The Big Ten began play this past weekend but apparently someone forgot to tell Penn State and Michigan State.
In Bloomington, the University of Indiana ended the conference’s longest streak of consecutive losses to Top 10 teams at 42 games as they defeated Penn State.
Michigan State lost at home to Rutgers, in coach Greg Schiano’s first game back as the Scarlet Knight’s coach, ending their 21-game conference losing streak. As expected, Ohio State plowed through Nebraska and Michigan handily defeated Minnesota
Alabama continued to roll through the SEC while all other ranked teams were idle.
In the ACC, Clemson was criticized for their sluggish start and “only” defeating Syracuse by 26. Notre Dame ripped through Pittsburgh and Miami edged Virginia.
Oklahoma State defeated Iowa State in a Big 12 showdown and controls their own destiny for the conference championship, although Kansas State may have something to say about that.
We’re still waiting on the Pac 12 to play a game after they decided to join the party very late.
Here’s how the College Football Playoff and waayyyy too early major bowl projections are shaping up from Tailgater magazine’s perspective:
College Football Playoff National Championship
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Jan. 11, ESPN
Clemson vs. Alabama
College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Jan. 1, ESPN
Clemson vs. Georgia
College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
Jan. 1, ESPN
Alabama vs. Ohio State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Oklahoma State vs. Texas A&M
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Cincinnati vs. Florida
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Oregon vs. Michigan
Capital One Orange Bowl
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin
Vrbo Citrus Bowl
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Penn State vs. Florida
Outback Bowl
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Indiana vs. LSU
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
North Carolina vs. Auburn
Valero Alamo Bowl
Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Kansas State vs. USC
Las Vegas Bowl
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Utah vs. Missouri
Cheez-It Bowl
Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Miami vs. Iowa State
Duke’s Mayo Bowl
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Purdue vs. NC State
Texas Bowl
NRG Stadium, Houston
Oklahoma vs. Arkansas