This article is part of our College Football Picks series.
To call last week's results "Earth-shattering" is a bit much, but with losses from Ohio State and Oklahoma State, the entire playoff picture changed 180 degrees in one afternoon.
The two teams at the top remained the same last week, but everything else changed. Ohio State, which had the inside track to a spot in the final four is now out of the picture. Notre Dame, which was fourth in the standings last week, fell two spots after a lackluster effort against Boston College and may not have enough time to find its way back in. Those are the three teams that saw their hopes either die or diminish, but some teams saw a boost last week.
Oklahoma was the biggest beneficiary perhaps as its title hopes were strengthened by a win over TCU, though some could argue that the style with which it won should have had the opposite effect.
Michigan State played its way back into the mix and now controls its own destiny, as does Iowa.
There are, of course, a few games left to be played and every team inside the top four and even those just on the outside can play their way out of a spot, but just a few can play their way in.
With two weeks left, Alabama looks like a lock. Clemson has one decent-sized hurdle left, but the last two spots could go any number of ways. I have to side with Michigan State and Oklahoma for the final two
To call last week's results "Earth-shattering" is a bit much, but with losses from Ohio State and Oklahoma State, the entire playoff picture changed 180 degrees in one afternoon.
The two teams at the top remained the same last week, but everything else changed. Ohio State, which had the inside track to a spot in the final four is now out of the picture. Notre Dame, which was fourth in the standings last week, fell two spots after a lackluster effort against Boston College and may not have enough time to find its way back in. Those are the three teams that saw their hopes either die or diminish, but some teams saw a boost last week.
Oklahoma was the biggest beneficiary perhaps as its title hopes were strengthened by a win over TCU, though some could argue that the style with which it won should have had the opposite effect.
Michigan State played its way back into the mix and now controls its own destiny, as does Iowa.
There are, of course, a few games left to be played and every team inside the top four and even those just on the outside can play their way out of a spot, but just a few can play their way in.
With two weeks left, Alabama looks like a lock. Clemson has one decent-sized hurdle left, but the last two spots could go any number of ways. I have to side with Michigan State and Oklahoma for the final two spots, but at this point, that looks like too much chalk, and chalk hasn't fared well lately.
As always, I'll tweet any insights I come up with post-article each week. You can follow me on Twitter at @gregvara
CREAM OF THE CROP (Week: 1-2; Season: 18-21)
Friday
Missouri at Arkansas: Missouri has been awful on offense this season, while its defense has been stout. The opposite is true for the Hogs, so predicting a total in this game seems futile, but considering the number is so low, I have to take the over on principle. Arkansas has found itself in some major shootouts this season and while this game won't be a shootout, it won't need to be to get over this number.
Total: Over 45
Saturday
Ohio State at Michigan: At the beginning of the year, this game looked to be an afterthought. After all, OSU was returning a whole bunch of talent and Michigan was in rebuilding mode. A lot has changed the last few months, though, and these teams appear to be on level ground. OSU suffered a huge blow last week, and I doubt the Buckeyes will have the fortitude to recover in time for this game. Yes, it is THE rivalry game, but this is a team that won the national championship last year and had aspirations for a repeat this year. All of that was taken away last week, and now they have to face a highly motivated Michigan team.
Side: Michigan even
Penn State at Michigan State: If this game were in Happy Valley, I'd be concerned about a letdown this week, but a return home is exactly what the Spartans need. MSU hasn't been great in these spots this year, but with the finish line in sight, I can't imagine them slipping up here.
Side: Michigan State -11
BEST OF THE REST (Week: 2-1; Season: 15-21)
Friday
Iowa at Nebraska: Nebraska is probably better that its record indicates and Iowa might not be as good as its record indicates, yet I'm inclined to side with the Hawkeyes as they have so much at stake. Sometimes that's not a good thing, but in this case, I'll take the team that has no motivational issues this week.
Side: Iowa -1
Navy at Houston: A month ago the Cougars were rolling, but injuries, especially to star QB Greg Ward, have set them heading into the wrong direction. Navy has been much more fortunate and is now in control of the AAC. If Ward plays, this game will be tight, if not, Navy will cruise. Either way, Navy should win this game.
Side: Navy -3
Baylor at TCU: As of this writing, Trevone Boykin in probable for this matchup, which changes the entire outlook of the game. Without Boykin, TCU is just not the same team. Baylor is down to its third-string QB, but the Bears don't seem to be phased at all. Baylor is going to get its points, no matter the QB, and TCU will continue to score as long as Boykin is at the helm. It all adds up to another shootout.
Total: Over 80
Wisconsin at Minnesota: The Gophers have played well under their new head coach, and I see no reason why that would change this week. In year's past, this game has been a bit lopsided, but Wisconsin has come back to the pack this year, and this is a great opportunity for the Gophers to take advantage.
Side: Minnesota +2.5
PASSing THOUGHTS (Week: 2-1; Season: 13-17)
Friday
Oregon State at Oregon: Unlike previous Duck teams, this version started slowly and seems to be picking up steam as the end of the season nears. Oregon State has been a mess the last couple months, and a matchup with the Ducks this week isn't going to help the situation.
Side: Oregon -35
Alabama at Auburn: Alabama hasn't been great laying big numbers this year and this is a tough spot because of the rivalry, but there's too much too lose to let Auburn stick around for long in this game.
Side: Alabama -14
