It was announced last night that Alabama RB Mark Ingram was being awarded the Heisman Trophy. The award is used to acknowledge the college football’s best player. Ingram became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman in the closest race in history. Ingram edged out Stanford RB Toby Gerhart by 28 points. Texas QB Colt McCoy finished 3rd, while all-around Florida superman Tim Tebow and stand-out defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska finished 4th and 5th respectively.

Leading up to the award a lot of hype was building around Suh. He was the most dominating player and the nation and very deserving of the award. While he only finished in fourth place, he may have won something more significant.

Suh not only has benefited from exposure during the Heisman race, but he is also being looked at as a potential number one overall pick in next year’s draft. It is rare for a defensive lineman to make so much noise in college football, but the 6′4, 320 Nagurski award winner is a special talent.

In Nebraska’s biggest game of the year, Suh put his talent on display. He matched a career high with 12 tackles and added 4.5 sacks; 9 of those tackles were for zero of negative yards.

Suh was often double-teamed or even triple-teamed and the Texas offensive line could not slow him down. Texas head coach Mack Brown noticed Suh’s performance and said, “He was all over the place. We just couldn’t handle him. I tried to find him to wish him good luck in the NFL, because I don’t want to see him again.”

Suh and the Cornhuskers ultimately came up short when Texas kicker Hunter Lawrence hit a 46-yard field goal as time expired to win the Big XII Championship, 13-12.

Suh, who is a senior, will be headed to the NFL Draft after he finishes off his college career against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl.

What makes Suh so special is his combination of size and speed. It is rare for a player his size to display the quickness necessary to always be around the ball. You can also look at Suh’s incredible awareness as a contributor to his play-making ability.

Perhaps the most under appreciated aspect of Suh’s game is his hand work. He is able to keep offensive lineman away from his body and use his strength to push them away. Suh uses his hands better than any defensive lineman in recent draft memory.

His versatility will also allow more teams to look at him. Not only can he play defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense, but he could be a dangerous defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

Ndamukong Suh may have not heard his name called as the Heisman winner, but he could receive the best consolation prize imaginable and that is hearing his name called first in the 2010 NFL Draft.

A week after defeating an Oregon team ranked in the top 10, the Cardinal put a whooping on another top 10 team. This time, the victim was Southern Cal.

Stanford got off to an early 14-0 lead and had a 21-7 lead at halftime. Southern Cal made some big plays in the third quarter to cut the lead to just 28-21, but, Stanford dominated the final quarter, outscoring the Trojans 27-0 in route to a 55-21 victory.

Stanford has moved in the top 20 and is arguably the hottest team in the nation. Meanwhile, Southern Cal’s quest for an eighth straight 11-win season, BCS Bowl bid and top-four finish is all but over. USC is now 4-3 in conference play and is tied for fifth in the Pac-10. Stanford still has a chance at the Rose Bowl while the Trojans may be relegated to the Emerald Bowl.

The most points ever given up by a Pete Carroll-led USC team came three weeks ago when Oregon lit up the Trojans for 47 points. Then, Stanford scored 55 points at USC Saturday. In other words, this is the worst defense that Carroll has had at USC. By far.

On the flip side, Stanford had scored 106 points in their last two games.

Many feel the Cardinal have the most-balanced offense in the entire country and they showed why on Saturday.

Quarterback Andrew Luck, a redshirt Freshman, was 12-of-22 for 144 yards with 2 TDs and 0 interceptions. Toby Gerhart continued to show that he is an elite player by rushing for 178 yards on 29 carries and scoring three touchdowns.  Gerhart was understandably excited.

“To do that against a storied program, a perennial power, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. It was just will. The offensive line just moved people. We got after them and got downhill, and it was just a good offensive day.”

Stanford rushed for 325 yards and picked up 469 total yards, while holding the Trojans to just 334 total yards. Stanford was also extremely efficient when they needed to be, converting eight of their 11 third down attempts and converting on their only fourth down try.

Stanford has just two games remaining. They play host to California in their annual rivalry game and then head back home to host Notre Dame.

Stanford is currently in a three-way tie for second place in the Pac-10. Unfortunately for the Cardinal, they lost to the two teams they are tied with – Arizona and Oregon State.

The best bet for a Stanford BCS berth would be to have Arizona lose one of their final three games. That very well could happen because the Wildcats host Oregon and then travel to Arizona State and USC. Stanford would love for Arizona to upset Oregon and lose one of their final two games because Stanford also needs Oregon to lose at least one game. The Ducks are currently in first place in the Pac-10 at 6-1.

Oregon State plays Washington State and Oregon on the road in their final two games. Wazzou is maybe the worst of any team in a BCS Conference, so it is unlikely that Beavers will drop that game. That means the Cardinal will need Oregon to defeat their rivals and lose their game this week at Arizona.

To summarize, Arizona has to beat Oregon and then lose to either USC or Arizona State and Oregon has to defeat Oregon State to get Stanford to the Rose Bowl.  It’s a complicated scenario that seems unlikely, but it’s far from impossible.

Is TCU a National Title Contender?

In the highly anticipated MWC matchup between TCU and Utah, the Horned Frogs dominated from start to finish. TCU gained 549 total yards while holding the Utes to just 284 total yards and just 65 yards rushing. The Horned Frogs rushed for 342 yards.

The game seemed like it would be a good one early on but TCU turned a 7-7 tie into a 35-7 blowout in just over six minutes spanning from the end of the first quarter into the second quarter.

Junior Quarterback Andy Dalton is playing great football for the Frogs. He’s completing 63% of his passes (149-of-236), has 2,088 yards and 17 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. He’s making great decisions and is avoiding mistakes. He’s also rushed for 389 yards and 2 TDs.

TCU’s running game has been outstanding. Dalton has 389 yards and is just the team’s fourth leading rusher. Joseph Turner (622 yards), Ed Wesley (598 yards) and Matthew Tucker (471) make up the three-headed monster at Running Back. The team has rushed for 2,521 yards, is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has scored 30 touchdowns.

There is a very good argument for TCU.

TCU is the only team in the country to rank in top four in both total offense and total defense, ranking fourth in both categories.

That defense is led by Defensive End Jerry Hughes, who has 49 tackles and 10 sacks. The unit is also extremely well coached by Defensive Coordinator Dick Bumpas and Head Coach Gary Patterson.

TCU has won three key road games. They won at likely ACC Atlantic Division Champion Clemson, at Virginia, and blew out conference rival BYU at Provo.

The Horned Frogs have defeated three teams currently ranked in the top 25 (Clemson, BYU, & Utah). Alabama has defeated just two teams currently ranked in the top 25 (Virginia Tech, LSU) while Florida (LSU) and Texas (Oklahoma State) have defeated just one each.

TCU isn’t just beating these teams either – they are destroying them. Outside of a close, come from behind win in Death Valley against a very talented Clemson team and a scare at Air Force, TCU has won every game by at least 16 points and is winning by an average of 26.3 points per game.

Unfortunately the Frogs need a loss by Texas to make the title game and that doesn’t seem likely. The Horns host Kansas Saturday, play at rival Texas A&M on Thanksgiving and then have 9 days to prepare for the Big 12 Championship against either Nebraska or Kansas State.  The Horns should be a heavy favorite in all three games.

TCU is one of the country’s elite team.

And they probably won’t get the chance to prove it.

FBS Notes

After disappointing losses to Southern Cal and Purdue, Ohio State is going back to the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes were in third place in the Big 10 just two weeks ago, but after wins against second-place Penn State and first-place Iowa, the Buckeyes clinched the Big 10 title. They conclude their season in the Big House against Michigan Saturday.

Duke’s performance has been one of the stories of the season. It looked like the story would get even better after they took a 10-0 lead against ACC Coastal leader Georgia Tech. Then, the Yellow Jackets scored the game’s last 49 points, winning 49-10. Tech has clinched a spot against either Clemson or Boston College in the ACC Championship and has a week off before finishing the season against rival Georgia on November 28. The Jackets have won 8 in a row and are the BCS’ top ranked one-loss team.

Props to Redshirt Freshman QB E.J. Manuel of Florida State. He stepped in for an injured Christian Ponder and led FSU to their first win against Wake Forest in four years. On the road. He was 15-of-20 (75%) for 220 yards with 1 TD passing and 1 interception. He also had 10 carries for 45 yards and a TD rushing. If Manuel can lead the ‘Noles to a home win against Maryland Saturday, FSU will be bowl-bound after a 2-4 start.

Miami Sophomore QB Jacory Harris has now thrown 16 interceptions after his 4 interception performance against North Carolina on Saturday. Harris looks great at times but his inconsistency has cost the Canes a shot at the ACC title. Then again, without him, it’s unlikely that they would have even been in the ACC race to begin with. The media was way too quick in anointing Harris, but he is still just a true sophomore.  There is plenty of room for improvement but there is also plenty of time for improvement.

LSU is not a top-10 team. LSU nearly lost to Louisiana Tech, coming from behind to win 24-16 last weekend. The Tigers have not had an impressive win all season. Sure, they kept it close with the nation’s top two teams, Florida and Alabama, but a loss is still a loss.  Their best win is also tainted in the eyes of some because of the excessive celebration penalty called on Georgia Wide Receiver A.J. Green after Georgia took a late lead.

Houston Quarterback Case Keenum probably lost his chance at the Heisman Trophy after Houston was upset by Central Florida. Keenum threw for “only” 377 yards and 3 TDs. I would also like to congratulate UCF on their first ever win over a top 25 team. Houston entered the game ranked 15^th.

If Charlie Weis wasn’t done after the loss to Navy, he is now. Notre Dame was defeated by Pittsburgh and Weis is now just 35-25 in five seasons at Notre Dame. He’s just 6-4 against what was considered a fairly weak schedule. And with games left against Connecticut and at red-hot Stanford, it may get even worse for Weis and the Irish.

Performance of the Week:

Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Stanford

Gerhart takes home the honor for the second straight week after rushing for 178 yards on 29 carries and scoring three touchdowns, leading Stanford to a 55-21 blowout win at Southern Cal.

The Heisman Race

We have a little bit of shake-up, but the top 2 remain the same.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Last Week: 19 carries, 149 yards, 2 TDs
Season: 194 carries, 1,297 yards (6.7 yards per carry), 25 receptions, 225 yards, 3 TDs.

2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Last Week: 23-of-34 for 181 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Season: 254-of-351 (72.4%), 19 TDs, 9 INTs, 1 TD rushing

3. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Last Week: 9 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD, 87-yard punt return TD
Season: 74 receptions, 1,172 yards, 11 TDs, 23 carries, 159 yards, 2 TDs, 1 punt return TD

4. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
Last Week: 33-of-56 for 377 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Season: 358-of-514 (69.7%), 4,194 yards, 31 TDs, 6 INTs, 3 TDs rushing

5. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Last Week: 18 rushes, 97 yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions, 48 yards, 1 TD, 1-of-1, 17 yards, and a TD passing.
Season: 153 carries, 836 yards (5.5 ypc), 6 TDs, 24 receptions, 382 yards, 4 TDs, 1-of-2, 17 yards, 1 TD, 11 punt returns for 191 yards, 1 TD, 16 kickoff returns for 543 yards, 3 TDs, 1,952 all-purpose yards, 15 Total TDs.

Looking in:

Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

My Top 25

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. TCU
5. Cincinnati
6. Boise State
7. Georgia Tech
8. Pittsburgh
9. Ohio State
10. Oregon
11. LSU
12. Iowa
13. Penn State
14. Oklahoma State
15. Wisconsin
16. Virginia Tech
17. Stanford
18. Clemson
19. Utah
20. Brigham Young
21. North Carolina
22. Houston
23. Rutgers
24. Oregon State
25. Miami (FL)

Game of the Week

#9 Ohio State @ Michigan

12:00 pm, EST, ABC

The Line: OSU – 12

Michigan came out of the gate strong, starting 4-0. The Buckeyes started the year a disappointing 5-2. Both teams have since gone in difference directions. Michigan is just 1-6 since their 4-0 start and the Buckeyes have won four straight claims and clinch the Big 10 title. Michigan has to win this game in order to become bowl eligible. If they don’t, Rich Rodriguez’s club will be home for the holidays for the second straight season – that won’t make the big wigs and boosters at Michigan happy.

Sure, the game is in the Big House, but I don’t think that matters. The Buckeyes have a better team, plain and simple.

Michigan’s defense is awful. They give up over 400 yards per game and 5.73 yards per play, ranking 89^th in the country.

Ohio State’s defense is one of the nation’s elite. It is an extremely well coached unit and is fifth in the country in total defense. The Buckeyes give up just over 258 yards per game and only 4.08 yards per play.

Michigan’s offense is improved but they still rank just 56^th in the nation. The Wolvers average less yards than they give up at 391.36. They average 5.74 yards per play. They have struggled against good defenses and Ohio State’s defense will easily be the best the Wolverines have seen.

Terrelle Pryor is playing much better as of late so I like the Buckeyes to come away with a comfortable win.

Keep an Eye On…

#11 LSU @ Ole Miss – 3

Ole Miss has been disappointing this season, losing three games after being projected as a top-10 team, but the Rebels have won 4 out of 5 after a 3-2 start and played their most complete game of the season last week against Tennessee. The Rebels dominated the Vols, 42-17. Running Back Dexter McCluster was incredible, rushing for 282 yards on 25 carries with 4 TDs against a Tennessee defense that has been very stout this season.

Both defenses are stout. LSU gives up just under 312 yards per game while the Rebels give up 313 yards per game. Both units are extremely talented and it will likely come down to which offense can make more plays.

LSU’s offense is awful. The Tigers rank 107^th in the country in total offense. They average just 310 yards per game. Ole Miss’ offense has had a lot of trouble with turnovers and inconsistent play from QB Jevon Snead, but they have been a much better unit then the Tigers. They rank 41^st in the nation, gaining 405 yards per game and 5.96 yards per play.

California @ #17 Stanford – 7

If you haven’t seen the balance of their Stanford offense led by Quarterback Andrew Luck and Running Back Toby Gerhart, do yourself a favor and check it out.

We should see some points in the “Big game.” Both defenses have had several lapses but both offenses are capable of scoring points.

It looks like Stanford should come away with the victory, but this is a rivalry game and Cal is a very talented team.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)

Oregon had high hopes at the start of the season and it all started with a revenge game at Boise State to start the season. Before the game even got started, LaGarrette Blount told the media that they “owed Boise a beating.” By the end of the game, the only beating Blount gave was the punch he threw at Byron Hout.

The Broncos did the beating, holding the Ducks to 151 total yards and just six first downs in route to a 19-8 victory.

Things didn’t get a lot better the following week. Oregon’s offense woke up and scored 38 points, but they allowed Purdue, who currently sits at 3-6, to score 36 points. The Boilermakers caught what would have been the game-tying two-point conversion with 1:01 left, but Kyle Adams was out-of-bounds.

The next week, Oregon defeated 18^th ranked Utah 31-24 and never looked back. Their defense has played much better as has Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. The Ducks have dominated every opponent they have face since then, starting with a 42-3 blowout win over previously unbeaten California a week after the Utah win.

But no win was larger than the Ducks 47-20 destruction of Southern Cal. The Ducks held the powerful Trojans to just 327 yards and absolutely lit up the USC defense, scoring 47 points and racking up 622 yards, including an astounding 391 yards rushing.

There are four main reasons for Oregon’s improved play.

• - Chip Kelly’s coaching job

He kept his team afloat after an extremely disappointing early-season loss and an incredible amount of negative publicity for his school and what was thought to be his team’s best player (Blount). He rallied has troops and has Oregon playing as well (maybe even better) as any team in the country. The opening week loss and subsequent punch are now things of the past.

• - The emergence of LaMichael James

The freshman out of Texarkana, Texas has been an absolute beast. After getting just 11 carries in his first two games, James has rushed for over 100 yards in every game but one. That one game was a 52-6 victory over Washington State in which things got out of hand pretty quickly. James wound up with just 13 carries, but still managed 81 yards and 2 TDs. James saved his best performance for Oregon’s biggest game – he went for 183 yards and a TD on 24 carries Saturday night against the Trojans. He now has 918 yards and 7 TDs on just 131 carries (7.0 ypc). James’ most impressive game may have come in a 24-10 victory over UCLA. Backup QB Nate Costa had to make his first career start because of Jeremiah Masoli’s injury and he passed for just 82 yards. UCLA knew James had to run, but that didn’t stop him – he had 152 yards on 20 carries.

• - Oregon’s defensive improvements

After holding Boise State to a season-low 19 points and 361 total yards in a loss, the Ducks were shredded by a pretty bad Purdue team for 36 points and 451 total yards. They followed that up by holding Utah to just 297 total yards and have played well in every game following the Utah game. In fact, the 20 points that USC scored on Oregon were the most points the Ducks have allowed since Utah scored 24 against them back in week 3.

• - Jeremiah Masoli has become a very good Quarterback

After struggling in his first three games (29-of-64(45%), 0 TDs, 2 INTS), Masoli has really turned his game around. He has played in four games since then (he missed the UCLA game because of an injury) and has put up incredible numbers. He is 68-of-96 (71%) for 748 yards, 6 TDs and zero INTs. He has also rushed for 291 yards and 4 TDs during that stretch. Masoli was 19-of-31 for 222 yards and a touchdown and added 164 yards and a TD on the ground in the blowout win over the Trojans. Masoli is making better decisions and the Ducks’ offense is playing at a very high level because of it. He has now accounted for 14 total TDs and has just 2 interceptions.

The Ducks probably don’t have a chance at a National Championship because of their opening game loss, but they do control their own destiny in the Pac-10. They have road dates with two ranked teams – Stanford and Arizona and have home games against Arizona State and rival Oregon State in the annual “Civil War.”

Only One-Half for Brandon Spikes?

I like the fact that Spikes has come out and apologized and I can’t really fault Tim Tebow for trying to defend him, but this warranted at least a full game suspension. Spikes blatantly tried to gouge the eyes of Georgia Running Back Washaun Ealey on Saturday and his classless act deserved worse than a half-game suspension. There is no place for that in college football and Spikes should have been made an example of. It seems like Meyer will stop at nothing to win another championship and if he wasn’t going to give Spikes the punishment he deserved, than the SEC should have stepped up and done it themselves.

I do like one thing Meyer did – he took action immediately- even if the punishment doesn’t match the crime.

Long time FSU Defensive Mickey Andrews Announces his retirement

Mickey Andrews is one of the best Defensive Coordinators of all time and he transformed Florida State into the national power that they become during the ‘90s. It’s unfortunate that such a loyal man and great coach is going out like this – Florida State is fielding easily their worst defense since Andrews has been there. Click here to see a very good article about Andrews’ career and just what he really meant to Florida State.

Performance of the Week

Jeremiah Masoli, Quarterback, Oregon

The Junior Quarterback went 19-of-31 for 222 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He also rushed for 164 yards on just 13 carries and added another TD on the ground while orchestrating a blowout win over Southern Cal, 47-20.

The Heisman Race

Mark Ingram didn’t play but I’m not sure anyone did anything to merit leaping him.

1. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
   Last week: 18 attempts, 99 yards
   Season: 153 attempts, 1,004 yards, 8 TDs, 19 receptions, 186 yards, 3 TDs
2. Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
   Last week: 22-of-27 for 268 yards and 2 TDs
   Season: 172-of-257 (66.9%), 2318 yards, 18 TDs, 2 INTs, 1 TD rushing
3. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
   Last week: 16-of-21 for 171 yards and 1 TD
   Season: 198-of-275 (72%), 1977 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs, 1 rushing TD
4. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
   Last week: 15-of-21 for 164 yards and 2 TDs, 18 carries, 85 yards, 2 TDs
   Season: 99-of-153 (64.7%), 1323 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs, 139 carries, 551 yards (4 ypc), 8 TDs
5. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
   Last week: 44-of-54 for 559 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
   Season: 285-of298 (71.6%), 3293 yards, 25 TDs, 5 INTs, 3 rushing TDs

My top 25

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Cincinnati
5. Iowa
6. TCU
7. Boise State
8. Oregon
9. Georgia Tech
10. LSU
11. Penn State
12. Pittsburgh
13. Utah
14. Houston
15. USC
16. Ohio State
17. Miami
18. Oklahoma State
19. Notre Dame
20. Arizona
21. Wisconsin
22. Virginia Tech
23. Oklahoma
24. South Florida
25. Clemson

Game of the Week:
#10 LSU @ #1 Alabama
3:30 pm EST, CBS
The Line: Alabama -10

It’s time for Saban Bowl III and if this installment is anything like the first two, we’re in luck.

In their first matchup, LSU pulled out a 41-34 victory after trailing 27-24 entering the fourth quarter. LSU scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes after a key Alabama fumbled.

Last season, it was LSU that pulled the near upset after tying the game with 6:12 left. Alabama’s field goal on the final play of the regulation was blocked and the game went to overtime. LSU QB Jarrett Lee was picked off in overtime and Alabama went on to win the game 27-21.

LSU, who is ranked 9th in the BCS could get themselves back into the BCS Title picture with a win over Alabama, setting up a potential rematch with Florida.

Both Quarterbacks have struggled to put points on the board for their offenses. In fact, Tennessee held Alabama without a touchdown while Florida kept LSU out of the end zone.

I think that both squads have excellent defenses that are capable of shutting down any opponent and although I do like the Tide’s defense better, I think it is their offense that is going to be the difference in this game.

And I like Alabama’s offense better for a couple of reasons. The number one reason is the balance that the Tide brings on offense. Alabama actually averages more yards per game on the ground (218 yards per game) then they do through the air (192 yards per game). LSU on the other hand, has had a lot of trouble running the ball, averaging 141.5 yards per game on the ground.

One of the best indicators of an offense is yards per play, so let’s look at that. The Tigers average 5.34 yards per play while the Tide’s offense averages just over 6 yards per play, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

LSU averages just 3.95 yards per rush, while Alabama averages 5.3. I think that it will be much easier for Alabama to shut down LSU’s running game than vice versa, forcing LSU throw the ball earlier in the game, giving Alabama the opportunity to force LSU QB Jordan Jefferson into mistakes.

I really like the way Alabama dominates the clock. They have the ball or over 32 minutes per game while LSU doesn’t have much of an edge in T.O.P. at all. Alabama’s running game and ability to sustain drives is going to be the difference in this game. The Tide should be able to control the clock and wear down the LSU defense in the fourth quarter.

Games to Watch

#16 Ohio State @ #11 Penn State – 4
3:30 pm EST, ABC Regional

Ohio State pitched another shutout last week when they beat New Mexico State 45-0. Penn State struggled early on and actually trailed Northwestern 13-10 before dominating the second half in route to a 34-13 win. I really like the Buckeyes’ defense. It is very good. The held NMSU to just 62 total yards and are one of the best coached units in the country year in and year out. The Buckeyes give up just 260 yards per game, good for sixth in the entire nation. The Buckeyes give up about 4 yards per play.

My problem with the Buckeyes is their offense. They average just less than 5.78 yards per play. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been awful. He is completing just 54.6% of his passes and has thrown 9 interceptions.

Penn State’s defense gives up just 254 yards per game, good for fifth in the nation. Penn State’s defense gives up slightly over 4 yards per play so the defenses are pretty much even.

However, Penn State’s offense is much more explosive, averaging almost 6.5 yards per play. The Nittany Lions have also had much more consistent Quarterback play from Senior Daryll Clark. Clark has 18 TD passes and 7 interceptions, but 3 of them game in one really bad game – Penn State’s 21-10 loss against Iowa. Penn State also has a feature back – Evan Royster. Royster has rushed for 859 yards. Ohio State lacks a feature back and Pryor is the team’s leading rusher with 554 yards.

I think that Ohio State’s defense will be the best Daryll Clark has seen but Penn State is too explosive and Ohio State has too many offensive deficiencies.

#8 Oregon @ Stanford +5.5
3:30 pm EST

Oregon is riding high after one of the biggest wins in the history of their program and now they have go on the road to take on a team that’s undefeated at home, has a consistent running game and a smart Quarterback – that’s an excellent recipe or an upset.

I really like what Chip Kelly is doing with the Ducks and I think he’s going to have his team ready to go.

#23 Oklahoma @ Nebraska +6
8:00 pm EST, ABC Regional

Nebraska was really starting to make me a believer. They were 4-1, fresh off a win at Missouri, with their only loss coming in the final seconds at Lane Stadium against Virginia Tech. Then, they lost two straight home games. They were blown out by Texas Tech 31-10 and then beaten by Iowa State 9-7. Another conference loss would probably end any chance at a Big 12 title game appearance.

Nebraska has had a lot of trouble and despite Oklahoma’s defensive performance against Kansas State (KSU had 364 yards and 30 points), I don’t expect the Huskers to have much success against the Sooner defense. Landry Jones seems like he is getting very comfortable in the offense, so I like the Sooners to cover.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger and a contributor at NFL Mocks Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)

QB | RB | WR | TE | T | G/C | DT | DE | LB | CB | S | K | P

1. Chris Wells (Ohio State)* Round Projection: Early-Middle 1st Wells has been great at Ohio State and should have another fantastic season for the Buckeyes. Expect him to go in round one unless he just completely falls off the map.

	2. Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)* Round Projection: Middle 1st He’s young and was redshirted as a Freshman so he is illegible here. Not sure if he will leave or not but if he does the NFL scouts will love him. He’s a powerful runner and he’s quick when he gets in the open field.
	3. C. J. Spiller (Clemson) Round Projection: 1st-2nd You’ve got think that one of the two great running backs from Clemson will go high in the draft. Will it be Spiller or James Davis? Right now it looks like Spiller is the better pro prospect.
	4. LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)* Round Projection: 2nd-5th A lot of people like McCoy’s chances to make a run at the Heisman this year. He makes good cuts and accelerates quick when he finds the open field.
	5. James Davis (Clemson) Round Projection: 2nd-6th His stock is up and down, it just depends on who you talk to. We will learn more about him, and his teammate C. J. Spiller, during the season.
	6. Jason Ringer (Michigan State) Round Projection: 2nd-6th Another guy all over the map. Most people believe he will go in the first three rounds but this isn’t exactly the strongest batch of running backs I’ve ever seen.
	7. Marion Lucky (Nebraska) Round Projection: 3rd-6th Lucky can move up considerably in this draft if he plays well this season. He’s another player a lot of guys are really high while other guys aren’t high on him.
	8. Arian Foster (Tennessee) Round Projection: 5th-7th Foster ran for 1,159 yards and 12 touchdowns last year which is pretty impressive numbers against the defenses of the SEC.
	9. P. J. Hill (Wisconsin) Round Projection: 5th-7th Hill is a very powerful running back and runs an incredible 4.64 40 yard dash. He’s not very fast though and that will hurt his stock. He will be like Brandon Jacobs in the NFL.
	10. Andre Brown (North Carolina State) Round Projection: 5th-7th Just call this a hunch. He’s recovering from a broken foot but ran well before he broke it last season. I think he will bounce back and be a good NFL running back