Power Polling: Hawkeyes Fly High
This week's ballot for The Student Section Top 25:
Blatant Homerism Top 25: Week 12
1. Clemson
2. Iowa
3. Alabama
4. Michigan State
5. Oklahoma
6. Notre Dame
7. Florida
8. Baylor
9. Ohio State
10. Oklahoma State
11. North Carolina
12. Michigan
13. Navy
14. Northwestern
15. Stanford
16. TCU
17. Houston
18. Florida State
19. Toledo
20. Utah
21. Temple
22. LSU
23. Pittsburgh
24. Mississippi State
25. Oregon
Notes:
*My projection for the selection committee's top four on Tuesday:
- Clemson
- Alabama
- Notre Dame
- Iowa
*My projection – as of now – for the top four at the end of the season:
- Clemson
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Michigan St.
*Clearly, I don't see much of a chance that both Sparty and Iowa make the playoff. However, I have them in the top four this week because the Hawkeyes have yet to lose and MSU now owns one of the best Ws of any team out there by virtue of beating Ohio State.
*Assuming Oklahoma wins Saturday night, I think it's looking more likely that the Sooners receive a bid from the selection committee. Contrary to popular belief, the Big 12 is getting plenty of respect from the committee. Note that despite its pathetic non-conference schedule, Baylor stayed in the top 10 a week ago -- that suggests the committee members will continue to look favorably on the Bears and the rest of the league going forward.
*I have Stanford beating Notre Dame this weekend, which would end the playoff dreams of the Fighting Irish. If ND wins, the Irish would enter a three-team battle royale with the Sooners and Big Ten champ for the final two positions.
Think a final four of Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame and Oklahoma would be appealing to the committee?