Missouri football players force change by making people listen

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to give the one thing that brings us all together a chance to fix the one thing that drives us apart.

Just like old times: Alabama is team to beat (again)

With a suffocating defensive effort that limited Leonard Fournette to 31 yards, the Crimson Tide finally put together the game Nick Saban was searching for this season.

Does Oklahoma State have answer for Trevone Boykin, TCU, no one else has found?

Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has a tall task this weekend — don't get embarrassed by Trevone Boykin and TCU's offense. But it's a

First-and-10: Last week's problems highlight college's need for NFL-type commissioner

On-field (Duke-Miami instant replay) and off-field (Barrett suspension) from last week means one thing: this perfectly imperfect sport must move closer to the look and feel of the cold, antiseptic NFL to save it from itself.

Four In, Four Out: Stay calm; the playoff drama is just getting started

We have our first four, but remember: We still have a few weeks to go before the rankings that matter are announced.

If you don't know who Urban Meyer is by now, it's your own fault

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand times: a coach’s job is to win games and make money for their families. Anything else is background noise. Urban Meyer is no exception.

Four in, four out: Look at that, things are playing out as expected

Alabama and LSU play in the Game of the Century, Clemson and FSU meet in the ACC's biggest game and the Big 12 is in a weekly shootout for survival. Here are the four teams most playoff worthy entering Week 10.

One win from SEC East title, Gators are learning how to win games

After going 4-8 and 7-6 the past two seasons, Florida is 7-1 in its first season under Jim McElwain and the players are developing the mindset to keep winning.

First-and-10: Tell me again how playoff selection process works better than BCS

Get ready, Alabama, the committee may or may not use those five turnovers in a loss to Ole Miss against you. Watch out, Michigan State, the committee may or may not think that Michigan win is tainted. Playoff talk and more in this week's First-and-10.

Four in, four out: Baylor Bears claw their way to top

Seth Russell went down just as the Baylor Bears rose to the top. What will that mean going forward? And who else looms in the College Football Playoff picture?

USC steps up during difficult time, beats Utah and damages Pac-12 playoff hopes

The Trojans played their best game in beating No. 4 Utah on Saturday night, giving interim coach Clay Helton a big win and the program a huge lift.

Jake Coker looks like quarterback Alabama can win big games with

After Tennessee had done all it could to slow Derrick Henry and when Alabama needed a game-winning drive, QB Jake Coker was up to the challenge.

First-and-10: Offense is name of the game and Baylor's is unstoppable

Art Briles has a QB who can do it all, crazy talent at the skill positions and his best offensive line. That adds up to a juggernaut on offense that has changed how titles will be won.

Four in, four out: LSU solidifies place in top 4

Les Miles and the Tigers gutted out a big top 10 win over Florida to solidify its place in the top four.

With backs against the wall, Alabama staying alive week to week

If we’ve learned one thing from this Alabama team halfway through the season it is this: They’re not the best team in coach Nick Saban’s nine years in Tuscaloosa, but they might be the most resilient.

First-and-10: Imagine what happens if these coaching jobs become available

It's midseason and USC and Maryland have fired their coaches and South Carolina's resigned. Imagine the cause and effect if some of the nation's best jobs also are vacated.

Over the years Steve Spurrier said a lot, but never anything he didn't mean

From putting the SEC commissioner on the spot about a playoff or taking a dig at Phil Fulmer or Bobby Bowden, Steve Spurrier was always competitive and that just might be the reason he's decided to stop coaching.

Will Grier paying price for his decision; QB puts Gators' season put in jeopardy

One thing jumps out more than anything: why in the world would Grier not check with the Florida staff to make sure the supplement was legal?

Steve Sarkisian isn't the only person who needs to be held responsible at USC

It's easy to point the finger at Sarkisian, but athletic director Pat Haden holds just as much blame, if not more, for what has transpired at USC.

Four in, four out: Gators on the verge; Utah remains top seed

The Utes have the look of an SEC team, winning with defense and a running game. LSU and Clemson answered some questions Saturday and Florida's defensive look championship level.

Love him or hate him, Travis Wilson gives Utah best chance at perfection

The Utah quarterback's career has been littered with ups and downs, much like his performance Saturday night in the win over Cal. "I made too many mistakes," Wilson said. "I can't play like that."

Kirk Ferentz's acceptance of change leads to real growth for unbeaten Iowa

Iowa is 5-0, and that the Hawkeyes are unbeaten is a testament to a coach who in January saw a program veering toward unsavable — and jerked a reinvented wheel toward change. Real, significant change.

First-and-10: Time for Charlie Strong, Butch Jones to go? That's crazy thinking

Take a step back Texas, Tennessee fans and remember what led your program to this point. Firing your coaches is not the answer.

Four in, four out: Baylor looking dominant; Ohio State has lost its passion

Baylor is proving it belongs in the college football playoff. Defending champ Ohio State, meanwhile, is not.

Mistake-free Jake Coker gives Nick Saban something to smile about

The way the game is played in the SEC, playing like Coker did Saturday against Georgia, gets you praise from the head coach. "Jake did a great job," Saban said following the 38-10 rout.

First-and-10: Baylor begins fight against perception Saturday vs. Texas Tech

What do people say about Baylor? Long on offense, short on defense, crumbles in big moments. Art Briles knows what it's like to not be in control and it's not a good feeling.

Four in, four out: Utah makes case, Ohio State raises questions

The College Football Playoff field features surprises as the SEC and the Pac-12 – the nation’s two best conferences – have the two best teams. And neither were the team we expected.

Count UCLA among teams that can win College Football Playoff

Despite losing its two best defensive players this season and starting a freshman quarterback, UCLA never gave Arizona a chance Saturday night.

Look at that: Florida has a gamer at quarterback in Will Grier

Not since Tim Tebow played at Florida have the Gators rolled out a quarterback who can make plays and win games the way Will Grier did against Tennessee.

The LSU project: Use next four games to prepare for final four

The Tigers need QB Brandon Harris to progress so opponents — like the four-game stretch vs. Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M — can't focus solely on Fournette.

Five things to watch: If Vols can't beat Gators now, then when will losing skid end?

Florida has beaten Tennessee 10 consecutive seasons. From Phil Fulmer to Lane Kiffin to Derek Dooley to current Vols coach Butch Jones, Tennessee has lost every way imaginable.

Mississippi State doesn't plan on coming down from SEC mountain it's climbed

Mississippi State is in a familiar spot. It isn't getting much love in the SEC, but this program has climbed a massive mountain that it doesn't plan on descending from soon.

First-and-10: SEC's playoff undoing will come from lack of elite quarterbacks

Is the SEC good? Of course. Is there an elite team ready to take hold of the playoff race? No. The lack of top-tier talent at the most important position is what will keep the league out of the playoff.

Four in, four out: Ole Miss takes top spot

Ole Miss moves to the top of the Four In/Four Out College Football Playoff field after toppling Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

More excuses as Alabama continues tumble from top of football world

This is not the Alabama team that dominates and suffocates and eviscerates. This program, since late last season, stumbles and eventually crumbles in big games as it did Saturday in a 43-37 loss to Ole Miss.

With Fournette looking like Herschel, LSU can eye bigger trophy

The best thing for LSU QB Brandon Harris is getting reps in key games while Fournette and the Tiger rushing attack dominate opponents. That could lead to bigger things for LSU.

Five things to watch: Jared Goff, the future No. 1 draft pick? Big day for SEC West

One NFL scout is big on Cal QB Jared Goff. Two huge matchups Saturday in the SEC: Is Chad Kelly enough to lift Ole Miss past Bama and is Will Muschamp the determining factor in Auburn-LSU?

What to do with BYU, which would have nation's full attention with win at UCLA

If BYU wins at UCLA and Michigan the next two weeks, and keeps winning until the first playoff rankings are released, it will have a better resume than a lot of contenders from Power 5 schools.

First-and-10: Can Urban Meyer's Buckeyes enjoy winning or fall into 2009 Gator trap?

The similarities between this year's defending champion Ohio State team and Meyer's 2009 Florida team are there, from early suspensions, to QB drama to a new OC.

Be bold, Texas, and pay Tom Jurich whatever it takes

Tom Jurich has been AD at Louisville since 1997 and is what Texas needs: someone who knows the value of football over all else. He also hired current Longhorns coach Charlie Strong at Louisville.

Four in, four out: Ohio State, Michigan State on pace for late-season showdown

Ohio State and Michigan State have been impressive early. If this continues a November matchup in Columbus will be more about College Football Playoff placement than an elimination game.

Big-game Spartans flexing, waiting for next big game: Ohio State

While TV cameras caught Jim Harbaugh's every move in Ann Arbor, Michigan State was off doing something more important — aiming for those games on New Year's Eve.

Complete snow job — this isn't Auburn hype we were led to expect

Jeremy Johnson is not Cam Newton and Will Muschamp's defense isn't any different from last year's Auburn defense. A preseason playoff pick? Oops.

Five things to watch: Conference rivalry fire, a resume builder, quarterback seasoning

Matt Hayes details five things he's watching on the second weekend of the college football season.

Charlie Strong blaming himself, not Mack Brown, for struggles at Texas

You want to blame someone, Texas fans? Blame Charlie Strong. Because that’s exactly who he’s blaming. Who doesn’t want a coach like that?

First-and-10: If at first you don't start, transfer somewhere else

Six playoff contenders (Florida State, Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Oklahoma and Oregon) are using transfer quarterbacks. The days of waiting your turn to start are gone.

Cardale Jones is the choice: Why mess with a good thing?

Urban Meyer goes with his head, not his heart, in starting Cardale Jones over JT Barrett. After all, Jones led the Buckeyes to the championship last season — and then a win Monday against Virginia Tech.

Four in, four out: Ohio State starts season back on top

With a week's worth of sample sizes, Matt Hayes takes his first crack at selecting the four teams destined for the College Football Playoff.

Jake Coker did what Alabama QBs do best: manage, control and win games

After watching Blake Sims a season ago, Jake Coker got the start in the season opener against Wisconsin and was sharp, throwing for 213 yards and a touchdown.

John Chavis' Texas A&M defense overshadows QB quandary

The impact of veteran defensive coordinator John Chavis was obvious in Saturday night's win against Arizona State, while Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray showed their flaws.

Auburn's uneven performance against Louisville shouldn't be surprising

Jeremy Johnson threw three interceptions (could have been worse) and Auburn's defense made big mistakes in the second half of Will Muschamp's debut — but the Tigers held on.

Five things to watch: Alabama QBs, J.T. Barrett, new pressure at Notre Dame

From Alabama's QB situation to Auburn's backfield, here are five things you need to know this weekend.

At top of the mountain, TCU gets everyone's best shot

Trevone Boykin didn't look like the quarterback who ran up monster numbers in 2014, but the Horned Frogs found a way to pick up the road victory.

First-and-10: Stop whining and start fining

Virginia Tech created a stir with a list of potential player fines, but is that such a bad thing? That, along with Everett Golson and coaches who need to produce are discussed in First-and-10.

This week in college football: Scars come out in full view

From Steve Sarkisian to Dalvin Cook to Art Briles and Chris Petersen, Bruce Springsteen was right when he wrote "Born to Run" 40 years ago — "there's no place left to hide."

Dangerous player behavior a problem for college football, not just Baylor

There's outrage over Baylor's handling of Sam Ukwuachu's sexual assault, but this isn't a new issue. Coaches have been giving dangerous, reckless and violent players second chances for years.

Vernon Adams, like Jeremiah Masoli before him, faces daunting task

Vernon Adams' Oregon arrival in many ways mirrors Jeremiah Masoli's Oregon departure, five years ago. Two QBs. Two graduate transfers. And a burden too big for most to bear.

Bret Bielema misses relationship with Barry Alvarez

Leaving Wisconsin wasn't easy for Bielema. He and Alvarez haven't spoken since Bielema left for Arkansas in 2012. "I know I hurt him," he says. "He hurt me a little bit."

After inheriting mess, Bielema has Hogs believing they 'absolutely can' win it all

After Bobby Petrino and John L. Smith, Bret Bielema stepped into a job with all sorts of problems on and off the field. Three years later, attitudes have changed in Fayetteville.

Jimbo Fisher regains control when Seminoles take field

It's been an offseason to forget for Jimbo Fisher and the Florida State football program. But next week the Seminoles start practice and that's where Fisher has excelled for so long – finding ways to win games.

Time for Mark Richt, Bulldogs to buck trend, seize SEC opportunity

Mark Richt is ready for something more at Georgia. “Let’s get the job done when we get (to Atlanta) and move on to the playoff. That’s what it’s all about.”

Katrina experience has driven Leonard Fournette since he was 10

As a 10-year-old in New Orleans, Leonard Fournette lived on an overpass for five days and four nights after Katrina tore through the city. "Makes you realize there's nothing more important in the world than family," the LSU RB says.

Hugh Freeze takes stand on flag issue, while Dan Mullen talks sneakers

Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze is from the state of Mississippi and spoke strongly about the flag. But earlier this week, Dan Mullen was reluctant to publicly choose a side.

When Bret Bielema speaks, his Hogs, rest of SEC listen

After two seasons in the SEC, Bret Bielema has Arkansas moving in a good place. “The number one thing that our players have bought into is they realize what I’m saying is really going to get them where they want to be," he says.

Being SEC underdogs breeds success for Gary Pinkel, Missouri

Overlooked since joining the SEC, Missouri continues proving doubters wrong (the Tigers were picked 6th and 4th in the East the last two years) by focusing on themselves.

No excuses, Saban: Ohio State was better than Alabama

The Alabama coach says players worrying about their NFL futures is affecting the game. "Somewhere between the SEC Championship Game and the College Football Playoff we lost something," he says.

Vols aerospace engineer major Josh Dobbs plays a little quarterback, too

Teammates call him Astro; coach Butch Jones calls him the CEO. Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs is driving on and off the field.

Parallels between Texas A&M, Auburn are closer than preseason perception

The curious case of Auburn and Texas A&M: they are nearly identical teams. And Texas A&M beat Auburn last season. On the road.

'Rejuvenated' Spurrier can't hide simple truth: he loves competing

The 70-year-old South Carolina coach contemplated retirement after going 7-6 last season, but after beating Miami in a bowl game, Spurrier said Tuesday "that retirement thing" doesn't suit him well yet.

National nonconference schedule rankings: Cavs have toughest; Ducks vs. Spartans top game

The way some teams are doing it, you wonder why schools schedule tough nonconference games. Then again, without them, we would have some of the nation's best matchups in 2015.

Jeremy Johnson isn't Cam Newton, but know this: 'the hype is real'

Gus Malzahn gushed about Jeremy Johnson a year ago at SEC Media Days. Fast forward a year and possibilities Johnson's arm opens up for Auburn's offense could be devastating.

Jim McElwain's renovation project begins at most important position

Florida's had eight scholarship quarterbacks play the past five seasons — two switched positions, four transferred and none won a championship.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey says coaches responsible for players

In light of more bad player behavior, the SEC's new commissioner addresses the issue and how the conference will tackle it moving forward.

J.T. Barrett

Who gives the Buckeyes the best chance to win? A closer look at the Ohio State quarterback situation reveals the best possible football answer.

SEC commish: Football could follow basketball in allowing players to return after applying for draft

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey indicates there's a chance underclassmen could be allowed to come back to school if the NFL passes on them.

Social media not helping Jimbo Fisher deal with personal issue

Jimbo Fisher and his wife, Candi, have separated and could be heading toward divorce. Meanwhile, social media assigns blame and hopes it doesn't affect Fisher when football season starts.

Jim Harbaugh winning offseason in big way; games are next

He's on Twitter, he's shirtless, he's rescuing people from a vehicle accident. Jim Harbaugh is doing it all and that includes impressing recruits and breathing life into Michigan football again.

Facilities, funds and offense — now Aggies have John Chavis, too

For the most part, Texas A&M's transition to the SEC has been a success. Despite that success, defense has been a problem. So Kevin Sumlin went out and hired one of the best in John Chavis.

SEC is not right fit for turnover-prone Everett Golson

Everett Golson shouldn't be concerned with finding the right team. Instead, the former Notre Dame QB should find a coach who can make him better.

Run, pass and dunk, Baylor 'freak' QB Seth Russell can do it all

A better thrower than Bryce Petty and Robert Griffin III? That's what Baylor QB Seth Russell can be. On top of that, he might be the team's best athlete.

Charlie Strong admits 'I cannot fail' at Texas in uniquely transcendent time

Charlie Strong was done interviewing for head coaching jobs. But a friend convinced him to persevere, an AD believed in him and now he's running college's biggest program.

On and off the field, Anu Solomon stays calm in uncomfortable situations

Arizona's young quarterback overcame the adversity of a rough childhood. Now, even after a breakout freshman season, Solomon must overcome more challenges for Rich Rodriguez's Wildcats.

Nick Saban's 'sorry' misses the mark after player charged, dismissed

Nick Saban should have handled his press conference after Jonathan Taylor was charged with domestic violence much differently. Instead, he made the situation worse.

Retro Rodgers

So much for Aaron Rodgers being considered a 'big gamble' as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He turned into be a sure thing as the Packers' absolute steal at No. 24.

Christian Hackenberg ready to pull himself, Penn State off the turf

The Nittany Lions QB feeds off challenges. He's facing one of his biggest this spring: become the player he and everyone else expects him to be following a tough sophomore season.

Georgia State, Ron Hunter gone but not forgotten

The Cinderella run is over for Georgia State, but fans won't soon forget the incredible moments Ron Hunter and his players gave them during March Madness.

Georgia State father-turned-coach finds miracles in March's mad journey

Georgia State's upset strengthened the bond between Ron Hunter and his son R.J. and kept the Panthers dancing.

Bielema talks about Borland

Chris Borland's coach at Wisconsin, Bret Bielema, has spoken out about slowing down the game. “For him to decide he has had enough," Bielema said of Borland, "it’s a very sad situation.”

Fair or not, racism controversy affects Oklahoma football team

Will Oklahoma football break or galvanize in light of racial controversy?

Bob Stoops' football team is caught in the middle of the racial issues that hit the Oklahoma campus this week. And Stoops just might be the best person to guide the Sooners through the ugly mess.

Chubb, Elliott highlight loaded list of nation's top running backs

Post-playoff presentation could rebuild Heisman brand

Heisman should be decided after playoff championship is played

Last season, Ezekiel Elliott was the best player for the three biggest games and didn't receive a single vote. It's time the Downtown Athletic Club changed to make the award more significant again.

Five spring story lines: Jones' progress tops list

Buckeye QBs, Michigan toughness, Auburn 'D' biggest spring story lines

The QB situation in Columbus hinges on the development of Cardale Jones. That, and Michigan's toughness, Auburn's defense with Muschamp and life after Jameis Winston and Bryce Petty highlight spring practice.

Meyer elevates Ohio State into No. 1 program position

Student athletes will get their money, if they make the grade

Dear players: Want money? It's going to cost more than you think

Freshman ineligibility isn't happening, but change still is coming. Players will get their stipends and their guaranteed scholarships, but that shouldn't come without tougher education-first guidelines.

Exhibit A of why the NCAA is so bad

Why is the NCAA so bad? Here's a perfect example

The NCAA hired Oliver Luck in December to be the No. 2 person in charge behind Mark Emmert. This week, the NCAA placed Luck's former school on two years probation for violations in 14 sports.

When is recruiting too young just too much?

Building false sense of reality at young age is bad trend

Like it or not, some young kids aren't equipped to deal with attention like Rivals and colleges are giving them at a young age and there are plenty of examples of that not working out well.

Plenty of Buckeyes in SN's Top 50 player list

If coaches leave after signing, recruits should have same choice

Coaches bailing after signing day signals time for rule change

If coaches can leave the school they just convinced recruits to sign with, then the players should be able to leave without penalty if they choose.

Why Alabama isn't winning more; USC back in the mix

What we learned: Dissecting Alabama and USC finally breaks free

While stockpiling all these recruiting championships, why isn't Alabama winning more titles on the field? SN looks at that along with USC, UCLA, Penn State and the SEC in the aftermatch of Signing Day.

Recruiting's wild ride featuring Auburn vs. Florida

Auburn vs. Florida recruiting war wild, weird — what did you expect?

From Byron Cowart's delay in signing his letter of intent to CeCe Jefferson's declaration, Auburn and Florida had interesting head-to-head battles with Will Muschamp right in the middle of it all.

Can Trojans turn big recruits into title-winning teams?

It's time USC turns elite recruits into championship teams

Steve Sarkisian has the Trojans pushing Alabama for the No. 1 recruiting class. But paper championships aren't the goal — it's putting USC back on top of college football.

The Muschamp effect: How Auburn, Florida recruiting classes faring

Will Muschamp can make (Auburn) and break (Florida) this recruiting class

Hire a coach with few ties to talent-rich Florida to replace a popular, well-liked coach and you get what the Gators are experiencing with National Signing Day around the corner.

Can SEC turn around downturn in QB production?

Where have all the (SEC) quarterbacks gone?

Elite quarterbacks help their teams win championships and the SEC has one QB of significance (Dak Prescott) entering the 2015 season. Could there be hope ahead for the league?

Early Top 10 features Buckeyes at No. 1, Razorbacks at No. 4

Meyer takes hold of game, building for multiple titles

The Urban Way: Ruthless, relentless will lead to multiple national titles

Ohio State turns the table on everyone else. Now the Buckeyes — from the Big Ten — are the team with the best athletes everywhere, making opponents look overmatched and slow.

Meyer looks for every competitive advantage to build up Buckeyes

Urban Meyer's competitive fire took him to Oregon for 2010 visit

Just months after leaving Florida for 'medical reasons,' Meyer was on the Oregon campus, given full access by Chip Kelly. Now leading the Buckeyes, Meyer meets the Ducks for the title.

Visionary Slive battling cancer as playoff he brokered shines

Battling prostate cancer, Mike Slive stays out of spotlight during playoff he brokered

Visionary Mike Slive is fighting prostate cancer again and it will keep him away from Dallas as the championship game is played. He should be applauded for all he's done for the game.

Buckeyes' Jones

Buckeyes' Jones

Ohio State is banking on a one-time screw-up to win a national title. And he can do it. You can't make this stuff up.

Franklin has them smiling in Happy Valley again

First-and-10

It's been 30 months since the NCAA punished Penn State and, through Bill O'Brien and now James Franklin, Penn State is climbing out of Mark Emmert's reach.

SEC sucking wind, but it's laughable to count them out

So they had a bad day — but you'd be crazy to count out SEC

There's no doubt that momentum is shifting away from the SEC, but to say the conference that dominated the BCS era is dead is laughable.

Meyer, Buckeyes prove their worth, show power shift with win

Urban Meyer's Buckeyes take sledgehammer to college football landscape

With a third-string quarterback leading the way, Ohio State reached the playoff title game by playing the type of football Urban Meyer brought to the SEC years ago.

After Peach Bowl blowout, TCU may be team to beat in 2015

Forget about statement games or motivation in bowl games. The biggest takeaway from TCU’s emasculation of Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl is this: the Horned Frogs might just be the team to beat in 2015.

Urban Meyer on Braxton Miller: 'I expect him to be back at Ohio State'

Meyer said Wednesday morning that he expects Miller, Ohio State’s injured quarterback, to return to Columbus next fall and not transfer to another school. Because he graduated two weeks ago, Miller can transfer as a graduate student and play immediately in 2015.

Sugar Bowl: 10 players to watch

Why do we hate Meyer and Saban? Because all they do is win

We hate, envy Urban Meyer and Nick Saban because they win so much

As Alabama OL Ryan Kelly says, "America loves winners, until they win too much." That's the case with the semifinal matchup between Saban and Meyer on Thursday.

With Jones plus talented WRs, Buckeyes present problems for Bama

Cardale Jones and Ohio State wideouts present major challenge

If Alabama struggled in the secondary against Auburn and Missouri, then the Buckeye receivers Devin Smith, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall could give Alabama fits.

Wherever Meyer goes, he forces change like at Michigan

Credit Michigan hiring Jim Harbaugh to Urban Meyer, who always forces rivals to change

He did it at Utah and Florida and now Urban Meyer's done it again: He's forced his biggest rival to make big changes and that's what Michigan did in hiring Harbaugh.

Buckeyes' Bosa focused on giving Meyer another victory over Saban

The All-American defensive lineman was all set to play for Nick Saban. Then Urban Meyer showed up.

FSU wins 1999 title in playoff format over Huskers, not Hokies

BCS vs. playoffs 1999: FSU still wins with Warrick, but vs. Huskers in playoff

SN looks at how the second season of the BCS could have ended had the playoff been in place and included FSU, Nebraska, Virginia Tech and Alabama.

Now the student, Kiffin listens, learns, grows under Saban

How much has Kiffin learned from Saban? 'List would go on forever'

After stumbling and stepping on feet in Oakland, Knoxville and LA, Lane Kiffin found himself working for college football's best coach. The arrangement has worked pretty well so far.

Collins' Tide

Collins' Tide

Uprooted by Hurricane Katrina, Collins comes home to prepare for the Sugar Bowl and a national title semifinal game.

With off-field issues in past, FSU moves forward as team to beat

First-and-10: FSU becomes most dangerous team with issues behind

With Jameis Winston cleared in the code of conduct hearing, the Seminoles are free of distraction for the first time since early last season.

Harbaugh will get his money, but what really drives him?

Meyer builds Buckeyes like he planned — into an SEC team

What drives Jim Harbaugh, not money, will determine his next move

So Michigan is throwing a lot of money at Jim Harbaugh. Big deal, the NFL can do that, too. His decision comes down to which game he prefers: the NFL or college?

First-and-10: Look at that, Urban Meyer builds an SEC team in Big Ten

It only took him three seasons, but Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has created an SEC-like team in the Big Ten and we get to see how it fares when the Buckeyes meet Alabama in the playoff semifinals.

SN Coach of Year Patterson took chance that paid off for TCU

Mariota's huge season leads to SN Player of Year honor

SN Coach of Year: Gary Patterson's gamble paid off for TCU

A season after finishing 4-8 with a woeful offense, Gary Patterson changed philosophies and had one of the nation's best offenses and the Horned Frogs just missed making the first playoff.

SN Player of Year: Oregon's Marcus Mariota ridiculously good

The SN Player of the Year and Heisman-winning quarterback has the first College Football Playoff remaining to add to his lengthy list of accomplishments at Oregon.

Year 1 worked, no need to expand beyond four teams

First-and-10: Playoff selection worked; no need to change it

In this week's First-and-10, Matt Hayes says the playoff committee hit it out of the park in Year 1. Also, he questions why would Les Miles consider leaving for Michigan when he has a future championship team at LSU.

Matt Hayes' First and Ten: College Football Playoff worked

Why is Ohio State really better than TCU or Baylor? Just a moment

CFP field

Ohio State's prime-time blowout trumps Big 12 teams' resume. Good night, everyone.

Expecting Ohio State to replace TCU in four-team playoff

Final four

The College Football Playoff committee has some work to do to figure out the four teams. Three picks are easy, but will they drop TCU and elevate the Buckeyes?

When does winning all these titles become mundane for Saban?

Nick Saban moves one step closer to nothing left to accomplish

Alabama wins another SEC title, looks like the favorite to win a fourth national title in six seasons and, at some point, will Saban reach saturation or burnout?

Baylor's big move, Seminoles need to turn it on

Four things to watch

Championship weekend began Friday. Check the biggest story lines before games begin.

Why McElwain fits

Why McElwain fits

If for no other reason, the Gators got the man they need to solve their sucking gap at quarterback.

Coaching hires

Coaching hires

Money spread evenly across the landscape now means schools can fend off national powers who come prowling for strong coaches.

Just admit it, CFP committee: It's all about the eye test

Why is Florida State No. 4 this week? "Just because we think that's where they should be," the voters seem to be saying.

Miller could turn into mega-free agent QB

First-and-10: Imagine Braxton Miller at Oregon, UCLA or Texas next year

Next season there won't be room for J.T. Barrett and Braxton Miller to play. They're both too good. That leaves Miller the likely choice of transferring and immediately playing at a school that can compete for a championship.

CFP picture

CFP picture

Winning is everything, and we have proof from Sunday's shakeup at Nebraska.

Frost, Golden lead list of top candidates at Nebraska

Saban's decision to match Kiffin with Sims turning out well for Tide

Iron Bowl

This season has been Nick Saban's best coaching job. He brought on Lane Kiffin as OC and matched him with QB-turned-RB-turned-QB Blake Sims. The result: An Iron Bowl win and playoff spot within reach.

Egg Bowl

The question for both schools after the Egg Bowl is whether or not they can keep their coaches.

If Buckeyes win out, they're in four-team playoff

Five things to watch: Ohio State lovefest, cracked Egg Bowl, FSU slow starting

It's clear: If Ohio State beats Michigan and wins the Big Ten championship, the Buckeyes will be one of the four playoff teams and there's nothing the Big 12 or Mississippi State can do about it.

Four In, Four Out

Four In, Four Out

Even though the committee's criteria seem to be changing late in the season, their results remain the same. Mississippi State

First-and-10: Swofford wants eight-team playoff? Logical move is six

The ACC commissioner is already talking a bigger playoff? Matt Hayes discusses this, along with Hugh Freeze's future and the stretch run for six playoff-contending teams in this week's First-and-10.

With talk of expanding playoffs, six teams is answer, not eight

Top 10 college football rivalries

Playoff forecast: Oregon is No. 1; Baylor finds way into playoff field

College rankings

Behind Marcus Mariota, the Ducks are playing well in all phases. That is why Matt Hayes places Oregon in the top spot this week.

Look at Missouri now: one win from playing for SEC title

Missouri could win SEC championship — really

With a win next week against surging Arkansas, Missouri reaches the SEC title game where it could spoil the party for the SEC West.

Bielema's Maul Ball taking shape as Hogs serve notice for 2015

For Arkansas, 2015 season can't get here quick enough

Bret Bielema's Maul Ball is taking shape and the Hogs are dominating opponents on both lines — a sign they are going to be a tough out in 2015.

Nebraska should look across field to Kill for next coach

Nebraska should look across field to Jerry Kill for next coach

After a second straight loss and back-to-back losses to Minnesota, Nebraska has a decision to make and should look at what Kill's done with the Gophers.

Baylor's plight

Baylor's plight

Comparing schedules becomes a fool's errand in determining College Football Playoff teams. Just look at the Bears' body of work compared to, say, Ohio State.

Pelini, plus five more Power 5 coaches in trouble

First-and-10: Bo Pelini, more Power 5 coaches facing win-or-walk November

In this week's First-and-10, Matt Hayes discusses Bo Pelini's tenuous position, how Ohio State figures into the playoff race and why Arkansas just might be primed for a big 2015 season.

For the next three weeks, just flippin' win