Nufced Top 25

1. Florida
2. Utah
3. USC
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. Alabama
7. Penn State
8. TCU
9. Oregon
10. Boise State
11. Ohio State
12. Georgia
13. Oregon State
14. Iowa
15. Mississippi
16. Texas Tech
17. Missouri
18. Oklahoma State
19. Michigan State
20. Virginia Tech
21. Northwestern
22. California
23. Cincinnati
24. Nebraska
25. Pittsburgh

Other receiving votes: Florida State, Kansas, Rutgers, West Virginia, Tulsa, LSU, Georgia Tech, Rice, Arizona, South Florida, Connecticut, Houston.

Capital One Bowl- Georgia v. Michigan State
The team's have identical records and a similar ranking as well as both boasting stud running backs. Still, this matchup just doesn't seem very even to me. Georgia's athletes are going to be too much for the tough guy, grind it out style of the Spartans. The difference will be in the passing game, where Michigan State can't make plays when it matters and Georgia can.
Matt- Georgia
Ben- Georgia
Mike- Georgia
Chris- Georgia

Gator Bowl- Nebraska v. Clemson
This has to be the most unappealing New Year's Day Bowl game. Clemson has played much better since Dabo Sweeney took over, but the Huskers are a solid team out of a solid conference and the ACC has looked pretty pathetic thus far.
Matt- Nebraska
Ben- Nebraska
Mike- Clemson
Chris- Nebraska

Rose Bowl- Penn State v. USC
Everyone I've talked to about this game doesn't think it will be close. I just talked to Ben a little while ago, and we both agree that won't be a slaughter, but USC will probably win by two or three touchdowns and be in complete control of the game. Penn State has athletes, but USC has more and the ones on the defensive side of the ball are mean and ornery.
Matt- USC
Ben- USC
Mike- USC
Chris- USC

Orange Bowl- Cincinnati v. Virginia Tech
Apparently neither team wanted to be in the hotel hosting Puff Daddy's New Year's party, switching hotel's the minute he checked in. Probably for the best. This is an intriguing matchup because they are both second tier teams posing as BCS squads. The consensus thinks that VT's history and their defensive toughness will be enough.
Matt- Virginia Tech
Ben- Virginia Tech
Mike- Cincinnati
Chris- Virginia Tech

Jan. 2
Cotton Bowl- Mississippi v. Texas Tech
Poor Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are going to win and finish ranked in the top five, but they aren't going to get a glamorous game or an opponent. The bowl tie-ins have taken a terrific Texas Tech team and put them against a good SEC team, but not one that it should be playing. We like the Red Raiders.
Matt- Texas Tech
Ben- Texas Tech
Mike- Texas Tech
Chris- Texas Tech

Liberty Bowl- Kentucky v. East Carolina
East Carolina is playing the way it did when the season started and that could be bad news for Kentucky. The Wildcats backed into a bowl game by beating up on the team's they should and losing to the team's they should. The result, a 6-6 year. Most of us, and most fans, expect the Pirates to put a stamp on a very interesting season.
Matt- East Carolina
Ben- East Carolina
Mike- East Carolina
Chris- Kentucky

Sugar Bowl- Utah v. Alabama
Chris likes Utah and why not? The Utes are confident and talented and Bama is without Andre Smith. With that said, the Tide have too much talent and a guy named Nick Saben on the sideline. This team is good enough to play for a national title, and as good as Utah is, they aren't good enough to beat about 6-8 teams this year.
Matt- Alabama
Ben- Alabama
Mike- Alabama
Chris- Utah

Jan. 3
International Bowl- Buffalo v. Connecticut
I really like Turner Gil and the Buffalo program. It's amazing that team won the MAC and got to a Bowl game given the recruiting circumstances and previous seasons. As much as I like Buffalo, I think Donald Brown and UConn is too good for the Bulls. Ben and I think Brown will go nuts and pound Buffalo.
Matt- Connecticut
Ben- Connecticut
Mike- Buffalo
Chris- Buffalo

Texas Bowl- Western Michigan v. Rice
Gotta like the Owls in this one. It's been a very weak showing for the MAC so far, and it's going to be very hard for Western Michigan to right the ship. Ben has faith in the directional Michigan school, but the other three of us really like Rice's explosive offense to take care of business.
Matt- Rice
Ben- Western Michigan
Mike- Rice
Chris- Rice

Holiday Bowl- Oklahoma State v. Oregon
There should be a lot of points scored in this game. A lot of points. You can certainly see our west coast bias shining through (not to mention Chris went to Oregon) because three out of four of us have the Ducks when the nation is voting for the Cowboys to win at nearly 80 percent, according to ESPN. My feeling is that the team that can limit the other to a couple of field goals instead of touchdowns will win because neither team is going to hold the other scoreless on too many drives.
Matt- Oregon
Ben- Oklahoma State
Mike- Oregon
Chris- Oregon

Dec. 31
Armed Forces Bowl- Houston v. Air Force
The Cougars are 0-for their last-8 in Bowl games, but Chris likes them to get their first win since 1980 in post-season play. With my affinity for the Mountain West, I like Air Force a lot and Mike and Ben are with me. In the end, the Falcons discipline and ball control will be the difference.
Matt- Air Force
Ben- Air Force
Mike- Air Force
Chris- Houston

Sun Bowl- Oregon State v. Pittsburgh
Mike is the lone wolf here, going with the Panthers. I think the rest of us are pretty sure that the Pac-10 runner up is better than the Big East runner up. I also have no faith in Dave Wannstedt. I do expect both teams to be committed to running the ball with their stellar backs (LeSean McCoy for Pitt and Jacquizz Rodgers for the Beavers). I think it will come down to which quarterback doesn't screw up.
Matt- Oregon State
Ben- Oregon State
Mike- Pittsburgh
Chris- Oregon State

Music City Bowl- Boston College v. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is very lucky to be in a bowl game after going 1-6 in its last seven games. Boston College, on the other hand, played for the ACC title, which leads me to believe the Eagles momentum will be enough to win this game. I also don't like either of Vandy's quarterbacks against a very good Eagles defense.
Matt- Boston College
Ben- Boston College
Mike- Boston College
Chris- Vanderbilt

Insight Bowl- Kansas v. Minnesota
The Gophers are disappointed at being 7-5 after starting the year 7-1 and Kansas is disappointed in being 7-5 after starting the year ranked in the top 20. One of them will have the chance to salvage a respectable season and the other will be left with a very sour taste. The Kansas offense is a bit more consistent than the Goofs right now, which leads me to think the Jayhawks win. Mike and Chris disagree, however.
Matt- Kansas
Ben- Kansas
Mike- Minnesota
Chris- Minnesota

Chick-fil-A Bowl- LSU v. Georgia Tech
It's amazing to me to see a unanimous selection against LSU in a Bowl game. I am also surprised that most of the country feels the same way. I still feel nervous that LSU is gonna win big and piss me off, but there is nothing to indicate that. The Tigers have no quarterback, and the Tech triple option is going to be too much for them to handle.
Matt- Georgia Tech
Ben- Georgia Tech
Mike- Georgia Tech
Chris- Georgia Tech

New Mexico Bowl- Colorado State (6-6) v. Fresno State (7-5)
This is not the most attractive bowl game. In fact, it might end up as the least watched of the season.
Our experts like Fresno State to cap off a disappointing season (considering where they started) with a win in the ever so prestigious New Mexico Bowl.
Matt- Fresno State
Ben- Fresno State
Mike- Fresno State
Chris- Fresno State

St. Petersburg Bowl- Memphis (6-6) v. South Florida (7-5)
It's funny how it seems to be a disappointment for some teams to be in these mid-December bowl games. South Florida had bigger hopes than the St. Petersburg Bowl, I am guessing. Now all they have to do is slow down Derek Rose, Isaac Bruce and Penny Hardaway.
Matt- South Florida
Ben- South Florida
Mike- South Florida
Chris- South Florida

Las Vegas Bowl- BYU (10-2) v. Arizona (7-5)
There should be a lot of Samoans with long hair in this game. There will also be a lot of points, Mormons and gambling. Sounds like a fun time in Vegas.
Matt- BYU
Ben- BYU
Mike- BYU
Chris- BYU

Dec. 21
New Orleans Bowl- Southern Miss (6-6) v. Troy (8-4)
Troy should have to go on probation for letting a 31-3 lead late in the third quarter against LSU get away. The New Orleans Bowl is kinda like probation and their punishment is playing Brett Favre's alma mater. Hopefully they show his Wrangler commercial at least 46 times during the game.
We have a split in the predictions in this game after three straight unanimous selections.
Matt- Troy
Ben- Troy
Mike- Southern Miss
Chris- Southern Miss

Dec. 23
Poinsettia Bowl- Boise State (12-0) v. TCU (10-2)
Time to be serious. This is going to be a hell of a football game. Quite possibly, two of the top ten football teams in the country and they are playing in a Dec. 23 game.
The Broncos got snubbed in the BCS despite going undefeated, and TCU's only losses are to Oklahoma, and Utah, which are both in the BCS. The Horned Frogs actually let that Utah game get away. It was there for the taking. Boise State is probably still pissed about that because they would be in the Sugar Bowl had it happened.
Our panel is split on this game, and I know personally it was hard to pick. I firmly believe in the Mountain West and I don't believe in the WAC (maybe I should change my Fresno State/Colorado State pick).
If TCU wins this game, people are going to think they made the right choice by going with Ohio State over the Broncos. Not only will it not prove that, but it will prove that TCU is probably just as good as the Buckeyes. This team is for real and looking for a chance to prove it.
Matt- TCU
Ben- TCU
Mike- Boise State
Chris- Boise State

Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl- Hawaii (7-6) v. Notre Dame (6-6)
I am shocked and appalled that Ben took the Irish. We actually talked about this game and we agreed Hawaii will win. Well, they will. Notre Dame is horrible. Hawaii isn't much better, but it's a home game, which gives the edge to the Warriors.
They made a mistake in announcing Charlie Weis would return before the bowl game. The alumni are gonna be pissed when he loses this game.
Matt- Hawaii
Ben- Notre Dame
Mike- Hawaii
Chris- Hawaii

It is official, J.J. Putz is heading to the Mets.

The Nationals are serious contenders for Mark Teixeira.

The Yankees have a big offer on the table for A.J. Burnett.

The Tigers acquired Edwin Jackson for Matt Joyce.

The Orioles have signed Cesar Izturis.

The Jake Peavy speculation is being updated on hundreds of sites every few minutes, so it's hard to know what to make out of that situation just yet. There is a lot of speculation flying around the Marlins and Jeremy Hermida. He is a very hot commodity and teams in need of a corner outfielder might go the trade route.
There are also several teams interested in Randy Johnson, which include the Dodgers, Angels, A's, Astros and Brewers.
The Tigers may be among several teams interested in John Smoltz if the Braves decide to not bring him back and there was a trade between the Nationals and Rockies, a Tim Redding for Willy Tavares swap, that fell through.

The Mets are getting very close to having a nearly unstoppable bullpen. They getting close on a three-team deal that would involve a lot of players, but they would get J.J. Putz to complement Francisco Rodriguez. Go here, and here if you want to read about it.

The Dodgers made two signings, to strengthen the infield.

Sounds like Kerry Wood will be an Indian.

The Orioles and Reds made a minor trade.

Ken Rosenthal of FOXsports has updates on Mark Teixeira, Jake Peavy, Rafael Furcal, C.C. Sabathia, Ben Sheets, Brian Fuentes and others.

There were so many updates on Sabathia, Peavy and A.J. Burnett throughout the day that I can't even begin to digest them and give an analysis with any validity.

C.C. Sabathia had two meetings with the Yankees, but other teams remain in the mix. Apparently he told Ned Colletti he wants to be a Dodger .

The Mets made an offer to Francisco Rodriguez but they are still exploring options.

Ben Sheets met with the Rangers and the Yankees .

For you Giants fans, Brian Sabean isn't saying much.

Casey Blake is closing to coming back to the Dodgers .

A.J. Burnett to the Braves is not gonna happen any time soon. He has a lot of suitors .

There might be a market for shortstop Rafael Furcal .

Milton Bradley to the Rays ? Maybe.

Maybe it won't be just a Red Sox and Angels market for Mark Teixeira.

A couple A's rumors to speculate about Randy Johnson and Jason Giambi .

1. Florida
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. USC
5. Alabama
6. Utah
7. Penn State
8. Texas Tech
9. Boise State
10. Ohio State
11. TCU
12. Oklahoma State
13. Oregon
14. Cincinnati
15. Georgia Tech
16. BYU
17. Georgia
18. Michigan State
19. Northwestern
20. Pittsburgh
21. Ball State
22. Oregon State
23. Iowa
24. Missouri
25. Virginia Tech

Other receiving votes: Mississippi, California, Nebraska, Boston College, Kansas, Florida State, North Carolina, West Virginia, Rutgers, East Carolina.

The Ping Pong Group:
Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Washington, Charlotte, Indiana, Milwaukee, New York, New Jersey, Memphis, LA Clippers, Sacramento, Golden State.
What do these teams have in common? Ownership that is indifferent, incompetent and more worried about money than having a winning team. I'm not sure who New Jersey thinks they are, but the fact that they have a winning record (9-8) is shocking, even in the diluted Eastern Conference. I fully expect them to finish in the lottery. Most of these fan bases are used to mediocrity and this season is no different. I can't wait for the Warriors to get the 11th pick again and get another 6'6" wing.

The Mildly Interesting or Mildly Disappointing Group:
Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta, Miami, Denver, Utah, Portland, Toronto, Chicago.
Philly fans have to be a little disappointed. The big Elton Brand acquisition hasn't made them an elite team. After last season's little run the thought was that Brand would make them a contender in the East. Hasn't happened yet. Toronto didn't take the step forward that many people thought was coming. Appaently the front office thought that was Sam Mitchell's fault. Denver is a nice story with the Chauncey Billups addition and Utah is definitely a good team, but is Phil Jackson or Byron Scott losing sleep over how they will beat them in a seven game series?
Atlanta and Orland continue to show signs of greatness...usually shortly followed by signs of weakness. Maybe next year guys. I am scared to death of how good the Blazers will be over the next 5-6 years.

The "We think we're still contenders even though the window has slammed shut on us" Group:
Detroit, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix.
Detroit effectively gave up on their nucleus when they dealt Billups for Allen Iverson. Tracy McGrady can't stay healthy and Yao will get hurt at some point this season. The Rockets should have traded Yao before last season to get value for him. Jason Kidd is done. All of the Spurs roles players are done. Shaq is done and Nash is hanging on by a thin thread.

The Contenders:
New Orleans, Cleveland
I still believe in New Orleans even though they look like they are in disarray and it appears that they may have tuned out Byron Scott. Still Chris Paul is a complete stud and they have all of the pieces in place from last year and upgraded from Bobby Jackson to James Posey. Any team with Lebron James has a chance. And Lebron looks like he has worked hard on his jumper and he even seems like he cares about defense this season. That is really bad news for other teams. These two teams have an outside shot, but let's get serious...

The favorites:
Boston, LA Lakers
Boston looks good as a defending champ. Rajon Rondo has been a beast. Just ask Justin Sisco, who recently traded him in his fantasy league only to watch him post a double-double and a triple double in back to back games. They aren't taking nights off and everyone still looks hungry. Even so, the Lakers look scary. They look like a tidal wave off in the distance right now. You can see how big and destructive it's going to be and all you can do is try to paddle past it or to shore before it breaks. When the Lakers are firing on all cylinders they cannot be beaten. Even on nights when Kobe or Pau aren't feeling it, they blow teams away with their second team. It's ridiculous. The Celtics and Lakers will battle for the championship once again and I couldn't be more excited. Rivalry renewed, a chance to see old Showtime and Boston Garden footage, Kobe on the big stage and emerging stars like Rondo and Bynum stepping up. It's going to be fun.

So from here on out I will be focusing on the different groups of teams that this article has formed from contenders to teams with great foundations for the future...and the occasional diatribe about the terrible condition of my beloved Warriors.

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Penn State
8. Texas Tech
9. Boise State
10. Ohio State
11. Ball State
12. TCU
13. Oklahoma State
14. Oregon
15. Cincinnati
16. Georgia Tech
17. BYU
18. Georgia
19. Missouri
20. Michigan State
21. Northwestern
22. Pittsburgh
23. Oregon State
24. Iowa
25. Boston College

Other receiving votes: Mississippi, California, Nebraska, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Kansas, North Carolina, West Virginia, South Florida, Connecticut, East Carolina.

QUARTERBACK

Tim Tebow, Florida
Tebow might be the favorite because the Gators are playing so well. He would become only the second person to ever win consecutive Heisman Trophies. Archie Griffin did that in 1974 and 1975 for Ohio State. He is fifth in the country with a 175.19 QB rating and he has 22 passing touchdowns along with 11 rushing. They are not nearly as dominant as last year's, but he will put up more numbers in his final three games and could win a national title

Colt McCoy, Texas
McCoy is fourth in QB rating, but his most impressive stat is the fact he is completing 77.2 percent of his passes, tops in the country. He has also only thrown seven interceptions while throwing for 3,134 yards and 30 touchdowns. He has also ran for 527 yards and eight touchdowns, and he could also win a national title.

Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Bradford leads the country with 42 touchdown passes and he is third in yards with 3,710. Oklahoma is back in the national title picture, which really helps. Bradford has the numbers that McCoy doesn't, but McCoy beat him head-to-head.

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
Probably the frontrunner before the Red Raiders got pancaked by Oklahoma, Harrell still has a very good case. He leads the country in yards with 4,438, he is second with 40 touchdowns and is completing over 70 percent of his passes.

Max Hall, BYU
Hall is worth mentioning, but he probably needed BYU to go undefeated to have a chance. He's had a very good season, throwing for 3,629 yards and 34 touchdowns. His 13 interceptions hurt him a bit.

Chase Daniel, Missouri
Daniel was probably the Heisman frontrunner when the season started, but Missouri's two mid-season losses hurt him. Numbers wise he's having a fantastic season, but the Tigers irrelevance in the national picture has pushed him behind the other Big 12 QBs. He is second in the country with a 76.5 completion percentage, and he has thrown for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns.

RUNNING BACK

Shonn Greene, Iowa
I don't think a running back will be nominated this year, but if one is it should be Greene. Javon Ringer got all of the headlines early in the year, but no back has been more dominant or meant more to his team than Greene. He leads the country with 1,729 yards and is tied for third with 17 touchdowns. Without him, Iowa is a 5-7 or 4-8, instead of being 8-4.

Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Forget about his 4.3 yards per carry, because if he didn't carry on nearly every single play, it would be much higher. He has carried 370 times, 66 more times than the next closest person. He is third in yards with 1,590 and leads the country in touchdowns with 21.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
Rodgers is the most explosive freshman in the country in my opinion. He burst onto the scene in the win over USC and he hasn't stopped since. His 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns are helped with that win and the fact Oregon State could go to the Rose Bowl.

Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Moreno is suffering from the same problem Daniel is and that is the fact his team is irrelevant in the national title picture. Moreno has had a great year, running for 1,244 yards and 15 touchdowns, while averaging nearly six yards a carry.

Donald Brown, Connecticut
Brown is the other workhorse in college football. Behind Ringer, he has 304 carries. He has rushed for 1,633 yards and 16 scores. He could take the nation's rushing lead in his game against Pittsburgh, which would set up an interesting race between him and Greene during bowl season.

MiQuale Lewis, Ball State
How does a non-BCS school lose its best player and still go undefeated? With a running back like Lewis. After losing WR Donte Love to a neck injury, Lewis has been a nice complement to QB Nate Davis. Lewis has rushed for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is averaging nearly six yards per carry and with three games left, he could get close to 2,000 yards.

WIDE RECEIVER

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
On the sheer man-child factor, Michael Crabtree is the best receiver in the country. Being second in the country with 18 touchdowns and sixth with 84 touchdowns doesn't hurt either. He has over 1,000 yards and is feared by every defensive coordinator in the college football.

Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Bryant is the big play guy in the country this year. He is averaging 18 yards a catch to go along with his 16 touchdowns, 68 receptions and 1,222 yards. He is explosive, but there is Crabtree and everyone else.

Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Maclin is the most dynamic of the wide receivers, scoring from all over the place. He has 79 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he also has two rushing touchdowns and a return touchdown.

Austin Collie, BYU
Collie is reaping the benefits of the BYU system and having a QB like Hall. Collie is a bit of an afterthought in the race, but his numbers say he isn't. He's leading the nation with 1,419 yards and is second with 95 catches. He also had 15 touchdowns.

Predicted Finalists: McCoy, Tebow, Bradford, Harrell, Crabtree.

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. USC
6. Utah
7. Penn State
8. Texas Tech
9. Boise State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Missouri
12. Ohio State
13. Georgia
14. Ball State
15. TCU
16. Oregon
17. Oregon State
18. Cincinnati
19. Georgia Tech
20. BYU
21. Michigan State
22. Northwestern
23. Pittsburgh
24. Iowa
25. Boston College

Other receiving votes: South Carolina, Western Michigan, Florida State, Mississippi, West Virginia, LSU, Maryland, Nebraska, California, Central Michigan.