Preview/Prediction

Less than two years ago, Ed Orgeron led LSU to a national championship. He assembled a superb staff, landed a transfer quarterback who later won a Heisman and became the No. 1 overall pick, and built one of the greatest teams in college football history. 

On Sunday, LSU decided to part ways with him.

Athletics director Scott Woodward announced that Orgeron will not return after the 2021 season, which will cost the school a reported $16.9 million. 

Just like that, one of the best jobs in college football is open.

Who will LSU hire as a replacement? That's the question on the minds of Tigers fans, agents and hopeful coaches looking for a change and a massive payday.

To further explore the biggest story in college football, we asked B/R readers to tell us who they believe should be LSU's next head coach.

Coaching searches normally get weird. The answers below tell us this one will likely be that and then some.

Let the games begin.

       

Gettin' the Band Back Together 

User: @CCRaction

Suggestion: Joe Brady

One could argue that no one contributed more to the 2019-2020 national title than former passing game coordinator Joe Brady. The 32-year-old helped transform a once-stagnant offense into a glorious machine.

It didn't hurt to have Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall Jr. making plays. But Brady took some tremendous players and maximized what they were capable of.

In terms of his fit at LSU, I certainly get the intrigue. The offense would be superb, and recruiting on that side of the ball in such a talent-rich area would excel. 

But does Brady even want to recruit? Sources I talked to within LSU mentioned that recruiting was not something he much cared for. I can't blame him for that, by the way.

The fact that he went to work in the NFL under Matt Rhule for the Carolina Panthers immediately after that season, where he is currently the offensive coordinator, also speaks volumes.

Brady is also still only 32 years old, with minimal coaching experience. While LSU has the resources to put together a dynamite, experienced staff around him, he might need more seasoning. Or maybe he just prefers making millions of dollars calling plays.

Either way, I'm not quite there yet. I'm not sure anyone else is, either.

       

The Midwestern Fix

User: @ericcasey

Suggestion: Why not Luke Fickell?

Why not? I concur.

For whatever reason, Luke Fickell, the current head coach of the No. 2 team in the country, hasn't been connected with an assortment of major job openings over the past few seasons. 

Given just how well Cincinnati is playing, I expect that to change. 

Since 2018, he's 37-6 with the Bearcats. His teams are balanced and talented, and he's done a ton with a program that doesn't have nearly the same resources as many of the other teams it competes against. 

Fickell is a Midwest guy, and his football roots are in Ohio, outside of a brief stint as a player with the New Orleans Saints. With that said, I don't see him having an issue recruiting or competing with other teams in coaches in the SEC. 

However, USC is probably a more likely fit. His former athletic director, Mike Bohn, now calls the shots for the Trojans. Those are the dots probably worth connecting.

As such, I don't necessarily think he'll be the choice for LSU, although fans should be thrilled if he is.

       

All Aboard 

User: @geddylane 

Suggestion: Lane Train!!!

In terms of splash, this is the name.

Lane Kiffin would bring an undeniable energy to LSU, and with it would come massive recruiting success and an unimaginable amount of intrigue. 

Eight years ago, this would have seemed preposterous. But Kiffin, who's still only 46 years old, has remade his image, coaching style and impact over the past few years. 

After beating Tennessee on Saturday—along with dodging golf balls, beer cans and bottles of brown substances we best not explore—Kiffin has Ole Miss at 5-1 heading into next Saturday's game against, you guessed it, LSU. 

As someone who covers the sport, I desperately want this to happen. The connection between program, coach and fanbase could be intoxicating. It could also be hugely successful. 

But I also wonder if this environment and the pressure to win might be too much.

That is not a knock on Kiffin, who I believe could handle just about anything at this point. I just wonder how all of his glorious Kiffin-isms would go over in this place after a seven-win season.

If you're LSU, you have to explore the possibility. If you're Kiffin, you have to do the same.

It just might not be a perfect football marriage. And that's perfectly fine. 

       

Ragin' Cajun Infusion 

User: @ Fedupfan58 

Suggestion: Billy Napier next up at LSU 

I like this idea quite a bit. If you watched Louisiana play over the past two-and-a-half seasons, you probably like it, too.

Compared to just about every other candidate suggested, Napier would be the least "flashy" hire. Please don't mistake that with bad; it's just the reality for a coach who is currently navigating the Sun Belt.

But Napier has a lot of things working for him when it comes to this job.

For starters, he coaches just down the road from LSU and already has the area mapped. He's also only 42 years old. And he worked under Nick Saban extensively at Alabama, which is the kind of seasoning necessary to make this jump. 

Since the 2019 season began, Napier is 26-5 with the Ragin' Cajuns. Along the way, he has turned down multiple offers to be a coach at a Power Five school. 

Would he have interest in LSU? How could he not? Whether or not LSU would have interest in him is another question entirely. 

Athletic director Scott Woodward, who is making his first hire with LSU, is likely looking to reel in a big fish. I'm not sure Napier would qualify, but he has an incredibly bright future somewhere.

        

Speaking of Big Fish… 

User: @gchambers

Suggestion: Jimbo on his way back to Baton Rouge

Why would Jimbo Fisher, who just signed an extension with Texas A&M that will pay him in excess of $9 million until 2031, leave for another job?

Well, for starters, it's a better one.

The Aggies have tremendous momentum in a lot of places, more resources than pretty much anyone, and a ton going for them. They can win a national title, which is not something many programs can say.

But Texas A&M isn't LSU. And if Fisher decided he wanted a change of scenery, few (if any) have better scenery than this.  

There are a few other connections here worth nothing. For starters, Woodward and Fisher are tight. In fact, Woodward hired Fisher at Texas A&M.

Oh, and Fisher logged significant time at LSU. He even helped the Tigers win a national championship as an offensive coordinator under Saban in 2003.

A lot of this depends on just how comfortable Fisher is in College Station. Given his current contract, it might be hard to turn down. There's enough here, however, to give this one some strong consideration.

       

Bayou Homecoming 

User: @PerfectDawg123 

Suggestion: Dave Aranda 

Like Fisher, Dave Aranda knows what it's like to have success in Baton Rouge.

Baylor's current head coach served as LSU's defensive coordinator between 2016 and 2019. During his time with the Tigers, he became one of the highest-paid assistant coaches in the country—a tactic meant to keep him from leaving for one of the many opportunities that were presented.

In his second season at Baylor, Aranda has the Bears at 6-1 and ranked No. 20 in the AP Poll. In his first stop as head coach, the 45-year-old looks to have his program on the right track. 

Would he be a fit at LSU? Naturally. 

From a recruiting and comfort standpoint, few coaches would slide into this position as gracefully as Aranda would. He knows what it takes to build teams and defenses at this level. He also knows just how ridiculous the expectations are at LSU to win. 

I still don't expect that he would be the first or second call. While he is gaining coaching experience, he's still in only the middle of his second year. He needs more time, and I imagine LSU will likely feel the same.

To be clear, this wouldn't be a bad hire. I just don't believe they'll start with him. 

       

The Biggest of Bayou Homecomings

User: @The_KOD 

Suggestion: Saban making the flip

Just, well, no. 

Absolutely no.

I cannot possibly say no any louder than this. 

OK, let me try. I'm going to say no as loud as I possibly can.

And for the people in the back, one last time: no.

Welcome back to TGIFighting, where we talk to top fighters, preview the weekend's combat sports action and make crotchety observations about the combat sports news of the day. Ready? Let's proceed.

                     

From now through next January, the UFC has scheduled no fewer than seven title fights.

It's natural to take stock before dropping into such wild rapids, and thus it seems like the right time to ask: Which title picture among the UFC's 12 weight classes is currently the most competitive?

Let's sort through them, shall we?

There are a few we can rule out off the top. Three of the UFC's four women's weight classes are ruled by two iron-fisted fighters: Valentina Shevchenko (22-3) at flyweight and Amanda Nunes (21-4) at bantamweight and featherweight. These are dominant champions and charismatic competitors, but that doesn't translate to a lot of intrigue in their respective divisions (quite the opposite, actually).

The same problem exists at men's welterweight, as current champ and consensus pound-for-pound kingpin Kamaru Usman (19-1) is now cycling back through the same list of challengers he's already dominated.

The fourth women's division, strawweight, is looking a little top-heavy at the moment. In November at UFC 268, champ Rose Namajunas (11-4) will rematch Zhang Weili (21-2), who held the belt until Namajunas took it in April. Immediately below them on the division's official UFC rankings is Joanna Jedrzejczyk (16-4), who has already lost once to Weili and twice to Namajunas—and, to the chagrin of her colleagues, hasn't competed in more than a year. Former champ Carla Esparza (19-6) is also in the mix with a five-fight win streak, but that came against lower levels of competition. Ergo, not a lot going on outside the top two here, though it is still easily the most compelling women's division.

More Marina Rodriguez on Joanna Jedrzejczyk: "The problem is she's holding a very important spot in the rankings, and there's so many girls there fighting twice a year, three times a year trying to get to that, and that spot is locked." #UFCVegas39

— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) October 9, 2021

Back on the men's side, we can rule out light heavyweight, which, with apologies to champ Jan Blachowicz (28-8), doesn't posses a ton of transcendent talent or star power. The truth is that, for all Jon Jones' (26-1 [1 NC]) flirtations with heavyweight and persistent legal and personal problems—and seriously, how sad was it to see him cast out by the braintrust at Jackson-Wink? Those two made each other—his absence casts a long shadow over the division he ruled for nearly a decade without ever losing.

Heavyweight has a bona fide star in Francis Ngannou (16-3), but there's a triangle at the top with Ciryl Gane (10-0) and Stipe Miocic (20-4), two great fighters who haven't permeated the national sports consciousness.

Men's flyweight is a two-man race with champ Brandon Moreno (19-5-2) and Deiveson Figueiredo (20-2-1), who are scheduled for a trilogy fight in January at UFC 270. Askar Askarov (13-0-1) is intriguing—he retired Joseph Benavidez (28-8) in March—but hasn't done enough yet to break into the title conversation. The UFC might want to make a fight for Askarov soon if it wants to maintain his momentum. 

Middleweight is fun, but unless Robert Whittaker (23-5) can pull the upset in their inevitable-but-still-technically-unofficial rematch next year, Israel Adesanya (21-1) will continue to control this division. After these two, you're quickly left with the Jared Cannoniers (14-5) of the world.

Men's bantamweight is a terrific division, no two ways about it. With Rob Font (19-4) and Jose Aldo (30-7) circling the periphery, you have a rock-solid core of Petr Yan (15-2), TJ Dillashaw (17-4), Cory Sandhagen (14-3) and Aljamain Sterling (20-3). That's a murder's row right there. Yan and Sandhagen vie for the interim title October 30.

Now consider this: the interim belt is only in place because the lineal champ, Sterling, remains out as he continues to recover from neck surgery. Dillashaw, one of the best bantamweights ever, sits on the shelf with a knee injury—and before that missed two years with a drug suspension. These injuries muddy the waters, not only depriving us of great fights but preventing us from properly sorting out the title picture. Sorry, bantamweights. Close but no cigar.

Now we get to men's featherweight and lightweight. That's right: it's a two-horse race to determine the UFC's top division.

At featherweight, champ Alexander Volkanovski (23-1) may be the best fighter in the world this side of Usman. Most recently, he dispatched top contender Brian Ortega (15-2 [1 NC]) in a Fight of the Year candidate. If Yair Rodriguez (13-2 [1 NC]) can beat Max Holloway (22-6) in November, he'll be an exciting new presence on the contender scene. But that's a big if, as injuries and a failed drug test have kept him away from competition for two years.

The Korean Zombie Chan Sung Jung (17-6) is a respected action fighter, and while he's more well-rounded than people give him credit for, he looked a step behind when he lost to Ortega last year. The top five is rounded out by Calvin Kattar (22-5), a legitimately good fighter who has struggled to beat top competition, most recently in a lopsided and rather bloody decision loss to Holloway. 

That leaves the lightweights. In a way, the retirement of lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov (29-0) and the back-burnering of Conor McGregor (22-6) were the best things to happen to this division in some time. Nurmagomedov had a near-literal stranglehold on the division. Now it's anyone's game, and in this case that's a very good thing, because lightweight is chock full of killers, both established veterans and those hungry to make a name for themselves in the history books.

We'll take a deeper dive in a second, but these stats may tell you all you need to know: at featherweight, the champion and top five contenders have a combined UFC record of 56-15 and 2 NC, with 36 post-fight bonuses. The lightweights have a combined record of 69-22-1 with 45 bonuses. This indicates that the lightweight stable is deeper, more experienced and more exciting than its featherweight counterpart. 

Brand-new lightweight champ Charles Oliveira (31-8 [1 NC]) is an absolute joy to watch, a fight fan's fighter. Despite being only 31 years old, he holds the UFC record for submission wins with 14. But he's not infallible, especially not at this level, and especially given his history of mental lapses. That makes for a more wide-open field.

The wildly popular Dustin Poirier (28-6 [1 NC]), who in December will challenge Oliveira for the belt at UFC 269, could be in prime position to earn his first lineal title. After Poirier comes the ultra-violent Justin Gaethje (22-3), a well-rounded high-IQ fighter in Beneil Dariush (21-4-1), longtime Bellator champ Michael Chandler (22-6), and Islam Makhachev (20-1), who has been labeled the next Nurmagomedov by more than one observer (raises hand). 

Another advantage at 155 pounds compared with 145: these guys are all new to each other.

With the exception of Chandler, Oliveira has never faced any of the five fighters below him. Gaethje and Poirier have only faced each other. Dariush and Makhachev are entirely new to this level of the game. So there's plenty we don't know about this title picture. That means lots of fresh matchups and storylines.

By contrast, at featherweight Volkanovski has already beaten Ortega once and Holloway twice. The latter is particularly problematic, given that Holloway is the No. 1 contender. Ortega, sitting at No. 2, has already faced Volkanovski, Holloway and Zombie. Not a massive bottleneck, but a bottleneck nonetheless.

One final piece of evidence for the lightweights: When McGregor, the former dual-division champ and the most famous fighter in the world, sits at No. 9 on your rankings, you know you're fighting in a deep bracket.

There are stories to tell in every division, but if you're looking for the one with the most intrigue as the UFC embarks on a critical stretch for its marquee fighters, lightweight is at the top of the heap.

                 

Masvidal-Edwards Finally Set

Three-piece and a soda? On December 11, you're going to want to add a jumbo tub of popcorn to the mix.

That's when welterweights Jorge Masvidal (35-15) and Leon Edwards (19-3 [1 NC]) will square off at UFC 269. 

Grudge matches don't come much grudgier than this. It's been simmering on the stove for two years now, ever since the two fighters and their camps came to blows backstage at UFC Fight Night 147. It was after that even that Masvidal made his infamous fried chicken comment, which became so popular Masvidal started printing T-shirts. 

It's an intriguing scrap as well, with both men more than capable of finding a stoppage. It's unlikely, however, that this one hits the ground, or ends with anything other than one man going out on his shield. 

                  

Stone Cold Lead Pipe Lock of the Week

Record to date: 19-6

UFC Fight Night 195 goes down this weekend from Las Vegas, but, dude: This is not a good card. The main event is downright uncomfortable, with Aspen Ladd (9-1) trying her hand up at featherweight just two weeks after a scary weigh-in 10 pounds lighter. She'll do this against a total unknown in Norma Dumont (6-1) after Holly Holm (14-5) had to withdraw because of injury.

And that about sums it up. 

Luckily, all us conservative bettors have Bellator 268, also going down Saturday. Bet the house on perennially overlooked light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov (14-3), who is facing someone named Julius Anglickas (10-1), whose twin claims to fame are competing on Dana White's Contender Series and being in really good shape.

This is the evening's main event, and doubles as the second semifinal match of the promotion's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix. Nemkov won't pay off much, sitting at a -510 favorite over Anglickas, per DraftKings, but there's nothing wrong with a little easy money, even if it's not likely to put your kids through college. If nothing else, you'll get to see a great fighter in Nemkov do his thing. Lock it in and collect the W. 

Week 6 of the 2021 college football season was a doozy. Scoreboards were broken, upsets were delivered and fields were stormed.

If Week 7 can come close to approaching it in terms of drama, we're in for a delightful encore.

From a betting perspective, Locks of the Week was essentially a wash last weekend. And for the season, that theme essentially carries over. 

At 28-30-2, I just haven't been able to find a rhythm. Yet. That rhythm is coming, and it starts this week. 

Before I get to my picks, here's what went right (and not-so-right) last weekend.

The Good: Washington State (+3.5) vs. Oregon State: This line absolutely stunk, and the underdog ultimately delivered. While the Beavers battled, Washington State was able to cover the points and win outright. (Also, I called the upset in picks.)

The Bad: West Virginia (+3) vs. Baylor: Woof. That's pretty much all I have to say about that. West Virginia fell behind early and then proceeded to fall behind more. This one never had a chance; at least I was able to focus elsewhere.

With that complete, onward to the picks. 

    

Utah (+1) vs. Arizona State 

The Sun Devils have been kind to the bank account this season. In fact, allow me to thank Herm Edwards for the money he has made us over the past few weeks. But this week, I'm siding elsewhere.

As good as ASU has been as of late, these two teams share plenty in common. Both lost to BYU in (somewhat) ugly fashion. The only difference is that Utah followed up that defeat with a loss to San Diego State. The Aztecs are now ranked in the Top 25 of the AP Poll, so the loss has looked better with time. 

In recent weeks, Utah has looked much more polished. The Utes crushed USC in Week 6 as a three-point underdog, and they enter Week 7 with some momentum. 

Arizona State is likely to be a popular bet this week given the spread. I get that. Jayden Daniels is a wonderful QB, and this offense has pieces. But down go the Sun Devils in a thriller. 

    

Washington (-1.5) vs. UCLA 

Let's cozy up to the Pac-12 for a while longer. 

While I thought Washington was a tad overrated entering the year, this team is not devoid of talent.

The Huskies' schedule has also been strange. The loss to Michigan looks like a quality one, at least right now. The loss to Montana to open the year? Not so much. 

However, Washington has been improving in recent weeks. Although it still has only two wins, the point spread speaks to the quality of the roster and also the impact of playing at home. 

Meanwhile, UCLA has had a weird year. The darlings of the young season were blown out by Arizona State and also lost to Fresno State. That loss has not aged gracefully. 

While I couldn't help but get swept up in the Week 0 triumph over Hawai'i along with a win against LSU, we now know a lot more about what this team is. The point spread tells us that, too.

In a conference that doesn't appear to have a dominant team, home-field advantage will loom large. Washington 30, UCLA 24.

    

Missouri (+8.5) vs. Texas A&M 

The hangover possibilities are spectacular. All of the necessary ingredients are in place. 

Texas A&M just beat Alabama in one of the biggest upsets of the year. The program and its fans are likely still celebrating. (I frankly can't blame anyone for that if so.) 

But what exactly did we just witness from the Aggies? Was this the turning point where it all finally clicked? Or did everything simply align for this one singular, powerful moment? 

The answer is likely somewhere in the middle. Football is weird like that. While I loved the Aggies' win, I don't necessarily believe that specific performance will carry over.

This has letdown written all over it. The point spread speaks to that as well. 

Missouri is still seeking its first cover of the season. That isn't something that any team wants to hear in the middle of October. The Tigers just barely got past North Texas. Before that, they were blown out by Tennessee. But the offense can score points.

This is only Texas A&M's second true road game of the year. Plus, the game will be played before noon. While Mizzou's run defense is horrid, the hangover keeps this game within the number. 

     

Nevada vs. Hawaii (Over 60.5) 

Regardless of how your wagering goes Saturday, Nevada-Hawaii will be waiting.

With a scheduled start time of 10:30 p.m. EST, this glorious showcase—aka "chase" game—could go deep into the night. And I think there will be plenty of touchdowns to ensure it takes a while.

Sunday mornings are overrated anyway. Lean into this one.

Nevada still feels somewhat underrated. Outside of their loss to Kansas State, the Wolf Pack have been excellent. They're also averaging 36.8 points per game.

Hawai'i just enjoyed a bye week after beating Fresno State. The Warriors scored 41 points in the game before that against New Mexico State, and they've looked better since laying an egg against UCLA in the season opener.

Although I would lean Nevada when it comes to the spread, I could see Hawai'i hanging around for a while. And I don't believe it will be done with defense. 

Nevada 44, Hawaii, 27.

     

Tennessee (+3) vs. Ole Miss 

If you like points, this is the game for you.

The current total sits at 81 points, which is one of the higher totals we'll get all season. That speaks to the kind of offense we're likely to see, and it will in no way be one-sided.

Ole Miss is going to score. Lane Kiffin and Matt Corral are a deadly combination, and the Rebels are currently the nation's No. 4 scoring offense. But as we've seen against both Alabama and Arkansas, the defense isn't completely repaired.

And Tennessee, which suddenly looks like a difficult matchup, could take full advantage.

While the loss to Pitt early in the season looked like a bad one, the Panthers have turned out to be quite good. Since then, the Tennessee offense, which ranks No. 7 nationally, has overwhelmed most of its opponents.

Like Texas A&M, this will be the Rebels' second away game of the year. Knoxville, which has been waiting to play in important games, will be up for this one. 

Tennessee pulls a mild upset. Many points will be scored.

    

Other Games on the Card 

Pittsburgh at Virginia Tech (Over 58): Don't sleep on this game. Kenny Pickett has been brilliant for Pitt, and the Hokies should score. While Virginia Tech wasn't kind to me last weekend against Notre Dame, these two will make up for it in Week 7. 

Wyoming (+3.5) vs. Fresno State: The Bulldogs' upset of Oregon feels like a distant memory, and the point spread in this game certainly reflects that. Wyoming rallies after last weekend's loss with an outright win and cover. 

Florida vs. LSU (Over 58.5): I'm not certain what to do with this spread, although I am expecting plenty of points. Despite all of the injuries LSU is dealing with, the offense does its part to help hit this over.

Auburn (+5.5) at Arkansas: Both of these teams have seen just how good Georgia is up close over the past two weeks. While neither outcome was ideal, Auburn is playing well on both sides of the ball. I'm ready for the Bo Nix experience.

    

Odds via DraftKings and accurate as of Wednesday.

   

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.

In less than a month, the College Football Playoff selection committee will unveil its first crack at its Top 25. While completely unnecessary until the rankings are final, this yearly ritual is a reminder that the exercise is coming, the season is progressing, and the playoff will be here before we know it.

Many likely penciled Alabama in their playoff shortly after the season began. Some likely did it much earlier than that. The Crimson Tide's loss, however, was the latest shake-up in a series of shake-ups that have defined the 2021 season. 

And so, as we look ahead, one can't help but wonder what teams outside of the top four of the AP poll—Georgia, Iowa, Cincinnati and Oklahoma—will ultimately crawl their way into the final four when the playoff is decided. 

That very question was posed to our B/R readers as we transition into Week 7. Some took the obvious path; Others proved to be a bit more daring.

Here were their responses with accompanying feedback.

   

Roll Dang Recovery 

User: @PRINCEZZ66

Response: Bama lol that's easy

Current AP Poll Rank: No. 5

Maybe it is that easy.

History says that this is the correct answer. In fact, just imagining the College Football Playoff without Alabama feels strange, which speaks to the level of dominance Nick Saban has normalized in Tuscaloosa. 

But let's start with the warts. Yes, Alabama has some. They don't look like the warts most college football programs have, although they feel slightly more pronounced than usual. 

Against Texas A&M, we witnessed a defense with holes, an offense that was prone to mistakes and a team that normally specializes in discipline look somewhat out of sorts. 

To be clear, I'm grading harshly. Alabama is judged on a different level than any other team in any other sport; the program has been that good. 

And, yes, the Crimson Tide can still make the playoff. Alabama can also still win a national championship. (Of course it can.)

That said, the remaining schedule isn't a cakewalk. Playing at Mississippi State will be a peculiar test this week. Alabama also plays Tennessee, which looks much improved. I'm not sure what we'll get with LSU, but it's a matchup worth mentioning.

And games against Arkansas and Auburn close out the year. A game against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game would likely come next. 

If the Crimson Tide win out, they're in. Heck, they're probably the No. 1 seed. If they lose another game, the picture starts to look much different.

It's not time to panic. But the major mulligan is gone, and that changes the discussion plenty.

   

The New-and-Improved Buckeyes

User: @matt5151

Response: Ohio State will win the Big Ten and be in the playoff

Current AP Poll Rank: No. 6

This sport moves quickly.

After all, we buried the Buckeyes a little more than a month ago when they lost outright to Oregon at home.

Now? It's hard not to find a place for Ohio State.

In the past three games, the Buckeyes have outscored opponents 177-37. Granted, those three opponents were Akron, Rutgers and Maryland.

Still, the turnaround on both sides of the ball is noteworthy even if you question the competition—and you should.

The defense looks improved. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is healthy and appears far more comfortable. Add in running back TreVeyon Henderson and the remarkable talent at wide receiver, and you have a delightful formula.

For whatever reason, that formula didn't seem to work early on. And although things seem to be vastly improved as the Buckeyes enjoy a bye week, the remaining schedule still has plenty of teeth.

After playing at Indiana—a team that gave Ohio State fits last season—the Buckeyes will play Penn State, at a vastly improved Nebraska, Purdue, Michigan State and at Michigan. (Three of those teams are ranked in the Top 10 of the AP poll.)

A loss in any of those games could spell trouble in reaching the Big Ten Championship Game. And if that is the case, Ohio State would have to state its case from the couch.

Of course, Ryan Day's team can still win out. In terms of overall roster talent, this is far and away the best in the Big Ten. But I also hesitate to simply toss it in at this point. More data points are needed, and thankfully those data points are coming quickly.

     

Jim Harbaugh's Miraculous Makeover

User: @rharris21

Response: Michigan

Current AP Poll Rank: No. 8

There is nothing wrong with a one-word answer. In this instance, the one word provided is plenty loud.

Just imagine Jim Harbaugh, less than a year removed from a 2-4 record and lots of noise about his job security at Michigan, bulldozing his way into the playoff.

The Wolverines are 6-0. Included in those six victories are wins over Washington, Wisconsin and Nebraska. 

While those might not be dominant teams, the performance (and rebound) has been impressive. In fact, you could make the argument—and a strong one—that Michigan should be ranked higher in the AP poll.

Like Ohio State, the Wolverines' remaining schedule is a doozy. At the end of the month, Michigan will play at Michigan State. A few weeks later, the Wolverines will play at Penn State.

Then, to close out the year, they'll play Ohio State at home. That rivalry, as we know, has not gone well in recent years.

Anything is possible. Although this offense still needs to become more explosive to crack the playoff, the defense, ranked No. 9 nationally in points allowed per game, has the talent to make life on the opposing team somewhat miserable.

To me, it still feels possible—even likely—that Michigan will drop at least one game. The fact that we are two months into the year and contemplating a College Football Playoff visit for Harbaugh, however, is a significant development.

A playoff visit would still surprise, although it's by no means impossible.

    

The Wild-Card Wildcats

User: @chelm71

Response: UK is a wildcard team flying under the radar that is playing incredible ball

Current AP Poll Rank: No. 11

The fact that Kentucky is still ranked outside the Top 10 in the AP poll is criminal.

With wins over Florida and LSU, one could argue that Kentucky's resume is not terribly different from Iowa's. (And I say this as someone who really likes Iowa's team.)

With that in the open, this conversation is likely to change one way or another come Saturday night. Kentucky plays at Georgia, the fellow unbeaten SEC East team. While the outcome of this game won't immediately decide the division, it'll certainly be an enormous piece of the puzzle.

The oddsmakers don't believe Kentucky has much of a chance. The Wildcats are more than a three-touchdown underdog. Although this is a matchup between two teams ranked in the Top 11, an upset would be shocking.

If Kentucky wins, everything changes.

The College Football Playoff becomes not just possible; it becomes likely.

But even if Kentucky plays a competitive game in defeat, I wonder how this team will be viewed with one loss.

The remaining games are reasonable by comparison. And although it would miss out on the SEC Championship Game, could it wiggle in with some madness?

Well, maybe. But probably not.

Sadly, so much of this is a beauty contest. And Kentucky, even now, isn't getting nearly enough credit for the season it has had.

     

Sparty On

User: @josephbrendel

Response: Michigan State

Current AP Poll Rank: No. 10

On the topic of unbeaten teams trying to scratch and claw their way up the rankings, enter Michigan State.

The Spartans are 6-0, one of the biggest surprises in college football and certainly poised to surpass all reasonable 2021 expectations. Oh, and Michigan State might have the best running back in college football. Kenneth Walker III is already approaching 1,000 yards and is a legitimate Heisman candidate.

There is a ton to like about this team and season. Mel Tucker has done a fabulous job with a program that has made the College Football Playoff in the past. (This last point is important because not many have.)

My concern is the competition. The best win to date is probably over Nebraska, and it's a game Sparty could have (and perhaps should have) lost.

Moving forward, I just don't know how this will translate. Games at Indiana, against Michigan, at Ohio State and against Penn State are still to come.

Yuck.

I love the story. I want them to keep winning. I want Walker to continue to run wild.

But a playoff appearance would still be one of the greatest triumphs the sport has ever seen.