Category: Features

College Football News Rankings 1-130: After Week 12

The College Football News 2019 college football rankings after Week 12.

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The College Football News 2019 college football rankings after Week 12.

As always, the CFN Rankings are based on the results, schedules, and head-to-head matchups as much as possible.

Also, as always, if you have an issue or a question about a ranking, go ahead and tweet us @ColFootballNews and we’ll try to figure it out/explain. If you see something that looks REALLY off, look at the schedule and follow the trail from there – or notice the one horrific loss or wildly big win.

College Football News Rankings: Week 12

Contact @ColFootballNews

CFN Rankings After Week 12
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10

130. Akron Zips (0-10)

Week 12: Eastern Michigan 42, Akron 14
Last Week Ranking: 130
Week 13 Opponent: at Miami University

129. UMass Minutemen (1-10)

Week 12: Northwestern 45, UMass 6
Last Week Ranking: 129
Week 13 Opponent: BYU

128. New Mexico State Aggies (1-9)

Week 12: New Mexico State 41, Incarnate Word 28
Last Week Ranking: 128
Week 13 Opponent: UTEP

127. UConn Huskies (2-8)

Week 12: Didn’t Play This Week
Last Week Ranking: 126
Week 13 Opponent: East Carolina

126. UTEP Miners (1-9)

Week 12: UAB 37, UTEP 10
Last Week Ranking: 125
Week 13 Opponent: New Mexico State

125. Old Dominion Monarchs (1-9)

Week 12: Didn’t Play This Week
Last Week Ranking: 124
Week 13 Opponent: at Middle Tennessee

124. Rice Owls (1-9)

Week 12: Rice 31, Middle Tennessee 28
Last Week Ranking: 127
Week 13 Opponent: North Texas

123. UTSA Roadrunners (4-6)

Week 12: Southern Miss 36, UTSA 17
Last Week Ranking: 123
Week 13 Opponent: Florida Atlantic

122. South Alabama Jaguars (1-9)

Week 12: Louisiana 37, South Alabama 27
Last Week Ranking: 122
Week 13 Opponent: at Georgia State

121. Bowling Green Falcons (3-7)

Week 12: Miami University 44, Bowling Green 6
Last Week Ranking: 121
Week 13 Opponent: Ohio

120. New Mexico Lobos (2-8)

Week 12: Boise State 42, New Mexico 9
Last Week Ranking: 120
Week 13 Opponent: Air Force

119. Liberty Flames (6-4)

Week 12: Didn’t Play This Week
Last Week Ranking: 118
Week 13 Opponent: at Virginia

118. Texas State Bobcats (3-7)

Week 12: Troy 63, Texas State 27
Last Week Ranking: 117
Week 13 Opponent: at Appalachian State

117. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-8)

Week 12: Ohio State 56, Rutgers 21
Last Week Ranking: 116
Week 13 Opponent: Michigan State

116. Kent State Golden Flashes (4-6)

Week 12: Kent State 30, Buffalo 27
Last Week Ranking: 119
Week 13 Opponent: Ball State

115. Troy Trojans (5-5)

Week 12: Troy 63, Texas State 27
Last Week Ranking: 112
Week 13 Opponent: at Louisiana

114. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (4-6)

Week 12: Arkansas State 28, Coastal Carolina 27
Last Week Ranking: 111
Week 13 Opponent: at ULM

113. Arkansas State Red Wolves (6-4)

Week 12: Arkansas State 28, Coastal Carolina 27
Last Week Ranking: 115
Week 13 Opponent: Georgia Southern

112. Army Black Knights (5-6)

Week 12: Army 47, VMI 6
Last Week Ranking: 110
Week 13 Opponent: at Hawaii (Nov. 30)

111. Georgia State Panthers (6-4)

Week 12: Appalachian State 56, Georgia State 27
Last Week Ranking: 109
Week 13 Opponent: South Alabama

110. Eastern Michigan Eagles (5-5)

Week 12: Eastern Michigan 42, Akron 14
Last Week Ranking: 108
Week 13 Opponent: at Northern Illinois

109. Toledo Rockets (6-4)

Week 12: Northern Illinois 31, Toledo 28
Last Week Ranking: 107
Week 13 Opponent: at Buffalo

108. Northern Illinois Huskies (4-6)

Week 12: Northern Illinois 31, Toledo 28
Last Week Ranking: 114
Week 13 Opponent: Eastern Michigan

107. Miami University RedHawks (6-4)

Week 12: Miami University 44, Bowling Green 6
Last Week Ranking: 113
Week 13 Opponent: Akron

106. ULM Warhawks (4-6)

Week 12: Georgia Southern 51, ULM 29
Last Week Ranking: 106
Week 13 Opponent: Coastal Carolina

105. Ball State Cardinals (4-6)

Week 12: Central Michigan 45, Ball State 44
Last Week Ranking: 103
Week 13 Opponent: at Kent State

104. Central Michigan Chippewas (7-4)

Week 12: Central Michigan 45, Ball State 44
Last Week Ranking: 105
Week 13 Opponent: Toledo (Nov. 29)

103. Buffalo Bulls (5-5)

Week 12: Kent State 30, Buffalo 27
Last Week Ranking: 104
Week 13 Opponent: Toledo

102. Ohio Bobcats (4-6)

Week 12: Western Michigan 37, Ohio 34 OT
Last Week Ranking: 102
Week 13 Opponent: at Bowling Green

101. Western Michigan Broncos (7-4)

Week 12: Western Michigan 37, Ohio 34 OT
Last Week Ranking: 101
Week 13 Opponent: at Northern Illinois (Nov. 26)

CFN Rankings After Week 12
76-100 | 51-75 | 26-50 | 11-25 | Top 10

NEXT: 76-100, 50-75, Top 25

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How the Ravens can contain Deshaun Watson and other questions for Texans Wire

I talk with Texans Wire managing editor Mark Lane to get the inside scoop on what to expect from Ravens vs. Texans in Week 11.

The Baltimore Ravens get a near clone of themselves in Week 11 when they take on the Houston Texans. With a quarterback also in the discussion for the NFL’s MVP award, a tough rushing attack and a defense that has gotten the job done but hasn’t necessarily looked the greatest along the way, the Ravens are in for a taste of their own medicine.

To get a closer look at what Houston has going for them this season and where Baltimore might look to attack, I turned to Texans Wire managing editor Mark Lane.

1) Deshaun Watson has been having a great season but has also had a few mediocre games. How have opposing defenses been able to contain him in those efforts?

There are two tricks to slowing down Watson. The first is to generate a pass rush up the middle that is so overwhelming that he can’t evade his way out of the problem. The second way is to have really great coverage and force him to sit on some passes. One of the best things Watson does is get the ball out quickly and also avoid the first wave of pass rushers. Another element that helps is to stuff the run game. If the run game isn’t working, and Watson is all they have on the ground, that also allows the defense to key in on him and shut him down.

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Shaq Lawson on possibly starting: ‘I’ve been ready’

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson could play a more prominent role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson could play a more prominent role this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. With a lingering injury hindering starter Jerry Hughes, Lawson would be the next man up to fill the void.

“I’ve been ready for the opportunity,” Lawson said to NYUP. Hughes, who is currently dealing with a groin injury, is questionable for Sunday’s contest. Hughes did not practice on Friday.

Lawson is looking forward to the possibility of getting the start this weekend.

“I prepare every week like a starter. I was a starter here before and started a lot of games here last year. I hope he can go but if he can’t go, I just be ready, Lawson said.

Lawson has been lauded for his production against the run. However, he’s been disruptive against the pass, leading the Bills with 11 quarterback pressures. He has registered 16 total tackles and two sacks on the season as well.

No matter what role he participates, the fourth-year-pro recognizes that he needs to play well for the Bills.

“It don’t change nothing at all,” he said. “Just an opportunity to show some more of me. Getting an extra few plays. I just have to go out there and do my job, do my 1/11th, affect the run and affect the run game.”

Lawson entered this season understanding that it would be significant in his career, calling the season a “do or die” year for him when interviewed in June. After all, Buffalo declined to pick up the 2016 first-round pick’s fifth-year option, leaving his future in a bit of uncertainty.

Lawson is stuck behind Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy on the defensive end depth chart. Hughes has played 42.5-percent of snaps thus far for the Bills.

Lawson could make a major statement and in turn, push Hughes and Murphy for snaps moving forward.

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Behind Enemy Lines with Panthers Wire: Kyle Allen or Cam Newton?

The Panthers have lost two of their last three games since winning four straight when Kyle Allen took over at QB. What’s gone wrong over the past few weeks?

The Falcons have won just two games all season, but will look to win their second straight when they take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 11.

To help us preview Sunday’s matchup, we caught up with Tim Weaver, the managing editor for Panthers Wire. Here’s four questions behind enemy lines ahead of this weekend’s NFC South battle in Carolina.

The Panthers have lost two of three games after winning four straight when Kyle Allen took over at QB. What’s gone wrong?

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

PW: Allen has thrown some bad passes, but the main reason they have been losing lately is their run defense. Since defensive tackle Kawann Short went on injured reserve in Week 3, it’s been steadily getting worse. Last week, they let Aaron Jones run all over them. He scored three rushing touchdowns, and the Packers averaged six yards per carry. I don’t know what the answer is, but Ron Rivera has to figure something out here.

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Lamar Jackson vs. Deshaun Watson 2.0 could be another fireworks show

As Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson square off for the second time, history points to a shootout for the Ravens and Texans in Week 11.

The last time Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson were on a field together was a little more than three years ago, though they were wearing different jerseys. Jackson and Watson were trading figurative blows as Louisville and Clemson fought for supremacy through a shootout and four lead changes.

Jackson and Watson combined to run for nearly a quarter of the combined total yards in that game, putting up 253 rushing yards and two of the four rushing touchdowns scored. In one of the most exciting college games in recent history, they threw for a combined 601 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions en route to a 42-36 Clemson win.

Fast forward to 2019, and both Jackson and Watson are two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL. Jackson is in his first full season as the starter, leading the Baltimore Ravens to a 7-2 record and talk of an MVP award. Watson is in his third season with the Houston Texans and has them at 6-3 in the thick of the playoff hunt.

With the Texans and Ravens meeting on the field in Week 11, we could be in for a replay of that wild 2016 game.

Much like that Clemson-Louisville game from three years ago, Watson and Jackson have been huge parts of their respective offenses. Jackson leads the Ravens on the ground, accounting for just under 40% of the team’s total rushing yards. He’s been efficient as a passer, completing 65.9% of his passes with a 3-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Watson accounts for just under 22% of Houston’s rushing yards but has completed 70.2% of his passes while throwing 18 touchdown passes to just five interceptions.

Combined, Jackson and Watson total 5,449 total yards (rushing and passing), 33 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns while leading the first- and eighth-ranked scoring offenses in the NFL.

But the opposite side of the ball has been less spectacular. The defenses for both Houston and Baltimore have been suspect at times this season. Though both units have gotten the job done well enough to have them in the playoff race, neither defense is on par with what we’ve come to expect from these franchises.

They rank near the middle of the league (15th for the Ravens and 19th for the Texans) and have had some terrible outings this year. Baltimore has allowed 500-plus yards while giving up 30-plus points twice this season. Houston has given up 500-plus yards once and has allowed 30-plus points three times.

Both Jackson and Watson have unique abilities to avoid a pass rush, often making defenses look foolish for trying to pressure them. But with J.J. Watt on injured reserve for Houston and Baltimore not having a star pass rusher of its own, neither Jackson nor Watson should have very much trouble this week. That should free up both offenses to throw from the pocket and use their mobile quarterbacks as weapons on the ground.

Combine these suspect defenses with the multitalented quarterbacks and it seems like a recipe for fireworks reminiscent of that Clemson-Louisville game.

Jerry Hughes won’t discuss tweet about Myles Garrett

Buffalo Bills DE Jerry Hughes on Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett.

Just about 99 percent of the internet decide that Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was in the wrong on Thursday and he certainly was.

Garrett got in a mix up with Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and ripped his helmet off and swung it at him.

Garrett and others have since been suspended, Garrett is done for the year while Rudolph was fined by the NFL for his part.

But of those leaving comments about the incident, Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes left a bit of a cryptic message. He did not condone what Garrett did, but tweeted: “It’s a violent game played by violent ppl (people).”

Hughes was approached by a group of reporters on Friday in the Bills locker room following the team’s final day of practice ahead of their Week 11 meeting with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Hughes was very annoyed when asked about the tweets.

“My team runs the tweet. I don’t talk about the internet. It’s not real,” Hughes said.

Interrupting a follow-up question, Hughes repeated himself.

“My team runs the tweet. I don’t talk about the internet. It’s not real,” Hughes said. “Are we going to talk about the team coming up [the Dolphins]? Are we going to talk about the Dolphins, guys? Are we not talking about the Dolphins? We’re not talking about the Dolphins?”

The only thing further that Hughes would address is what his coach, Sean McDermott, said about the incident. Earlier in the day, McDermott revealed that he told his players in a team meeting that Garrett’s type of behavior was unacceptable.

“He addressed the team and he said we shouldn’t do that. Everyone says don’t hit someone in the head with a helmet. So we’re moving forward. We’re focused on the Dolphins,” Hughes said.

“I haven’t thought too much about it, not thinking about it,” Hughes added. “I’m focused on Miami, how we can go down there and get a win, so we can get back on track.”

While Hughes is focusing on Miami and not his tweets, he might want to delete this questionable message. He then later followed up his interview with another tweet which was a video of another helmet-swinging incident in 2013 with an emoji shrugging shoulders:

For what it’s worth, Hughes is also the only Bills player who might not play against the Dolphins. He was listed on the team’s final injury report as questionable with a groin injury. That also could have factored into his emotions.

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4 players to watch in Falcons’ Week 11 matchup with the Panthers

After an unexpected defensive showcase against the Saints in Week 10 in which Atlanta sacked Drew Brees six times, fans will be interested to see if it was a one-time thing or a trend going forward.

The Falcons have a real shot this Sunday against a Carolina Panthers team that’s struggled somewhat over the past three weeks.

After an unexpected defensive showcase against the Saints in Week 10 — in which Atlanta sacked Drew Brees six times — fans will be interested to see if that was a one-time thing or a trend going forward.

Here are four players to watch during the Falcons’ NFC South showdown with the Panthers in Week 11.

TE Luke Stocker

Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports

Stocker isn’t the must-add fantasy prospect that running back Brian Hill is in place of the injured Devonta Freeman, although he will definitely get some targets on Sunday with Austin Hooper out. Tight ends coach Mike Mularkey formally coached Stocker in Tennessee before he signed with the Falcons in the offseason. Jaeden Graham will get some looks as well, but don’t sleep on Stocker, who has six catches for 34 yards this season.

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Ravens vs. Texans over/under is a good bet for Week 11

If you’re looking to bet on the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans over/under might be your best option.

The Baltimore Ravens play host to the Houston Texans in Week 11, and there are some fireworks expected at M&T Bank Stadium. Oddsmakers are predicting a bit of a shootout . . . at least if you look at the expected points for this one.

The over/under is set at 49.5 points, according to BetMGM. That’s tied for the third-highest over/under of Week 11.

Though that’s quite a lot of points, there’s plenty of reason to take the over here. The Ravens have had five games go over that this season alone, including the last two weeks. The Texans have also had five games go over 49.5 total points, including four of their last five.

Both Houston and Baltimore have been impressive offensively this season. The Ravens hold the NFL’s top-scoring offense, averaging 33.3 points per game, while the Texans are ranked eighth with an average of 26.4 points per game. Meanwhile, both defenses have been just mediocre this season, ranking near the middle of the league in points and yards allowed.

While there are no guaranteed predictions in the world of sports, all the checkboxes are ticked for a high-scoring contest in Week 11 between Houston and Baltimore. If you’re looking to bet on some NFL action this week, this might be the surest thing.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Bengals send Dre Kirkpatrick to IR, call up two from practice squad

The Bengals sent Dre Kirkpatrick to IR and called up two players.

Dre Kirkpatrick is the latest member of the Cincinnati Bengals to head for injured reserve.

Head coach Zac Taylor announced the move Friday. In a corresponding move, the Bengals promoted linebacker Hardy Nickerson and wideout Damion Willis from the practice squad.

Kirkpatrick went down in mid-October with a knee injury and needed a cart to leave the field. Since he isn’t close to returning the team will shut him down and use the spot to get help elsewhere.

Nickerson’s promotion is a response to cutting Preston Brown earlier in the week, though the command at linebacker still seems to fall on rookie Germaine Pratt.

Willis was a surprise undrafted starter to begin the season but quickly fell out of favor for Auden Tate. He’ll perhaps get another chance to show what he’s got if Alex Erickson can’t go.

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Sean McDermott says Bills discussed Myles Garrett in team meeting

Buffalo Bills’ Sean McDermott on Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett.

Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett send shockwaves across the sporting world on Thursday Night Football when he ripped Mason Rudolph’s helmet right off the Steelers QB’s head and swung it at him.

Some analysts, fans, and even players have suggested legal action against him.

Like most, the Bills were watching when things unfolded or saw a replay of the action. Buffalo head Sean McDermott is amongst that faction.

“My reaction is, there’s no place in the game for that. Absolutely none,” McDermott said to WGR-550 radio.

The coach said he was so taken aback by what happened, he discussed the incident with his team during a meeting earlier Friday morning.

“We talked about it this morning in a team meeting. Just to make sure we are on the same page. When you take someone’s well-being into your own hands, that’s crossing the line. We like to believe we do things right, that we’re a class organization and it is a physical, aggressive sport. But there is a line,” McDermott said.

“The general message was that we’re an aggressive, physical football team, and within that, there’s going to be some penalties. It’s an aggressive sport. Things get called once in a while. We understand that, I understand that. There’s a line that, as a class organization, you don’t cross,” McDermott added.

Tempers certainly run high during a football game, but even football-lifer types of folks like McDermott are stunned at Garrett’s actions. Many Bills players took to Twitter to say just as much in the moment as well on Thursday. Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano was among them and suggested Garrett’s NFL career could be over.

“Myles Garrett about to be the star player in the XFL,” Feliciano said.

 

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