Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

Listing the Top 37 SEC Players Eligible for 2012 NFL Draft


During the 2011 NFL Draft 37 players from the SEC heard their name called by NFL teams, 10 in the first round alone. 51 total seniors from SEC schools have been invited to participate in the four different post season all-star games. Underclassmen are already preparing for this year’s NFL Combine by hiring strength and fitness instructors to help them display their athletic abilities.

 

How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?

 

Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.

 

*Denotes underclassman

 

Running Backs:

*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama

Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.

 

Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Chris Rainey, Florida

FBBroderick Green, Arkansas

 

 

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina

Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.

 

Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.

 

*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia

Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.

 

Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.

 

Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas

Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.

 

Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.

 

Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas

Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.

 

Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Greg Childs, Arkansas

*Reuben Randle, LSU

 

Offensive Linemen:

Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia

Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.

 

He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

C Ben Jones, Georgia

OG Will Blackwell, LSU

C William Vlachos, Alabama

OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

 

Linebackers:

*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama

Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.

 

Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama

Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.

 

Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.

 

Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt

Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

 

Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

 

Defensive Linemen:

Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina

Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.

 

He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.

 

*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU

A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.

 

He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.

 

Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama

Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle.  His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.

 

Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.

 

*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State

There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.

 

NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.

 

Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas

Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.

 

Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee

DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt

 

Defensive Backs:

*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama

Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.

 

Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.

 

His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.

 

*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU

Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.

 

Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.

 

*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State

Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.

His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.

 

Draft Worthy Mentions:

*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt

SS Mark Barron, Alabama

FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

SEC Football: Arkansas Places Six Seniors in Post-Season All-Star Games


 

The Arkansas Razorbacks has six seniors out of a total of 51 former SEC players that will participate in three of four different post-season all-star games.

Running back Broderick Green (Little Rock, Arkansas) will be the first former Hog to appear in a game when he suits up for the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game January 16.

Green, a punishing runner listed at 6’2”, 244 pounds, finished the 2011 college football season with 260 rushing yards on 68 carries. He led the Razorbacks with five rushing touchdowns this year.

For his career at Arkansas he complied 1,235 rushing yards on 308 attempts for 22 touchdowns.

Five other former SEC players will be appearing in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game: OT Chandler Burden from Kentucky, DE Wayne Dorsey from Ole Miss, QB Jarrett Lee from LSU, CB Anthony Mosley from Kentucky, and LB Austin Johnson from Tennessee.

The Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and airs on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. EST January 16.

In the East-West Shrine Game the NFL Network will showcase the talents of wide receivers Greg Childs and Jarius Wright along with linebacker Jerry Franklin.

Franklin was a four year starter for the Hogs. He led Arkansas in tackles in each of the past four years finishing with 100 or more tackles in his junior and senior seasons- 101 in 2011 and 100 in 2010.

Franklin was one of eight total Razorbacks voted All-SEC in 2011. He was second team defense as picked by SEC Coaches.

Jarius Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and touchdown receptions (12) during his senior season. Wright was one catch shy of tying Tennessee’s Da’Rick Rogers conference leading total of 67.

Greg Childs played much of the 2011 season still recovering from a patellar tendon injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a 2010 game against Vanderbilt. He had his best game of the season in the Cotton Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats finishing with five catches for 48 yards.

Childs ended his college football career with 2,069 total receiving yards, 133 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns.

Nine other SEC players will appear in the East-West Shrine Game including: QB John Brantley from Florida, Tauren Poole from Tennessee, DT DeAngelo Tyson, PK Blair Walsh, FB Bruce Figgins from Georgia, DE Kentrell Lockett and OT Bradley Sowell from Ole Miss, C Quentin Saulsberry from Mississippi State, and DT Travian Robertson from South Carolina.

The East-West Shrine Game starts at 4 p.m. EST and will be shown on the NFL Network January 21. The game will be played at Tropicana Field inSt. Petersburg, Florida.

The Senior Bowl has the largest collection of former SEC players among the post-season all-star games with 23 total players appearing including two Razorbacks- WR Joe Adams and DE Jake Bequette.

Jake Bequette was first team All-SEC in 2011 after totaling 10 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and 10.5 tackles for a loss while appearing in 10 games. He had multiple sack games against South Carolina (3), Mississippi State (2), and Kansas State (2).

Joe Adams was a consensus All-American as a punt returner for Arkansas. He ranked No. 2 in Division 1-A in total punt return yards (321), average return yards per punt (16.89), but led all players in returns for a touchdown (4).

Adams was a primary threat in the SEC as one of the Razorbacks top wide receivers. He ranked No. 8 in the SEC with 652 total receiving yards and No. 4 in total receptions with 54 while catching three touchdown passes.

As a threat out of the backfield, Adams had 10 rushing attempts for 139 yards with one touchdown.

The 21 other former SEC players scheduled to play in the Senior Bowl include: RB Vick Ballard from MSU, DT Josh Chapman, Safety Mark Barron, WR Marquis Maze, CB DeQuan Menzie, LB Courtney Upshaw, and C William Vlachos from Alabama, Punter Drew Butler, CB Brandon Boykin, OT Cordy Glenn, and C Ben Jones from Georgia, DT Jaye Howard and RB Chris Rainey from Florida, RT Brandon Mosley and LS Josh Harris from Auburn, CB Casey Hayward from Vanderbilt, DE Melvin Ingram and S/LB Antonio Allen from South Carolina, and OG Will Blackwell, TE Deangelo Peterson, and Safety Brandon Taylor from LSU.

The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama will air on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. EST January 28.

No former Razorback players will appear in the Battle for Florida played on January 21 at 8 p.m. EST on FOX College Sports in Boca Raton, Florida.


  1. Alabama 12-1
  2. LSU 13-1
  3. Arkansas 11-2
  4. Oregon12-2
  5. Oklahoma State 12-1
  6. USC 10-2
  7. Houston 13-1
  8. South Carolina 11-2
  9. Boise State 12-1
  10. Michigan State 11-3
  11. Stanford 11-2
  12. West Virginia 10-3
  13. Wisconsin 11-3
  14. Michigan 11-2
  15. Kansas State 10-3
  16. Baylor 10-3
  17. TCU 11-2
  18. Oklahoma 10-3
  19. Southern Mississippi 12-2
  20. Auburn 8-5
  21. Georgia 10-4
  22. Florida State 9-4
  23. Cincinnati 10-3
  24. Virginia Tech 11-3
  25. Clemson 10-4

Continue reading →

Arkansas Razorbacks: Tyler Wilson Named First Team All-SEC


Wilson and Wright named first team All-SEC.

Tyler Wilson has done something no other Arkansas Razorback has ever accomplished he’s been named first team All-SEC at the quarterback position.

 

Wilsonalong with six other Razorback players was named to All-SEC teams Monday. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Joe Adams were selected first team All-SEC as well. Adams selection was as an all-purpose player for his contributions as a punt returner and wide receiver.

 

Arkansassecond team picks included linebacker Jerry Franklin, punter Dylan Breeding, guard Alvin Bailey, and running back Dennis Johnson; Johnson was an all-purpose selection for his kickoff return abilities and play at running back.

 

Senior safety Tramain Thomas received an honorable mention. Thomas had five interceptions during the 2011 season tying him for No. 10 in FBS and No. 4 in the SEC.

 

Missing from the All-SEC lists is senior defensive end Jake Bequette. Bequette missed significant game time and three total games with an early season hamstring injury but still managed to finish the season with eight sacks. Bequette’s eight sacks ranked No. 8 in the SEC.

 

Jarvis Jones led the SEC in sacks with 13.5, finishing second in college football during the regular season to Whitney Mercilus a defensive end forIllinois.

 

The following is a list of the All-SEC honorees, their position, their school, and their class:

 

First Team Offense

QB – Tyler Wilson,Arkansas, Jr.

RB – Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.

RB – Michael Dyer, Auburn, So.

WR –Jarius Wright, Arkansas, Sr.

WR – Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.

OL –Barret Jones,Alabama, Jr.

OL –Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina, Sr.

OL – Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Sr.

OL – Will Balckwell, LSU, Sr.

C  -William Vlachos, Alabama, Sr.

TE –Orson Charles, Georgia, Jr.

 

Special Teams

K –Caleb Sturgis, Florida, Jr.

AP – Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.

 

First Team Defense

DT – Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, Jr.

DT –Malik Jackson, Tennessee, Sr.

DE – Melvin Ingram,South Carolina, Sr.

DE – Sam Montgomery, LSU, So.

LB – Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, Sr.

LB – Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, Sr.

LB –Jarvis Jones,Georgia, So.

CB – Morris Claiborne, LSU, Jr.

CB – Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, So.

S –Mark Barron, Alabama, Sr.

S –Bacarri Rambo,Georgia, Jr.

 

Special Teams

P – Brad Wing, LSU, Fr.

 

 

Second Team Offense

QB – Aaron Murray, Georgia, So.

RB – Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, Jr.

RB –Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr.

WR –Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, Jr.

WR – Rueben Randle, LSU, Jr.

OL – Alvin Bailey, Arkansas, So.

OL – Chris Faulk, LSU, So.

OL – Larry Warford,Kentucky, Jr.

OL – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, So.

C –Ben Jones, Georgia, Sr.

TE – Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, Jr.

 

Special Teams

K- Drew Alleman, LSU, Jr.

AP – Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.

 

Second Team Defense

DT – Michael Brockers, LSU, So.

DT – Josh Chapman, Alabama, Sr.

DE – Cory Lemonier, Auburn, So.

DE – Barkevious Mingo, LSU, So.

LB – Chris Marve, Vanderbilt, Sr.

LB – Jerry Franklin, Arkansas, Sr.

LB – Don’t’A Hightower, Alabama, Jr.

CB –Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, Jr.

CB – Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt, Sr.

S –Antonio Allen, South Carolina, Sr.

S – Eric Reid, LSU, So.

 

Special Teams

P –Dylan Breeding, Arkansas, Jr.

 

Offensive Player of the Year

Trent Richardson, Alabama

 

Defensive Player of the Year

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU

 

Coach of the Year

Les Miles, LSU

 

Freshman of the Year

Isaiah Crowell, Georgia

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 15


 

  1. LSU 13-0
  2. Alabama 11-1
  3. Oklahoma State 11-1
  4. Arkansas 10-2
  5. Wisconsin 11-2
  6. Oregon 11-2
  7. South Carolina 10-2
  8. Stanford 11-1
  9. USC 10-2
  10. Georgia 10-3
  11. Michigan State 10-3
  12. Boise State 11-1
  13. Virginia Tech 11-2
  14. Kansas State 10-2
  15. Clemson 10-3
  16. Michigan 10-2
  17. Oklahoma 9-3
  18. Baylor 9-3
  19. Southern Mississippi 11-2
  20. TCU 10-2
  21. Arkansas State 10-2
  22. Houston 12-1
  23. Nebraska 9-3
  24. Penn State 9-3
  25. West Virginia 8-3

 

All the hype on Sunday will be about Oklahoma State. Will they or won’t they… that is will they move to No. 2 in the BCS Rankings or will they remain at No. 3?

 

Oklahoma State did impress Saturday night in their home win over Oklahoma, but one has to remember that Alabama lost to the No. 1 team in the nation in their lone defeat not to an unranked team; one could argue that Bama won every facet of the game except the score board against LSU. All Oklahoma State did was beat a two-loss team Saturday.

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 14


 

  1. LSU 12-0
  2. Alabama 11-1
  3. Oklahoma State 10-1
  4. Arkansas 10-2
  5. Wisconsin 10-2
  6. Michigan State 10-2
  7. Georgia 10-2
  8. Virginia Tech 11-1
  9. South Carolina 10-2
  10. Houston 12-0
  11. Stanford 11-1
  12. USC 10-2
  13. Oklahoma 9-2
  14. Boise State 10-1
  15. Oregon 10-2
  16. Kansas State 9-2
  17. Michigan10-2
  18. Baylor 8-3
  19. TCU 9-2
  20. Arkansas State 9-2
  21. Nebraska 9-3
  22. Penn State 9-3
  23. West Virginia 8-3
  24. Clemson 9-3
  25. Southern Mississippi 10-2

 

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 13


 

  1. LSU 11-0
  2. Arkansas 10-1
  3. Alabama 10-1
  4. Virginia Tech 10-1
  5. Georgia 9-2
  6. Oklahoma State 10-1
  7. Michigan State 9-2
  8. Wisconsin 9-2
  9. Houston 11-0
  10. South Carolina 9-2
  11. Stanford 10-1
  12. USC 9-2
  13. Oklahoma 8-2
  14. Boise State 9-1
  15. Oregon 9-2
  16. Kansas State 9-2
  17. Penn State 9-2
  18. Michigan 9-2
  19. Clemson 9-2
  20. Baylor 7-3
  21. Georgia Tech 8-3
  22. TCU 9-2
  23. Arkansas State 9-2
  24. Tulsa 8-3
  25. Auburn 7-4

College Football: Understanding How the BCS Rankings Work


Preceding every exciting autumn Saturday filled with college football comes the confusing Sunday filled with questions about the Bowl Championship Series rankings and how it works. The questions most fans have center around how the BCS Standings are compiled and how those rankings affect their beloved team.

 

Putting logic to the BCS rankings can only makes college football more confusing than needed. The following is an attempt to explain how the BCS rankings are tallied week after week for better or for worse.

 

 

What components contribute to the BCS rankings?

 

The BCS Standings are comprised of three parts: the Harris Interactive College Football Poll, the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, and six computers called the computers. After all the games of a given week have been played, the voter polls which accounts for two parts of the BCS rankings and the computer analysis, one-third of the BCS rankings, are combined to list out those teams that are in the running for the BCS National Championship Game or an at-large Bowl Championship bid preceding any given week.

 

The Associated Press Poll has not been an active part of the BCS formula since 2005.

 

 

Understanding Each Part of the Process

 

The Harris Interactive College Football Poll (HICFP) is a weekly poll of the thought top 25 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the nation. The poll is voted upon by 114-115 voters from across the nation in any given year. Once their votes are counted, their opinions account for a third of the BCS Standings.

 

In 2011 there are 115 voters that actively participate week in and week out in the Harris Interactive Poll. The 115 members are randomly selected before the season begins from nominations put forth by every team in FBS including independent schools. The panelists include former administrators, players, and coaches along with current and former media members.

 

Some of the current voters of the HICFP include Tommie Frazier, Lloyd Carr, Jackie Sherill, and Tommy Bowden.

 

The voting is calculated by awarding 25 points for every 1st place vote, 24 for every 2nd place ranking, dwindling down to 1 point for every 25th place awarded. The HICFP then takes the total of a perfect score for that given year, 2,875 for 2011, and divides said teams totals by 2,875 for their BCS Score.

 

For example, the Arkansas Razorbacks BCS Score or share for week five is .7989. This number is calculated by taking 2,297 (their total HICFP points) divided by 2,875 (the perfect BCS Score) totaling .7989.

 

HICFP Formula: 2,297/2,875 = .7989 share of the votes

 

Investigating the totals a step further, if one takes the Razorbacks total of 2,297 points and divides that number by the 115 voters, their average ranking in the HICFP is 7th with an average of 19.974 points per voter.

 

The Coaches’ Poll

 

The USA Today Coaches’ Poll works in the same manner as the HICFP. The Coaches’ Poll is comprised of 59 voting coaches out of the 120 FBS teams. Once the 59 votes are accumulated, points are awarded for each ranking within the top 25 starting with 25 points for first place, 24 for second, and so on.

 

A perfect Coaches’ Poll score is 1,475. Sticking with the Arkansas Razorbacks, their November 13, points totaled was 1,170.

 

Coaches’ Poll formula: 1,170/1,475 = .793 share of the votes.

 

 

Breaking down the analysis of all six computers

 

The computer rankings are the third and final portion of the overall BCS college football equation. There are six computers that contribute to the rankings. The six computer calculations and results are contributed from Peter Wolfe, Jeff Sargin of USA Today, Kenneth Massey, Anderson & Hester, Richard Billingsley, and Colley Matrix.

 

The weekly computer results will vary as each computer is programmed to attain different results. For example Peter Wolfe’s formula is not completely known to the general public but what is known is he weighs previous outcomes, game locations, common opponents, and the probability of winning versus losing.

 

Jeff Sargin’s formula includes strength of schedule, location of the games, wins, and losses.

 

The Colley Matrix claims to be non-bias toward any team or conference. One of the more interesting attributes is there are no preseason rankings applied to any team thus all teams start out the same in the computer.

 

Home field advantage is not a key component in the Colley Matrix rankings but strength of schedule is highly regarded. Teams like Texas A&M with five-losses could be ranked higher than a two loss team due to their schedule.

 

The Billingsley Report could be argued as one of the most forgiving computer ranking systems. The Billingsley Report is run by Richard Billingsley of the College Football Research Center. He awards teams points based off of last year’s results as a starting point for each team’s ranking then adds wins and losses during the current season.

 

Strength of schedule is an important component of the Billingsley Report. If “Team A” loses to “Team B” in week two of the season, “team A” could bypass “team B” the following week depending on quality of win over “teams C & D”.

 

Jeff Anderson and Chris Hester take wins, losses, home field advantage, records vs. Top 25 teams, records vs. non-Top 25 teams, and conference strength of schedule. When a friend starts talking about strength of schedule three teams removed, they are using the Anderson and Hester approach to college football rankings.

 

Kenneth Massey’s rankings place more emphasis on games later in the season to games at the beginning of the season. He also takes into account location, wins, and losses.

 

All computer results do not factor margin of victory in college football games per BCS rules. Margin of victory is thought to influence bias through computer results as found in human polls.

 

Once the six computers have produced their Top 25, the top ranking and lowest ranking are removed for each team. If Oklahoma State received one first place ranking, four second place rankings, and one third place ranking, the first and third place votes would be removed leaving four second place finishes per the computer listings.

 

The point system awards each team 25 points for a first place ranking, 24 for second, etc… just like the HICFP and Coaches’ Poll.

 

In this example OSU has received 96 points after four second place rankings (4 x 24). The total, 96, is then divided by a perfect score of 100 for a final total.

 

96/100 = .96

 

The final totals from the HICFP, Coaches’ Poll, and computer rankings are added together then divided by 3 for a team’s weekly BCS Ranking.

 

Curiously missing from all of the input feed into the computers is each team’s overall defensive and offensive rankings week after week. All statistics can be skewed but taking into account how well one team stops the run but not the pass or how another team excels with their passing attack would seemingly make the formulas more robust and interesting.

 

A Top 10 team may be able to run the table within their conference but could have trouble against another team outside of their conference due to schemes. Should this be factored into each team’s BCS rankings?

 

For example the University of  Houston is No. 10 in the current USA Today Coaches’ Poll. Should the Cougar’s offensive and defensive stats be included into their weekly rankings as part of their strength of schedule?

 

On a linear comparison the computers should be able to calculate how well or poorlyHoustonwould perform against other Top 10 teams such as LSU, Oklahoma State, and Alabama.

 

Part of what makes college football fun is the debatable stance each fan, pundit, or non-biased person has towards the best and worse teams in college football. Through all of the highly thought out ways to “correctly” calculate the rankings of the best teams, each week most fans are going to feel slighted one way or another.

 

Does the BCS always get it right? That’s another debate for the ages.

HogManInLA’s College Football Top 25: Week 12


  1. LSU 10-0
  2. Oklahoma State 10-0
  3. Arkansas 9-1
  4. Alabama 9-1
  5. Oregon 9-1
  6. Oklahoma 8-1
  7. Georgia 8-2
  8. Houston 10-0
  9. Virginia Tech 9-1
  10. Clemson 9-1
  11. Michigan State 8-2
  12. Wisconsin 8-2
  13. South Carolina 8-2
  14. Stanford 9-1
  15. Nebraska 8-2
  16. Kansas State 8-2
  17. TCU 8-2
  18. Boise State 8-1
  19. USC 8-2
  20. Michigan 8-2
  21. Southern Mississippi 9-1
  22. Penn State 8-2
  23. Florida State 7-3
  24. Arkansas State 8-2
  25. Tulsa 7-3

Last week the SEC accomplished a feat they had never done before, they gave college football fans two games in the same week featuring four top ten teams. This week the excitement is not as great on a national level but there is plenty of intrigue as mid-level teams continue to fight for bowl eligibility.

 

The matchup of the weekend pits cross-divisional teams No. 24 Auburn at No. 14 Georgia. 5-4 Florida travels to No. 15 South Carolina in hopes of becoming bowl eligible and 4-5 Vanderbilt hosts 4-5 Kentucky in a must win game for both teams.

 

LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas all play non-ranked teams with Bama traveling to Mississippi State. No surprise that each team’s fan base is praying for a shocking loss for the other’s programs.

 

Ole Miss welcomes Louisiana Tech in the first of three farewell games for soon to be departing head coach Houston Nutt.

 

 

Auburn versus Georgia

 

The Auburn versus Georgia game will pit the strength of each team against the other, running the ball. Auburn holds an edge here with sophomore running back Michael Dyer.

 

Dyer is second in the SEC in total rushing yards with 989 and third in rushing touchdowns having collected nine scores.

 

Bulldog true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is sixth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 despite missing Georgia’s last game due to a suspension.

 

The pivotal point between the two teams will come down to quarterback play. The edge swings back in Georgia’s favor here.

 

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is second in the SEC in total passing yards having thrown for 2,060. His 23 passing touchdowns leads the SEC. Murray’s eight interceptions is second in the conference to departed Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia.

 

Tiger quarterback Clint Moseley will make his third career start against a Bulldog defense ranked 7th in the FBS. Moseley threw for 160 yards, his season high, against Ole Miss two weeks ago. He finished the game 12-15 with four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions.

 

Auburn is coming off a bye thus they should be rested and ready. But Georgia should get some quality contributors back on the field this weekend too when wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell and running back Carlton Thomas return from an injury and suspension respectively.

 

Between the two teams Auburn is more battle tested having played six teams currently ranked or ranked at one time during the season to Georgia’s four.

 

Auburn has the 75th rated defense in the country to Georgia’s 7th ranked defense.

 

Georgia has the momentum riding a seven game winning streak with a solid opportunity to wrap up the SEC East division title.

 

Final Score

Georgia 28, Auburn 21

 

 

Florida versus South Carolina

 

Revenge game, new rivalry game, whatever you want to call it these two teams will get after each other come Saturday. Both teams have season goals and bragging rights riding on the outcome.

 

If South Carolina wins they stay alive in the race for the SEC East divisional title. Should they lose, Georgia wins the SEC East and the Gamecocks will have to fight for a better bowl bid and/or play spoiler to in-state rival Clemson during the last weekend of the season.

 

A win by 5-4 Florida makes the Gators bowl eligible and takes some of the heat off of first year coach Will Muschamp and his infamous offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.

 

Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw is expected to play this week after taking a vicious hit from Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette in last week’s game. Shaw was suffering from concussion-like symptoms after the game.

 

Florida is also expecting their starting quarterback John Brantley to play after injuring himself against Vanderbilt last week as well.

 

Florida’s defense is stingy against the run which is what the Gamecocks need to do well in order to beat the Gators. Against the Hogs the Gamecocks were held to 79 total rushing yards.

 

The Gamecocks entered theArkansasgame only allowing 135.88 passing yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Wilson piled up 299 passing yards with two scores against the vaunted Gamecock defense. What can Brantley do against the same defense especially if safety DeVonte Holloman is not cleared to play for USC?

 

The Gators are hoping senior running back Chris Rainey will return to the lineup after injuring his ankle against Georgia.

 

The wheels seem to be coming off for Steve Spurrier and his Gamecock team. Can he keep his team together for three more regular season games?

 

Florida becomes bowl eligible on Saturday.

 

Final Score

Florida 24, South Carolina 21

 

 

Kentucky versus Vanderbilt

 

Looking over the SEC schedules before the season started the Wildcats vs. the Commodores game is not one of the games most fans circled. Yet the game holds heavy importance for both teams.

 

4-5 Kentucky is riding a five-game bowl appearance streak with three games left to play. 4-5 Vanderbilt is looking to go bowling for only the fifth time in the team’s history and the first time since 2008.

 

Head coach Joker Phillips is in his second year with the Wildcats. James Franklin is a first year head coach for the Commodores. Both coaches are trying to build a solid SEC program and need a win this weekend to keep their bowl hopes alive.

 

Phillips will call upon true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills,California) for the third game in a row to lead his team. Smith has played well in the place of injured quarterback Morgan Newton. Newton is healthy enough to play this week but will serve as the team’s second string quarterback.

 

The missing element fromKentucky’s offense this year has been a passing attack. Smith threw for 283 yards on 19 completions with two touchdowns against Ole Miss last week igniting hope for Wildcat fans that they can finish the season strong.

 

With the passing game elevated the running game has responded as well. CoShik Williams had a game-high 111 rushing yards on 25 carries finding the end zone twice against the Rebels.

 

Vanderbilt has continued their maturation process this season. The Commodores were a couple of plays away from possibly beating Georgia, Arkansas, and Florida over their past four games. Franklin’s young team has not learned how to win yet. The SEC East better watch out for this team next season.

 

Jordan Rodgers continues to impress after taking over for senior quarterback Larry Smith. Rodgers has started the last three games and finished last week’s game against Florida with 297 yards passing, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

 

Commodore running back Zac Stacey was held to 23 rushing yards after back-to-back 100-yard performances against Army and Arkansas.

 

The game will come down to which defense can make the other team’s offense make mistakes. This heavily favors Vanderbilt.

 

Vanderbilt has the 30th ranked defense in the nation despite not having much support from the offense for most of the season.

 

Vanderbilt keeps their bowl hopes alive.

 

Final Score

Vanderbilt 28, Kentucky17

 

 

Alabama versus Mississippi State

 

After last week’s “game of the century” most college football fans want to see how Bama will respond. Will they have a let-down game or will they come out and prove a point by punishing MSU? Either way LSU and Arkansas will be interested in the final outcome as their season’s final outcome could be made easier with a Bama loss.

 

On paper this game is a mismatch heavily favoring Alabama.

 

Mississippi State allows 349 yards of total offense per game. Alabama is the top ranked defense holding teams to 187 total yards.

 

Alabamahas the best rush defense in the country averaging 56.33 yards per game, Mississippi State 161.22.

 

Alabama averages 214 rushing yards per game, MSU 187 yards.

 

5-4 Mississippi State hosts Bama this week, travels toArkansasnext week, and hosts Ole Miss on the final weekend of the season. This is a tough road to walk down for head coach Dan Mullen trying to get his team to the all important six win plateau.

 

Final Score

Alabama 38, MSU 7

 

 

Louisiana Tech versus Ole Miss

 

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are one of the more intriguing teams in college football. They easily could have won the four games they lost, Southern Miss 19-17, Houston 34-35, and Mississippi State 26-20 and be undefeated going into the stretch run of their Western Athletic Conference schedule. As it is the Bulldogs need this win against Ole Miss to become bowl eligible.

 

The game is not without some controversy as embattled Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt resigned on Monday which will be effective come November 26. After losing 12-straight SEC games how will his team respond this week? Will they rally around Nutt or have they already given up on the season?

 

The Bulldogs are on a four-game winning streak. Look for them to shock a SEC team on the road.

 

Louisiana Tech 34, Ole Miss 28

 

 

Western Kentuckyversus LSU

 

It’s the top ranked team in the nation with one of the best defenses in the nation going up against a 5-4 Sun Belt Conference team that lost 14-3 toKentuckyduring the first week of the season.

 

LSU sleepwalks through this one.

 

LSU 48, WKU 6

 

 

Tennessee versus Arkansas

 

Tennessee looks to do the near impossible this weekend by knocking off No. 8 Arkansas on the road.

 

Arkansas responded well to their home surroundings last weekend after playing four of five games on the road. The Hogs easily defeated then No. 10 South Carolina 44-28.

 

The Vols are coming off a feel good win over Middle Tennessee State, 24-0.

 

Tennessee’s defense is SEC caliber but the offense is not.

 

There is an outside chance that Tyler Bray may return for this game. At 4-5 Dooley may sit his starter in hopes of winning their final two games to become bowl eligible. Why risk an injury to Bray with post season hopes hinging on his play during the final two games?

 

Arkansas’ passing attack has remained solid all year long behind the play of quarterback Tyler Wilson.Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards and his top target, Jarius Wright, leads the SEC in receiving yards with 812 and receiving touchdowns with nine.

 

The one shining offensive production for the Vols has been wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers has assumed the No. 1 wide receiver role after Justin Hunter tore his ACL earlier in the season.Rogersis second in the SEC in receiving yards with 780 and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with seven.

 

Hogs win their sixth game in a row in front of a happy Reynolds Razorback Stadium crowd.

 

Arkansas 45, Tennessee 17

Continue reading →