MORE FROM Bill Bender

NCAA Tournament 2017: Villanova latest defending champion to learn how hard repeat is

Villanova is the 10th consecutive school to fail to national champion to fail to repeat. The Wildcats failed to match the Florida Gators, who went back to back in 2006 and 2007.

NCAA Tournament 2017: Bob Huggins-led West Virginia looks 'different' roaring into Sweet 16

Bob Huggins says West Virginia's press is 'different.' How much different are the Mountaineers heading into the Sweet 16?

NCAA Tournament 2017: Middle Tennessee State could be most dangerous 12 seed yet

Middle Tennessee State is the latest No. 12 seed to pull off an "upset" in the NCAA Tournament. What is the second-round outlook for the Blue Raiders? Pretty good, in fact.

March Madness 2017: Low seeds put Big Ten in danger of missing Final Four again

The Big Ten received seven NCAA Tournament bids, but the conference isn't as strong as in past years. The selection committee made it difficult for most teams to advance past the first weekend.

For true March Madness, we need these Cinderella fairytales to become real

Does Cinderella really exist, or is the NCAA Tournament an elaborate tease? These are three upset scenarios we need for true March Madness.

NCAA Tournament bracket tips: Know the odds when picking Sweet 16, Final Four teams

You're ready to fill out your 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket for March Madness. Just remember to play the percentages when looking at the seeds.

SN exclusive: MAC commissioner defends scheduling, four-team playoff

MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher defended the conference's plan for no Saturday games in November next season in an interview with Sporting News.

MAC having Media Day at Pro Football Hall of Fame, SN sources say

The Mid-American Conference will have its Media Day at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, according to SN sources.

March Madness' biggest first-round upsets of 64-team era, Nos. 60-41

Sporting News ranks the greatest first-round upsets of the expanded bracket era. Today, a look at 55-41.

SN exclusive: ESPN's Dick Vitale talks March Madness, potential Duke-UNC title game

Nobody knows Duke-North Carolina quite like Dick Vitale, and he teed up the possibility of a championship matchup in a conversation with Sporting News.

March Madness' biggest first-round upsets of 64-team era, Nos. 40-21

Sporting News ranked the greatest first-round upsets in the expanded bracket era. Today, a look at 40-21.

2017 NCAA Tournament: Five potential second-round matchups we're dying to see

What are the five best potential second-round matchups in the NCAA tournament? Kentucky-Wichita State is among the best ones Sporting News can envision.

Kent State's return to tournament rewards faith in Rob Senderoff

It’s more than a No. 6 seed beating the No. 1 seed in the title game. It’s about family.

Nine best potential replacements for John Groce at Illinois

Illinois fired John Groce on Saturday. Here is a look at the potential replacements for the Big Ten coaching vacancy.

Texans now positioned to land Tony Romo with no regrets

Should the Texans make their move for Tony Romo? It would be costly, but they should do it anyway.

How Browns' 'Moneyball' strategy could land right franchise QB

Cleveland's "Moneyball" approach took free agency by storm, but the next step is landing the right franchise quarterback. Here's how that can happen.

Urban Meyer enhances vision for Ohio State offense as spring practice starts

Life is typically pretty good at Ohio State no matter what, but Urban Meyer is ensuring it stays that way.

Who will Cleveland Browns start at QB in 2017? Pros, cons for every option

Now that the NFL Combine is over and free agency is looming, do we have any idea who the Browns' No. 1 quarterback for 2017 will be?

John Ross' 4.22 40-yard dash amplifies draft comparisons to DeSean Jackson

John Ross' record-setting 40 evokes comparisons to DeSean Jackson and clues as to how his NFL career might play out.

NFL Combine: Leonard Fournette's impressive 40 time leaves three questions for GMs

Did Leonard Fournette do enough at the NFL Combine to warrant top-five consideration in the 2017 NFL Draft? We break down what his 40-yard dash means.

Cornerback or else? 7 best options for Packers' first-round draft pick

As NFL draft rumors begin to swirl, here are the Packers' seven best options with its first-round pick, No. 29 overall.

Get to know Brian Daboll: Five things about Alabama’s new offensive coordinator

Alabama hired New England Patriots assistant Brian Daboll as its new offensive coordinator Thursday, a move that is sure to be overanalyzed in Tuscaloosa, Ala., until the 2017 football season starts.

Meet David Njoku, the tight end worth drafting in the first round in 2017

David Njoku is a first-round talent at tight end ready to show out at the NFL Combine. Here's what you need to know about the Miami product.

Jim Harbaugh pulls off another bold recruiting move with latest Michigan hire

Michigan hired Michael Johnson, whose son is the top dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2019.

12 best 'war daddy' candidates for Jerry Jones, Cowboys' defense

Jerry Jones says he wants "one of those war daddies" for Dallas' defense, so we pinned his 12 best options.

What should Browns do with No. 1 draft pick? 10 best options

Cleveland has a bunch of options with its No. 1 overall draft pick this year. Here are the 10 best, including the pros and cons of each.

Would Chip Kelly fit at Alabama? That's the question for Nick Saban

If the Crimson Tide is willing to pursue this move given the predicament they are in, then Saban has to decide whether Chip Kelly could fit in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Nick Saban, Bill Belichick and the seemingly unstoppable dynasties in Alabama, New England

There was no way Alabama's Nick Saban and New England's Bill Belichick were both going to lose a championship in the same season, right?

Tom Brady leaves Joe Montana generation no choice but to crown new GOAT

Tom Brady is the best quarterback of all time, period. The case for Joe Montana died a slow, painful death during Super Bowl 51.

Five 'good' reasons to root for Patriots in Super Bowl 51

The vast majority of the public wants New England to lose Super Bowl 51. Perhaps it should reconsider.

Clemson's recruiting class flexes program's national championship reach

Clemson's 2017 recruiting class will end up bigger than you think.

Tate Martell will make his own name as Ohio State quarterback

Martell, who has drawn comparisons to former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, isn't afraid to compete and is ready for what comes next.

National Signing Day 2017: Composite rankings, one big thing for each top 15 class

Here's one big takeaway from each of the top 15 classes in 2017.

Signing Day winners and losers: Alabama, Georgia establish more SEC dominance

Who were the biggest winners and losers on National Signing Day?

Urban Meyer's secret to best recruiting class ever at Ohio State? Life beyond NFL

Meyer and his staff are selling more than just the prospect of getting to the league. Players — and their parents — are buying in.

Jim Harbaugh needs one last thing to close Michigan's recruiting gap with Ohio State

The Wolverines' classes are almost on par with those of their rivals to the south. SN breaks down what needs to happen for the programs to be on even footing.

Way-too-early college football Top 25 rankings for 2017

Check out Sporting News' early college football Top 25 rankings for 2017.

National Signing Day 2017: Can you really keep a four-star QB for four years?

So your favorite school just landed a big-shot four- or five-star quarterback from the 2017 recruiting class on National Signing Day. That's good news, right?

National Signing Day 2017: What to expect on biggest recruiting day of year

Barring a few commitment flips, Signing Day should go according to plan. Unless, of course, it doesn't.

Pac-12 preview 2017: Reasons to be excited, skeptical for every team

The Pac-12 is coming off a solid 2016 season and looking for more heading into 2017.

Big 12 preview 2017: Reasons to be excited, skeptical about every team

The Big 12 has missed out on the College Football Playoff two of the last three seasons, but at least one big change will happen this season.

Brent Musburger's exit signals end of golden era for a college football generation

The trinity of Keith Jackson, Verne Lundquist and Musburger — the voices that defined college football in the last generation — are gone from the booth.

Relive Brent Musburger's most memorable calls of his storied career

Musburger will always be one of the most enduring sports broadcasting figures because he happened to be in the right place at the right time with the right call.

Clemson, Stanford tied atop men's Capital One Cup standings

National Signing Day 2017: Top 10 uncommitted recruits and where they might land

Most of the top recruits in the 2017 recruiting class have already committed to schools, but there several future star players who haven’t decided yet.

'HBO Real Sports' explores Kevin Turner's gripping battle with ALS

Jon Frankel chronicled Turner's playing career at both the college level with Alabama and in the NFL with the Patriots and Eagles. Frankel also documented Turner’s battle with ALS after it was diagnosed in 2010.

ACC preview 2017: Reasons to be excited, skeptical for every team

The conference has a lot to brag about right now. Here’s a reason to be excited (and skeptical) about every team in the conference.

Five things Packers must do to give Aaron Rodgers another Super Bowl shot

Aaron Rodgers can't do this by himself. Time for Green Bay to help its QB before it's too late.

Jim Harbaugh will find his own way around NCAA's new 'Michigan Rule'

The NCAA voted to prohibit off-campus practices during institutional vacation periods such as spring break on Friday, a direct response to Michigan’s trip to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., last spring.

15 college football stars who stayed in school with something to prove

These football stars have something to prove in returning for the 2017 season.

Matt Ryan vs. Aaron Rodgers: 10 questions about an epic NFC championship matchup

There are no two hotter QBs in the NFL right now than Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan.

How long will Patriots, Steelers dominate AFC at everyone else's expense?

Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger have 36 playoff wins. Alex Smith was the only other AFC quarterback with postseason wins entering the playoffs.

National Signing Day 2017: When, how to watch, top uncommitted recruits

National Signing Day marks the unofficial start to the 2017-18 college football season on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Clemson's national championship puts Georgia title drought under spotlight

The Bulldogs have not won a national title in 36 years, absurd for a program of Georgia's caliber.

Deshaun Watson vs. Vince Young: Who won championship better?

Vince Young and Deshaun Watson will be linked forever in the “greatest bowl performances of all time” discussion. Who did it better? The answer should be “both,” but let’s have a little fun with the debate.

Don't worry, these 14 great September college football games will be here soon

The 2016 football season is over, but it’s never, ever too early to look ahead.

Clemson and Deshaun Watson finally crush all doubt with national championship

Deshaun Watson had a Vince Young-esque moment as Clemson beat Alabama to win the national championship.

Storybook ending for Dabo Swinney, Clemson caps incredible story 35 years in the making

Clemson’s 35-31 victory against Alabama in the title game tells an incredible story 35 years in the making.

No, Alabama isn't done yet, but Nick Saban must define this turning point

How Alabama reacts to a painful loss could define the back half of the Nick Saban era.

Deshaun Watson secures Clemson championship with 2-yard TD pass to Hunter Renfrow

The Tigers only left one second left on the clock before taking the lead.

Jalen Hurts miracle scramble gives Alabama late lead

Alabama needed this huge play from its freshman quarterback.

Alabama's O.J. Howard rumbles to end zone for big score vs. Clemson

O.J. Howard tormented the Tigers last year in the National Championship game, and he's doing it again.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama secondary could be decisive factor in Clemson rematch

The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is a rematch for No. 2 Clemson, which is looking to avenge last year’s 45-40 loss in the title game. It’s also a rematch for No. 1 Alabama, especially for a unit that wants to prove itself one more time.

Dabo Swinney a logical choice to succeed Nick Saban, but will timing ever be right?

Clemson's Dabo Swinney will be the first coach Alabama calls when Nick Saban finally retires. Will it be the right time for him?

Ricky Williams says Nick Saban helped him 'love the game again' in Miami

Williams says Saban helped renew his love of the game when the two were at Miami.

Bill Hancock doesn't expect six- or eight-team College Football Playoff soon

The College Football Playoff, as it stands now, is unlikely to change for a long time.

How many NFL coaches would trade places with Nick Saban now?

Nick Saban will always have an NFL footnote in his legendary career. But what NFL coach wouldn't trade spots with him now?

Jalen Hurts, Steve Sarkisian seeing eye to eye just in time for Alabama's title game

Jalen Hurts' composure is far beyond most freshmen's demeanor. But he'll need a little more to lead Alabama to the national title.

Looking for Vince Young? Just let Deshaun Watson be himself against Alabama

Watson’s refusal to make himself bigger than he is continues to be the defining trait for the best player in college football over the past two seasons.

All eyes on Steve Sarkisian as he embraces unprecedented pressure at Alabama

Can Sarkisian handle the almost-unfair pressure of the situation he’s been thrust into? That’s the biggest storyline of the biggest bowl rematch in college football history, and everybody wants to know the answer. Aesthetics will be everything.

Clemson vs. Alabama: Numbers that make the matchup

The top two teams in the country are readying for a rematch of last year's championship game. SN lays out the keys to thios year's game and picks a winner.

How a die-hard Packers fan copes with recent NFL playoff heartbreak

Green Bay has lost five playoff games on the very last play under coach Mike McCarthy. That has made for some absurd (maybe irrational) reactions from this Packers fan.

J.T. Barrett gets one more chance to prove it by staying at Ohio State

The Buckeyes signal-caller could leave Columbus with a Heisman Trophy and national title.

Nick Saban shuts down questions about Lane Kiffin, offensive changes under Steve Sarkisian

“I don’t have anything else to say about this,” Saban said. “We’re moving forward."

Lane Kiffin says 'press box would be ideal’ for national title game

Former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who was removed from his duties Monday in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship game, still might play a role in the game.

Big Ten's awful bowl showing can't — and won't — get worse next season

The Big Ten had a bad bowl season, no doubt. But let's not go overboard with the criticism.

Brent Musburger gets testy on air after wishing Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon well

The longtime sportscaster seemed to get angry on the air while explaining why he wished Mixon well.

USC's epic Rose Bowl victory against Penn State proves it still means a lot

This Rose Bowl was one for the ages, and showed just how important "The Granddaddy of Them All" is.

Saquon Barkley 79-yard touchdown gives Penn State first lead in Rose Bowl

Penn State's electric running back just blew the Rose Bowl wide open.

Give Western Michigan credit for staying in a fight that's almost impossible to win

The Western Michigan Broncos made a hell of an effort under coach P.J. Fleck. But unless there’s an expansion to eight teams, a Group of 5 school has next to no chance to make the College Football Playoff.

UCLA hiring Michigan's Jeff Fisch, report

UCLA will hire Michigan assistant coach Jedd Fisch as its new offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

Nick Saban's 'Belichick move' of dumping Lane Kiffin will probably pay off

Dumping Lane Kiffin before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against No. 2 Clemson isn’t an original move by Nick Saban at all.

Tim Tebow knows freshman formula for Jalen Hurts in championship game

Tim Tebow says Alabama QB Jalen Hurts will have to step his game up against Clemson.

Will Ohio State's blowout loss to Clemson impact playoff process?

When it comes to the College Football Playoff, perception is everything.

A decade later, Ian Johnson laughs at trick-filled Fiesta Bowl memories

Former Boise State running back Ian Johnson fondly remembers the 2007 Fiesta Bowl — even though he has never watched the game.

Clemson really should want Bama in rematch of college football title game

Clemson has the chance at redemption it has sought since its last game against Alabama.

No. 2 Clemson 31, No. 3 Ohio State 0: Five things we learned from Fiesta Bowl

Deshaun Watson and a shutdown defense carry the Tigers to a lopsided victory over the Buckeyes.

College Football Playoff national championship: Date, location, odds

Alabama and Clemson will face each other in a rematch of last season's national title game.

Alabama takes 'championship defense' to unseen levels against Washington

Alabama's defense is playing championship-caliber football.

No. 1 Alabama 24, No. 4 Washington 7: Five things we learned from Peach Bowl

The Crimson Tide ride their defense to a second consecutive berth in the College Football Playoff final.

Bo Scarbrough's 68-yard TD run gives Alabama commanding lead in Peach Bowl

Scarbrough has been unstoppable for Alabama in the Peach Bowl.

Alabama scores 11th defensive TD to blow Peach Bowl open against Washington

Alabama's latest defensive touchdown game at the best possible time for the Tide.

Let players make their decision to play (or not) in bowl games

We can ask questions and second guess all we want, but the answer is simple. It’s not your decision. It’s their decision.

Michigan loss in Orange Bowl exposes final missing piece for national title contention

Michigan's loss to FSU shows a glaring need it needs to address in future teams.

Jabrill Peppers out for Michigan against Florida State in Orange Bowl

One of the most electric players in college football is out against the Seminoles.

J.T. Barrett and Deshaun Watson are too good for this trash-talk pettiness

The Ohio State and Clemson quarterbacks should put on a show in the Fiesta Bowl.

Group of 5 should pursue own four-team playoff ASAP

Northern Illinois athletic director Sean Frazier isn’t delusional. He’s right.

Beware Chris Petersen, the underdog on the big-game stage

The Washington coach's message to his team is probably the same one he gave Boise State leading up to the unforgettable Fiesta Bowl victory against Oklahoma in 2007: Just do your job.

'We are the bad guys': Is Alabama's dominance actually good for college football?

Alabama under Nick Saban has become a scary, unstoppable force — just what college football needed.

Eddie George shares career-changing moments with 'Dear Seniors' campaign

The former college and NFL standout is serving as the spokesman for the program, which will debut at the Russell Athletic Bowl between Miami, Fla., and West Virginia on Wednesday night.

Meaningless bowls? Tell that to the first 20 winners

What did the first 20 bowls mean? Oh, we can find at least one reason why every one of those games was anything but meaningless.

Atlanta stakes worthy claim as 'capital of college football'

A lot of college football’s big-time events are happening in Atlanta. That’s part of what Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl president and CEO Gary Stokan envisioned for the city 20 years ago.

The 10 most important players in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

No. 2 Clemson (12-1) takes on No. 3 Ohio State (11-1) in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, and it should be a tight matchup between teams that have been in the College Football Playoff before.

Pitt, Pat Narduzzi inching closer to contention heading into 2017

The Panthers take on Northwestern on Wednesday in the Pinstripe Bowl, and that could be a springboard into something more next season.

The 10 most important players in Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

No. 1 Alabama (13-0) takes on No. 4 Washington (12-1) in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, and the Crimson Tide is a 14-point favorite.

Big-game Buckeyes won't back down off playoff stage

At Ohio State, big games come around all the time. The Buckeyes are 15-3 against Top 25 teams under Urban Meyer since 2012, and Clemson handed them one of those losses in the 2014 Orange Bowl.

Ranking the new coach hires for 2017: Herman, Taggart top list

A total of 18 coaches were replaced during and after the 2016 season, and it’s time to grade the replacements.

Minnesota's Holiday Bowl standoff was for all the wrong reasons

The Golden Gophers will play in the Holiday Bowl, but some of the damage cannot be undone.

Leonard Fournette's career at LSU a success, even if that's hard to define

If there’s a lesson from Leonard Fournette’s career, then it’s the same one as always. Most of the time, the No. 1 recruit doesn’t guarantee everything.

Heisman winner Lamar Jackson leads the way on 2016 Consensus All-America Team

The NCAA released its Consensus All-America Team on Thursday, and there were 14 unanimous choices on the list.

College football bowl picks 2016-17: Predictions for all 41 bowl games

Get the 2016-17 college football bowl schedule, picks, predictions and a reason to watch all 41 bowl games + the national championship game.

College football bowl schedule 2016-17: When, where to watch every game, including playoffs

A complete schedule for the 2016-17 college football bowl games and playoffs.

Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Brett Kasper keeps up good work heading into D-III title game

Jim Harbaugh to the NFL will always be real, just not at this particular time

The possibility for Jim Harbaugh to return the NFL will always be a “very real thing.” It’s just not the right move at this time.

Lane Kiffin earned chance to prove he's more than a good coordinator

The overall sentiment is that this won’t work because Kiffin is a better coordinator than head coach. That’s doesn’t mean he can’t be a good head coach this time.

'Catholics vs. Convicts': 11 things to remember about legendary Notre Dame-Miami game

The ESPN "30 for 30" documentary “Catholics vs. Convicts,” which will air Saturday night, will revisit the classic Oct. 15, 1988, showdown between No. 1 Miami and No. 4 Notre Dame.

Barry Switzer thinks Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott should share Rookie of the Year honors

The former Cowboys coach knows talent when he sees it — and he sees the NFL's two best rookies on the same team in Dallas.

Barry Switzer knows how to get college football's 'true champion' — an eight-team playoff

The legendary Sooners wasn't shy about sharing his feelings on how the playoff should be structured.

What's Army-Navy game like for players? 'So loud it's silent'

Army linebacker Andrew King describes the Army-Navy game in a way only he can.

Houston announces Major Applewhite as head coach

Applewhite served as the Cougars' offensive coordinator the last two seasons under Tom Herman.

Jabrill Peppers bought Don Brown's plan, and results 'speak for themselves'

The Wolverines maximized Peppers’ talents, and that’s part of the reason he’s in the Heisman discussion. That means a bit more than strictly numbers.

AAC is proven coaching hotbed, but it’s time for conference to aim higher

There is no doubt the American Athletic Conference can produce good coaches -- four took Power 5 jobs in the past two years. So the question is whether they can maintain success as a whole with the replacements.

What should Lane Kiffin do? Breaking down his coaching options

The future of the most-polarizing assistant coach in college football remains very much up in the air as Alabama heads into the College Football Playoff.

Penn State's James Franklin is Sporting News Coach of the Year

Franklin's Nittany Lions squad finished 11-2 and won the Big Ten championship.

Louisville QB Lamar Jackson is Sporting News Player of the Year

Lamar Jackson threw for 3,390 yards with 30 touchdowns. He added 21 more touchdowns on the ground.

Jonathan Allen’s ‘business decision’ to stay at Alabama pays off

Allen was tempted to go to the NFL last season, but changed his mind. Now he's a projected first-rounder and could help Alabama to a 15-0 season.

College Football Playoff: How a six-, eight-, 12- and 16-team playoff would look this season

Here's what the the College Football Playoff would look like this season if it was expanded from four teams.

New Year's Six bowls: Dates, times, TV, reasons to watch

We've got everything you need to know to tune in to this year's New Year's Six bowls.

Penn State left out this time, but very much in new conversation with Ohio State, Michigan

If this year is any indication, Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State will be battling for playoff positioning again.

Biggest College Football Playoff lesson? Don't lose two games

Penn State has had a fantastic season — but two losses was just too many for the committee.

For Penn State, this Big Ten conference title carries so much weight

Forget about three-loss USC. Penn State is the hottest team in the FBS, and they have this conference championship to prove it.

Should one-loss teams be worried about Penn State cracking the playoff?

There’s no question Penn State is the “hot team.” Forget about three-loss USC. This is the team worth talking about.

Oklahoma's grim College Football Playoff reality: Owning the Big 12 isn't enough

Bob Stoops knows how to win a Big 12 title, but national championships have been much more elusive.

Former Wisconsin player Cecil Martin talks Big Ten championship, volunteer work

The Wisconsin alum gave his take on the Big Ten championship — and the good work he's doing since after playing days.

Washington ends one College Football Playoff argument in crushing Colorado

One thing is certain after the Pac-12 championship game: Washington earned its berth in the College Football Playoff.

Colorado QB Sefo Liufau injured in Pac-12 championship, returns in second half

Colorado lost arguably its biggest offensive weapon in the first quarter.

Frank Solich all about business of turning Ohio into MAC champion

Frank Solich, best known for his work at Nebraska, has turned the Bobcats into consistent winners. That consistency could be a big plus against heavy favorite Western Michigan in the MAC title game.

Kevin Wilson ouster a setback, but Indiana can endure

Indiana has been a team on the verge of success for several years. Could it survive Kevin Wilson's absence?

The College Football Playoff is perfect the way it is — with four teams

We’ll take a quick look at the six-team, eight-team and 16-team models along the way. We’re going to try to convince you that the four-team way is the right play for now.

SEC Network's Matt Stinchcomb gives back, talks value of SEC championship

SEC Network analyst and former Georgia Matt Stinchcomb believes the SEC is still one of the best conferences in the country despite a "down year."

Can Deshaun Watson make a last-minute Heisman run?

He’s lived up to the preseason billing as the best player in the country from that standpoint. That’s a Heisman Trophy resume when you consider Watson has 3,626 passing yards, 444 rushing yards and 38 total TDs and 14 interceptions.

P.J. Fleck fits as Oregon's next coach; Ducks should just do it

P.J. Fleck has proved he can coach by building Western Michigan's program from the ground up. He'll have tons more resources to produce a rapid turnaround in Eugene

College Football Playoff rankings: Committee saying Michigan still has a chance

Michigan falls two spots to fifth, which means the committee still considers the Wolverines playoff-worthy. A lot has to happen for them to jump back in, but the leap isn't impossible.

The CFP dilemma: How much weight does Big Ten championship have?

Two teams would essentially obliterate the conference championships and that would create widespread outrage the conference commissioners would have to answer to. Is that really what the “best four teams” model should be about?

Week 14 bowl projections: Can Ohio State, Big Ten champion both fit?

A look at Sporting News’ bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 13. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.

How the College Football Playoff can make sense of Big Ten chaos

What in the world is the College Football Playoff committee going to do with the Big Ten?

Remember Ohio State's win for what it is — a great chapter in The Game

OSU's win against Michigan was a fantastic installment of The Game, but it won't be remembered as such in the short-term.

Jim Harbaugh can blame refs but Wolverines missed chance against Buckeyes, again

A few more of these, and this will start to resemble the back half of the Lloyd Carr era against Jim Tressel. The Wolverines had teams good enough to win — but with the exception of 2003 — Tressel’s teams always made or two more plays.

Jim Harbaugh is livid with the officiating in the Michigan-Ohio State game

Harbaugh went off on a pass interference that was called on Michigan defensive back Delano Hill on Ohio State’s final drive in regulation and a no-call on a third-down pass to Grant Perry in double overtime.

Ed Orgeron is not the coach LSU fans wanted, but he could be the one they need

Ed Orgeron is an SEC lifer who makes sense at LSU, even though he's not Tom Herman or Jimbo Fisher.

Tom Herman won't need much time to thrive at Texas

Texas is the perfect fit, and this is going to work out.

Ohio State vs. Michigan has it all; that's why 'The Game' is unrivaled

Other college football rivalries are huge, but Buckeyes-Wolverines has the best combination of tradition, talent and drama. This year's game proves that in a big way.

Charlie Strong scenarios: What Texas is facing with embattled coach

Texas could go in a number of directions with a faltering program. We look at five potential outcomes.

Washington one step closer to ending two-Big Ten-team playoff plan

Washington's lone loss to USC is looking more and more negligible.

Finally, a Michigan-Ohio State game guaranteed to honor storied history

Play enough games on a stage like Saturday's, and those battles will become legendary. Just like the Ten Year War.

The College Football Playoff picture is perfect — for now

The College Football Playoff has what it really wants right now, but there's not a likely picture that's sustainable past this weekend.

Jim Harbaugh won’t say what everybody else is thinking heading into Ohio State

Jim Harbaugh has created a huge personality. We're waiting to see where he goes, what he tweets or what he says next. None of that matters this week.

Week 13 bowl projections: Which Big Ten team or teams will make it?

A look at Sporting News’ bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 13. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.

Why Ohio State, Michigan both might be rooting for Penn State to lose

Michigan and Ohio State enter "The Game" with the most on the line since 2006.

Oklahoma can start campaigning hard for fourth College Football Playoff spot

The Sooners have won eight in a row and control the Big 12 race after routing West Virginia. A playoff berth remains a long shot, but they can take a winning message directly to the voters.

Texas knows it needs to replace Charlie Strong with Tom Herman — now

You know Texas can’t keep Charlie Strong around for a fourth season now, not after a 24-21 overtime loss at Kansas.

Michigan's best bet vs. Ohio State? Make it really ugly

Whoever starts at QB for the Wolverines won’t have to be that good, but they have a to-do list. Don’t turn the ball over. Make plays on third down. Hit a few deep shots.

LSU blows Sugar Bowl dreams with Les Miles-esque cardiac finish vs. Florida

The worry in Baton Rouge is that Ed Orgeron might not be all that different from Les Miles.

Forget eye test, one-loss Ohio State will make playoff with win against Michigan

Ohio State has one loss, and it’ll be treated differently than everybody else. The Buckeyes will be treated like the best bet to unseat No. 1 Alabama, which is what they are.

LSU star Leonard Fournette shoves Florida assistant coach in pregame scuffle

Fournette entered the game in the second quarter.

Officials miss blatant eye poke by Ohio State RB Mike Weber

Nicholson was flagged for a personal foul, but Weber was not flagged despite poking his finger in Nicholson’s face-mask.

With Louisville loss, College Football Playoff race shaken up once again

It looks as if the playoff race will be in flux until the final four teams are decided.

Houston scores touchdown off pair of miraculous plays against Louisville

Houston isn't playing around after going up 17-0 early in the second quarter.

Clay Matthews' injury has more to do with Packers' woes than you think

Green Bay's defense goes as Clay Matthews goes, which is why the Packers stink without him.

Clemson beat Louisville, so why should we continue to devalue head-to-head wins?

That’s the topic of conversation in this week’s installment of “Angry Bender,” who is wondering why we continue to devalue the idea of head-to-head competition as it pertains to the College Football Playoff.

Here's how Ohio State can break the College Football Playoff

To this point, every playoff team won their conference championship. It’s always fun to talk about teams that don’t win a conference making the playoff, but Ohio State can force the issue.

Alabama could be the first 15-0 team since the 19th century, and that's worth celebrating

There's never been a 15-0 team in the modern era, mainly because 15 games wasn’t a thing until the start of the College Football Playoff era.

College Football Playoff rankings: Committee gets it right with Clemson over Louisville

The Tigers beat the Cardinals, and that's that, no matter the hypothetical arguments some people try to make.

Jim Harbaugh maintains Wilton Speight is 'questionable for Saturday vs. Indiana

Harbaugh refuted reports that Speight would be out the rest of the season, but did not divulge much information on the Big Ten Teleconference on Tuesday.

With or without Wilton Speight, Michigan's season isn't over with John O'Korn

It’s about the system, and O’Korn has been in Jim Harbaugh's system long enough. The Houston transfer battled with Speight for the starting job in the spring, and that battle was at least competitive

Week 12 bowl projections: Who emerges from chaos as four playoff teams?

A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 11. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.

College Football Playoff rankings: Good luck trying to sort out the top four this week

After upsets of Nos. 2, 3 and 4 on Saturday, there's no telling how they'll line up behind No. 1 Alabama on Tuesday.

Michigan, Jim Harbaugh must overcome history to reach College Football Playoff

Jim Harbaugh knew all too well before Saturday what it was like to lose in Iowa City as a top five team.

What does Michigan's loss to Iowa do to the College Football Playoff picture?

It makes the Big Ten race a lot more interesting, and therefore makes the CFP race more intriguing.

Sam Darnold, USC put Pac-12 on notice after handing Washington first loss

Darnold breaks into the spotlight after outplaying Jake Browning in his most important game to date.

Iowa fake punt disastrously ends with somersault, targeting call

This isn't the way you typically draw it up, is it, Iowa?

Poor officiating masks real reasons Clemson fell to Pitt

The zebras were bad for both teams. Of greater importance was the lack of physical presence by the Tigers against the Panthers.

What does a Clemson loss to Pitt do to the playoff picture?

Pittsburgh beat No. 2 Clemson 43-42 on Saturday, a shocking upset that knocked another Power 5 team from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Pitt's Chris Blewitt nails 48-yard field goal to upset Clemson

Clemson (9-1, 6-1) fell from the ranks of the unbeaten with the loss, but the Tigers still have the head-to-head advantage against Louisville in the Atlantic Coast Conference Atlantic Division race.

Texas, Baylor's next moves critical to Big 12 keeping pace with Power 5

This is a conference that turned down expansion and needs something to happen to prove that decision right. Texas becoming a power again or Baylor finding its way back down the line would qualify.

Florida, Tennessee save SEC East from disaster, so who goes to Atlanta?

This gives a division that didn’t have a team in the Top 25 of last week’s College Football Playoff rankings a more palatable scenario for the SEC title game.

Baylor QB Seth Russell suffers nasty leg injury against Oklahoma

Russell suffered the injury in the third quarter.

Buffs on parade: How Colorado finally became a Pac-12 player

Given where Colorado has come from, this is the pleasant surprise of the 2016 season.

Paul Chryst perfect coach to guide Wisconsin as it finishes gauntlet schedule

Paul Chryst had a tough task in front of him at the start of the season at Wisconsin. He's handled it nearly flawlessly.

Angry Bender answers your College Football Playoff FAQ

Barry Alvarez thinks focus on player safety at high school level will help college game

Alvarez recognizes their effort, so he is working with U.S. Cellular to award the Most Valuable Coach, an award designed to honor coaches for their work on and off the field.

How much two-loss chaos can College Football Playoff race really handle?

Here's how a two-loss team could make the playoff, even it is the longest of long shots.

College Football Playoff rankings: Embrace perfection instead of debate

There's nothing wrong with a playoff made up of no-loss teams. There's a real possibility Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Washington will make that happen this year.

Bobby Petrino can play politics for playoff spot, but he's taking the wrong approach

Petrino does not embrace the concept of blowing out his next three opponents in order to impress the committee, citing “sportsmanship” as a reason. That's fine, but he shouldn't focus on that argument.

Week 11 bowl projections: Which unbeaten will open door for Ohio State, Louisville?

A look at Sporting News’ preseason bowl projections for the 2016-17 season heading into Week 11. A total of 41 bowls are on the schedule, and 80 FBS teams will play in bowl games.

With Texas A&M and LSU out, which SEC school will get a CFP chance next?

If Saturday taught us anything, it’s maybe chill out on trying to get another SEC team in the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State finds the offense it needs for Big Ten title run

This was the offense the Buckeyes were looking for. The offense it needs in November to get back to win the Big Ten championship and get back to the College Football Playoff.

Ohio State breaks out Urban Meyer special to go up 31-3 against Nebraska

Meyer took a gamble at the end of the first half, and it paid off.

Nebraska QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. knocked out of Ohio State game

The quarterback was carted off the field. He returned to the sideline later in the game.

Ohio State off to quick start with pick-six against Nebraska

Ohio State didn't take long to get on the board against the Cornhuskers.