for college football’s ultimate crown, The Golden Sphinx.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/GoldenSphinx_zpsb1bc9dcf.jpg

Each team will play four games in the Mega Tournament, giving every team a 12-game schedule for the season. Only the winner of each of the eight brackets will move on.

Those eight regional champions will then play in the College Elite Series, a single-elimination fight for the Golden Sphinx. Only ONE team can be crowned National Champions!

[StLee]

CONFERENCE ALIGNMENTS

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA128Divisions_zps35f1034c.jpg

SPECIAL NOTE

I am using Whatifsports.com to run this simulation. For this play through, I will not keep extensive statistics to save time, though I may plan to replay it and keep extensive stats. However, I am just “testing” my NCAA 128. HOWEVER, if any of you are reading this dynasty and particularly interested in stats of certain players and/or teams, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I have simmed ahead a bit, but since I am using whatifsports.com, I can rewind if need be, too.

THE DICE

For the added teams, I decided to use a system of dice rolls to determine where they would stand. There is no way to create generic teams or even use current Division I-AA teams on whatifsports.com, so I had to find a way to sim those teams' games.

The first dice roll was a win potential roll (1-6). The second was an equivalency roll (1-6) where I would determine how many years back I would go to find a team with the same number of wins as the team’s win potential. That equivalent team will be used for the new team’s simulation, and the equivalent team cannot be in a BCS conference (to limit actual wins in this simulation).

These were the roll results:
UMass – Win potential (WP) = 6. 2008 equivalency (e). Sim team (ST) = BGSU.
Old Dominion – WP = 1. 2008 e. ST = SMU.
UNCC – WP = 4. 2006 e. ST = UCF.
Georgia St. – WP = 6. 2006 e. ST = Arkansas St.
Georgia Southern – WP = 4. 2009 e. ST = San Diego St.
South Alabama – WP = 5. 2010 e. ST = Kent St.
Texas St. – WP = 5. 2007 e. ST = Buffalo.
UTSA – WP = 4. 2010 e. ST = FAU.

Therefore, when UMass plays, I will use the 2008 Bowling Green team for simulations. I hope this is clear!

[StLee]

COLLEGE ELITE SERIES

I decided to make the College Elite Series on neutral sites using the old bowl tier of highest grossing games. The only change is that I added the Golden Sphinx Bowl, which will be played in Nashville.

Golden Sphinx Bowl, Nashville, Tennessee (Championship Game)
Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Louisiana (Semifinal Game 1)
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California (Semifinal Game 2)
Fiesta Bowl, Tempe, Arizona (Quarterfinal Game 1)
Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida (Quarterfinal Game 2)
Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas (Quarterfinal Game 3)
Capital One Bowl, Orlando, Florida (Quarterfinal Game 4)

I am still considering doling out bowl spots to teams that are not in the College Elite Series to allow a 13th game. What do you think?

LAST NOTE BEFORE I POST SIM RESULTS

At first, I started simming games and then writing a brief recap of the top players in the game (300+ yard passers, 100+ yard rushers or receivers), but it was taking too long where it would take me over a week to play each round of the season. Therefore, I won't throw those away for the game recaps I wrote in Round 1 (I am using the word "round" instead of "week"), but I will not continue those types of write ups except for three reasons:
1) Great games, like really close games or amazing stats/scores
2) The College Elite Series and other important eliminator and ranking games
3) Games where readers request more information

Otherwise, I will only post the quarter-by-quarter score along with the final.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. THE BATTLE FROM 128 TO 1 STARTS NOW!

[StLee]

Round 1 - West Conference (Not "Division," as it states above)

Arizona 49 at USC 52
4293

USC squeaked by the Wildcats by outscoring Arizona 17-7 in the 4th quarter. Matt Barkley led the Trojans charge by completing 30 of 46 passes for 358 yards, with 4 TDs and 2 INTs. The player of the game, however, was Nick Foles who connected on TD passes with 6 different players and finished 30 of 49 for 394 yards. Curtis McNeal had a big day for USC, rushing for 138 yards on 17 carries, with 3 TDs.

Arizona State 35 at UNLV 21
4294

The Sun Devils rode on the backs of Jamal Miles and Cameron Marshall to rush for 223 yards and win at UNLV. Miles finished with 97 yards on just 7 carries and 2 TDs. Marshall added another 92 yards on 25 carries and a TD.

Fresno State 21 at UCLA 24
4295

UCLA got a late field goal by Tyler Gonzalez to eek out a victory at home. The Bruins were led by Johnathan Franklin who rushed for 113 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Kevin Prince was 14 of 20 for 224 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTS. Derek Carr led the Bulldogs with 360 yards passing (26 of 39) and 3 TDs.

San Diego State 41 at San Jose State 23
4296

Ryan Lindley threw for 3 TDs on 24 of 38 passing and Ronnie Hillman ran for 168 yards and 2 TDs as the Aztecs ran away from San Jose State. Matt Faulkner was 28 of 49, 334 yards with a TD and 3 INTs.

Washington 39 at Stanford 34
4297

The Huskies scored the last nine points of the game to pull the upset at Stanford. Chris Polk ran for 145 yards and a TD. Keith Price was 26 of 42 for 284 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs. Andrew Luck was only 15 of 30 for 203 yards with a TD and 2 INTs. Stepfan Taylor led the Cardinal with 97 yards rushing and 2 TDs.

Washington State 44 at California 41, 2 OT
4298

In the second OT, Andrew Furney kicked a 42-yard field goal to give Washington State n upset win at the Golden Bears. Marshall Lobbestael led the way for the Cougars by going 31 of 52 for 377 yards with 4 TDs and 2 INTs. Zach Maynard led California by going 36 of 48 yards for 415 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs.

Hawaii 19 at Oregon 59
4299

The Warriors never threatened as Oregon was able to take an early lead and pull away in this one. Darron Thomas was 18 of 24 for 304 yards and 4 TDs. LaMichael James added 171 yards rushing and 2 TDs, including a 69-yard romp early in the game. Hawaii was led y Bryant Moniz who went 24 of 42 for 297 yards with 2 TDs and an INT.

Nevada 20 at Oregon State 38
4300

The Beaver were able to build a 20-10 halftime lead and cruise for the victory over the Wolf Pack. Sean Mannion was 28 of 43 for 403 yards with 2 TDs and an INT to lead Oregon State. Malcolm Agnew added 119 yards rushing and a TD, and James Rodgers had 101 yards on 6 catches. Cody Fajardo led Nevada with 227 passing yards and a TD. His primary targets were Rishard Matthews (5-104( and Kolby Arendse (2-87-1).

[StLee]

Round 1 - Northwest Conference

Boise State 51 at Utah State 21
4301

The Broncos scored 5 first-half TDs and held Utah State scoreless in the second half to secure the road win. Kellen Moore led Boise State with 380 yards passing, 4 TDs, and an INT. Robert Turbin was the Aggies’ top performer, rushing for 103 yards and a TD.

Idaho 10 at Utah 48
4302

The Utes jumped out to an early 17-0 lead and never looked back in routing the Vandals. Jon Hays threw for 341 yards and 4 TDs but threw 3 picks. John White ran for 125 yards and a TD for Utah.

Air Force 34 at BYU 38
Oops. Forgot to save the box score!

After an Air Force field goal for a 34-31 lead, the Cougars’ Josh Quezada ran it in to give BYU the win. The Cougars were led by the rushing of JJ Di Luigi (14-104-2) and Michael Alisa (12-102). Asher Clark led the Air Force rushing arsenal with 155 yards and 2 TDs.

Colorado 41 at Colorado State 7
4303

The Buffaloes steamrolled their in-state rivals for the easy victory. Tyler Hansen threw for 348 yards and 3 TDs and Rodney Stewart ran for 196 yards and 2 TDs to lead Colorado. The Rams did not have much offense except for the rushing of Chris Nwoke (17-90-1).

Iowa 31 at Northwestern 24
4304

The Hawkeyes broke a fourth-quarter tie by scoring 14 points to lead them to a victory over the Wildcats. Marcus Coker dominated the game, rushing for 228 yards on 35 carries and 2 TDs. James Vandenberg added 268 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs. Dan Persa threw for 315 yards, 3 TDs, and an INT. Rashad Lawrence led Northwestern with 4 catched for 113 yards and a TD.

Iowa State 3 at Missouri 34
4305

The Tigers dominated the Cyclones with a controlling 31-point victory at home. James Franklin passed for only 138 yards but connected on 2 TDs. Kendial Lawrence led Missouri with 124 yards rushing. The Cyclones were held to only 203 yards of total offense in the game.

Minnesota 19 at Wisconsin 49
4306

Wisconsin’s high-powered offense racked up 542 yards on its way to a dominating victory over Minnesota. Russell Wilson was the game’s MVP with 317 yards passing (22 of 28) and 5 TDs. Montee Ball rushed for 148 yards and 2 TDs. MarQueis Gray led the way for the Golden Gophers on 138 yards rushing.

Wyoming 9 at Nebraska 7
4307

The Cowboys pulled off a shocking victory at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers could not get anything going offensively, scoring their only points in the fourth quarter. Neither team had much going on offense, with Rex Burkhead (30-139) the only player to gain over 100 yards on the day.

[StLee]

Ball State 34 at Cincinnati 38, 2 OT
4308

The Bearcats answered a Ball State field goal with a touchdown to pull off the win in two overtimes. Cincinnati led 24-0 at halftime but could not hold on to the big lead, going into overtime tied 24-24. Keith Wenning led the Cardinals by going 20 of 38 for 296 yards with a TD and INT. Isaiah Pead led the Bearcats with 116 yards rushing and 2 TDs.

Indiana 23 at Toledo 56
4309

In a high-scoring game, the Rockets kept scoring to stay far ahead of Indiana. Adonis Thomas rushed for 136 yards and 3 TDs and Terrance Owens added 263 yards passing and 2 TDs for Toledo. Edward Wright-Baker was 20-36, 300 yards, 2 TDs, and 3 INTs for the Hoosiers.

Ohio State 10 at Louisville 42
4310

The Cardinals scored the first 21 points and then cruised to victory over the short-handed Buckeyes. Teddy Bridgewater led the way for Louisville, going 26 of 36 for 341 yards and 3 TDs. Dan Herron was the only bright spot for Ohio State, rushing for 81 yards ad a TD.

Purdue 7 at Miami (OH) 28
4311

The Red Hawks broke a 7-7 halftime tie, outscoring Purdue 21-0 in the second half. Zac Dysert led Miami with 319 yards passing and 3 TDs. Nick Harwell was his main target, catching 10 passes for 180 yards and a TD. The Boilermakers were led by Ralph Bolde who rushed for 93 yards and a TD.

Western Michigan 27 at Illinois 17
4312

The Broncos built a 14-3 halftime lead and went up 27-10 late to hold on over Illinois. Alex Carder passed for 312 yards, 3 TDs, and an INT to lead Western Michigan. Jason Ford led the Illini with 127 yards rushing and 2 TDs.

Eastern Michigan 16 at Notre Dame 31
4313

Notre Dame overcame a 6-3 halftime deficit to score four second-half TDs in the win. Cierre Wood led the Irish with 163 yards rushing and a TD. Tommy Rees was 23 of 39 for 289 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs. Michael Floyd had 9 receptions for 137 yards and a TD. Javonti Greene led the Eagles with 134 yards rushing.

Central Michigan 17 at Michigan 42
4314

The Wolverines jumped out to a 21-0 lead on their way to an easy victory over Central Michigan. Fitzgerald Toussaint led the way for Michigan by rushing 20 times for 164 yards and 3 TDs. Ryan Radcliff threw for 341 yards, a TD, and 2 INTs for the Chippewas.

Northern Illinois 24 at Michigan State 44
4315

The Spartans pulled away in the fourth quarter of what was a tight game until then. Kirk Cousins dominated the game for Michigan State, throwing for 389 yards and 4 TDs. Jasmin Hopkins led the Huskies with 104 yards rushing and 2 TDs.

[Izulde]

Your image links appear all be broken.

[sterlingice]

Love the concept. Couple of thoughts

1) Where in Nashville is there a Golden Sphinx? I've been to the Parthenon and it seems like it would have been there and maybe I completely missed it.

2) Maybe highlight the biggest game in the region and give it a little bigger writeup. Maybe give us a full paragraph or two on the most exciting game in the region: kindof like the first weekend of the NCAA tourney. Sure, there are highlights of every game but the one that was close late gets a lot more play.

SI

[StLee]

Your image links appear all be broken.

Hmm... I don't know what the problem is. They appear fine from this end. I used the attachments feature of the forum.

Love the concept. Couple of thoughts

1) Where in Nashville is there a Golden Sphinx? I've been to the Parthenon and it seems like it would have been there and maybe I completely missed it.


As far as I know, nowhere. I was trying to think of something besides the Crystal Football as a championship trophy. I started doing a search, and during that search got the idea for a Golden Sphinx. I found the image in Google search and went with it.

I picked Nashville as a place with a good stadium that wasn't a location of one of the major bowls. I considered the Giants/Jets' stadium, too, but just went ahead with Nashville. Better weather and decently centrally located.


2) Maybe highlight the biggest game in the region and give it a little bigger writeup. Maybe give us a full paragraph or two on the most exciting game in the region: kindof like the first weekend of the NCAA tourney. Sure, there are highlights of every game but the one that was close late gets a lot more play.

SI

I like this idea and it gives me a good way to sim all the games and still get to write about the action. I'll make a wrap-up paragraph for the round for each conference and then have a featured game from each conference where I can display more graphics (assuming they work!) and words. I'll do more of this starting in Round 2 since I already have my mini write ups for all of Round 1. I will, however, give one digest feedback of best games and features for Round 1.

Thanks for the feedback!

[StLee]

Army 8 at Bowling Green 27
4319

The Falcons jumped out to a 24-0 lead on their way to victory. Anthon Samuel led BGSU with 178 yards rushing and a TD. Jared Hassin rushed for 106 yards for the Black Knights.

Buffalo 13 at Boston College 34
4320

The Eagles outscored Buffalo 24-3 in the second half to secure the win. Andre Williams ran for 115 yards and 3 TDs to pace the Eagles, while Chase Rettig added 244 yards passing and a TD. The Bulls were led by Chazz Anderson who threw for 263 yards and a pick.

Syracuse 23 at Connecticut 31
4321

UConn jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first and held on the rest of the way to top the Orange. Johnny McEntee passed for 308 yards and 2 TDs and Lyle McCombs rushed for 133 yards and 2 TDs for the Huskies. Antwon Bailey rushed for 126 yards for Syracuse.

Rutgers 27 at Massachusetts 22
4322

The Scarlet Knights avoided the upset, scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 13-yard Jawan Jamison run with two seconds left. Jamison paced Rutgers with 122 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Chas Dodd added 2 more passing TDs on 288 yards. Jonathan Hernandez rushed for 106 yards and a TD for the Minutemen.

Akron 9 at Penn State 36
4323

The Nittany Lions held Akron to field goals and scored touchdowns in their stead for the easy home victory. Silas Redd led the way with 178 yards rushing and a TD. Matt McGloin added 2 TDs on 225 yards passing for Penn State.

Kent State 18 at Pittsburgh 14
4324

Freddy Cortex kicked four field goals, including scoring the only six points of the second half in giving the Golden Flashes a road win over Pittsburgh. Spencer Keith paved the way for Kent State, throwing for 229 yards, a TD, and an INT. Tino Sunseri led the Panthers with 226 yards passing, a TD, and an INT. Kevin Harper missed all three field goal attempts for the difference in the game.

Ohio 13 at Temple 27
4326

Temple took a 17-6 halftime lead and held off Ohio. Matt Brown rushed for 133 yards and a TD for the Owls. The Bobcats were led by Donte Harden who rushed for 126 yards in the game.

Maryland 10 at West Virginia 30
4325

The Mountaineers overpowered Maryland behind the arm of Geno Smith (23 of 36, 298 yards, TD).

[StLee]

UNC-Charlotte 15 at North Carolina 23
4327

The Tarheels jumped out to a 23-0 lead through three quarters ad survived a late surge by the 49ers. Bryn Renner threw for 326 yards and a TD for North Carolina but added 2 INTs. Giovani Bernard rushed for 125 yards and a TD.

Duke 3 at North Carolina State 31
4328

The Wolfpack pounded Duke early and often in an in-state matchup. James Washington led North Carolina State with 99 yards rushing and a TD. Sean Renfree threw for 270 yards for the Blue Devils, but he was picked off 2 times.

East Carolina 13 at Clemson 31
4329

The Tigers jumped out to a 14-3 halftime lead and then dominated the second half for the win. Tajh Boyd passed for 288 yards and 2 TDs and Andre Ellington rushed for 145 yards and a TD for Clemson.

Wake Forest 27 at South Carolina 38
4330

A game expected to be a low-scoring game instead turned into a bit of a high-scoring affair. The Gamecocks outscored Wake Forest 21-10 in the second half for the 11-point difference. Connor Shaw threw for 250 yards and 3 TDs and added another 48 yards on the ground. Tanner Price led the Demon Deacons with 390 yards passing and 3 TDs.

Virginia 27 at Navy 13
4331

The Cavaliers outscored the Midshipmen 13-3 in the fourth quarter for the two-touchdown difference. Navy rushed for 252 yards in the game.

Virginia Tech 27 at Florida International 13
4332

The Hokies took a 17-0 lead and cruised to the win. David Wilson rushed for 136 yards and 2 TDs to lead Virginia Tech. Wesley Carroll passed for 259 yards but threw 3 picks for the Golden Panthers.

Marshall 23 at Florida State 38
4333

The Seminoles scored 21 second-quarter points and cruised in the second half for the win. Devonta Freeman overcame the poor passing day for EJ Manuel by rushing for 122 yards and 3 TDs. Marshall’s Rakeem Cato threw five picks in the game.

Old Dominion 24 at Miami (FL) 31
4334

The Hurricanes got a rushing TD from Mike James with just over a minute left to down the upstart Monarchs. Lamar Miller led Miami in rushing with 112 yards and 2 TDs. Taylor Heinicke led Old Dominion with 368 yards passing, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs. Nick Mayers added 7 catches for 119 yards and 2 TDs.

[StLee]

Georgia 31 at Florida Atlantic 15
4335

The Bulldogs struggled on the road in beating an over matched Florida Atlantic team. Aaron Murray threw for 238 yards, 3 TDs and an INT. Isaiah Crowell rushed for 108 yards and a TD. Alfred Morris paced the Owls with 239 yards rushing and a TD.

Georgia State 16 at UCF 34
4336

The Golden Knights kept the pedal to the metal in beating Georgia State. Jeff Godfrey passed for 244 yards and 2 TDS for UCF.

Georgia Tech 31 at Florida 52
4337

Florida outscored the Yellow Jackets 31-14 in the second half to pull away in their home debut. The Gators outrushed Georgia Tech 353-350 and passed for another 272 yards. Chris Rainey (21-174-2) and Mike Gillislee (9-147-1) each rushed for over 100 yards for the Gators. Jeff Demps added two more rushing TDs. David Sims led the Yellow Jackets with 113 yards rushing. Tevin Washington rushed for 2 TDs.

Georgia Southern 23 at South Florida 48
4338

The Bulls scored at least one touchdown every quarter and led the whole way to beat the Eagles. BJ Daniels led the way for South Florida, throwing for 351 yards, 4 TDs, and an INT. Jaybo Shaw passed for 380 yards for Georgia Southern with 3 TDs and 3 INTS.

Kentucky 10 at Vanderbilt 24
4339

The Commodores took a 14-0 lead into halftime and held off the Wildcats for the home win. Zac Stacy rushed for 104 yards and 2 TDs for Vanderbilt.

Western Kentucky 21 at Troy 24
4340

The Trojans stormed out to a 24-7 lead and held on for the victory. Corey Robinson passed for 306 yards and 3 first-half TDs to lead Troy to the win. Bobby Rainey was the most outstanding player for the Hilltoppers, rushing for 145 yards and a TD.

Tennessee 13 at Alabama 37
4341

Bama rode the legs of Trent Richardson to cruise past the Volunteers. Richardson had 124 yards rushing and 2 TDs. He also added 2 more TDs on 3 catches. Tennessee was held to only 212 total yards in the game.

Middle Tennessee 24 at Auburn 36
4342

The Tigers overcame a 21-19 MTSU halftime lead and scored the last 17 points in the win. Barrett Trotter passed for 320 yards, 3 TDs, and an INT in the win. Logan Kilgore led the Blue Raiders with 317 yards passing and 3 TDs. Malcolm Beyah caught 7 passes for 137 yards and a TD.

[StLee]

LSU 34 at UL-Lafayette 17
4343

LSU trailed late in the first half, but scored with 28 seconds left and then never looked back in the road victory. The Tigers’ Jordan Jefferson passed for 274 yards and 3 TDs along with 1 INT. Blaine Gautier led the Ragin’ Cajuns with 229 yards passing and 2 TDs.

Louisiana Tech 21 at Houston 55
4344

The Cougars scored 42 first-half points to cruise to the easy victory. Case Keenum passed for 428 yards, 4 TDs, and an INT. Patrick Edwards led Houston in receiving with 114 yards on 7 catches. Justin Johnson added 5 catches for 101 yards and 2 TDs. Michael Hayes added to the Cougars trifecta with 108 yards rushing and a TD. In the loss, the Bulldogs’ Colby Cameron passed for 294 yards, 2 TDs, and an INT.

Tulane 17 at Rice 31
4345

Rice overcame a 10-0 first-half deficit and outscored the Green Wave 21-7 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win. Nick Fanuzzi passed for 238 yards and 2 TDs, and Tyler Smith rushed for 128 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Owls. Ryan Griffin passed for 298 yards, a TD, and an INT for Tulane.

UL-Monroe 10 at Texas A&M 53
4346

The Aggies scored 40 second-half points on their way to a blow out victory. Ryan Tannehill threw for 349 yards, 4 TDs, and an INT to lead Texas A&M. His leading receivers were Jeff Fuller (4-114-3 TDs) and Ryan Swope (7-101). Cyrus Gray added 136 yards rushing and 3 TDs. Jyruss Edwards was the brightest spot for the Warhawks, rushing for 128 yards.

Arkansas 21 at South Alabama 9
4347

The Razorbacks took a 21-3 halftime lead and held the Jaguars to a couple of second-half field goals. Dennis Johnson was the player of the game, rushing for 103 yards and 3 TDs in the win. Tyler Wilson complete 23 of 38 passes for 316 yards. Jarius Wright had 124 yards receiving on 7 catches. CJ Bennett struggled for USA, going 14 of 36 for 174 yards and 2 INTs.

Arkansas State 13 at Memphis 24
4348

In a slight upset, the Red Wolves came up short in Memphis thanks to a bad day by Ryan Aplin. He threw for 265 yards, a TD, and 2 INTs. Billy Foster led the Tigers with 40 yards rushing and a TD and 3 catches for 53 yards.

UAB 20 at Ole Miss 45
4349

Ole Miss jumped out to a 17-0 first-quarter lead and cruised to the win over the Blazers. Randall Mackey threw for 330 yards, 5 TDs, and an INT for the Rebels. Jeff Scott added 112 yards rushing for Ole Miss. UAB was led by Greg Franklin’s 123 yards rushing and a TD.

Southern Miss 14 at Mississippi State 28
4350

The Bulldogs scored 21 second-quarter points to propel themselves to a win. Vick Ballard led the Bulldogs with 189 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Austin Davis led the Golden Eagles with 285 yards passing, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs.

[StLee]

Baylor 45 at Texas State 31
4358

The Bears overcame a 24-7 first-half deficit by scoring 24 straight points and then the final 14 points of the game. Robert Griffin III led the way for Baylor with 297 yards passing (22 of 27) for 6 TDs and an INT. Kendall Wright had 143 yards receiving on 10 catches and 4 TDs. Terrance Ganaway added 145 yards rushing for the Bears.

UTEP 21 at Texas Tech 38
4357

The Red Raiders opened with a 21-0 first-half lead before being tied at 21 with UTEP after three quarters. However, Texas Tech outscored the Miners 17-0 in the fourth to gain the win. Seth Doege led Texas Tech with 386 yards passing, 2 TDs, and an INT. Alex Torres had 6 catches for 120 yards and a TD.

UTSA 41 at New Mexico 3
4356

Welcome to Division I-A football, Texas-San Antonio! The Roadrunners steamrolled the hosting Lobos behind the rushing attack of Evans Okotcha. Okotcha rushed for 184 yards and 4 TDs to lead UTSA.

Texas 42 at New Mexico State 16
4355

The Longhorns took a 35-7 halftime lead in their road win. Malcolm Brown led Texas with 153 yards rushing and a TD.

Kansas 7 at SMU 51
4354

Jared Williams started off hot and led the way with 175 yards and 2 TDs in the Mustangs’ home win. JJ McDermott did not have a great day for SMU but still passed for 310 yards (20 of 30), 2 TDs, and 3 INTs. Cole Beasley was McDermott’s top target with 6 catches for 109 yards.

Kansas State 21 at TCU 33
4353

The Horned Frogs pulled away in a tight game with 13 straight fourth-quarter points to get the win over Kansas State. Ross Evans was the Most Outstanding Player of the game, connecting all four of his field goal attempts for TCU to make the difference in the game.

Tulsa 14 at Oklahoma 41
4352

The Sooners jumped out to a 17-0 lead and cruised for the easy win over the Golden Hurricane. Landry Jones was 20 of 28 for 300 yards and 3 TDs. His top target was Kenny Stills who caught 7 passes for 113 yards. Roy Finch added 117 yards rushing and a TD for the Sooners. Tulsa was led by Trey Watts who rushed for 98 yards and a TD.

North Texas 17 at Oklahoma State 45
4351

The Cowboys scored 21 straight second quarter points and dominated the scoreboard to get the home win. Brandon Weeded was 25 of 36 for 268 yards, 6 TDs, and an INT. Joseph Randle rushed for 130 yards for the Cowboys. Lance Dunbar was the leader for the Mean Green, rushing for 133 yards and a TD. Derek Thompson threw for 306 yards, a TD, and 2 INTs.

[StLee]

National Game of the Week: Arizona 49 at USC 52, West Conference
4359

National Player of the Week: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Arizona+v+USC+miZFnhXmEZWl.jpg

National Top 5:
1. Oregon, 2. Oklahoma, 3. Alabama, 4. Florida State, 5. Wisconsin

West Conference:
There were several tight games, with Oregon earning the only win by more than three scores. In the 52-49 loss to USC, Arizona’s Nick Foles earned player of the week honors with 394 yards passing and 6 TDs. Despite his effort, USC looks to be built to score points on offense. The Ducks look to be the class of the conference, though, and will be tough on both sides of the ball all season.

West Conference Top Three:
1. Oregon, 2. USC, 3. Oregon State

Northwest Conference:
The Northwest Conference might not be one of the more highly regarded conferences in the nation, but there was lots of good QB play in the first round. Wisconsin’s transfer QB, Russell Wilson was the conference player of the week, throwing for 317 yards and 5 TDs. He was closely contested by Boise State’s Kellen Moore. Missouri showed some outstanding defense in their dominant 34-3 victory over Iowa State.

Northwest Conference Top Three:
1. Wisconsin, 2. Boise State, 3. Missouri

North Conference:
The North Conference may be one of the most hotly contested conferences, especially with QB play like Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater who threw 3 TD passes in Louisville’s 42-10 domination of Ohio State. Despite Bridgewater’s outstanding play, at least one player did better. Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins was the player of the week, throwing for 389 yards and 4 TDs.

North Conference Top Three:
1. Michigan, 2. Michigan State, 3. Notre Dame

Northeast Conference:
The Northeast Conference will probably be regarded as the weakest conference in the nation, but there were some good football games played in the first round. Rutgers struggled with Massachusetts, but found a way to get a road victory with just two seconds left. Penn State and West Virginia got easy victories as they were expected to do. No player stood out in the week, so our editors have selected Rutger’s Jawan Jamison as player of the week, thanks to his 122 yards rushing and 2 TDs, including the game-winner with just two seconds left.

Northeast Conference Top Three:
1. West Virginia, 2. Penn State, 3. Connecticut


East Conference:
There were few surprises in the East Conference, though new teams to Division I-A, Old Dominion and UNC-Charlotte, played well against superior foes. South Carolina’s Connor Shaw was named player of the week, throwing for 250 yards and 3 TDs and rushing for 48 yards.

East Conference Top Three:
1. Florida State, 2. South Carolina, 3. Clemson

Southeast Conference:
The story of the Southeast Conference in Round 1 was the rushing attacks. Georgia Tech, Florida, and Alabama all showed dominating rushing games. Alfred Morris of Florida Atlantic had an outstanding week, rushing for 239 yards and a TD. However, the player of the week was Alabama’s Trent Richardson. He rushed for only 124 yards but had 2 TDs on the ground and added another 2 TDs receiving.

South Central Conference:
The 1-2 punch of Arkansas and LSU may be tough for other teams in the conference to overcome, but neither the Razorbacks nor Tigers dominated the first week of the season. The surprise of the week was in player of the week Randall Mackey of Ole Miss, throwing for 330 yards and 5 TDs in the Rebels’ 45-20 win over UAB. Houston’s Case Keenum also had a big day, passing for 428 yards and 4 TDs in the Cougars’ 55-21 win over Louisiana Tech.

South Central Conference Top Three:
1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Texas A&M

Southwest Conference:
The Southwest Conference looks to be the offensive powerhouse conference of the nation, with all winning teams scoring at least 33 points. Robert Griffin III took player of the week honors with his 6-TD performance in Baylor’s 45-31 win at Texas State. Although all games finished with at least a 12-point deficit, the Kansas State-TCU game remained close until late. Kansas State looks to have a decent defense, but they will have a tough time containing the high-scoring offenses in that conference.

Southwest Conference Top Three:
1. Oklahoma, 2. Texas, 3. TCU

[StLee]

I am going to take the plunge into direct links to the whatifsports.com site. If this works smoothly, I will only need to graphically edit the eight new teams' games since they don't appear on whatifsports.com.

After all games are posted each round, I will post my digest.

Here's are the first two games from the West Conference:

San Jose State 20 at Arizona 27


UCLA 18 at San Diego State 48

[StLee]

This works for me, so I will post box scores and play-by-play for the remaining games... Sorry! I am working my way through this and have lots of ideas for my second play through already.

However, let's continue with this play through.

UCLA 18 at San Diego State 48

UNLV 7 at Fresno State 23

USC 28 at Arizona State 33

Oregon State 28 at Washington 34

Oregon 42 at Nevada 21

California 22 at Hawaii 14

Stanford 55 at Washington State 12

[StLee]

Colorado State 20 at Boise State 45

BYU 50 at Colorado 27

Utah 34 at Air Force 3

Utah State 34 at Idaho 50

Nebraska 28 at Iowa 35, OT

Wisconsin 41 at Wyoming 20

Missouri 31 at Minnesota 10

Northwestern 7 at Iowa State 24

[StLee]

So, I checked my page on my phone as I do sometimes and discovered that posting the quarter-by-quarter links is redundant since they are available inside the box score. Therefore, I can move through a few more sims faster and then work towards my weekly wrap up.

Here are the North Conference results for Round 2:

Miami (Ohio) 21 at Ball State 18

Louisville 14 at Purdue 26

Toledo 21 at Ohio State 45

Cincinnati 41 at Indiana 17

Michigan State 29 at Western Michigan 17

Michigan 13 at Northern Illinois 30

Notre Dame 42 at Central Michigan 41

Illinois 10 at Eastern Michigan 32

[StLee]

UConn 10 at Rutgers 27

Boston College 7 at Syracuse 27

Bowling Green 17 at Buffalo 38

West Virginia 38 at Akron 9

Temple 23 at Maryland 6

Pittsburgh 26 at Ohio 27, OT


Penn State 28 at Kent State 9

UMass 13 at Army28

4363

4364

[StLee]

Clemson 27 at Wake Forest 17

North Carolina State 28 at East Carolina 24

North Carolina 31 at Duke 10

Miami 6 at Virginia 27

Florida International 31 at Marshall 17

Navy 10 at Virginia Tech 23

South Carolina 17 at UNC-Charlotte 0

Florida State 48 at Old Dominion 10

[StLee]

South Florida 24 at Georgia 38

UCF 19 at Georgia Tech 21

Auburn 33 at Kentucky 13

Alabama 54 at MTSU 7

Troy 17 at Tennessee 34

Vanderbilt 28 at Western Kentucky 21, OT

Florida 34 at Georgia Southern 24

Florida Atlantic 31 at Georgia State 6

[StLee]

Rice 17 at UL-Monroe 24, OT

Texas A&M 13 at LSU 27

Houston 51 at Tulane 17

UL-Lafayette 29 at Louisiana Tech 30

Mississippi State 14 at Arkansas 36

Ole Miss 34 at Southern Miss 37

Memphis 23 at UAB 30, OT

South Alabama 10 at Arkansas State 34

[StLee]

NMSU 10 at Baylor 48

New Mexico 14 at Texas 52

Oklahoma State 55 at Kansas 28

Oklahoma 28 at North Texas 7

TCU 37 at Tulsa 24

SMU 34 at Kansas State 10

Texas Tech 35 at UT-San Antonio 30

Texas State 34 at UTEP 37

[StLee]

A few of the divisions could come down to the wire. However, we still have a lot of season to go.

Here are the standings after two rounds:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/StandingsafterRound2_zps44baccef.jpg

[StLee]

WTF?!? I am going back to look over box scores and stats, and I see that whatifsports flushes games after a few days. Dammit... I am just going to keep the scores of the round and move on.

Lesson learned that I have to keep a snapshot of each game myself.

[sterlingice]

That's what it looks like. I wonder if each account has a limit or something

SI

[StLee]

The box scores there are definitely on a timed basis, so I cannot access box scores after a few days. Because of that, I am going to try to steam through the conference round robins as much as possible for this first play through (I do plan to have more play throughs, especially when I have more time!) and give more detailed postings of the playoffs. I have been quite busy lately, but I want to complete at least one round per week.

So, here goes Round 3...

[StLee]

USC 26 at San Diego State 24
Matt Barkley completed a desperation pass to Robert Woods from 30 yards out at the buzzer.

Arizona State 31 at Fresno State 51
Robbie Rouse rushed for 121 yards and 2 TDs and caught 4 passes for 78 yards and another TD.

Washington 14 at Oregon 41
LaMichael James dominated the game with 224 yards rushing and 2 TDs and caught 3 passes for 48 yards.

Washington State 44 at Hawaii 41
Rickey Galvin caught a 9-yard pass from Marshall Lobbestael with just one second left to give the Cougars the win in Hawaii.

Other scores:

Arizona 10 at UCLA 24

UNLV 3 at San Jose State 29

California 20 at Oregon State 45

Stanford 44 at Nevada 30

[StLee]

Boise State 39 at BYU 21
Doug Martin rushed for 217 yards and 2 TDs and caught 2 passes for 21 yards

Utah 23 at Colorado State 28

Utah State 44 at Colorado 17
Robert Turbin rushed for 208 yards and 3 TDs

Idaho 6 at Air Force 37

Iowa 21 at Wisconsin 31

Missouri 13 at Nebraska 3

Northwestern 31 at Wyoming 41
Alvester Alexander had 76 yards rushing and 2 TDs and 3 catches for 84 yards and a TD.

Iowa State 0 at Minnesota 16

[StLee]

Ball State 45 at Louisville 14
Jahwan Edwards had 203 yards rushing with 2 TDs and 17 yards receiving with a TD.

Toledo 28 at Miami (Ohio) 27, OT
Mason Krysinski missed two field goals for the Red Hawks and an extra point in OT.

Cincinnati 40 at Purdue 7

Indiana 13 at Ohio State 24

Western Michigan 19 at Michigan 38

Notre Dame 20 at Michigan State 30
Kirk Cousins was 26 of 36 for 355 yards and 2 TDs.

Illinois 17 at Northern Illinois 20

Eastern Michigan 38 at Central Michigan 31, OT

[StLee]

Army 16 at Connecticut 36
Lyle McCombs rushed for 192 yards and 2 TDs and caught 4 passes for 34 yards.

Boston College 30 at Massachusetts 14
Chase Rettig passed for 256 yards and 3 TDs.

Bowling Green 24 at Rutgers 21

Buffalo 40 at Syracuse 20

Akron 10 at Temple 37

Pittsburgh 10 at West Virginia 27

Penn State 41 at Maryland 9

Kent State 3 at Ohio 16

[StLee]

UNC-Charlotte 6 at Clemson 43
Tajh Boyd was 18 of 30 for 267 yards and 2 TDs and ran for 39 yards.

North Carolina State 13 at South Carolina 20, OT
The Gamecocks trailed 13-0 with 7 minutes left, but scored two touchdowns before the end of regulation, the second a Brandon Wilds reception with just 19 seconds left. In overtime, Wilds scored on a 14-yard run.

Duke 10 at East Carolina 28

North Carolina 21 at Wake Forest 17
Bryn Renner threw for 334 yards on 24 of 35 passing with 3 TDs.

Virginia 20 at Florida State 27

Florida International 34 at Miami (Florida) 41
Jacory Harris passed for 327 yards and 4 TDs.

Navy 32 at Old Dominion 22
Navy’s Ryan Paulson had 4 sacks

Virginia Tech 41 at Marshall 20

[StLee]

Georgia 20 at Florida 40
John Brantley threw for 331 yards and a TD.

Central Florida 10 at South Florida 29

Florida Atlantic 13 at Georgia Southern 39
Jerick McKinnon rushed for 164 yards and 2 TDs and caught 3 passes for 19 yards and a TD.

Georgia State 20 at Georgia Tech 31

Kentucky 6 at Alabama 43
Trent Richardson rushed for 215 yards and 2 TDs and caught 3 passes for 33 yards.

Troy 12 at Auburn 27
Barrett Trotter was 27 of 53 for 454 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs.

Western Kentucky 3 at Tennessee 62
Tyler Bray was 36 of 48 for 506 yards and 7 TDs. *

Vanderbilt 28 at MTSU 16

[StLee]

LSU 45 at Rice 20
Spencer Ware rushed for 129 yards and 2 TDs.

Houston 31 at Texas A&M 28
Case Keenum was 25 of 37 for 325 yards and 4 TDs.

UL-Lafayette 30 at UL-Monroe 6

Louisiana Tech 28 at Tulane 20

Arkansas 38 at Ole Miss 19
Tyler Wilson threw for 284 yards and 4 TDs.

Memphis 13 at Mississippi State 35

South Alabama 12 at Southern Miss 47
Desmond Johnson rushed for 125 yards and 3 TDs.

Arkansas State 25 at UAB 23
Derek Lawson caught a 19-yard pass from Ryan Aplin with 1:34 left to lift the Red Wolves over UAB.

[StLee]

Baylor 40 at New Mexico 17
Robert Griffin passed for 273 yards and 4 TDs and ran for another 35 yards.

Texas Tech 7 at New Mexico State 16

Texas State 9 at Texas 54
Malcolm Brown rushed for 143 yards and 2 TDs and caught a pass for 17 yards.

UTEP 30 at UT-San Antonio 27
Dakota Warren kicked a 19-yard field goal as time expired to give the Miners the road victory.

Kansas 3 at Oklahoma 57
Roy Finch rushed for 259 yards and 5 TDs.*

TCU 42 at Oklahoma State 56
Brandon Weeden was 37 of 57 for 570 yards, 7 TDs, and 3 INTs.*

SMU 26 at North Texas 16

Kansas State 30 at Tulsa 27
Anthony Cantele kicked the game-winning field goal from 30 yards out with 2:55 left in the game.

[StLee]

We are nearly through the halfway point of the conference divisional slate, and we are starting to see a few conferences take shape, though many conferences are still muddled.

The East Conference looks to be the conference shaping up for its top contenders in a nice, orderly fashion. Five teams are currently 3-0 in that conference, and another five are 0-3, showing who the haves and have-nots are.

Two divisions have no undefeated teams through three games. The West Conference Division 1 currently has five teams all tied for first at 2-1: Arizona State, Fresno State, San Diego State, UCLA, and USC. We also would not count out Arizona at 1-2. Similarly, the Northeast Conference Division 1 has five teams at 2-1: Boston College, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Connecticut, and Rutgers.

The North Conference has one team each in its divisions at 3-0. Cincinnati leads Division 1 and Michigan State leads Division 2 after its win over previously unbeaten Notre Dame.

The National Player of the Week came down to three outstanding players. Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden was 37 of 57 for 570 yards and 7 TDs, but he also threw 3 interceptions in the Cowboys’ 56-42 win over TCU. Roy Finch of Oklahoma had a big day by rushing for 259 yards and 5 TDs in the Sooners’ 57-3 win over Kansas. The best day, however, was Tennessee’s Tyler Bray. He was 36 of 48 for 506 yards and 7 TDs with no interceptions in the Volunteers romp over Western Kentucky, 62-3.

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Tyler-Bray-Buffalo-615x453.jpg

Here are our conference-by-conference rankings, followed by the season standings:

West Conference: 1. Oregon, 2. Stanford, 3. USC
Northwest Conference: 1. Boise State, 2. Wisconsin, 3. Missouri
North Conference: 1. Michigan State, 2. Michigan, 3. Notre Dame
Northeast Conference: 1. West Virginia, 2. Penn State, 3. Rutgers
East Conference: 1. Florida State, 2. South Carolina, 3. Clemson
Southeast Conference: 1. Alabama, 2. Florida, 3. Georgia
South Central Conference: 1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Houston
Southwest Conference: 1. Oklahoma, 2. Oklahoma State, 3. SMU

4373

[StLee]

Due to having some deadlines to meet at work and being busy with my wife's birthday and trying to celebrate American Thanksgiving in Korea, I will not have the time to update the season this week. However, I will try to catch up and get ahead of schedule sooner than later. I hope to determine my national champion replay around the same time the BCS Championship game is played.

[sterlingice]

It can just be a vacation week. No need to speed up

SI

[StLee]

Arizona 31 at San Diego State 28
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Arizona, 28-49, 369-3-2
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 25-109
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Arizona, 7-130-2

San Jose State 27 at Fresno State 21
Leading Passer: Derek Carr, Fresno State, 22-37, 289-3-1
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, Fresno State, 31-126
Leading Receiver: Jalen Saunders, Fresno State, 5-142-2

UCLA 29 at Arizona State 27
Leading Passer: Brock Osweiler, ASU, 23-38, 269-1-0
Leading Rusher: Johnathan Franklin, UCLA, 17-113-3
Leading Receiver: Gerell Robinson, ASU, 6-104

UNLV 13 at USC 47
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 27-38, 311-2-2
Leading Rusher: Marc Tyler, USC, 19-123-2
Leading Receiver: Phillip Payne, UNLV, 3-109-1

Washington 24 at Nevada 31
Leading Passer: Keith Price, Washington, 17-31, 257-1-2
Leading Rusher: Chris Polk, Washington, 25-158
Leading Receiver: Rishard Matthews, Nevada, 6-142-1

Oregon State 43 at Hawaii 23
Oregon State’s Sean Mannon put on a passing clinic in the third quarter, connecting on touchdown passes of 8, 25, and 26 yards in leading the Beavers to a blowout win on the road against Hawaii.
Leading Passer: Sean Mannon, OSU, 30-42, 373-4-1
Leading Rusher: Malcolm Agnew, OSU, 19-127
Leading Receiver: Billy Ray Stutzmann, Hawaii, 6-102-1

Oregon 47 at Washington 44
After a Marquess Wilson receiving touchdown with 1:09 left tied the game, Oregon drove down the field and Alejandro Maldonado connected on a 23-yard field goal with no time left to give the Ducks the edge on the road.

The Cougars took a surprising early 14-3 lead on Oregon and held on to a 21-13 halftie lead. After falling behind 28-16, the Ducks started to take control by scoring two late TDs in the third quarter for a 30-28 lead.

The fourth quarter was back and forth, with the lead changing five times before Oregon’s game-winning field goal.

Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 26-46, 420-5-2
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, Oregon, 27-170-2
Leading Receiver: Marquess Wilson, WSU, 8-134-1

California 27 at Stanford 31
Trailing 24-17 going into the final quarter, Cal scored 10 straight, including Giorgio Tavecchio’s 40-yard field goal with 6:53 left to give the Golden Bears the lead. However, the Cardinal were able to find a way to win on Stepfan Taylor’s 5-yard run with 55 seconds left.
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 23-30, 378-1-0
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stanford 24-85-1
Leading Receiver: Keenan Allen, Cal, 8-109


West Conference Report:
The top three teams in the conference kept up their winning ways, though both Oregon and Stanford had scares against inferior opponents. The keys in the two close games came from outstanding QB play, something there is no shortage of in the West Conference.

Washington State's Marshall Lobbestael was 26 of 46 for 420 yards with 5 TDs and 2 interceptions. Cal's Zach Maynard did not have as impressive of a day, but he did help the Golden Bears in a late loss to the Cardinal. Maynard finished 23 of 30 for 378 yards with a touchdown toss.

Oregon State's Sean Mannon also had some outstanding quarterback play in the Beaver's 20-point win at Hawaii. Mannon threw for 373 yards on 30 of 42 passing, with 4 TDs and an interception.

The West Player of the Week award goes to UCLA's Johnathan Franklin. The back carried the ball 17 times for 113 yards. His three rushing touchdowns made the difference in the Bruins; 29-27 road win at Arizona State.

[StLee]

Boise State 30 at Colorado 24
The Broncos got quite a shock in Boulder, falling behind 17-6 late in the third quarter before mounting a come back. Kellen Moore passed for two late TDs and D.J. Harper ran in from 15 yards out to give Boise State a lead it would not relinquish midway through the fourth quarter.
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, Colorado, 24-43, 276-1-1
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BSU, 24-178
Leading Receiver: Paul Richardson, Colorado, 5-74

Colorado State 21 at Air Force 27
Leading Passer: Tim Jefferson, AFU, 10-16, 154-0-0
Leading Rusher: Asher Clark, AFU, 21-156-1
Leading Receiver: Joshua Freeman, AFU, 5-62

BYU 51 at Idaho 14
Leading Passer: Jake Heaps, BYU, 18-32, 196-2-1 and Brian Reader, Idaho, 17-40, 196-0-1
Leading Rusher: JJ Di Luigi, BYU, 17-132-1
Leading Receiver: JD Faisley, BYU, 5-54-1

Utah 20 at Utah State 34
The Aggies trailed 20-13 at halftime, but scored all 21 second-half points to earn the win over state rival Utah.
Leading Passer: Jon Hays, Utah, 18-31-222-0-3
Leading Rusher: Robert Turbin, USU, 26-152-1
Leading Receiver: Eric Moats, USU, 3-65

Iowa 44 at Wyoming 21
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 20-35, 349-4-0
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 27-108-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 6-129-1

Nebraska 28 at Minnesota 21, OT
The Cornhuskers needed OT to earn their first win of the season. The Golden Gophers trailed 21-11 in the fourth quarter, but a field goal and then touchdown with 37 seconds left in regulation tied the game at 21. Rex Burkhead changed Minnesota’s fortune in overtime, though, when the Nebraska back scampered 20 yards for a touchdown. Minnesota then went 4 and out to seal the Nebraska win.
Leading Passer: MarQuies Gray, Minnesota, 11-16, 238-2-0
Leading Rusher: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska, 28-149-2
Leading Receiver: Da’Jon McKnight, Minnesota, 4-91

Wisconsin 38 at Iowa State 19
Leading Passer: Jared Barnett, ISU, 16-31, 183-0-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 23-215-3
Leading Receiver: Darius Reynolds, ISU, 4-71

Missouri 31 at Northwestern 14
Mizzou had 296 rushing yards.
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, Northwestern, 16-28, 191-1-0
Leading Rusher: Jared Culver, Mizzou, 6-97-1
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern, 5-78-1



Northwest Conference Report:

Boise State, Wisconsin, and Missouri continued their strong play, all picking up victories to improve to 4-0. On the other hand, a team expected to compete, Northwestern, has now dropped to 0-4, including its blowout loss at the hands of Missouri.

Quarterback play was not outstanding in the conference, with the one exception being Iowa's James Vandenberg. He was 20 of 35 for 349 yards with 4 touchdowns in the Hawkeyes' 44-21 win at Wyoming.

Vandenberg's performance was not as good as this week's Northwest Conference Player of the Week. Wisconsin's Montee Ball ran wild in the Badgers' 38-19 win at Iowa State. Ball rushed for 215 yards on just 23 carries and had three touchdowns to help Wisconsin blow out the Cyclones.

[StLee]

Ball State 16 at Purdue 41
Leading Passer: Caleb TerBush, Purdue, 14-28, 272-3-0
Leading Rusher: Ralph Bolden, Purdue, 18-107-2
Leading Receiver: Briggs Orsbon, Ball State, 6-94

Miami (OH) 20 at Ohio State 34
The Red Hawks took a 20-19 lead with 9:09 left on a 58-yard reception by Nick Harwell from Zac Dysert. However, the Buckeyes answered to score the game’s final 15 points and earn the victory at home.
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Miami (OH), 22-46-353-3-2
Leading Rusher: Erik Finklea, Miami (OH), 16-113
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Miami (OH), 10-222-1

Louisville 41 at Indiana 34
The Cardinals survived a close call at Indiana, scoring the game’s last 10 points.
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, 23-37, 251-3-2
Leading Rusher: Stephen Houston, Indiana, 18-143-1
Leading Receiver: Josh Chichester, Louisville, 5-76-2

Toledo 23 at Cincinnati 27
The Bearcats jumped out to a 20-6 halftime lead, but fell behind 23-20 late in the fourth quarter before Munchie Legaux connected with DJ Woods on a 2-yard pass with 34 seconds left.
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 26-44, 390-1-2
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, Cincy, 21-116
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Toledo, 11-128

Western Michigan 10 at Northern Illinois 20
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 18-33, 208-1-1
Leading Rusher: Jasmin Hopkins, NIU, 17-78-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 8-86-1

Michigan State 56 at Central Michigan 27
Edwin Baker blew up for the Spartans’ last five touchdowns in the blowout win at Central Michigan.
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 21-31, 407-2-1
Leading Rusher: Edwin Baker, MSU, 16-112-5
Leading Receiver: Brian Linthicum, MSU, 4-96

Michigan 27 at Eastern Michigan 13
The Eagles took a 10-0 lead and held a 13-10 lead in the fourth quarter before the Wolverines were able to overpower them.
Leading Passer: Denard Robinson, Michigan, 7-14, 78-1-0
Leading Rusher: Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan, 23-138-1
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Gallon, Michigan, 2-34-1

Notre Dame 30 at Illinois 17
Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, Notre Dame, 30-51, 343-1-1
Leading Rusher: Cierre Wood, Notre Dame, 27-152-2
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 10-148


North Conference Report:
Division 2 is shaping up into an exciting race as we pass the midway point of the regular season. Michigan State leads the division with a 4-0 record, but they will have to travel to Michigan in their last game. Michigan, Notre Dame, and Northern Illinois all trail the Spartans with 3-1 records.

Their was a lot of offensive power in the North Conference this week, with 7 of the 8 winners scoring at least 27 points. Northern Illinois was the lone exception in its 20-10 win over Western Michigan.

There were lots of candidates for North Conference Player of the Week this week, but it is hard to deny the performance of Edwin Baker in Michigan State's 56-27 road win at Central Michigan. Baker rushed 16 times for 112 yards, but the big story was his 5 rushing touchdowns.

[StLee]

Army 10 at Rutgers 42
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rutgers, 24-36, 403-2-0
Leading Rusher: Jawan Jamison, Rutgers, 27-130-2
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 10-154-1

Massachusetts 14 at Syracuse 33
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, Syracuse, 20-26, 304-3-1
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, 28-136-1
Leading Receiver: Julian Talley, UMass, 5-105

Connecticut 37 at Buffalo 10
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, UConn, 17-29, 304-2-0
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 30-109-1
Leading Receiver: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 3-77

Boston College 47 at Bowling Green 28
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BCU, 21-36, 260-3-1
Leading Rusher: Anthon Samuel, BGSU, 23-150-1
Leading Receiver: Eugene Cooper, BGSU, 6-69-2

Akron 20 at Maryland 45
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Maryland, 32-48, 315-3-2
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Maryland, 24-115-1
Leading Receiver: Keith Sconiers, Akron, 4-100

West Virginia 40 at Ohio 23
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 24-37, 336-2-0
Leading Rusher: Donte Harden, Ohio, 21-191
Leading Receiver: Tavon Austin, WVU, 7-91

Temple 28 at Kent State 10
Leading Passer: Chester Stewart, Temple, 8-12, 120-1-0
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Temple, 33-118
Leading Receiver: Sam Kirkland, Kent State, 5-38

Pittsburgh 10 at Penn State 27
Leading Passer: Matt McGloin, PSU, 21-42, 257-1-4
Leading Rusher: Silas Redd, PSU, 30-158-2
Leading Receiver: Devon Smith, PSU, 4-62-1



Northeast Conference Report:
The Northeast Conference failed to deliver any exciting games with the lowest margin of victory of the eight games being 17 points in two games.

The biggest story of the week is that West Virginia, Penn State and Temple are all 4-0 in Division 2, and all three will face each other in the coming weeks. In Round 5, Penn State will travel to Temple, West Virginia travels to Penn State in Round 6, and Temple hosts the Mountaineers in the final round.

Boston College, Connecticut, and Rutgers are all 3-1 in Division 1, with the Eagles having to play both Rutgers and Connecticut in the final two rounds.

For player of the week honors, the award goes to Rutgers' Chas Dodd. He was 24 of 36 for 403 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Scarlet Knights' 42-10 win over Army.

[StLee]

UNC-Charlotte 13 at Wake Forest 34
Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 23-35, 324-1-1
Leading Rusher: Brandon Pendergrass, WF, 26-92-3
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 7-116-1

South Carolina 41 at East Carolina 27
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 23-53, 245-2-6
Leading Rusher: Brandon Wilds, S. Carolina, 17-167
Leading Receiver: Justin Hardy, ECU, 7-105

Clemson 24 at Duke 41
In a huge surprise, the Blue Devils outmuscled Clemson for the home victory despite Sammy Watkins gaining 188 total yards and scoring 2 TDs.
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 31-53, 410-2-1
Leading Rusher: Sammy Watkins, Clemson, 5-121-2
Leading Receiver: Conner Vernon, Duke, 7-103

North Carolina State 13 at North Carolina 37
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 15-25-232-0-0
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 25-185-2
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 5-94

Virginia 55 at Old Dominion 20
Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 23-37, 293-5-1
Leading Rusher: Perry Jones, UVA, 22-134-2
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, ODU, 8-161

Miami (FL) 16 at Marshall 36
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Marshall, 21-34, 260-2-1
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Miami, 22-129-1
Leading Receiver: Troy Evans, Marshall, 3-53-1

Florida State 16 at Virginia Tech 17
The game of the week ended on quite a dud. Virginia Tech took the lead with 2:22 left in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard David Wilson run. Danny Coale then ran in for the two-point conversion to give the Hokies a 17-10 lead at home. However, the Seminoles answered with a touchdown of their own with just 1:09 left when Devonta Freeman ran in from 3 yards out. Florida State had a chance to tie with the extra point, but Dustin Hopkins missed it wide right, and Virginia Tech held on to win at home.

Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 16-28, 270-1-1
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 22-180-1
Leading Receiver: Rodney Smith, FSU, 5-116

Florida International 31 at Navy 17
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 29-34, 314-3-0
Leading Rusher: Alexander Teich, Navy, 21-122
Leading Receiver: Wayne Times, FIU, 5-55-1



East Conference Report:
Round 4 was highlighted with the big disappointment and the big upset.

The big disappointment came at the hands of Florida State losing by a point thanks to a missed extra point attempt, giving Virginia Tech the inside track to winning Division 2 with a 4-0 record.

The big upset came at Duke where the Blue Devils blew out Clemson 41-24. Clemson has been in a battle with North Carolina and South Carolina, and now the Tigers will have to win out to win the Division 1 title.

There were lots of finalists for the East Conference Player of the Week Award, including Wake Forest's Brandon Pendergrass, Clemson's Sammy Watkins, Virginia's Michael Rocco, and Florida International's Wesley Carroll. However, the player most deserving of the award this week is Duke QB Sean Renfree. He did not have outstanding stats, going 31 of 53 for 410 yards with 2 TDs and an interception, but he did guide the Blue Devils to a huge upset victory over Clemson.

[StLee]

Georgia 56 at Georgia Southern 24
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 14-25, 190-2-1
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 30-254-4
Leading Receiver: Kentrellis Showers, GSU, 2-78-1

South Florida 13 at Georgia Tech 40
Leading Passer: Tevin Washington, GT, 3-4, 73-1-0
Leading Rusher: Orwin Smith, GT, 11-149
Leading Receiver: Stephen Hill, GT, 2-68-1

Florida 50 at Georgia State 0
The Gators scored early and often at Georgia State, jumping out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead and a 37-0 lead at halftime before cruising to the victory.
Leading Passer: John Brantley, Florida, 33-47, 470-3-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Rainey, Florida, 24-81-1
Leading Receiver: Chris Rainey, Florida, 5-81-1

UCF 41 at Florida Atlantic 17
Brynn Harvey rushed for 160 yards on 18 carries and 2 TDs and caught 2 passes for 18 yards and a TD to lead the Knights to an easy road victory.
Leading Passer: Jeff Godfrey, UCF, 15-26, 233-3-1
Leading Rusher: Alfred Morris, FAU, 27-191-1
Leading Receiver: JJ Worton, UCF, 4-72-1

Kentucky 16 at MTSU 19
Logan Kilgore connected with Tavarres Jefferson on an 8-yard TD with 6:19 left to give the Blue Raiders a win over Kentucky.
Leading Passer: Morgan Newton, UK, 11-21, 194-2-0
Leading Rusher: Benjamin Cunningham, MTSU, 18-128-1
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Beyah, MTSU, 6-71

Auburn 23 at Tennessee 41
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, UT, 24-35, 309-3-0
Leading Rusher: Tauren Poole, UT, 24-154-2
Leading Receiver: Onterio McCalebb, Auburn, 5-99-1

Alabama 52 at Western Kentucky 0
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron, Alabama, 27-46, 370-2-1
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 27-97-1
Leading Receiver: Brad Smelley, Alabama, 5-103

Troy 27 at Vanderbilt 34
The game went back and forth throughout, before Vanderbilt finally came away with the victory in overtime on a 1-yard reception by Jordan Matthews, his second touchdown of the game.
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 29-56, 378-3-0
Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, Vandy, 23-75
Leading Receiver: Eric Thomas, Troy, 6-75-2


Southeast Conference Report:
Vanderbilt remains the biggest surprise of the Southeast Conference by moving to 4-0. However, their schedule gets considerably tougher with matches at Alabama and then at home against Auburn and Tennessee.

Florida and Alabama also remained undefeated in the conference with shutouts in Round 4. Florida went to Georgia State and cruised to a 50-0 victory. Alabama also went on the road to blow out Western Kentucky 52-0. In the last two weeks, the winless Hilltoppers have been outscored 114-3, showing that they are grossly overmatched in the Southeast Conference this season.

There were no real surprises in Round 4 other than Middle Tennessee State's 19-16 victory over Kentucky. Kentucky was expected to be competitive for the middle of Division 2, but they currently sit at 0-4 along with Western Kentucky.

There were no shortage of great offensive performances this week, with five quarterbacks topping 300 yards, including Florida's John Brantley who threw for an uncharacteristic 470 yards. However, the top performer in the conference and player of the week is Georgia running back Isaiah Crowell. He ran 30 times for 254 and 4 touchdowns in the Bulldogs' 56-24 win at Georgia Southern.

[StLee]

LSU 20 at UL-Monroe 0
Leading Passer: Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 19-29, 288-1-0
Leading Rusher: Spencer Ware, LSU, 21-71-1
Leading Receiver: Odell Beckham, LSU, 4-66

Texas A&M 42 at Tulane 21
Leading Passer: Ryan Griffin, Tulane, 25-43, 305-2-0
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 23-198-5
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 8-82

Rice 14 at Louisiana Tech 31
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 19-34-248-2-0
Leading Rusher: Lennon Creer, LTU, 32-152-2
Leading Receiver: Hunter Lee, LTU, 3-75-1

Houston 50 at UL-Lafayette 17
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, Houston, 26-31, 347-2-0
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 20-73-1
Leading Receiver: Javone Lawson, ULL, 5-86

Arkansas 31 at Southern Miss 20
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 25-36, 373-4-2
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, 16-59
Leading Receiver: Jarius Wright, Arkansas, 7-126-2

Mississippi State 38 at UAB 33
The Bulldogs scored with 1:37 left on a 59-yard Vick Ballard run to edge the Blazers in Birmingham. Ballard’s game-winning run was his fourth touchdown of the game.
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 17-26, 255-1-3
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 20-186-4
Leading Receiver: Arceto Clark, MSU, 4-81-1

Ole Miss 17 at Arkansas State 33
Leading Passer: Ryan Aplin, ASU, 17-24, 233-2-0
Leading Rusher: Jeff Scott, Miss, 15-70-1
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Frampton, ASU, 6-81

Memphis 7 at South Alabama 30
Leading Passer: CJ Bennett, USA, 17-28, 279-3-0
Leading Rusher: Jerrell Rhodes, Memphis, 13-93
Leading Receiver: Billy Foster, Memphis 4-87



South Central Conference Report:
Two 4-0 teams in Division 1, LSU and Houston, are all set to meet in Round 5 for what could be for the division crown. LSU showed its defensive prowess by shutting out in-state school UL-Monroe. Meanwhile, the Cougars continued their offensive barrage with another 50-plus point performance, their third of the season, in a 50-17 win at UL-Lafayette.

In Division 2, Arkansas cruised to yet another win to move to 4-0. The Razorbacks are thought to have the easiest path in the nation towards earning a #1 seed in the tournament. If things continue as they are, Arkansas should be 7-0 when they face off against either LSU or Houston.

There's no denying that the Tigers of Baton Rouge will have their problems next week. Once again, Case Keenum of Houston is the South Central Conference Player of the Week. He earned his keep this week by connecting on 26 of 31 passes for 347 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[StLee]

Baylor 38 at Texas 45
The game was back and forth until late in the fourth when Texas scored 14 straight to take a 45-31 lead. Baylor scored meaningless points with 7 seconds left for the 45-38 final.
Both teams had some great offensive performances coupled with poor defense. Each team had a 100-yard rusher. Terrance Ganaway led the Bears with 158 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown. The Longhorns were led by Malcolm Brown with 162 yards on 23 carries.
Each team also had a great QB performance. Robert Griffin completed 17 of 21 passes for 364 yards and 4 TDs, but he did have a costly interception. Case McCoy outplayed Griffin by going 16 of 24 for 353 yards, 4 TDs, and no interceptions.
Leading Passer: Case McCoy, Texas, 16-24, 353-4-0
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 23-158-1
Leading Receiver: Kendall Wright, Baylor, 5-116-1

New Mexico State 30 at UTSA 34
The Roadrunners scored the winning touchdown with 4:27 left when Eric Soza connected with Jake Wanamaker on a 5-yard pass.
Leading Passer: Matt Christian, NMSU, 23-41, 353-2-0
Leading Rusher: Evans Okotcha, UTSA, 26-161-1
Leading Receiver: Todd Lee, NMSU, 4-89-1


Out of time for the day. I'll continue the Southwest Conference tomorrow.

[sterlingice]

NO! Right before I could miss another Kansas loss!

SI

[StLee]

NO! Right before I could miss another Kansas loss!

SI

Not this week! :D

New Mexico 3 at UTEP 28
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 21-35-231-2-0
Leading Rusher: Leilyon Myers, UTEP, 14-86-2
Leading Receiver: Ty Kirk, NM, 6-57

Texas Tech 48 at Texas State 24
Texas Tech racked up nearly 500 yards in doubling up the Bobcats. Seth Doege went 24 of 40 for 255 yards and threw 3 TDs, two to Eric Ward. Eric Stephens only rushed for 54 yards for the Red Raiders, but he ran for three scores to help Texas Tech improve to 3-1.
Leading Passer: Shaun Rutherford, TSU, 26-37-324-2-0
Leading Rusher: Marcus Curry, TSU, 29-115
Leading Receiver: Eric Ward, TTU, 6-74-2

Kansas 38 at North Texas 22
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NT, 17-33-206-1-0
Leading Rusher: James Sims, KU, 23-172
Leading Receiver: Lance Dunbar, NT, 3-54

Oklahoma State 48 at Tulsa 35
Joseph Randle rushed for 134 yards on 19 carries with a TD and caught 3 passes for 27 yards and a TD to lead the Cowboys in their road win on a day when Brandon Weeden’s turnovers kept the Golden Hurricane in the game.
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 30-46-461-3-3
Leading Rusher: Ja’Terian Douglas, Tulsa, 12-167-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 10-142

Oklahoma 34 at Kansas State 29
The Sooners took a 24-13 lead into halftime and got just enough in the second half to hold off the Wildcats.
Leading Passer: Landry Jones, OU, 18-30-243-2-1
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 25-145-1
Leading Receiver: Chris Harper, KSU, 1-83-1

TCU 64 at SMU 34
In a high-scoring affair, the Mustangs went into halftime with a 31-28 lead. However, TCU outscored SMU 36-3 in the second half for the blowout win. Casey Pachall led the way for the Horned Frogs by going 21 of 31 for 304 yards and 3 TDs. The Mustangs were paced by the play of quarterback JJ McDermott, who threw for 447 yards, 4 TDs and 2 interceptions. He had three players with around or over 100 yards receiving. Darius Johnson led the way with 7 catches for 166 yards and 2 TDs. Cole Beasley had 8 catches for 133 yards and a TD> Der’rikk Thompson added 5 receptions for 89 yards and a TD.
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 26-51-447-4-2
Leading Rusher: Waymon James, TCU, 12-86-1
Leading Receiver: Darius Johnson, SMU 7-166-2



Southwest Conference Report:
Did someone say defense? We didn't think so!

Except for the 28-3 UTEP win over New Mexico, every other Southwest Conference game featured the winner scoring at least 34 points and four losers scoring over 30. Kansas State just missed out on that category by scoring 29 against Oklahoma.

With the flux of scoring, we have real battle on our hands determining this week's player of the week award. Maybe listing the finalists might help us decide.
RB Evans Okotcha, UTSA, 26-161-1
QB Case McCoy, Texas, 16-24, 353-4-0
QB Robert Griffin, Baylor, 17-21, 364-4-1
QB Matt Christian, NMSU, 23-41, 353-2-0
RB James Sims, KU, 23-172
QB Shaun Rutherford, TSU, 26-37-324-2-0
RB Ja’Terian Douglas, Tulsa, 12-167-1
RB Joseph Randle, OSU, 161 total yards, 2 TDs
WR Darius Johnson, SMU 7-166-2
QB JJ McDermott, SMU, 26-51-447-4-2
QB Brandon Weeden, OSU, 30-46-461-3-3

It's hard to decide based on the high number of offensive numbers, but not that hard. We're going to go with the young QB who helped his team gain sole possession of first place. Therefore, the Southwest Conference Player of the Week Award goes to Chase McCoy of Texas.

With three weeks to play, and the Longhorns' big win against Baylor and the power saw that is Robert Griffin, Texas and Oklahoma are on track to meet each other for the Southwest Conference championship. Of course, the Sooners must get past in-state rival Oklahoma State, but at least one traditional classic could determine who goes in as a one seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament.

[StLee]

Call this an evolving dynasty as I am still working on getting my foothold on design and what to put as output. Screen grabbing each and every game is just too cumbersome, and really, the "regular season" does nothing but grant each team a seed in the tournament. EVERY team will make it to the postseason tournament, so it only really matters in the end. Of course, there could be some matchup problems for some teams, but we'll see when we get there!

Here is the Round 4 Wrap Up:

We are four weeks in, and some divisions are starting to take shape while others are just as jumbled as they were in the first week. A few teams definitely made statements this week, winning big games to give them an edge in their divisions.

Texas is one of those teams. Though they do not play in a strong division, the Robert Griffin-led Baylor Bears were expected to be strong contenders to take Division 1 of the Southwest Conference. Instead, Texas stands a game ahead of Baylor with a 4-0 record, thanks to Case McCoy's play in a 45-38 Longhorns' win.

Another team that put itself into good position to take the division crown is the East Conference's Virginia Tech. The Hokies edged Florida State 17-16 thanks to a missed extra point attempt in the last minute of the game that would have sent the game to overtime. Instead, Virginia Tech now holds a one game lead over the Seminoles.

The most interesting conference four weeks in is the Northeast Conference. In each division, three teams are tied for first place heading into the stretch. In Division 1, Boston College, Connecticut, and Rutgers all sit at 3-1. They also have three more teams right behind them at 2-2. Penn State, Temple, and West Virginia are all 4-0 in Division 2, and those three teams will play each other in a round robin elimination in the coming weeks.

This week's National Player of the Week Award will be determined from the eight conference winners. They are:
West: RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA, 17-113-3
Northwest: RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 23-215-3
North: RB Edwin Baker, MSU, 16-112-5
Northeast: QB Chas Dodd, Rutgers, 24-36, 403-2-0
East: QB Sean Renfree, Duke, 31-53, 410-2-1
Southeast: QB John Brantley, Florida, 33-47, 470-3-1
South: QB Case Keenum, Houston, 26-31, 347-2-0
Southwest: QB QB Case McCoy, Texas, 16-24, 353-4-0

And the National Player of the Week Award goes to...
http://www.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1135436!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_370/ball14s-1-web.jpg
Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

Here are our conference-by-conference rankings, followed by the season standings:

West Conference: 1. Oregon, 2. USC, 3. Stanford
Northwest Conference: 1. Wisconsin, 2. Boise State, 3. Missouri
North Conference: 1. Michigan State, 2. Michigan, 3. Notre Dame
Northeast Conference: 1. West Virginia, 2. Penn State, 3. Rutgers
East Conference: 1. South Carolina, 2. Virginia Tech, 3. Florida State
Southeast Conference: 1. Alabama, 2. Florida, 3. Georgia
South Central Conference: 1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Houston
Southwest Conference: 1. Oklahoma, 2. Oklahoma State, 3. Texas


NCAA 128 Standings:
http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/attachment.php?attachmentid=4394&stc=1&d=1354253991

[StLee]

Here are some of the interesting match ups for Round 5:

West Conference:
USC (3-1) at UCLA (3-1) - Winner is in sole possession of first place in Division 1 and on track to win the division.
Stanford (3-1) at Oregon (4-0) - Andrew Luck and the Cardinal try to wrestle control of Division 2 from the Ducks.

Northwest Conference:
Missouri (4-0) at Iowa (3-1) - The Tigers try to maintain their perfect record when they travel to Iowa.

North Conference:
Cincinnati (4-0) at Louisville (2-2) - The Bearcats have the division lead, but they could have a tough time against the Cardinals and upstart QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Northeast Conference:
Penn State (4-0) at Temple (4-0) - The battle for Pennsylvania dominance in perhaps the first of elimination games in Division 2.

East Conference:
North Carolina (4-0) at Clemson (3-1) - Division favorite Clemson must knock off the Tar Heels and their surprising start.

Southeast Conference:
Vanderbilt (4-0) at Alabama (4-0) - The Commodores could prove they are big time by knocking off the Crimson Tide in a battle for first place in Division 2.

South Central Conference:
Houston (4-0) at LSU (4-0) - Case Keenum and the high-powered Cougars attack visit Baton Rouge and the overpowering LSU defense. The winner takes control of Division 1.
Arkansas State (3-1) at Mississippi State (3-1) - Both teams trail Arkansas (4-0), but the winner appears to be on the inside track towards a 3rd or 4th seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament.

Southwest Conference:
Texas Tech (3-1) at Baylor (3-1) - A probable high-scoring game where the winner gets a boost towards a high seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament.
SMU (3-1) at Oklahoma (4-0) - The Mustangs have a chance to get back in the division chase after their home loss at the hands of TCU.

[StLee]

UNLV 18 at Arizona 44
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Arizona, 31-50-329-5-2
Leading Rusher: Dionza Bradford, UNLV, 18-101
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Arizona, 8-85-1

USC 51 at UCLA 14
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 29-36-317-1-0
Leading Rusher: Curtis McNeal, USC, 21-132-4
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 10-124

Arizona State 24 at San Jose State 27
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 32-50-354-3-1
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 22-90-1
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 9-94-1

Fresno State 19 at San Diego State 42
Leading Passer: Derek Carr, FSU, 30-44-312-1-0
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 28-129-1 and Adam Muema, 8-109-3
Leading Receiver: Jalen Saunders, FSU, 5-82

California 25 at Washington 48
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 27-45-344-1-3
Leading Rusher: Isi Sofele, Cal, 23-156-1
Leading Receiver: Keenan Allen, Cal, 9-125

Stanford 34 at Oregon 41
Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stanford, 18-28-339-2-1
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, OU, 24-180-3
Leading Receiver: Ty Montgomery, Stanford, 3-96-1

Washington State 29 at Oregon State 36
Sean Mannion connected with James Rodgers from 15 yards out with just 21 seconds left to give the Beavers the home win. The Cougars fought back from a 28-12 deficit to start the fourth and took a 29-28 lead on an 8-yard Rickey Galvin run with 1:36 left. Oregon State then got possession and marched down the field for the game-winning score.
Leading Passer: Sean Mannion, OSU, 25-42-330-4-0
Leading Rusher: Rickey Galvin, WSU, 15-54-2
Leading Receiver: James Rodgers, OSU, 6-119-2

Hawaii 10 at Nevada 13
Leading Passer: Bryant Moniz, Hawaii, 19-33-190-0-1
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nevada, 22-100-1
Leading Receiver: Royce Pollard, Hawaii, 6-77


West Conference Game of the Week: Oregon 41, Stanford 34

In a fight to the finish, the Ducks outlasted the Cardinal when Kenjon Barner ran on for his second touchdown of the game with just three seconds left. Stanford had battled back late in the fourth quarter, kicking a field goal with 4:37 left and then scoring on a 78-yard interception return with 1:35 left to tie the game at 34.

LaMichael James and Barner each rushed for over 100 yards for Oregon. Stepfan Taylor led Stanford with 72 yards rushing and a TD.

Stanford took a 14-7 lead in the first quarter on a three-yard touchdown pass from Andrew luck to Griff Whalen. However, Oregon scored 24 straight points to end the half with a 31-14 lead. James scored all three second quarter touchdowns from 23, 76, and 2 yards out to give the Ducks the big lead.

The Cardinal answered by scoring ten in the third quarter to cut the Oregon lead to 31-24.



West Conference Report:
With USC's win at UCLA, they sit in the driver's seat for the Division 1 crown. The Trojans (4-1) host San Jose State (3-2) and Fresno State (2-3) to finish out the season, and should easily move on to play the winner of Division 2.

Right now, the Ducks of Oregon (5-0) look to be the best of the division with their thrilling win over Stanford. Oregon State (4-1) is still in the hunt, though, and the civil war between the Ducks and Beavers could determined the Division 2 crown if both teams win next week.

Speaking of the Oregon state civil war, the West Conference Player of the Week came down to two outstanding players from those conferences. LaMichael James was outstanding for Oregon in its win over Stanford, rushing for 180 yards and 3 TDs. However, Oregon State's Sean Mannion had the most outstanding day. He was 25 of 42 for 330 yards with four TDs, including the game-winner with 21 seconds left.

[StLee]

Utah 30 at Boise State 28 (Upset special)
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU 33-49-321-3-1
Leading Rusher: John White, Utah, 31-139-2
Leading Receiver: Kyle Efaw, BSU, 5-58

Utah State 17 at BYU 24
BYU needed a late touchdown on a 45-yard Michael Alisa run to dispose of the Aggies.
Leading Passer: Adam Kennedy, USU, 16-29-259-1-0
Leading Rusher: Michael Alisa, BYU, 4-116-1
Leading Receiver: Stanley Morrison, USU, 4-113

Idaho 31 at Colorado State 36
Leading Passer: Pete Thomas, CSU, 20-36-231-3-3
Leading Rusher: Princeton McCarty, Idaho, 17-55
Leading Receiver: Lou Greenwood, CSU, 5-55

Air Force 48 at Colorado 13
The Falcons rushed 74 times for 356 yards to win at Colorado. Wes Cobb led Air Force with 92 yards rushing and a TD. Darius Jones and Cody Getz each added two rushing touchdowns apiece for Air Force.
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, Colorado, 18-34-278-0-1
Leading Rusher: Rodney Stewart, Colorado, 16-106-1
Leading Receiver: Paul Richardson, Colorado, 3-95

Missouri 21 at Iowa 37
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 20-33-309-4-1
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 36-252
Leading Receiver: Keenan Davis, Iowa, 4-125-2

Northwestern 28 at Wisconsin 42
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, Northwestern, 25-36-348-4-2
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 31-187-2
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern, 7-108-2

Iowa State 19 at Nebraska 20
The Cornhuskers trailed 19-7 late in the fourth quarter, but rallied for the win over the Cyclones. Taylor Martinez scored his first of two TDs on a 46-yard run with 4:25 left to cut the Iowa State lead to 19-14. Martinez then scored the game-winning touchdown with just 33 seconds left when he scampered in from 12 yards out. The two-point conversion attempt failed for the final 20-19 score.
Leading Passer: Jared Barnett, ISU, 13-33-142-1-0
Leading Rusher: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska, 27-143-1 and James White, ISU, 17-152-1
Leading Receiver: Darius Reynolds, ISU, 3-44

Minnesota 16 at Wyoming 26
Leading Passer: Brett Smith, Wyoming, 17-31-237-1-0
Leading Rusher: Duane Bennett, Minnesota, 18-95
Leading Receiver: Dominic Rufran, Wyoming, 4-76



Northwest Conference Report:

There maybe no bigger upset in the country this season than the one Utah pulled at Boise State. The Broncos (4-1) were expected to run away with the Division 1 crown, but they were defeated at home by the Utes (3-2). Despite the loss, Boise State still is in position to win the division championship, thanks to dismantling BYU (4-1) a couple of weeks ago.

In Division 2, Wisconsin (5-0) got a little breathing room after Iowa (4-1) easily handled Missouri (4-1) at home. Iowa is still in contention for the Division 2 championship, but they will need Missouri to handle the Badgers next week to have a shot. The Hawkeyes fell to Wisconsin 31-21 two weeks ago.

The Player of the Week award came down to two teammates this week. In racking up over 600 offensive yards this week, Iowa by far had the most impressive victory. Marcus Coker contributed to that offensive output by rushing for 252 yards. Had he put the ball in the endzone a couple of times, he would be in contention for player of the week. Instead, his quarterback, James Vandenberg, won this week's award. Vandenberg was 20 of 33 for 309 yards with 4 touchdowns and an interception.

[StLee]

Toledo 33 at Ball State 27
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 24-37-344-0-0
Leading Rusher: Adonis Thomas, Toledo, 28-142-3
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Toledo, 12-176

Cincinnati 20 at Louisville 13
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, UL, 31-48-382-2-2
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, UC, 17-83
Leading Receiver: Josh Chichester, UL, 4-69

Indiana 17 at Miami (OH) 31
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Miami (OH), 23-36-382-4-0
Leading Rusher: Stephen Houston, Indiana, 19-112
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Miami (OH), 10-201-3

Ohio State 28 at Purdue 43
Leading Passer: Caleb TerBush, Purdue, 20-33-249-2-0
Leading Rusher: Ralph Bolden, Purdue, 20-125-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Siller, Purdue, 4-66

Notre Dame 7 at Western Michigan 34 (upset special)
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 22-32-287-3-1
Leading Rusher: Tevin Drake, WMU, 17-129-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 11-152-1

Illinois 9 at Michigan 30
Leading Passer: Denard Robinson, Michigan, 6-12-98-1-0
Leading Rusher: Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan, 20-104-2
Leading Receiver: AJ Jenkins, Illinois, 3-34

Eastern Michigan 13 at Michigan State 41
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 16-32-269-2-0
Leading Rusher: Le’Veon Bell, MSU, 16-89-1
Leading Receiver: BJ Cunningham, MSU, 5-123-1

Central Michigan 37 at Northern Illinois 34, OT
NIU took a 34-24 lead with 14:26 left in the game when Chandler Harnish connected with Luke Eakes on a two-yard pass. However, the Huskies could not score again in falling at home to Central Michigan.

The Chippewas got a 23-yard field goal from David Harman with 3:30 remaining. With just 7 seconds left in the game, Ryan Radcliff hit Jason Wilson on a 16-yard pass to tie the game at 34 and send it to overtime.

In overtime, Harman kicked a 31-yarder to give Central Michigan a 37-34 lead. The Huskies were not as lucky, though, as Mathew Sims’ 41-yard attempt sailed wide right, giving the Chippewas their first victory.

Leading Passer: Ryan Radcliff, CMU, 31-52-392-4-2
Leading Rusher: Jasmin Hopkins, NIU, 21-140-1
Leading Receiver: Cody Wilson, CMU, 6-78



North Conference Report:
Cincinnati (5-0) has clinched at least a tie for the Division 1 championship, and the Bearcats get a chance to clinch the division with a win over Miami of Ohio (3-2) or Ohio State (3-2) in the last two weeks.

In Division 2, Michigan State (5-0) continues to steam along for the division lead. Michigan (4-1) is the only team still in division contention, assuming no complicated tie breaker scenarios come into play. The Spartans and Wolverines meet in Round 7 in what should determine the championship.

Notre Dame (3-2) fell in the North Conference upset of the week. Western Michigan (2-3) had been struggling so far this season, but the Broncos dominated the Fighting Irish throughout the game in a 34-7 win.

The game of the week had to be the Chippewas of Central Michigan (1-4) getting their first victory, a 37-34 triumph over Northern Illinois (3-2) whose only previous loss had been in Round 1 to Michigan State.

The Player of the Week award goes to Nick Harwell of Miami (OH). The talented receiver caught 10 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the RedHawks' 31-17 win over Indiana (0-5).

[StLee]

Boston College 32 at Army 40
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BC, 19-36-217-4-1
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 20-219-1
Leading Receiver: Alex Amidon, BC, 4-60-1

Bowling Green 27 at Connecticut 20
Eugene Cooper scored on a four-yard pass from Matt Schilz with 7:23 left to make the difference in the Falcons’ road victory at Connecticut.
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, Conn, 16-35-254-1-0
Leading Rusher: Jamel Martin, BGSU, 12-109
Leading Receiver: Kamar Jorden, BGSU, 6-90

Buffalo 47 at Massachusetts 50, 3 OT
The Minutemen earned their first victory with an exciting game-winning touchdown in the third overtime. After Patrick Clarke kicked a 44-yard field goal to give the Bulls a 47-44 lead, Massachusetts answered to gain the win. Kellen Pagel connected with Tom Gilson on a seven-yard pass and the Minutemen were able to celebrate escaping at home.
Leading Passer: Chazz Anderson, Buffalo, 27-44-332-3-1
Leading Rusher: Branden Oliver, Buffalo, 33-140-2
Leading Receiver: Julian Talley, Mass, 6-88

Syracuse 20 at Rutgers 41
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rutgers, 24-40-350-4-0
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, 24-112
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 10-107-1

Pittsburgh 34 at Akron 14
Leading Passer: Tino Sunseri, Pitt, 25-33-258-2-1
Leading Rusher: Isaac Bennett, Pitt, 19-62-2
Leading Receiver: Marquelo Suel, Akron, 2-64-1

Penn State 19 at Temple 29
Anthony Fera connected on a 41-yard field goal to give the Nittany Lions a 19-17 lead in the fourth. Temple tied the game, though with 5:55 left on a safety. They scored twice more in the game, including the game-winning touchdown with 4:10 left when Matt Brown ran in from five yards out.
Leading Passer: Matt McGloin, PSU, 16-38-277-0-1
Leading Rusher: Matt Brown, Temple, 15-121-3 and Bernard Pierce, Temple, 32-121
Leading Receiver: Devon Smith, PSU, 4-101

Kent State 9 at West Virginia 35
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 26-40-330-2-1
Leading Rusher: Dustin Garrison, WVU, 16-118
Leading Receiver: Tavon Austin, WVU, 7-120-1

Ohio 26 at Maryland 13
Leading Passer: Tyler Tettleton, Ohio, 23-31-236-1-0
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Maryland, 17-115
Leading Receiver: Quintin McCree, Maryland, 2-73



Northeast Conference Report:
With its 29-19 victory over Penn State (4-1), the Temple Owls (5-0) made significant progress in gaining momentum towards winning the Division 2 crown. The Round 7 match up against West Virginia (5-0) could very well be for a top seed going into the tournament.

In Division 1, Rutgers now sits alone in first place thanks to their win over Syracuse (2-3) and Boston College (3-2) losing 40-32 at Army (2-3). Division 1 is a jumbled mess, though, and a Rutgers loss in the last two weeks could take this division very deep into tie breaker scenarios where there could be a four-way logjam.

The Player of the Week is Rutger's quarterback Chas Dodd. He was flawless in the the Scarlet Knights' victory, going 24 of 40 for 350 and four touchdowns.

[StLee]

Texas Tech 28 at Baylor 47
Leading Passer: Seth Doege, TTU, 28-47-355-3-2
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 27-141-1
Leading Receiver: Eric Ward, TTU, 8-136-1

Texas State 31 at New Mexico 34
Leading Passer: BR Holbrook, NMU, 20-30-236-3-0
Leading Rusher: Tim Hawkins, TSU, 29-183-1
Leading Receiver: Ty Kirk, NMU, 6-77-1

UTEP 37 at New Mexico State 41, OT
Matt Christian connected on a 24-yard touchdown with Taveon Rodgers with 1:18 left to make the score 34-32 in favor of the Miners. Robert Clay then ran in the two-point try to tie the game and send it to overtime. In overtime, Dakota Warren kicked a 37-yard field goal to give UTEP the 37-34 lead. However, Kenny Turner ran the ball in from five yards out to give the Aggies the victory.
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 26-46-352-2-3
Leading Rusher: Matt Christian, NMSU, 13-56
Leading Receiver: Taveon Rodgers, NMSU, 5-120-1

UTSA 0 at Texas 55
Leading Passer: Case McCoy, Texas, 19-29-252-4-0
Leading Rusher: Malcolm Brown, Texas, 27-92-2
Leading Receiver: Marquise Goodwin, Texas, 4-60

TCU 42 at Kansas 28
Leading Passer: Jordan Webb, Kansas, 17-28-277-3-0
Leading Rusher: James Sims, Kansas, 22-110-1
Leading Receiver: Kale Pick, Kansas, 5-101-1

SMU 20 at Oklahoma 40
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 20-44-292-1-0
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, Oklahoma, 25-174-2
Leading Receiver: Kenny Stills, Oklahoma, 5-110-1

Kansas State 27 at Oklahoma State 55
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 41-52-525-7-1
Leading Rusher: John Hubert, KSU, 18-159-2
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 11-132-4

Tulsa 24 at North Texas 10
Leading Passer: GJ Kinne, Tulsa, 18-32-191-2-1
Leading Rusher: Trey Watts, Tulsa, 20-105
Leading Receiver: Ivan Delgado, NTU, 3-66


Southwest Conference Report:
Division 1 is shaping up to be anti-climactic to end the season. Texas (5-0) leads the division, trailed closely by Baylor (4-1). However, since the Longhorns were triumphant in the teams' Round 4 match up, Texas can clinch the division with a win next week at UTEP (3-2).

Division 2 is not as clear and could come down to some important games to finish the season. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are both 5-0, trailed by TCU at 4-1. The Sooners have to meet both Oklahoma State and the Horned Frogs to close out the season, and that could help to shape the rest of the division.

The week's Player of the Week is an easy one to pick. Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State was 41 of 52 for 525 yards with 7 touchdowns and an interception in the Cowboys' 55-27 thrashing of Kansas State. Weeded connected with his top receiver, Justin Blackmon, for four touchdowns. Blackmon finished with 11 receptions for 132 yards.

[StLee]

Houston 13 at LSU 37
The Cougars took a 13-10 lead midway through the second quarter, but after that it was all Tigers in the battle for first place. LSU scored the next 27 points in the game to cruise to an easy victory.
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, Houston, 27-47-307-2-1
Leading Rusher: Michael Ford, LSU, 13-121-2
Leading Receiver: Patrick Edwards, Houston, 7-114-1

UL-Lafayette 27 at Rice 24
Brett Baer connected on a 24-yard field goal with no time left to give UL-Lafayette the road victory over Rice. The Ragin’ Cajuns tied the game with 3:40 left on an 11-yard Alonzo Harris run with 3:40 left. The game was a back and forth affair throughout with five lead changes.
Leading Passer: Blaine Gautier, ULL, 17-28-284-1-0
Leading Rusher: Tyler Smith, Rice, 16-155-1
Leading Receiver: Harry Peoples, ULL, 5-125

Louisiana Tech 31 at Texas A&M 35
In another thrilling South Central Conference game, Cyrus Gray broke off for a 45-yard game-winning touchdown run with just 58 seconds left to lift the Aggies over Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs had just taken the lead 30 seconds earlier when Lennon Creer scored from five yards out. Louisiana Tech trailed nearly the entire game before taking the late lead.
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 22-35-346-3-3
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 24-144-2
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 4-103

Tulane 17 at UL-Monroe 21
Leading Passer: Ryan Griffin, Tulane, 20-40-375-2-2
Leading Rusher: Centarius Donald, ULM, 11-65-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Marfisi, Tulane, 3-141-1

Memphis 10 at Arkansas 47
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 28-31-341-4-1
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, 14-113
Leading Receiver: Jarius Wright, Arkansas, 5-66-1

South Alabama 14 at Ole Miss 33
Leading Passer: Randall Mackey, Miss, 20-26-295-1-0
Leading Rusher: Kndall Houston, USA, 20-92
Leading Receiver: Donte Moncrief, Miss, 3-74

Arkansas State 29 at Mississippi State 19
Brian Davis kicked five field goals to help the Red Wolves defeat Mississippi State in Starkville. Arkansas State did not need a lot of offense, totaling 238 yards in the game. It was the defense that made the difference, picking off Bulldogs’ QB Chris Relf four times and recovering two fumbles to make the difference.
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 21-35-299-0-4
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 21-56-1
Leading Receiver: Arceto Clark, MSU, 5-99

UAB 0 at Southern Miss 40
Leading Passer: Austin Davis, USM, 20-29-292-4-0
Leading Rusher: Jamal Woodyard, USM, 18-82
Leading Receiver: Tracy Lampley, USM, 4-75-2



South Central Conference Report:
LSU (5-0) made a huge statement in both the conference and national title pictures with its blowout win over the previously undefeated Houston Cougars (4-1). In what was billed a tough match up between defensive and offensive powerhouses, the Tigers stomped on the throats of the Cougars and made Case Keenum look mortal for the first time all season. LSU can clinch Division 1 next week with a win over traditional rival Tulane (0-5).

In Division 2, Arkansas State (4-1) made its power play by winning at Mississippi State (3-2). The Red Wolves now trail only Arkansas (5-0), and those two teams meet in two weeks for what could be the Division 2 crown.

With Keenum's struggles in Baton Rouge, it opened the door for a different South Central Conference Player of the Week for the first time this season. That honor goes to Texas A&M's Cyrus Gray. The running back rushed 24 times for 144 and two touchdowns, with both of his touchdowns coming in the fourth quarter. The final touchdown was a 45-yard game-winning run with 58 seconds left in the Aggies' 35-31 win over Louisiana Tech.

[StLee]

UCF 20 at Georgia 38
Leading Passer: Jeff Godfrey, UCF, 21-39-230-1-1
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 26-148-1
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell, UGA, 4-77-1

FAU 17 at Florida 67
Leading Passer: John Brantley, UF, 26-36-347-3-2
Leading Rusher: Chris Rainey, UF, 23-129-2
Leading Receiver: Chris Rainey, UF, 6-87

Georgia State 10 at USF 27
Leading Passer: BJ Daniels, USF, 17-27-206-0-0
Leading Rusher: Darrell Scott, USF, 18-120-3
Leading Receiver: Darrell Scott, USF, 3-59

Georgia Tech 52 at Georgia Southern 13
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, GSU, 15-36-215-1-4
Leading Rusher: Orwin Smith, GT, 13-242-4
Leading Receiver: Zach Walker, GSU, 4-67-1

Troy 23 at Kentucky 41
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 33-51-404-3-0
Leading Rusher: CoShik Williams, UK, 19-106-1
Leading Receiver: Eric Thomas, Troy, 5-90

Vanderbilt 21 at Alabama 62
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron, Alabama, 22-29-309-4-1
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 33-218-2
Leading Receiver: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 3-93-1

Western Kentucky 7 at Auburn 14
Leading Passer: Barrett Trotter, Auburn, 27-59-368-2-1
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 36-213
Leading Receiver: Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, 5-95-1

Tennessee 48 at MTSU 14
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, Tennessee, 26-38-302-5-1
Leading Rusher: Marlin Lane, Tennessee, 12-76-1
Leading Receiver: Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, 6-81-2




Southeast Conference Report:
This round represented the week of the blowouts, with the only game within a score being Auburn's 14-7 win over Western Kentucky thanks to the Hilltoppers scoring with under a minute left in the game. Otherwise, every other game was at least a three-score difference.

Alabama (5-0) took solo possession of first place in Division 2 with its 62-21 shellacking of previously undefeated Vanderbilt (4-1). Auburn and Tennessee both improved to 4-1 in the most lopsided division in all of college football. Four teams have at worst a 4-1 record, while the other four teams have at best a 1-4 record. Still, the bottom of the division could play spoilers in determining seeds for the conference.

In Division 1, Florida (5-0) continued its stellar season with a 67-17 dismantling of Florida Atlantic (1-4). The Gators can clinch the division next week with a win at Central Florida (2-3). Both Georgia and Georgia Tech sit at 4-1, but the Gators took care of both of those teams earlier in the season.

There were lots of outstanding performances in the conference this week, but Player of the Week honors must go to a player that simply takes over games. Alabama's Trent Richardson rushed 33 times for 218 yards and two touchdowns, and he caught three passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. Richardson should have a good shot at getting National Player of the Week for his performance.

[StLee]

North Carolina State 40 at UNC-Charlotte 7
Leading Passer: Mike Glennon, NCSU, 22-38-373-3-0
Leading Rusher: James Washington, NCSU, 20-120
Leading Receiver: TJ Graham, NCSU, 4-118-1

Duke 7 at South Carolina 30
Leading Passer: Connor Shaw, S Car, 16-22-195-0-0
Leading Rusher: Brandon Wilds, S Car, 21-103-1
Leading Receiver: Conner Vernon, Duke, 4-73

East Carolina 16 at Wake Forest 45
Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 19-24-322-2-0
Leading Rusher: Brandon Pendergrass, WF, 18-97-4
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 5-114-1

FIU 45 at Virginia 38
In a game of back and forth streaks, Florida International broke the streak to gain the huge road victory.

Virginia blasted its way to an early 17-7 lead in the game, but the Golden Panthers answered by scoring the next 31 points to take a 38-17 lead into the fourth quarter. The game was hardly over at that point, with the Cavaliers scoring 21 straight, capped off by Michael Rocco connecting with Tim Smith for a 17-yard touchdown with 8:52 left in the game.

The Golden Panthers were not ready to fold, though, and Kedrick Rhodes scored the game-winning touchdown with 4:18 left when he ran around right end for 55 yards. After, Virginia was unable to continue its offensive success.

Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 26-37-335-3-4
Leading Rusher: Kedrick Rhodes, FIU, 21-214-3
Leading Receiver: Darius Jennings, UVA, 3-91-1

Navy 27 at Florida State 50
Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 21-30-355-2-0
Leading Rusher: Alexander Teich, Navy, 19-130
Leading Receiver: Brandon Turner, Navy, 3-81-1

Virginia Tech 26 at Miami (FL) 17
Leading Passer: Jacory Harris, Miami, 21-32-274-1-2
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 26-236-1
Leading Receiver: Clive Walford, Miami, 4-84-1

Marshall 31 at Old Dominion 17
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Marshall, 21-34-246-2-2
Leading Rusher: Tron Martinez, Marshall, 23-86
Leading Receiver: Aaron Dobson, Marshall, 4-70

Game of the Week: North Carolina 28 at Clemson 31
The Tigers fought off a North Carolina storm and Chandler Catanzaro kicked the game-winning field goal with 4:35 left to give Clemson the win.

Clemson took a 21-7 early in the second half when Sammy Watkins ran in from 27 yards out. However, the Tar Heels answered with a 12-yard Ryan Houston run to make it 21-14. On the next offensive play for Clemson, Tajh Boyd’s pass was off the mark, giving UNC the ball at the Clemson 30. The Tar Heels wasted no time, scoring on a 30-yard Giovani Bernard run on the first play to tie the game.

North Carolina then took its first lead since it was 7-0 in the first when Bryn Renner connected with Jheranie Boyd on a three-yard pass for a 28-21 lead. Clemson then scored the last ten points of the game for the win.

Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 24-45-273-2-3
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 26-108-1 and Andre Ellington, Clemson, 22-108
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 8-121-1



East Conference Report:
Both South Carolina and Virginia Tech improved to 5-0 to give them the inside track towards division championships.

Clemson (4-1) also put itself in position to win Division 1 by defeating the previously undefeated North Carolina Tar Heels (4-1). If Clemson can win its next two games, including its Round 7 match up against South Carolina, the Tigers will be able to claim a division crown.

In Division 2, the Hokies can wrap up the division title when they take on Old Dominion (0-5) thanks to beating Florida State (4-1) two weeks ago.

This week's East Conference Player of the Week is Kedrick Rhodes of FIU. The back rushed 21 times for 214 yards and three touchdowns, including a 55-yard game-winning score at Virginia.

[sterlingice]

Two more weeks to go in the opening round, right?

SI

[StLee]

Two more weeks to go in the opening round, right?

SI

Yes, that's right. Then the last conference game is Division 1 winner vs Division 2 winner, Division 1 runner-up vs Division 2 runner-up, etc., to determine 1st-16th seed per conference.

[StLee]

With two rounds left to play, some divisions are all but wrapped up, while a few others remain a mess.

Only one division, the Southwest Conference Division 2, still has two undefeated teams in Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. A few divisions have no undefeated teams.

Conference play has shown us a few surprises, though most of the top teams are winning as expected. The only real surprise in first place currently is Temple, which disposed of in-state rival Penn State, 29-19. One surprising team that could potentially win its division is Oregon State (4-1). If the Beavers take care of Stanford (3-2) and Oregon (5-0) in the next two weeks, they will represent Division 2 in the West Conference.

There are some teams we thought might have more fight in them not playing as well as we thought they might. Among them, California (1-4), Nebraska (2-3), Miami of Florida (2-3), and Kansas State (1-4). Still, anything could happen in the tournament, and those teams could pull a couple of upsets, especially if they grab lower than an 8th seed.

This week's National Player of the Week Award will be determined from the eight conference winners. They are:
West: Sean Mannion, QB, OSU, 25-42-330-4-0
Northwest: James Vandenberg, QB, Iowa, 20-33-309-4-1
North: Nick Harwell, WR, Miami (OH), 10-201-3
Northeast: Chas Dodd, QB, Rutgers, 24-40-350-4-0
Southwest: Brandon Weeden, QB, OSU, 41-52-525-7-1
South Central: Cyrus Gray, RB, TAMU, 24-144-2
Southeast: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 33-218-2; 3-93-1
East: Kedrick Rhodes, FIU, 21-214-3

And the National Player of the Week Award goes to...
http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Trent+Richardson+Vanderbilt+v+Alabama+sG5drP7oDEfl.jpg

Trent Richardson took over the game in Alabama's trouncing of Vanderbilt, 62-21. He totaled 311 yards (218 on the ground and 93 through the air) and scored three touchdowns. Despite Brandon Weeden's outstanding performance, Richardson's is a cut above the rest.

[StLee]

Here are our conference-by-conference rankings, followed by the season standings:

West Conference: 1. Oregon, 2. USC, 3. Oregon State
Northwest Conference: 1. Wisconsin, 2. Boise State, 3. Iowa
North Conference: 1. Michigan State, 2. Michigan, 3. Cincinnati
Northeast Conference: 1. West Virginia, 2. Temple, 3. Rutgers
East Conference: 1. Virginia Tech, 2. South Carolina, 3. Clemson
Southeast Conference: 1. Alabama, 2. Florida, 3. Georgia
South Central Conference: 1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Houston
Southwest Conference: 1. Oklahoma, 2. Oklahoma State, 3. Texas

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/attachment.php?attachmentid=4412&stc=1&d=1354849265

[StLee]

Here are some of the interesting match ups for Round 6:

West Conference

San Jose State (3-2) at USC (4-1) - A USC win gives them the division title due to tie breakers.

Oregon State (4-1) at Stanford (3-2) - The Beavers are trying to claim a division title, but they'll have to get past the Cardinal first to stay in contention.

Northwest Conference

Air Force (3-2) at Boise State (4-1) - Air Force could launch the division in chaos with a win. The Broncos could entrench themselves in the top spot with a win.

BYU (4-1) at Utah (3-2) - This in-state rivalry could make a huge impact on the division and seeding. Should the Utes triumph, coupled with an Air Force win, there would be a four-way tie for first place.

Wisconsin (5-0) at Missouri (4-1) - The Tigers fell last week at Iowa, but they could still steal the division crown. First they have to get past the red-hot Badgers, who clinch the division with the win.

North Conference

Miami of Ohio (3-2) at Cincinnati (5-0) - The Bearcats can wrap up the division with a victory here.

Michigan (4-1) at Notre Dame (3-2) - The Wolverines are trying to keep pace with Michigan State (5-0) to set up a division championship in Round 7.

Northeast Conference

Connecticut (3-2) at Boston College (3-2) - Should Rutgers (4-1) falter in the last two weeks, the winner of this game has a shot at winning the division.

West Virginia (5-0) at Penn State (4-1) - Despite Penn State falling at Temple (5-0) last week, a win by the Nittany Lions could push this division into tie breakers.

East Conference

South Carolina (5-0) at North Carolina (4-1) - With Clemson (4-1) breathing down their necks, the Gamecocks have a chance to clinch the division with a win here and a NC State win over Clemson. North Carolina is looking to stay in division contention by beating a solid South Carolina team.

Clemson (4-1) at North Carolina State (3-2) - The Tigers need to win this game to set up a potential division championship against South Carolina (5-0).

Southeast Conference

Georgia Tech (4-1) at Georgia (4-1) - Neither team is likely to win the division since both fell at the hands of Florida (5-0), but second place is on the line in this match up.

Auburn (4-1) at Vanderbilt (4-1) - The Commodores seemed to have lost their chance for the division crown but could get back into contention with some help. The Tigers need the win to have a chance to defeat Alabama (5-0) in Round 7 and win the Division 2 crown.

South Central Conference

Southern Miss (3-2) at Arkansas State (4-1) - The Red Wolves have a chance to win the division, should they take this one over Southern Miss and defeat Arkansas (5-0) next week.

Southwest Conference

Texas (5-0) at UTEP (3-2) - The Longhorns can clinch the division with a win at UTEP.

Oklahoma State (5-0) at SMU (3-2) - The Cowboys are in position to try to win the division. This game does not mean as much for them as next week's grudge match with Oklahoma (5-0), but Oklahoma State would like to guarantee itself as least second place in the division.

Oklahoma (5-0) at TCU (4-1) - The Horned Frogs are still not out of division contention. A win over Oklahoma could potentially set up a three-way tie in the end.

[StLee]

Fresno State 34 at Arizona 40
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Arizona, 29-41-400-4-0
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, FSU, 29-92-1 (6-104 receiving)
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Arizona, 7-116

San Diego State 21 at Arizona State 31

SDSU took a 21-14 lead early in the third quarter on Ronnie Hillman’s three-yard run, but it was all Wildcats after that. Brock Osweiler connected on two TD passes, a 47-yarder to Gerell Robinson and a 7-yarder to Aaron Pflugrad, to help Arizona defeat the Aztecs.

Leading Passer: Brock Osweiler, ASU, 20-34-319-3-0
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 27-157-2
Leading Receiver: Gerell Robinson, ASU, 5-114-2

San Jose State 31 at USC 73

USC clinched the West Conference Division 1 championship in its offensive onslaught.

Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 31-44-372-6-1
Leading Rusher: Curtis McNeal, USC, 18-129-2
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 11-125-3

UCLA 37 at UNLV 7
Leading Passer: Kevin Prince, UCLA, 14-24-260-1-2
Leading Rusher: Dionza Bradford, UNLV, 19-108
Leading Receiver: Shaquelle Evans, UCLA, 3-70

Hawaii 13 at Washington 31
Leading Passer: Bryant Moniz, Hawaii, 24-46-323-1-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Polk, Washington, 30-131-2
Leading Receiver: Royce Pollard, Hawaii, 6-135-1

Nevada 28 at Washington State 51
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 26-41-441-6-0
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nevada, 24-147-2
Leading Receiver: Marquess Wilson, WSU, 5-125-1

Oregon 45 at California 26
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 19-29-303-2-0
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, Oregon, 27-190-4
Leading Receiver: Keenan Allen, Cal, 7-75-1

Oregon State 35 at Stanford 42, OT

Stanford jumped to a huge 21-0 lead in the first quarter and then had to hold on for the ride in defeating the Beavers in overtime.

After the Cardinal (4-2) took its lead in the first, Oregon State (4-2) dominated the second and third quarters, scoring two touchdowns in each quarter to take a 28-21 lead.

Stanford then answered with 14 straight of its own on two Stepfan Taylor touchdowns. The first was a five-yard pass from Andrew Luck and the second on a 45-yard run. Taylor finished with 182 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Luck finished the game 20 of 30 for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

The Beavers were able to put the game in overtime when Sean Mannion connected with Brandon Cooks on a three-yard score with just 1:36 to play.

In overtime, Oregon State had first possession, but had to attempt a field goal after going three and out. Trevor Romaine’s 44-yard attempt was wide left, giving the Cardinal a chance to win it. And Stanford did just that, scoring in five plays, capped off by Tyler Gaffney’s eight-yard run.

Because Oregon State lost, Oregon (6-0) clinched the West Conference Division 2 championship by beating California, 45-26.

Leading Passer: Sean Mannion, OSU, 32-47-385-4-2
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stanford, 25-154-2
Leading Receiver: Markus Wheaton, OSU, 7-117-1




West Conference Report:
Round 6 marked the West Conference where its conference championship match is set. Both USC and Oregon clinched their divisions, meaning a match up for the two powers in two weeks for West supremacy.

USC (5-1) scored 73 points against San Jose State (3-3) showing that the Trojans have the firepower to hang with Oregon’s high-powered offense. The Ducks (6-0) were not as impressive in their 45-26 win over California (1-5), but the rushing dual threat of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner causes major trouble for every defense they face.

On the opposite end of the scale, Hawaii and UNLV clinched eighth place finishes by falling to 0-6. Technically, the Warriors can finish in a tie with California for seventh place, but the Golden Bears beat Hawaii 22-14 in Round 2.

The player of the week award was based on a showdown of several outstanding performances. USC’s Matt Barkley mowed down the Spartans, going 31 of 44 for 372 yards with 6 touchdowns and an interception. His main target was Robert Woods who caught 11 passes for 125 yards and 3 touchdowns. Arizona’s Nick Foles had yet another impressive week, finishing 29 of 41 for 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. Despite those solid performances, Marshall Lobbestael of Washington State won this week’s West Conference Player of the Week Award by finishing 26 of 41 for 441 yards with 6 touchdowns.

[StLee]

Air Force 13 at Boise State 54
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BS, 25-39-439-3-1
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BS, 26-162-1
Leading Receiver: Kyle Efaw, BS, 5-110-1

Colorado 16 at Idaho 44
Leading Passer: Brian Reader, Idaho, 22-35-340-3-1
Leading Rusher: Princeton McCarty, Idaho, 19-90-1
Leading Receiver: Michael LaGrone, Idaho, 3-77-2

Colorado State 20 at Utah State 35
Leading Passer: Adam Kennedy, USU, 23-30-301-2-0
Leading Rusher: Robert Turbin, USU, 28-139
Leading Receiver: Raymond Carter, CSU, 3-91-1

BYU 45 at Utah 48

This in-state battle turned into a real barn burner with Utah’s Coleman Petersen kicking a 33-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

BYU took a 38-24 lead early in the fourth quarter when Justin Sorensen kicked a 42-yard field goal. However, the Utes quickly answered. First Tauni Vakapuna ran it in from 49 yards, and that was followed by a 51-yard interception return by Reggie Topps to tie the game at 38 with 10:10 left.

The Cougars then drove down field, topped off by a 13-yard JJ Di Luigi run to give BYU the lead with 7:07 left. Utah answered again, tying the game again with 2:51 left when Jon Hays connected with Dres Anderson from 20 yards out.

Most of the game was a back and forth affair. After BYU scored the game’s opening touchdown on a 11-yard pass from Jake Heaps to McKay Jacobson. The Utes answered by scoring the next 21 points. The Cougars, however, tied the game going into the half on two Di Luigi touchdowns, the first on a five-yard run and the second on a two-yard pass.

Leading Passer: Jake Heaps, BYU, 26-53-299-2-1
Leading Rusher: John White, Utah, 22-102-1
Leading Receiver: Dres Anderson, Utah, 4-96-1

Minnesota 7 at Iowa 30
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 18-23-193-3-1
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 33-197
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 6-98-1

Wyoming 17 at Iowa State 24
Leading Passer: Jared Barnett, ISU, 16-24-227-2-0
Leading Rusher: James White, ISU, 19-107-1
Leading Receiver: Dominic Rufran, Wyoming, 3-64

Nebraska 17 at Northwestern 13

Nebraska trailed 13-3 entering the fourth quarter, but made a comeback in the most unlikely way.

With 5:18 left, Taylor Martinez connected with Kyler Reed from 26 yards out to cut the Wildcats lead to 13-10. On the ensuing possession, Nebraska held Northwestern to a three and out. Then, on the punt, the Nebraska defense collapsed in and blocked the punt. Austin Cassidy then scooped up the ball and ran it in from 14 yards out to give the Cornhuskers the 17-13 win.

Leading Passer: Dan Persa, Northwestern, 25-36-322-0-2
Leading Rusher: Jacob Schmidt, Northwestern, 16-93-1
Leading Receiver: Rashad Lawrence, Northwestern, 4-90

Wisconsin 49 at Missouri 38

The Badgers (6-0) jumped out to a big first-half lead and cruised to the victory to clinch the Northwest Conference Division 2 championship.

Montee Ball exploded for Wisconsin, rushing 28 times for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. Russell Wilson only missed on three passes on the day in going 20 of 23 for 281 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Tigers (4-2) were led offensively by Kendial Lawrence. He rushed 12 times for 93 yards and a score. James Franklin was 11 of 20 for 174 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

Leading Passer: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin, 20-23-281-4-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 28-236-3
Leading Receiver: Nick Toon, Wisconsin, 5-77



Northwest Conference Report:

Wisconsin made its case for being one of the top teams in the nation with its win at Missouri. The Badgers (6-0) clinched Division 2 and have to wait a week to find out who its Northwest Conference Championship Game opponent will be.

Meanwhile, Boise State made its case for its 5-1 record being about right by trampling a decent Air Force team. The Broncos have been one of the best "small schools" over the years, and there's no reason to doubt their ability to be a #1 seed when the NCAA 128 Tournament begins.

Despite Wisconsin and Boise State's success, this conference is considered to be top heavy and could be rather weak once it gets into the third seed and below. BYU, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska may be able to make a run, but all four teams have noticeable weaknesses that could crop up through a couple of rounds of the tournament. For now, those four teams, along with Utah are battling for third place in the conference.

This week's Player of the Week award is a no-brainer. Montee Ball of Wisconsin ran all over Missouri with 236 yards on 28 carries and three touchdowns. Ball is almost a shoo-in for the conference player of the year.

[StLee]

Ohio State 10 at Ball State 17

The Buckeyes have really fallen on hard times when they lose to a team like Ball State. Huge surprise in the North Conference!

Leading Passer: Keith Wenning, BSU, 20-38-187-1-0
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, OSU, 26-96-1
Leading Receiver: Briggs Orsbon, BSU, 5-59

Purdue 45 at Indiana 35
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, Indiana, 25-35-346-3-1
Leading Rusher: D’Angelo Roberts, Indiana, 9-118-1
Leading Receiver: Damarlo Belcher, Indiana, 5-82-2

Miami (OH) 18 at Cincinnati 12

The Bearcats could never get its offense going, scoring only on Tony Miliano field goals. The RedHawks got its touchdowns on two Zac Dysert to Nick Harwell connections.

With the Cincinnati loss, the North Conference Division 1 championship is still in doubt.

Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Miami, 22-28-295-2-1
Leading Rusher: Erik Finklea, Miami, 19-68
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Miami, 7-117-2

Louisville 21 at Toledo 38
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, 24-43-327-2-2
Leading Rusher: Adonis Thomas, Toledo, 20-148-1
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Toledo, 9-101-1

Central Michigan 25 at Western Michigan 33
Leading Passer: Ryan Radcliff, CMU, 29-54-381-2-3
Leading Rusher: Alex Carder, WMU, 18-57
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 12-118-1

Northern Illinois 24 at Eastern Michigan 25

The Eagles trailed 24-13 entering the fourth quarter, but found a way to propel themselves past the Huskies. Kody Fulkerson kicked field goals of 30 and 37 yards to cut the Northern Illinois lead to 24-19 with 8:32 left. Then Alex Gillett connected with Alex Olds on an eight-yard strike with just 1:06 to play for the winning score. The completion was just the third of the game for Gillett, who finished 3 of 11 for 18 yards with a TD and interception.

Leading Passer: Chandler Harnish, NIU, 13-25-197-1-0
Leading Rusher: Dominique Sherrer, EMU, 23-147
Leading Receiver: Luke Eakes, NIU, 2-81

Michigan State 44 at Illinois 10
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 28-41-349-3-2
Leading Rusher: Edwin Baker, MSU, 21-86-2
Leading Receiver: BJ Cunningham, MSU, 6-117

Michigan 37 at Notre Dame 21
Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, ND, 17-35-244-1-0
Leading Rusher: Fitzgerald Toussaint, Michigan, 26-229-3*
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, ND, 7-119-1



North Conference Report:

Fitzgerald Toussaint of Michigan leads our story for Round 6 in the North Conference. The Wolverines back rushed for 229 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns as Michigan was able to easily cruise past Notre Dame.

The win clinched at least second place for Michigan (5-1), who will play Michigan State (6-0) next week for the Division 2 crown. It also gave Toussaint the Player of the Week Awards.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame (3-3) is in a four-way tie for third place and will need a win over a decent Northern Illinois (3-3) team to avoid being a lower seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament.

The biggest surprise of the week came in the state of Ohio. For one, Ohio State's (3-3) loss to Ball State (2-4) could mean a fifth place finish for the Buckeyes and a road trip in the NCAA 128 tournament. Also, Miami of Ohio (4-2) pulled off a big win in Division 1 to keep their division title pursuit alive. Cincinnati (5-1) thought they could cruise to the conference championship game, but now the Bearcats will need a win over Ohio State next week to claim the division championship.

[StLee]

Syracuse 47 at Army 20
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, Syracuse, 17-32-199-1-1
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, 30-159-1
Leading Receiver: Alec Lemon, Syracuse, 5-93-1

Rutgers 27 at Buffalo 25
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rutgers, 20-32-244-1-2
Leading Rusher: Branden Oliver, Buffalo, 34-146-1
Leading Receiver: Brandon Coleman, Rutgers, 4-78

Massachusetts 16 at Bowling Green 30
Leading Passer: Matt Schilz, BGSU, 16-26-205-1-1
Leading Rusher: Anthon Samuel, BGSU, 23-96-1
Leading Receiver: Kamar Jorden, BGSU, 5-100-1

Connecticut 15 at Boston College 45
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BC, 21-38-450-5-3
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 24-82
Leading Receiver: Chris Pantale, BC, 5-150-2

Ohio 37 at Akron 13
Leading Passer: Tyler Tettleton, Ohio, 18-29-274-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jawon Chisholm, Akron, 25-116-1
Leading Receiver: Ryan Boykin, Ohio, 2-65-1

Maryland 23 at Kent State 3
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Maryland, 25-43-281-0-2
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Maryland, 20-106-2
Leading Receiver: Chris Gilbert, KSU, 4-92

West Virginia 26 at Penn State 28

The Nittany Lions got a late touchdown from Matt McGloin to Devon Smith, and then held on to top the Mountaineers.

With the win, Penn State (5-1) is still in contention for a division crown if Temple drops its last two games. West Virginia (5-1) will need to beat Temple next week by at least 10 points to have a chance to win the division.

Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 28-45-354-2-1
Leading Rusher: Silas Redd, PSU, 22-73
Leading Receiver: Stedman Bailey, WVU, 7-122-1

Temple 14 at Pittsburgh 24

Pittsburgh won the turnover battle with a 4-1 margin, and outscored the Owls 17-7 in the second half to get the huge home win.

With the loss, Temple (5-1) is now in a three-way tie for first place in Division 2 with Penn State and West Virginia. The Owls have the simplest path to a title, though. If they beat West Virginia next week, Temple wins the division due to beating both the Nittany Lions and Mountaineers.

Leading Passer: Tino Sunseri, Pitt, 20-27-243-2-1
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Temple, 31-151-1
Leading Receiver: Mike Shanahan, Pitt, 3-88



Northeast Conference Report:

Penn State (5-1) burst back into division contention with its win over West Virginia (5-1). The Nittany Lions will need help next week from West Virginia when it visits Temple (5-1), as well as beat Ohio (4-2). It looks like a long shot, but Penn State could be vying for a #1 seed in Joe Paterno's last season as coach.

Meanwhile, Rutgers (5-1) led the entire game against Buffalo (2-4) but gave up a couple of late score to make their game appear closer. Next week the Scarlet Knights play Boston College (4-2) and could wrap up the division. However, if Boston College were to triumph, the division crown could come down to tie breakers. Bowling Green (4-2) is also in contention.

For player of the week, we chose one player from a few unimpressive offensive performances throughout the conference. Boston College's Chris Pantale got the Player of the Week award by catching five passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles' 45-15 win over Connecticut.

[StLee]

ECU 47 at UNC-Charlotte 13
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 27-41-352-5-1
Leading Rusher: That Guy, UNCC, 15-59
Leading Receiver: Lance Lewis, ECU, 9-129-4

Wake Forest 20 at Duke 24
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 29-43-309-3-0
Leading Rusher: Juwan Thompson, Duke, 15-50
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 6-134

South Carolina 21 at North Carolina 24

Thomas Moore’s 19-yard field goal with 40 seconds left made the difference in the Tar Heels’ huge home win over South Carolina.

Giovani Bernard was a force all day for North Carolina (5-1), who moved into a tie for first place with the victory. Bernard finished with 184 yards rushing and a touchdown, helping put North Carolina in scoring position against a solid Gamecocks (5-1) defense.

With the loss, South Carolina is put into a must-win situation next week at Clemson, as well as needing a North Carolina loss to be able to win Division 1.

Leading Passer: Connor Shaw, 18-26-256-1-1
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 23-184-1
Leading Receiver: Alshon Jeffery, 4-69-1

Clemson 36 at North Carolina State 21
Leading Passer: Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 21-28-335-1-0
Leading Rusher: Andre Ellington, Clemson, 24-106-2
Leading Receiver: Sammy Watkins, Clemson, 6-85-1

Marshall 16 at Virginia 23

The Thundering Herd took a 13-6 lead midway through the third quarter, but the Cavaliers came thundering back for the victory. Virginia scored two straight touchdowns, the second on a 14-yard Kevin Parks run to take the lead for good with 10:02 left in the game.

Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 18-32-360-1-1
Leading Rusher: Perry Jones, UVA, 18-87
Leading Receiver: Kris Burd, UVA, 5-113

Old Dominion 6 at Virginia Tech 44
Leading Passer: Taylor Heinicke, ODU, 29-56-331-0-3
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 26-320-4
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, ODU, 8-131

Miami 26 at Navy 20
Leading Passer: Jacory Harris, Miami, 23-40-289-1-1
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Miami, 35-90
Leading Receiver: Brandon Turner, Navy, 3-78-1

Florida State 29 at Florida International 9
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 22-37-279-0-0
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 27-225
Leading Receiver: TY Hilton, FIU, 5-73



East Conference Report:

If you put out preseason reports and said that North Carolina would be in the mix for a #1 seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament, we would have called you crazy. After the Butch Davis debacle in Chapel Hill, we expected the Tarheels program to be in shambles. Yet, after a big win over South Carolina, North Carolina is in a three-way tie for first place at 5-1. Next week the Gamecocks face Clemson for what could be the division championship, unless, of course, both North Carolina and South Carolina win. In that case, the Tarheels win based on their 24-21 win over the Gamecocks.

In Division 2, Virginia Tech wrapped up the division title by storming over Old Dominion, 44-6. David Wilson ran wild in the game, earning Player of the Week honors with his 320 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. He should be a top contender for National Player of the Week based on his performance.

[StLee]

Georgia Tech 24 at Georgia 45
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 22-30-301-2-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 27-137-4
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell, UGA, 4-63-1

Georgia Southern 17 at Georgia State 20
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, QB, Georgia Southern, 21-39-301-2-2
Leading Rusher: Dominique Swope, RB, Georgia Southern, 16-123
Leading Receiver: Albert Wilson, WR, Georgia State, 5-76

South Florida 44 at Florida Atlantic 26
Leading Passer: Graham Wilbert, 21-37-382-2-1
Leading Rusher: Alfred Morris, FAU, 29-196-1
Leading Receiver: Marcus Cunningham, FAU, 3-96-1

Florida 37 at UCF 44, 2OT

The Knights scored the last 14 points of regulation and then outlasted the Gators in overtime to upset first place Florida.

John Brantley of the Gators (5-1) connected with Chris Rainey from nine yards out to give Florida a 34-20 lead with 6:48 to play. UCF could not answer until 1:07 remained and Brynn Harvey scored from seven yards out. The Knights then recovered the onside kick and drove down field, capped off by Jeff Godfrey’s fade pass from 10 yards out with no time left on the clock. Nick Cattoi’s PAT tied the game and sent it into overtime.

In the first overtime, both teams kicked a field goal to tie the game 37-37. In the second overtime, UCF got the ball first and scored easily, thanks to Latavius Murray’s 14-yard run. The Gators then could not advance the ball in four plays, with Brantley’s 4th and 16 pass to the end zone getting broken up.

Leading Passer: Jeff Godrey, UCF, 27-43-389-3-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Rainey, Florida, 23-125-1
Leading Receiver: Adam Nissley, UCF, 5-101-1

Tennessee 38 at Kentucky 10
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, UT, 19-29-286-3-2
Leading Rusher: Tauren Poole, UT, 22-96
Leading Receiver: Da’Rick Rogers, UT, 5-117-1

MTSU 20 at Western Kentucky 28
Leading Passer: Logan Kilgore, MTSU, 18-36-196-1-1
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 43-116-1
Leading Receiver: Sancho McDonald, MTSU, 4-45

Auburn 23 at Vanderbilt 48

Vanderbilt (5-1) beat Auburn in convincing fashion and had put itself in position to clinch second place in Division 2 with a win next week over Tennessee (5-1).

With the loss by Auburn (4-2), Alabama (6-0) has clinched the Division 1 championship.

Leading Passer: Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt, 17-25-278-4-3
Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, 24-160-1
Leading Receiver: Emory Blake, Auburn, 4-99

Alabama 76 at Troy 3
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron, Alabama, 29-43-330-3-1
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 31-244-5**
Leading Receiver: Darius Hanks, Alabama, 5-79-1



Southeast Conference Report:

Florida was going to clinch the Division 1 title going into Round 6. It was a given. The Gators were lights out all season and had already beat second place Georgia (5-1) earlier in the season. Florida was going to clinch until Central Florida (3-3) refused to say "Die," scoring 14 late points and then beating the Gators (5-1) in overtime. Now Florida needs a win next week to ensure a division crown.

In Division 2, Alabama took care of business in easy fashion, winning 76-3 at Troy (1-5). The Crimson Tide's Trent Richardson, last week's National Player of the Week, had another outstanding performance, rushing 31 times for 244 yards and 5 touchdowns to earn Player of the Week yet again.

[StLee]

Texas A&M 48 at UL-Lafayette 17
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 31-37-400-4-0
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 23-92-1
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 8-100-1

Rice 43 at Houston 65
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, Houston, 29-39-412-5-1
Leading Rusher: Tyler Smith, Rice, 16-150-3
Leading Receiver: Patrick Edwards, Houston, 6-124-1

Tulane 17 at LSU 79

Jordan Jefferson passed for 5 touchdowns and ran in two more in LSU’s thrashing of in-state rival Tulane. The Tigers (6-0) jumped out to a 34-0 lead in the first quarter and then just kept scoring in clinching the Division 1 title.

Leading Passer: Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 17-23-295-5-0 (26 yards rushing, 2 TD)
Leading Rusher: Michael Ford, LSU, 10-146-1
Leading Receiver: Xavier Rush, Tulane, 2-68

UL-Monroe 14 at Louisiana Tech 29
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LT, 21-34-256-3-0
Leading Rusher: Centarius Donald, ULM, 10-94
Leading Receiver: Quinton Patton, LT, 7-84-1

UAB 16 at Arkansas 51
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 20-30-290-2-0
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, 15-105-1
Leading Receiver: Joe Adams, Arkansas, 4-84-1

Southern Miss 13 at Arkansas State 16

Neither team exploded in a tough defensive battle. The Red Wolves (5-1) got the win on a late field goal by Brian Davis.

Southern Miss (3-3) had a 6-0 lead in the first half before a six-yard run by Arkansas State’s Derek Lawson made it 7-6 at half time. After two Davis field goals in the third quarter, the Golden Eagles’ Tracy Lampley caught a three-yard touchdown pass from Austin Davis to tie the game at 13.

Leading Passer: Austin Davis, USM, 22-41-281-1-3
Leading Rusher: Ryan Aplin, Arkansas State, 19-47
Leading Receiver: Kevin Bolden, USM, 6-80

Mississippi State 29 at South Alabama 3
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 23-37-283-1-0
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 23-93
Leading Receiver: Arceto Clark, MSU, 4-96-1

Ole Miss 27 at Memphis 20
Leading Passer: Randall Mackey, OM, 20-34-243-2-2
Leading Rusher: Billy Foster, Memphis, 10-74
Leading Receiver: Tannar Rehrer, Memphis, 7-59-1



South Central Report:

LSU (6-0) had virtually wrapped up the Division 1 crown last week when it beat Houston, but the Tigers definitively claimed the title by beating up on in-state rival Tulane.

The Tigers will have to wait a week to find out who they play in the conference championship game because one of the biggest surprises in the nation is in contention for the Division 2 championship. The Red Wolves (5-1) are proving to be a team to contend with after they outlasted Southern Miss (3-3). Should Arkansas State beat Arkansas (6-0) next week, the Red Wolves will face LSU.

For this week's Player of the Week award, several players were in contention. Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M finished 31 of 37 for 400 yards with 4 touchdowns. Houston's Case Keenum had yet another great offensive performance, finishing 29 of 39 for 412 yards with 5 touchdowns and an interception. However, this week the award goes to division-clinching quarterback Jordan Jefferson of LSU. He finished 17 of 23 for 295 yards and a career-high 5 touchdowns. He also had 26 yards rushing for 2 touchdowns, giving him seven scores in the game.

[StLee]

UTSA 10 at Baylor 44
Leading Passer: Robert Griffin, Baylor, 21-21-346-2-0 (perfect game!)
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 28-78-2
Leading Receiver: Terrance Williams, Baylor, 5-125-1

Texas 41 at UTEP 34, OT

The Longhorns had to take UTEP to overtime, but they were able to preserve their perfect record and clinch Division 1 outright.

Texas led 24-20 at halftime and neither team scored in the third quarter before Texas was able to score 10 straight points. Malcolm Brown scored on an 18-yard run, and then Justin Tucker kicked a 41 yards field goal with 8:14 left to make it 34-20.

The Miners (3-3) were not done, though. Nick Lamaison connected with Kevin Perry on a 12-yard pass with 3:24 left. With only 12 seconds left, the Miners tied the game when Lamaison hit Donavon Kemp on a three-yard pass.

In overtime, the Longhorns had first possession and scored in four plays, capped off by Case McCoy’s four-yard pass to Jaxon Shipley in a little brothers’ connection. UTEP then had the ball, but thanks to a penalty and sack, had to attempt a 4th and 21 from the 24-yard line. Lamaison’s deep pass sailed out of the back of the end zone, and Texas escaped with the win.

Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 26-43-346-2-4
Leading Rusher: Malcolm Brown, Texas, 25-263-2
Leading Receiver: Eric Tomlinson, UTEP, 3-68

New Mexico State 19 at Texas State 16, OT
Leading Passer: Matt Christian, NMSU, 14-28-219-3-1
Leading Rusher: Kenny Turner, NMSU, 19-92
Leading Receiver: Isaiah Battle, TSU, 4-79

New Mexico 11 at Texas Tech 44
Leading Passer: Seth Doege, TTU, 23-35-256-1-0
Leading Rusher: Aaron Crawford, TTU, 11-86-3
Leading Receiver: Alex Torres, TTU, 5-83-1

Tulsa 31 at Kansas 10
Leading Passer: Jordan Webb, Kansas, 13-27-219-0-1
Leading Rusher: Trey Watts, Tulsa, 19-186-1 and Ja’Terian Douglas, Tulsa, 13-185-2
Leading Receiver: JaCorey Shepherd, Kansas, 4-67

North Texas 20 at Kansas State 24
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NT, 21-42-285-2-2
Leading Rusher: Collin Klein, KSU, 33-110-3 (3-4-31 passing)
Leading Receiver: Michael Outlaw, NT, 3-58-1

Oklahoma State 44 at SMU 33
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 26-51-398-3-2
Leading Rusher: Jared Williams, SMU, 22-89
Leading Receiver: Darius Johnson, SMU, 8-126
Game MVP: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 28-41-367-4-0

Oklahoma 28 at TCU 43

The Horned Frogs jumped out to a big lead and then kept pace with Oklahoma’s passing attack in the home win.

TCU (5-1) now has an outside chance of winning Division 2. If the Sooners (5-1) can beat Oklahoma State (6-0) by under 16 points, TCU gets the division championship (assuming they beat winless North Texas next week). If the Cowboys beat Oklahoma, the Cowboys claim the championship. Oklahoma can only win the division by winning next week and having TCU upset by North Texas.

Leading Passer: Casey Pachall, TCU, 16-26-250-3-0
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 25-172-1
Leading Receiver: Skye Dawson, TCU, 3-70




Southwest Conference Report:

It's hard to pick a Player of the Week from week-to-week in this conference because there are usually lots of points on the board in the games. This week is no exception, as we narrowed the list down to three. Texas' Malcolm Brown rushed 25 times for 263 yards and two touchdowns in the Longhorns' narrow escape at UTEP. Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden had another outstanding performance in the Cowboys' win at SMU. Weeden finished 28 of 41 for 367 yards with four touchdowns. And the best of the three was the guy who was perfect. Robert Griffin completed all 21 of his passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns in Baylor's 44-10 over Texas-San Antonio.

Despite Griffin's efforts, Texas (6-0) clinched Division 1 with its overtime win. The Longhorns will have to wait to see what happens in Division 2. With TCU's win over Oklahoma, the Horned Frogs (5-1) could win the division should the Sooners (5-1) beat Oklahoma State (6-0) next week. Whatever the result, Division 2 has three strong teams at the top.

[StLee]

After six rounds, we have more divisions (9) still up for grabs than clinched (7). That bodes well for Round 7, which will still have teams vying for home field advantage throughout a regional bracket.

The seven teams that have wrapped up their divisions--USC, Oregon, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech, Alabama, LSU, and Texas--may choose to rest some of their starters in the next round to gear up for their conference championship games.

We also find it intriguing that three undefeated teams still need one more win to win their divisions. Michigan State (6-0) faces Michigan (5-1) in the North Conference, Arkansas (6-0) faces Arkansas State in the South Central Conference and Oklahoma State (6-0) faces Oklahoma (5-1) in the Southwest Conference. TCU (5-1) still has a chance to win Division 2 should Oklahoma triumph by under 14 points due to tie breakers.

A whopping eleven teams are still looking for their first win. Not many of those 11 are surprises other than probably Northwestern, which will get a chance to climb out of the cellar next week when it hosts Minnesota (1-5).

Here are the conference-by-conference players of the week vying for National Player of the Week:
West Conference: Marshall Lobbestael, QB, Washington State, 26-41-441-6-0
Northwest Conference: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin, 28-236-3
North Conference: Fitzgerald Toussaint, RB, Michigan, 26-229-3
Northeast Conference: Chris Pantale, WR, Boston College, 5-150-2
East Conference: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech, 26-320-4
Southeast Conference: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama, 31-244-5
South Central Conference: Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU, 17-23-295-5-0 passing; 5-26-2 rushing
Southwest Conference: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor, 21-21-346-2-0

And the National Player of the Week Award goes to....
http://media.hamptonroads.com/cache/files/images/836081.jpg

David Wilson ran wild with 320 yards and 4 touchdowns in Virginia Tech's 44-6 win over Old Dominion.

[StLee]

Here are our conference-by-conference rankings, followed by the season standings:

West Conference: 1. Oregon, 2. USC, 3. Stanford
Northwest Conference: 1. Wisconsin, 2. Boise State, 3. Iowa
North Conference: 1. Michigan State, 2. Michigan, 3. Cincinnati
Northeast Conference: 1. West Virginia, 2. Penn State, 3. Temple
East Conference: 1. Virginia Tech, 2. Clemson 3. North Carolina
Southeast Conference: 1. Alabama, 2. Georgia, 3. Florida
South Central Conference: 1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Houston
Southwest Conference: 1. Oklahoma State, 2. Texas, 3. TCU

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/StandingsafterRound6.jpg

[sterlingice]

Another week, another Kansas loss. Well, that's just how that's going to be unless you were using the 2007 Jayhawks

SI

[britrock88]

GIIIOOOOO

[StLee]

Another week, another Kansas loss. Well, that's just how that's going to be unless you were using the 2007 Jayhawks

SI

Yeah, they're looking at a 13 or 14 seed in the tournament.

[StLee]

This is the last round of the "regular season" and the last chance for teams to make significant movement within their conferences for seeding purposes. In the end, though, only ONE team will come out on top.


Tie Breakers

Because there are only seven games played in this round robin format, there will be a number of ties. I am using a short list of tie breakers. Hopefully this will cover every scenario, leading up to the last possible tie breaker, the coin flip tournament.

Note, for ties among more than two teams (3+), each tie breaker resets after one team has been eliminated from the tie. I tested it out, and it worked, so I am assuming I made no mistakes and it is clear what I am doing when I explain each conference's results.

Tie Breakers:

Two clubs –
1. Head-to-head result (No other tie breakers needed because they will have to play each other).

Three or more clubs –
1. Head-to-head result. Best record wins.
2. Best margin of victory. Best wins.
3. Worst margin of victory. Worst loses.
4. Most total margin of victory in all games. Best wins.
5. Most total points scored in all games. Best wins.

Conference Pairings

After the completion of the seventh round and all tie breakers are determined, teams will play a cross-divisional game within their conference to determine seeds 1-16 per conference.

Division 1 winner vs Division 2 winner - will be played at a neutral site for the conference championship. All other games will be played at the home field of the team with the better record OR by result of a coin flip if both teams have the same record. (Lee's notes: If this skews results too heavily in the home teams' favor, I will change it to a neutral only scenario in future replays. I am thinking along the lines of realism, but... this isn't real. However, I thought it would be good to reward good teams in good divisions by giving them a better chance to get the higher seed, thus more home games in the end.)

Conference Championship Locations

West Conference - Candlestick Park at San Francisco
Northwest Conference - Mile High Stadium at Denver
North Conference - Soldier Field at Chicago
Northeast Conference - Gillette Stadium at Foxboro, Massachusetts
East Conference - Bank of America Stadium at Charlotte
Southeast Conference - Georgia Dome at Atlanta
South Central Conference - Superdome at New Orleans
Southwest Conference - Cowboys Stadium at Arlington, Texas

[StLee]

Arizona 28 at Arizona State 31

The Sun Devils needed a flurry of points in the fourth quarter to beat in-state rival Arizona.

Trailing 21-10 entering the fourth quarter, Arizona State’s Brock Osweiler connected with Aaron Pflugrad on an 18-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion failed, giving the Wildcats (4-3) a 21-16 lead. Arizona then extended that lead to 28-16 when Willie Tuitama hit Nicholas Grigsby for an 8-yard score.

Arizona State (4-3) found the answers, though, the rest of the way. Cameron Marshall scored on a one-yard run with 6:29 left to cap a nine-play drive. Then, with 2:01 left, Osweiler found Rashad Ross on a deep slant for a 41-yard strike. The two-point conversion gave the Sun Devils a 31-28 win.

Leading Passer: Willie Tuitama, Arizona, 29-45-389-3-0
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 19-86-1
Leading Receiver: Mike Thomas, Arizona, 8-115-1

Fresno State 20 at USC 51
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 17-22-272-1-0
Leading Rusher: Curtis McNeal, USC, 17-228-2
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 6-104

San Diego State 34 at UNLV 17
Leading Passer: Ryan Lindley, SDSU, 27-52-285-2-1
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 27-171-2
Leading Receiver: Colin Lockett, SDSU, 5-72

San Jose State 32 at UCLA 40
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 27-44-364-2-0
Leading Rusher: Johnathan Franklin, UCLA, 21-76-1
Leading Receiver: Nelson Rosario, UCLA, 4-112-1

Washington 21 at Washington State 37
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 26-41-356-3-2
Leading Rusher: Carl Winston, WSU, 15-132-1
Leading Receiver: Marquess Wilson, WSU, 7-100

Hawaii 20 at Stanford 24

In a game that may have seemed like an easy win for the Cardinal, it was anything but. Hawaii too a 20-13 lead into halftime, thanks to a 78-yard Scott Harding punt return with 14 seconds left in the half.

Stanford (5-2) never got it going offensively, but pulled the score to 20-18 after three quarters thanks to a Jordan Williamson field goal and a safety when Kyle Olugbode sacked Hawaii’s Bryant Moniz in the end zone.

The Cardinal took the lead and then finalized it at 24-20 with two more Williamson field goals in the fourth quarter.

Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stanford, 16-31-252-1-1
Leading Rusher: Joey Iosefa, Hawaii, 13-102-1
Leading Receiver: Coby Fleener, Stanford, 5-103

Nevada 24 at California 19
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 19-34-229-0-0
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nevada, 25-137-1
Leading Receiver: Keenan Allen, Cal, 8-98

Oregon State 10 at Oregon 55
Leading Passer: Darron Thomas, Oregon, 13-24-228-3-0
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, Oregon, 28-270-3
Leading Receiver: Markus Wheaton, OSU, 7-89




West Conference Report:

USC and Oregon were only playing for pride since they wrapped up their divisions a week ago. Still, both teams showed their force in dominating wins.

The Trojans (6-1) ran and passed all over Fresno State (2-5) to win 51-20. The Ducks (7-0) did the same to Oregon State (4-3), led by West Conference Player of the Week LaMichael James. James rushed 28 times for 270 yards and three touchdowns in the Ducks' 55-10 win over their in-state rival.

A number of teams were tied at 4-3 in each division, so tie breakers were put into effect. In Division 1, Arizona, Arizona State and San Diego State finished 4-3. The Sun Devils beat both teams, so they finish in third place. The Wildcats then got fourth place by beating San Diego State, which is fifth, straight up.

Division 2's tie breaker was a little more complicated since Oregon State, Washington and Washington State beat each other, ending in 1-1 results in head-to-head games. Based on the second tie breaker, the Cougars earned third place because they had the largest margin of victory (16) in the series thanks to their Round 7 win over Washington, 37-21. The Huskies beat Oregon State, giving them the fourth place seed, while the Beavers were relegated to the fifth seed.


Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - UNLV (0-7) at Hawaii (0-7)
13th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - California (1-6) at Fresno State (2-5)
11th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - San Jose State (3-4) at Nevada (3-4)
9th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - San Diego State (4-3) at Oregon State (4-3)
7th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - Washington (4-3) at Arizona (4-3)
5th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - Washington State (4-3) at Arizona State (4-3)
3rd Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - UCLA (5-2) at Stanford (5-2)
Championship at San Francisco, 9:30 PM EST - USC (6-1) vs Oregon (7-0)

[StLee]

Boise State 58 at Idaho 23
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 24-38-323-3-0
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BSU, 34-203-3
Leading Receiver: Mike Scott, Idaho, 5-103

Air Force 25 at Utah State 32

Utah State 21-0 lead after first quarter.

Leading Passer: Tim Jefferson, AF, 15-27-182-1-0
Leading Rusher: Michael Smith, USU, 10-164-2
Leading Receiver: Joshua Freeman, AF, 5-60

Colorado 22 at Utah 37
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, Colorado, 27-47-414-3-0
Leading Rusher: John White, Utah, 26-220-3
Leading Receiver: Toney Clemons, Colorado, 5-115

Colorado State 38 at BYU 36, 3OT

The Rams built a solid 16-3 halftime lead and then had to hold on to upset BYU on the road.

The Cougars (4-3) scored the first 17 points of the second half to take a 20-16 lead with 7:11 left in the game. Colorado State (3-4) finally answered, though, thanks to Chris Nwoke’s 68-yard run to set up first and goal at the BYU three. On the next play, Pete Thomas passed the ball to Lou Greenwood for a three-yard scoring play. The extra point made it 23-20 in favor of the Rams.

BYU then answered with a 12-play drive that stalled inside the Colorado State ten, forcing Justin Sorensen to kick the tying 26-yard field goal.

In the first overtime, each team traded a touchdown, and neither team could score in the second overtime. First, the Rams’ Ben DeLine’s 35-yard field goal sailed wide right, and then Jake Heaps was picked off.

The third overtime made the difference with the two-point conversion rule in play. First, BYU scored on a 14-yard pass from Heaps to JJ Di Luigi. However, Heaps’ two-point try fell incomplete, giving the Cougars a 36-30 lead in the third overtime. Colorado State then answered when Nwoke rushed for a 10-yard touchdown. Thomas then found a wide open Lee Clubb in the end zone for the two-point conversion and the 38-36 victory.

Leading Passer: Jake Heaps, BYU, 30-57-314-2-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Nwoke, CSU, 20-128-3
Leading Receiver: JJ Di Luigi, BYU, 5-69-1

Iowa 27 at Iowa State 20, OT

The Cyclones’ Zach Guyer hit a game-tying field goal with less than a minute left in regulation, but it was not enough as Iowa triumphed on the road.

Marvin McNutt caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from James Vandenberg for the Hawkeyes (6-1) in over time. Iowa State (2-5) had a chance to tie the game, but could not.

Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 19-29-243-1-3
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 35-196-2
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 7-89-1

Minnesota 20 at Northwestern 40
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, Northwestern, 18-25-262-3-1
Leading Rusher: Duane Bennett, Minnesota, 19-90
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern, 6-117-1

Wyoming 14 at Missouri 13
Missouri fell at home in its regular season finale, which may push Missouri’s seeding in the NCAA 128 Tournament a bit lower. The Tigers had a chance to clinch third place in Division 2, but Grant Ressel’s 38-yard field goal attempt with three seconds left was wide right. Now Missouri has to wait for conference tie breakers to see where they finish.

Wyoming’s Brandon Miller scored from 24 yards out with 2:09 remaining in the game in the Cowboys’ (4-3) upset win at Missouri (4-3).

The Tigers were unable to score again after James Franklin connected with Wes Kemp on a five-yard score with 4:47 left in the third quarter.

Leading Passer: Brett Smith, Wyoming, 18-29-245-1-1
Leading Rusher: Kendial Lawrence, Missouri, 14-115
Leading Receiver: TJ Moe, Missouri, 4-63

Nebraska 7 at Wisconsin 16
Leading Passer: Russell Wilson, Wisconsin, 17-24-202-1-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 28-93
Leading Receiver: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 2-42-1



Northwest Conference Report:

Boise State needed to win to earn the Division 1 title, and they cruised to an easy 58-23 win at Idaho. Doug Martin rushed 34 times for 203 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Broncos (6-1), who will now face Wisconsin in the conference championship.

Martin's performance was not even the best of the week. That went to John White of Utah. The Northwest Conference Player of the Week finished with 26 rushes for 220 yards and three touchdowns in the Utes' 37-22 win over Colorado.

For seeding in the conference championship round, a few ties had to be broken. In Division 1, BYU and Utah State both finished at 4-3, but the Cougars were awarded third place by virtue of their head-to-head win over the Aggies. Also, Air Force beat Colorado State for fifth place.

In Division 2, Wyoming earned third place due to their win over Missouri. Also, Northwestern's win over Minnesota allowed the Wildcats to move into seventh place over the Golden Gophers.



Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - Minnesota (1-6) at Colorado (1-6)
13th Place Game, 9:30 PM EST - Northwestern (1-6) at Idaho (2-5)
11th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - Iowa State (2-5) at Colorado State (3-4)
9th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Air Force (3-4) at Nebraska (3-4)
7th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Utah State (4-3) at Missouri (4-3)
5th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - BYU (4-3) at Wyoming (4-3)
3rd Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Utah (5-2) at Iowa (6-1)
Championship at Denver, 8:00 PM EST - Boise State (6-1) vs Wisconsin (7-0)

[StLee]

Ball State 17 at Indiana 34
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, Indiana, 19-33-231-3-0
Leading Rusher: Barrington Scott, BS, 14-109-1
Leading Receiver: Torieal Gibson, BS, 3-60

Ohio State 16 at Cincinnati 23

Cincinnati trailed 16-13 at halftime, but scored all ten points in the second half, including the game-winning touchdown with 44 seconds left. On the play, the Bearcats’ Munchie Legaux found Adrien Robinson on a 17-yard fade to clinch first place for Cincinnati (6-1) in Division 1.
Leading Passer: Munchie Legaux, Cincinnati, 19-34-208-2-0
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, OSU, 26-195-1
Leading Receiver: Kenbrell Thompkins, Cincinnati, 4-48

Purdue 31 at Toledo 52
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 27-40-412-5-0
Leading Rusher: Adonis Thomas, Toledo, 23-129-1
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Toledo, 10-174-1

Miami (OH) 21 at Louisville 24

Miami (Ohio) scored a late touchdown, but it was not enough in a game where the RedHawks trailed throughout.

The loss dropped Miami (4-3) to third place while Louisville (3-4) was able to move up to fifth place in Division 1 with the win.

Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Miami, 21-37-262-2-1
Leading Rusher: Zac Dysert, Miami, 17-52
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Miami, 10-159-2

Western Michigan 24 at Eastern Michigan 31
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 21-28-289-3-1
Leading Rusher: Dominque White, EMU, 17-163-2
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 10-128

Central Michigan 17 at Illinois 6
Leading Passer: Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois, 15-23-218-0-2
Leading Rusher: Anthony Garland, CMU, 14-100-1
Leading Receiver: Darius Millines, Illinois, 5-81

Northern Illinois 31 at Notre Dame 35

Cierre Wood ran in from five yards out with just 40 seconds remaining to allow Notre Dame (4-3) to escape Northern Illinois (3-4) and clinch third place in Division 2.

The Huskies, the fifth place team in the division, had scored 31 straight points after falling behind 28-0 in the second quarter. Mathew Sims’ 57-yard field goal with 2:21 remaining gave NIU its first lead, but it was not enough to pull off the road victory.

Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, ND, 31-46-412-3-1
Leading Rusher: Jasmin Hopkins, NIU, 19-114-2
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, ND, 9-94

GAME OF THE WEEK: Michigan State 38 at Michigan 31

Michigan ran out to a 17-0 lead and an early 24-7 lead in the second half but could not survive a Michigan State onslaught in the Division 2 championship.

The Spartans (7-0) took their first lead of the game with 10:28 left when Kirk Cousins hit Keshawn Martin for a 20-yard scoring strike. Michigan State scored again with 4:40 left to take a 14-point lead before Michigan’s (5-2) Michael Shaw scored a late touchdown for the final score.

With the win, Michigan State clinched the Division 2 title and will face Cincinnati for the North Conference championship. The Wolverines are second place in the division.

Despite the loss, Shaw earned game MVP honors. He rushed 8 times for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he scored on a 78-yard screen play in the first quarter that gave Michigan its 17-0 lead at that time.

Cousins took a while to warm up for the Spartans, but once he got hot, Michigan State started to dominate on the offensive side of the ball. Cousins threw three second-half touchdowns, including the go-ahead and game-clinching touchdowns for Michigan State.

Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 27-39-306-3-0
Leading Rusher: Le’Veon Ball, MSU, 14-94
Leading Receiver: Junior Hemingway, Michigan, 3-81
Game MVP: Michael Shaw, Michigan, 8-75-2 rushing, 1-78-1 receiving




North Conference Report:

Neither division was settled until the final round. Michigan State stayed undefeated at 7-0 by pulling off a huge win at Michigan (5-2). Cincinnati also guaranteed its division championship by holding on against Ohio State (3-4).

This week featured a few solid offensive performances. The Spartans' Kirk Cousins had a dominating day, finishing 27 of 39 for 306 yards and three touchdowns. Tommy Rees of Notre Dame was money in the Irish's 35-31 win over Northern Illinois. Rees was 31 of 46 for 412 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. However, the player of the week award goes to Terrance Owens of Toledo who dominated Purdue by going 27 of 40 for 412 yards and five touchdowns.

The North Conference only had pairs of ties, making the tie breaker scenarios quite easy, Miami of Ohio and Purdue each finished at 4-3, but the RedHawks beat Purdue to earn third place. Louisville was the better of the 3-4 teams than Ohio State to gain fifth place in Division 1. In Division 2, Notre Dame got third place over Eastern Michigan and Nothern Illinois was fifth place over Western Michigan.

Tie breakers:
Miami of Ohio is 3rd thanks to head-to-head win over Purdue
Louisville is 5th thanks to head-to-head win over Ohio State
Notre Dame is 3rd thanks to head-to-head win over EMU
Northern Illinois is 5th thanks to head-to-head win over WMU


Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Illinois (0-7) at Indiana (1-6)
13th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Central Michigan (2-5) at Ball State (2-5)
11th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Western Michigan (3-4) at Ohio State (3-4)
9th Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Northern Illinois (3-4) at Louisville (3-4)
7th Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Purdue (4-3) at Eastern Michigan (4-3)
5th Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Miami of Ohio (4-3) at Notre Dame (4-3)
3rd Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Toledo (5-2) at Michigan (5-2)
Championship at Chicago, 2:00 PM EST - Cincinnati (6-1) at Michigan State (7-0)

[StLee]

Army 33 at Buffalo 26
Leading Passer: Chazz Anderson, Buffalo, 17-31-239-0-0
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 21-129-2
Leading Receiver: Alex Neutz, Buffalo, 4-64

Syracuse 35 at Bowling Green 24
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, Syracuse, 20-33-291-3-0
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, 27-165-1
Leading Receiver: Dorian Graham, Syracuse, 4-83-1

Rutgers 10 at Boston College 30

In the biggest surprise among all national divisions, Boston College clinched the Northeast Conference Division 1 championship by blowing out Rutgers.

The Eagles (5-2) needed help with a Bowling Green loss and by defeating Rutgers (5-2), and they got just that. It also means that Boston College will be considered the worst 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA 128 tournament.

The game was close for most of the second half. Boston College finally took control for good with just 36 seconds left in the first half when Andre Williams rushed for a 19-yard touchdown. Chase Rettig then threw a 12-yard scoring strike to Alex Amidon and the Scarlet Knights could never find an answer to come back. Rettig finished the game 16 of 31 for 188 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rutgers, 21-40-314-1-4
Leading Rusher: Andre Williams, BC, 17-153-1
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 12-191-1

Massachusetts 24 at Connecticut 28
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, UConn, 21-40-323-4-0
Leading Rusher: RB1, UMass, 16-113-1
Leading Receiver: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 4-80-2

Akron 3 at Kent State 26
Leading Passer: Clayton Moore, Akron, 16-40-195-0-3
Leading Rusher: Trayion Durham, Kent, 23-165-2
Leading Receiver: Keith Sconiers, Akron, 4-53

Ohio 29 at Penn State 41

Penn State fell behind in their hopes for winning the Division 2 championship, but all they needed was a little Silas Redd action to help them cruise against a tough Ohio (4-3) team.

The Nittany Lions (6-1) fell behind 13-7 late in the first half, thanks in part to a 59-yard touchdown run by Ohio’s Donte Harden. However, Penn State was able to drive down the field and kick a short field goal to make it 13-10 in favor of the Bobcats at halftime.

To start the second half, Penn State turned to Redd. Matt McGloin threw a dump off pass to Redd on the first play of the second half, and Redd took it to the house for 80 yards.

After the Bobcats retook the lead at 20-17 on a 68-yard Tyler Tettleton to Jordan Thompson hook up, Redd scored again from five yards out to give Penn State the lead for good, 24-20.

Leading Passer: Matt McGloin, PSU, 20-38-389-3-2
Leading Rusher: Silas Redd, PSU, 24-138-1
Leading Receiver: Silas Redd, PSU, 2-93-1

Maryland 13 at Pittsburgh 16
Leading Passer: Tino Sunseri, Pitt, 17-29-215-0-0
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Maryland, 19-91
Leading Receiver: Hubie Graham, Pitt, 4-67

GAME OF THE WEEK: West Virginia 24 at Temple 16

Temple’s chance at a Division 2 championship was foiled by the Geno Smith to Tavon Austin fourth-quarter connection. Trailing 13-10 in the fourth, Smith hit Austin on a 5-yard pass to give the Mountaineers (6-1) a 17-13 lead.

After the Owls (5-2) kicked a field goal, Smith and Austin connected again from 8 yards out to lead to the 24-16 final.

Temple rushed for 241 yards in the loss, but the Owls could not find the end zone after scoring on their opening drive. Bernard Pierce finished with 97 yards on 24 carries and Matt Brown added 96 yards on 13 carries.

Had Temple won the game, they would have claimed the Division 1 champioship due to a win over Penn State in Round 5. Since Penn State (6-1) won, West Virginia was eliminated from division championship contention due to their Round 6 loss to Penn State.

Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 26-39-291-3-0
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Temple, 24-97
Leading Receiver: Tavon Austin, WVU, 9-83-2




Northeast Conference Report:

The divisions came down to very simple needs by teams. Kind of. Some teams simply needed a win or just a little help.

Rutgers and Temple each had the easiest path to division crowns. All they had to do was win. Yet neither team could find it within themselves to do that. As a result, both teams dropped from one of them being a #1 seed in the country to neither of them winning their divisions.

With Boston College's win over Rutgers, along with Bowling Green losing to Syracuse, the Eagles are the biggest division winner surprise in the nation, winning the division thanks to their head-to-head win over Rutgers.

In Division 2, West Virginia eliminated Temple for division title contention, but Penn State claimed the division thanks to beating the Mountaineers earlier in the season.

Division 1 was jumbled throughout in the end. Two teams finished at 5-2 and another three teams finished 4-3. Bowling Green, Connecticut and Syracuse were the latter three teams. The Orange were able to win third place because they had the greatest margin of victory (11 points) in the series. Bowling Green then took fourth place over the Huskies thanks to winning the head-to-head match up.

In Division 2, the only other tie besides first place was for sixth place. There Maryland beat Kent State in their head-to-head match up, giving the Terrapins sixth place in the division.

The Northeast Conference Player of the Week Award goes to Silas Redd of Penn State. He was dominant in the Nittany Lions' division-clinching win over Ohio. Redd rushed 24 times for 138 and a touchdown and caught two passes for 93 yards and another touchdown.


Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - Akron (0-7) at Massachusetts (1-6)
13th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - Kent State (2-5) at Buffalo (2-5)
11th Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Maryland (2-5) at Army (3-4)
9th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Pittsburgh (3-4) at Connecticut (4-3)
7th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Bowling Green (4-3) at Ohio (4-3)
5th Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Syracuse (4-3) at Temple (5-2)
3rd Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Rutgers (5-2) at West Virginia (6-1)
Championship at Foxboro, MA, 11:00 AM EST - Boston College (5-2) vs Penn State (6-1)

[sterlingice]

I prefer these conference title locations. I've always thought the bowl system biased towards the SEC with so many bowls in their territory. It's kindof the "Super Bowl not in a dome" theory where it would be a bit different for Alabama to play up in the snow some year when, say, Ohio State was good rather than it always being down south.

SI

[StLee]

UNC-Charlotte 23 at Duke 28
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 28-42-327-2-0
Leading Rusher: Desmond Scott, Duke, 13-91-1
Leading Receiver: Some Dude, UNCC, 3-77-1

East Carolina 13 at North Carolina 41
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 24-30-342-4-1
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 26-111-1
Leading Receiver: Lance Lewis, ECU, 9-165

Wake Forest 33 at North Carolina State 34, OT
Wake Forest kicked the game-tying field goal with just three seconds remaining in regulation, and scored first in overtime. However, their efforts were foiled when Jimmy Newman missed the extra point attempt.

The Wolfpack (4-3) answered by scoring on a 19-yard Glennon to TJ Graham pass. The extra point clinched fourth place in Division 2 for North Carolina State. Wake Forest (2-5) is sixth in the division.

Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 24-38-366-4-2
Leading Rusher: James Washington, NCSU, 26-172
Leading Receiver: Michael Campanaro, WF, 7-126-1
Player of the Game: Mike Glennon, NCSU, 22-36-282-3-1

GAME OF THE WEEK: South Carolina 17 at Clemson 3

In a defensive battle, South Carolina held Clemson to 269 total yards and forced 2 turnovers to earn a share of the Division 1 title.

North Carolina (6-1) won the division due to a head-to-head win over the Gamecocks (6-1).

Most of South Carolina’s offense came from the running of Brandon Wilds. He finished with 118 of South Carolina’s 207 rushing yards and scored both of the Gamecocks’ touchdowns.

Leading Passer: Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 17-29-141-0-1
Leading Rusher: Brandon Wilds, S Carolina, 20-118-2
Leading Receiver: Adam Humphries, Clemson, 1-35

Virginia 10 at Virginia Tech 23
Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 24-37-225-0-0
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 27-220-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Snyder, UVA, 3-49

Marshall 20 at Navy 39
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Marshall, 19-31-249-2-0
Leading Rusher: Alexander Teich, Navy, 24-166-1
Leading Receiver: CJ Crawford, Marshall, 3-60

Old Dominion 21 at Florida International 28
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 23-39-285-3-1
Leading Rusher: Kedrick Rhodes, FIU, 29-90-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, ODU, 7-168-1

Miami (FL) 9 at Florida State 48
Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 23-34-304-5-1
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 19-50-1
Leading Receiver: Nick O’Leary, FSU, 4-82-1



East Conference Report:

With North Carolina's easy victory over East Carolina, coupled with South Carolina's big win over Clemson, the Tar Heels are able to claim the Division 1 title. Both North Carolina and South Carolina finished 6-1, but the Tar Heels beat the Gamecocks in their head-to-head match up.

In Division 2, Virginia Tech completed its undefeated regular season by topping Virginia. The Hokies will now face North Carolina in the East Conference Championship.

There were a few ties in the conference. In Division 1, Wake Forest and East Carolina both finished at 2-5, but the Demon Deacons claim sixth place due to a head-to-head win. In Division 2, Florida International got third place over Virginia thanks to a head-to-head win. Finally, Navy finished in sixth over Marshall by beat the Thundering Herd.

For player of the week, there were three in contention, including last week's National Player of the Week, David Wilson of Virginia Tech. Florida State's EJ Manuel was another who had a great week, but the Player of the Week award goes to division-winning North Carolina's Bryn Renner. The Tar Heels quarterback completed 24 of 30 passes for 342 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.




Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - UNC-Charlotte (0-7) at Old Dominion (0-7)
13th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - East Carolina (2-5) at Marshall (2-5)
11th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - Navy (2-5) at Wake Forest (2-5)
9th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Miami (3-4) at Duke (3-4)
7th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - North Carolina State (4-3) at Virginia (4-3)
5th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - Florida International (4-3) at Clemson (5-2)
3rd Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Florida State (6-1) at South Carolina (6-1)
Championship at Charlotte, NC, 12:30 PM EST - North Carolina (6-1) vs Virginia Tech (7-0)

[StLee]

Georgia 40 at Georgia State 19
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 16-31-283-1-4
Leading Rusher: Donald Russell, GSU, 22-202-1
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell, UGA, 3-80

Georgia Tech 40 at Florida Atlantic 3
Leading Passer: Graham Wilbert, FAU, 15-37-161-0-2
Leading Rusher: Orwin Smith, GT, 15-101
Leading Receiver: Darian Williams, FAU, 4-47

Georgia Southern 32 at Central Florida 10
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, GSU, 24-39-361-2-1
Leading Rusher: Dominique Swope, GSU, 24-115
Leading Receiver: Kentrellis Showers, GSU, 5-114-2

South Florida 9 at Florida 41
Leading Passer: BJ Daniels, USF, 19-33-218-0-2
Leading Rusher: Jeff Demps, Florida, 12-144-1
Leading Receiver: Chris Rainey, Florida, 3-55
Game MVP: Chris Rainey, Florida, 19-130-2 rushing; 3-55 receiving

Kentucky 10 at Western Kentucky 7
Leading Passer: Morgan Newton, UK, 13-29-167-1-0
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 42-135-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Roark, UK, 3-89-1

Tennessee 40 at Vanderbilt 10
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, UT, 24-37-343-3-0
Leading Rusher: Tauren Poole, UT, 22-75-1
Leading Receiver: Da’Rick Rogers, UT, 6-105-2

MTSU 14 at Troy 32
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 21-36-349-2-0
Leading Rusher: Shawn Southward, Troy, 15-68-2
Leading Receiver: Eric Thomas, Troy, 5-110-1

Auburn 3 at Alabama 57
Leading Passer: Phillip Sims, Alabama, 23-35-287-2-0
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 36-128-4
Leading Receiver: Brad Smelley, Alabama, 4-73



Southeast Conference Report:

The Southeast Conference had the most anti-climactic finish of any of the eight conferences. Alabama had already claimed the Division 2 title, but they still found a way to throttle in-state rival Auburn, 57-3.

Florida was not guaranteed the Division 1 title, needing to beat South Florida in the final game to ensure they would win it. The Gators did just that, easily putting away the Bulls, 41-9. The Gators win Division 1 due to defeating Georgia, which also finished 6-1, earlier in the season. Florida's prize is now to try to stop the seemingly unstoppable Crimson Tide (7-0).

This week's Player of the Week Award goes to Tennessee's Tyler Bray. The Volunteers quarterback completed 24 of 37 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-10 win at Vanderbilt and second place in Division 2.

For tie breakers, Florida Atlantic won out over Georgia State for seventh place in Division 1 because of a head-to-head win. In Division 2, Kentucky bested Troy for fifth place because of a head-to-head win. Also, WKU was awarded seventh place over MTSU because of a head-to-head win.



Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - MTSU (1-6) at Georgia State (1-6)
13th Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Florida Atlantic (1-6) at Western Kentucky (1-6)
11th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - Georgia Southern (2-5) at Troy (2-5)
9th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - Kentucky (2-5) at Central Florida (3-4)
7th Place Game, 11:00 AM EST - South Florida (4-3) at Auburn (4-3)
5th Place Game, 2:00 PM EST - Vanderbilt (5-2) at Georgia Tech (5-2)
3rd Place Game, 12:30 PM EST - Tennessee (6-1) at Georgia (6-1)
Championship at Atlanta, 3:30 PM EST - Florida (6-1) at Alabama (7-0)

[StLee]

LSU 41 at Louisiana Tech 27
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 22-34-279-2-1
Leading Rusher: Michael Ford, LSU, 12-162-1
Leading Receiver: David Gru, LTU, 4-76-1

Tulane 10 at UL-Lafayette 31
Leading Passer: Blaine Gautier, ULL, 23-35-258-1-2
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 22-80-2
Leading Receiver: Harry Peoples, ULL, 6-64

UL-Monroe 14 at Houston 45
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, Houston, 24-36-436-3-0
Leading Rusher: Centarius Donald, ULM, 13-169-1
Leading Receiver: Patrick Edwards, Houston, 6-158-1

Texas A&M 37 at Rice 6
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 20-29-296-2-1
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 26-97-2
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 6-82

GAME OF THE WEEK: Arkansas 33 at Arkansas State 16

Arkansas ran out to an early lead, scoring on a 11-yard Dennis Johnson run on its first drive and building a big lead to cruise in winning the Division 2 championship.

The Razorbacks (7-0) took a 24-6 lead late in the first half when Tyler Wilson hit Austin Tate on an underneath pass for a two-yard score. The Red Wolves (5-2) answered quickly, though, on a 67-yard pass from Ryan Aplin to Derek Lawson to make it 24-13 in favor of Arkansas at the half.

That would be as close as Arkansas State could get as neither team could find the end zone in the second half. Arkansas outscored the Red Wolves 9-3 on three Zach Hocker field goals.

With the win, Arkansas will face LSU in the South Central Conference championship game.

Leading Passer: Ryan Aplin, 20-30-300-1-2
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, 15-106-1
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Frampton, ASU, 8-87
Game MVP: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 23-33-268-2-1

UAB 21 at South Alabama 22

South Alabama took a 9-0 lead in the first half and then had to come back to beat UAB and avoid last place in Division 2.

The Jaguars (2-5) fell behind 21-9 after three quarters thanks to a hot quarter by the Blazers (1-6). Jonathan Perry connected with Jackie Williams on a 32-yard pass for UAB’s first points of the game. After an interception, UAB scored again on a 13-yard Darrin Reaves run. The Blazers added one more score on a three-yard Greg Franklin rush.

South Alabama then began its come back in the fourth quarter. Jordan Means started the scoring with a 41-yard field goal to cut the UAB lead to 21-12. With 9:36 left, CJ Bennett hit a wide open Brynt Lavender for a 27-yard score. With only 1:37 left, Means kicked his fifth field goal of the game, this one a game-winner from 26 yards out.

Leading Passer: Jonathan Perry, UAB, 17-39-229-1-0
Leading Rusher: Demetre Baker, USA, 18-114
Leading Receiver: Jackie Williams, UAB, 5-70-1
Game MVP: Jordan Means, USA, 5-5 FG, GW FG

Southern Miss 33 at Memphis 7
Leading Passer: Taylor Reed, Memphis, 11-32-196-1-1
Leading Rusher: Artaves Gibson, Memphis, 11-57
Leading Receiver: Tannar Rehrer, Memphis, 4-88

Mississippi State 52 at Ole Miss 30
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 11-22-230-5-0
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 18-226 (1-16-1 rec)
Leading Receiver: Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss, 4-101-1



South Central Conference Report:

Only one game really mattered in Round 7 for the South Central Conference. The match up of Arkansas at Arkansas State was to determine the Division 2 champion, and the Razorbacks proved their Natural State supremacy, winning 33-16 over the Red Wolves.

By winning, the Razorbacks will now face LSU (7-0), which cruised over Louisiana Tech, 41-27. Both Arkansas and LSU were expected to win their divisions before the season started.

With the loss, Arkansas State fell into a second-place tie with Mississippi State, but the Red Wolves get to claim sole possession of second due to their head-to-head win over the Bulldogs. The only other tie in the conference was a last place tie in Division 2 between UAB and Memphis. The Blazers were victorious in their head-to-head match up, so they will be seventh place.

The Player of the Week is Chris Relf of Mississippi State who completed 11 of 22 passes for 230 yards and five touchdowns. He beat out teammate Vick Ballard who rushed for 226 yards on 18 carries and had a 16-yard touchdown reception.



Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Tulane (0-7) at Memphis (1-6)
13th Place Game, 3:30 PM EST - UAB (1-6) at Rice (1-6)
11th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - UL-Monroe (2-5) at South Alabama (2-5)
9th Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Ole Miss (3-4) at UL-Lafayette (3-4)
7th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - Louisiana Tech (4-3) at Southern Miss (4-3)
5th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - Texas A&M (5-2) at Mississippi State (5-2)
3rd Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - Arkansas State (5-2) at Houston (6-1)
Championship at New Orleans, 5:00 PM EST - Arkansas (7-0) at LSU (7-0)

[StLee]

UTEP 33 at Baylor 55
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 25-38-358-3-1
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 27-264-3
Leading Receiver: Mike Edwards, UTEP, 4-100

UTSA 24 at Texas State 20
Leading Passer: Shaun Rutherford, TSU, 16-20-186-1-0
Leading Rusher: Evans Okotcha, UTSA, 15-73-1
Leading Receiver: Chase Harper, TSU, 5-47

Texas 33 at Texas Tech 20
Leading Passer: Seth Doege, TT, 28-42-302-2-1
Leading Rusher: Malcolm Brown, Texas, 25-145-2
Leading Receiver: Jaxon Shipley, Texas, 4-105-1

New Mexico State 19 at New Mexico 28
Leading Passer: BR Holbrook, NMU, 17-25-284-3-1
Leading Rusher: Kenny Turner, NMSU, 20-83-1
Leading Receiver: Deon Long, NMU, 3-98-1

Kansas 14 at Kansas State 47
Leading Passer: Jordan Webb, 17-32-184-1-0
Leading Rusher: Collin Klein, KSU, 37-189-2
Leading Receiver: Kale Pick, KU, 3-39
Game MVP: Collin Klein, KSU, 37-189-2 rushing; 5-5-65-1-0 passing

Tulsa 45 at SMU 20
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 29-50-400-2-3
Leading Rusher: Trey Watts, Tulsa, 19-64-2
Leading Receiver: Cole Beasley, SMU, 8-156-1

North Texas 7 at TCU 30
Leading Passer: Casey Pachall, TCU, 20-33-214-1-0
Leading Rusher: Ed Wesley, TCU, 10-110-1
Leading Receiver: Josh Bryce, TCU, 5-65-1

GAME OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma State 33 at Oklahoma 41
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 34-56-390-2-2
Leading Rusher: Joseph Randle, OSU, 13-144
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 12-113-1
Game MVP: Roy Finch, OU, 22-109-2; 1-5 rec




Southwest Conference Report:

Let's start out with the player of the week. Then we can get into some of the tie breakers in what turned out to be the most confusing conference in the country to sort out.

The Player of the Week was an easy choice. Terrance Ganaway of Baylor rushed 27 times for 264 yards and three touchdowns in the Bears' 55-33 win over UTEP.

The game of the week was an exciting one, with Oklahoma beating Oklahoma State 41-33, preventing the Cowboys from completing an undefeated regular season. With TCU's win over North Texas, it set up a three-way tie for first place. Due to tie breakers, the Horned Frogs were able to claim the Division 2 crown thanks to having the largest margin of victory (15) in the series. Because the Sooners prevailed over Oklahoma State, they were second place. That left the Cowboys in third place, a huge swing from the result of one game.

It will be exciting to see what Oklahoma State will do in the NCAA 128 Tournament as either a fifth or sixth seed. Whatever seed they end up as, they will be dangerous.

There were two more three-way ties in the conference. In Division 1, New Mexico State, UTEP and UTSA all finished at 3-4. Two of the teams, UTSA and New Mexico State also tied for largest margin of victory (four points) in the series. That meant the team with the smallest margin of victory, UTEP, finished last of the three and in sixth place. Because the Road Runners beat NMSU, they took fourth place. Not bad for a first-year NCAA Division I-A program!

In Division 2, the same scenario occurred, with three teams--Kansas State, SMU, and Tulsa--all finishing at 3-4. Tulsa had the largest margin of victory (25) in the series, so they were awarded fourth place. In their head-to-head match up, SMU beat the Wildcats and claimed fifth place.




Conference Championship Round Schedule (Coin toss for teams with same record):

15th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - Texas State (0-7) at North Texas (0-7)
13th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - Kansas (1-6) at New Mexico (2-5)
11th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - Kansas State (3-4) at UTEP (3-4)
9th Place Game, 8:00 PM EST - SMU (3-4) at New Mexico State (3-4)
7th Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Tulsa (3-4) at UTSA (3-4)
5th Place Game, 6:30 PM EST - Texas Tech (4-3) at Oklahoma State (6-1)
3rd Place Game, 5:00 PM EST - Oklahoma (6-1) at Baylor (6-1)
Championship at Arlington, TX, 6:30 PM EST - TCU (6-1) vs Texas (7-0)

[StLee]

Here are our conference-by-conference rankings, followed by the season standings:

West Conference: 1. Oregon, 2. USC, 3. Stanford
Northwest Conference: 1. Wisconsin, 2. Boise State, 3. Iowa
North Conference: 1. Michigan State, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Michigan
Northeast Conference: 1. West Virginia, 2. Penn State, 3. Temple
East Conference: 1. Virginia Tech, 2. South Carolina 3. North Carolina
Southeast Conference: 1. Alabama, 2. Florida, 3. Georgia
South Central Conference: 1. Arkansas, 2. LSU, 3. Houston
Southwest Conference: 1. Texas, 2. TCU, 3. Oklahoma


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/StandingsafterRound7.jpg

[StLee]

Top 10:
1. Alabama (7-0)
2. Oregon (7-0)
3. Wisconsin (7-0)
4. Virginia Tech (7-0)
5. Arkansas (7-0)
6. LSU (7-0)
7. Michigan State (7-0)
8. USC (6-1)
9. Florida (6-1)
10. Texas (7-0)


National Player of the Week Finalists:
West Conference: LaMichael James, Oregon, 28-270-3 rush
Northwest Conference: John White, Utah, 26-220-3 rush
North Conference: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 27-40-412-5-0 pass
Northeast Conference: Silas Redd, PSU, 24-138-1 rush; 2-93-1 rec
East Conference: Bryn Renner, UNC, 24-30-342-4-1 pass
Southeast Conference: Tyler Bray, UT, 24-37-343-3-0 pass
South Central Conference: Chris Relf, MSU, 11-22-230-5-0
Southwest Conference: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 27-264-3 rush

And the National Player of the Week Award goes to....
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/4276764/uspw_5513524_large_medium.jpg

Terrance Owens, Toledo. The QB was huge in defeating Purdue 52-31 and move the Rockets into second place in North Conference Division 1.

[StLee]

Top 10:
1. Alabama (7-0)
2. Oregon (7-0)
3. Wisconsin (7-0)
4. Virginia Tech (7-0)
5. Arkansas (7-0)
6. LSU (7-0)
7. Michigan State (7-0)
8. USC (6-1)
9. Florida (6-1)
10. Texas (7-0)


National Player of the Week Finalists:
West Conference: LaMichael James, Oregon, 28-270-3 rush
Northwest Conference: John White, Utah, 26-220-3 rush
North Conference: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 27-40-412-5-0 pass
Northeast Conference: Silas Redd, PSU, 24-138-1 rush; 2-93-1 rec
East Conference: Bryn Renner, UNC, 24-30-342-4-1 pass
Southeast Conference: Tyler Bray, UT, 24-37-343-3-0 pass
South Central Conference: Chris Relf, MSU, 11-22-230-5-0
Southwest Conference: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor, 27-264-3 rush

And the National Player of the Week Award goes to....
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/4276764/uspw_5513524_large_medium.jpg

Terrance Owens, Toledo. The QB was huge in defeating Purdue 52-31 and move the Rockets into second place in North Conference Division 1.

[collegesportsfanms]

great stuff stlee, really enjoying how this plays out. I had something similar to this that I was doing with college basketball, but I had too many other projects going on that I had to scrap it. I like what you're doing with this though and look forward to more projects like this. Maybe you could at some point do a college basketball project? just an idea.

[StLee]

great stuff stlee, really enjoying how this plays out. I had something similar to this that I was doing with college basketball, but I had too many other projects going on that I had to scrap it. I like what you're doing with this though and look forward to more projects like this. Maybe you could at some point do a college basketball project? just an idea.

Thanks!

Right now, I plan to do a 2012 season replay with the same set up (and the added value of actually having some of these teams in game, like UTSA and Texas State). After that, I don't know what I'll do. Perhaps I can look into a NCAA Basketball Replay, but I don't know if it would be necessary to realign. Also, there are so many teams that I would probably have to select the Elite 128 or something like that.

[StLee]

East Conference 13th-14th Place
East Carolina 34 at Marshall 14
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 28-51-342-1-1
Leading Rusher: Torrance Hunt, ECU, 17-67-2
Leading Receiver: Lance Lewis, ECU, 9-158-1
Game MVP: Lance Lewis, WR, ECU

Southeast Conference 7th-8th Place
South Florida 22 at Auburn 30
Leading Passer: Barrett Trotter, Auburn, 31-59-388-3-1
Leading Rusher: BJ Daniels, USF, 19-96
Leading Receiver: Sterling Griffin, USF, 5-90
Game MVP: Barrett Trotter, QB, Auburn

Northeast Conference 13th-14th Place
Kent State 3 at Buffalo 25
Leading Passer: Chazz Anderson, Buffalo, 16-24-162-1-0
Leading Rusher: Trayion Durham, Kent State, 21-105
Leading Receiver: Alex Neutz, Buffalo, 5-50-1
Game MVP: Branden Oliver, Buffalo, RB, 30-69-1 rush, 4-43 rec

East Conference 5th-6th Place
FIU 13 at Clemson 34
Leading Passer: Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 26-37-373-2-0
Leading Rusher: Kedrick Rhodes, FIU, 20-110
Leading Receiver: Sammy Watkins, 7-86-1
Game MVP: Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson, 373 passing-2 TDs, 14 rushing-TD

Northeast Conference 15th-16th Place
Akron 13 at Massachusetts 29
Leading Passer: Clayton Moore, Akron, 15-36-177-0-2
Leading Rusher: Jonathan Hernandez, RB, UMass, 20-126
Leading Receiver: Julian Talley, WR, UMass, 5-63-1
Game MVP: Kellen Pagel, QB, UMass, 19-26-169-2-0 pass, 16 rush

East Conference 11th-12th Place
Navy 3 at Wake Forest 44
Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 19-27-275-3-0
Leading Rusher: Brandon Pendergrass, WF, 24-126-2
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 3-86-1
Game MVP: Tanner Price, QB, Wake Forest

Southeast Conference 11th-12th Place
Georgia Southern 31 at Troy 50
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, Ga Southern, 31-54-425-4-4
Leading Rusher: Shawn Southward, Troy, 16-78-2
Leading Receiver: Kentrellis Showers, Ga Southern, 8-102
Game MVP: Corey Robinson, QB, Troy, 28-48-381-3-1

Northeast Conference Championship at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
Boston College 20 vs Penn State 37
Leading Passer: Matt McGloin, PSU, 26-44-348-2-0
Leading Rusher: Rolandan Finch, BC, 18-100
Leading Receiver: Derek Moye, PSU, 4-99
Game MVP: Matt McGloin, QB, Penn State

Game story:
The Nittany Lions had no trouble in disposing of Boston College to claim the first ever Northeast Conference championship.

Penn State jumped out to a 20-0 lead midway through the second quarter and held on to a 37-10 lead with 9:55 left in the game. The Eagles were able to score the last 10 points of the game for a seeming respectable 37-20 final.

The win means Penn State will be the host of the Northeast Regional when the NCAA 128 Tournament is announced. Boston College will have to wait to see where it ends up in the tournament.

The Nittany Lions took a 13-0 lead after one quarter. Anthony Fera kicked a pair of field goals from 47 and 45 yards. Silas Redd scored the first touchdown of the game, running in from one yard out. Redd finished with 74 yards rushing on 29 carries and two touchdowns.

In the second quarter, Game MVP Matt McGloin connected with Andrew Szczerba from seven yards out. Fera’s extra point made it 20-0 at that point. The Eagles finally answered by scoring on a five-yard pass from Chase Rettig to Chris Pantale. With 1:03 left in the half, Redd scored his second touchdown, this one also from a yard out. Boston College completed the scoring in the first half by kicking a late field goal to make it 27-10 in favor of Penn State.

Penn State then extended that lead in the third quarter. McGloin hit Justin Brown from 36 yards out, and Fera kicked his third field goal to give the Nittany Lions the 37-10 lead.

Boston College scored its final ten points from a Retting to Ifeanyi Momah pass from six yards out and a Nate Freese field goal. Rettig finished 14 of 29 for 226 yards and two touchdowns.


11 AM Games MVP:

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/313/860/124745483_display_image.jpg?1316279634

Barrett Trotter, QB, Auburn. Trotter had a big day in the Tigers' 30-22 win over USF. He finished 31 of 59 for 388 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in leading Auburn to seventh place in the Southeast Conference.

[sterlingice]

Shouldn't you be having Christmas and not posting here ;)

SI

[StLee]

Christmas is over in Korea, or at least the family part of Christmas was over. I was spending my time watching the Cowboys-Saints game on DVR at that time.
(As of this posting it is 11:20 AM on Wed., Dec. 26, making it 8:20 PM CST on Christmas Day in the States.)

I have more time today sitting in my office doing not much of anything, so I'll try to finish the championship round today or tomorrow.

[StLee]

East Conference 15th-16th Place
UNC-Charlotte 9 at Old Dominion 33
Leading Passer: Taylor Heinicke, ODU, 20-35-269-2-1
Leading Rusher: A. Guy, UNCC, 18-96
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, WR, ODU, 3-82
Game MVP: Taylor Heinicke, QB, Old Dominion

Southeast Conference 13th-14th Place
Florida Atlantic 13 at Western Kentucky 34
Leading Passer: Graham Wilbert, FAU, 21-45-289-0-2
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 39-226-2
Leading Receiver: Marcus Cunningham, FAU, 3-80
Game MVP: Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky

North Conference 7th-8th Place
Purdue 33 at Eastern Michigan 7
Leading Passer: Caleb TerBush, Purdue, 23-39-340-3-1
Leading Rusher: Dominique White, EMU, 17-83-1
Leading Receiver: Ralph Bolden, Purdue, 2-61-1 and Antavian Edison, Purdue, 4-61
Game MVP: Caleb TerBush, QB, Purdue

North Conference 3rd-4th Place
Toledo 27 at Michigan 32
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Toledo, 22-34-295-2-1
Leading Rusher: Adonis Thomas, Toledo, 24-135
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Toledo, 11-139-1
Game MVP: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan, 10-18-232 pass, 21-70-1 rush

Northeast Conference 11th-12th Place
Maryland 10 at Army 42
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Maryland, 13-42-165-1-5
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 21-236-3
Leading Receiver: Matt Furstenburg, Maryland, 5-55
Game MVP: Raymond Maples, RB, Army

Northeast Conference 5th-6th Place
Syracuse 16 at Temple 18
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, Syracuse, 17-29-155-1-0
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, Syracuse, 28-205-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Provo, Syracuse, 4-47
Game MVP: Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse

Southeast Conference 3rd-4th Place
Tennessee 14 at Georgia 41
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 18-23-255-1-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 26-122-3
Leading Receiver: Justin Hunter, Tennessee, 6-85-1
Game MVP: Isaiah Crowell, RB, UGA

East Conference Championship at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
North Carolina 31 vs Virginia Tech 16
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 23-35-364-2-1
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 28-127-2
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 7-80-1
Game MVP: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina 28-127-2 rush, 3-39-1 rec

Game Story:

North Carolina pulled off the first championship game upset of the day, defeating the favored Hokies 31-16 in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Virginia Tech led most of the game before the Tar Heels took the lead for good with 1:24 left in the third quarter. Game MVP Giovani Bernard scored on a 29-yard pass from Bryn Renner to give North Carolina a 21-16 lead at that point.

The Tar Heels then scored all 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a four-yard Bernard run, his third touchdown of the game.

The Hokies took the first lead of the game with 12:55 left in the second quarter when David Wilson scored his first of two touchdowns from three yards out. Wilson finished the game with 92 yards on 24 touchdowns rushing and three catches for 17 yards.

North Carolina answered in the quarter when Bernard scored his first touchdown on the day, an 18-yard scamper to make it 7-7. Virginia Tech then answered with a 43-yard Cody Journell field goal for a 10-7 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Tar Heels were the first to score. This time it was a three-yard strike from Renner to Dwight Jones. Renner was the leading passer on the day, finishing 23 of 35 for 364 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

After UNC’s score, Virginia Tech took its final lead of the game when Wilson scored on a three-yard run. Journell’s extra point attempt missed, giving the Hokies a 16-14 lead before the Tar Heels’ go-ahead score later in the quarter.

Logan Thomas had an off day for Virginia Tech, going 16 of 25 for 185 yards and an interception.

With the win. North Carolina will represent the East Conference as the number one home seed, while Virginia Tech will have to wait to see where it goes in the tournament.


12:30 Games MVP

http://media.knoxnews.com/media/img/photos/2011/10/08/media_30455e2d030c4af994286a0834614cd6_t607.jpg

Raymond Maples, RB, Army. Maples ran wild on Maryland, finishing with 236 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns. The Black Knights defeated Maryland 42-10 to earn 11th place in the Northeast Conference.

[StLee]

North Conference 15th-16th Place
Illinois 38 at Indiana 19
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, Indiana, 18-31-236-1-0
Leading Rusher: Jason Ford, Illinois, 20-78-1
Leading Receiver: Dre Muhammad, Indiana, 5-82
Game MVP: Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois, 11-13-165 pass, 17-43-2 rush

Northeast Conference 9th-10th Place
Pittsburgh 14 at Connecticut 7
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, UConn, 16-31-199-0-0
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 25-92-1
Leading Receiver: Devin Street, Pitt, 4-67
Game MVP: Tino Sunseri, QB, Pitt, 19-25-188-0-1 pass, 33 rush-TD

North Conference 11th-12th Game
Western Michigan 17 at Ohio State 23
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 26-33-270-2-2
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, OSU, 22-171-2
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 13-145-1
Game MVP: Dan Herron, RB, OSU

Northeast Conference 3rd-4th Place
Rutgers 7 at West Virginia 47
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 24-36-290-3-0
Leading Rusher: Dustin Garrison, WVU, 20-153-2
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 10-114
Game MVP: Dustin Garrison, RB, WVU, 153 rush-2 TD, 27 rec-TD

East Conference 7th-8th Place
North Carolina State 23 at Virginia 33
Leading Passer: Mike Glennon, NCSU, 19-37-269-1-3
Leading Rusher: Perry Jones, UVA, 20-138
Leading Receiver: TJ Graham, NCSU, 4-83
Game MVP: Michael Rocco, QB, UVA, 14-24-179-3-1

Northeast Conference 7th-8th Place
Bowling Green 13 at Ohio 14
Leading Passer: Matt Schilz, BGSU, 19-29-197-0-0
Leading Rusher: Jamel Martin, BGSU, 12-90
Leading Receiver: Kamar Jorden, BGSU, 7-82
Game MVP: Ryan Boykin, RB, Ohio, 11-60-1 rush, 1-7 rec

Southeast Conference 5th-6th Place
Vanderbilt 14 at Georgia Tech 3
Leading Passer: Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt, 17-25-221-2-0
Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, 22-84
Leading Receiver: John Cole, Vanderbilt, 3-60
Game MVP: Jordan Rodgers, QB, Vanderbilt

North Conference Championship at Soldier Field, Chicago
Cincinnati 13 vs Michigan State 27
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 19-33-263-1-2
Leading Rusher: Edwin Baker, MSU, 19-103-1
Leading Receiver: Brian Linthicum, MSU, 3-95-1
Game MVP: Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State, INT, 89-yard TD

Game story:

Michigan State struggled mightily in its North Conference Championship Game against Cincinnati at Soldier Field in Chicago. Yet, when it needed one final lift, its defense stepped up, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 5:26 remaining in the Spartans 27-13 win over the Bearcats.

Cincinnati led 13-10 entering the fourth quarter in a day where the Spartans’ Kirk Cousins was off most of the day. He finished the day by going 19 of 33 for 263 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. That lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when Michigan State put the game away.

In the fourth, though, Michigan State first had to take the lead. They tied the game 10-10 on a 30-yard Dan Conroy field goal with 14:56 to play. Then, with 5:26 left in the game, Bearcats quarterback Munchie Legaux made his biggest mistake of the day.

After Cincinnati picked off Cousins for the second time, they had the ball in good field position at midfield. Legaux then drove the Bearcats to the Spartans’ 12-yard line. Legaux then tried to throw a quick out on a second and nine play, but Michigan State cornerback Johnny Adams made a break on the pass and cruised 89 yards for the 20-13 lead.

Michigan State started the scoring in the game when Conroy kicked a 20-yard field goal in the first. The Bearcats matched with a 39-yard Tony Miliano field goal to make it 3-3 after one quarter.

The Spartans took the lead again with just 53 seconds remaining in the half on an Edwin Baker 10-yard run. That gave MSU a 10-3 lead at halftime.

The third quarter was all Cincinnati. Alex Chisum led off the scoring on a 14-yard reception from Legaux. Legaux finished 19 of 41 for 260 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions on the day. Miliano then kicked his second field goal to make it 13-10 in favor of the Bearcats heading into the fourth quarter.

Michigan State’s final touchdown came when Cousins connected deep with Brian Linthicum for a 45-yard score. Linthicum was the leading receiver in the game, catching three passes for 95 yards.

Michigan State will now be a host for the North Region in the NCAA 128 Tournament, meaning they will play home games for every remaining game on the season, unless they make it to the final eight, in which case they play all games at a neutral site. Cincinnati will wait to see where it plays, though the Bearcats will be guaranteed at least one home game as a number two seed.


2:00 Games MVP:

http://goldandbluezone.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WVU-vs-Rutgers-snow.jpg

Dustin Garrison, RB, WVU. Garrison scored three touchdowns--two rushing and one receiving--in the Mountaineers' 47-7 shellacking of Rutgers in a snow-covered Morgantown campus. He gained 153 yards rushing and 27 receiving, as the Mountaineers claim third place in the Northeast Conference.

[StLee]

Northwest Conference 7th-8th Place
Utah State 26 at Missouri 15
Leading Passer: Adam Kennedy, USU, 14-20-189-1-0
Leading Rusher: De’Vion Moore, Missouri, 8-77-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Austin, USU, 4-67
Game MVP: Adam Kennedy, QB, Utah State

Northwest Conference 3rd-4th Place
Utah 17 at Iowa 44
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 19-28-298-3-2
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 31-224-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 5-101-2
Game MVP: Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa 224 rush-TD, 29 rec

South Central Conference 13th-14th Place
UAB 21 at Rice 52
Leading Passer: Nick Fanuzzi, Rice, 16-32-262-0-0
Leading Rusher: Tyler Smith, Rice, 18-156-2
Leading Receiver: Vance McDonald, Rice, 3-73
Game MVP: Tyler Smith, RB, Rice

Northwest Conference 9th-10th Place
Air Force 32 at Nebraska 35
Leading Passer: Tim Jefferson, AFA, 5-9-117-2-0
Leading Rusher: Rex Burkhead, Nebraska, 29-178-2
Leading Receiver: Jonathan Warzeka, AFA, 1-74-1
Game MVP: Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska

North Conference 13th-14th Place
Central Michigan 57 at Ball State 24
Leading Passer: Ryan Radcliff, CMU, 26-40-473-5-1
Leading Rusher: Jahwan Edwards, Ball State, 19-107
Leading Receiver: Zurlon Tipton, CMU, 4-116-1
Game MVP: Ryan Radcliff, QB, Central Michigan

East Conference 9th-10th Place
Miami (FL) 31 at Duke 17
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 36-53-373-2-1
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Miami, 21-132
Leading Receiver: Conner Vernon, Duke, 7-98
Game MVP: Jacory Harris, QB, Miami, 18-28-250-2-3 pass, 10 rush-TD

Southeast Conference 9th-10th Place
Kentucky 10 at Central Florida 45
Leading Passer: Jeff Godfrey, UCF, 20-30-240-2-1
Leading Rusher: Latavius Murray, UCF, 13-91-1
Leading Receiver: Adam Nissley, UCF, 5-51
Game MVP: Jeff Godfrey, QB, Central Florida

Southeast Conference Championship at Georgia Dome, Atlanta
Florida 12 vs Alabama 20
Leading Passer: John Brantley, Florida, 19-46-322-0-1
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Alabama, 25-105-1
Leading Receiver: Quinton Dunbar, Florida, 4-80
Game MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama, 25-105-1 rush, 2-24 rec

Game Story:

Alabama had its first close call of the season, but the Tide came out victorious in claiming the Southeast Conference championship.

The Crimson Tide trailed 12-10 entering the fourth quarter but got a touchdown and field goal to claim the 20-12 victory over Florida. Alabama is now the host of the Southeast Regional of the NCAA 128 Tournament and enters as the #1 overall seed.

The Gators held on to a lead for a large chunk of the game, but they could never push the ball into the end zone. Caleb Sturgis kicked four field goals on the day to score all of Florida’s points.

Alabama was once again led by the legs of Trent Richardson. Richardson had a game-high 105 yards rushing on 25 carries, and he scored the game-winning touchdown with 11:23 left in the fourth when he ran in from nine yards out.

The Crimson Tide’s other touchdown came with 1:42 in the second quarter and trailing 9-3. AJ McCarron hit Darius Hanks on a 30-yard pass to give Alabama its first lead of the game, 10-9, going into the half. McCarron finished 19 of 30 for 260 yards and a touchdown.

Florida seemed to have the best of Alabama most of the game. The Gators outgained Alabama 446-365 in the game, but the Crimson Tide’s defense stiffened in the red zone, only allowing Florida to score nine points on four trips there.

John Brantley finished the game with 322 yards passing, but he did throw one costly red zone interception to Courtney Upshaw. Brantley was also sacked four times in the game.


3:30 Games MVP:

http://media.mlive.com/chippewas_impact/photo/cent-michigan-iowa-footballjpg-67934cd4171831ca.jpg

Ryan Radcliff, QB, Central Michigan. The Chippewas' quarterback threw for a season-high 473 yards on 26 of 40 passing with five touchdowns and an interception in Central Michigan's 57-24 win at Ball State. Central Michigan earned 13th place in the North Conference with the win.

[StLee]

South Central Conference 15th-16th Place
Tulane 44 at Memphis 17
Leading Passer: Ryan Griffin, Tulane, 18-30-282-2-1
Leading Rusher: Orleans Darkwa, Tulane, 24-167-3
Leading Receiver: Joe Kemp, Tulane, 3-67-1
Game MVP: Orleans Darkwa, RB, Tulane

North Conference 9th-10th Place
Northern Illinois 27 at Louisville 29
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, 23-35-350-3-2
Leading Rusher: Jasmin Hopkins, NIU, 24-86
Leading Receiver: Josh Chichester, Louisville, 5-120-2
Game MVP: Josh Chichester, WR, Louisville

South Central Conference 9th-10th Place
Ole Miss 14 at UL-Lafayette 30
Leading Passer: Blaine Gautier, ULL, 17-26-253-3-0
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 20-73
Leading Receiver: Ladarius Green, ULL, 5-96-2
Game MVP: Blaine Gautier, QB, ULL

Southwest Conference 7th-8th Place
Tulsa 44 at UT-San Antonio 7
Leading Passer: GJ Kinne, Tulsa, 21-28-249-4-0
Leading Rusher: Trey Watts, Tulsa, 20-78-1
Leading Receiver: Bryan Burnham, Tulsa, 4-93
Game MVP: GJ Kinne, QB, Tulsa

North Conference 5th-6th Place
Miami (OH) 28 at Notre Dame 21
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Miami, 27-38-332-3-1
Leading Rusher: Cierre Wood, ND, 25-115-2
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Miami, 9-150-1
Game MVP: Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (OH)

Southeast Conference 3rd-4th Place
Florida State 31 at South Carolina 6
Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 16-26-218-1-0
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 20-133-2
Leading Receiver: Nick O’Leary, FSU, 3-51
Game MVP: Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida State

Southwest Conference 3rd-4th Place
Oklahoma 44 at Baylor 49
Leading Passer: Robert Griffin, Baylor, 17-19-346-4-0
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 23-152-1
Leading Receiver: Kendall Wright, Baylor, 6-116-2
Game MVP: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor, 346 pass-4TD, 30 rush

South Central Conference Championship at Superdome, New Orleans
Arkansas 17 vs LSU 20, OT
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, 23-40-275-1-0
Leading Rusher: Spencer Ware, LSU, 23-81-1
Leading Receiver: Reuben Randle, LSU, 5-91
Game MVP: Spencer Ware, RB, LSU

Game Story:

Both teams used their dominating defenses to keep the game low-scoring before a fourth quarter points surge and LSU’s eventual win in overtime in the South Central Conference Championship Game.

LSU’s Drew Alleman kicked a 28-yard field goal with 11 seconds left in regulation and then scored the only points of overtime with his 19-yarder to give LSU its 20-17 final.

The Tigers were led by running back Spencer Ware, who finished the game with 81 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 16 yards.

The Razorbacks were tied or led most of the game. They took their first lead with 9:28 left in the second quarter when Dennis Johnson ran in from six yards. Johnson finished with 49 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.

LSU answered later in the first quarter when Ware scored from two yards out. For the game, LSU outrushed Arkansas 148-76.

With 6:05 left in the third quarter, the Razorbacks took the lead again on Zach Hocker’s 35-yard field goal.

The Tigers took their first lead of the game with 14:26 left to play. Jordan Jefferson connected with Odell Beckham from five yards out, giving LSU a 14-10 lead at that point. Jefferson finished 17 of 28 for 244 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Arkansas wasted no time, though, in reclaiming the lead. Tyler Wilson drove the Razorbacks downfield and finished the drive off when he hit Jarius Wright on a deep post from 26 yards out. With 11:08, Arkansas held on to a 17-14 lead, before Alleman’s game-tying field goal for LSU.

In overtime, the Tigers had first possession. After an Arkansas penalty gave LSU the ball with first and goal at the nine, the Razorbacks’ defense stiffened, stopping the LSU drive at the two-yard line.

Arkansas then got the ball but could only gain a yard. Hocker’s 41-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, sparking celebration in the mostly pro-LSU Superdomw crowd.

With the win, LSU is host to the South Central Region of the NCAA 128 Tournament and will be a #1 seed. Arkansas will be a #2 seed in a yet-to-be-named regional.


5:00 Games MVP:

http://kwtv.images.worldnow.com/images/16084608_BG1.jpg

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. The Baylor quarterback exploded against Oklahoma in leading the Bears to the 49-44 win and third place in the Southwest Conference. RGIII finished 17 of 19 for 346 yards (20. 4 yards per completion and 18.2 yards per attempt) with four touchdowns. He also rushed for another 30 yards.

[StLee]

Southeast Conference 15th-16th Place
MTSU 20 at Georgia State 24
Leading Passer: Logan Kilgore, MTSU, 21-38-237-1-0
Leading Rusher: Donald Russell, Georgia St, 23-195-1
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Beyah, MTSU, 6-110-1
Game MVP: Donald Russell, RB, Georgia State

Southwest Conference 15th-16th Place
Texas State 35 at North Texas 42
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NTU, 22-35-359-5-0
Leading Rusher: Marcus Curry, TSU, 36-202-3
Leading Receiver: Michael Outlaw, NTU, 3-76-1
Game MVP: Derek Thompson, QB, North Texas

South Central Conference 11th-12th Place
UL-Monroe 28 at South Alabama 20
Leading Passer: Kolton Browning, ULM, 20-36-260-1-2
Leading Rusher: Centarius Donald, ULM, 13-93-3
Leading Receiver: Tavarese Maye, ULM, 4-75
Game MVP: Centarius Donald, RB, UL-Monroe

South Central Conference 7th-8th Place
Louisiana Tech 34 at Southern Miss 12
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 22-35-353-4-1
Leading Rusher: Lennon Creer, LTU, 19-98
Leading Receiver: Taulib Ikharo, LTU, 4-157-3
Game MVP: Taulib Ikharo, WR, Louisiana Tech

South Central Conference 5th-6th Place
Texas A&M 24 at Mississippi State 20
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 21-33-239-1-2
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 20-137-1
Leading Receiver: Arceto Clark, MSU, 5-62
Game MVP: Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State
Note: Texas A&M scored 14 points on a PR and blocked punt.

Northwest Conference 5th-6th Place
BYU 13 at Wyoming 29
Leading Passer: Jake Heaps, BYU, 21-50-236-1-5
Leading Rusher: Alvester Alexander, Wyoming, 19-67-1
Leading Receiver: Marcus Mathews, BYU, 4-59
Game MVP: Brett Smith, QB, Wyoming, 15-27-202-2-0 pass, 20 rush

Southwest Conference 5th-6th Place
Texas Tech 22 at Oklahoma State 38
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 24-38-354-1-0
Leading Rusher: Eric Stephens, TTU, 19-132-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 8-144
Game MVP: Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State, 22-82-2 rush, 4-31 rec

Southwest Conference Championship at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, TX
TCU 27 vs Texas 41
Leading Passer: Case McCoy, Texas, 20-30-254-3-0
Leading Rusher: Waymon James, TCU, 13-211-1
Leading Receiver: Josh Boyce, TCU, 5-66
Game MVP: Case McCoy, QB, Texas

Game Story:

Texas built a big first half lead and then held on to defeat TCU in the Southwest Conference Championship Game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Case McCoy had a big day for the Longhorns, finishing 20 of 30 for 254 yards and three touchdowns to earn the game MVP. Texas is now the number one seed in the Southwest Region of the NCAA 128 Tournament.

Scoring was tough to come by early in the game. Justin Tucker kicked two field goals in the first quarter to give Texas a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, the Horned Frogs’ Ross Evans cut the lead to 6-3 on a 31-yard field goal. It wasn’t until 1:29 remained in the half before the first touchdown was scored. McCoy made that touchdown happen by connecting with DJ Monroe on a three-yard score for a 13-3 lead.

After a quick three and out by TCU, Texas got the ball back on a short punt at the TCU 46. They then drove 46 yards in 7 plays, capped off by McCoy connecting with Jaxon Shipley from five yards out and a 20-3 halftime lead.

The Longhorns extended their lead to 27-3 early in the second half on Marquise Goodwin’s 46-yard touchdown run on an end around. TCU answered with its first touchdown later in the quarter when Ed Wesley scored from five yards out to make it 27-10.

Texas scored again with 5:07 left in the third quarter on a 12-yard Joe Bergeron run, making the score 34-10 after three.

TCU then started its run to make the game exciting. With 14:20 left in the game, Matthew Tucker scored from 28 yards out. Casey Pachall then connected with Antoine Hicks for the two-point conversion and a 34-18 Longhorns’ lead. After a stop, TCU got the ball back and drove to the ball to the Texas 1, thanks in part to a 67-yard run by Waymon James, who finished with a game-high 211 yards rushing on just 13 carries.

Despite the Horned Frogs’ drive, they were stopped at the 1, giving the Longhorns the ball back. But on the first play from scrimmage, McCoy was sacked by Tanner Brock for a safety and the lead cut to 14 points. On the ensuing possession, TCU drove down field and scored on James’ 23-yard run. The point after attempt made the score 34-27 in favor of Texas with 4:44 left.

With all of the momentum in the Horned Frogs’ favor, Texas answered with an 8-play, 70-yard drive for the game’s final points and a 41-27 win. McCoy hit Darius White from 15 yards out for the final points. The Horned Frogs could not answer the last Texas score, giving the Longhorns the conference crown.



6:30 Games MVP:

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Derek+Thompson+qVwjM1ohVf_m.jpg

Derek Thompson, QB, North Texas. It was hard to pick a player who shined in a game to avoid last place in the conference, but there is no doubt the Mean Green's Thompson put up some stellar number for a college football game. The North Texas QB finished 22 of 35 for 359 yards and five touchdowns in the Mean Green's 42-35 win over Texas State in the battle for 15th place in the Southwest Conference.

[StLee]

Southwest Conference 13th-14th Place
Kansas 28 at New Mexico 24
Leading Passer: BR Holbrook, NMU, 24-38-280-2-0
Leading Rusher: Tony Pierson, KU, 6-69-1
Leading Receiver: Jimmay Mundine, KU, 3-71
Game MVP: BR Holbrook, QB, New Mexico

West Conference 11th-12th Place
San Jose State 31 at Nevada 33
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 28-46-393-3-4
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nevada, 2-168-2
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 8-105-2
Game MVP: Lampford Mark, RB, Nevada

Northwest Conference 15th-16th Place
Minnesota 31 at Colorado 7
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, Colorado, 15-33-183-0-0
Leading Rusher: Duane Bennett, Minnesota, 21-126-1
Leading Receiver: Toney Clemons, Colorado, 3-40
Game MVP: Duane Bennett, RB, Minnesota

Southwest Conference 11th-12th Place
Kansas State 23 at UTEP 10
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 22-37-265-0-2
Leading Rusher: Collin Klein, KSU, 33-153-1
Leading Receiver: Julio Lopez, UTEP, 4-59
Game MVP: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State, 1-2-17-1-0 pass, 153-TD rush

Southwest Conference 9th-10th Place
SMU 32 at New Mexico State 28
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 33-56-442-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jared Williams, SMU, 18-117-1
Leading Receiver: Darius Johnson, SMU, 9-126-1
Game MVP: JJ McDermott, QB, SMU

Northwest Conference 11th-12th Place
Iowa State 36 at Colorado State 10
Leading Passer: Pete Thomas, CSU, 16-31-161-0-2
Leading Rusher: James White, ISU, 16-131-1
Leading Receiver: Lou Greenwood, CSU, 3-47
Game MVP: James White, RB, Iowa State

South Central Conference 3rd-4th Place
Arkansas State 13 at Houston 42
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, Houston, 24-34-318-3-0
Leading Rusher: Derek Lawson, Arkansas St, 13-75
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Frampton, Arkansas St, 7-108
Game MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Houston

Northwest Conference Championship at Mile High Stadium, Denver
Boise State 61 vs Wisconsin 58, OT
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 33-51-421-4-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisconsin, 29-257-3
Leading Receiver: Tyler Shoemaker, BSU, 5-99
Game MVP: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State, 23-105-4 rush, 6-72-1 rec

Game Story:

If the Northwest Conference is going to be anything like this, we say good riddance to traditional conferences!

In what was an exciting, never-say-defense explosion, Boise State edged Wisconsin 62-58 in overtime for the Northwest Conference championship in a sold out Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.

The Broncos’ Doug Martin, who earned game most valuable player honors, scored the winning touchdown in overtime on a seven-yard pass from Kellen Moore. Martin finished the day with 104 yards rushing on 23 carries and 4 touchdowns, to go with 72 yards receiving on 6 catches and the game-winning score. Moore also had a big day, finishing 33 of 51 for 421 yards and four touchdowns.

Boise State had the lead for most of the game, with their largest lead of the game being 21 points with 4:59 left in the third quarter on a Moore to DJ Harper connection.

Scoring and offense was definitely the story of the day. The Badgers outgained Boise State in the game 569-582. The difference may have come in turnovers, where Wisconsin turned over the ball two times to none for Boise State.

The Badgers took the first lead of the game when Russell Wilson connected with Nick Toon for a three-yard strike. On the day, Wilson was 15 of 25 for 257 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Toon finished with five receptions for 87 yards and three touchdowns.

Boise State answered with three straight scores, taking a 14-7 lead after one quarter and then a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter. Wisconsin answered with another Wilson to Toon connection, this time from 26 yards out to make the Broncos’ lead only 21-14.

After Martin scored his first touchdown of the game from four yards out, Wisconsin finished the first-half scoring with a 44-yard Kyle French field goal to make it a 28-17 game at the half. Ball finished with 257 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns, all coming in the second half.

In the third quarter, Martin struck again from four yards out for a 34-17 Boise State lead. However, Dan Goodale missed the extra point, which became important later in the game.

Following the touchdown that gave Boise State its biggest lead of 41-20, Wisconsin answered with a 60-yard Montee Ball scamper to cut the lead to 41-27. Ball finished with 257 yards on 29 rushes and three touchdowns.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Martin scored his third rushing touchdown, but again Goodale missed the extra point for a 47-27 Broncos’ lead. After, Ball scored two straight touchdowns from 13 and 2 yards respectively to put the Badgers right back in the game at 47-41.

On the Badgers’ next possession, they took their first lead since the first quarter when Wilson connected with Jared Abbrederis from six yards out. The PAT gave Wisconsin a 48-47 lead with 5:15 to play.

Boise State answered quickly, though, scoring in less than a minute on Martin’s fourth TD run from 19 yards out. Moore then hit Matt Miller for the two-point conversion and 1 55-48 lead.

Wisconsin then drove downfield on the back of Ball. The drive was capped off when Wilson found Toon for the third time in the end zone and the Badgers were able to tie the game and send it to overtime tied 55-55.

The Badgers got the ball first in overtime, but they stalled at the 17-yard line, forcing French to kick a 34-yard field goal and take a 58-55 lead.

Boise State then got the ball. Martin rushed on first down from the 25-yard line, but got no gain. Moore then connected with Miller for an 18-yard gain, thanks to a missed tackle. On the third offensive play, Martin sprinted out of the backfield, and Moore hit him in stride for the seven-yard touchdown and the Boise State win.

With the win, the Northwest Region goes through Boise. The Broncos will be a #1 seed with their upset of Wisconsion. The Badgers will have to wait to see where they are sent in the tournament.



8:00 Games MVP:

http://media.mlive.com/spartans_impact/photo/11502068-large.jpg

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State. It doesn't get any better than being the MVP in a game of MVPs. Five players from this game could be in the running for National Player of the Week, but Martin stood out, scoring five touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime to help the Broncos defeat Wisconsin 61-58 for the Northwest Conference championship. In the game, Martin rushed 23 times for 105 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 72 yards and the game-winning score.

[StLee]

West Conference 15th-16th Place
UNLV 25 at Hawaii 33
Leading Passer: Bryant Moniz, Hawaii, 28-43-368-4-1
Leading Rusher: Tim Cornett, UNLV, 13-99
Leading Receiver: Royce Pollard, Hawaii, 7-142-1
Game MVP: Bryant Moniz, QB, Hawaii

West Conference 13th-14th Place
California 29 at Fresno State 17
Leading Passer: Derek Carr, FSU, 29-42-379-1-1
Leading Rusher: Isi Sofele, Cal, 22-96-2
Leading Receiver: Jalen Saunders, FSU, 5-102
Game MVP: Isi Sofele, RB, California

Northwest Conference 13th-14th Place
Northwestern 34 at Idaho 6
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, Northwestern, 21-29-314-3-1
Leading Rusher: Kama Bailey, Idaho, 12-60
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, Northwestern, 6-104-2
Game MVP: Dan Persa, QB, Northwestern

West Conference 9th-10th Place
San Diego State 41 at Oregon State 33
Leading Passer: Sean Mannion, OSU, 35-56-432-1-3
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 22-163-2
Leading Receiver: Dylan Denso, SDSU, 3-84
Game MVP: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State, 23-39-368-3-0

West Conference 7th-8th Place
Washington 27 at Arizona 45
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Arizona, 34-44-407-4-0
Leading Rusher: Chris Polk, UW, 23-168
Leading Receiver: Chris Polk, UW, 4-114-2
Game MVP: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

West Conference 5th-6th Place
Washington State 17 at Arizona State 45
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 30-55-360-2-2
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 21-67-1
Leading Receiver: Gerell Robinson, ASU, 4-111
Game MVP: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State, 15-19-280-3-0

West Conference 3rd-4th Place
UCLA 10 at Stanford 45
Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stanford, 24-40-375-3-1
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stanford, 27-174-3
Leading Receiver: Coby Fleener, Stanford, 5-70-1
Game MVP: Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

West Conference Championship at Candlestick Park, San Francisco
USC 13 vs Oregon 35
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 27-41-310-0-3
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, UO, 25-110-1
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 11-124
Game MVP: Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon, 9-99-1 rush, 3-38 rec

Game story:

Boseko Lokombo returned a Matt Barkley interception to give Oregon a second-quarter lead, and two long rushing touchdowns blew the game open in the Ducks' 35-13 West Conference Championship victory over USC.

Lokombo’s interception, his first of two, came with 14:20 left in the second quarter. Four minutes later, Kenjon Barner broke off on a 75-yard touchdown run, marking the Ducks’ 14-3 halftime lead.

Early in the second half, Oregon’s LaMichael James had his turn on a long run, taking a sweep 44 yards for a 21-3 Oregon lead. Following a long 41-yard run by the Trojan’s D.J. Morgan, Oregon answered with two more touchdowns. Both were on Darron Thomas passes. The first went to Josh Huff for 10 yards and the second to Lavasier Tuinei for three yards.

Matt Barkley threw for a lot of yards on the day for USC, but he could not find the end zone. He finished 27 of 41 for 310 yards and 3 interceptions. His opponent, Thomas, was 14 of 25 for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.

As champions of the West Conference, Oregon will be the host of the West Region in the NCAA 128 Tournament.



9:30 Games MVP:

http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Nick+Foles+Oregon+v+Arizona+czQo2ZC5Zael.jpg

Nick Foles, QB, Arizona. Foles was dynamite in the Wildcats' 45-27 win over Washington. He finished 34 of 44 for 407yards and four touchdowns to help Arizona to seventh place in the West Conference.

[StLee]

Conference games are over, and we now have the placement for all 16 teams in each of the eight conferences. First off, congratulations to the conference champions.

Conference Champions:
West Conference: Oregon Ducks
Northwest Conference: Boise State Broncos
North Conference: Michigan State Spartans
Northeast Conference: Penn State Nittany Lions
East Conference: North Carolina Tarheels
Southeast Conference: Alabama Crimson Tide
South Central Conference: LSU Tigers
Southwest Conference: Texas Longhorns

Final Conference Standings:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/StandingsafterRound8Championships_zps110c9c2c.jpg

Teams highlighted in yellow indicate conference champions and home hosts to regional rounds in the NCAA 128 Tournament.

Each conference champion will be considered the home host of their regional bracket and has earned a #1 seed in the NCAA 128 Tournament.

Top 10:
1. Alabama (8-0)
2. Oregon (8-0)
3. LSU (8-0)
4. Michigan State (8-0)
5. Texas (8-0)
6. Boise State (7-1)
7. Wisconsin (7-1)
8. Arkansas (7-1)
9. North Carolina (7-1)
10. Penn State (7-1)


National Player of the Week:

http://media.mlive.com/spartans_impact/photo/11502068-large.jpg

Doug Martin, RB, Boise State. His statistics may not have matched the elite of the elite, but his five touchdowns (four rushing and one receiving), including the game-winning touchdown in overtime, helped him to win this week's National Player of the Week Award. Thanks to his stellar play, the Broncos' are a number one seed in the NCAA 128 tournament.

[StLee]

Andy: Good evening, college football fans. This is your host Andy Waywego bringing you this very special edition of Selection Sunday. I’m joined today by two college football experts, Horace Cope and Stan Dawfish. Good evening, gentlemen.

Horace: Good evening, Andy. I’m really excited to see what this tournament of everyone is going to look like.

Stan: Me, not so much. There’s a lot of trash in the waste basket for this one.

Andy: Well, guys. We probably need to tell the viewers about what changes have been made in Division I football. First of all, the BCS is no more.

Stan: Thank Cleopatra!

Andy: And there were eight new teams introduced to what used to be called the FBS or Football Bowl System. Now, there is a competitive name for Division I football: The Battle to ONE.

Horace: That one had better be good and hot. I don’t think the best team necessarily will be sitting on top of the mountain at the end of the season.

Stan: As long as a 16th seed isn’t sitting there at the end, I’ll be happy. Well, as long as about a 5th through 16th seed isn’t sitting there, I’ll be happy. There are some pretty mediocre clubs getting a chance at the big shot.

Andy: Perhaps it would be fitting to show our viewers the top eight national seeds. These are the #1 seeds ordered into a “place,” if you will. That means that any team, #1 or not, coming out of that particular bracket will gain a ranking order in the Elite 8 Tournament, the tournament for the eight teams that go 4-0 in their regions.

Horace: That’s right, Andy. We’ll talk about the national seeds in a minute, but it’ll be interesting to see what happens if some #1s stumble along the way. There could be a team out there that has a much easier path to the championship than some others.

Stan: I don’t understand why there’s no reseeding in this tournament. If you have the numbers 1, 4, 5, and 8 seeds make it and the others don’t, those four #1s will be battling it out for a chance to play a whatever seed on the other side of the bracket in the national championship. That’s just stupid to me. Reseed every round like the NFL does. Give the #1 team a reason to be there.

Andy: That could be a good way of doing things, but for right now teams are still seeded in the old way, through a vote. There is no way of knowing how those teams will do against other teams in the nation because they only had a chance to play against their own conference. So, we’ll see how fair it is, but for right now we know that each conference winner has been ranked 1 through 8. So, Stan, Horace, are you ready for the national seeds?

Stan: Let’s see them.

Andy: As the graphic goes up, let’s look at the national seeds:

1. ALABAMA 8-0 - Southeast Region
2. OREGON 8-0 - West Region
3. LSU 8-0 - South Central Region
4. MICHIGAN STATE 8-0 - North Region
5. TEXAS 8-0 - Southwest Region
6. BOISE STATE 7-1 - Northwest Region
7. NORTH CAROLINA 7-1 - East Region
8. PENN STATE 7-1 - Northeast Region

Andy: What do you think about the seeds?

Horace: For me, I don’t see anything really wrong with the rankings. I guess you could argue Boise State probably deserves a higher than sixth ranking, but to be fair they are 7-1 while the teams ahead of them are 8-0.

Stan: 7-1 or not, Boise State flat out beat the team I had as my #2 team, Wisconsin, going into the North Conference championship. I don't like that Boise State is there. They stumbled out of the blocks in one game, but they are superior to two, maybe three of the teams ahead of them.

Andy: So you’re saying you would seed Boise State at 3 or 4, even ahead of LSU?

Stan: I won’t go as far as saying I would put them ahead of LSU. No, I wouldn’t say that. I would definitely put them ahead of Michigan State and Texas, though. I think Boise State should have the chance based on the merit of their win.

Andy: Which of these eight teams is the most surprising #1 seed?

Horace: Definitely not Alabama or Oregon. Those teams are supposed to meet in the championship. For me, I’d go with North Carolina. I don’t think anyone expected them to be above Virginia Tech or Clemson or even South Carolina. Yet, they took care of business and kept winning.

Stan: My obvious choice would be Boise State because, like I said, I fully expected Wisconsin to win their conference. However, the bigger surprise to me is Penn State. I mean, this team has controversy surrounding it and this has got to be Joe Paterno’s last year on the sidelines, yet here they are as a #1 seed. They won’t win it, but it is impressive that they’re that high, even in a weak conference.

Andy: Of course, we’re going to see the regions soon, but without looking at the regions, which of these teams will probably win out in their bracket?

Horace: I think the selection committee got the top two right. They are both tough teams to beat.

Andy: And by the top two teams you mean Alabama and Oregon, right?

Horace: Yes, that’s right. Both of those teams basically dominated their conferences. Oregon had a tough go having to face Andrew Luck of Stanford and Matt Barkley of USC. I mean, those two guys are going to be first round draft picks next year, and Oregon just cruised by both of them.

Andy: It is worth noting that Barkley of USC has indicated he may return for his senior year.

Stan: I don’t think anyone is a safe bet. There are just too many factors. The only real advantage the #1 seeds have is that they’re hosting every game they play. But they still have to go 4-0 in those games, and that is not easy. Believe me.

Andy: Looking at the seeds per conference, do you feel like there is any conference that may make more noise than the others?

Stan: Other than what my predictions are going to be when we see the brackets, I think the Southwest Conference is going to be a tough out for the top half of that conference. Texas won the conference, but I think they had a chance because TCU, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State all beat each other up. And Baylor and Texas Tech and SMU are all coming out of that conference. I think that conference can make some noise and have a few teams go far into the tournament.

Andy: What do you think, Horace?

Horace: I think all the conferences have a great chance to do well. I like Stan’s pick of the Southwest Conference, but if I had to pick one, I might go with the East Conference. I talked about North Carolina already, but there are a lot of good to better than average teams in the conference. Florida State may not be the superpower we thought them to be, but they can still win some games. And Virginia Tech’s rushing game can challenge just about anybody in the country. Clemson has the freshman sensation Sammy Watkins, and that South Carolina defense can get after you. So, yeah, if I’m going to pick one, I pick the East.

Andy: Well, guys. Let’s take a commercial break here, and when we get back we’ll begin showing the selections, starting with the Southeast Region and #1 National Seed, Alabama.

[StLee]

Andy: We're back. Our tournament brackets are brought to you by http://www.printyourbrackets.com for all of your bracket needs. Now you can fill in your brackets online and print them!

Without further ado, here is the Southeast Region, hosted by #1 National Seed Alabama.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SoutheastRegion-FirstRound_zps299227ad.jpg

Stan: This is a surprise to start from me. My first thought is, who's going to challenge Alabama? I mean, they can almost play with their eyes closed and waltz into the Elite 8 Tournament.

Horace: Baylor could be a team to challenge them.

Stan: Yeah, they could. But Baylor doesn't play defense. The Alabama offense may not be the top in the nation, but they could probably give the ball to Trent Richardson 10 times and have him run for over 300 yards on that Baylor D.

Andy: If we can look at the brackets in quarters, who are the four teams still standing after two rounds.

Horace: I would have to go Bama, Oklahoma State, uh, Boston College, and Baylor.

Andy: Horace, you hesitated on saying Boston College. Any reason?

Horace: Yeah, I'll pick them to win there, but I guess the committee placed the weakest #2 seed in the best team's region. Boston College will probably win their first two games, but that's only because nobody else in that part of the bracket can do anything.

Stan: Boston College is going to lose early. Period. Who knows what was going on in that pathetic excuse of a conference they played in, but it's a shame they are that high in the tournament. I'm just going to go ahead and say it. Arizona's going to beat Boston College if Illinois doesn't do it first.

Andy: Wow! So you think the #2 seed will be out that early?

Stan: Not soon enough, I say. That team would have finished in the bottom half of their division in most conferences.

Andy: So who do you have as the final two in this region?

Horace: Alabama over Baylor.

Stan: No question. Alabama over Baylor.

[StLee]

I've run out of steam today. I'll be back tomorrow to post the rest of the regions. Thanks for reading and replying. It's helping to push me forward in this project.

[sterlingice]

A couple of questions on methodology:

Are you doing an s-curve like in the NCAA tourney?

And where are the tournament games held? Home site of higher seed or a "neutral" site like the NCAA basketball tourney (that favors the higher seed)? Or something else?

SI

[britrock88]

Go Heels!

[StLee]

A couple of questions on methodology:

Are you doing an s-curve like in the NCAA tourney?

And where are the tournament games held? Home site of higher seed or a "neutral" site like the NCAA basketball tourney (that favors the higher seed)? Or something else?

SI

I was planning to have a member of the NCAA Selection Committee explain some of their decisions, and I might still do that, but here are the basics:

1) For the selections, the top of the brackets (Seeds 1-8) is in an S-Curve, unless two teams from the same conference are seeded consecutively (1-2, 2-3, or 3-4) or on the same side of the bracket in seeds 1-8.

Therefore, the 8th national seed will be #1 and the perceived #9 team will be the #2 seed in that same bracket unless they are in the same conference. In that case, I would go to the next seed, #10 to be in #8's bracket.

I based the seeding partially on what the teams did in my simulation and what they did in the real 2011 season. Thus Wisconsin and Arkansas, for example are highly-seeded #2s compared to Boston College, which was a terrible team in real life!

For seeds 9-16, it was more like solving a puzzle. No more than three teams from a single conference could be in a bracket, and no two teams from a conference could possibly meet in the first two rounds. Thus the 1-8-9-16 combo had to be four teams from different conferences, as well as the 2-7-10-15, 3-6-11-14, and 4-5-12-13 combos.

I tried to also make no consecutive seeds from the same conference but somewhere along the way I just went with it. Here's the final puzzle look minus the teams selected:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/Colorbrackets_zps8fd04c50.jpg


2) The tournament games will always be at the higher-seeded team's site until the Elite 8 Tournament, where teams will be sent to bowl sites. I think I posted those on the first entry of this dynasty:

Championship game: Nashville
Semifinals: New Orleans and Pasadena
Quarterfinals: Tempe, Miami, Tampa, and Dallas (I believe)

I decided on home games as a basic reward for being a higher seed. This is not realistic, so in a future replay I might consider changing it to a neutral site if it is way too heavily in favor of the 1st-8th and then 1st-4th types of victories. However, I believe that there will be some surprises. Whatifsports spouts out a lot of random integers that make some game results interesting.

[StLee]

Andy: Now let's look at the West Region and #2-seeded Oregon.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/WestRegion-FirstRound_zps5af77d4c.jpg

Andy: Stan, anything that jumps out at you here?

Stan: Nothing much here. Oregon will get through the bracket easily. Cincinnati is not as bad as a #2 as Boston College, but I don't see them making much of a run. If anything, it's the #3 and #5 seeds in this bracket I think the Ducks have to look out for.

Andy: Those teams are West Virginia and Clemson. You think they have a shot?

Stan: A shot. But I wouldn't bet on it. Neither of them found a way to win out in their conference, so why would they be able to match up against a team like Oregon?

Andy: Horace, any predictions from you?

Horace: I think there are some nice hidden gems in this bracket. I'm really excited to see what Connecticut can do at Auburn, and I think one of the most interesting match ups may be Kansas State at Washington State. I'm not exactly sure why Kansas State didn't perform so well--it probably had to do with the high-powered offenses in their conference. But I could see them making a run, maybe even getting into the second or third round.

Stan: Kansas State is a run, run, and run some more kind of team. If they fall behind by more than 7 points, it's game over. I don't expect them to do anything. Does that mean they'll lose to Washington State? I don't know, but they won't beat West Virginia.

Andy: I think it's interesting you mentioned West Virginia. Aren't the Mountaineers a run-first team, too?

Stan: They are, but they can play defense. At least sometimes.

Andy: Horace, what about on Oregon's side of the bracket. Any interesting match ups there?

Horace: Arkansas State has been a fun team to watch this year. I know they lost their last two, but it will be interesting to see what they do if they host Clemson in the second round.

Andy: OK, and what are your Top 4 teams and the eventual winner?

Horace: This one's a little tough. I have some upsets. I'm going to go with Connecticut and West Virginia. And Oregon and Clemson. I think Oregon ends up winning over West Virginia.

Stan: I'm only going to go with one outside the top 4, Clemson. Oregon, West Virginia, and Cincinnati. I'll take Oregon over Cincinnati by 30.

Andy: Wow, 30? Not much confidence in this bracket either I see.

Stan: Oregon's going to win it all.

[StLee]

Andy: LSU is the #3 seed, and they will play host to the South Central Region.

The bracket looks this way.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthCentralRegion-FirstRound_zps4f7bfe71.jpg

Horace: Wow! This is a top-heavy bracket, with a few tough teams sprinkled in.

Andy: Can you give us some details?

Horace: We know what LSU did, but Florida was only derailed by Alabama, the #1, and Stanford by Oregon, the #2, or else those two teams would be #1 seeds, too. LSU will have a tough time winning this bracket.

Andy: What are some of the lower-ranked teams, maybe after the 5th seed, you see having a chance to advance?

Horace: Me? Hmmm, I might go with Nebraska. They got out to a slow start, but then they turned on the heat later in the season. But, I don't think they can beat LSU. They might, but they probably won't do it. Then you have Ohio State. They're usually a power. I just can't imagine them being an 11th seed. Surely they will make some noise in the tournament. And BYU is a team to watch out for. They're kind of like a sleeping giant as the 6th seed. If they can get past Ohio State in the first round without too many problems, I could see them in the Elite 8 Tourney.

Stan: Horace, Horace, Horace. What have you been smoking, my man? BYU? Ohio State? Nebraska? These teams can't find their way out of my daughter's Dora backpack, much less win this bracket. No. This one will be a straight shot. LSU is good. Florida is good. Stanford has Andrew Freakin' Luck. They are good. Toledo has Terrance Owens at QB. I think he was National Player of the Week one week. That team is good. And I don't even think Toledo will challenge for this bracket. It's going to be one of the top three here. Period. End of story. Put away your lighter.

Horace: I agree that those teams are good. I'm just saying that there are some teams that could cause a surprise or two.

Andy: So who are your top 4? Stan?

Stan: LSU, Florida, Stanford, Toledo. Stanford over LSU.

Andy: So the first #1 seed not predicted to make it to the finals?

Stan: Stanford is good. Luck is good. Fleener is good. LSU is good, but they can't handle a major league QB like Luck. Yeah, I'm picking Stanford to take this one.

Horace: I like the Stanford pick, but I think LSU edges them in the final. I'm also going to go with Florida and Arizona State as the final four from this bracket.

[sterlingice]

Love the selection bracket chats. :)

SI

[StLee]

Yeah, they're a little something different to breathe some freshness into the dynasty for the final surge.


Andy: At #4 in the nation, we have Michigan State and the North Bracket.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthRegion-FirstRound_zps5b0afa75.jpg

Andy: What are your initial impressions about this bracket?

Horace: I think this is the first bracket where you can legitimately consider that the #1 seed could lose early if it's not careful or has a few bad breaks or injuries. I don't think Memphis can beat Michigan State, but in the second round, Missouri and Miami most certainly could.

Stan: What do you live in a world of make believe? The #1 seeds aren't going to lose early. Not one of them. Some will lose late, but none of them are going down before they get to at least the final 32 teams. And the majority of the #1s are going to make it to the final 16 before some of them fall flat, ahem, North Carolina and Penn State.

Andy: Are there any tough match ups for higher seeds in the first round in the North?

Stan: Yes.

Andy: Do you care to elaborate?

Stan: No.

Horace: I'll chip in if I may, Andy. There are a few games where the lower seed is not as bad as they turned out. The most glaring of those is 13th ranked Northwestern. That team had high expectations that it could win or at least compete for the Northwest Conference, and they just fell flat all season. Still, I would expect them to at least be competitive in any game they play. Another match up where the higher seed could have trouble is the Nevada at Texas Tech game. It's not that long of a road trip, and who knows what might happen. Nevada played well against some tough teams.

Stan: Like who?

Horace: Well, they beat Washington and California this season.

Stan: Washington and California? Jesus Fernandez! If they're tough, then Alabama is the adamantium planet.

Andy: Stan, which of the top teams do you think will win by over 20 points in their match ups in he North?

Stan: I wouldn't be surprised if all of the top 8 in this bracket win by that much. There are some good quarterbacks across the top and some terrible defenses at the bottom.

Andy: OK. Who's your final four?

Stan: Michigan State, TCU, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

Andy: No Florida State?

Stan: They've disappointed me all year. Why not here, too?

Andy: And who do you have winning it?

Stan: Give me TCU over Texas A&M. I like the Tannehill kid, so I think he might lead that team on the brink of getting into the Top 8.

Andy: Horace?

Horace: I'm going to pick Michigan State to get knocked off a round earlier than Stan. I'll take Mizzou, Tennessee, Florida State, and TCU. And to win it, I'll say Florida State does win it, beating Missouri.

Andy: Missouri, huh? That's a really big push for the Tigers to get far.

Horace: Yeah, I think they could make a run and get hot at the right time.

Andy: OK, so we've gone through the first four seeds. When we come back, we'll look at the bracket of the next four seeds. Stay tuned.

[StLee]

Andy: Welcome back to the 2011 NCAA Football Selection Show. We're on our way to the Battle to ONE tournament. For the first time ever 128 teams will be battling it out for the right to call themselves the national champion. Every team has a shot to do it. Can a low seed get hot and make a run through the tournament to the end? Or will the top teams keep on winning on their way to the championship? We'll see. For now, let's look at the Southwest Region where Texas is the regional host.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthwestRegion-FirstRound_zps6cade602.jpg

Andy: Horace, Stan, the ball's in your court.

Stan: Basketball references? What a pansy game. Let's talk a real sport and some real teams. Texas isn't a great team, but they're the #1. I don't think they have what it takes to win it all because this bracket is just too tough with USC and Michigan and Rutgers. Hell, Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech could probably give the Longhorns a run for their money. And I think that starts up top with the coach. Mac Brown is losing his touch.

Andy: Wouldn't you say securing a #1 seed and the fifth seed nationally is great?

Stan: Not great. Just lucky. Put Texas against other teams in their conference and they would lose 2 out of 3. They just so happened to beat the only two teams worth a damn they faced: Baylor and TCU. They couldn't do it again, and they won't be in the quarterfinals in the national tournament this year.

Andy: Horace, what games intrigue you?

Horace: Are you kidding? All of them do! But if I had to choose, I'm really excited by the first-round match up between Northern Illinois and Virginia. I like Northern Illinois and I'm interested what they can do at Virginia. I also like the Navy-Vandy game. That could be a classic. In the second round, I'd be interested to see Michigan and Georgia Tech meet.

Andy: And who do you have as your final four here?

Horace: I have a real hard time voting against the top four seeds here, so I'm going to go with them. Texas, Rutgers, USC, and Michigan.

Andy: And the final game?

Horace: Hmmmm... It's hard to bet against a team that won a good conference, so I'm going to pick Texas over USC.

Stan: You two both know I won't pick Texas. I'm still mad that Boise State was passed over, so I'm picking Texas to lose, but I do see them getting past Rutgers for that side. On the other side, I'm going to take USC over Georgia Tech. Why not? Matt Barkley is too good, and that receiving corp is young but spectacular, so give me USC over Texas for the North.

Andy: You mean Southwest.

Stan: North, Southwest. Whatever. USC.

[StLee]

Andy: For the Northwest Region, we finally get to Stan's pet team, Boise State.

Stan: My pet team is Wisconsin. But Boise State is good, too. Better than Michigan State and Texas.

Andy: Here is Boise State's bracket.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthwestRegion-FirstRound_zps8fc9c036.jpg

Andy: Stan, do you feel Boise State has any challenges in this bracket?

Stan: Definitely. They have a tougher bracket than the other teams so far, especially the laughable bracket that is the Southeast. But, yeah, Georgia has a good quarterback and a good running game with Crowell. Virginia Tech has that Wilson fellow that runs wild every week. South Carolina's defense is one of the better in the nation. So, yeah, Boise State has to earn their way to the 8, but they will probably do it.

Horace: If Boise State plays the way they did against Wisconsin, no team in the country can stop them. At least on offense. Kellen Moore and Doug Martin are a lethal combination on the blue gridiron, and Boise is a tough place to play, so Boise State may have the biggest home field advantage of all the number one seeds.

Andy: Like I usually ask, what are some good match ups in this game?

Stan: I'm ready to answer this stupid question. I don't know what a good game will be, but I know what a good one should be. And the answer is every second round match except the Boise State against whoever they play. I think numbers one through seven win their first game no problem. None of those lower seeds match up well. The Southern Miss-San Diego State game? Who cares. The winner gets blown out the next week.

Horace: I agree with Stan here. I think the top seeds all have significant advantages in this bracket. San Jose State might be the only team with a chance to pull an upset, maybe Air Force over Tulsa. But I think the lower seeds are out quickest in this bracket over any other bracket.

Andy: Who do you have for your final four? Horace?

Horace: I hate to keep picking the top four seeds because upsets do happen, but I'm going to go with that. Boise State over South Carolina and Virginia Tech over Georgia. And then Boise State takes it.

Stan: I have the same.

[StLee]

Andy: We're down to our final two brackets, and this will pretty much tell everyone who is where in the last bracket, but let's go ahead discuss the place for the #7 national seed, North Carolina, and the East Bracket.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/EastRegion-FirstRound_zps42ea4301.jpg

Andy: Stan, does North Carolina have any chance to win this bracket?

Stan: No, none. Arkansas is much better than they are.

Andy: What about the rest of the bracket? Who else could give UNC a run for the bracket title?

Stan: How many other teams are there? 14? Yes, 14 teams could. I take that back. I see North Carolina plays Colorado in the first round. Colorado should just give up football. I don't have any words we're allowed to say on air to describe Colorado. They should have given North Carolina a bye. They don't need the embarrassment of beating a team by under 50 points. I mean, it would be embarrassing if North Carolina doesn't win their first game by more than 50. So, yeah, any other team but Colorado could beat the Tar Heels. Even Old Dominion.

Andy: So you aren't in favor of North Carolina getting an automatic #1 seed based on winning their conference?

Stan: I'm in favor of watching these pretender teams lose.

Horace: I think North Carolina has the benefit of an easier bracket than some of the other teams. I'd be curious to know what someone from the selection committee had to say about this bracket, but it looks like North Carolina may have an easier path to the final eight teams than anyone else besides Alabama. Sure, North Carolina would still have to beat a team like Arkansas, but that game would be in Chapel Hill.

Stan: The problem with your logic here is that North Carolina is not very good. They beat two good teams, but they're not elite. They can just as easily blow it at home as any #8 seed out there.

Andy: So, Stan, if you think North Carolina will lose, who do you have for the bracket championship.

Stan: No, Horace is right. Nobody on their side of the bracket will beat them. I have North Carolina beating UCLA to get to the Regional Championship. On the other side, I have Arkansas over Iowa and Arkansas romps UNC for the trip to the Elite 8.

Horace: I'm going to force myself to pick upsets here because they have to happen somewhere, right? So I'm going with um.. Miami of Ohio beating North Carolina in the semifinal and Arkansas beating Syracuse. And I'll take Arkansas over Miami.

Andy: What makes you think Miami gets to the regional championship? Have they shown anything to make you think they can be in the Top 16 this year?

Horace: Nothing in particular. But I'm with Stan in thinking that North Carolina's definitely not the best team in the East. And I like Zac Dysert and what he does for the RedHawks. So, I'm just going with my gut that Miami can make a run.

Andy: Fair enough.

[StLee]

Andy: That leads to our final bracket, the Northeast Region, and a bit of a surprise host, Penn State. The bracket looks like this.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NortheastRegion-FirstRound_zpsa6c58236.jpg

Stan: You heard it here first. Penn State loses in the second round.

Andy: Who do you have moving past them?

Stan: One of those up and coming programs. Washington. They'll overpower Penn State.

Horace: There is no doubt that the Northeast Conference was the weakest top to bottom out of all of them. But there was a nice race with Temple and West Virginia challenging Penn State for the Division 2 title. In the other division, Rutgers was a disappointment not to win it. So, nobody gives the Northeast respect because the two favorites in each division didn't win out.

Stan: That conference shouldn't have respect. They were terrible, and Penn State has no chance to win this region.

Andy: Wisconsin?

Stan: Will win this region.

Horace: This is another bracket where I think there are a few hidden jewels. I really like Wyoming as a fifth seed. And I look forward to Louisiana Tech against Oregon State. Houston is a fun team to watch, and so is Notre Dame. There could be several teams coming out of this bracket that have a really unique brand of football.

Andy: So, Horace, who do you put in your final four?

Horace: I agree Penn State will probably not win this regional, but they have to get to the final four, so I have them. They'll play. Hmm... it's tough to take Wyoming over Oklahoma, but I'm going to go with Wyoming. Heck, I expect Wyoming to just surprise people because they don't know what to expect from them. So give me Wyoming with the double surprise of beating Oklahoma and Penn State.

Stan: They might lose the first round and not even see Oklahoma.

Horace: On the other side, Stan has sold me. Wisconsin over Notre Dame. And Wisconsin to move on.

Andy: Stan?

Stan: Wisconsin to win it. Oklahoma over Washington. Wisconsin over .... geez, I hate the quarterback play in Notre Dame, so give me Houston. Their quarterback, what's his name?

Andy: Case Keenum.

Stan: Yeah him. Chase Keener throws for 450 yards a game it seems. Wisconsin will probably shut him out, though.

Andy: There we have it, our eight regional brackets ranked from 1 through 8. Let's take a break, and when we come back, we'll chat with a member of the Selection Committee, Anita Klue.

[StLee]

Andy: We're back on our first ever NCAA 128 Tournament Selection Show. Remember you can vote online at http://www.operationsports.com/fofc for who you think will make it to the ELITE EIGHT of the tournament. Submit your brackets and see how you do against the experts.

Stan: Don't expect to beat me, though. They don't call me an expert for nothing.

Andy: We're joined now by a member of the Selection Committee, Anita Klue. Anita, how are you?

Anita: I'm great Andy. Did you know football is the only game that doesn't use a round ball?

Andy: What about rugby or badminton?

Anita: Oh, I don't know anything about that. Anyway, I'm here to answer your questions about the exciting tournament we have coming up.

Andy: Well, let's just ease into this. Can you explain how the national seeds were picked?

Anita: Oh, yes. The top seeds were voted upon by a panel of sports writers and former coaches and players. The records didn't matter. It really was a coincidence that the top five national seeds were the only undefeated teams.

Horace: Anita, this is Horace Cope. Can you tell us the process for placing teams in each bracket?

Anita: Well, I can tell you a little. After the top teams were selected, the same panel ranked the next eight teams and then the next eight and then the next eight. We also wouldn't allow any two teams to play from the same conference if they would meet any time before the regional championship. Mostly, we avoided two teams from the same conference being in the same region for the top seeds.

Andy: Is this for the top four seeds only?

Anita: Yes, but as you can see in the Northwest Region, we ended up with two teams from the East. That happened because of a few reasons. It was a huge jigsaw puzzle and we had to move some teams around.

Horace: Were any of the top four seeds in each bracket moved around?

Anita: Yes. For instance, we had South Carolina as a higher number four seed than UCLA. But that would have put South Carolina in the East, and we couldn't allow that because of North Carolina already being on that side of the bracket. So we slotted South Carolina lower and moved UCLA into the East Region.

Horace: Is that why North Carolina's bracket looks a little weaker than, say, LSU's bracket? Because of the rules?

Anita: Well, I wouldn't know anything about that. Hey, did you know that French people don't play football? Isn't that something?

Andy: Anita, were there any disagreements about where teams should go?

Anita: Well, I can't mention any names, but there was a guy who used to coach in Tallahassee, Florida, that kept arguing that Florida State should be a number two seed and Boston College should be a number three seed. But we had to tell him that was against the rules. He disagreed, so he pouted.

Stan: Sounds like a smart man. Say, I'd like to know why teams are slotted into their national seed and not re-seeded based on who gets to the final eight teams.

Anita: That's for traveling reasons. We thought it would be good for fans to know at least two weeks ahead of time where they might have to travel. We're actually going to announce what seeds go where in the old bowls so that fans can make travel plans to the right place when they make it to the championship rounds.

Andy: So this tournament set up is with the fans in mind?

Anita: Oh, yes. We always consider the fans when making decisions. That's why we're here. For the fans. Hey, did you know that Alaska is the coldest state in America? That must be why Alaska colleges never play college football. It's just too cold there.

Andy: I... um... didn't know that. Thank you for sharing. Anita, is there any other insight you'd like to give us about the process of selecting teams?

Anita: No, nothing important. We did have a tough time seeding teams and at one point considered slotting teams into a bracket where rankings weren't considered. We had a mock bracket made up with the slotting in place, but our committee rejected that bracket.

Andy: Do you know why?

Anita: Yeah, they said the brackets were too uneven. I thought they were nice and neat, though. In that case only two teams per conference were in each region and no two teams from the same conference could ever meet unless they both made it to the regional final. But it would have to be one high seed from the conference and one low seed. I think with the current set up, you could see two teams have a rematch. The committee just didn't like it the other way, though.

Andy: Can you give us any specific examples how it might have been?

Anita: Oh yes. The first thing people were really mad about was the Southeast Region. That's the one with Alabama. It would have been Alabama, and then, um, Arkansas, Florida State, and Oklahoma. People argued that Alabama would end up with some of the best teams of each seed in their bracket simply based on slotting. They also said a region like the North was too weak, but I think everybody thinks the region with Boston College is weak. Did you know Boston College is not called Boston University because there is a Boston University already? How do the students know what campus to go to? Isn't that wild?

Andy: Very. Thank you, Anita, for the information. We're going to take a break and come back for Stan and Horace's Final Eight picks.

Anita: Thank you. And don't listen to those lying journalists out there. Football isn't dangerous at all! It's a myth!

[StLee]

Andy: We're back for our final segment of the NCAA 128 Tournament Selection Show. Horace and Stan, you're going to put your reputation on the line and select who you think will emerge to become national champions. During the break we put your picks into a graphic, and we'll show those picks and let you comment on them. OK?

Horace: Sounds good.

Stan: I just want to say before we begin that my reputation is infallible. But I'll still play your game to make the fans happy if I'm wrong.

Andy: Fair enough. Why don't we start with you, Horace? First, let's take a look at your picks.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/HORACEELITEEIGHT_zpsf37244d7.jpg

Andy: So, we see that you picked five of the national seeds to make it to the final eight. From there, why did you pick what you picked?

Horace: I think this tournament heavily favors the top seeds because we know they have home-field advantage in their region. Still, I think Florida State was a great team that underperformed this year and they will wake up for this tournament. That's why I had them there over Michigan State. Still, I think Alabama is stronger, and that's why I pick Alabama to beat the winner out of LSU and Oregon. Give me the Ducks over LSU and Alabama's dominating defense coupled with its strong running game to win it all.

Andy: So we have the top two teams meeting in the national championship game for you, Horace. Stan, you went a different direction.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/STANELITEEIGHT_zps18d03cfb.jpg

Stan: That's right, Andy. I've been spouting it off all show that I think Wisconsin is the #2 team. Well, nobody asked me who my #1 team is. Hint: it's not Alabama.

Andy: And you picked Wisconsin to beat Alabama?

Stan: They're playing at a neutral field. Wisconsin has a great quarterback in Russell Wilson and the best running game in the nation with Montee Ball rushing. I think they frustrate Alabama's defense all day and win it going away. And, I didn't intend to pick it this way at first, but it looks like I like the West Conference best. After all, I am a West Coast guy. The QB play there is outstanding. I mean, Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley throwing passes to great receiving corps? That's tough to beat. Oregon is a little more balanced. LaMichael James is out of this world, and I just see Oregon edging Wisconsin for the title.

Andy: Well, there we have it. The NCAA 128 Tournament is set. Next week, we'll start seeing teams in action. Remember to get your brackets in! See how you stack up against the experts. For Horace Cope and Stan Dawfish, I'm Andy Waywego. Good night.

[collegesportsfanms]

excellent, excellent stuff stlee. Really loving this dynasty. Obviously it gave me the inspiration to work on my college basketball one. I wish I had the time and knowledge to get as in-depth and graphical in my dynasty report as you do in yours. As it is, mine will just be a simple report.

But back to yours, I like the way you set up the brackets, I can imagine it took some time to get every team in the right place. I can see the potential for a few upset (being a Kansas native, I'm hoping my Wildcats and Jayhawks can pull a few shockers.) I'll just give a quick prediction for the tournament winner and say... oh... lets go with Oregon!

Good stuff man, keep up the good work, already looking forward to your next project after this one!

[britrock88]

Boo to Stan's UNC hate.

[StLee]

excellent, excellent stuff stlee. Really loving this dynasty. Obviously it gave me the inspiration to work on my college basketball one. I wish I had the time and knowledge to get as in-depth and graphical in my dynasty report as you do in yours. As it is, mine will just be a simple report.

But back to yours, I like the way you set up the brackets, I can imagine it took some time to get every team in the right place. I can see the potential for a few upset (being a Kansas native, I'm hoping my Wildcats and Jayhawks can pull a few shockers.) I'll just give a quick prediction for the tournament winner and say... oh... lets go with Oregon!

Good stuff man, keep up the good work, already looking forward to your next project after this one!

We'll see about the Kansas teams. They're pretty lowly seeded and whatifsports does not like the 2011 version of the Wildcats. I'm curious to see if it likes the 2012 version.


Boo to Stan's UNC hate.

Stan hates everybody (except Wisconsin and Oregon)! Heh. That's why he's Stan Dawfish!

[StLee]

#9 SMU 48 at #8 North Carolina State 40
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 30-46-386-5-2
Leading Rusher: Jared Williams, SMU, 17-74
Leading Receiver: Darius Johnson, SMU, 8-166-2
Game MVP: JJ McDermott, QB, Southern Methodist

#13 Western Kentucky 24 at #4 Utah 31
Leading Passer: Kawaun Jakes, WKU, 23-33-270-3-0
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 38-190
Leading Receiver: Luke Matthews, 3-82-1
Game MVP: John White, RB, Utah, 24-170-3 rush, 2-32 rec
Game notes: Utah scored the game-winning touchdown with five seconds left when John White ran it in from two yards out.

#15 Illinois 21 at #2 Boston College 23
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BC, 20-40-261-1-1
Leading Rusher: Rolandan Finch, BC, 16-75-1
Leading Receiver: AJ Jenkins, Ill, 5-74
Game MVP: Rolandan Finch, RB, Boston College, 16-75-1 rush, 2-23 rec
Game Story:
Boston College got its first real scare in what many think will be just a matter of time before they are eliminated.

Even though the Eagles led or were tied the entirety of the game, they were never quite able to put Illinois away in Boston College’s 23-21 win.

Rolandan Finch was named the game’s MVP. He finished with 75 yards rushing on 16 carries and a touchdown, and he added 23 yards receiving on two catches.

The game was tied at 7 at halftime, but Boston College scored ten points in the third quarter to take a 17-7 lead into the fourth.

In the fourth, the Illini’s Jason Ford scored from a yard out to cut the lead to 17-14 with 5:46 left. Boston College then answered with a 49-yard Finch rushing touchdown. Nate Freese then missed the extra point for a 23-14 Eagles lead with 3:26 left.

With 17 seconds left, Illinois scored again when Nathan Scheelhaase found Jon Davis for a four-yard touchdown. That cut the Boston College lead to 23-21. On the ensuing onsides kick, the Eagles recovered and then kneeled to end the game.

#11 Iowa State 38 at #6 Florida International 31
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 25-36-372-3-0
Leading Rusher: Jared Barnett, ISU, 21-95-1
Leading Receiver: TY Hilton, 6-136-1
Game MVP: Jared Barnett, QB, Iowa State, 15-23-184-4-0 pass, 21-95-1 rush
Game Notes: Iowa State took a 14-point lead into the fourth quarter, but they allowed two straight FIU touchdowns to tie the score at 31 with 8:23 left. The Cyclones then scored the game-winning touchdown with 5:11 left when Jared Barnett found James White on a 10-yard scoring pass.

#16 Akron 3 at #1 Alabama 52
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron, Bama, 21-34-272-5-0
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Bama, 29-161-1
Leading Receiver: Trent Richardson, Bama, 3-90-2
Game MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama, 161 rush, 90 rec, 3 TD

#12 South Alabama 27 at #5 Oklahoma State 55
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 32-46-490-6-3
Leading Rusher: Kndall, Houston, USA, 17-38-2
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 10-131-3
Game MVP: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Game Notes: Oklahoma State only led 35-27 with 6:45 left in the third quarter, but scored the game’s final 20 points, including a useless late field goal (something whatifsports needs to correct some time in the future).

#10 Duke 29 at #7 Arizona 44
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 30-52-320-3-1
Leading Rusher: Keola Antolin, Zona, 17-133-1
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Zona, 4-93-1
Game MVP: Keola Antolin, RB, Arizona, 17-133-1 rush, 2-28-1 rec

#14 Fresno State 17 at #3 Baylor 45
Leading Passer: Robert Griffin, BU, 15-17-278-3-0
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, FSU, 23-134-1
Leading Receiver: Kendall Wright, BU, 8-120-2
Game MVP: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor, 15-17-278-3-0 pass, 23-64-2 rush


Southeast Region Player of the Week

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Robert+Griffin+III+Oklahoma+v+Baylor+AAmKKyFD0Dhl.jpg

In a region that features two of the best players in the country in Alabama's Trent Richardson and Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Griffin's star was the brightest in the first round. The Bears' quarterback was a smooth 15 of 17 passing for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and two more touchdowns in third-seeded Baylor's 45-17 triumph over fourteenth-seeded Fresno State.

Southeast Region Wrap Up
There were no major upsets and only two lower seeds moved on in this conference. Eleventh-seeded Iowa State is the lowest remaining team, having defeated sixth-seed Florida International 38-31. The other lower seed to win was ninth-seed SMU. The second round features some interesting match ups, like what Oklahoma State can do at Utah and to see whether or not Boston College will fall against Arizona.

Southeast Region Brackets

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SoutheastRegion-SecondRound_zpsb2df7821.jpg

[StLee]

I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but teams that lose are not finished but are eliminated from national title contention.

Losing teams go into a consolation bracket. Every team is guaranteed four games in the postseason. Only the regional winners play more (in which case, they enter single elimination once in the Elite 8 Tournament).

[StLee]

#9 Louisville 23 at #8 UTSA 18
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, UL, 23-38-273-2-2
Leading Rusher: Evans Okotcha, UTSA, 13-57
Leading Receiver: Josh Chichester, UL, 5-84
Game MVP: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Notes: Bridgewater threw both of his touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.

#10 Connecticut 29 at #7 Auburn 55
Leading Passer: Barrett Trotter, AU, 24-48-372-6-1
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, UConn, 31-168
Leading Receiver: Quan Bray, AU, 3-87-1
Game MVP: Barrett Trotter, QB, Auburn

#11 Kansas State 13 at #6 Washington State 24
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 16-30-265-2-2
Leading Rusher: Carl Winston, WSU, 15-120-1
Leading Receiver: Tyler Lockett, KSU, 4-143-1
Game MVP: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
Lee's Notes: Whatifsports does NOT like the 2011 Kansas State team. Despite finishing 10-3 on the season and #16 in the Coaches Poll, this team was never given a shot at a title run in this simulation. I was curious to know if it was the road factor, but even simulating games at a neutral site resulted in an overwhelming advantage for Washington State.

#12 Georgia Southern 20 at #5 Clemson 34
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, GSU, 17-26-273-2-0
Leading Rusher: Andre Ellington, Clemson, 22-154-1
Leading Receiver: Kentrellis Showers, GSU, 6-154-1
Game MVP: Kentrellis Showers, WR, Georgia Southern

#13 California 17 at #4 Arkansas State 27
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 22-35-348-1-1
Leading Rusher: Derek Lawson, ASU, 16-108-1
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Frampton, ASU, 6-116
Game MVP: Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State, 15-19-212-2-1 pass, 20-56 rush

#14 Ball State 0 at #3 West Virginia 29
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 22-37-327-1-1
Leading Rusher: Shawne Alston, WVU, 14-98-1
Leading Receiver: Stedman Bailey, WVU, 6-112
Game MVP: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

#15 Minnesota 7 at #2 Cincinnati 37
Leading Passer: Munchie Legauz, Cincy, 20-28-212-2-1
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, Cincy, 26-130-1
Leading Receiver: Kenbrell Thompkins, Cincy, 4-55
Game MVP: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati 26-130-1 rush, 3-32 rec

#16 MTSU 0 at #1 Oregon 31
Leading Passer: Darron Thomas, UO, 15-26-203-2-0
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, UO, 27-112-1
Leading Receiver: Josh Huff, UO, 2-58
Game MVP: Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon, 15-26-203-2-0 pass, 11-7-1 rush


West Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/320/138/trotterx-large_crop_340x234.jpg?1313703513

There was no question who would be this region's top player. Barrett Trotter of Auburn smoked the Connecticut defense in the seventh-seeded Tigers' 55-29 win over the tenth seed. Trotter finished 24 of 48 for 372 yards with six touchdowns and an interception.

West Region Wrap Up

There were no huge surprises. In fact, the only low seed to win was not a surprise at all. Ninth-seeded Louisville was the only road winner on the day, making them the lowest remaining seed in the West Region. The top three seeds in the region all dominated their games, giving up a combined seven points.

West Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/WestRegion-SecondRound_zpsd8e8e860.jpg

[StLee]

#12 Colorado State 34 at #5 Arizona State 28
Leading Passer: Pete Thomas, CSU, 20-32-318-2-2
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 23-143-1
Leading Receiver: Chris Nwoke, CSU, 2-89-1
Game MVP: Chris Nwoke, RB, Colorado State, 29-109-1 rush, 2-89-1 rec
Game Note: Colorado State took the lead for good with 1:52 left when game MVP Chris Nwoke ran it in from eight yards out. He added a 76-yard reception earlier in the quarter that had tied the game at 21.

#9 Nebraska 21 at #8 South Florida 20
Leading Passer: BJ Daniels, USF, 13-20-173-1-0
Leading Rusher: Rex Burkhead, NU, 30-162-1
Leading Receiver: Sterling Griffin, USF, 5-84
Game MVP: Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska, 30-162-1 rush, 2-17 rec
Game Notes: Taylor Martinez connected with Quincy Enunwa from four yards out with 1:49 left to give Nebraska the win at South Florida.

#15 Massachusetts 3 at #2 Florida 48
Leading Passer: John Brantley, UF, 29-35-427-4-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Rainey, UF, 23-120-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan Reed, UF, 3-104-1
Game MVP: John Brantley, QB, Florida

#14 Kent State 3 at #3 Stanford 40
Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stan, 21-36-368-4-0
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stan, 29-128
Leading Receiver: Coby Fleener, Stan, 6-114-1
Game MVP: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

#13 East Carolina 30 at #4 Toledo 32
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Tol, 23-35-386-2-1
Leading Rusher: Adonis Thomas, Tol, 23-130
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Tol, 5-99-1
Game MVP: Adonis Thomas, RB, Toledo, 23-130 rush, 4-63-1 rec
Game Notes: East Carolina scored twice in the final five minutes and had a chance to tie the game with 25 seconds left, but they failed on a two-point conversion.

#16 Texas State 10 at #1 LSU 44
Leading Passer: Shaun Rutherford, TSU, 13-25-157-0-0
Leading Rusher: Spencer Ware, LSU, 22-145-1
Leading Receiver: Rueben Randle, LSU, 3-48-1
Game MVP: Michael Ford, RB, LSU, 14-54-3 rush, 1-3 rec

#10 Ole Miss 35 at #7 Purdue 28, OT
Leading Passer: Randall Mackey, OM, 18-28-280-4-0
Leading Rusher: Ralph Bolden, Pur, 18-149-1
Leading Receiver: Brandon Bolden, OM, 3-65-1
Game MVP: Randall Mackey, QB, Ole Miss
Game Notes: Purdue tied the game late in the fourth when Caleb TerBush connected with OJ Ross on a 29-yard strike. However, Ole Miss scored on its first play from scrimmage in overtime, a 25-yard Randall Mackey to Nickolas Brassell strike. Purdue could not answer, going four and out in overtime.

#11 Ohio State 27 at #6 BYU 14
Leading Passer: Jake Heaps, BYU, 16-36-166-1-2
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, 29-128-1
Leading Receiver: JD Falslev, BYU, 4-44
Game MVP: Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

South Central Region Player of the Week

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Chris+Nwoke+iQIc-hRm0s1m.jpg

This was an incredibly tough decision to make, not only because of the quality of top players in this region, but how to decide among them. Stanford's Andrew Luck was money. So was Florida's John Brantley. LSU's Michael Ford plunged his way ahead for three touchdowns, and Toledo's Adonis Thomas was the difference in the Rockets' win. Despite all of those great performances, only one guy was dominating and won the game for his team in the end: Colorado State's Chris Nwoke. In the 12th-seeded Rams' 34-28 upset win at Arizona State, Nwoke rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown and 89 yards receiving and a touchdown. Both of Nwoke's scores came in the fourth quarter, one to tie the game and the second to win it.

South Central Wrap Up

This bracket showed some of what NCAA Basketball's March Madness is all about. Seeds five through eight all went down at home, and fourth-seeded Toledo had to survive against 13th-seeded East Carolina. The top three seeds--LSU, Florida, and Stanford--all took care of business, and it would be a huge surprise if one of those three teams did not win the region.

South Central Brackets

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthCentralRegion-SecondRound_zpsc714352d.jpg

[StLee]

#16 Memphis 17 at #1 Michigan State 27
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 23-39-373-3-2
Leading Rusher: Le’Veon Bell, MSU, 12-70
Leading Receiver: Keith Nichol, 3-104-2
Game MVP: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
Game Notes: Memphis came to play in a 16th seed versus 1st seed game. The Tigers scored a touchdown on a Billy Foster 36-yard run with 11:21 remaining to tie the game at 17-17. However, the Spartans answered with 10 straight, including the go-ahead score less than a minute after Memphis’ tying score on a 74-yard Kirk Cousins to Keith Nichol connection.

#13 Northwestern 34 at #4 Tennessee 37
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, 19-26-348-1-0
Leading Rusher: Tauren Poole, UT, 21-86-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Hunter, UT, 5-141-1
Game MVP: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
Game Story:
Derrick Brodus’ 52-yard field goal with just one second remaining proved the difference, as Tennessee held off a huge Northwestern come back for the 37-34 win.

After Northwestern tied the score at 17 on a 3-yard Jacob Schmidt run with 7:45 left in the second quarter, the Volunteers scored the game’s next 17 points to lead 34-17. The final Tennessee touchdown came on a two-yard Tauren Poole run.

Northwestern then went to work in the fourth quarter, trailing 34-17. Jeff Budzien kicked a 39-yard field goal with 11:46 left to make it a 14-point game. With 6:33 remaining, the Wildcats’ Dan Persa connected with Jack Konopka from two yards out to cut the lead to 34-27. The Wildcats then tied the game with 42 seconds left on a three-yard pass from Persa to Rashad Lawrence.

Persa had an outstanding day for Northwestern in the loss. He finished 17 of 27 for 290 yards and three touchdowns.

Despite Northwestern’s come back, the Wildcats could not seize away all of Tennessee’s momentum. On the ensuing kickoff, the Volunteers’ Devrin Young returned the short kick 30 yards to the Tennessee 45.

Tennessee then got the ball, converting on a third and seven from their own 48 with a Tyler Bray to Justin Hunter pass to the Northwestern 39. After the Volunteers could only gain four yards on the next three plays, Brodus attempted his 52-yard game-winning try that slipped just inside the left upright for the win.

#15 Hawaii 7 at #2 TCU 64
Leading Passer: Casey Pachall, TCU, 26-36-342-3-0
Leading Rusher: Matthew Tucker, TCU, 16-138-2
Leading Receiver: Royce Pollard, Hawaii, 6-117
Game MVP: Casey Pachall, QB, Texas Christian

#14 Florida Atlantic 0 at #3 Florida State 52
Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 25-33-275-4-0
Leading Rusher: Alfred Morris, FAU, 24-168
Leading Receiver: Rashad Greene, FSU, 5-64
Game MVP: Devonta Freeman, RB, Florida State, 27-146-3 rush, 3-37-1 rec

#9 Miami (FL) 19 at #8 Missouri 7
Leading Passer: Jacory Harris, Miami, 18-28-242-1-1
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Miami, 31-70-1 and De’Vion Moore, Mizzou, 6-70
Leading Receiver: Travis Benjamin, Miami, 4-67 and Marcus Lucas, Mizzou, 2-67
Game MVP: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL), 31-70-1 rush, 3-25 rec

#12 Western Michigan 28 at #5 Texas A&M 68
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 26-32-326-6-0
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, 27-201-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 11-123-1
Game MVP: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

#10 Kentucky 7 at #7 Ohio 37
Leading Passer: Tyler Tettleton, Ohio, 17-29-233-2-2
Leading Rusher: Donte Harden, Ohio, 24-128
Leading Receiver: LaVon Brazill, Ohio, 4-73
Game MVP: Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio

#11 Nevada 49 at #6 Texas Tech 35
Leading Passer: Seth Doege, TT, 29-46-412-3-0
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nevada, 22-164-2
Leading Receiver: Alex Torres, TT, 6-140-1
Game MVP: Cody Fajardo, QB, Nevada, 13-15-197-2-0 pass, 18-71-1 rush
Game notes: Nevada used a 21-10 second quarter edge to stay ahead of Texas Tech by at least two touchdowns the rest of the way.

North Region Player of the Week

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Ryan+Tannehill+Missouri+v+Texas+3_cqNgaSEQql.jpg

Another region, another swell of outstanding play. There were a few guys we could have picked, but we could not deny a guy responsible for 42 points on the board. That player is Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill who completed 26 of 32 passes for 326 yards and six touchdowns.

North Region Wrap Up

This region was a little strange because it seemed like there was some strife, but at the end of the day only two lower seeded teams (Miami and Nevada) came away with wins. Fourth-seeded Tennessee barely survived 13th-seeded Northwestern, and the Volunteers would have lost at a neutral site. It has been a trend so far for ninth-seeded teams to win. Miami's win has made the ninth-seed 4-0 so far.

North Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthRegion-SecondRound_zpscc5c74c2.jpg

[sterlingice]

Good news! Kansas hasn't lost yet!

SI

[StLee]

Surprise! Actually, lots of surprises in this region.

#16 UNLV 14 at #1 Texas 38
Leading Passer: Caleb Herring, UNLV, 20-31-229-1-0
Leading Rusher: Dionza Bradford, UNLV, 16-88
Leading Receiver: Michael Johnson, 5-112-1
Game MVP: Case McCoy, QB, Texas, 18-29-197-3-0

#13 Kansas 35 at #4 Rutgers 28, OT
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rut, 20-46-292-3-2
Leading Rusher: Jawan Jamison, Rut, 29-105-1
Leading Receiver: DJ Beshears, KU, 3-93-1
Game MVP: Jordan Webb, QB, Kansas, 12-23-258-2-0
Game Story:
Kansas could not hold on to a late lead, but got what it needed in overtime in upsetting the fourth seed Rutgers, 35-28.

Darrian Miller had the game-winning score in overtime, running the ball in from 10 yards out for the final. The touchdown came after the Scarlet Knights’ San San Te missed a 48-yard field goal in the first possession of overtime.

The Jayhawks jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter. After, each team started trading touchdown for touchdown.

In the second quarter, Rutgers started off the scoring with a six-yard Jawan Jamison touchdown run. Four minutes later, the Jayhawks answered with a two-yard James Sims run. Rutgers scored one more time in the quarter when Chas Dodd found Brandon Coleman from 12 yards out, giving Kansas a 21-14 halftime lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Jayhawks extended their lead back to 14 on the first play of the fourth quarter. Game MVP Jordan Webb tossed the ball to DJ Beshears from four yards out for the score.

Rutgers then began its come back. Mohamed Sanu caught a 10-yard touchdown from Dodd with 5:34 left, and then Mark Harrison caught a 14-yard touchdown with 45 seconds left to tie the game at 28. Dodd finished as the leading passer in the game, going 20 of 46 for 292 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

#11 UL-Monroe 17 at #6 Georgia Tech 14
Leading Passer: Kolton Browning, ULM, 14-31-123-1-0
Leading Rusher: Roddy Jones, GT, 7-152-2
Leading Receiver: Brent Leonard, ULM, 6-65-1
Game MVP: Roddy Jones, RB, Georgia Tech
Game Notes: UL-Monroe trailed 14-7 in the fourth, but got a field goal with 5:21 left and the game-winning touchdown on a 50-yard Centarius Donald run with 1:32 left to get the upset win.

#10 Northern Illinois 33 at #7 Virginia 24
Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 27-47-355-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jasmin Hopkins, NIU, 20-227
Leading Receiver: Matt Snyder, UVA, 4-76
Game MVP: Jasmin Hopkins, RB, Northern Illinois, 20-227 rush, 1-10-1 rec

#9 Pittsburgh 38 at #8 Eastern Michigan 10
Leading Passer: Tino Sunseri, Pitt, 16-22-241-3-0
Leading Rusher: Isaac Bennett, Pitt, 12-75
Leading Receiver: Mike Shanahan, Pitt, 3-84-1
Game MVP: Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh

#12 Navy 9 at #5 Vanderbilt 24
Leading Passer: Jordan Rodgers, Vandy, 17-32-243-1-3
Leading Rusher: Alexander Teich, Navy, 23-121
Leading Receiver: Brandon Barden, Vandy, 3-69
Game MVP: Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt, 18-118-1 rush, 2-20 rec

#14 Marshall 31 at #3 Michigan 24
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Marsh, 20-35-241-4-0
Leading Rusher: Tron Martinez, Marsh, 18-137
Leading Receiver: Troy Evans, Marsh, 5-66-1
Game MVP: Rakeem Cato, QB, Marshall
Game Story:

The biggest upset of the first round of the NCAA 128 Tournament came at one of the most traditional programs in the nation. Michigan should have run away with the victory. Instead, Marshall came into town and walked out with a 31-24 victory at Ann Arbor.

Rakeem Cato, the game’s MVP, finished 20 of 35 for 241 yards and four touchdowns for the Thundering Herd. He started out the scoring with 6:55 left in the first quarter when he hit Aaron Dobson from 12 yards out for a touchdown.

Early in the second quarter, Cato tossed the ball to Troy Evans for a one-yard score and a 14-0 lead. After trading field goals, the Thundering Herd took a 17-3 lead into halftime.

Michigan got its first touchdown with 6:46 left in the third quarter when Denard Robinson hit Junior Hemingway deep for a 42-yard scoring strike. Marshall, answered, though, on their next possession when Cato tossed his third touchdown pass, this time to Antavious Wilson from 14 yards out. The Wolverines scored once more in the third quarter when Michael Shaw ran for 13 yards, making the score 24-17 in favor of Marshall after three.

In the fourth, the Thundering Herd clinched the upset on Cato’s fourth touchdown pass to as many receivers when he connected with Jermaine Kelson from 13 yards out. Michigan was able to score again when Fitzgerald Toussaint ran in from 34 yards out, making the score 31-24 with 9:59 left.

Michigan would get two more chances, but failed to convert either time. On the Wolverines’ last possession Robinson decided to run out of bounds on fourth down instead of attempting a desperation pass.

#15 North Texas 10 at #2 USC 42
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NT, 25-45-308-1-1
Leading Rusher: Marc Tyler, USC, 17-151-1
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 7-89
Game MVP: Matt Barkley, QB, USC, 18-28-222-2-1 pass, 5-14-2 rush


Southwest Region Player of the Week

http://www.eersauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/rakeem-cato-marshall-VS-florida-international.jpg

No player had truly out of this world numbers. Perhaps you can argue that Northern Illinois' Jasmin Hopkins' 227 rushing yards rushing was outstanding, but he also could not push the ball across the goalline. Therefore, this week's top player comes from the best player in this week's biggest upset: Marshall's Rakeem Cato. Cato was 20 of 35 for 241 and four touchdowns in the Thundering Herd's 31-24 upset at third-seed Michigan.

Southwest Region Wrap Up

Wow! This region was turned upside down quickly! Only three of the top seeds won: #1 Texas, #2 USC, and #5 Vanderbilt. The rest were upsets. Whether or not the lower seeds can continue that trend, we'll see. It is hard to imagine any other team having a chance in this bracket the rest of the way, though. Northern Illinois is in an unfortunate situation. Their real team was pretty good, but they enter this tournament as a #10 seed. USC is top heavy and whatifsports does not factor in much bench play (thus USC's weakness, depth, is not exposed), so I would think USC has just as good a chance as any to win the entire tournament.

Southwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthwestRegion-SecondRound_zps4c30c17c.jpg

[StLee]

#12 San Jose State 41 at #5 Temple 30
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 28-35-328-4-1
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Temple, 29-184-1
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 8-90-2
Game MVP: Matt Faulkner, QB, San Jose State
Notes: San Jose State jumped out to a 31-17 halftime lead behind the arm of Faulkner and held on against a 13-point Temple onslaught to claim the road win. In the game, Temple outrushed SJSU 314-169 but SJSU outpassed Temple 328-52. SJSU was also 11/17 on third downs and could have had a bigger win if not for giving up two turnovers to none for Temple.

#9 San Diego State 20 at #8 Southern Miss 45
Leading Passer: Austin Davis, USM, 19-26-263-3-1
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 25-175
Leading Receiver: Ryan Balentine, USM, 4-78
Game MVP: Jamal Woodyard, RB, Southern Miss, 17-115-2 rush, 3-21-1 rec

#15 Georgia State 13 at #2 Virginia Tech 34
Leading Passer: Kelton Hill, GSU, 20-31-274-1-1
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 24-233-3
Leading Receiver: Albert Wilson, GSU, 5-69
Game MVP: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech, 233 rush, 20 rec

#14 Idaho 13 at #3 Georgia 31
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 22-31-344-2-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 25-76-2
Leading Receiver: Mike Scott, Idaho, 4-82
Game MVP: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

#13 Rice 9 at #4 South Carolina 20
Leading Passer: Nick Fanuzzi, Rice, 22-45-174-0-1
Leading Rusher: Kenny Miles, S. Car., 9-92
Leading Receiver: Mario Hull, Rice, 2-41
Game MVP: Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina, 7-16-118-0-2 pass, 16-81-1 rush

#16 UNC-Charlotte 3 at #1 Boise State 51
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 25-35-437-4-0
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BSU, 34-176-2
Leading Receiver: Tyler Shoemaker, BSU, 5-142-1
Game MVP: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

#10 Air Force 16 at #7 Tulsa 38
Leading Passer: GJ Kinne, Tulsa, 14-20-143-1-0
Leading Rusher: Asher Clark, AFA, 18-135-1
Leading Receiver: Zack Kauth, AFA, 3-59
Game MVP: Ja’Terian Douglas, RB, Tulsa, 13-127-2 rush

#11 Army 17 at #6 Mississippi State 38
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 16-25-228-1-1
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 17-132-1
Leading Receiver: Arceto Clark, MSU, 4-114
Game MVP: Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State, 21-103-2 rush, 3-27 rec
Game Notes: Army led 17-0 early in second quarter, but Mississippi State answered with 38 straight to close out the game.


Northwest Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/935/822/103938387_display_image.jpg?1305324546

David Wilson did what he does, rushing 24 times for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 20 yards receiving in Virginia Tech's 34-13 thumping of Georgia State.

Northwest Region Wrap Up

After seeing the results of the last bracket, this one was rather disappointing with only 12th-seed San Jose State managing an upset in beating fifth-seed Temple, 41-30. Matt Faulkner was outstanding in that game and was considered for the Player of the Week award. The rest of the bracket went to plan, leaving an intriguing match up between second-seed Virginia Tech and seventh-seed Tulsa in the second round.

Northwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthwestRegion-SecondRound_zps9e538f5d.jpg

[StLee]

#9 UL-Lafayette 41 at #8 Bowling Green 35
Leading Passer: Matt Schilz, BGSU, 21-33-345-5-1
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 23-52
Leading Receiver: Eugene Cooper, BGSU, 5-111-1
Game MVP: Blaine Gautier, QB, UL-Lafayette, 26-41-333-3-1 pass, 16-51-1 rush
Game notes: Harry Peoples’ 20-yard touchdown catch from Blaine Gautier with 6:41 left proved to be the difference in UL-Lafayette’s road win.

#12 UTEP 14 at #5 Miami (OH) 35
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, MOU, 22-33-276-4-0
Leading Rusher: Erik Finklea, MOU, 20-120-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, MOU, 9-148-1
Game MVP: Zac Dysert, QB, Miami (Ohio)

#10 New Mexico State 14 at #7 Utah State 55
Leading Passer: Adam Kennedy, USU, 15-25-234-2-1
Leading Rusher: Robert Turbin, USU, 24-225-4
Leading Receiver: Matt Austin, USU, 4-94-1
Game MVP: Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State, 24-225-4 rush, 3-15 rec

#14 UAB 6 at #3 Iowa 34
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 21-32-278-3-0
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 34-186-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 7-119-3
Game MVP: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

#16 Colorado 9 at #1 North Carolina 45
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 20-31-274-4-1
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 24-226-1
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 7-89-1
Game MVP: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 24-226-1 rush, 3-54 rec

#13 Buffalo 12 at #4 UCLA 27
Leading Passer: Chazz Anderson, Buff, 15-36-147-0-1
Leading Rusher: Branden Oliver, Buff, 27-130
Leading Receiver: Nelson Rosario, UCLA, 5-77
Game MVP: Derrick Coleman, RB, UCLA, 16-80-2 rush

#15 Old Dominion 10 at #2 Arkansas 48
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Ark, 23-31-311-3-0
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Ark, 16-148-2
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, ODU, 8-101
Game MVP: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

#11 Troy 24 at #6 Syracuse 27
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 30-51-334-1-2
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, SU, 24-137-1
Leading Receiver: Alec Lemon, SU, 6-119-1
Game MVP: Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse, 24-137-1 rush, 3-75-1 rec
Game Notes: Troy took a 24-14 lead with 9:51 left in the third quarter. Syracuse then made its come back by scoring the next 13, including the a 31-yard game-winning field goal by Ross Krautman with no time left.


East Region Player of the Week

http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/990/assets/FFO4_Aggies_Robert_Turbin.jpg

This bracket had a number of outstanding offensive performances, but Utah State's Robert Turbin had the biggest. The back rushed 24 times for 225 yards and four touchdowns and had three receptions for 15 yards in the Aggies' 55-14 thumping of tenth-seed New Mexico State.

East Region Wrap Up

Another region, another ninth seed moving on. With the home-field advantage, you would think the eighth seeds would win at least half of their games versus ninth seeds, but that has yet to happen. As it is, only UL-Lafayette's 41-35 win over Bowling Green proved to be an upset. Most of the rest of the bracket won big over their inferior opponents, the one exception being sixth-seeded Syracuse's squeak win over Troy, 27-24.

East Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/EastRegion-SecondRound_zps1fa004d5.jpg

[StLee]

#16 Indiana 12 at #1 Penn State 40
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, IU, 25-48-290-0-3
Leading Rusher: Silas Redd, PSU, 26-137-2
Leading Receiver: Ted Bolser, IU, 4-76
Game MVP: Silas Redd, RB, Penn State

#13 Central Michigan 23 at #4 Oklahoma 33
Leading Passer: Ryan Radcliff, CMU, 31-59-351-2-2
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 26-107
Leading Receiver: Titus Davis, CMU, 4-65 and Kenny Stills, OU, 5-65-3
Game MVP: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma

#15 Tulane 7 at #2 Wisconsin 63
Leading Passer: Russell Wilson, UW, 22-24-263-3-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, UW, 33-168-3
Leading Receiver: Justyn Shackleford, Tulane, 4-74
Game MVP: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin, 33-168-3 rush, 3-35 rec

#14 New Mexico 20 at #3 Houston 66
Leading Passer: BR Holbrook, NMU, 23-36-351-1-2
Leading Rusher: Charles Sims, UH, 11-105-1
Leading Receiver: Ty Kirk, NMU, 7-156-1
Game MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Houston, 19-23-291-5-0

#9 Central Florida 24 at #8 Washington 35
Leading Passer: Keith Price, WU, 32-47-414-2-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Polk, WU, 21-72-3
Leading Receiver: Devin Aguilar, WU, 4-83
Game MVP: Chris Polk, RB, Washington, 21-72-3 rush, 4-39 rec

#12 Maryland 12 at #5 Wyoming 20
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Mary, 25-47-292-0-2
Leading Rusher: Alvester Alexander, Wyo, 19-129
Leading Receiver: Matt Furstenburg, Mary, 5-84
Game MVP: Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland, 16-109-1 rush, 4-25 rec
Game notes: Wyoming took a 14-0 lead and then held off a late come back try by the Terrapins.

#10 Oregon State 28 at #7 Louisiana Tech 47
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 17-23-273-4-0
Leading Rusher: Lennon Creer, LTU, 28-204-1
Leading Receiver: Taulib Ikharo, LTU, 3-100-1
Game MVP: Colby Cameron, QB, Louisiana Tech

#11 Wake Forest 13 at #6 Notre Dame 34
Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, ND, 32-49-343-2-1
Leading Rusher: Cierre Wood, ND, 25-61-2
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, ND, 9-100-1
Game MVP: Cierre Wood, RB, Notre Dame, 25-61-2 rush, 5-41-1 rec


Northeast Region Player of the Week

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcStHEhCVhV-FfOtEBkSOYRJegtrG_GtthL5mwo3m9oUrbKsd0zCniYshKU_EA

It's tough to vote against someone who threw for five touchdowns, but since Case Keenum's overall numbers were lower and not that much better than other quarterbacks' numbers, Keenum is not player of the week. Instead, Wisconsin's Montee Ball put up numbers that made him stand out. The Badgers' back rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns and had three receptions for another 35 yards in Wisconsin's maiming of 15th-seed Tulane, 63-7.

Northeast Region Wrap Up

Can you say anticlimactic? On the bright side, another eighth-seed found a way to win, with Washington handling Central Florida, 35-24. However, in a tournament like this, it's tough to see all the Cinderella's lose out so early. There could be hope that Washington or seventh-seeded Louisiana Tech pull a second-round upset, but so far this region is the only one where all eight seeds 9-16 are gone.

Northeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NortheastRegion-SecondRound_zpse30ec672.jpg

[StLee]

First Round Wrap Up

After one round, as expected the top seeds are mostly still remaining.

Remaining seeds:
#1 - 8
#2 - 8
#3 - 7
#4 - 7
#5 - 6
#6 - 4
#7 - 5
#8 - 2
#9 - 6
#10 - 2
#11 - 4
#12 - 2
#13 - 1
#14 - 1
#15 - 0
#16 - 0

There was much surprise over the 8th-9th seed match ups without noticing that the 6th-11th seed match ups were skewed, too. Only four of the sixth seeds moved on to the next round, and of those, Syracuse barely survived.

The Southwest Conference provided the most intrigue with both the most and biggest upsets.

As it stands, third-seed Michigan, fourth-seed Rutgers, and fifth-seeds Temple and Arizona State are now playing the rest of their season for nothing since they are eliminated from the championship race. They are among 60 other teams eliminated. We are now down to 64 teams competing for the national championship in the race to ONE.

National Player of the Week

You want a difficult job? Try to decide who really deserves the National Player of the Week Award. True, all eight of the finalists had outstanding weeks, but we must pick ONE. Here are the candidates:

Southeast Region - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor - 15-17-278-3-0 pass, 23-64-2 rush
West Region - Barrett Trotter, QB, Auburn - 24-48-372-6-1
South Central Region - Chris Nwoke, RB, Colorado State - 29-109-1 rush, 2-89-1 rec, game-winning TD
North Region - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M - 26-32-326-6-0
Southwest Region - Rakeem Cato, QB, Marshall - 20-35-241-4-0
Northwest Region - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech - 24-233-3 rush, 1-20 rec
East Region - Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State - 24-225-4 rush, 3-15 rec
Northeast Region - Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin - 33-168-3 rush, 3-35 rec

The best way to get to the winner is to first eliminate players down to perhaps the best quarterback performance versus the best running back performance. So... in a subjective decision, the two finalists are Ryan Tannehill, who had solid numbers and no turnovers, and Robert Turbin, who had similar numbers to other backs but more touchdowns. And the winner is...

http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Lauren-ufer-ryan-tannehill.jpg

Ryan Tannehill. Every day he's a winner when he married her!

[sterlingice]

And Kansas survives!





How many times did you have to sim that one for your Kansas-heavy audience ;)

SI

[StLee]

Heh, only once, mon frere. That's why I'm getting some clunky results, including Boston College's run towards a national championship!

Actually, at first I considered doing a best 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 5, but then I thought it might push things too heavily in the home team's favor because, after all, the home team should win. Instead, I'll live and die with results based on one sim. In the end, I'm expecting the best teams to keep winning, but who knows?

[StLee]

I don't know if I have time to get to all of the second round today, but I'll post as many as I can. Anyway, on to the second round of the tournament.

West Region – Consolation

MTSU 10 at UTSA 34
Leading Passer: Logan Kilgore, MTSU, 20-41-308-1-2
Leading Rusher: Kam Jones, UTSA, 12-151-2
Leading Receiver: Sancho McDonald, MTSU, 3-83
Game MVP: Kam Jones, RB, Texas-San Antonio

California 20 at Georgia Southern 17
Leading Passer: Kelton Hill, GSU, 26-59-352-1-2
Leading Rusher: Isi Sofele, Cal, 26-99
Leading Receiver: Albert Wilson, GSU, 7-134
Game MVP: Zach Maynard, QB, California, 20-29-248-2-1

Minnesota 0 at Connecticut 36
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, Conn, 21-37-272-4-0
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, Conn, 39-144
Leading Receiver: Ryan Griffin, Conn, 4-54-3
Game MVP: Johnny McEntee, QB, Connecticut

Ball State 20 at Kansas State 23
Leading Passer: Keith Wenning, Ball, 17-36-318-2-1
Leading Rusher: John Hubert, KSU, 23-152-1
Leading Receiver: Briggs Orsbon, Ball, 5-96-1
Game MVP: John Hubert, RB, Kansas State

West Region – Quarterfinals

#9 Louisville 16 at #1 Oregon 28
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, UL, 27-42-294-0-0
Leading Rusher: Kenjon Barner, UO, 15-233-4
Leading Receiver: Josh Chichester, UL, 5-60
Game MVP: Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon
Game Story:
Oregon’s Kenjon Barner rushed for over 200 yards and scored all of Oregon’s touchdowns in the Duck’s low-scoring regional quarterfinal win over Louisville.

The Ducks now move to the regional semifinal where they will meet the winner of the Arkansas State-Clemson game.

Barner scored his first touchdown in the first quarter on a 14-yard run to give the Ducks a 7-0 lead after one quarter.

Louisville answered with 13 straight points. Teddy Bridgewater scored on a QB sneak from the one to give the Cardinals their first lead and a 10-7 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Chris Philpott kicked a 36-yard field goal for a 13-7 lead. However, Barner answered to put the Ducks back up when he scored on a 41-yard run to make it 14-13 Oregon after three quarters.

Barner then extended the lead in the fourth quarter when he scored on a 90-yard run with 13:31 to play. The Cardinals were able to manage a field goal with 5:45 left to cut the lead to 21-16. However, Barner scored for the fourth time from 23 yards out for the final 28-16 margin.

Barner earned MVP honors for the game, finishing with 233 yards on 15 carries. He also had a catch for four yards.

#5 Clemson 26 at #4 Arkansas State 12
Leading Passer: Tajh Boyd, Clem, 16-25-211-1-0
Leading Rusher: Frankie Jackson, ASU, 12-96
Leading Receiver: Taylor Stockemer, ASU, 3-73
Game MVP: Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson, 18-94-1 rush, 4-62-1 rec

#7 Auburn 47 at #2 Cincinnati 30
Leading Passer: Barrett Trotter, AU, 28-52-501-6-2
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, Cincy, 26-155-2
Leading Receiver: Philip Lutzenkirchen, AU, 5-149-1
Game MVP: Barrett Trotter, QB, Auburn
Game Notes: Cincinnati turned the ball over four times and gave up over 600 total yards. The first half featured lots of points with Auburn taking a 30-21 lead into the break. In the second half, the Bearcats could only manage field goals in their comeback attempt, and they ultimately failed at home to the visiting seventh seed.

#6 Washington State 14 at #3 West Virginia 38
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 28-46-448-2-0
Leading Rusher: Shawne Alston, WVU, 10-76
Leading Receiver: Devon Brown, WVU, 3-109
Game MVP: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Game Notes: Dustin Garrison added 57 yards on 15 carries and three TDs on the ground for the Mountaineers. There were two other 100-yard receivers in the game: Washington State’s Marquess Wilson caught 7 passes for 107 yards and a TD, and West Virginia’s Tavon Austin caught 8 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown. Marshall Lobbestael was 27 of 47 for 310 yards and a TD in the loss.



West Region Player of the Week

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kenjon+Barner+USC+v+Oregon+YrA1QWWT9pul.jpg

Oregon's Kenjon Barner showed up big in the West Region Quarterfinal game against Louisville, rushing for 233 yards on 15 carries and all four of the Ducks' touchdowns in their 28-16 second round win.

West Region Wrap Up

Cincinnati was the only surprise loss in the second round. However, Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter has been on fire all season, and he had another big day in Cincinnati, leading the seventh-seed Tigers to the West Region quarterfinal. It will be interesting to see how Auburn's defense matches up against third-seed West Virginia and their diverse offense. On the other side of the bracket, #2 National Seed Oregon looks to keep on chugging, though their offense was not lights out against an up-and-coming Louisville squad. It will interesting to see how the Cardinals progress now that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has a season under his belt. The Ducks move on, however, and now have to face a tougher defense and perhaps a better offense in fifth-seed Clemson. The Tigers of Clemson are much better than their seed indicates, and it will be an interesting match up between Oregon and Clemson next week.

West Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/WestRegion-ThirdRound_zps476e33ea.jpg

[StLee]

For the second round, I am only listing stats and game MVP for the consolation games. For the playoff games, I will try to feature at least one game per bracket, but I may do nothing but list game notes if there is no real drama in the game (blowouts, for example, or if I just don't care about either team).

Northwest Region – Consolation

UNC-Charlotte 7 at San Diego State 67
Leading Passer: Ryan Lindley, SDSU, 27-48-499-6-1
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 27-271-2
Leading Receiver: Colin Lockett, SDSU, 4-180-3
Game MVP: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State
Game Notes: San Diego State had 811 total yards in the game.

Rice 35 at Temple 52
Leading Passer: Nick Fanuzzi, Rice, 19-33-340-3-0
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Temple, 34-272-2
Leading Receiver: Tyler Smith, Rice, 4-93-1
Game MVP: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

Georgia State 13 at Air Force 34
Leading Passer: Kelton Hill, GSU, 10-24-126-2-3
Leading Rusher: Asher Clark, AFA, 20-124-2
Leading Receiver: Jonathan Warzeka, AFA, 2-57
Game MVP: Asher Clark, RB, Air Force

Idaho 19 at Army 7
Leading Passer: Brian Reader, Idaho, 15-29-157-1-0
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 21-75
Leading Receiver: Mike Scott, Idaho, 4-56
Game MVP: Brian Reader, QB, Idaho

Northwest Region – Quarterfinals

#8 Southern Miss 13 at #1 Boise State 27
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 23-38-282-2-2
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BSU, 28-104-2
Leading Receiver: Matt Miller, BSU, 5-74
Game MVP: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State, 28-104-2 rush, 3-22 rec

#12 San Jose State 13 at #4 South Carolina 14
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 28-44-284-0-3
Leading Rusher: Brandon Wilds, SC, 18-82-1
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 9-79
Game MVP: Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina, 18-82-1 rush, 1-3 rec
Game Notes: Neither team could find an offensive foothold, with San Jose State outgaining South Carolina 364-269. However, the Gamecocks won the turnover battle 3-0. The Spartans scored a touchdown with 54 seconds left in the third quarter that cut the score to 14-12, but they elected to kick the extra point. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.

#7 Tulsa 43 at #2 Virginia Tech 26
Leading Passer: GJ Kinne, Tulsa, 22-33-318-0-0
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 21-206-1
Leading Receiver: Clay Sears, Tulsa, 3-89
Game MVP: Ja’Terian Douglas, RB, Tulsa, 15-132-3 rush
Game Notes: Two Tulsa running backs combined for five rushing TDs as the Golden Hurricane outgained the Hokies 531-400 in the game. After falling behind 7-3, Tulsa scored 30 unanswered points to take a 33-7 lead with 4:35 left in the third quarter.

#6 Mississippi State 14 at #3 Georgia 32
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 21-43-250-0-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 28-143-2
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Mitchell, UGA, 4-65
Game MVP: Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia, 28-143-2 rush, 2-11 rec

Northwest Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/084/576/107041488_crop_650x440.jpg?1310329362

There is a penalty for teams playing in consolation games for Player of the Week awards. However, one player's day was much better than any player remaining in the playoffs, so San Diego State's Ryan Lindley was outstanding on a day when the Aztecs annhilated UNC-Charlotte and its band of no-name players, 67-7. Lindley finished 27 of 48 for 499 yards with six touchdowns and an interception.

Northwest Region Wrap Up

Four of the top seeds still remain heading into the semifinal round. The only exception is Virginia Tech getting embarrassed t home against seventh-seed Tulsa. The Hokies have not been outstanding all season outside of running back David Wilson, so it seemed inevitable that they would fail at some point. Still, Virginia Tech fell earlier than expected. In games that will take place in the semifinals, Tulsa visits Georgia and its high octane offense. The Bulldogs can run and pass, and that makes them dangerous for the rest of the tournament. On the other side of the bracket, Boise State and its even higher octane offense hosts the defensive-minded South Carolina Gamecocks. Should both Boise State and Georgia win, we could have an interesting real life replay (Boise State beat Georgia 35-21 before the Bulldogs found their game later in the season).

Northwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthwestRegion-ThirdRound_zpsb5e6256b.jpg

[StLee]

North Region – Consolation

Memphis 7 at Missouri 37
Leading Passer: Taylor Reed, Mem, 16-32-194-1-0
Leading Rusher: Kendial Lawrence, Mizzou, 15-116-1
Leading Receiver: Wes Kemp, Mizzou, 4-57
Game MVP: Kendial Lawrence, RB, Missouri

Northwestern 27 at Western Michigan 29
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 22-35-347-1-0
Leading Rusher: Tevin Drake, WMU, 13-96-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 11-211
Game MVP: Alex Carder, QB, Western Michigan

Hawaii 30 at Kentucky 6
Leading Passer: Bryant Moniz, UH, 17-29-252-2-1
Leading Rusher: Joey Iosefa, UH, 16-80
Leading Receiver: Billy Ray Stutzmann, UH, 5-137-2
Game MVP: Billy Ray Stutzmann, WR, Hawaii

Florida Atlantic 17 at Texas Tech 31
Leading Passer: Graham Wilbert, FAU, 22-41-246-2-5
Leading Rusher: Alfred Morris, FAU, 27-117
Leading Receiver: Eric Ward, TT, 7-84
Game MVP: Eric Stephens, RB, Texas Tech, 16-90-2 rush, 2-23 rush

North Region – Quarterfinals

#9 Miami (FL) 16 at #1 Michigan State 31
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 20-28-324-2-1
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Mia, 30-97-1
Leading Receiver: BJ Cunningham, MSU, 5-91
Game MVP: Keshawn Martin, WR, Michigan State, 3-86-2 rec

#5 Texas A&M 34 at #4 Tennessee 20
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 24-35-312-3-0
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 23-94-1
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 6-123-3
Game MVP: Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
Game Notes: Texas A&M trailed 17-14 at halftime, but dominated the second half, holding Tennessee only to a pair of field goals and pulling away late. Tyler Bray threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw a costly second-half pick in the red zone.

#7 Ohio 35 at #2 TCU 26
Leading Passer: Casey Pachall, TCU, 28-43-331-1-2
Leading Rusher: Ryan Boykin, Ohio, 3-58-2
Leading Receiver: Riley Dunlop, 3-112-1
Game MVP: Tyler Tettleton, QB, Ohio, 18-28-285-3-0 pass, 15-25 rush
Game Story:
Ohio scored the go-ahead touchdown on a two-yard Ryan Boykin touchdown with 10:04 left and held off TCU for the road upset, 35-26.

The Bobcats were led by the quarterback play of Tyler Tettleton, who threw for 285 yards on 18 of 28 passing and three touchdowns. TCU’s Casey Pachall threw for more yards (331) but threw only one touchdown and had two passes picked.

Ohio led the game 14-13 at halftime and extended that lead to 21-13 midway through the third quarter when Tettleton hit LaVon Brazill for a four-yard touchdown. The Horned Frogs answered later in the quarter when Waymon James ran it in from eight yards out to cut the Ohio lead to 21-20.

In the fourth quarter, TCU’s Ross Evans kicked a 33-yards field goal to give the Horned Frogs their first lead since it was 3-0 in the first quarter.

Boykin’s touchdown then gave the Bobcats the lead for good with 10:04 remaining. Evans was able to kick his third field goal of the game with 6:17 left to cut the Ohio lead to two, 28-26. However, the Bobcats answered yet again, scoring the game’s final points on a Tettleton to Brazill touchdown with 2:14 left in the game.

#11 Nevada 16 at #3 Florida State 32
Leading Passer: EJ Manuel, FSU, 14-26-164-2-2
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 23-117
Leading Receiver: Rishard Matthews, Nev, 5-64
Game MVP: Lampford Mark, RB, Nevada, 26-90-1 rush, 2-13 rec
Game Notes: After two early first quarter passing touchdowns by EJ Manuel, the Florida State offense could not find the end zone again. However, thanks to a safety, kick off return touchdown, and three Dustin Hopkins field goals, the Seminoles had enough to hold off Nevada.


North Region Player of the Week

http://blog.leagueplus.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Swope.jpg

There are not a lot of opportunities for receivers to be named player of the week, but that is just what happened in the North Region. Texas A&M's Ryan Swope caught six passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns in the Aggies' 34-20 win at fourth-seed Tennessee.

North Region Wrap Up

Another region, another second-seed to fall. Will this round be like the first round and the large number of sixth seeds that lost? We shall see. In the meantime, Ohio is an underrated second-tier team and the Bobcats showed what they are capable of at TCU. It is doubtful that Ohio can make a deep run into the playoffs, but it is not surprising that they could rattle their cages early in the tournament. Thanks to the Bobcats' win, third-seed Florida State, one of the preseason favorites to compete for a national championship, gets to host a semifinal round game. It was not very impressive, but the Seminoles did claim the largest margin of victory (16 points) in its 32-16 win over eleventh-seed Nevada. On the other side of the bracket, Texas A&M will face off against #4 National Seed Michigan State.

North Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthRegion-ThirdRound_zps950a907a.jpg

[sterlingice]

(I probably would have done consolation all first and then championship but that's just me)

SI

[sterlingice]

Then again, if you do that, no one would ever see the consolation games or pay attention to them, I suppose :)

SI

[StLee]

(I probably would have done consolation all first and then championship but that's just me)

SI

It's a lot easier to keep things organized if I keep the brackets together. I see your point, but I'm going with convenience here! :D

[StLee]

Northeast Region – Consolation

Indiana 24 at Central Florida 31
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, IU, 15-29-202-0-1
Leading Rusher: Brynn Harvey, UCF, 19-135-1
Leading Receiver: Dre Muhammad, IU, 5-75
Game MVP: Jeff Godfrey, QB, Central Florida, 17-27-173-2-0 pass, 15-27-1 rush

Central Michigan 45 at Maryland 38
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Mary, 24-48-401-3-2
Leading Rusher: Anthony Garland, CMU, 15-79-1
Leading Receiver: Quintin McCree, Mary, 3-115-1
Game MVP: Ryan Radcliff, QB, Central Michigan, 28-39-363-5-2

Tulane 9 at Oregon State 13
Leading Passer: Ryan Griffin, Tul, 23-46-295-0-0
Leading Rusher: Orleans Darkwa, Tul, 18-70
Leading Receiver: Joe Kemp, Tul, 5-60
Game MVP: Ryan Griffin, QB, Tulane

New Mexico 10 at Wake Forest 23
Leading Passer: BR Holbrook, NMU, 28-47-301-0-0
Leading Rusher: James Wright, NMU, 10-126
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 5-95
Game MVP: Brandon Pendergrass, RB, Wake Forest, 12-42-1 rush, 2-83-1

Northeast Region – Quarterfinals

#8 Washington 37 at #1 Penn State 34
Leading Passer: Keith Price, UW, 28-44-390-3-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Polk, UW, 28-90-1
Leading Receiver: Chris Polk, UW, 6-110
Game MVP: Chris Polk, RB, Washington, 90 rush, 110 rec, TD
Game Story:
Washington threw everything at Penn State and eliminated the #1 seed by a score of 37-34.

Chris Polk gained a combined 200 yards and scored a touchdown to earn game MVP honors.

The game was back and forth in the first half before a 17-0 Washington run gave them the edge they needed to pull off the upset.

Polk scored a touchdown on a seven-yard run with 13:52 to play in the second quarter, and Erik Folk added his second field goal for a 13-7 lead. Four minutes later, Penn State took back the lead on a 54-yard punt return by Justin Brown.

With two minutes left in the half, the Huskies’ Keith Price threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Kearse and a 20-14 lead. However, with 56 seconds left, Penn State’s Matt McGloin connected with Derek Moye on an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving the Nittany Lions a 21-20 edge at the half.

The Huskies spent little time trailing in the second half. With 12:34 left in the third quarter, Price found Devin Aguilar for a 26-yard touchdown pass. Later in the quarter, Folk kicked his third field goal, giving Washington a 30-21 lead entering the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Washington nearly put the game out of reach. With 8:56 left, Price threw his third touchdown, this time to DiAndre Campbell for a 14-yard touchdown and a 37-21 lead.

Penn State was able to make a come back. With 5:33 left, McGloin found Silas Redd from three yards out. The ensuing two-point conversion failed, for a 37-27 deficit. One play later, Price threw an errant pass that was intercepted by the Nittany Lions’ Chaz Powell. Penn State then scored again when McGloin threw his fourth touchdown pass, an eight-yard pass to Curtis Drake to cut the Washington lead to 37-34.

The Huskies then got the ball and drove to the Penn State 43 before stalling. That gave Penn State one more shot with 1:43 left, but McGloin threw his second interception of the game to secure the Huskies’ victory. McGloin finished 18 of 36 for 242 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss.

#5 Wyoming 17 at #4 Oklahoma 52
Leading Passer: Landry Jones, OU, 18-27-280-5-0
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 29-96-2
Leading Receiver: Dominic Rufran, Wyo, 2-86-1
Game MVP: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Game Notes: Oklahoma jumped out to a 35-3 lead, including scoring 21 points in the second quarter.

#7 Louisiana Tech 23 at #2 Wisconsin 29
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 18-29-221-2-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisc, 31-93
Leading Receiver: Quinton Patton, LTU, 6-57-1
Game MVP: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin, 12-20-174-2-0 pass, 11-53 rush
Game Notes: Wisconsin led 29-9 in the fourth quarter, but Louisiana Tech scored two late touchdowns to make the final score close. The Bulldogs’ last score came with 2:52 left, but Wisconsin got possession on the kick off and was able to run out the clock.

#6 Notre Dame 27 at #3 Houston 54
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, UH, 31-39-557-6-1
Leading Rusher: Cierre Wood, ND, 22-160
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, ND, 8-133
Game MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Game Notes: Houston scored 10 in the first, 24 in the second, 14 in the third and 6 in the fourth in outgunning Notre Dame. The Cougars also had seven players with at least 49 yards receiving and five different receivers with touchdowns. Patrick Edwards led Houston with five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Irish were led by Tommy Rees, who completed 25 of 42 passes for 390 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.


Northeast Region Player of the Week

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/111119_fb-ncaa-smu-uh_0320.jpg/220px-111119_fb-ncaa-smu-uh_0320.jpg

Mix a pass heavy offense with a quarterback who loves to toss the ball a lot, and what do you get? That's right! You get Houston's Case Keenum, who amassed another spectacular stat line of 557 yards on 31 of 39 passing with five touchdowns and an interception in the Cougars' 54-27 stomping of Notre Dame.

Northeast Region Wrap Up

A #1 seed finally fell, and it was the most predictable of all: #8 National Seed Penn State. The Nittany Lions were considered the best of the nation's weakest conference, so it is no surprise that the Northeast Conference teams have been dropping. Fourth-seeded Rutgers and fifth-seeded Temple lost in the first round, Penn State lost here, and most think it's only a matter of time before second-seeded Boston College falls. Third-seeded West Virginia may be the conference's only hope. Washington's win means traveling to a very good and dangerous Oklahoma team, led by pro prospect Landry Jones. On the other side of the bracket, an offense-heavy, defense-lacking matchup of Houston at Wisconsin could be the most intriguing game of the entire third round of the tournament.

Northeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NortheastRegion-ThirdRound_zps4b90c3f3.jpg

[StLee]

East Region – Consolation

Colorado 18 at Bowling Green 30
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, CU, 23-31-316-0-0
Leading Rusher: Anthon Samuel, BGSU, 21-119-2
Leading Receiver: Eugene Cooper, BGSU, 5-79
Game MVP: Anthon Samuel, RB, Bowling Green, 21-119-2 rush, 3-27 rec

Buffalo 32 at UTEP 43
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 28-39-361-4-2
Leading Rusher: Branden Oliver, Buff, 22-125-1
Leading Receiver: Alex Neutz, Buff, 4-103-1
Game MVP: Nick Lamaison, QB, UTEP

Old Dominion 30 at New Mexico State 48
Leading Passer: Matt Christian, NMSU, 24-36-411-5-0
Leading Rusher: Robert Clay, NMSU, 15-44 and Kenny Turner, NMSU, 15-44
Leading Receiver: Nick Mayers, ODU, 8-131-1
Game MVP: Matt Christian, QB, New Mexico State

UAB 34 at Troy 39
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 28-47-425-3-2
Leading Rusher: Darrin Reaves, UAB, 11-79-1
Leading Receiver: Nolen Smith, UAB, 4-130
Game MVP: Corey Robinson, QB, Troy

East Region – Quarterfinals

#9 UL-Lafayette 24 at #1 North Carolina 38
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 19-29-286-2-1
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 19-139-1 and Giovani Bernard, UNC, 24-139-3
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 6-93
Game MVP: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina, 24-139-3 rush, 4-52 rec
Game Notes: North Carolina fell behind 24-21 with 6:43 left in the third quarter, but the Tar Heels scored the game’s final 17 points for the 14-point difference. Bernard’s three touchdown runs came on gains of 37, 26, and 1. Jheranie Boyd scored the other two touchdowns on receptions from Renner. Blaine Gautier finished 18 of 25 for 246 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

#5 Miami (OH) 14 at #4 UCLA 16
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Mia, 25-44-291-2-0
Leading Rusher: Derrick Coleman, UCLA, 13-113-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Mia, 11-166-2
Game MVP: Nick Harwell, WR, Miami (Ohio)
Game Notes: UCLA rushed for 254 yards as a team. Besides Coleman’s game-leading rushing numbers, Johnathan Franklin added 100 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown on the ground.

#7 Utah State 16 at #2 Arkansas 34
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Ark, 24-34-339-3-0
Leading Rusher: Dennis Johnson, Ark, 15-73-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Austin, USU, 5-105
Game MVP: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Game Notes: After Utah State cut the Arkansas lead to 14-10 on an 11-yard Robert Turbin run with 1:12 left in the first quarter, the Razorbacks reeled off 20 straight points to take a 34-10 lead into the fourth quarter. Besides Dennis Johnson’s touchdown (a 30-yard rush), Arkansas got three receiving touchdowns from Chris Gragg (30 yards), Jarius Wright (6 yards) and Cobi Hamilton (18 yards). Wright was the leading receiver for the Razorbacks with five receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Utah State’s Adam Kennedy finished 22 of 39 for 302 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. Tramain Thomas of Arkansas was the beneficiary of all three of those picks.

#6 Syracuse 24 at #3 Iowa 34
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 22-37-322-3-1
Leading Rusher: Antwon Bailey, 24-143-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 7-124-2
Game MVP: James Vandenberg, QB, Iowa, 322 pass-3 TD, 19 rush
Game Notes: Iowa built a 24-7 halftime lead and stopped a 10-0 Syracuse run in the second half to hold on for the home victory.


East Region Player of the Week

http://espn.go.com/photo/2011/1013/ncf_u_bernard_ps_400.jpg

North Carolina's Giovani Bernard was a scoring machine against ninth-seed UL-Lafayette, racking up three touchdowns on the ground in the Tar Heels' 38-24 second-round victory over the Ragin' Cajuns. Bernard finished with 24 rushes for 139 yards and three touchdowns, and he added another 52 yards on four receptions.

East Region Wrap Up

Ho hum. The top four seeds are all alive in the East Bracket, meaning #4 UCLA will travel to #1 North Carolina and #3 Iowa will travel to #2 Arkansas. In fact, there has only been one upset so far, and a minor one at that, when ninth-seed UL-Lafayette beat eighth-seed Bowling Green in the first round. None of the lower seeds challenged much, except for fifth-seed Miami of Ohio, which made a mad come back late in the game. However, the RedHawks just did not have enough to pull off the win against the Bruins in Los Angeles.

East Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/EastRegion-ThirdRound_zps812f59c3.jpg

[StLee]

Southeast Region – Consolation

Akron 13 at North Carolina State 44
Leading Passer: Clayton Moore, Akr, 22-45-262-0-1
Leading Rusher: James Washington, NCSU, 23-123
Leading Receiver: TJ Graham, NCSU, 4-104
Game MVP: Mike Glennon, QB, North Carolina State, 17-34-259-3-1

Western Kentucky 9 at South Alabama 3
Leading Passer: Kawaun Jakes, WKU, 24-36-300-1-1
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 35-95
Leading Receiver: Rico Brown, WKU, 4-76-1
Game MVP: Kawaun Jakes, QB, Western Kentucky
Game Notes: Pretty awesome finish with WKU completing a 43-yard Hail Mary to win the game. It was tied 3-3 and WKU scored with no time left.

Illinois 13 at Duke 10
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 30-55-370-1-3
Leading Rusher: Donovonn Young, Ill, 10-88-1
Leading Receiver: Donovan Varner, Duke, 6-90-1
Game MVP: Steve Hull, DB, Illinois, 3 interceptions

Fresno State 24 at Florida International 27
Leading Passer: Derek Carr, FSU, 24-37-280-1-2
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, FSU, 36-199-2
Leading Receiver: Jalen Saunders, FSU, 4-72
Game MVP: Wesley Carroll, QB, Florida International, 20-35-207-3-0

Southeast Region – Quarterfinals

#9 SMU 17 at #1 Alabama 47
Leading Passer: AJ McCarron, Bama, 26-38-391-4-0
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Bama, 33-113-1
Leading Receiver: Darius Hanks, Bama, 5-100
Game MVP: AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
Game Notes: Alabama held a 30-3 halftime lead. SMU’s JJ McDermott finished 22 of 42 for 254 yards with a touchdown and interception. The Mustangs were held to 57 yards rushing for a 1.7 yards per carry average.

#5 Oklahoma State 55 at #4 Utah 27
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 34-50-387-4-2
Leading Rusher: John White, Utah, 33-153-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 10-108-2
Game MVP: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Game Notes: Oklahoma State had a 24-10 halftime lead. Despite John White of Utah leading the game in rushing (33 carries for 153 yards and a touchdown), the Cowboys outrushed Utah 223-167. Joseph Randle led Oklahoma State with 125 yards rushing on 17 carries and a 38-yard touchdown. Jeremy Smith added 118 yards on just five carries, aided by his 81-yard touchdown. Jon Hays finished 20 of 36 for 182 yards with a touchdown and interception.

#7 Arizona 31 at #2 Boston College 37, 2 OT
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BC, 27-48-419-4-1
Leading Rusher: Rolandan Finch, BC, 19-67
Leading Receiver: Ifeanyi Momah, BC, 6-153
Game MVP: Chase Rettig, QB, Boston College
Game Story:
In what has been the most exciting game yet of the NCAA 128 Tournament, second seed Boston College outlasted seventh seed Arizona at home in double overtime, 37-31.

Arizona had the first possession of double overtime, but John Bonano’s 41-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. The Eagles answered by easily driving towards the endzone, capped off the game-ending score with a Chase Rettig to Colin Larmond pass from six yards out.

Rettig, who was named the game’s most valuable player, finished 27 of 48 for 419 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. His favorite target of the day was Ifeanyi Momah, who caught six passes for 153 yards. Momah did not catch a touchdown pass, but four different teammates did.

The game took awhile before the score started to climb. Boston College scored the only points in the first quarter with a 22-yard Nate Freese field goal. The Wildcats then scored 10 straight points, including a 34-yard Nick Foles to David Roberts pass. Alex Amidon then caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Rettig to tie the score 10-10 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Boston College again had a lone score. Andre Williams ran the ball in from eight yards with 10:28 in the quarter to give the Eagles a 17-10 lead going into the fourth. Williams finished second on the day in rushing for Boston College with 47 yards on 14 carries.

Arizona had to keep up with Boston College in the fourth quarter, but got enough to tie it. The Wildcats started the scoring when Foles found Gino Crump for a seven-yard touchdown. With 4:12 left, Boston College retook the lead, capped off by a 12-yard Rettig to Lars Anderson pass. Arizona then tied the game with 1:27 left when Ka’Deem Carey caught a 31-yard bomb from Foles. The teams went into overtime tied at 24.

Foles finished the game 30 of 49 for 342 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Boston College had first possession of overtime. There, Rettig threw his third touchdown of the day when he hit Chris Pantale from 25 yards out on second and 10. The Wildcats then got the ball and took nine plays to drive the 25 yards for the score. Juron Criner capped off the drive, plunging in from a yard and tying the score at 31-31 and sending the game to a second overtime.

#11 Iowa State 14 at #3 Baylor 31
Leading Passer: Robert Griffin, BU, 18-22-286-1-1
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, BU, 30-168-3
Leading Receiver: Kendall Wright, BU, 9-163
Game MVP: Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor
Game Notes: Iowa State held a 14-10 lead with 11:36 left in the third quarter. Then Baylor’s Terrance Ganaway ran wild, scoring the game’s final three touchdowns and 21 straight points for Baylor to close out the game. Iowa State managed only 267 total yards in the game.


Southeast Region Player of the Week

http://media.orangeandwhite.com/media/img/photos/2011/10/03/BC_Chase_Rettig_1_t607.jpg

This was a tough one to pick, as the four elimination games had outstanding play. It was hard to vote against Alabama's AJ McCarron, who was perfect on a run-heavy team. However, you have to give credit to a quarterback who leads his team to victory, even if it was a double overtime survival against a lower-seeded team. That is why Boston College's Chase Rettig is the Southeast Region Player of the Week. The Eagles' quarterback completed 27 of 48 passes for 419 yards with four touchdowns, including the game-winning toss in the second overtime, and an interception in Boston College's 37-31 win over seventh-seed Arizona.

Southeast Region Wrap Up

The top three seeds move on, while the number four seed is done. However, Utah was a home dog to fifth-seed Oklahoma State. It is no secret that the REAL 2011 Cowboys were in an end-of-season debate about their worthiness of playing in the national title game. As it turned out, Alabama got the nod and then spanked #1 LSU in the championship game. Now fans get to see how it would turn out had their been a playoff game. Granted, this game would have been played at a neutral field in a playoff game. Here, there will be a home advantage for the Crimson Tide. On the other side of the bracket, another 2011 power, Baylor and true Heisman winner Robert Griffin, will face off against the biggest surprise in the 2011 replay, Boston College. This bracket is the author's personal favorite because it has so many interesting story lines!

Southeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SoutheastRegion-ThirdRound_zps9dbd365d.jpg

[StLee]

South Central Region – Consolation

Texas State 10 at South Florida 55
Leading Passer: BJ Daniels, USF, 20-30-293-5-0
Leading Rusher: Darrell Scott, USF, 21-158
Leading Receiver: Sterling Griffin, USF, 6-107-2
Game MVP: BJ Daniels, QB, South Florida, 20-30-293-5-0 pass, 15-45 rush

East Carolina 35 at Arizona State 34
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 23-34-279-4-0
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 24-134-3
Leading Receiver: Lance Lewis, ECU, 6-78-3
Game MVP: Dominique Davis, QB, East Carolina, 23-34-279-4-0 pass, 13-9-1 rush

Massachusetts 6 at Purdue 45
Leading Passer: Caleb TerBush, Pur, 21-33-262-4-1
Leading Rusher: Ralph Bolden, Pur, 18-100
Leading Receiver: Julian Talley, Mass, 6-69
Game MVP: Caleb TerBush, QB, Purdue, 21-3-262-4-1 pass, 13-43 rush

Kent State 20 at BYU 27
Leading Passer: Spencer Keith, Kent, 22-49-332-1-2
Leading Rusher: Trayion Durham, Kent, 28-49-1
Leading Receiver: Sam Kirkland, Kent, 6-110-1
Game MVP: Sam Kirkland, WR, Kent State

South Central Region – Quarterfinals

#9 Nebraska 7 at #1 LSU 27
Leading Passer: Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 15-21-261-1-0
Leading Rusher: Spencer Ware, LSU, 22-116-1
Leading Receiver: Kyler Reed, Neb, 4-95
Game MVP: Spencer Ware, RB, LSU, 22-116-1 rush, 1-32 rec
Game Notes: LSU led 24-7 at halftime. There were only three points scored by either team in the second half. Taylor Martinez of Nebraska finished 13 of 24 for 238 yards with a touchdown. He also rushed for 61 yards on 20 carries. Rex Burkhead added 94 yards on 25 carries for the Cornhuskers. Rueben Randle was the leading receiver for LSU with three catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

#12 Colorado State 15 at #4 Toledo 47
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Tol, 24-30-314-4-1
Leading Rusher: Chris Nwoke, CSU, 19-119
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Tol, 8-94-1
Game MVP: Terrance Owens, QB, Toledo
Game Notes: Toledo jumped out to a 20-0 lead and led 26-3 at halftime. The Rockets were led in rushing by Adonis Thomas who rushed 23 times for 91 yards and Morgan Williams who finished with 82 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. Toledo outgained Colorado State 492-347. The Rams’ Pete Thomas completed 16 of 38 passes for 225 yards with two interceptions.

#10 Ole Miss 30 at #2 Florida 51
Leading Passer: John Brantley, UF, 19-39-342-4-2
Leading Rusher: Jeff Scott, Miss, 15-97
Leading Receiver: Andre Debose, UF, 3-86
Game MVP: John Brantley, QB, Florida
Game Story:
It’s not usual to talk about how a team can have a complete collapse in a game against a second seed, but that is just what happened in the Florida-Ole Miss game.

The Rebels took a 30-16 lead when Randall Mackey connected with Jamal Mosley from six yards out with 6:37 left in the third quarter, but they then gave up 35 straight points in Florida’s run away 51-30 victory.

Ole Miss started the game strong. First quarter touchdowns gave the Rebels an early 14-0 lead in Gainesville. Mackey connected with Mosley from 31 yards out for the first of their two touchdown connections for a 7-0 lead. Mackey finished 18 of 34 for 251 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. With 6:41 left in the quarter, Brandon Bolden broke off a 37-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead. Bolden finished with 58 yards on 12 carries.

The Gators got on the board with 4:38 left in the first quarter on a 47-yard Caleb Sturgis field goal to cut the lead to 14-3. Florida also added another field goal at the beginning of the second quarter before three Bryson Rose field goals for Ole Miss gave the Rebels a 23-6 lead. Then, with no time left, John Brantley completed a Hail Mary pass to Frankie Hammond from 42 yards left to cut the Rebels’ lead to 23-13 at halftime.

In the second half, Sturgis started out the scoring with a 43-yard field goal before the final Ole Miss touchdown with 6:37 left in the quarter to make it 30-16, Ole Miss.

Then the Gators went to work. Brantley threw his second touchdown pass with 3:38 left in the third quarter when he found Jordan Reed from eight yards out. After a Mackey interception gave Florida the ball at the Ole Miss 21, the Gators drove down and scored on a one-yard Jeff Demps run and tie the game 30-30 at the end of three.

In the fourth, it was all Gators. Demps scored his second rushing touchdown with 10:26 left to give Florida its first lead of the game, 37-30. Later in the quarter, Brantley threw his third and fourth touchdown passes. The first came to Deonte Thompson from 20 yards out, and the second went to Reed from 32 yards out with 2:08 left. That capped off the scoring and the 51-20 Florida victory.

#11 Ohio State 14 at #3 Stanford 40
Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stan, 17-26-263-1-1
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stan, 22-198-2
Leading Receiver: Coby Fleener, Stan, 4-77
Game MVP: Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford, 22-198-2 rush, 3-21-1 rec
Game Notes: Stanford led 26-3 at halftime. Ohio State’s lone touchdown came on a Braxton Miller to DeVier Posey touchdown pass. Miller was 8 of 16 for 107 yards, a touchdown, and interception. Dan Herron was the leading rusher for the Buckeyes with 121 yards on 28 carries. Posey was the only Buckeyes’ receiver with more than one catch (3) but he finished fourth on the team in receiving yards. Tyler Gaffney added 53 yards rushing on seven carries and two touchdowns for the Cardinal.


South Central Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/942/620/105981501_display_image.jpg?1305583059

There were some great performances in the South Central Region this week, but the nod here has to go to Stanford's Stepfan Taylor. In a region where quarterbacks dominate, including Taylor's teammate Andrew Luck, Taylor put on a nice show in the Cardinal's 40-14 upending of traditional power Ohio State. Taylor finished with 198 yards rushing on 22 carries and two touchdowns. He also added 21 yards receiving on three catches and another touchdown.

South Central Region Wrap Up

None of the top four seeds experienced any real drama in the second round, as all three faced a team who won via upset in the first round. In fact, the top seeded LSU Tigers faced the highest seed of all the others, something Stan Dawfish mentioned in his telecast about reseeding. LSU also had the smallest margin of victory (20 points) in the second round, though their game was never in doubt against ninth-seed Nebraska. Now the LSU defense faces a top-flight passer in Toledo's Terrance Owens, who had another solid game, throwing for 341 yards and four touchdowns in the Golden Hurricane's 47-15 victory over Colorado State. On the other side of the bracket, second-seed Florida will face off against Taylor and Luck and the third-seed Stanford Cardinal in what should be an intriguing match up.

South Central Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthCentralRegion-ThirdRound_zpsda043820.jpg

[StLee]

Southwest Region – Consolation

UNLV 7 at Eastern Michigan 27
Leading Passer: Alex Gillett, EMU, 6-8-133-1-1
Leading Rusher: Dominique White, EMU, 20-95-1
Leading Receiver: Tyreese Russell, 1-71-1
Game MVP: Dominique White, RB, Eastern Michigan

Navy 33 at Rutgers 16
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, RU, 17-37-259-1-0
Leading Rusher: Alexander Teich, Navy, 23-124-1
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, 8-107-1
Game MVP: Aaron Santiago, RB, Navy, 13-112-2 rush

North Texas 7 at Virginia 41
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NT, 20-42-219-1-1
Leading Rusher: Perry Jones, UVA, 23-118-3
Leading Receiver: Brelan Chancellor, NT, 4-53
Game MVP: Perry Jones, RB, Virginia, 23-118-3 rush, 2-16 rec

Georgia Tech 9 at Michigan 46
Leading Passer: Denard Robinson, Mich, 10-17-147-2-1
Leading Rusher: Fitzgerald Tousaint, Mich, 23-225-2
Leading Receiver: Stephen Hill, GT, 3-62
Game MVP: Fitzgerald Tousaint, RB, Michigan

Southwest Region – Quarterfinals

#9 Pittsburgh 10 at #1 Texas 31
Leading Passer: Tino Sunseri, Pitt, 20-39-260-1-1
Leading Rusher: Joe Bergeron, Texas, 10-135-2
Leading Receiver: Hubie Graham, Pitt, 4-62
Game MVP: Joe Bergeron, RB, Texas
Game Notes: Pittsburgh scored first on a field goal and last on a Tino Sunseri to Ronald Jones nine-yard pass. Texas scored 31 points between those scores. In addition to Joe Bergeron’s big rushing day, including a 77-yard touchdown rush, Texas’ Malcolm Brown added 95 yards on 24 carries. The Longhorns outrushed the Panthers 226-71. Texas’ Case McCoy finished 13 of 26 for 164 yards with two touchdowns.

#13 Kansas 7 at #5 Vanderbilt 45
Leading Passer: Jordan Rodgers, Vandy, 25-32-316-4-2
Leading Rusher: James Sims, KU, 18-86-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan Matthews, Vandy, 4-53
Game MVP: Jordan Rodgers, QB, Vanderbilt, 316 pass, 14 rush
Game Notes: Vanderbilt jumped out to a 42-0 lead before the Jayhawks scored a fourth-quarter touchdown in garbage time. Rodgers’ four touchdown passes were to four different receivers. Vanderbilt’s Zac Stacy rushed for only 59 yards on 23 carries, but he did score two rushing touchdowns. Jerron Seymour led the Commodores with 60 yards on 10 carries.

#10 Northern Illinois 20 at #2 USC 33
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 25-33-259-2-0
Leading Rusher: Marc Tyler, USC, 16-81
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 9-108
Game MVP: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Game Story:
USC jumped out to a 23-3 lead on its way to a 33-20 victory over tenth-seeded Northern Illinois in the regional quarterfinals round of the NCAA 128 Tournament.

The Trojans’ Matt Barkley earned game MVP honors by passing for 259 yards and two connections with freshman Marqise Lee in the big victory. Andre Heidari also had a big day for USC, connecting on four field goals and three extra points.

Scoring started out on the low end. In the first quarter, only Heidari’s two field goals were scored, leading to a 6-0 USC lead.

Northern Illinois got on the board with 14:56 left in the second quarter when Mathew Sims kicked a 29-yard field goal. USC answered, though, by scoring two touchdowns to end the half. Curtis McNeal, who finished with 72 yards on 17 carries, scored from three yards out. Then, with 5:28 left in the half, Barkley found Lee from eight yards out and a 20-3 halftime lead for the Trojans.

USC’s Heidari again kicked a field goal early in the second half before the Huskies made a bit of a come back. Sims kicked his second field goal to make it 23-6 and then Jasmin Hopkins scored on a three-yard run to cut the USC lead to 23-13 after three quarters. Hopkins finished with 76 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns.

In the fourth, Barkley again found Lee, this time from seven yards out. The Huskies were able to answer with 4:41 remaining to cut the lead to 30-20 when Hopkins scored from 19 yards out. However, Northern Illinois could not score again. USC added one more field goal and the Huskies’ next drive stalled.

Northern Illinois’ Chandler Harnish finished 14 of 20 for 221 yards. His leading receiver was Jack Marks, who caught two passes for 50 yards.

#14 Marshall 30 at #11 UL-Monroe 14
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Marsh, 16-37-243-0-2
Leading Rusher: Tron Martinez, Marsh, 19-128-1
Leading Receiver: Aaron Dobson, 4-73
Game MVP: Tron Martinez, RB, Marshall, 19-128-1 rush, 2-18 rec
Game Notes: UL-Monroe led 7-3 after one quarter and 14-10 at halftime. However, Marshall scored all 20 points of the second half. The Warhawks’ Kolton Browning was held to only 144 yards passing on 13 of 31 passing with a touchdown and interception. UL-Monroe’s Centarius Donald rushed 13 times for 88 yards and a touchdown. Brent Leonard was the leading receiver for the Warhawks with four receptions for 44 yards. The UL-Monroe defense sacked Cato five times. Marshall’s Tyler Warner was 3 of 6 on field goals. He made field goals of 50, 36 and 38 yards and missed from 50, 51 and 48 yards. The Thundering Herd’s first half touchdown came when safety Omar Brown intercepted Browning on the ULM one-yard line and stepped across the goal line for the score. Brown also had a sack in the game.


Southwest Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/692/621/hi-res-154488337_display_image.jpg?1350873850

This bracket was tough to choose a top player since no player really had any outstanding numbers. Therefore, the choice went to the player who did the most with the fewest chances: Texas' Joe Bergeron. The Longhorns' back carried the ball only 10 times but finished with 135 yards and two touchdowns in Texas' 31-10 thumping of ninth-seed Pittsburgh.

Southwest Region Wrap Up

Marshall is THE story of the tournament so far. The fourteenth-seed Thundering Herd have now won back-to-back road games. They will have to do it again when they travel to USC next week, a task that seems daunting. But who knows based on what happened in the first two rounds. Texas will host Vanderbilt on the other side of the bracket. Let's just cut to the chase: USC at Texas will be an interesting match up for the regional final. Sure, Marshall and Vanderbilt are still alive, but in reality they are two of the longer shots in the next round.

Southwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthwestRegion-ThirdRound_zps470eeb3d.jpg

[sterlingice]

There goes Kansas but it was a nice run. Most of the upsets are coming to an end in this round. Even the Marshall win was against a #11 seed so it wasn't nearly as big as their first round win.

SI

[StLee]

Second Round Wrap Up

Because it was reported it in the first round, here are the remaining seeds:

Remaining seeds:
#1 - 7
#2 - 5
#3 - 7
#4 - 4
#5 - 4
#6 - 0
#7 - 3
#8 - 1
#9 - 0
#10 - 0
#11 - 0
#12 - 0
#13 - 0
#14 - 1
#15 - 0
#16 - 0

Remember how only half of the sixth seeds survived the first round? Well all four of those teams fell in the second round, making the sixth seed officially the worst seed to be for expectations/chances out of all seeds. Similarly, 6 of 8 ninth seeds moved to the second round, but not a single one of those squads were able to topple a top seed in their regions, marking elimination of all ninth seeds from the tournament. However, we are sure some of them will find some nice consolation prizes.

What does all of this mean? The lowest remaining seed of the 32 is 14th-seed Marshall, which was lucky enough to follow beating third-seed Michigan with facing 11th-seed UL-Monroe. Their next match up is at USC. People, bet the house on USC! Bet the house!!!

After its upset of the first number one seed, eighth-seed Washington lays claim to being the second lowest remaining seed. The Huskies now travel to Norman, Oklahoma, to take on the fourth-seed Sooners. It's tough being a lower seed! Oklahoma is probably better than Penn State but fell victim to being in a really good conference.

The third round will feature some exciting match ups. Here are the top three match ups with some game comments (based on combination of 2011 real rankings and performance in this replay simulation):

1) #5 Oklahoma State (Final finish real 2011 = #3) at #1 Alabama (Final finish real 2011 = #1) - This is the game that should have been in the real 2011 season. Oklahoma State had a claim for a spot in the national championship game. Alabama did, too, and got the spot because of their close loss at home to the other team in the national championship, LSU. If the 2011 season had a playoff, these two teams would have faced off. What better way than a simulated replay to see what would happen? Alabama has been dominant, but the Cowboys were battle tested in their conference. This game at Tuscaloosa will answer some of our "what if" questions of the 2011 season.

2) #4 South Carolina (Final finish real 2011 = #9) at #1 Boise State (Final finish real 2011 = #8) - Another match up of teams that both finished in the Top 10 in the real 2011 season, South Carolina travels to Boise State to try to upend the Broncos. The Gamecocks were faced with a surprisingly tough division with North Carolina and Clemson, and that may have affected them not finishing as the third seed in their conference when they lost to Florida State. Boise State is a tough program to beat, especially on their blue turf. Quarterback Kellen Moore and running back Doug Martin are nearly impossible to shut down, but the stout South Carolina defense is going to try to do just that.

#3 Houston (Final finish real 2011 = #18) at #2 Wisconsin (Final finish real 2011 = #10) - The real 2011 Houston Cougars were 12-0, and they were all set to play in a BCS game. That is, until they lost in their conference championship to Southern Miss and ended up in a lower tier bowl. This simulated team has a chance to avenge their real life counterparts by facing the real 2011 Big Ten champions, Wisconsin. In this simulation, Wisconsin was beat only by Boise State, and the Badgers look to be a formidable opponent for Houston. Both teams have great offenses, led by stud quarterbacks: Case Keenum of Houston and Russell Wilson of Wisconsin. Houston is pass-happy. Wisconsin balances its offense by handing the ball off to stud running back Montee Ball. The difference in these two teams is defense, though some might argue about the value of either team's defense. If things go as planned, the Badgers defense should have the edge in this game. Whatever. Here's hoping for a 70-63 final.


National Player of the Week

Again, the candidates for player of the week are all grouped together in a tough-to-call finish. Subjectivity is alive and well. The candidates:

Southeast Region - Chase Rettig, QB, Boston College - 27-48-419-4-0
West Region - Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon - 15-233-4 rush
South Central Region - Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford - 22-198-2 rush, 3-21-1 rec
North Region - Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M - 6-123-3 rec
Southwest Region - Joe Bergeron, RB, Texas - 10-135-2 rush
Northwest Region - Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State - 27-48-499-6-1
East Region - Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina - 24-139-3 rush, 4-52 rec
Northeast Region - Case Keenum, QB, Houston - 31-39-557-5-1

And the winner is...

http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kenjon+Barner+USC+v+Oregon+YrA1QWWT9pul.jpg

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon. His running output was outstanding and helped the #2 National Seed Ducks to easily advance to their regional semifinals.

[StLee]

There goes Kansas but it was a nice run. Most of the upsets are coming to an end in this round. Even the Marshall win was against a #11 seed so it wasn't nearly as big as their first round win.

SI

Considering there are only five teams lower than a fifth seed remaining, it looks like the sim is doing what it should do. I noted there were some teams I thought were much better in real life that had low seeds--Kansas State, Southern Miss, and Nebraska were all ranked, for example--and thought they might rattle some cages in the tournament, but it just didn't happen.

Once the entire tournament is finished, I'll probably analyze things a lot more. Anyway, with there being so many #1 and #2/#3 seeds still alive, I expect most of the Elite 8 to be in the top three seeds. Maybe one or two #4 or #5 seeds make their way in, but they are definitely a long shot.

[StLee]

I finally have some time to simulate and write again, so I'll try to post at least a couple of regions today and complete the rest tomorrow. Also, I want to bump this so that the entire third round is on the same page.

[StLee]

Northeast Region – Consolation

Wyoming 27 at Penn State 30
Leading Passer: Matt McGloin, PSU, 25-48-313-2-1
Leading Rusher: Silas Redd, PSU, 30-149
Leading Receiver: Derek Moye, PSU, 5-121
Game MVP: Matt McGloin, QB, Penn State

Louisiana Tech 33 at Notre Dame 21
Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, ND, 27-46-361-3-2
Leading Rusher: Lennon Creer, LTU, 27-145-1
Leading Receiver: Quinton Patton, LTU, 6-112-1
Game MVP: Colby Cameron, QB, Louisiana Tech, 21-31-351-3-0

Central Michigan 19 at Central Florida 16
Leading Passer: Ryan Radcliff, CMU, 23-38-311-0-2
Leading Rusher: Brynn Harvey, UCF, 16-103-1
Leading Receiver: Courtney Williams, CMU, 4-80
Game MVP: Brynn Harvey, RB, Central Florida, 16-103-1 rush, 2-21 rec

Wake Forest 37 at Oregon State 18
Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 23-37-335-4-0
Leading Rusher: Orville Reynolds, WF, 10-97
Leading Receiver: Chris Givens, WF, 7-143-1
Game MVP: Tanner Price, QB, Wake Forest

Indiana 13 at Maryland 45
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Mary, 23-35-295-4-1
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Mary, 22-146-1
Leading Receiver: Dre Muhammad, Ind, 4-96-1
Game MVP: Danny O’Brien, QB, Maryland

Tulane 41 at New Mexico 31
Leading Passer: Ryan Griffin, Tul, 26-37-346-2-1
Leading Rusher: Orleans Darkwa, Tul, 23-132-2
Leading Receiver: Lucas Reed, NMU, 4-105
Game MVP: Orleans Darkwa, RB, Tulane, 23-132-2 rush, 2-19 rec

Northeast Region – Semifinals

#8 Washington 17 at #4 Oklahoma 20
Leading Passer: Keith Price, UW, 26-43-290-1-3
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 22-181-1
Leading Receiver: Kasen Williams, UW, 2-59
Game MVP: Chris Polk, RB, Washington, 30-144-1 rush, 6-55-1 rec
Game Story:
It was not the high-scoring affair many thought it would be, but fourth-seed Oklahoma kicked a field goal with 11 seconds left to defeat eighth-seed Washington, 20-17.

The Sooners never got their passing game going, but they did benefit from three Huskies’ turnovers.

Oklahoma scored first early in the game when Roy Finch broke a 55-yard touchdown run with 13:45 left. The Huskies answered later in the quarter when Chris Polk, the game’s MVP, scored from three yards out to make it 7-7 after one quarter.

The Sooners retook the lead in the second quarter when Landry Jones hit Kameel Jackson for a 10-yard scoring strike. Jones had one of his lowest career outputs, finishing 11 of 23 for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Late in the second quarter, the Huskies’ Erik Folk kicked a 29-yard field goal to cut the Oklahoma lead to 14-10. Michael Hunnicutt then kicked a 49-yard field goal with 53 seconds left to give Oklahoma a 17-10 advantage at the break.

Neither team was able to score in the third quarter and most of the fourth quarter until Polk scored his second touchdown of the game. This time it was a two-yard reception from Keith Price to tie the game 17-17 with 2:46 left. Polk was the top producer for the Huskies, finishing with 144 yards rushing and 55 yards receiving and a touchdown both rushing and receiving.

Oklahoma did not allow the game to go to overtime. After the Sooners’ drive stalled, they punted to Washington. On the second play of the drive, Price threw his third and most costly interception on the day. The Sooners’ Frank Alexander grabbed a tipped pass and went down at the Washington 31 with 33 seconds left.

On its possession, Oklahoma got a 13-yard run from Finch on the first play of the drive to get the ball to the Huskies’ 18-yard line and in great field goal position. The Sooners still tried to drive but could only get as close as the 11-yard line before they elected to try the field goal. From there, Hunnicutt connected on his second field goal of the day, this one from 28 yards out, for the 20-17 win.

#3 Houston 35 at #2 Wisconsin 24
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, UH, 29-43-363-3-0
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wisc, 19-111-2
Leading Receiver: Patrick Edwards, UH, 6-128
Game MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Game Story:
Despite the outstanding offense the Houston Cougars have shown throughout the 2011 campaign, the general thought was that they would fold among the “big boys.” Not the case.

Houston rod on the tails of quarterback Case Keenum to a stunning 35-24 upset at second-seed Wisconsin. Keenum was the game’s most valuable player, completing 29 of 43 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cougars started scoring early and often, but not through the air. Charles Sims scored two first quarter rushing touchdowns for a 14-0 advantage after one quarter. Sims, who finished with 12 carries for 89 yards, scored on runs of 38 yards and one yard.

In the second quarter, Houston extended its lead to 21-0 when Keenum found Tyron Carrier for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Carrier finished first on the Cougars in receptions with eight for 110 yards and a touchdown. Patrick Edwards was the leader in receiving yards with 128 yards on six receptions.

Wisconsin finally got on the board with 55 seconds left in the half when Montee Ball scored on a nine-yard scoring run. Ball was he game’s leading rusher with 111 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns. Ball’s score cut Houston lead to 21-7 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Badgers’ Kyle French kicked a 32-yard field goal to cut the lead to 21-10, but Keenum answered by finding Sims from 15 yards out. That score gave Houston a 28-10 lead after three quarters.

Wisconsin tried to make a come back in the fourth quarter. The Badgers started off the scoring when Ball scored his second touchdown, this one from 46 yards out. However, Keenum threw his third touchdown pass with 8:56 to give the Cougars enough to pull off the upset. Keenum’s last touchdown was to Justin Johnson from the five.

Ball scored one more touchdown on a 13-yard pass from Russell Wilson for the final 35-24 score. Wilson was 16 of 34 for 238 yards and a touchdown on the day.



Northeast Region Player of the Week

http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Case-Keenum.jpg

One of the Heisman Trophy candidates, Houston's Case Keenum did it again, this time against one of the national powers in Wisconsin. Keenum completed 29 of 43 passes for 363 and three touchdowns in the Cougars' 35-24 upset at Wisconsin.

Northeast Region Wrap Up

We had a snoozer and a doozer in this week's Northeast Region semifinals. Houston's stunning win at Wisconsin has to rank as one of the biggest upsets despite the teams being only a seed apart. Why? The Badgers came into this game as the definitive favorite to take the Northeast Region and move on to the Elite 8 Tournament. Instead, Wisconsin will be playing for nothing next week, while the Cougars have a chance to sneak in to the eight-team playoff as a smaller school entry. First, they have to fend off another powerful school in Oklahoma, which needed a last-second field goal to topple eighth-seed Washington. The Sooners have been an enigma of a team. Sure, they're good, but they seldom dominate and tend to allow every team to stay in the game with them, despite their sometimes superior talent.

Northeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NortheastRegion-FourthRound_zpsbfc2969c.jpg

[StLee]

North Region – Consolation

Miami (FL) 0 at Tennessee 30
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, Tenn, 25-33-312-2-0
Leading Rusher: Tauren Poole, Tenn, 25-103
Leading Receiver: Justin Hunter, Tenn, 6-96-1
Game MVP: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

Nevada 23 at TCU 34
Leading Passer: Casey Pachall, TCU, 14-22-195-1-0
Leading Rusher: Lampford Mark, Nev, 28-158-1
Leading Receiver: Rishard Matthews, Nev, 8-112
Game MVP: Lampford Mark, RB, Nevada

Western Michigan 6 at Missouri 30
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 25-42-328-0-2
Leading Rusher: Henry Josey, Mizzou, 13-122-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 13-204
Game MVP: James Franklin, QB, Missouri, 10-12-181-2-0 pass, 19-68 rush

Hawaii 30 at Texas Tech 10
Leading Passer: Seth Doege, TT, 31-51-469-0-5
Leading Rusher: Joey Iosefa, Haw, 15-87-2
Leading Receiver: Eric Ward, TT, 8-169
Game MVP: Joey Iosefa, RB, Hawaii, 15-87-2 rush, 2-12 rec

Memphis 20 at Northwestern 44
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, NU, 23-29-329-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jerrell Rhodes, Mem, 8-66
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, NU, 7-111
Game MVP: Dan Persa, QB, Northwestern

Florida Atlantic 27 at Kentucky 33
Leading Passer: Morgan Newton, UK, 16-34-225-2-2
Leading Rusher: Alfred Morris, FAU, 25-159-3
Leading Receiver: La’Rod King, UK, 4-54
Game MVP: Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic, 25-159-3 rush, 2-16 rec

North Region – Semifinals

#5 Texas A&M 31 at #1 Michigan State 44
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 27-39-401-2-0
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 27-144-2
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, TAMU, 7-114-1
Game MVP: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
Game Story:
In a game featuring two top prospect senior quarterbacks, Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins turned out the better performance in the Spartans’ 44-31 win over fifth-seed Texas A&M.

The Aggies’ Ryan Tannehill had decent numbers, finishing 21 of 35 for 284 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. However, Michigan State’s Cousins earned MVP honors by posting 401 yards on 27 of 39 passing and two touchdowns.

Michigan State jumped out to leads of 17-0 and 38-14 in easily beating the Aggies. The Spartans’ first score came before the offense and Cousins touched the ball. After Texas A&M went three and out on its first possession, a punt to Michigan State’s Keshawn Martin resulted in a 74-yard touchdown return and a 7-0 lead with 13:11 remaining in the first quarter. Later in the quarter, the Spartans added a touchdown on a two-yard Edwin Baker run and a 24-yard Dan Conroy field goal for a 17-0 lead after one quarter.

Texas A&M answered in the second quarter when Tannehill hit leading receiver Ryan Swope for a 26-yard touchdown. The Spartans quickly answered, though, when Cousins connected with Brian Linthicum two minutes later for a seven-yard touchdown pass and a 24-7 lead with 10:02 to play in the half.

With 40 seconds left, Michigan State scored again on a two-yard Le’Veon Bell touchdown run. Texas A&M’s Cyrus Gray then helped salvage the end of the half. After a kickoff return to the Aggies’ 37, Gray ran for 15 yards to the Michigan State 48. On the next play he took it to the house, resulting in a 31-14 halftime deficit for the Aggies.

Michigan State was the only team to score in the third quarter. Cousins threw his second touchdown pass of the game to BJ Cunningham from 27 yards out and a 38-14 lead at the end of three quarters. Cunningham was the leading receiver for the Spartans, finishing with five receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.

In the fourth, the Aggies tried to come back, but it proved to be too little, too late. Randy Bullock kicked a field goal early in the quarter, followed by a six-yard Tannehill to Ben Malena connection to cut the Spartans’ lead to 38-24. However, Michigan State put the game away on its next possession, driving downfield and scoring on a two-yard Bell touchdown run. Conroy missed the extra point, but Michigan State had enough to win the game. Gray scored again for Texas A&M to complete the scoring with 3:58 left and the 44-31 final.

#7 Ohio 31 at #3 Florida State 38
Leading Passer: Tyler Tettleton, Ohio, 21-34-274-3-1
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 21-198-1
Leading Receiver: Riley Dunlop, Ohio, 3-85-1
Game MVP: EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State, 19-28-218-4-0 pass, 11-29 rush
Game Story:
Florida State built a 38-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter and then went into cruise control, which almost cost them against seventh-seed Ohio.

The Bobcats scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, the final score coming with 16 seconds remaining when Donte Harden scored a touchdown on a 25-yard run. The ensuing onsides kick was recovered by the Seminoles, and they were able to survive a scare.

Despite the Seminoles’ big lead heading into the final quarter, they did not start fast. Florida State scored first when Dustin Hopkins kicked a 38-yard field goal with 9:32 left in the first quarter. The Bobcats then answered with a 12-yard Tyler Tettleton to Riley Dunlop pass and a 7-3 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Ohio extended its lead to 14-3 when Tettleton connected with LaVon Brazill from 11 yards out. Then Florida State started its surge, scoring the next 35 points.

With 10:55 left in the half, game MVP EJ Manuel connected with Nick O’Leary for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Three minutes later, Manuel found Rashad Greene from the nine to give the Seminoles a 17-14 lead. Manuel then connected with O’Leary again, this time from nine yards out with 1:47 remaining in the second quarter, for a 24-14 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Florida State continued its scoring. Devonta Freeman scored with 9:41 left in the quarter on a 33-yard run. With 5:15 left, Manuel threw his fourth touchdown pass, this time to Rodney Smith for a 16-yard touchdown and a 38-14 lead heading into the final quarter.

Manuel finished the day 19 of 28 for only 218 yards, but he threw four touchdowns in building the huge lead.

The fourth quarter was Ohio’s turn after the Florida State offense stalled. Matt Weller started the scoring by kicking a 21-yard field goal. With 3:18 left, Tettleton connected with Brazill for the second time and a 38-24 deficit. Harden then scored the final touchdown with 16 seconds left on a 25-yard run.

Harden finished the game with 168 yards rushing on 24 carries. Dunlop was the leading receiver for Ohio with 3 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. Brazill followed with five receptions for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

Florida State was led in receiving by Smith with four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown. Greene was behind him with two catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.


North Region Player of the Week

http://media.mlive.com/spartans_impact/photo/kirk-cousins-michigan-state-2dd28a2934f24943_large.jpg

He did not throw a lot of touchdown passes, but he did lead his team downfield and put them in multiple scoring chances. That is why this week's North Region Player of the Week award goes to Michigan State's Kirk Cousins. The senior quarterback led the Spartans to a 44-31 dismantling of fifth-seed Texas A&M and their air assault of Ryan Tannehill (the first round's National Player of the Week). Cousins finished 27 of 39 for 401 yards and two touchdowns.

North Region Wrap Up

Michigan State did what it was supposed to do against a dangerous offense: outscore it. Florida State survived against a scrappy Ohio team. And now the Spartans and Seminoles will face off in a winner-take-all finale in the North Region to determine whose season continues and whose ends in East Lansing next week. Meanwhile, next week's consolation game between Texas A&M and Ohio could be interesting, though it means nothing.

North Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthRegion-FourthRound_zps8b960875.jpg

[sterlingice]

Go Case Keenum! Houston's my rooting interest going forward. At least until Oklahoma handles them next week

SI

[StLee]

Northwest Region – Consolation

San Jose State 33 at Southern Miss 20
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 25-44-345-3-0
Leading Rusher: Brandon Rutley, SJSU, 24-109
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 8-99-1
Game MVP: Matt Faulkner, QB, San Jose State

Mississippi State 28 at Virginia Tech 31
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 15-32-252-1-2
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 27-176-3
Leading Receiver: LaDarius Perkins, MSU, 2-73-1
Game MVP: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

San Diego State 27 at Temple 26
Leading Passer: Ryan Lindley, SDSU, 25-46-351-1-0
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 17-113-1
Leading Receiver: Osmond Nicholas, SDSU, 3-76
Game MVP: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State, 17-113-1 rush, 3-40 pass

Idaho 35 at Air Force 14
Leading Passer: Brian Reader, Idaho, 22-38-238-2-0
Leading Rusher: Mike DeWitt, AFA, 10-128-1
Leading Receiver: Mike Scott, Idaho, 5-85-1
Game MVP: Brian Reader, QB, Idaho

UNCC 30 at Rice 27
Leading Passer: Some Dude, UNCC, 26-41-309-3-0
Leading Rusher: Tyler Smith, Rice, 16-99-1
Leading Receiver: That Guy, UNCC, 4-108
Game MVP: Some Dude, QB, UNC-Charlotte

Georgia State 25 at Army 19
Leading Passer: Kelton Hill, GSU, 14-19-125-3-1
Leading Rusher: Raymond Maples, Army, 17-175-1
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Brown, Army, 2-49
Game MVP: Kelton Hill, QB, Georgia State, 14-19-125-3-1 pass, 10-54 rush

Northwest Region – Semifinals

#4 South Carolina 10 at #1 Boise State 43
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 24-35-342-4-0
Leading Rusher: Doug Martin, BSU, 28-128-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Miller, BSU, 5-79
Game MVP: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Game Story:
Boise State jumped out to a 23-0 lead and never looked back in disposing of fourth-seed South Carolina, 43-10, in the semifinal round of the Northwest Region.

Kellen Moore led the attack for the Broncos, completing 24 of 35 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns. On the other side of the field, South Carolina’s Connor Shaw did not fare so well. He finished 8 of 21 for 102 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions. However, he finished second on the team in rushing with 68 yards on 17 carries.

Boise State scored its first touchdown with 7:38 in the first quarter. Moore threw a 40-yard touchdown to Kyle Efaw for the score. After a field goal, the Broncos led 10-0 after one.

In the second quarter, Boise State added two more touchdowns. Doug Martin caught a pass from Moore from eight yards out, followed by a DJ Harper touchdown reception from 34 yards away. South Carolina was then able to break the scoring streak when Jay Wooten kicked a 46-yard field goal and a 23-3 Boise State halftime lead.

The Broncos then went to work more in the second half. Dan Goodale kicked his second field goal and Mitch Burroughs caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Moore to give Boise State a 33-3 lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Martin scored his second touchdown, this one a two-yard rush. Goodale added another field goal and the Broncos held a 43-3 lead. South Carolina was able to get its only touchdown with 1:39 left when Shaw connected with Alshon Jeffery from the two-yard line.

The Gamecocks outrushed Boise State 200-127 in the game. Brandon Wilds led the Gamecocks with 82 yards on 18 carries. However, Boise State won the game’s yardage battle, 469-302, thanks to Moore’s 342 passing yards.

Boise State now moves on to the regional final, where they will host the game.

#7 Tulsa 22 at #3 Georgia 38
Leading Passer: Aaron Murray, UGA, 20-29-345-4-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 23-126-1
Leading Receiver: Orson Charles, UGA, 3-90-1
Game MVP: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
Game Story:
Third-seeded Georgia and seventh-seeded Tulsa battled for the chance to make it to the Northwest Region semifinal, and the Bulldogs were able to overpower the Golden Hurricane for a 38-22 final.

Tulsa was the first team on the board after a scoreless first quarter. Golden Hurricane’s running back Ja’Terian Douglas ran in from four yards out to give Tulsa the 7-0 lead with 14:22 left in the half. However, that was just the beginning of a high-scoring quarter.

Georgia answered big, starting first with a two-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Crowell to tie the game at seven. Three minutes later, the Bulldogs scored again on a 59-yard pass from game MVP Aaron Murray to Orson Charles. With 6:03 left in the half, Murray connected on his second touchdown pass, this time to Malcolm Mitchell from 28 yards out. Tulsa finally answered with 1:43 left to play when Douglas ran for his second touchdown to make it 21-14 Bulldogs at halftime.

Georgia was the only team to score in the third quarter. Murray connected with Mitchell for the second time from the 27-yard line to make it 28-14 after one quarter. Murray finished 20 of 29 for 345 yards and four touchdowns. Mitchell, who finished second for the Bulldogs in receiving yards, finished with four receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns.

In the fourth quarter, Georgia pulled away. Murray hit Crowell for a 10-yard touchdown to make it 35-14. Then, Blair Walsh kicked a 40-yard field goal with 3:15 left to give the Bulldogs a 38-14 advantage. Tulsa was able to score one more time with less than a minute to play when Douglas scored his second touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion for the final 38-22 score.

Trey Watts was the leading rusher for the Golden Hurricane with 19 carries for 99 yards. Douglas finished second with 66 yards on 14 carries and all three Tulsa touchdowns. Tulsa quarterback GJ Kinne finished 12 of 24 for 115 yards and two interceptions.



Northwest Region Players of the Week

http://www.holyturf.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Aaron-Murray-ISM.jpghttp://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/files/2010/11/PX00189_9.jpg

For the first time this year, we have a co-players of the week. Both of the winning quarterbacks had outstanding days and almost identical statistics. Therefore, both #11's, Georgia's Aaron Murray and Boise State's Kellen Moore are the Northwest Region Players of the Week. Murray finished 20 of 29 for 345 yards and four touchdowns in third-seed Georgia's 38-22 triumph over seventh-seed Tulsa. Likewise, Moore had a great day, completing 24 of 35 for 342 yards and four touchdowns in the Broncos' 43-10 romp of fourth-seed South Carolina.

Northwest Region Wrap Up

In the real 2011 season, fifth-ranked Boise State took on 19th-ranked Georgia in both teams' season opener. Some people had this as a championship elimination game. (The now late, RIP) Beano Cook had Georgia as his preseason #1, thinking this game could and would boost the Bulldogs towards a stellar season. He was wrong. The Broncos ripped the Bulldogs a new one in taking the game 35-21. Well, in this simulation, the teams will face off for the right to get to the Elite 8 Tournament, thanks to both teams getting convincing wins in their regional semifinals games. Boise State was the most impressive, running through and over a good South Carolina defense. The Broncos never had to worry about the end result, going up 23-0 in the game and then cruising towards the victory. Georgia had a closer game, but proved strong enough to easily handle Tulsa. Next week the great quarterback-running back duos of Moore-Martin and Murray-Crowell get to face off.

Northwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthwestRegion-FourthRound_zps67c0d056.jpg

[StLee]

West Region – Consolation

Louisville 27 at Arkansas State 26
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, UL, 24-41-302-3-2
Leading Rusher: Frankie Jackson, ArkSt, 12-66
Leading Receiver: Dwayne Frampton, ArkSt, 7-108
Game MVP: Victor Anderson, RB, Louisville, 15-55-1 rush, 4-62-1 rec

Washington State 19 at Cincinnati 29
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 30-49-383-2-2
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, Cincy, 20-138
Leading Receiver: Marquess Wilson, WSU, 9-142
Game MVP: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati, 20-138 rush, 4-50-1 rec

California 27 at UTSA 48
Leading Passer: Zach Maynard, Cal, 23-32-349-3-2
Leading Rusher: David Glasco, UTSA, 13-128-2
Leading Receiver: Keenan Allen, Cal, 7-129
Game MVP: David Glasco, RB, UT-San Antonio, 13-128-2 rush, 2-13 rec

Kansas State 24 at Connecticut 23
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, Conn, 22-44-323-1-2
Leading Rusher: Lyle McCombs, Conn, 29-103-1
Leading Receiver: John Hubert, KSU, 2-91-1
Game MVP: John Hubert, RB, Kansas State, 19-48-1 rush, 2-91-1 rec

MTSU 24 at Georgia Southern 27
Leading Passer: Logan Kilgore, MTSU, 24-48-333-2-1
Leading Rusher: Benjamin Cunningham, MTSU, 17-81
Leading Receiver: Malcolm Beyah, MTSU, 6-124-1
Game MVP: Logan Kilgore, QB, Middle Tennessee State

Minnesota 21 at Ball State 11
Leading Passer: Keith Wenning, Ball, 16-36-178-0-3
Leading Rusher: Jahwan Edwards, Ball, 23-102-1
Leading Receiver: Zane Fakes, Ball, 4-59
Game MVP: MarQuies Gray, QB, Minnesota, 6-10-80-2-0 pass, 27-42 rush

West Region – Semifinals

#5 Clemson 40 at #1 Oregon 30
Leading Passer: Tajh Boyd, Clem, 20-27-354-3-1
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, UO, 23-185-1
Leading Receiver: Andre Ellington, Clem, 4-106-1
Game MVP: Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson, 25-142-1 rush, 4-106-1 rec
Game Story:
A combination of grit and circumstance made the difference, as an Andre Ellington-led attack helped boost fifth-seed Clemson to a 40-30 upset of #2 nationally-ranked Oregon.

Ellington, the game’s MVP, rushed for 142 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown and added another 106 yards on four receptions with a touchdown. The Clemson quarterback, Tajh Boyd, also had a big day, throwing for 354 yards on 20 of 27 passing with three touchdowns and an interception.

Clemson got on the board first in the game when Boyd found Ellington for a 61-yard scoring strike only 48 seconds into the game. However, only 20 seconds later, the Ducks tied it at 7-7 when the game’s leading rusher, LaMichael James, broke a 71-yard run. James finished with 185 yards on 23 carries.

With 10:33 left in the first quarter, the Tigers scored again, making this game appear to be a high-scoring shoot out. Boyd threw his second touchdown, this time to Sammy Watkins from 22 yards out. To close the quarter, Oregon kicked two field goals to make it 14-13 Clemson after one.

The Ducks took their first lead, 20-14, in the second quarter when Darron Thomas found Lavasier Tuinei from 14 yards out. Thomas was 10 of 21 for 142 yards with a touchdown and interception in the game.

After a Clemson field goal, Oregon struck again, this time on a 52-yard Kenjon Barner touchdown run for a 27-17 lead. Barner was second for the Ducks in rushing with 115 yards on 16 carries. Clemson’s Chandler Catanzaro kicked one more field goal before time expired for a 27-20 Ducks advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, the offenses sputtered. The only score of the quarter was Catanzaro’s third field goal to make it 27-23 in favor of Oregon.

With 13:30 left in the game, Alejandro Maldonado kicked his third field goal for the Ducks, giving them a 30-23 advantage.

The rest of the game was all Clemson. Watkins scored his second receiving touchdown with 9:42 left when Boyd found him from nine yards out. That tied the game, 30-30. Watkins finished with six receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

Clemson scored the game-winning touchdown with 3:39 left when Ellington bust through the Ducks’ defense for a 34-yard score. Catanzaro added his fourth field goal later in the quarter to seal the game and give it the final score, 40-30.

With the win, Clemson will travel to Morgantown, West Virginia, to take on the Mountaineers.

#7 Auburn 10 at #3 West Virginia 40
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 30-46-352-3-1
Leading Rusher: Dustin Garrison, WVU, 22-168-2
Leading Receiver: Stedman Bailey, WVU, 6-108
Game MVP: Dustin Garrison, RB, West Virginia, 22-168-2 rush, 3-24 rec
Game Story:
A week after having a tremendous game, Barrett Trotter and the Auburn Tigers struggled mightily at West Virginia, dropping the game 40-10.

Neither team started fast, but the Mountaineers’ defense was able to hold Trotter in check. Trotter finished 18 of 43 for 277 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

West Virginia started the scoring with 9:45 in the first quarter when Geno Smith hit Tavon Austin for a 10-yard touchdown pass. Smith was 30 of 46 for 352 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in the game.

Auburn was able to cut the lead to 7-3 later in the quarter, but West Virginia scored all ten points of the second quarter to take a 16-3 lead into the break.

In the third quarter, the Mountaineers started to pull away. Smith threw his third touchdown, this one to Ivan McCartney from the 12. A minute later, Auburn answered when Trotter found an open Trovon Reed from 13 yards out to make the score 23-10 going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was all West Virginia. Garrison, the game’s MVP scored two touchdowns, one from the one-yard line, and the second a 68-yard romp. Tyler Bitancurt added a 43-yard field goal between Garrison’s touchdowns for the final 40-10 score.

Garrison finished with 168 yards on 22 carries, including his two fourth-quarter touchdowns. He also added 24 yards on three receptions.

With the win, coupled with Clemson’s upset win at Oregon, West Virginia will host Clemson in the West Region final.



West Region Player of the Week

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1108/cfb-preview-all-acc-team/images/andre-ellington.jpg

Not only was he the star in fifth-seed Clemson's upset win at #2 National Seed Oregon, but running back Andre Ellington also scored the winning touchdown in the Tigers' come-from-behind win in Eugene. Ellington finished with 25 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.

West Region Wrap Up

One of the two semifinals goes down as a classic. Yes, the final score was a ten point difference, but the game was tight and well-played, and Clemson played above its head in the 40-30 upset win at Oregon. Tajh Boyd and Andre Ellington had outstanding days for the Tigers, and now they get to go on the road again to face off against West Virginia. The Mountaineers did what they were supposed to do in dismantling seventh-seed Auburn, 40-10. West Virginia is led by a great quarterback in Geno Smith, but the defense is suspect. Therefore, it was impressive to shut down a very hot Barrett Trotter at Auburn.

This region, like the Northwest Region final, will feature a real 2011 rematch. Both Clemson and West Virginia were BCS teams. Clemson was the ACC champion and the Mountaineers were the Big East champion. They met in the Orange Bowl in Miami where many thought it would be an exciting match up. Well, it was for one team. West Virginia set multiple bowl records in defeating the Tigers 70-33. The Mountaineers set the points in a game (70), Points in a half (49), and points in a quarter (35) records. They also tied records for team touchdowns (10), and both teams combined for 69 points in a half for another record. Individually, Geno Smith tied the record for touchdown passes (6) and total touchdowns (7). Tavin Austin tied a record for touchdown receptions (4). Can we get a similar offensive output in the replay? We shall see when StLee clicks a button.

West Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/WestRegion-FourthRound_zps824f1aa9.jpg

[StLee]

(I should've covered ONE story per region! These are taking a long time to do with other distractions. Anyway, here is the East)

East Region – Consolation

UL-Lafayette 16 at Miami (OH) 35
Leading Passer: Zac Dysert, Mia, 22-34-416-4-2
Leading Rusher: Erik Finklea, Mia, 17-128-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Mia, 8-187-2
Game MVP: Nick Harwell, WR, Miami (OH)

Utah State 30 at Syracuse 20
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, SU, 25-38-365-2-1
Leading Rusher: Michael Smith, USU, 10-109-1
Leading Receiver: Alec Lemon, SU, 7-100-2
Game MVP: Adam Kennedy, QB, Utah State, 17-24-324-2-0

UTEP 31 at Bowling Green 27
Leading Passer: Nick Lamaison, UTEP, 21-33-302-2-3
Leading Rusher: Anthon Samuel, BGSU, 22-189-1
Leading Receiver: Jordan Leslie, UTEP, 4-120-1
Game MVP: Joe Banyard, RB, UTEP, 14-107-2 rush, 3-26-1 rec

Troy 49 at New Mexico State 28
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 23-36-342-4-1
Leading Rusher: DJ Taylor, Troy, 11-109-1
Leading Receiver: Kenny Turner, NMSU, 4-75
Game MVP: Corey Robinson, QB, Troy

Colorado 31 at Buffalo 38
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, CU, 27-38-374-3-2
Leading Rusher: Branden Oliver, Buff, 29-126-2
Leading Receiver: Paul Richardson, CU, 5-140-1
Game MVP: Branden Oliver, RB, Buffalo, 29-126-2 rush, 2-28 rec

Old Dominion 24 at UAB 44
Leading Passer: ODU, 19-33-284-1-1
Leading Rusher: Greg Franklin, UAB, 13-145-1
Leading Receiver: ODU, 3-91
Game MVP: Jonathan Perry, QB, UAB, 17-26-183-3-0 pass, 14-49-1 rush

East Region – Semifinals

#4 UCLA 11 at #1 North Carolina 34
Leading Passer: Bryn Renner, UNC, 29-36-330-1-2
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 24-133-3
Leading Receiver: Dwight Jones, UNC, 7-77
Game MVP: Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina, 24-133-3 rush, 3-25 rec
Game Story:

Top-seed North Carolina rolled over UCLA, gaining a 20-0 halftime lead on their way to a 34-11 victory in Chapel Hill.

Giovani Bernard was named game most valuable player by rushing for 133 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns. He also added 25 yards on three receptions.

The first quarter was low-scoring, with the only score coming on a Thomas Moore field goal and a 3-0 Tarheels advantage.

In the second quarter, Bernard scored the first of his three rushing touchdowns on a four-yard plunge through the middle of the line. North Carolina scored again with 47 seconds remaining when Bryn Renner hot Eric Ebron for a five-yard scoring strike and a 17-0 lead.

Renner finished as the game’s leading passer with 330 yards on 29 of 36 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions. On the other side of the field, UCLA’s Kevin Prince was only 8 of 19 for 112 yards and two interceptions.

After the North Carolina touchdown, the Bruins got possession of the ball, but Prince was intercepted by Pete Mangum, who returned the ball to the UCLA 35. Four plays later, Moore kicked his second field goal for a 20-0 advantage at halftime.

UCLA finally got on the board early in the second half. Tyler Gonzalez kicked a 21-yard field goal after the Bruins failed to capitalize on a North Carolina turnover. Later in the quarter, Bernard ran another touchdown in for the Tarheels. This time he scored on a 32-yard run with 1:49 left in the third quarter and a 27-3 Tarheels’ lead.

The Bruins got their first and only touchdown of the game with 13:41 to play. Prince scored on a one-yard run and then plunged in for the two-point conversion for a 27-11 UNC advantage.

In addition to his passing yards, Prince finished third on the UCLA team with 29 yards on 14 carries. Derrick Coleman rushed for 51 yards and Johnathan Franklin added 46 yards to lead the Bruins.

With 3:42 left in the game, Bernard scored his third and final touchdown on an 11-yard run. Neither team scored again, leading to the 34-11 win.

By winning the game, North Carolina will now host the East Region Final next week in Chapel Hill.

#3 Iowa 28 at #2 Arkansas 30
Leading Passer: James Vandenburg, Iowa, 22-34-297-2-2
Leading Rusher: Marcus Coker, Iowa, 32-128-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 8-97-1
Game MVP: Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa, 32-128-1 rush, 3-31 rec
Game Story:
Arkansas built leads of 17-0 and 30-14 and then held on tight in defeating third-seed Iowa, 30-28, in an East Region semifinal game.

The Razorbacks jumped out to a 17-0 first quarter lead to give them the advantage they needed. With 13:15 left in the first quarter, Tyler Wilson connected with Jarius Wright from seven yards out to give Arkansas a score on its first possession. That score was followed by a Zach Hocker field goal and a Wilson to Cobi Hamilton connection from the eight for the 17-0 lead.

Despite his two touchdown passes in the first quarter, Wilson was relatively quiet the rest of the day. He finished with 225 yards passing on 21 of 33 passing with two touchdowns and an interception.

Iowa got on the scoreboard for the first time early in the second quarter. Marcus Coker, the game’s most valuable player, scored on a one-yard dive over the pile and a 17-7 Arkansas advantage. With 6:28 left in the quarter, James Vandenberg hit Keenan Davis from 12 yards out to cut the lead to 17-14. Vandenberg was the leading passer in the game, going 22 of 34 for 297 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 34 yards.

Arkansas got back on track the rest of the half. Dennis Johnson scored on a four-yard run with 4:26 left for a 24-14 advantage. Johnson led the Razorbacks in rushing with 72 yards on 14 carries. With 15 seconds left, Hocker kicked his second field goal for a 27-14 Razorbacks’ lead at the break.

Hocker scored Arkansas’ final points with 11:05 left in the third quarter with a 30-yard field goal. He finished 3 of 3 on the day on field goal attempts and added three point afters. With 6:46 left in the quarter, the Hawkeyes answered when De’Andre Johnson ran in from the 11 to make the score 30-21 after three quarters.

In the fourth, both defenses tightened up. While Arkansas was unable to take advantage of a Vandenberg interception, the Hawkeyes did take advantage of a Wilson interception, returning an interception to the Arkansas 18. Three plays later, Vandenberg connected with Marvin McNutt for a three-yard score with 3:02 remaining. McNutt led the Hawkeyes in receiving with eight receptions for 97 yards.

Iowa elected to kick off deep. Arkansas then drove into Iowa territory before stalling at the Hawkeyes’ 42. From there they punted, giving Iowa the ball back. Vandenberg then heaved a long throw that was caught by Davis for 44 yards. Davis was second in receiving for the Hawkeyes with five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

The reception gave Iowa the ball at the Arkansas 37 with just two seconds left. From there, they attempted a 54-yard field goal, but the attempt was well off the mark, and Arkansas held on for the win, 30-28.



East Region Player of the Week

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hLAwF6sAmRc/TpsqU72YX9I/AAAAAAAAm3g/B8gJKaTNgmw/s576/keithcoward.com-2926.jpg

Giovani Bernard of North Carolina was dominant in the top-seeded team's 34-11 thrashing of UCLA. Bernard rushed 24 times for 133 yards and three touchdowns, and he added another 25 yards receiving on three catches.

East Region Wrap Up

North Carolina has been a pleasant surprise throughout this simulation. This author has always been a fan of Kenan Memorial Stadium and name it my second favorite stadium in the country. Can you guess my favorite stadium? Therefore, seeing the Tarheels dominant thus far in the simulation is pleasing. UCLA was the Pac 12 representative in the South Division in the real 2011 season, but everyone knows just how bad they really were. Still, it was an impressive run for them to be in the final 32 teams, even if that last loss was a resounding defeat. On the other side of the bracket, Arkansas and Iowa had a boring start but a thrilling finish. Who knows how much toll a real-life game would have taken on the Razorbacks? Since this is a computer-generated simulation, there will be none, so the Razorbacks will be the favorite going into Chapel Hill. This marks the first region so far to see the #1 and #2 seeds advance to the regional final, though it is possible in the other three regions yet to be simmed.

East Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/EastRegion-FourthRound_zps46bd2166.jpg

[britrock88]

This author has always been a fan of Kenan Memorial Stadium and name it my second favorite stadium in the country.

I'll take it! :)

[StLee]

Southeast Region – Consolation

SMU 38 at Utah 10
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 21-36-329-3-1
Leading Rusher: Jared Williams, SMU, 20-166-2
Leading Receiver: Cole Beasley, SMU, 7-139-1
Game MVP: Jared Williams, RB, SMU, 20-166-2 rush, 2-32 rec

Iowa State 42 at Arizona 40, 3OT
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Ariz, 45-71-570-4-2
Leading Rusher: James White, ISU, 15-130-2
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Ariz, 10-148
Game MVP: James White, RB, Iowa State, 15-130-2 rush, 2-54-1 rec

Western Kentucky 21 at North Carolina State 20
Leading Passer: Mike Glennon, NCSU, 17-28-218-0-1
Leading Rusher: Bobby Rainey, WKU, 36-136-1
Leading Receiver: Tobias Palmer, NCSU, 4-74
Game MVP: Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky, 36-136-1 rush, 4-63 rec

Illinois 17 at Florida International 23
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 18-30-175-0-0
Leading Rusher: Jason Ford, Ill, 18-149
Leading Receiver: TY Hilton, FIU, 4-59
Game MVP: Kedrick Rhodes, RB, Florida International, 24-95-2 rush, 4-30 rec

Akron 16 at South Alabama 35
Leading Passer: CJ Bennett, USA, 18-29-264-1-1
Leading Rusher: Demetre Baker, USA, 20-95-1
Leading Receiver: Jereme Jones, USA, 3-63
Game MVP: Demetre Baker, RB, South Alabama, 20-95-1 rush, 2-15 rec

Fresno State 27 at Duke 24
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 24-36-326-3-0
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, FSU, 30-233
Leading Receiver: Jalen Saunders, FSU, 4-104
Game MVP: Robbie Rouse, RB, Fresno State, 30-233 rush, 4-34-1 rec

Southeast Region – Semifinals

#5 Oklahoma State 28 at #1 Alabama 40
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 34-51-422-3-3
Leading Rusher: Eddie Lacy, Bama, 11-117-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 11-135-1
Game MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama, 31-94-1 rush, 4-47-1 rec
Game Story:
Alabama overcame a 28-27 deficit to score all 13 points of the fourth quarter in defeating fifth-seed Oklahoma State, 40-28, in Tuscaloosa.

The Crimson Tide took a 30-28 lead with 12:18 left in the game on a 40-yard Jeremy Shelley field goal. Five minutes later, game MVP Trent Richardson scored on an 11-yard touchdown run for a 37-28 advantage. Shelley then kicked another field goal later in the quarter to seal the win.

Oklahoma State offered a good challenge for Alabama, if you were to ignore the first and fourth quarters where they were shut out.

Alabama scored first in the game on a 65-yard Eddie Lacy run with 13:44 left in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide followed that score with a 27-yard Jalston Fowler run to go up 14-0 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Cowboys finally started to make an impact. The first score came when Brandon Weeden found Colton Chelf for an eight-yard pass. Shelley kicked the first of his four field goals with 6:21 remaining in the half to make it 17-7 for the Tide. Oklahoma State then scored again when Weeded connected on a fade route from the two to Justin Blackmon. With 22 seconds, Alabama answered when Richardson caught a one-yard screen from AJ McCarron and took it in for the score, giving the Tide a 24-14 lead at halftime.

The Cowboys were not discouraged, though. Weeden threw his third touchdown of the game with 9:48 left in the third quarter. This time it was a four-yard connection with Josh Cooper to cut the lead to 24-21. After another Shelley field goal made it 27-21, Oklahoma State answered to take its first lead of the game, 28-27. Joseph Randle scored from the two and the Cowboys had the momentum going into the fourth.

Unfortunately, the Oklahoma State defense could not hold and Alabama scored on three of its next four possessions to win the game.

McCarron finished the game 23 of 31 for 310 yards with a touchdown and interception to lead Alabama. Lacy was the leading rusher with 117 yards on just 11 carries and a touchdown. Richardson added 94 yards on 31 carries and a touchdown, and he also caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Marquis Maze was the leading Crimson Tide receiver with five receptions for 65 yards.

Randle was the Cowboys’ leading rusher with 18 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown. Alabama outrushed Oklahoma State 241-37. The Crimson Tide also outgained them 551-459, and won the turnover battle 4-2.

#3 Baylor 55 at #2 Boston College 52
Leading Passer: Chase Rettig, BC, 30-45-415-5-0
Leading Rusher: Terrance Ganaway, Bay, 26-217-3
Leading Receiver: Ifeanyi Momah, BC, 7-121
Game MVP: Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor, 26-217-3 rush, 2-6 rec
Game Story:
Baylor had a 24-point lead in the fourth quarter and watched it evaporate, though time was on the side of the Bears in holding on to beat second-seed Boston College, 55-52.

The Eagles trailed 49-17 with 5:48 left in the third quarter but scored five touchdowns over the next 20 minutes to make the score much closer than comfort for Baylor.

The Bears took an early lead when Terrance Ganaway rushed for a 13-yard touchdown with 10:31 left in the quarter. A Boston College field goal made it 7-3 after the first.

In the second quarter, Baylor started to explode, scoring four touchdowns to just one by the Eagles. Ganaway, the game’s MVP rushed for his second of three touchdowns to give Baylor a 14-3 lead. The Eagles then answered when Rolandan Finch scored to make it 14-10 with 8:58 left. Two minutes later, Baylor scored again on a Jarred Salubi rushing touchdown. With 1:35 left, the Bears scored again when Robert Griffin connected on his first of four touchdown passes. This one was a 20-yard strike to Terrance Williams. Then with no time left on the clock, Griffin found Lanear Sampson for a 38-yard pass to give Baylor a 35-10 lead at the half.

Boston College started the scoring in the second half when Chase Rettig woke up and started finding open receivers all over the field. His first of five second-half touchdown passes went to Chris Pantale from the nine. Griffin answered, though, by finding Sampson and Williams again on consecutive touchdown drives and a 49-17 lead. Boston College then scored the final points of the quarter when Finch scored on a nine-yard run to make it 49-24 in favor of Baylor entering the final quarter.

The Eagles scored first in the fourth quarter on a Rettig to Pantale pass with 12:33 left. Baylor answered when Ganaway scored on a 28-yard run. A missed extra point made it 55-31 with 9:10 left.

Boston College then scored the game’s final points. With 5:38 left, Rettig connected with Alex Amidon from the five to make it 55-39 following a two-point conversion. Then Rettig found Lars Anderson for a 38-yard score with 3:15 left. The two-point attempt failed, giving Baylor a 10-point advantage. The Eagles were able to find the end zone one more time when Rettig connected with Amidon for a second time with just eight seconds left. Boston College could not recover the ensuing onsides kick, and the game was over with Baylor on top 55-52.

In the game, Boston College outgained the Bears 596-577 thanks mostly to Rettig’s second half performance. Rettig was 30 of 45 for 415 yards and five touchdowns in the game. Those numbers would usually earn a player National Player of the Week honors, but Rettig was not even the game’s MVP in this offensive explosion of a game.

The game MVP went to Ganaway, who rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns on 26 rushes. Griffin had a solid day, too, completing 20 of 25 passes for 298 yards with four touchdowns and an interception.

Kendall Wright was Griffin’s top receiver with eight receptions for 119 yards. Sampson had only two catches but both were for touchdowns. Williams had two touchdowns, also, on four catches for 65 yards to finish third on the team in receiving yards.

Finch was the leading rusher for Boston College. He finished with 140 yards on 22 carries and two touchdowns.



Southeast Region Player of the Week

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/news-journal.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5555cd4-e7d9-5c31-bdd3-50ab1083771f/4ed5327e071fa.preview-300.jpg

In a game featuring a ton of offensive explosion and any one of about six people who could have been named Southeast Region Player of the Week, we go with Baylor senior tailback Terrance Ganaway. Ganaway rushed 26 times for 217 yards and three touchdowns and added two receptions for six yards in the Bears' 55-52 win over second-seed Boston College.

Southeast Region Wrap Up

This author has already claimed this region to be his favorite, and it most certainly lived up to the billing. Although the Alabama-Oklahoma State game was not a nail biter, it most certainly was not a 10-3 bore. Oklahoma State's offense is great but its defense is not so great. The result? Sixty-eight points scored in what many thought might end up being a low-scoring game. The other game was more of what we would expect with Baylor and Boston College combining for over 100 points and over 1000 yards. The Bears had a big lead, but that lead evaporated. Let's say this now: the "Battle to ONE" replay featured a Boston College team that people would have enjoyed watching instead of the REAL Boston College team that went 4-8 including home losses to Duke and Wake Forest. Of course, they also almost beat Notre Dame, which is always funny (see, real 2011 Pittsburgh Panthers).

In the end, the regional final looks to be a potentially fun one. Baylor's high-flying offensive attack meets Alabama's NFL defense. Of course, the Crimson Tide's offense is pretty good, too, and Baylor's defense is atrocious. Therefore, Alabama should win this one going away, but we still have to see what happens when the simulation button is clicked.

Southeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SoutheastRegion-FourthRound_zpse9a8463e.jpg

[StLee]

South Central Region – Consolation

Colorado State 10 at Nebraska 21
Leading Passer: Pete Thomas, CSU, 20-39-199-1-3
Leading Rusher: Rex Burkhead, Neb, 34-115-1
Leading Receiver: Lou Greenwood, CSU, 5-92
Game MVP: Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska, 9-13-163-1-0 pass, 20-78 rush

Ohio State 31 at Ole Miss 13
Leading Passer: Randall Mackey, Miss, 26-38-337-1-0
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, OSU, 22-155-1
Leading Receiver: Nickolas Brassell, Miss, 5-70
Game MVP: Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State, 22-155-1 rush, 1-14 rec

East Carolina 13 at South Florida 34
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 17-39-244-1-1
Leading Rusher: Darrell Scott, USF, 21-204-2
Leading Receiver: Sterling Griffin, USF, 5-104
Game MVP: Darrell Scott, RB, South Florida, 21-204-2 rush, 1-13 rec

Purdue 41 at BYU 31
Leading Passer: Caleb TerBush, Pur, 23-32-239-3-1
Leading Rusher: JJ Di Luigi, BYU, 15-103-2
Leading Receiver: Antavian Edison, Pur, 4-71
Game MVP: Caleb TerBush, QB, Purdue, 23-32-239-3-1 pass, 13-32 rush

Texas State 0 at Arizona State 37
Leading Passer: Brock Osweiler, ASU, 23-36-302-4-0
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 23-96
Leading Receiver: Gerell Robinson, ASU, 4-99-1
Game MVP: Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State, 23-36-302-4-0

Massachusetts 6 at Kent State 24
Leading Passer: Spencer Keith, Kent, 18-28-246-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jacquise Terry, Kent, 10-67
Leading Receiver: Jacquise Terry, Kent, 3-70
Game MVP: Trayion Durham, RB, Kent State, 24-59-1 rush, 1-24-1 rec

South Central Region – Semifinals

#4 Toledo 14 at #1 LSU 33
Leading Passer: Terrance Owens, Tol, 20-39-235-2-1
Leading Rusher: Spencer Ware, LSU, 18-93
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Tol, 9-101-1
Game MVP: Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU, 12-22-113-0-0 pass, 10-26-2 rush
Game Story:
Neither offense could get on track, but LSU’s rushing offense made the difference in the Tigers’ 33-14 triumph over fourth-seed Toledo.

LSU outrushed the Rockets 221-103. Toledo outgained LSU 338-334 in the game, but LSU was able to score often in the fourth quarter to pull away.

Neither team scored in the first quarter, but LSU senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson scored with 14:55 left in the half on a two-yard sneak. With 5:05 left in the quarter, Toledo’s Terrance Owens found Eric Page from nine yards out to tie the game 7-7 at halftime.

In the third quarter, LSU took the lead on two Drew Alleman field goals. The score after three quarters was 13-7 in favor of the Tigers.

Alleman kicked his third field goal with 13:07 left to give LSU a 16-7 lead, which turned out to put the game out of reach. The Rockets answered with an Owens to James Green pass to cut the lead to 16-14 with 8:16 left, but the rest of the quarter was all LSU.

Alfred Blue scored on a 44-yard breakaway run to give the Tigers a 23-14 lead with 6:27 left. Following an Owens interception, Jefferson ran the ball in for the second time, this one from the eight to give LSU a 30-14 lead. Alleman added a late field goal for the 33-14 final.

Jefferson was named the game’s MVP despite not having an outstanding day. He finished with only 113 yards passing, but he did score two of LSU’s three touchdowns. Spencer Ware led the Tigers in rushing with 93 yards on 18 carries. Blue had 58 yards and the touchdown, and Michael Ford added another 44 yards rushing. Deangelo Peterson was LSU’s leading receiver with three receptions for 31 yards.

Eric Page was the leading receiver for the Rockets with nine receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Adonis Thomas led Toledo in rushing with 58 yards on 25 carries. Toledo averaged only 2 yards per carry as a team.

#3 Stanford 13 at #2 Florida 48
Leading Passer: John Brantley, UF, 21-26-262-2-0
Leading Rusher: Chris Rainey, UF, 21-111-2
Leading Receiver: Coby Fleener, Stan, 5-61
Game MVP: Chris Rainey, 21-111-2 rush, 2-28-1 rec
Game Story:
Florida ran around, through, and over Stanford and Andrew Luck for 315 rushing yards in blasting the third-seed Cardinal 51-13.

Chris Rainey of Florida was named the game’s MVP with 111 yards rushing and two touchdowns and 28 yards receiving and another touchdown. He was one of three Gators to rush for 80 yards or more. Mike Gillislee rushed for 101 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Jeff Demps rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

The Gators got on the board first in the first quarter when John Brantley connected with Rainey for a 13-yard touchdown pass with 12:07 left. Stanford scored on a field goal with 58 seconds left to make it 7-3. Then Demps broke off a big run for the Gators, a 56-yarder to give the Gators a 14-3 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Florida extended its lead when Rainey scored his second touchdown on a two-yard run. Luck finally got something going later in the quarter when he scored on a one-yard sneak with 7:18 left. The Gators then broke the game open again with 1:10 left in the half when Gillislee had his long touchdown run of 52 yards. Florida led 28-10 at the break.

To start the second half, Rainey found the end zone again. This time he scored from the three, giving Florida a 35-10 lead early in the second half. Stanford answered that score with a Jordan Williamson field goal for their final points and a 35-13 deficit. Brantley then threw his second touchdown pass, this time to Frankie Hammond from 13 yards out and a 42-13 lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth, two Caleb Sturgis field goals completed the scoring and the 48-13 final.

Luck had an unusually pedestrian day at quarterback. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 226 yards. Stepfan Taylor was also ineffective, rushing for 45 yards on 20 carries. The Cardinal were outrushed 315-88 in the game and outgained 577-314.

Andre Debose led the Gators in receiving yards with 57 yards on three catches.

Florida now moves on to play at LSU in a former Southeastern Conference rivalry game.



South Central Region Player of the Week

http://swampnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/124570928.jpg

Bad timing from a real-life PR standpoint, but this week's South Central Region Player of the Week is Florida's Chris Rainey. Rainey rushed for 111 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns, and he caught two passes for 28 yards and a touchdown in second-seed Florida's 48-13 romp of Stanford.

South Central Region Wrap Up

Because of the ability of Andrew Luck, most would not be surprised for Stanford to have taken this bracket. After all, the Cardinal were a BCS team in the real 2011 season, and Florida was a 6-6 mess. I have not looked extensively into what went wrong for the Gators, but, as a rival of my favorite team, anytime they sit at 6-6 on the season, I consider that a good thing. In this iteration, though, Florida is a damn strong team and, other than their upset loss at Central Florida, have been really good. They are an intriguing team to see how much farther they can go. For now, they have made it to the Sweet 16.

LSU is the other team in the final, and everyone knows they were the #1 team in the real season entering the BCS Championshop Game (where they were neutered by Alabama). The Tigers again took care of business without a lot of flash in beating Tulsa. LSU is the team I know best, and I know where their limits are. They may surprise and make it through to win it all, but somehow I doubt it.

For now, the South Central Region final will be another rematch game (the third of the brackets). In the real 2011 game, it was a slaughter. LSU won it 41-11 and it was never close. Of course, just from that game I know that Brantley was unavailable, and I bet many of the Gators' struggles in the real 2011 season were at the quarterback position. In this simulation, there are no injuries, so Florida has a much better chance against a top-tier defense this time.

South Central Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthCentralRegion-FourthRound_zps0bf46bce.jpg

[StLee]

Southwest Region – Consolation

Kansas 20 at Pittsburgh 24, 2OT
Leading Passer: Jordan Webb, KU, 18-30-228-1-1
Leading Rusher: James Sims, KU, 24-88
Leading Receiver: JaCorey Shepherd, KU, 4-69-1
Game MVP: Zach Brown, RB, Pittsburgh, 13-61-2 rush, 4-54 rec

UL-Monroe 21 at Northern Illinois 16
Leading Passer: Kolton Browning, ULM, 27-38-322-1-0
Leading Rusher: Keith Harris, NIU, 12-78
Leading Receiver: Brent Leonard, ULM, 9-102
Game MVP: Kolton Browning, QB, UL-Monroe, 27-38-322-1-0 pass, 21-56 rush

Navy 43 at Eastern Michigan 20
Leading Passer: Tyler Benz, EMU, 8-25-157-2-0
Leading Rusher: Noah Copeland, Navy19-153-1
Leading Receiver: Tyreese Russell, EMU, 1-68-1
Game MVP: Noah Copeland, RB, Navy

Virginia 6 at Michigan 16
Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 31-53-362-0-2
Leading Rusher: Kevin Parks, UVA, 13-102
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Gallon, Mich, 3-88-1
Game MVP: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan, 5-14-109-1-0 pass, 19-88 rush

UNLV 6 at Rutgers 37
Leading Passer: Gary Nova, Rut, 17-34-250-2-3
Leading Rusher: Jawan Jamison, Rut, 33-189-2
Leading Receiver: Jawan Jamison, Rut, 5-64
Game MVP: Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers, 33-189-2 rush, 5-64 rec

North Texas 21 at Georgia Tech 40
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, NTU, 21-34-217-1-3
Leading Rusher: Orwin Smith, GT, 15-105-2
Leading Receiver: Brelan Chancellor, NTU, 4-59
Game MVP: Orwin Smith, RB, Georgia Tech

Southwest Region – Semifinals

#5 Vanderbilt 14 at #1 Texas 33
Leading Passer: Case McCoy, Tex, 17-34-204-1-0
Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, Vandy, 18-162
Leading Receiver: Marquise Goodwin, Tex, 4-66
Game MVP: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas, 28-127-2 rush
Game Story:
Number one seed Texas took advantage of four Jordan Rodgers interceptions to defeat fifth-seed Vanderbilt 33-14 in Austin.

Quandre Diggs led the defensive performance with two interceptions for the Longhorns. Carrington Byndom and Adrian Phillips each had an interception, also, in a game where neither team’s offense could get going. Texas took advantage of superior field position to gain the big win. The Longhorns outgained the Commodores 369-357 in the game.

The first quarter was all Texas. Justin Tucker kicked a 21-yard field goal and Case McCoy threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Darius White to give the Longhorns a 10-0 lead after one quarter. Both Texas scores were set up by Rodgers interceptions.

In the second quarter, Vanderbilt was able to cut into the Texas lead. Jerron Seymour ran the ball in from the four to cut the lead to 10-7 with 10:34 left in the half. With 7:47 left, Tucker converted a 50-yard field goal, followed by a 44-yard field goal with 1:05 left for a 16-7 Longhorns advantage at the half.

Malcolm Brown got the second half started with a 27-yard touchdown run for a 23-7 Texas advantage. With 28 seconds left in the quarter, Rodgers was able to find Brandon Barden for a 16-yard scoring strike and a 23-14 Texas lead after three quarters.

Just like the first quarter, the fourth quarter was all Texas. Brown, the game’s MVP, scored his second touchdown from five yards out. Tucker added his fourth field goal later in the quarter for the 33-14 final.

Brown finished with 127 yards on 28 carries and two touchdowns to lead Texas.

Zac Stacy was the leading rusher for the Commodores with 162 yards on 18 carries. Jordan Matthews was the leading receiver with 4 catches for 57 yards. Rodgers finished 13 of 31 for 160 yards with a touchdown and four interceptions.

#14 Marshall 3 at #2 USC 55
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 24-36-289-4-0
Leading Rusher: Curtis McNeal, USC, 18-118-2
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 8-95-2
Game MVP: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Game Story:
Marshall’s Cinderella story came to abrupt end as the 14th-seed Thundering Herd were whipped by second-seed USC, 55-3.

The Trojans were led by quarterback Matt Barkley who completed 24 of 36 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns.

The game was close early. USC’s Marc Tyler broker free for a 44-yard rushing touchdown with 6:16 left in the first quarter and a 7-0 lead. Marshall then answered with a 20-yard Tyler Warner field goal to make the score 7-3 at the end of the first quarter.

USC started to pull away late in the second quarter. With 4:57 left in the half, Barley threw his first touchdown pass on a 11-yard strike to Robert Woods. Woods was the leading receiver of the game with eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Curtis McNeal then scored on a 17-yard run with 45 seconds left to give the Trojans a 21-3 lead at the half.

The second half was all USC. Barkley found Brice Butler for a 13-yard pass early in the third quarter, followed by a Barkley to Randall Telfer pass with 7:15 left. Andre Heidari kicked a 31-yard field goal later in the quarter to give the Trojans a 38-3 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth, McNeal broke off another long run, this time for 34 yards, to give USC a 45-3 lead. Barkley was still throwing midway through the blowout win and found Woods for an 18-yard pass. After another Heidari field goal, the scoring ended and USC had a 55-3 win.

Two Trojans finished with over 100 yards rushing. McNeal had 118 yards on 18 carries with two touchdowns. Tyler added 103 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown.

Marshall was led in rushing by Travon Van with 35 yards on 9 carries. Tron Martinez was held to just 17 yards on 16 carries. Troy Evans was the leading receiver with four catches for 42 yards. Rakeem Cato finished 20 of 38 for 212 yards and two interceptions.



Southwest Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/379/587/125471904_crop_650x440.jpg?1317487430

USC trampled 14th-seed Marshall, and much of that was from the play of junior quarterback Matt Barkley. He finished 24 of 36 or 289 yards and four touchdowns in the Trojans' 55-3 win.

Southwest Region Wrap Up

The real 2011 Texas program was a major disappointment so much so that Bleacher Report named the Longhorns the eighth biggest disappointment in the nation. Then StLee comes around, throws a simulation idea around, puts it into play, and here we have a national title contender. Enter USC. At the end of the real 2011 season, the Trojans were crowned the paper champions of the 2012 season (more on that when I begin my 2012 replay dynasty). This USimC squad looks to be a really tough out and because they do not have to worry about depth problems, I can see USC potentially being the NCAA 128: Battle to ONE champs. Their first team offense is THAT good. It should be interesting to see what USC at Texas looks like in the Southwest Region final.

Southwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthwestRegion-FourthRound_zpsc674c9f2.jpg

[StLee]

Third Round Wrap Up

We are down to the SWEET SIXTEEN. Here are the remaining seeds.

Remaining seeds:
#1 = 6 (6-1 in Round 3): Alabama, Boise State, LSU, Michigan State, North Carolina, Texas
#2 = 3 (3-2 in Round 3): Arkansas, Florida, USC
#3 = 5 (5-2 in Round 3): Baylor, Florida State, Georgia, Houston, West Virginia
#4 = 1 (1-3 in Round 3): Oklahoma
#5 = 1 (1-3 in Round 3): Clemson
#6-#16 = 0 (0-5 in Round 3)

The lower portions of the bracket are now all officially eliminated. That leaves fifth-seed Clemson (the real 2011 ACC champions, for what it's worth) as the lowest remaining seed. The Tigers did not arrive there by any easy means, considering they had to go into Eugene to defeat the #2 National Seed Ducks.

With Oregon losing, two of the national seeds are out, and the winner of those regions--West and Northeast--would assume their spots in the NCAA 128 Tournament. That means either Houston or Oklahoma in the Northeast Region will likely have to take on Alabama in the Elite 8 Tournament. Ouch.

Regardless of what happens in the Elite 8 Tournament, it has to be an honor to have made it that far. Oklahoma is the second lowest seed as the fourth-seed. They benefited by Washington upsetting Penn State the week before and were able to host the Huskies. The real 2011 Sooners were considered to be a national title contender (according to CFN, they were #2!!!), but they weren't even the best team in their state! We will see if they can redeem themselves.

Like Oklahoma, the real 2011 Florida State was considered to be disappointments as preseason national title contenders. The Seminoles were rated as high as #4 in some polls but fell off during the year. Now Florida State has a chance to redeem itself, but that means winning at Michigan State, the #4 National Seed.

Now for the "I-told-you-so" Moment of the Week. Remember in my little wrap up last week when I wrote this: "The lowest remaining seed of the 32 is 14th-seed Marshall, which was lucky enough to follow beating third-seed Michigan with facing 11th-seed UL-Monroe. Their next match up is at USC. People, bet the house on USC! Bet the house!!!" Yeah, I told you so.

I have suspected that there is a hidden agenda in whatifsport's sim engine. Maybe it's just paranoia because, after all, I am REALLY surprised Oregon lost. However, if things go towards the "norm" of what I have been seeing in simulations, I expect these to be the results of the next round. On some of these, I hope I am wrong (hint, hint: see my signature!). Also, how likely is it for SIX of eight road teams to win?

This week's predictions:
West - #5 Clemson over #3 West Virginia* -5 (Indicates WVU is a 5-point favorite)
Northwest - #1 Boise State* over #3 Georgia +12
North - #3 Florida State over #1 Michigan State* -1.5
Northeast - #4 Oklahoma over #3 Houston* +6.5
East - #2 Arkansas over #1 North Carolina* +3.5
Southeast - #1 Alabama* over #3 Baylor +17.5
South Central - #2 Florida over #1 LSU* -6.5
Southwest - #2 USC over #1 Texas* +4

* - Home team

National Player of the Week

Just like the previous two weeks, I have listed all of the regional Player of the Week winners in this pageant for National Player of the Week. To be honest, I am wavering between two and have considered naming co-players. However, I will resist the temptation and instead go to a coin flip. First the candidates:

East Region - Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina - 24-133-3 rush, 3-25 rec (This guy is familiar since he was a finalist a week ago. So, I have finally looked up his real 2011 stats. Wow! He finished 20th in the nation in rushing with 1253 yards as a redshirt freshman and was selected as a Freshman All-American. As a sophomore he followed with 1228 yards and was named a 3rd Team All-American. He is projected as a late first or second round back. I will be watching him from now on!)
North Region - Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State - 27-39-401-2-0
Northeast Region - Case Keenum, QB, Houston - 29-43-363-3-0 (Another repeat from a week ago, though his numbers were not nearly as good this week.)
Northwest Region - Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia - 20-29-345-4-0
Northwest Region - Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State - 24-35-342-4-0
South Central Region - Chris Rainey, RB, Florida - 21-111-2 rush, 2-28-1 rec
Southeast Region - Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor - 26-217-3, 2-6 rec
Southwest Region - Matt Barkley, QB, USC - 24-36-289-4-0
West Region - Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson - 25-142-1 rush, 4-106-1 rec

And the winner is...

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/news-journal.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/55/d5555cd4-e7d9-5c31-bdd3-50ab1083771f/4ed5327e071fa.preview-300.jpg

I'm a sucker for 200+ yard rushers, and Baylor's Terrance Ganaway did just that in the Bears' 55-52 win at Boston College.

[StLee]

I'm a little short on time, but I would like to finish at least two regions a day this week. Why not the East Region first?

East Region – Consolation

UCLA 37 at Iowa 45, 4OT
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/uclaiowabox_zps68a83c96.jpg
Leading Passer: James Vandenberg, Iowa, 23-37-321-4-1
Leading Rusher: Johnathan Franklin, UCLA, 21-149
Leading Receiver: Marvin McNutt, Iowa, 8-127-2
Game MVP: James Vandenberg, QB, Iowa, 23-37-321-4-1 pass, 9-33 rush
Game Notes: The longest game I've seen in my sims. I had to put up the box score!

Utah State 42 at Miami (OH) 21
Leading Passer: Adam Kennedy, USU, 26-34-358-4-1
Leading Rusher: Robert Turbin, USU, 27-107-1
Leading Receiver: Nick Harwell, Mia, 7-118
Game MVP: Adam Kennedy, QB, Utah State

UL-Lafayette 14 at Syracuse 33
Leading Passer: Ryan Nassib, Syr, 21-31-345-3-0
Leading Rusher: Alonzo Harris, ULL, 20-68
Leading Receiver: Dorian Graham, Syr, 4-120-2
Game MVP: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

UTEP 34 at Troy 21
Leading Passer: Corey Robinson, Troy, 30-51-375-2-3
Leading Rusher: Joe Banyard, UTEP, 14-159-4
Leading Receiver: Eric Thomas, Troy, 6-83
Game MVP: Joe Banyard, RB, UTEP

New Mexico State 17 at Bowling Green 37
Leading Passer: Matt Schilz, BGSU, 20-30-229-3-0
Leading Rusher: Anthon Samuel, BGSU, 23-150-1
Leading Receiver: Taveon Rogers, NMSU, 5-89-1
Game MVP: Matt Schilz, QB, Bowling Green

UAB 39 at Buffalo 27
Leading Passer: Jonathan Perry, UAB, 23-32-266-2-2
Leading Rusher: Greg Franklin, UAB, 13-86-1
Leading Receiver: Alex Neutz, Buff, 5-88-1
Game MVP: Jonathan Perry, QB, UAB 23-32-266-2-2 pass, 12-52-1 rush

Colorado 23 at Old Dominion 6
Leading Passer: Tyler Hansen, CU, 16-33-277-1-1
Leading Rusher: Rodney Stewart, CU, 26-190
Leading Receiver: Toney Clemons, CU, 3-74
Game MVP: Rodney Stewart, RB, Colorado, 26-190 rush, 2-34 rec

East Region – Championship

#2 Arkansas 33 at #1 North Carolina 21
Leading Passer: Tyler Wilson, Ark, 21-34-399-3-0
Leading Rusher: Giovani Bernard, UNC, 24-172-2
Leading Receiver: Joe Adams, Ark, 5-114-2 and Dwight Jones, UNC, 7-114
Game MVP: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Game Story:
Arkansas, behind the arm of standout quarterback Tyler Wilson, outlasted North Carolina in winning the East Region championship, 33-21.

Wilson finished 21 of 34 for 399 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Razorbacks over the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill.

Arkansas took a 3-0 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, the scoring remained low. Wilson connected with Jarius Wright for a six-yard touchdown pass and a 10-0 Razorbacks lead. With 3:29 left in the half, Giovani Bernard scored on a six-yard rush to cut the lead to 10-7 at the half.

Arkansas scored quickly to start the second half. On just the second play of the half, Wilson found Joe Adams on the run for a 71-yard touchdown pass.

North Carolina was able to answer three minutes later, though, when Bryn Renner rushed in from a yard out. Renner’s touchdown was the only highlight on the day for the Tarheels’ quarterback. He finished the day 23 of 41 for 325 yards with six interceptions. Arkansas won the turnover battle 7-0.

The Razorbacks’ Zach Hocker kicked a 36-yard field goal late in the third quarter to finish the scoring and give the Razorbacks a 20-14 lead heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, Ronnie Wingo scored on a one-yard run with 12:23 left. After the two-point conversion failed, Arkansas was up 26-14. Bernard scored again with 6:05 left, this time from 12 yards out, to keep the Tarheels in the game, 26-21. However, with 3:09 left, Wilson threw his final touchdown pass when he found Adams again for a seven-yard pass and the 33-21 final.

Dennis Johnson led Arkansas in rushing with 89 yards on 15 carries. Wilson was named the game’s MVP.



East Region Player of the Week

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/062/361/TylerWilsonArkansasvAuburnWeRHMrP-Iual_display_image.jpg?1311065614

Tyler Wilson of Arkansas did everything he needed to do to make Arkansas the first team in the Elite 8 tournament. Wilson threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns on 21 of 34 passing in the Razorbacks' 33-21 win at North Carolina.

East Region Wrap Up

Arkansas and its high-powered offense was the consensus favorite to win this region, and they did not disappoint. On the other side of the field, North Carolina's Bryn Renner chose a bad day to have a career-high six interceptions, including two in the fourth quarter when the Tarheels still had a shot to win the game. The Razorbacks will now face the winner of the West Region championship between Clemson and West Virginia. The location of that National Quarterfinal game is yet to be announced.

East Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/EastRegion-FifthRound_zps9aa24146.jpg

[StLee]

Southeast Region – Consolation

Oklahoma State 54 at Boston College 21
Leading Passer: Brandon Weeden, OSU, 33-49-474-5-1
Leading Rusher: Rolandan Finch, BC, 21-130-1
Leading Receiver: Justin Blackmon, OSU, 10-153
Game MVP: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Iowa State 16 at SMU 22
Leading Passer: JJ McDermott, SMU, 22-39-325-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jared Williams, 17-82
Leading Receiver: Darius Johnson, SMU, 7-100
Game MVP: Cole Beasley, WR, SMU, 7-84-2 rec

Arizona 27 at Utah 31
Leading Passer: Nick Foles, Ariz, 35-58-494-2-1
Leading Rusher: John White, Utah, 25-147
Leading Receiver: Juron Criner, Ariz, 10-141-1
Game MVP: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

Western Kentucky 7 at Florida International 41
Leading Passer: Wesley Carroll, FIU, 24-33-245-3-1
Leading Rusher: Kedrick Rhodes, FIU, 24-146-1
Leading Receiver: Jack Doyle, WKU, 5-85
Game MVP: Kedrick Rhodes, RB, Florida International, 24-146-1 rush, 3-19 rec

Illinois 31 at North Carolina State 7
Leading Passer: Mike Glennon, NCSU, 21-46-269-0-3
Leading Rusher: James Washington, NCSU, 22-115-1
Leading Receiver: Tobias Palmer, NCSU, 4-72
Game MVP: Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois, 17-22-190-2-0

Fresno State 38 at South Alabama 42, OT
Leading Passer: CJ Bennett, USA, 24-40-444-3-0
Leading Rusher: Robbie Rouse, FSU, 28-150-1
Leading Receiver: Brynt Lavender, USA, 4-172-2
Game MVP: CJ Bennett, QB, South Alabama

Akron 13 at Duke 10
Leading Passer: Sean Renfree, Duke, 25-36-355-0-2
Leading Rusher: Jawon Chisholm, Akr, 25-125-1
Leading Receiver: Donovan Varner, 5-92
Game MVP: Jawon Chisholm, RB, Akron, 25-125-1 rush, 1-2 rec

Southeast Region – Championship

#3 Baylor 19 at #1 Alabama 42
Leading Passer: Robert Griffin, BU, 22-35-297-1-0
Leading Rusher: Trent Richardson, Bama, 24-192-2
Leading Receiver: Kendall Wright, BU, 9-140-1
Game MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama, 24-192-2 rush, 3-41 rec
Game Story:
Alabama used a 28-0 run to pull away in a tight game and beat Baylor 42-19. The Crimson Tide, the number one seed in the nation, will now move on to the Elite 8 Tournament.

The Bears and outstanding quarterback Robert Griffin sees their run end. Griffin had another decent day although Baylor had a tough time finding the endzone against a strong Crimson Tide defense. Griffin was 22 of 35 passing for 297 yards and a touchdown. He also added 41 yards rushing on 22 carries. The Bears as a team finished with 90 yards rushing on 50 carries for a 1.8 yards per rush average.

The game was tight until the third quarter. Alabama scored first in the first quarter when AJ McCarron found Kenny Bell for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Baylor answered with two Aaron Jones field goal and a 7-6 deficit after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Eddie Lacy scored for the Crimson Tide on a two-yard run. Again, Baylor answered with an 11-yard strike from Griffin to Kendall Wright. The PAT was no good and Alabama led 14-12 at that point. With 1:11 left in the second quarter, game MVP Trent Richardson scored on a nine-yard run to give Alabama a 21-12 lead going into the break.

The third quarter was all Alabama. McCarron threw his second touchdown pass early in the quarter on a five-yard out route to Brad Smelley. With 5:48 left in the quarter, Richardson scored again on a 20-yard run. After Lacy scored his second touchdown on a three-yard run, the Crimson Tide were up 42-12 heading into the final quarter.

Baylor scored once more in the fourth, but it was too little too late. Terrance Ganaway had his longest run of the day, a 10-yard romp to make the score 42-19.

Ganaway finished with 36 yards rushing on 23 carries.
McCarron finished the day 17 of 23 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Darius Hanks was his top target with four receptions for 65 yards.

Richardson, the game’s MVP, finished with 192 yards rushing on 24 carries and two touchdowns. He also added 41 yards on three receptions.



Southeast Region Player of the Week

http://news.sportsinteraction.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1341/files/2011/08/AlabamaCrimsonTideTrentRichardson.jpg

There were lots of good quarterback performances in the consolation games, but you just cannot deny the effort of Alabama's Trent Richardson. That is why he is the Southeast Region Player of the Week. The Crimson Tide back gained over 200 all-purpose yards and led his team to a 42-19 thrashing of third-seed Baylor. Richardson finished with 192 yards rushing on 24 carries and two touchdowns, and he had three receptions for 41 yards.

Southeast Region Wrap Up

Alabama has looked to be the best team in the country all season, and you know things have not changed when the Crimson Tide defense held down Robert Griffin's dual attack. Now Alabama moves on to the Elite 8 tournament where they will face the winner of the Northeast Region in the first round. The most surprising thing about Alabama is that it is a true triple threat in the whatifsports world of rushing, passing, and defense. The Crimson Tide were a spectacular team in the real 2011 season, thus their national championship, but this reply team may be even better. Who can beat them? My first thought is nobody.

Southeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SoutheastRegion-FifthRound_zpsa6985cb1.jpg

[StLee]

South Central – Consolation

Toledo 24 at Stanford 50
Leading Passer: Andrew Luck, Stan, 25-41-321-3-1
Leading Rusher: Stepfan Taylor, Stan, 23-73
Leading Receiver: Eric Page, Tol, 9-81
Game MVP: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Ohio State 21 at Nebraska 31
Leading Passer: Taylor Martinez, Neb, 11-14-164-2-0
Leading Rusher: Dan Herron, OSU, 27-167-2
Leading Receiver: Kenny Bell, Neb, 3-73-1
Game MVP: Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska, 11-14-164-2-0 pass, 19-45-1 rush

Colorado State 27 at Ole Miss 34
Leading Passer: Pete Thomas, CSU, 22-34-336-3-2
Leading Rusher: Chris Nwoke, CSU, 25-85
Leading Receiver: TJ Borcky, CSU, 3-103-1
Game MVP: Jeff Scott, RB, Ole Miss, 15-66 rush, 1-78-1 rec

South Florida 37 at Purdue 40
Leading Passer: BJ Daniels, USF, 21-29-251-2-1
Leading Rusher: Ralph Bolden, Pur, 16-153-1
Leading Receiver: Sterling Griffin, USF, 6-86-1
Game MVP: Caleb TerBush, QB, Purdue, 19-28-246-4-1

East Carolina 29 at BYU 42
Leading Passer: Dominique Davis, ECU, 21-47-315-2-2
Leading Rusher: JJ Di Luigi, BYU, 16-77-3
Leading Receiver: McKay Jacobson, BYU, 5-109-1
Game MVP: JJ Di Luigi, RB, BYU, 16-77-3 rush, 1-4 rec

Kent State 9 at Arizona State 33
Leading Passer: Brock Osweiler, ASU, 21-30-263-3-2
Leading Rusher: Cameron Marshall, ASU, 28-110-1
Leading Receiver: Gerell Robinson, ASU, 5-88-2
Game MVP: Gerell Robinson, WR, Arizona State

Texas State 32 at Massachusetts 21
Leading Passer: Kellen Pagel, UMass, 20-35-214-2-1
Leading Rusher: Jonathan Hernandez, UMass, 19-108
Leading Receiver: Isaiah Battle, TSU, 3-81
Game MVP: Shaun Rutherford, QB, Texas State, 15-23-210-2-0 pass, 16-49 rush

South Central Region – Championship

#2 Florida 30 at #1 LSU 33, OT
Leading Passer: John Brantley, UF, 20-34-303-2-0
Leading Rusher: Michael Ford, LSU, 15-154-1
Leading Receiver: Andre Debose, UF, 3-118-1
Game MVP: Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 18-28-240-3-0 pass, 9-32 rush
Game Story:
LSU made a late comeback on second-seed Florida and then won the game in overtime, 33-30.

The Tigers trailed Florida 27-17 in the fourth quarter, but made a come back thanks to a surprising passing day by senior Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson connected with Rueben Randle on a seven-yard pass with 7:51 left to cut the Gators lead to 27-24. Then, with no time left on the clock, Drew Alleman kicked a 22-yard field goal to tie the game and send it into overtime.

In overtime, Florida had the first possession. After getting a first down on their first play, quarterback John Brantley then threw three straight incomplete passes. Caleb Sturgis then kicked a 32-yard field goal to give the Gators a 30-27 lead.

LSU then had possession. After a 12-yard Alfred Blue run, two short runs gave LSU third and eight from the 11-yard line. From there, Jefferson found backup wide receiver James Wright for an 11-yard touchdown pass and the 34-30 final.

Jefferson was named the game’s most valuable player due to his outstanding day. He finished 18 of 28 passing for 240 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 yards on nine carries.

Florida began the scoring when Caleb Sturgis kicked a 41-yard field goal with 12:09 left in the first quarter. The Tigers answered with a Jefferson to Wright pass for 16 yards. The Gators scored again when leading rusher Chris Rainey ran the ball in from the six-yard line, giving the Gators a 10-7 lead heading into the second quarter.

LSU’s Michael Ford gave the Tigers a big burst in the second quarter when he broke an 81-yard run for a 14-10 LSU lead. It would be the last lead the Tigers would enjoy. With 7:56 left in the second quarter, Brantley connected with Andre Debose for a 21-yard touchdown. Florida scored again with 4:04 left when Brantley found Frankie Hammond for a two-yard pass and a 24-14 halftime lead.

The third quarter was light in scoring. Alleman’s 37-yard field goal cut into the Gators lead to make it 24-17 going into the fourth quarter.

Sturgis began the scoring in the fourth quarter by kicking his second of three field goals and Florida’s 27-17 advantage. Then LSU made its come back.

Besides Jefferson’s big day, LSU had a great day rushing. Ford led the Tigers with 154 yards on 15 carries, including his 81-yard score. Spencer Ware added 91 yards on 26 carries, and Blue had another 26 yards on just 9 carries. The Tigers outrushed Florida 299-192 on the day.

The Gators’ leading rusher was Rainey who had 138 yards on 16 carries. Jeff Demps added another 38 yards on five carries.

Debose was the leading receiver for Florida with three catches for 118 yards. Rainey had 71 yards on five catches. Rainey finished with 209 all-purpose yards for the Gators.

LSU’s leading receiver was Randle with four receptions for 55 yards. Deangelo Peterson finished with four catches for 46 yards, and Odell Beckham added 45 yards on four carries.




South Central Region Player of the Week

http://newspaper.li/static/88be6493c2455fad74f6b0ada2a8eca2.jpg

He did not throw for a lot of yards, but LSU's Jordan Jefferson did what needed to be done in the Tigers' 33-30 overtime win over Florida. Jefferson, who threw the game-winning touchdown in overtime, finished 18 of 28 for 240 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 32 yards on nine carries.

South Central Region Wrap Up

This writer is one satisfied individual. LSU and Florida games usually seem to be blow outs in one or another team's favor: see the real 2011 game. I find it much more satisfying that the atrocity that was LSU quarterback play found a way to pull put a game in the end. Although there were some upsets early in this bracket, it was one of only three where the top two seeds met up in the final. LSU enters as the second-highest ranked team in the Elite 8 Tournament, meaning they get to represent the "home" team in whatever games they play, unless they meet up with Alabama in the final.

South Central Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthCentralRegion-FifthRound_zps93cc8c74.jpg

[StLee]

This last game leads me to a college overtime rule question that I just could not find the answer to. I was wondering if whatifsports.com got it right or not. During previous games, I would eliminate the point after when a team scored the winning touchdown in overtime. However, since I am writing the story for this game, I kept the extra point there.

So, which is it? Does a team attempt an extra point when they score in overtime to win a game, or is the game over once that touchdown is made?

My Google skills were off, but it was probably because my 20-month-old son was constantly jabbing me in the rib and throwing a football at my head while I was trying to do some research.

Any help is appreciated!

[collegesportsfanms]

stlee, I'm about 95% sure that once a team scores a winning touchdown in OT, the extra point is not attempted. I may be wrong, but I'm almost positive the game is over as soon as the winning touchdown is scored in OT

[Wolfpack]

No, XP do not get kicked if the second team in an OT session scores the winner on a TD. For example: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks - Recap - September 08, 2012 - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=322520008)

[StLee]

stlee, I'm about 95% sure that once a team scores a winning touchdown in OT, the extra point is not attempted. I may be wrong, but I'm almost positive the game is over as soon as the winning touchdown is scored in OT

No, XP do not get kicked if the second team in an OT session scores the winner on a TD. For example: Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. Arkansas Razorbacks - Recap - September 08, 2012 - ESPN (http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=322520008)

Thanks, guys! I thought I was right about that and did eliminate the extra point from other sims. I will edit this one to reflect the correct final score, and I might also shoot a message to the whatifsports help desk if they have one. I was trying to find an actual rule on overtime, but could not find anything about kicking extra points other than the already-known third and beyond overtime rule. Thanks for giving me a solid example!

[StLee]

West Region – Consolation

Auburn 20 at Oregon 38
Leading Passer: Barrett Trotter, AU, 33-61-368-1-1
Leading Rusher: LaMichael James, UO, 24-163-3
Leading Receiver: Kenjon Barner, UO, 2-99
Game MVP: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon, 24-163-3 rush, 1-24 rec

Louisville 13 at Cincinnati 23
Leading Passer: Teddy Bridgewater, UL, 19-37-252-2-3
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Pead, Cincy, 25-104-1
Leading Receiver: DJ Woods, Cincy, 2-68-1
Game MVP: JK Schaffer, LB, Cincinnati, 1 sack, 2 INTs

Washington State 55 at Arkansas State 41
Leading Passer: Marshall Lobbestael, WSU, 31-48-454-4-0
Leading Rusher: Derek Lawson, ASU, 14-91-1
Leading Receiver: Marquess Wilson, WSU, 8-130
Game MVP: Marshall Lobbestael, QB, Washington State

Kansas State 8 at UTSA 3
Leading Passer: Eric Soza, UTSA, 6-21-101-0-0
Leading Rusher: John Hubert, KSU, 22-144
Leading Receiver: Kam Jones, UTSA, 3-57
Game MVP: John Hubert, RB, Kansas State

California 23 at Connecticut 16
Leading Passer: Johnny McEntee, Conn, 21-43-265-1-2
Leading Rusher: CJ Anderson, Cal, 10-104-1
Leading Receiver: Marvin Jones, Cal, 4-99
Game MVP: CJ Anderson, RB, California

Minnesota 27 at Georgia Southern 30
Leading Passer: Jaybo Shaw, GSU, 29-45-349-2-1
Leading Rusher: Duane Bennett, Minn, 17-123-1
Leading Receiver: Kentrellis Showers, GSU, 7-119-1
Game MVP: Jaybo Shaw, QB, Georgia Southern

MTSU 38 at Ball State 31
Leading Passer: Logan Kilgore, MTSU, 23-34-289-2-0
Leading Rusher: Jahwan Edwards, Ball, 12-154
Leading Receiver: Anthony Amos, MTSU, 2-79-1
Game MVP: Logan Kilgore, QB, Middle Tennessee State

West Region – Championship

#5 Clemson 39 at #3 West Virginia 36, 2OT
Leading Passer: Geno Smith, WVU, 29-38-431-4-1
Leading Rusher: Andre Ellington, Clem, 27-164-2
Leading Receiver: Stedman Bailey, WVU, 5-137-1
Game MVP: Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson, 27-164-2 rush, 3-28 rec
Game Story:
In another exciting finish to a regional championship, Clemson edged West Virginia 39-36 in double overtime.

After the Mountaineers failed to convert a field goal in the second overtime, Clemson’s Chandler Catanzaro’s 36-yard field goal sealed the win.

The win for the Tigers came after West Virginia needed two late touchdowns and two-point conversions in regulation and then had to answer a touchdown in the first overtime.

The first quarter was quiet. The Mountaineers’ Tyler Bitancurt had the only score on a 29-yard field goal to give West Virginia a 3-0 lead heading into the second.

Game MVP Andre Ellington scored on the first play of the second quarter for Clemson on a two-yard run. Three minutes later, West Virginia retook the lead on a five-yard Geno Smith to Tyler Urban touchdown pass.

The Tigers answered with 6:48 left in the half when Adam Humphries caught a 15-yard pass from Tajh Boyd to make it 14-10. With 1:26 left, Catanzaro kicked a 25-yard field goal. West Virginia then answered when Bitancurt kicked a 26-yarder with no time left to make it 17-13 in favor of the Tigers at halftime.

Clemson then went on a 12-0 run leading into the early part of the fourth quarter. With 12:35 left in the third, Smith was sacked in the endzone for a safety and a 19-13 Clemson advantage. After the Mountaineers kicked to the Tigers, they drove for another Catanzaro field goal and a 22-13 lead at the end of the third. Then, with 13:50 left in the game, Boyd found Dwayne Allen for a 23-yard score and a 29-13 lead.

That’s when the Mountaineers made a comeback. Smith connected with Stedman Bailey on a 55-yard bomb to cut the lead to 29-19 with 7:53 left. Smith then connected with Ivan McCartney for the two-point conversion. With 40 seconds left, West Virginia scored again on a Smith to Dustin Garrison connection from the Clemson eight-yard line. Smith then found Brad Starks in the end zone for the two-point conversion and a 29-29 tie.

In overtime, Clemson had the ball first. It took nine plays, including overcoming a holding penalty, but the Tigers drove for a touchdown capped off by a one-yard Ellington run.

West Virginia then got the ball and moved only a yard on their first three plays. On fourth down, Smith threw a short completion to Austin, who made a few Tigers players miss before scooting into the end zone and tying the score 36-36.

In the second overtime, the Mountaineers again stalled. This time, Bitancurt attempted a 40-yard field goal and sailed wide right. Clemson then got the ball and drove to the West Virginia 19. From there, Catanzaro’s 36-yard field goal was good, and fifth-seed Clemson advanced to the Elite 8 Tournament.

Ellington had the biggest day for the Tigers. He had 164 yards rushing on 27 attempts and two touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 28 yards.

Boyd completed 20 of 34 passes for Clemson for 256 yards and two touchdowns. His leading receivers were Sammy Watkins with five receptions for 81 yards and DeAndre Hopkins with five receptions for 59 yards.

The Mountaineers were led by Smith who finished 29 of 38 for 431 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. His leading receivers were Bailey with five receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown and Austin with nine receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown. West Virginia’s leading rusher was Shawne Alston who rushed for just 33 yards on 11 carries. Dustin Garrison was held to 30 yards on 17 carries.

Wet Virginia outgained the Tigers in the game 492-487, thanks in part to Smith out passing Boyd 431-256. However, Clemson outrushed the Mountaineers 231-61.




West Region Player of the Week

http://blogs.kansas.com/lutz/files/2012/12/Geno-Smith.jpg

Clemson's Adrian Ellington may have been named the player of the game in the Tigers' 39-36 double overtime win over West Virginia, but the Mountaineers' Geno Smith did more for his team. That's why he is the West Region Player of the Week after his 29 of 38 for 431 yards with four touchdowns and an interception performance.

West Region Wrap Up

This simulated game was much different than the real bowl game, and this one was much more exciting (minus all the NCAA records set in the actual match up). Clemson has shown how an upset loss should not mean the end of the world for a team. The Tigers were better than what their regular season showed, and they proved that by knocking off powers Oregon and West Virginia in back-to-back weeks. Now Clemson moves on into the two slot in the Elite 8 tournament, where they will have another tough match up to follow. But, hey, it ain't easy becoming a champ. The Tigers have to keep winning to take it all.

West Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/WestRegion-FifthRound_zps08ccf139.jpg

[StLee]

North Region – Consolation

Ohio 23 at Texas A&M 53
Leading Passer: Ryan Tannehill, TAMU, 24-30-264-2-1
Leading Rusher: Cyrus Gray, TAMU, 28-144-2
Leading Receiver: Ryan Swope, 6-87-1
Game MVP: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M, 28-144-2 rush, 3-29 rec

Tennessee 32 at TCU 52
Leading Passer: Tyler Bray, Tenn, 29-50-344-1-1
Leading Rusher: Matthew Tucker, TCU, 14-94-2
Leading Receiver: Josh Boyce, TCU, 4-96-1
Game MVP: Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee, 28-80-3 rush, 4-45 rec

Nevada 13 at Miami (FL) 25
Leading Passer: Jacory Harris, Mia, 17-34-243-1-2
Leading Rusher: Lamar Miller, Mia, 24-101
Leading Receiver: Corbin Louks, Nev, 5-79
Game MVP: Jake Wieclaw, K, Miami (FL), 6 of 7 FG, 1 of 1 XP

Hawaii 7 at Missouri 41
Leading Passer: James Franklin, Mizz, 13-18-217-1-0
Leading Rusher: Joey Iosefa, Haw, 11-83
Leading Receiver: Wes Kemp, Mizz, 4-117
Game MVP: James Franklin, QB, Missouri, 13-18-217-1-0 pass, 21-48-2 rush

Western Michigan 30 at Texas Tech 38
Leading Passer: Alex Carder, WMU, 28-41-305-0-2
Leading Rusher: Brian Fields, WMU, 10-88-2
Leading Receiver: Jordan White, WMU, 12-116
Game MVP: Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech, 21-34-262-3-2 pass, 11-37 rush

Northwestern 23 at Kentucky 20
Leading Passer: Dan Persa, NU, 23-45-316-1-1
Leading Rusher: CoShik Williams, UK, 16-84
Leading Receiver: Jeremy Ebert, NU, 7-118-1
Game MVP: Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern

Memphis 27 at Florida Atlantic 30, OT
Leading Passer: Graham Wilbert, FAU, 25-38-326-2-0
Leading Rusher: Artaves Gibson, Mem, 14-49
Leading Receiver: Darian Williams, FAU, 3-85-1
Game MVP: Graham Wilbert, QB, Florida Atlantic, 25-38-326-2-0 pass, 5-20 rush

North Region – Championship

#3 Florida State 23 at #1 Michigan State 20
Leading Passer: Kirk Cousins, MSU, 24-44-323-1-0
Leading Rusher: Devonta Freeman, FSU, 24-64-1
Leading Receiver: BJ Cunningham, MSU, 5-101
Game MVP: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
Game Story:
Florida State used an early special teams touchdown and solid defense in upsetting first-seed Michigan State, 23-20.

After the Spartans stalled on their first drive, they punted to Florida State’s Greg Reid, who weaved and spun his way to a 75-yard punt return touchdown and an early 7-0 Seminoles lead. With 6:22 left in the first quarter, Dustin Hopkins kicked a 47-yard field goal to give Florida State a 10-0 lead after one quarter.

In the second quarter, the Spartan’s Kirk Cousins found Keshawn Martin for a six-yard touchdown pass. With 7:41 left, Devonta Freeman ran it in for a three-yard touchdown to give Florida State a 17-7 halftime lead.

The third quarter was quiet. Dan Conroy kicked a 37-yard field goal to cut the Seminoles’ lead to 17-10 heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, each team traded field goals through most of the quarter. Hopkins kicked a 35-yarder for Florida State and Conroy followed with a 50-yarder. With 5:02 remaining in the game, Hopkins kicked a 42-yarder to give the Seminoles a 23-13 lead. Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell ran it in from one yard out with 1:31 left to cut the Florida State lead to 23-20.

Michigan State was unable to recover the onsides kick, but they did get the ball from their own 30 with just 11 seconds left after a missed Seminoles field goal. The Spartans got the ball to their own 46 where they attempted a Hail Mary. However, the ball was knocked down, and the Seminoles prevailed.

Despite the loss, Cousins was named the MVP on a day where touchdowns were hard to come by. Cousins finished 24 of 44 for 323 yards and a touchdown. Florida State’s EJ Manuel was 18 of 27 for 225 yards and an interception.

Freeman was the game’s leading rusher with 64 yards in 24 carries. Neither team ran the ball effectively. The Seminoles outgained the Spartans 68-33 on the ground. Edwin Baker led Michigan State with 49 yards on 19 carries.

Michigan State’s BJ Cunningham was the leading receiver with five catches for 101 yards. Keith Nichol added 64 yards on three receptions. Florida State was led by Nick O’Leary with four catches for 61 yards and Rashad Greene with four receptions for 49 yards.



North Region Player of the Week

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2012/writers/ben_glicksman/08/07/unranked-sleepers-utah-missouri/james-franklin-p1.jpg

No one had a truly outstanding performance in the regional championship, so I am going with a consolation game performance for player of the week. Missouri's James Franklin finished 13 of 18 for 217 yards and a touchdown passing, and he rushed 21 times for 48 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers' 41-7 thrashing of Hawaii.

North Region Wrap Up

As I suspected, Florida State is one of those squads with much higher ratings on whatifsports.com than their real life counterparts. Therefore, it is no surprise to this simmer that the Seminoles will be in the Elite 8 Tournament alongside some teams that truly got it done in 2011, including the real life ACC champions, Clemson. So far, the Elite 8 Tournament is a real life ACC-SEC tournament. From the Eastern and Central time zone games simulated so far, those two real life conferences are the only represented. Of course, in my simulation, conferences entirely realigned, so the real life conference affiliations do not matter. For now, the Seminoles may not be the strongest real life team in the Elite 8 tournament, but they should be formidable for their opponent(s) in this simulation.

North Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthRegion-FifthRound_zps933589c8.jpg

[StLee]

Northeast Region - Consolation

Washington 34 at Wisconsin 41
Leading Passer: Keith Price, Wash, 23-35-319-4-1
Leading Rusher: Montee Ball, Wis, 29-147-2
Leading Receiver: Chris Polk, Wash, 2-74
Game MVP: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin, 29-147-2 rush, 2-54 rec

Louisiana Tech 38 at Penn State 24
Leading Passer: Colby Cameron, LTU, 21-35-245-1-0
Leading Rusher: Lennon Creer, LTU, 31-139-2
Leading Receiver: Derek Moye, PSU, 3-80
Game MVP: Lennon Creer, RB, Louisiana Tech, 31-139-2 rush, 2-17-1 rec

Notre Dame 24 at Wyoming 34
Leading Passer: Tommy Rees, ND, 31-45-334-1-1
Leading Rusher: Cierre Wood, ND, 23-154-2
Leading Receiver: Michael Floyd, ND, 9-94-1
Game MVP: Brett Smith, QB, Wyoming, 12-21-165-3-0 pass, 11-45 rush

Central Michigan 17 at Wake Forest 35
Leading Passer: Tanner Price, WF, 24-31-327-4-1
Leading Rusher: Brandon Pendergrass, WF, 21-100-1
Leading Receiver: Danny Dembry, WF, 3-81-1
Game MVP: Tanner Price, QB, Wake Forest

Oregon State 40 at Central Florida 27
Leading Passer: Sean Mannion, OSU, 36-55-414-4-0
Leading Rusher: Latavius Murray, UCF, 7-70-1
Leading Receiver: Markus Wheaton, OSU, 7-107
Game MVP: Sean Mannion, QB, Oregon State

Tulane 23 at Maryland 31
Leading Passer: Danny O’Brien, Mary, 18-37-258-1-2
Leading Rusher: Davin Meggett, Mary, 24-230-1
Leading Receiver: Matt Furstenburg, Mary, 4-74
Game MVP: Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland, 24-230-1 rush, 1-13 rec

Indiana 27 at New Mexico 31, OT
Leading Passer: Edward Wright-Baker, IU, 20-29-245-2-0
Leading Rusher: James Wright, NMU, 12-129-2
Leading Receiver: Ty Kirk, NMU, 7-69
Game MVP: James Wright, RB, New Mexico, 12-129-2 rush, 2-19 rec

Northeast Region – Championship

#4 Oklahoma 24 at #3 Houston 43
Leading Passer: Case Keenum, UH, 30-38-498-3-0
Leading Rusher: Roy Finch, OU, 19-148-2
Leading Receiver: Patrick Edwards, UH, 6-161
Game MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Game Story:
Case Keenum passed all over Oklahoma in pummeling the Sooners 43-24 in the Northeast Region final. The number three seed Cougars now move on to the Elite 8 where they will face #1 Alabama.

Keenum completed 30 of 38 passes for 498 yards and three touchdowns to earn game MVP honors. His most frequent targets were Tyron Carrier with seven receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown and Patrick Edwards with six catches for 161 yards. EJ Smith only had three catches for 26 yards, but two of his catches went for touchdowns.

Oklahoma scored first in the game. Roy Finch rushed for a 33-yard touchdown with 12:15 left in the first quarter to give the Sooners an early lead. However, Houston went on a run to take control of the game. Matt Hogan kicked a 39-yard field goal, and that was followed up by a six-yard Keenum to Smith connection for a 10-7 Houston lead after one quarter.

Houston got another field goal from Hogan five minutes into the second quarter for a 13- lead. Keenum then found Smith again, this time from seven yards away for a 20-7 lead.

Oklahoma’s day got worse later in the second quarter. Houston punted the ball to the Sooners 5-yard line with 1:46 remaining in the half. Landry Jones then tried to lead Oklahoma downfield, but his first pass was picked off by Thomas Bates and returned 14 yards for a touchdown. The Sooners were able to drive downfield before halftime and kick a field goal to make it 27-10 in favor of the Cougars at halftime.

Finch was the only player to score in the third quarter when he scored from three yards out. That cut the Houston lead to 27-17 after three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, however, the Cougars pulled away. Keenum hooked up with Carrier for a one-yard dump off pass on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 34-17. Then Hogan kicked his first of three fourth-quarter field goals for a 37-17 advantage. Oklahoma then answered when Jones hit James Hanna for a 19-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 13. However, Houston kept the pressure on the Sooners and kicked two more field goals to end the game, 43-24.

Finch led the Sooners with 19 rushes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a pass for 12 yards. Dejuan Miller had three catches for 64 yards, and Hanna added three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Jones finished the day with mediocre numbers. He was 14 of 29 for 193 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Michael Hayes led the Cougars in rushing with 38 yards on 13 carries.

Houston outgained Oklahoma 545-381 in the game.



Northeast Region Player of the Week

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/content/uploads/pictures/2011/10/Houston-Rising-Cougar_Noel.jpg

There was no doubt who was going to win this award this week. Houston's Case Keenum continued to tear up the college football world by completing 30 of 38 passes 498 for three touchdowns in the Cougars' 43-24 dismantling of Oklahoma.

Northeast Region Wrap Up

I would call this result mildly surprising because I believed Oklahoma to be a darling of whatifsports.com. Houston will have a tough task of winning in their next game since they will face Alabama, but what they have done by just getting to the Elite 8 Tournament is thrilling. We can call them a Cinderella squad because they are not a big-time program compared to other teams still in the mix, but it's hard to deny what Case Keenum did in real life and has done so far in this simulation. He has been a one-man show in rush-lacking Houston, but he keeps putting up yards and touchdowns and Houston keeps winning.

Northeast Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NortheastRegion-FifthRound_zps0644443a.jpg

[StLee]

Southwest Region – Consolation

Marshall 7 at Vanderbilt 48
Leading Passer: Rakeem Cato, Mar, 23-36-301-0-2
Leading Rusher: Zac Stacy, Vandy, 21-142
Leading Receiver: Antavious Wilson, Mar, 4-91
Game MVP: Jordan Rodgers, QB, Vanderbilt, 12-21-147-6-0 pass, 14-32 rush

UL-Monroe 6 at Pittsburgh 19
Leading Passer: Kolton Browning, ULM, 13-31-230-0-1
Leading Rusher: Zach Brown, Pitt, 14-109
Leading Receiver: Keavon Milton, ULM, 2-64
Game MVP: Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh, 14-25-155-1-0 pass, 17-20 rush

Kansas 42 at Northern Illinois 13
Leading Passer: Chandler Harnish, NIU, 11-24-164-1-1
Leading Rusher: Tony Pierson, KU, 8-146-3
Leading Receiver: Nathan Palmer, NIU, 2-44
Game MVP: Tony Pierson, RB, Kansas, 8-146-3 rush, 2-14 rec

Navy 23 at Michigan 35
Leading Passer: Denard Robinson, Mich, 10-15-169-1-0
Leading Rusher: Michael Shaw, Mich, 7-131-1
Leading Receiver: Kevin Koger, Mich, 3-91-1
Game MVP: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan, 10-15-169-1-0 pass, 19-106-3 rush

Eastern Michigan 10 at Virginia 23
Leading Passer: Michael Rocco, UVA, 18-29-262-2-2
Leading Rusher: Perry Jones, UVA, 22-90
Leading Receiver: Tim Smith, UVA, 3-74-1
Game MVP: Tim Smith, WR, Virginia

Georgia Tech 49 at Rutgers 18
Leading Passer: Chas Dodd, Rut, 17-38-204-1-1
Leading Rusher: Jawan Jamison, Rut, 26-103-1
Leading Receiver: Mohamed Sanu, 10-138
Game MVP: Tevin Washington, QB, Georgia Tech, 3-6-67-1-1 pass, 26-80-1 rush

UNLV 17 at North Texas 24
Leading Passer: Derek Thompson, UNT, 24-36-298-2-1
Leading Rusher: Tim Cornett, UNLV, 14-163-1
Leading Receiver: Brelan Chancellor, UNT, 4-65
Game MVP: Lance Dunbar, RB, North Texas, 25-115-1 rush, 4-53 rec

Southwest Region – Championship

#2 USC 20 at #1 Texas 31
Leading Passer: Matt Barkley, USC, 22-43-308-1-1
Leading Rusher: Malcolm Brown, Tex, 22-139-1
Leading Receiver: Robert Woods, USC, 12-152
Game MVP: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas
Game Story:
Texas used a combination of relentless rushing with effective red zone defense to defeat second-seed USC, 31-20, in the Southwest Region Championship.

The Longhorns rushed for 201 yards in the game and had another 177 yards passing from Colt McCoy to spur the offense. Defensively, the Longhorns gave up only 14 points on four red zone trips for the Trojans. Kenny Vaccaro was particularly effective for Texas in the red zone, causing Matt Barkley to fumble on a sack and intercepting a pass at the goal line.

USC went up 3-0 midway through the first quarter when Andre Heidari kicked a 38-yard field goal. That was followed by a four-yard run by game MVP Malcolm Brown to give the Longhorns a 7-3 lead. Heidari added one more field goal late in the quarter to make it a 7-6 game at the end of the first.

In the second quarter, DJ Monroe found the endzone for the Longhorns to make it 14-6. That was answered by a Curtis McNeal 16-yard rushing touchdown with 2:19 to play. The USC score cut the deficit to 14-13 at the half.

The lone score of the third quarter came when McCoy connected with Mike Davis for a 13-yard score. That made it 21-13 Longhorns after three quarters.

Justin Tucker kicked a 49-yard field goal and Cody Johnson broke a 37-yard run to build the Texas lead to 31-13 midway through the fourth quarter. USC scored for the first time in the half with 2:05 to play when Barkley found Brandon Carswell for a 10-yard score. However, it was too little too late, as Texas was able to run out the clock and win it 31-20.

Barkley finished the game 22 of 43 for 308 yards with a touchdown and interception. His leading receiver was Robert Woods with 12 catches for 152 yards. McNeal led the Trojans in rushing with 86 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown.

McCoy was 10 of 20 for 177 yards and a touchdown. His top receiver was Jaxon Shipley with four catches for 98 yards. Brown finished with 139 yards rushing on 22 carries and a touchdown.



Southwest Region Player of the Week

http://lindyssports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/JordanRodgers-300x225.jpg

It was tough to pick a winner in this region. Primarily, the teams playing for keeps get more consideration than the consolation players. However, Malcolm Brown's performance was OK, not POW worthy. Therefore, I went with the consolation teams. No one had great yards, but that does not matter. Vanderbilt's Jordan Rodgers threw for six touchdown passes. SIX! Has a Vanderbilt quarterback ever come close to that number? I doubt it. Rodger's line wasn't great: 12 of 21 for 147 yards and six touchdowns, along with 14 rushes for 32 yards. But SIX is the key, and that's why he is the Player of the Week.

Southwest Region Wrap Up

My money was on USC to perhaps win this whole thing. Maybe they were not quite good enough to get it done. I do think, however, they have to be one of the favorites going into my 2012 Replay (Coming Soon to a forum near you). Texas? Come on! For all the talent in the Lone Star state, the right amount of it has not been in Austin for awhile. However, this Longhorns squad is not the real thing. It's the sim thing and this squad earned a national seed and took care of business in an upset-heavy bracket. In the end, they did what needed to be down to win it all, and now Texas is in the Elite 8 tournament.

Southwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/SouthwestRegion-FifthRound_zpsa5b0c015.jpg

[StLee]

Northwest Region – Consolation

Tulsa 22 at South Carolina 12
Leading Passer: GJ Kinne, Tul, 19-28-309-2-0
Leading Rusher: Brandon Wilds, SC, 16-126
Leading Receiver: Clay Sears, Tul, 3-96-1
Game MVP: GJ Kinne, QB, Tulsa

San Jose State 24 at Virginia Tech 38
Leading Passer: Matt Faulkner, SJSU, 31-58-327-2-2
Leading Rusher: David Wilson, VT, 27-235-2
Leading Receiver: Noel Grigsby, SJSU, 10-102-1
Game MVP: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Southern Miss 27 at Mississippi State 19
Leading Passer: Chris Relf, MSU, 19-34-171-0-2
Leading Rusher: Vick Ballard, MSU, 22-132
Leading Receiver: Ryan Balentine, USM, 4-57-1
Game MVP: Jamal Woodyard, RB, Southern Miss, 14-83-1 rush, 1-8 rec

Idaho 9 at San Diego State 48
Leading Passer: Ryan Lindley, SDSU, 30-38-435-4-1
Leading Rusher: Ronnie Hillman, SDSU, 33-180-2
Leading Receiver: Bryce Quigley, SDSU, 3-94-1
Game MVP: Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State

Air Force 16 at Temple 34
Leading Passer: Tim Jefferson, AFA, 10-14-182-1-1
Leading Rusher: Bernard Pierce, Tem, 32-172
Leading Receiver: Zack Kauth, AFA, 3-58
Game MVP: Brandon McManus, K, Temple, 6 of 7 FG, 2 of 2 XP

UNC-Charlotte 21 at Georgia State 22
Leading Passer: Kelton Hill, GSU, 21-31-269-1-1
Leading Rusher: Donald Russell, GSU, 16-108
Leading Receiver: Albert Wilson, GSU, 4-55-1
Game MVP: Kelton Hill, QB, Georgia State

Rice 44 at Army 34
Leading Passer: Nick Fanuzzi, Rice, 28-38-328-3-1
Leading Rusher: Tyler Smith, Rice, 18-208-2
Leading Receiver: Jared Hassin, Army, 1-67-1
Game MVP: Tyler Smith, RB, Rice, 18-208-2 rush, 4-52 rec

Northwest Region – Championship

#3 Georgia 25 at #1 Boise State 35
Leading Passer: Kellen Moore, BSU, 33-40-327-3-0
Leading Rusher: Isaiah Crowell, UGA, 25-82-1
Leading Receiver: Tyler Shoemaker, BSU, 5-71-1
Game MVP: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Game Story:
Hold Doug Martin to just 35 yards on 24 carries and you would expect a Boise State loss, right? Not so fast! Despite being outrushed 168-61 as a team, the Broncos called on the power of Moore, as in Kellen Moore, in holding off a pesky Georgia squad, 35-25, in the Northwest Region Championship.

Moore, the game’s most valuable player, was 33 of 40 for 327 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Broncos back from a fourth-quarter deficit to win the game.

Georgia took the lead with 10:04 to play in the game when Aaron Murray slung the ball to Orson Charles for a four-yard touchdown and a 25-24 lead.

Boise State answered when Martin was able to find his longest run of the day, a nine-yard score. DJ Harper then ran the ball in for the two-point conversion and a seven-point lead. With 1:33 to play, Dan Goodale kicked a game-clinching 44-yarder to give the Broncos the 35-25 win.

The game was mostly a back and forth affair after the Bulldogs overcame their opening jitters. Boise State took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Moore connected with Mitch Burroughs for an 18-yard strike. That was followed by a Goodale field goal to give the Broncos a 10-0 advantage. Georgia was able to answer at the end of the quarter when Blair Walsh kicked a 21-yard field goal to make it 10-3.

In the second quarter, Boise State again struck first. This time Moore found Chris Potter for a seven-yard touchdown pass and a 17-3 lead.

With 3:13 left in the half, the Bulldogs started finding their way. Ray Drew sacked Moore in the end zone for a safety and a 17-5 deficit. The Bulldogs then took the safety kick and drove downfield to kick a field goal with 1:21 left to cut it to 17-8. Georgia then held Boise State and forced a punt. Three plays later, Isaiah Crowell broke for a 34-yard touchdown run with just 30 seconds left in the half. The PAT made it 17-15 in favor of Boise State at the half.

In the second half, Georgia took its first lead when Walsh kicked a 35-yard field goal with 11:28 remaining in the third quarter. Boise State finally retook the lead with 47 second left in the quarter when Moore hit Tyler Shoemaker for an 11-yard score. The Broncos led 24-18 heading into the fourth quarter.



Northwest Region Player of the Week

http://no2minutewarning.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Wyoming+v+Boise+State+UBYp3w6GHifl.jpg

When you put up the kinds of numbers Kellen Moore did in the regional championship, you deserve the player of the week honors. Despite teammate Doug Martin being held in check, Moore put on a display in the Broncos' 35-25 win over Georgia. Moore was 33 of 40 for 327 yards with three touchdowns in the win.

Northwest Region Wrap Up

Boise State has been a big-time program for awhile now. They came from seemingly nowhere and took the world by storm. It's amazing, though, that this program has been to only two BCS bowls (both wins). In this replay, the Broncos have the right combination of passing and rushing it will need to possibly take it all. They are the last team in the Elite 8 Tournament, but they most certainly will be considered a candidate to win it all.

Northwest Region Bracket

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NorthwestRegion-FifthRound_zps4b05dd53.jpg

[StLee]

Fourth Round Wrap Up

The ELITE EIGHT is set with each team scheduled to play in a neutral bowl site for the remainder of their games. Here are the brackets:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ELITE8TOURNEY_zpsb44d6bac.jpg

Remaining seeds:
#1 = 4 (4-2 in Round 3): Alabama, Boise State, LSU, Texas
#2 = 1 (1-2 in Round 3): Arkansas
#3 = 2 (2-3 in Round 3): Florida State, Houston
#5 = 1 (1-0 in Round 3): Clemson
#4, #6-#16 = 0 (0-1 in Round 3)

Last week I mentioned this:

"I have suspected that there is a hidden agenda in whatifsport's sim engine. Maybe it's just paranoia because, after all, I am REALLY surprised Oregon lost. However, if things go towards the "norm" of what I have been seeing in simulations, I expect these to be the results of the next round. On some of these, I hope I am wrong (hint, hint: see my signature!). Also, how likely is it for SIX of eight road teams to win?"

Well, let's throw that into the category of "I told you so, but I was WRONG," at least I was wrong 3 out of 8 times, which statistically speaking means I was very much wrong.

Here were my predictions:

"West - #5 Clemson over #3 West Virginia* -5 (Indicates WVU is a 5-point favorite)
Northwest - #1 Boise State* over #3 Georgia +12
North - #3 Florida State over #1 Michigan State* -1.5
Northeast - #4 Oklahoma over #3 Houston* +6.5
East - #2 Arkansas over #1 North Carolina* +3.5
Southeast - #1 Alabama* over #3 Baylor +17.5
South Central - #2 Florida over #1 LSU* -6.5
Southwest - #2 USC over #1 Texas* +4

* - Home team"

I missed on Oklahoma, Florida, and USC. The most surprising of those is USC. Not to take away what Texas has accomplished in this simulation, but I thought USC was easily one of the top eight teams in my simulation. In fact, though I will address it in my post-season wrap up, here is how I thought whatifsports.com rated the teams:

1. Alabama
2. Oregon
3. Wisconsin
4. USC
5. Boise State

Some of the other "powerhouses": Oklahoma, Florida State, West Virginia, LSU, Michigan State, Clemson, and Florida.

I based this on how results were posting throughout the simulation, including margin of victory, and combination run-pass success. I will analyze the data a little more after the season and that will help me to immerse myself even more in the NCAA 2012 Replay.

I will submit a Preview Special for the Elite 8 Tournament where I will analyze each team more thoroughly. For now, let me take a look back at what happened in Round 4.

To me, the greatest surprise for all results was Texas topping USC. USC looked to be too formidable an opponent for the #5 National Seed. Most of the other results were either expected or did not surprise me.

Florida had been mostly dominant in their run to the Sweet 16; however, they just didn't get it done at LSU. LSU is a team close to my heart, but I know they won a lot of games through bells and whistles, both in this sim and in real life. The QB play is at the top of my concerns, that's why I haven't given and won't give them much of a chance to move on in this tournament. I think they are really lucky they didn't face Stanford in the regional final.

Alabama has been the same machine in this sim as they have been in real life. Sure, in the real 2011 season they dropped a game (they shouldn't have) to LSU. But this simmed Alabama team is just too tough. Maybe they could be vulnerable if teams like Oregon or Wisconsin hadn't been knocked off, but it's hard to imagine they won't continue their success. Just like usual, they had the largest margin of victory over a pretty strong Baylor squad.

I am happy the tournament isn't dominated by the top two seeds per region. I think it's good that there are three seeds below two, including Clemson's ride in as a five seed. If the NCAA ever did set up an eight-team playoff, Clemson would have no shot to be there, but they knocked off #2 Oregon and West Virginia in back-to-back weeks to prove they belong. Those were no easy wins!

One thing that surprised me is that all season I considered the conference power ratings to be like this:

1. Southwest
2. West
3. East
4. Southeast
5. South Central
6. Northwest
7. North
8. Northeast

Based on the fact that THREE teams from the South Central conference made it to the Elite 8, they now have taken the top spot. The final conference power rankings, thus are:

1. South Central
2. Southwest
3. East
4. Southeast
5. West
6. Northwest
7. North
8. Northeast

National Player of the Week

Just like the previous two weeks, I have listed all of the regional Player of the Week winners in this pageant for National Player of the Week. The candidates:

East Region - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas - 21-34-399-3-0
Southeast Region - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama - 24-192-2 rush, 3-41 rec
South Central Region - Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU - 18-28-240-3-0 pass, 4-32 rush
West Region -Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - 29-38-431-4-1
North Region - James Franklin, QB, Missouri - 13-18-217-1-0 pass, 21-48-2 rush
Northeast Region - Case Keenum, QB, Houston - 30-38-498-3-0 (Dude, give someone else a chance, will ya?)
Southwest Region - Jordan Rodgers, QB, Vanderbilt - 12-21-147-6-0 pass, 14-32 rush
Northwest Region - Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State - 33-40-327-3-0


And the winner is...

http://www.texarkanagazette.com/content/uploads/pictures/2011/10/Houston-Rising-Cougar_Noel.jpg

Partially because of this cool picture and partially because Trent Richardson fell just short of 200 rushing yards, Houston's Case Keenum wins the National Player of the Week award. He will most certainly be up for some post-season awards.

Special Note

I mentioned at the beginning of this dynasty that I would consider simulating bowl games for deserving teams not in the Elite 8 Tournament. However, unless I want to delay the completion of this dynasty to much later, it is probably in my best interest to allow a 12-game schedule for all but the final eight teams. I promise I will institute the bowl system into the 2012 Replay, though there will be far fewer bowls (maybe 10???) than in the real season.

Final 2011 Replay Standings

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/StandingsafterRound12_zpsef6ca617.jpg

[StLee]

I didn't do a good job of keeping stats (one of my biggest goals for my 2012 replay!!!) until around Week 4. Still, for some teams, I have very few stats to fall back on. You would think as an LSU fan I would have kept lots of stats to see how players on the team did versus their real counterparts, right? Well, no. LSU is actually one of two teams (Clemson) where I don't have a lot of data for them. Therefore, for both teams, I just chose the best of what I have and went with their stats. Where you see "Key Player" I will accumulate whatever data I have. Note: no player has any stats for Week 2. I considered replaying those games just to get stats, but I decided to just count it as a learning opportunity for my next dynasty, which I hope is more thorough and interesting for the five or so of you reading! :D

Team Previews:

http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/30/597/thumbs/2424.gif
Alabama Crimson Tide - #1 National Seed

Conference: Southeast
Region Bracket: Southeast

2011 Real Record: 12-1, 2nd SEC West, National Champions
Final Rank: #1
Key win: vs #1 LSU, 21-0, National Championship Game
Key loss: vs #1 LSU, 6-9, OT

2011 Replay Record: 12-0, Southeast Conference Champions
Key win: vs Florida, 20-12, Southeast Conference Championship
Key loss: none

Team MVP: Trent Richardson, RB, Recorded Stats: 11 games, 269 rushes, 1691 yards, 22 TDs; 21 receptions, 328 yards, 6 TDs




http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/32/723/thumbs/05i7bhidxxhy1et8cenggg18k.gif
LSU Tigers - #3 National Seed

Conference: South Central
Region Bracket: South Central

2011 Real Record: 13-1, SEC Champions
Final Rank: #2
Key win: at #2 Alabama, 9-6, OT
Key loss: vs #2 Alabama, 0-21, National Championship Game

2011 Replay Record: 12-0, South Central Conference Champions
Key win: vs Arkansas, 20-17, South Central Conference Championship
Key loss: none

Team MVP: Spencer Ware, RB, Recorded Stats: 7 games, 150 rushes, 726 yards, 6 TDs; 3 receptions, 48 yards




http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/34/865/thumbs/5o2wuto6hq2592hhy9e4prm6e.gif
Texas Longhorns - #5 National Seed

Conference: Southwest
Region Bracket: Southwest

2011 Real Record: 8-5, 6th Big 12
Final Rank: Unranked
Key win: vs California, 21-10
Key loss: vs #1 Oklahoma, 17-55

2011 Replay Record: 12-0, Southwest Conference Champions
Key win: vs USC, Southwest Region Championship
Key loss: none

Team MVP: Malcolm Brown, RB, Recorded Stats: 9 games, 174 rushes, 1319 yards, 12 TDs; 1 reception, 17 yards




http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/30/617/thumbs/fvh8dosf3e6m21tmdn38ue7wv.gif
Boise State Broncos - #6 National Seed

Conference: Northwest
Region Bracket: Northwest

2011 Real Record: 12-1, 2nd MWC
Final Rank: #8
Key win: vs #22 Georgia, 35-21
Key loss: vs #24 TCU, 35-36

2011 Replay Record: 11-1, Northwest Conference Champions
Key win: vs Wisconsin, 61-58, Northwest Conference Championship
Key loss: vs Utah, 28-30

Team MVP: Kellen Moore, QB, Recorded Stats: 10 games, 220 completions, 325 attempts, 67.7% completion pct, 3272 yards, 32 TDs, 5 INTs





http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/30/643/thumbs/2451.gif
Clemson Tigers

Conference: East
Region Bracket: West

2011 Real Record: 10-4, ACC Champions
Final Rank: #22
Key win: vs #5 Virginia Tech, 38-10, ACC Championship Game
Key loss: at #13 South Carolina, 13-34

2011 Replay Record: 10-2, 3rd East Conference Division 1
Key win: at Oregon, 40-30, West Region Semifinal Game
Key loss: vs South Carolina, 3-17

Team MVP: Andre Ellington, RB, Recorded Stats: 7 games, 138 rushes, 913 yards, 8 TDs; 11 receptions, 198 yards, 2 TDs





http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/31/679/thumbs/seqwwgbjf0ihqeeu7w8i95s5g.gif
Florida State Seminoles

Conference: East
Region Bracket: North

2011 Real Record: 9-4, 2nd ACC Atlantic
Final Rank: #23
Key win: at Florida, 21-7
Key loss: vs #1 Oklahoma, 13-23

2011 Replay Record: 11-1, 2nd East Conference Division 2
Key win: at Michigan State, 23-20, North Region Championship
Key loss: at Virginia Tech, 16-17

Team MVP: Devonta Freeman, RB, Recorded Stats: 9 games, 183 rushes, 1235 yards, 12 TDs; 3 receptions, 37 yards, 1 TD





http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/30/606/thumbs/2419.gif
Arkansas Razorbacks

Conference: South Central
Region Bracket: East

2011 Real Record: 11-2, 3rd SEC West
Final Rank: #5
Key win: vs #10 South Carolina, 44-28
Key loss: at #1 LSU, 17-41

2011 Replay Record: 11-1, South Central Conference Division 2 Champs
Key win: at North Carolina, 33-21, East Region Championship
Key loss: vs LSU, 17-20, South Central Conference Championship

Team MVP: Tyler Wilson, QB, Recorded Stats: 11 games, 231 completions, 339 attempts, 68.1% completion pct, 3421 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs





http://content.sportslogos.net/logos/31/700/thumbs/kc376y1rmfpqfz2qk5jf.gif
Houston Cougars

Conference: South Central
Region Bracket: Northeast

2011 Real Record: 13-1, CUSA West Champions
Final Rank: #18
Key win: vs #23 Penn State, 30-14, TicketCity Bowl
Key loss: vs #23 Southern Miss, 28-49, CUSA Championship Game

2011 Replay Record: 11-1
Key win: at Wisconsin, 35-24, Northeast Region Semifinal Game
Key loss: at LSU, 13-37

Team MVP: Case Keenum, QB, Recorded Stats: 11 games, 264 completions, 367 attempts, 71.9% completion pct, 4282 yards, 40 TDs, 4 INTs

[StLee]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/orangebowllogo-300x300_zps04a11363.jpg
Orange Bowl at Miami
Weather: 74 F
Wind: 7 MPH
Line: Alabama -17.5
Houston 14 vs #1 Alabama 45

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabamanewspaper_zps65dfb1da.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabamanewspaper2_zps3445c248.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabama_zpsfb7db4a1.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabama2_zpsf7db9662.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabama3_zps10ac0a45.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/HoustonvsAlabama4_zpsd5e88ce9.jpg

[StLee]

http://s3.amazonaws.com/blocgroup/events/photos/182/large.gif
Monday, December 26, 2011
Fiesta Bowl at Glendale, AZ
Weather: 47 F
Wind: 4 MPH
Line: Florida State -2.5
Florida State 13 vs #5 Texas 16

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/FSU-Texnewspaper_zps580a92c5.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/FSU-Texnewspaper2_zpsf78b23b3.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/FSU-Texnewspaper3_zps987323d2.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/fsu-texscores_zpsfabd998a.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/fsu-texteamstats_zps0106fe5d.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/fsu-texindstats1_zps704fc1ff.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/fsu-texindstats2_zpsc9f14ff4.jpg

[StLee]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/AT%26T_Cotton_Bowl.png
at Arlington, TX
Weather: 45 F
Wind: 10 MPH
Roof Closed: No weather conditions
Line: LSU -4.5
#6 Boise State 20 vs #3 LSU 44


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsunp1_zps0f2ebc52.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsunp2_zps127d7d7a.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsunp3_zps19f20056.jpghttp://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsunp4_zps00663841.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/bsu-lsuscore_zpse1263ecd.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsuteamstats_zps13c1601c.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsuindstats1_zps5c20f464.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/bsu-lsuindstats2_zpse80cbd54.jpg

I had a couple extra formatting problems using a Word Template. I think I'll just stick to Power Point!

[StLee]

http://assets.mediaspanonline.com/prod/9027428/CapitalOneBowlLogo_Photo250.jpg
Wednesday, December 28
Capital One Bowl at Orlando
Weather: 56 F
Wind: 10 MPH
Line: Arkansas -9.5
Arkansas 31 vs Clemson 30

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/Ark-clemnewspaper1_zps557d42be.png

Continued from Page 1

Despite Wingo's touchdown, he finished only second on the Razorbacks' squad with 64 yards rushing on 11 carries. Dennis Johnson led Arkansas with 86 yards on 13 carries. Clemson's Ellington was the game's leading rusher with 113 yards on 22 carries.

The Razorbacks' Tyler Wilson was named the game's MVP. He finished 20 of 29 with 271 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. His first two touchdown passes came on tosses in the first and second quarters.

Arkansas took the first lead of the game in the first quarter when Wilson founf Hamilton for a 15-yard strike. Clemson was able to tie the score after a quarter when Sammy Watkins rushed the ball for a one-yard score.

In the second quarter, Tajh Boyd gave the Tigers a 14-7 lead on a four-yard QB keeper. However, Wilson was able to answer with a 37-yard deep post to Chris Gragg to tie the game 14-14.

Boyd's only touchdown came on his rushing score. He ran for 50 yards on 17 carries. He also completed 14 of 24 passes for 209 yards.

Boyd's top target for Clemson was DeAndre Hopkins who had five catches for 86 yards. Jarius Wright led Arkansas in receptions (5) and yards (71).

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ark-clemsonscore_zps152aa09f.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ark-clemsonteamstats_zps53063e23.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ark-clemsonindstats1_zps8298c47b.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ark-clemsonindstats2_zpsa78aed93.jpg

[StLee]

I ran out of time to be able to complete this dynasty. I have not had much free time in the last month, and, when I have, I chose to do other things. However, starting this coming week, I will have lots of free time again, so I will complete this dynasty. Sorry for the HUGE delay!

[StLee]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/Elite8brackets_zpse42317e8.jpg

[StLee]

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/100/1009051.jpg
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sugar Bowl at New Orleans
Weather: 47 F
Wind: 18 MPH
Dome: No weather conditions
Line: Alabama -19.5

#5 Texas 10 vs #1 Alabama 41


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/Tex-Alabamastory_zpse04387ce.jpg


Continued from Page 1

In the second quarter, Texas scored its first points at the 9:47 mark on a 31-yard Justin Tucker field goal. With 6:27 left, McCarron threw a touchdown to Darius Hanks from the two to make it 14-3 Alabama. Jeremy Shelley added a field goal for the Crimson Tide with 1:34 left to make it 17-3 at halftime.

Alabama then started to pull away in the third quarter. With 12:36 left in the quarter, McCarron found Hanks again, this time for a 35-yard touchdown for a 24-3 lead. Later in the quarter, Eddie Lacy ran the ball in from a yard out for a 31-3 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Shelley kicked a field goal early in the fourth quarter to give the Tide a 34-3 advantage. Less than a minute later, Texas’ Malcolm Brown broke for a 44-yard touchdown to cut the score to 34-10.

“Yeah, I was disappointed in giving up a touchdown,” Saban said. We preach discipline and perfection for 60 minutes. A 50-yard run is not discipline and perfection.”

Richardson finally got his score to complete his MVP performance when he ran the ball in from a yard out with 7:13 to play. That ended the scoring at 41-10.

On the day, Richardson rushed 32 times for 128 yards and a touchdown. He also caught five passes for 59 yards.

Lacy was second on Alabama in rushing with 29 yards on eight carries. Kenny Bell led the Tide in receiving yards with 72 yards on four receptions.

Brown led the Longhorns with 87 yards on 19 carries, including his long touchdown. Joe Bergeron added another 50 yards on seven carries. Mike Davis was the leading receiver with four receptions for 68 yards.


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/texas-alabamascore_zpsa0d04d1c.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/texas-alabamastats1_zps6a1605d4.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/texas-alabamastats2_zps6d57bb0c.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/texas-alabamastats3_zpsbc24d5bb.jpg

[britrock88]

3 SEC teams left? Ugh.

[StLee]

3 SEC teams left? Ugh.

Yeah, whatifsports likes those three, it looks like. I was more surprised Texas was in the semifinals than the SEC teams there, though.

[cubboyroy1826]

What are you using to do the newspapers? Those look very cool!

[StLee]

I searched for a newspaper template on Google and found a few. The latest one was a PowerPoint template.

I'm not crazy about them, and won't use them for future dynasties because they have severely slowed me down at a time when I am bogged down in busy. I regret going to the newspapers, but I will finish up the last two games in that style when I can find a few hours of "me" time.

[StLee]

http://www.bassetrescue.org/images/Rose-Bowl-logoB.jpg
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Rose Bowl at Pasadena, CA
Weather: 60 F
Wind: 4 MPH
Line: LSU -3.5

Arkansas 10 vs #3 LSU 35


http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/LSU-Arknewpaper2_zps33a89379.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/LSU-Arknewpaper1_zps94fd4a8c.jpg


Continued from Page 1
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/LSU-Arknewpaper3_zps171f256c.jpg



http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ark-LSUscore_zpscc36dca8.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ark-LSUstats1_zpsff22861d.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ark-LSUstats2_zpsb5509af4.jpg
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/ark-LSUstats3_zps182da994.jpg

[StLee]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ELITE8TOURNEYchamp_zpsabc90aa3.jpg

[sterlingice]

Aren't we missing a game?

I mean, yeah, it's an SEC game so I'd probably not watch it but I'm curious how to at least see the results ;)

SI

[StLee]

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama7_zps55aba8c1.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama7_zps55aba8c1.jpg.html)
Golden Sphinx Bowl at Nashville
Weather: 32 F
Wind: 6 MPH
Line: Alabama -12.5[/SIZE]
Alabama 23 vs LSU 20

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama5_zps8f9b2e70.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama5_zps8f9b2e70.jpg.html)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama6_zps1c343040.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama6_zps1c343040.jpg.html)

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama1_zps05400a13.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama1_zps05400a13.jpg.html)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama2_zps9449a469.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama2_zps9449a469.jpg.html)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama3_zpscd929212.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama3_zpscd929212.jpg.html)
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama4_zps61136d62.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/LSU-Bama4_zps61136d62.jpg.html)

[StLee]

First of all, sorry for delaying this so long. I have had VERY LITTLE me time in the last few months, due mostly to my wife having a difficult pregnancy, so when I have had free time, this has been on the back burner.

However, since I am ready to start other dynasties, I thought it was best to finally bring this dynasty to a conclusion.

As you can see, the whatifsports.com version of the 2011 NCAA replay ended much the same way the actual season ended. I am happy LSU played a better game than they did in the real championship, but the results are the same.

Alabama is the national champion. Again.

Thank you for reading. I may make a sequel to this dynasty once I am back in football mood. Hopefully my momentum is not disrupted at that time and I can complete what I started in a timely manner.

As it is, the 2011 NCAA 128 Tournament is a wrap.

Congrats to the Crimson Tide.

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/SquareCracker/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ELITE8TOURNEYCOMPLETE_zpscd6f870c.jpg (http://s237.photobucket.com/user/SquareCracker/media/NCAA%20128%20Dynasty/ELITE8TOURNEYCOMPLETE_zpscd6f870c.jpg.html)

[sterlingice]

Glad you stuck this one through to the end. It was a fun (albeit long) read.

SI