2011 College Football predictions

[govols120]

I'd like to say there's literally no chance of LSU doing something like that, but then again Oklahoma did it in 2003 with the blowout loss to a similarly good-but-not-great Kansas State squad.

Man, we need a playoff...

 

[golfballs]

exnay on Texay

 

[govols120]

Also, I'd love to see it happen as well, but who in their right mind would put Northwestern in the Big 10 title game?

 

[zjcvols]

Yeah. A 1 loss LSU team could make the NC game, but not if that 1 loss is the SEC championship.

Oklahoma laughs at you.

 

[CT_Vol]

Oklahoma laughs at you.

There were no zero-loss teams that year. At least one non-BCS team will come out of the season unscathed, and there's a strong possibility that you see another undefeated BCS-conference school. LSU would still likely have the SOS advantage over a Boise State or TCU a la Oklahoma over USC in 2003, but I think that the human polls will be harsher than they were that year to prevent such a situation.

 

[sammyjoey]

Also, I'd love to see it happen as well, but who in their right mind would put Northwestern in the Big 10 title game?

I believe that was me.

Here's the Big 10 (using AP preseason rankings, and including "rankings" for the also receiving votes teams)

Legends
11 Wisconsin
18 Ohio State
27 Penn State
-- Illinois
-- Purdue
-- Indiana

Leaders
10 Nebraska
17 Michigan State
32 Iowa
38 Michigan
47 Northwestern
-- Minnesota

So Northwestern would need to have the best conference record among the 6 teams in the Leaders division. Obviously, each of the 6 Leaders will play the other 5. But here are the 3 Legends opponents for each of the Leaders teams:

Nebraska...........11 Wisconsin.....18 Ohio State..27 Penn State
Michigan State...11 Wisconsin.....18 Ohio State..-- Indiana
Iowa................27 Penn State... -- Purdue.......-- Indiana
Michigan...........18 Ohio State.....-- Illinois........-- Purdue
Northwestern.....27 Penn State....-- Illinois........-- Indiana
Minnesota.........11 Wisconsin......-- Illinois........-- Purdue

Northwestern and Iowa are the only Legends who miss both Wisconsin and Ohio State. I think Michigan State will be good, but I think Nebraska and Michigan aren't going to be quite as good this year as some people are predicting. Opens the door for Northwestern.

 

[govols120]

Once again, while I'd love to see it happen, news like this doesn't inspire me.

Dan Persa Injury Update: Game-Time Decision for Boston College-Northwestern - Sippin' On Purple