MORE FROM Bill Bender

Florida Jim McElwain

Gators officials are in Colorado to meet with the former Alabama offensive coordinator.

Brady Hoke

Interim athletic director Jm Hackett confirms the move and says the search for a new coach begins immediately with the help of a search firm.

Brady Hoke

Michigan finished 5-7 this season after a 42-28 loss to Ohio State on Saturday.

Baylor, TCU make final playoff arguments

Five things to know about Ohio State's new QB

Cardale Jones

What do we know about Ohio State third-string quarterback Cardale Jones? More than you think, writes Bill Bender.

Week 15 Bowl Projections

Baylor might just be able to sneak into the four-team College Football Playoff with a win against TCU. Bill Bender offers the latest Bowl Projections heading into championship weekend.

Championship rankings: ACC steals spotlight over SEC

Conference championship schedule

A look at the seven conference championship matchups next weekend, including dates and TV times.

Ten candidates at Michigan if Hoke is done

Buckeyes shouldn't be punished for Barrett injury

Only Winston, FSU can lead us to this situation one year later

Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston led Florida State to a 12-0 record, and now we're all getting ready for another Winston week leading up to the ACC championship game.

Ohio State-Michigan

Ohio State's playoff hopes took a blow on Saturday, but for all the wrong reasons. Bill Bender says J.T. Barrett's injury shouldn't be the deciding factor.

Ohio State-Michigan

Ohio State beat Michigan on Saturday, but it came with a cost for the Buckeyes. J.T. Barrett left with a an apparent right leg injury and did not return.

Ohio State-Michigan

Ohio State announced that Barrett's season is over after he was injured Saturday against Michigan.

Arizona Pac-12 spoiler

Arizona has the goods to be a Pac-12 championship spoiler next weekend. Bill Bender throws out five reasons why.

Western Kentucky-Marshall

Western Kentucky and Marshall played in an epic shootout, and the Thundering Herd's bid for perfection ended in overtime.

Bo Pelini hot seat

Think the Cornhuskers should send Pelini packing? Not so fast.

Auburn-Alabama

Once again, the Iron Bowl affects the national championship picture. Who has the edge?

TCU success

TCU success

TCU has more than just the four-team college football playoff in mind. With a win against Texas, the Horned Frogs are looking at long-term control of the Lone Star State. Bill Bender says it could happen.

J.T. Barrett

College Football Playoff Rankings

The latest set of College Football Playoff rankings were unveiled Tuesday. There were no changes in the top seven spots.

J.T. Barrett

How did J.T. Barrett go from high school standout in Texas to superstar at Ohio State? Bill Bender details how Barrett's improbable rise with the Buckeyes came to be.

Samaje Perine

Oklahoma's Samaje Perine broke the single-game rushing record on Saturday. That spawan

No, Ohio State isn't removing the 'UM' from their stadium sinage

Buckeyes still in No. 4 spot of CFP

Jimbo Fisher-Jameis Winston

Brent Musburger

Week 14 Bowl Projections: Buckeyes maintain last playoff spot

Ohio State is holding on to the fourth playoff spot in Bill Bender's latest bowl projections. Will the Buckeyes hang on the final two weeks?

Why Baylor deserves No. 4 playoff spot

Ranking the 15 best games of Rivalry Week

Baylor playoff hopes

Baylor still has a legitimate four-part argument to be No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Will the committee see it that way? Bill Bender takes a closer look.

FSU can solve some problems by giving ball to freshman RB

Brady Hoke-Earle Bruce

With Brady Hoke's fate all-but sealed, the Wolverines should take a page Ohio State used in 1987 with Earle Bruce.

Ohio State game control

Dalvin Cook

Florida State survived again, and if they want to keep winning, it's time to give freshman Dalvin Cook the ball more often. Bill Bender explains in simple terms.

Florida State-Boston College

Ohio State game control

Is Ohio State really at the mercy of the new buzz-word "game control?" Bill Bender says that shouldn't be the case.

Doug Flutie-Jameis Winston

Doug Flutie sees the on-field and off-field drama with Jameis Winston like everybody else. Does Flutie think that will cost Winston a run at a second Heisman?

On anniversary of 'Hail Flutie,' recognizing QB for his greatness

Inside the game: UCLA aims for third straight vs. USC

USC-UCLA

UCLA and USC renew their classic rivalry on Saturday. Will the Bruins make it three in a row against the Trojans? Bill Bender takes a closer look in Numbers that Matter.

Doug Flutie

It's been 30 years since Flutie threw a memorable "Hail Mary" pass, yet the quarterback's remarkable career isn't put in proper perspective.

Alabama jumps to No. 1 in College Football Playoff rankings

Playoff rankings

Alabama jumped to No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, and Mississippi State stayed in the top four. A full look at the rankings.

Ten teams that can turn playoff picture into mess

Tennessee sexual assault

Bowl projections

Florida coaching search

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley addressed the media Monday. Foley wants to have Will Muschamp's replacement lined up by December.

Report: A.J. Johnson one of two Tennessee players involved in alleged sexual assault

Frank Clark

Bowl projections

Guess who moved into the four-team playoff in our latest bowl projections? Brutus Buckeye knows. Bill Bender deals out his Week 13 Bowl Projections.

It's time to include Ohio State in Baylor-TCU argument

Frank Clark

Ohio State playoff hopes

Let's lays out the Buckeyes' case for the College Football Playoff committee.

America can't turn away from FSU in primetime

Florida State aftermath

Florida State continues to defy the country with its 26-game win streak, and it's all unfolding in prime time. Bill Bender takes a look at the Seminoles' latest come-from-behind win.

Miami-Florida State

Florida State made another comeback in a 30-26 win against Miami on Saturday, which extended the nation's longest win streak to 27 games.

Will Muschamp

Florida coach Will Muschamp is back on the hot seat after a loss to South Carolina. Bill Bender addresses the pros and cons of keeping Muschamp in Gainesville.

J.T. Barrett

J.T. Barrett is the hottest quarterback in college football, and he showed that in the snow against Minnesota on Saturday. Is Barrett a legit threat for the Heisman Trophy?

Deshaun Watson

P.J. Williams

A New York Times report alleges Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams received traffic tickets after a hit-and-run accident on Oct. 5. Did Williams get preferential treatment?

Alabama vs. No. 1 ranked teams: Will Tide roll again?

Breaking down No. 1 Mississippi State at No. 4 Alabama

Alabama-Mississippi State

It's a rare occasion when No. 1 is the underdog on Saturday. Does Mississippi State have a chance to knock off the Crimson Tide? Bill Bender looks at the Numbers that Matter.

Who are 'U'? Miami seeks statement win against Florida State

USC cornerback admits lying about saving drowning nephew

USC's Josh Shaw, who lied about saving his drowning nephew in August, finally spoke publicly about the incident and the fallout.

Miami-Florida State

Saturday's showdown between Florida State and Miami (Fla.) is a statement game, all right. Bill Bender breaks down Miami's moment.

Ten best playoff matchups

Playoff rankings

TCU jumped into the top four in the College Football Playoff rankings, and that wasn't the only surprise. A closer look at the latest rankings.

Randy Moss

Randy Moss will be the focus of "Rand University," but you can't truly appreciate his college career until you see these 10 statistics.

Larry Foote-Michigan

Michigan linebacker Larry Foote offered a somewhat controversial response when asked why Jim Harbaugh would pass on a potential job opening at Michigan.

How will Meyer play Barrett, Miller in 2015?

J.T. Barrett-Braxton Miller

J.T. Barrett's quick emergence might force an interesting quarterback controversy for Ohio State in 2015. Bill Bender says Urban Meyer's plan to keep both quarterbacks is the right move, if that's the plan

Latest bowl projections have FSU meeting Alabama in title game

AP voter keeps Spartans off ballot: 'I believe Big Ten is terrible'

Drew Sharp Spartans

Did Free Press columnist Drew Sharp mock the AP Poll by leaving the two-loss Spartans out of his recent ballot? Bill Bender takes the columnist to task.

Dontre Wilson

Dontre Wilson is out indefinitely after undergoing foot surgery on Sunday. How will the Buckeyes react to that loss?

Bowl Projections

We're back to where we started, with Alabama vs. Florida State in the College Football Playoff championship game. Who else is in the four-team playoff? Bill Bender has the answers.

Saban-Meyer

Saban-Meyer

TCU and Baylor better watch out. Nick Saban and Meyer know how to play the game.

Blake Sims

Blake Sims

Blake Sims deserves all the credit in the world. He bailed out Alabama in a come-from-behind win against LSU on Saturday. What's next for Alabama's quarterback?

Sun Devils make statement; now can they keep up momentum?

Arizona State wins

Arizona State's momentum builds after a program-defining win against Notre Dame. Will the Sun Devils build on it like 1996? Bill Bender takes a closer look.

Michigan-Northwestern

Michigan beat Northwestern 10-9 on Saturday, and the numbers are every bit as ugly as the final score. Bill Bender dives into the damage.

Bears show their substance matches up with style

Baylor Big 12 hopes

Baylor does have substance, even if you or the playoff committee can't see it. Bill Bender breaks down the Bears after their convincing win against Oklahoma.

Weekend Planner

You're going to need two televisions to watch Seperation Saturday. Bill Bender maps out the proper television rotation for this wekeend's great games.

Everything at stake in showdown between Buckeyes, Spartans

Ohio State-Michigan State

Ohio State and Michigan State meet with the Big Ten - and some impressive streaks - on the line. Bill Bender breaks it down in Numbers that Matter.

Tide vs. Tigers, Saban vs. Miles in SEC West matchup

Alabama vs. LSU

Alabama meets LSU again in college football's most-captivating rivalry right now. Who has the advantage? Bill Bender breaks it down in Numbers that Matter.

Rashad Roundtree

Georgia landed its third five-star recruit in the class of 2015 on Friday. Check out more on Rashad Roundtree.

Purdue helmets honoring military vs. Wisconsin

Purdue will go with a red, white and blue look on its helmet for Saturday's game against Wisconsin.

A look at 10 crazy College Football Playoff scenarios

Marshall concerned with winning games, not who's on its schedule

Marshall plan

Stop whining about Marshall's strength of schedule. Doc Holliday and Rakeem Cato have helped create something special in a place where it belongs.

Playoff rankings

The College Football Playoff committee released its second set of rankings Tuesday, and a new team is sitting pretty.

Fifteen FBS schools that might not make bowl game

TCU moves into four-team playoff

Torrance Gibson

Highly-touted quarterback Torrance Gibson committed to Ohio State on Monday, giving the Buckeyes more depth at quarterback for 2015.

Week 11 Bowl Projections: TCU slides into four-team playoff for now

It's open season for the four-team College Football Playoff, but right now TCU has the edge for the final spot. Bill Bender breaks down the latest Bowl Projections.

Hot Seat: 10 coaches feeling heat after Week 10

Week 11 preview

Week 11 preview

You want an eight-team playoff? How about a 10-team playoff? That's what Week 11 of the college football season is going to feel like.

Steve Spurrier

Steve Spurrier didnt last long in his press conference Saturday after a loss to Tennessee. Watch the fantastic press conference.

Ducks blow out Cardinal, prove their playoff worth

Oregon playoff chances

Oregon rolled past Stanford in a statement game that is more impressive than it looks. Marcus Mariota and Royce Freeman say so.

Will QB play keep Badgers from contending for Big Ten title?

Win against Georgia could go long way for Muschamp

Whether or not it's Hoke, 'Michigan Man' belongs in Ann Arbor

Did Will Muschamp save job by routing Georgia? It’s not crazy

Did Will Muschamp just save his job with an impressive win against Georgia? Bill Bender says there's a good chance the Gators coach will be back on the sidelines in 2015 now.

Michigan Man

Is the whole "Michigan Man" mantra still valid at Michigan. Bill Bender says yes, even it comes with or without Brady Hoke.

Wisconsin Big Ten title hopes

Wisconsin, led by the nation's best player in Melvin Gordon, is sitting pretty in the Big Ten championship hunt. Don't believe us? Bill Bender says it's very possible.

Expects lots of points, yards between TCU, West Virginia

Dave Brandon fired

Michigan fired athletic director Dave Brandon on Friday. Does that mean Brady Hoke is next? Bill Bender takes a closer look.

TCU vs. WVU

You'll need a calculator for the offensive totals that should come out of Morgantown when the Horned Frogs and Mouintaineers meet. We take a crack at the Numbers that Matter.

Matt Stinchcomb

Former All-American and ESPN analyst Matt Stinchcomb doesn't see a blowout coming in this year's Georgia-Florida matchup. Find out why.

Florida State-Jameis Winston

The No. 2 Seminoles came back to top the No. 25 Cardinals 42-31 on Thursday. Five factors that helped the Seminoles turn away another upset bid.

The 25 most-hated teams ever

By the Numbers: Brady vs. Manning

By the Numbers: Brady vs. Manning

By the Numbers: Brady vs. Manning

Muhammad Ali

"The Greatest" will be in attendance when Florida State and Louisville play on Thursday night. Muhammad Ali, that is.

Schedule analysis: Who has the toughest road to the CFB Playoff?

Why Indiana's Coleman deserves your Heisman vote

Tevin Coleman

You may not have heard of Tevin Coleman, but the Indiana running back is as good as it gets. He leads the nation in yards per game and per carry.

Playoff committee rankings

Cue the over-reaction. The College Football Playoff committee released its first rankings Tuesday and the SEC was well represented. Mississippi State is No. 1, followed by FSU, Auburn and Ole Miss.

Forty days, 40 questions: Playoffs, SEC bias, Heisman race

40 days, 40 questions

In 40 days, the College Football Playoff committee will make their final picks. Here are 40 questions that need answered in the meantime. Can Florida State repeat?

Georgia, Alabama lurking just outside playoff

Bowl Projections

Alabama and Georgia aren't quite in the college football playoff yet, but they are close. Bill Bender takes a closer look at the latest bowl projections.

Ranking the 18 Power 5 conference one-loss teams

Lessons learned from Buckeyes' OT win against Penn State

Ohio State lessons

Ohio State pulled out a 31-24 double-overtime win against Penn State on Saturday. Bill Bender shows what the Buckeyes learned.

Miles, LSU create a little chaos in SEC with upset of Ole Miss

LSU SEC hopes

LSU and Les Miles still have a say in the SEC West race after beating Ole Miss. Bill Bender says that great news heading into November.

Mississippi State No. 1

Mississippi State held on to the No. 1 ranking with a win against Kentucky on Saturday, but there are questions for the Bulldogs moving forward. What are the keys for the Bulldogs?

Bulldogs learn life on top can be tough, so will they keep it up?

No. 3 Ole Miss travels to LSU for night showdown

Ole Miss-LSU

Can Ole Miss give the state of Mississippi a sweep in Death Valley this season. Or will Les Miles nuke the SEC West race? Here are the Numbers that Matter.

How Dantonio, Michigan State flipped script on Michigan

Ohio high school game

You won't believe the final score of a high school football game played in Ohio last week.

How Michigan State, Dantonio flipped script on Michigan

Michigan State is arrogant all right, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Now, the only question is how long Michigan takes to match it, or if it’s time to look for another coach who won’t back down from Dantonio.

Mack Brown-SMU

The Mustangs' pitiful program could use a big-name boost.

Four Big Ten backs could chase down 2,000 yards

Big Ten running backs

Which four Big Ten running backs could join the 2,000-yard club this season? SN takes a closer look at those fantastic running backs and projects their final totals.

Devin Gardner

Top 25 games remaining on college football schedule

Future schedules: Best nonconference matchups for 2015-19

Tom Brady v Peyton Manning: Battle continues in AFC Championship

As the New England Patriots prepare to meet the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game, Bill Bender writes it's time to get ready for Brady-Manning Bowl XV.

Numbers that matter: Notre Dame at Michigan

It's simple: Connor Shaw gets it done for Gamecocks

Who has a problem with Connor Shaw? He may not always do it pretty, but it's hard to argue with what the South Carolina quarterback has done, writes SN's Bill Bender. His next opportunity to prove himself arrives Saturday vs. Georgia.

Bowl projections: Still Tide vs. Cardinal; Longhorns sneak into BCS

Week 2 Big Ten rankings: Familiar-looking Badgers

Wisconsin looked like the power-running team we're accustomed to, while Ohio State and Michigan took care of business in a high-scoring opening weekend for the Big Ten, writes SN's Bill Bender.

TE Expert Picks

Big Ten power rankings: Buckeyes look to make mark nationally

Bowl projections: Sorry Buckeyes, it's Stanford vs. Alabama