by AmphibiousRodent on Wed Dec 07, 2011 2:03 am
Week 12 games have been sent out, and I've put out another call to fill our two empty spots.
A few of this week's games could have a major impact on the playoff field. Here's a look at each conference.
ACC Atlantic: This Division is in disarray, with Clemson (5-5, 4-3 ACC) and Maryland (7-3, 4-3) leading. Clemson holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with a 33-9 win in Week 7.
ACC Coastal: What is this, basketball season? #13 North Carolina (9-1, 5-1) and #18 Duke (8-2, 5-1) are tied atop the standings. Duke faces third-place Georgia Tech (4-5, 4-2), then the two Tobacco Road schools face each other in Week 13.
Big-12: #3 Iowa State (9-0, 6-0 Big-12) has the leg up in this year's strongest conference so far, with #17 Kansas State (7-3, 5-2) the last remaining test. While Iowa State doesn't have it mathematically clinched, in reality Kansas State and #9 Missouri (8-2, 5-2) are fighting for second place and an at-large bid.
Big East: West Virginia (7-2, 5-0 Big East) has answered the call I issued in my half-way predictions by taking sole possession of first in the conference. The Mountaineers are inching closer to the Top 25 (they're #30 this week), and have a chance to knock off #25 South Carolina (7-3) this week. Pitt (6-3, 4-1) will challenge WVA for the conference title in Week 13.
Big Ten Legends: #2 Michigan State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) and #20 Michigan (8-2, 4-1) will win up tied if they win out, with Michigan's 46-29 win in Week 7 as the tiebreaker. But first Michigan has to get past #4 Ohio State (9-1, 5-1) in Week 13.
Big Ten Leaders: #4 Ohio State (9-1, 5-1) currently leads, but unheralded Penn State (4-5, 4-1) has come on strong in conference play and has a shot at knocking off the Buckeyes this week.
C-USA East: This week's game between Southern Miss (6-3, 4-1 CUSA) and UAB (6-4, 4-2) will determine the division title.
C-USA West: #14 Tulsa (8-2, 4-1 CUSA) and unranked Houston (7-2, 4-1) are tied for the lead, and will meet in Week 13 for the division title.
Independents: #1 BYU (9-0) is still on track for the top seed heading into the playoffs, as long as the Cougars can maintain a strong finish against three middle-of-the-road WAC teams. Meanwhile, #19 Notre Dame (6-4) is making a run at a playoff bid with a 5-1 record over its last six games.
MAC East: While #6 Buffalo (8-1, 3-1 MAC) doesn't have it clinched just yet, it would take a lot for either Kent State (4-4, 2-2) or Temple (4-6, 3-3) to overtake them.
MAC West: #5 Ball State (9-1, 4-1) has been solid all season, but a 30-28 loss to Western Michigan in Week 9 left the Cardinals tied with Central Michigan (7-4, 4-1) for the division lead. Ball State holds the tiebreaker with a 34-21 win in Week 8. Toledo (6-3, 3-1) is also in the mix.
Mountain West: The top two teams in the conference go head to head this week, with #10 UNLV (6-3, 3-1 MWC) visiting #12 Air Force (8-2, 4-1). The winner will have a major advantage in a conference with five, count 'em, FIVE ranked teams. #11 Colorado State (6-2, 2-1) is also lurking in the shadows.
PAC-12 North: Washington State (7-3, 5-2) has come out of nowhere to tie for the North lead with #22 Stanford (6-3, 5-2), but Stanford holds the tiebreaker with a 42-24 Week 7 win. Cal (6-3, 4-2) is also in the mix, and visits Stanford this week.
PAC-12 South: After catching up on his games, #24 USC (7-2, 5-1) is no longer undefeated, but still holds the South lead over Arizona State (6-4, 5-2).
SEC East: This division has been a slugfest, and #25 South Carolina (7-3, 5-2 SEC) has emerged as the top dog so far, with #16 Vanderbilt (7-2, 4-2) right behind. South Carolina holds the tiebreaker with a 34-28 Week 4 win over then-#2 Vanderbilt.
SEC West: If Arkansas (6-4, 3-2) is going to catch the inexplicable Mississippi State (5-5, 5-1), they will have to start this week when the teams meet on Arkansas' home map. On a side note, Ole Miss has three wins, two of them against ranked teams.
Sun Belt: Arkansas State 7-3, 4-2 Sun Belt) has a chance to knock #23 Middle Tennessee 7-2, 4-0) down a peg this week, but the Red Wolves and Florida Atlantic (5-3, 4-1) will need help from MTSU's remaining opponents (Florida International and North Texas) if they want to catch the Blue Raiders.
WAC: Nevada (6-3, 3-1 WAC) lost 44-33 to Hawaii last week, which let #8 Louisiana Tech (8-2, 4-1) hope again for a conference title. Nevada and LA Tech face off this week on Nevada's home map.
Conference strength:
Conf., nonconference W-L, PCNT
ACC, 19-23, .452
Big-12, 18-12, .600
Big East, 11-25, .306
Big Ten, 26-24, .520
C-USA, 24-22, .522
Independents, 23-15, .605
MAC, 28-24, .538
MWC, 23-16, .590
PAC-12, 16-19, .457
SEC, 20-23, .465
Sun Belt, 15-18, .455
WAC, 17-19, .472
I'm the Dude. So that's what you call me.