College Football Conference Championship Predictions

Georgia needs a huge game out of their quarterback Aaron Murray if they are going to upset Alabama. (Sam Greenwood)

5. Conference USA Football Championship Game - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN2/ESPN 3D
Prediction: Tulsa 27 UCF 24

4. Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game - 8:00 PM EST, ESPN/WatchESPN
Prediction: Florida State 24 Georgia Tech 10

3. Big Ten Conference Championship Game - 8:17 PM EST, FOX
Prediction: Nebraska 23 Wisconsin 21

2. Big 12 Conference Championship Game - 8:00 PM EST, ABC
Prediction: Kansas State 31 Texas 17

1. Southeastern Conference Championship Game - 4:00 PM EST, CBS
Prediction: Alabama 17 Georgia 13

College Football Week 13 Preview and Predictions

Linebacker Manti Te'o and the Fighting Irish are one win away from perfection and a berth in the BCS National Championship. (Jeff Haynes)

5. #19 Michigan (8-3) @ Ohio State (11-0) - 12:00 PM EST, ABC

The Game is always a big ticket item. Michigan and Ohio State are two of the biggest rivals in all of college football. Ohio State hasn't been in the national spotlight nearly as much because they are not bowl eligible due to violations. Nonetheless, they will be looking to complete something that will certainly earn them some accolades. The Buckeyes are looking to complete perfection and have a shot at becoming AP National Champions. Michigan would love nothing more than spoiling those plans. The Wolverines have taken on a new look lately with junior Devin Gardner at quarterback. Gardner has played well and is expected to earn his fourth straight start Saturday, despite the fact that Denard Robinson is healthy. Healthy is a relative term though because he still does not have full arm strength back. Media speculation is that Michigan will start Gardner at quarterback and use the athletic Robinson at running back and wide receiver. This will certainly give the Ohio State defense plenty to try and stop.

Prediction: Michigan 30 Ohio State 27

4. #5 Oregon (10-1) @ #15 Oregon State (8-2) - 3:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network

Oregon was the No. 1 team in the country for just six days. Their unstoppable offense had destroyed its opposition all season, but was stifled by a Stanford defense with a perfect game plan. The Cardinal won 17-14 in overtime, thus ending the Ducks perfect season and likely keeping them out of the national championship game. Oregon can't afford to hang their heads though because their shot at BCS bowl is on the line. Oregon State would love nothing more than to hand them their second loss is a week. These in-state rivals square off in the game known as the Civil War. The Ducks dynamic offense is led by freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota and senior tailback Kenjon Barner. The Beavers don't have a bad offense either. Sophomore quarterback Sean Mannion has had an up-and-down season, but might need a big game to secure the job as the starter next season. Oregon's rushing defense has struggled, so Oregon State sophomore running back Terron Wood could be in for a big day.

Prediction: Oregon 45 Oregon State 31

3. #8 Stanford (9-2) @ #17 UCLA (9-2) - 6:30 PM EST, FOX

These two teams come into this game off huge wins. Stanford had the perfect game plan to end Oregon's perfect season in overtime. The Cardinal defense executed their game plan beautifully. Freshman quarterback Kevin Hogan did just enough to help lead his team to the upset win. It has been senior tailback Stephan Taylor who has been the team's leader all season. In the win over Oregon, he had a huge game with 161 rushing yards. UCLA knocked off rival USC 38-28 to win their fifth Pac-12 game in a row. The Bruins are being led by a freshman quarterback as well. In the win over the Trojans, Brett Hundley had three total touchdowns (one passing and two rushing). Junior wide receiver Shaquelle Evans was Hundley's favorite target with eight catches for 114 yards. Senior tailback Jonathan Franklin also had a big day with 171 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Prediction: UCLA 24 Stanford 17

2. #4 Florida (10-1) @ #10 Florida State (10-1) - 3:30 PM EST, ABC

These two rivals come into this game with only one loss, but in very different ways. Florida was undefeated and in control, until they got shutdown by Georgia. Since the loss to the Bulldogs, they have needed late game heroics to beat Missouri and Louisiana-Lafayette. Even their shutout win over Jacksonville State wasn't particularly impressive. The Gators will get sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel back from injury. At tailback, senior Mike Gillislee is still one of the best rushers in the SEC. Florida State doesn't feel like they are getting the respect they deserve. Their only loss was by one point on the road at North Carolina State. Since the loss to the Wolfpack, the Seminoles have won five ACC games in a row. Senior quarterback EJ Manuel leads the offense, while junior Bjoern Werner helps anchor the defense.

Prediction: Florida State 27 Florida 24

1. #1 Notre Dame (11-0) @ USC (7-4) - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Notre Dame is one win away from an improbable perfect regular season and place in the BCS National Championship. The offense has seen the emergence of sophomore quarterback Everett Golson. After struggling with consistency early in the season, he has nine total touchdowns (seven passing and two rushing) and only two interceptions in his last three games. Despite the improved passing game, the Fighting Irish are still a rushing focused offense with 21 rushing touchdowns. Seniors Theo Riddick and Cierre Wood both have over 700 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns on the season. Sophomore tailback George Atkinson III has also been a touchdown factor with five scores of his own. Notre Dame's rock solid defense can't be overlooked either. The unit has only given up over 17 points in a game once all season. Heisman candidate Manti Te'o leads the way for a physical and athletic group.

USC's season has not gone as many expected. Losing three out of four games has dropped them to 5-4 in the Pac-12 and out of the polls. In the loss last week at UCLA, the Trojans also lost their senior quarterback Matt Barkley to injury. This means that freshman Max Wittek will make his first collegiate start against the superb Notre Dame defense. Wittek likes to air it out and has probably the best duo of receivers in college football to throw to. Sophomore Marqise Lee is a man playing among boys. He has had double digit receptions in seven games and an incredible 345 receiving yards against Arizona. Junior Roberts Woods would be a top receiver on most other teams, but will be another talented target for Wittek on Saturday. One more player on the USC offense to keep an eye on is senior tailback Curtis McNeal. He has a combined 324 rushing yards the past two weeks and could be in for another big day with Barkley out. The Trojans defense has struggled down the stretch, especially with tackling. They will have to do much better against the Fighting Irish on Saturday.

Prediction: Notre Dame 24 USC 20

Wiggins Becomes Top Recruit in Class of 2013

Andrew Wiggins becomes top recruit in Class of 2013 after he reclassified from the Class of 2014. (Sam Forencich)

Yesterday, Andrew Wiggins was the top college basketball recruit in the Class of 2014. Today, he no longer is following a drastic decision to reclassify to join this year's Class of 2013. Wiggins doesn't suffer any decline though as he supplants Jabari Parker as the new No. 1 in his new class.

"It's time for him (to show) that he is the best in college right now. I think he is ready for the next step. Academically wise, he is doing great. Maturity wise, he is doing great. He has a lot of talent. He is ready for the next step, and everybody knows it is time. It is Andrew's time. Next year is coming soon and he is ready," stated Mitchell Wiggins, Andrew's father.

There's no doubt that the talent is there. Wiggins was undoubtedly the best player at the LeBron James Skills Academy last summer. He is deeply skilled, able to score in bunches, and has very promising potential. Check out highlights of what he did this past summer at the LJSA.

At 6-7, Wiggins has tremendous athleticism and size. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the court and has demonstrated a consistent perimeter game. His long term potential should not be overlooked either. Needless to say, the move to this year's recruitment class has college basketball powerhouses buzzing.

Kentucky seems to be a frontrunner for every top recruit. Their Class of 2013 already includes commits from the Harrison twins (#3 and #4), small forward James Young (#10), and center Marcus Lee (#39). A pair of power forwards, Julius Randle (#5) and Aaron Gordon (#6), are also reportedly very interested in playing for the Wildcats.

Florida State is the other favorite to land Wiggins. Andrew's father played there. With an up-and-coming ACC program, the Seminoles will at least intrigue Wiggins to a degree. UNC, Kansas, and Ohio State are reportedly going to start pursuing beginning next week.

Wiggins has the talent and potential to change the face of college basketball and the NBA not too far down the road. ESPN's Paul Biancardi went as far to say that he is the best perimeter prospect since LeBron James. One NBA executive stated he believes Wiggins will be the top pick in the 2014 NBA draft and will start his rookie season. Obviously, people believe in the potential and abilities the Canadian possesses. Now, the only decision that remains to be seen is where he will be playing his college ball at next fall.

Breaking Down the Early Favorites for the BCS Bowls

Mike Gillislee and the Florida Gators were the big beneficiaries when the first BCS polls were released Sunday. (Sam Greenwood)

The first BCS polls for this season were released today. You can check out the polls for yourself below. There are definitely some surprises, such as the computers really liking Florida. Based off the polls, I am going to reveal my current predictions for the BCS bowls and look at which teams are on the radar for all of them as well.

The first BCS polls of the season were released Sunday. (Graphic credit to ESPN.com)

Discover BCS National Championship Game

Current Prediction: Alabama vs. Oregon

On the radar for BCS No. 1 & No. 2 spots: Florida, Notre Dame, Kansas State, Mississippi State, LSU, Oklahoma, USC

Analysis: Alabama has the edge on Florida right now in the human polls. If they both win out, they will meet in the SEC Championship Game to decide who will advance to the National Championship game. Both have hurdles to get past to get to that point. Oregon doesn't rank near was well in the computer polls, but if they go undefeated, it is hard to imagine them not in the National Championship game. Among the remaining undefeated teams, Notre Dame has the edge on Kansas State and Mississippi State based on strength of schedule. LSU, Oklahoma, USC are the one loss teams that could have a chance if they win out.

Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio

Current Prediction: Michigan vs. USC

On the radar for the Big Ten spot: Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa

On the radar for the Pac-12 spot: Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona State

Analysis: With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible, it is hard to determine which team will arise out of the mediocrity as the Big Ten champion. With so much still undecided, I have to favor in honor of who I believe the biggest difference maker is. That player is Michigan's Denard Robinson. He has to make smart decisions  but all the talent needed is there. If Oregon doesn't make it to the National Championship game, they will likely be the Pac-12 team here. The question becomes if USC loses to both Oregon and Notre Dame, will they be ranked high enough to be eligible for a BCS bowl? If not, Oregon State or Arizona State could sneak in as an outsider.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Current Prediction: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame

On the radar for the Big 12 spot: Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia

On the radar for the at-large spot: Florida State, Clemson, Oregon, USC, Oregon State, Ohio

Analysis: The Big 12 champion will almost certainly play here as Kansas State's odds of getting into the National Championship are slim to none. Right now, I am giving the edge to the Wildcats to play here based the fact that are the most well-positioned. I do not believe that they are the best team in the conference. Should they stumble, that opens the door for the above stated other Big 12 contenders. All three have legitimate shots at making it. Notre Dame will almost certainly play here, unless they are playing in the National Championship game or have more than two losses. If one of those things happens, it opens up the door for a one-loss, non-conference champion from the ACC or Pac-12. The Cinderella team looking in from the outside is Ohio University, who is 7-0. If the Bobcats run the table, the BCS will be busted wide open.

Allstate Sugar Bowl

Current Prediction: South Carolina vs. Oklahoma

On the radar for the SEC spot: Alabama, Florida, Mississippi State, Georgia, LSU

On the radar for the at-large spot: Kansas State, West Virginia, Texas Tech

Analysis: With how loaded the top of the SEC is, you could end up seeing any of the contenders here. If Alabama wins the conference championship and goes undefeated, they will be in the National Championship game. However, the team they bet in the SEC title game, will likely miss out on the Sugar Bowl due to the loss. That opens the door up for a whole slate of SEC teams. The second best Big 12 will almost certainly play here, unless a team from their conference is in the National Championship game (not likely).

Discover Orange Bowl

Current Prediction: Florida State vs. Rutgers

On the radar for the ACC spot: Clemson, Virginia Tech

On the radar for the Big East spot: Louisville, Cincinnati

Analysis: It doesn't seem likely that a BCS buster will play a role in this game, meaning it will be the ACC champion against the Big East champion. Even though Florida State and Clemson both have one conference loss, I am giving the edge to the Seminoles based on their head-to-head win over the Tigers. The Big East boasts three undefeated teams as their cream of their crop. Louisville and Cincinnati have a big matchup coming up on October 26. I give Rutgers the edge over both of them based on their rock solid defense. The Scarlet Knights play the Cardinals the last week of the season in a game that could have huge implications.

Florida State Uses Big Second Half to Slam Clemson

Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel came up big when the Seminoles needed him to in their win over Clemson. (AP Photo)

An early ACC showdown took center stage Saturday night. The #10 Clemson Tigers were travelling to Tallahassee to take on #4 Florida State. With these two offenses set to play, no one suggested a defensive stalemate was in store. The Tigers had averaged 46.5 points per game over their last two matchups. Meanwhile, the Seminoles had outscored their first three opponents by a colosal margin of 176-3.

It was Clemson who took control of the game early. A costly fumble and a pair of missed field goals were some of the early setbacks for Florida State. Early in the third quarter, the Tigers increased their lead to 28-14 on a bit of trickery. Running back Andre Ellington completed a pass to All-American wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

Suddenly, it was as if something clicked for the Florida State players. The Seminole offense began to click and the defense started to shut down Clemson's attack. By the time the third quarter ended, Florida State had scored three touchdowns and only given up one field goal to take a 35-31 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles found the endzone again on a five-yard touchdown run by sophomore tailback James Wilder Jr. Their lead was now up to 42-31.

The game-sealing play came with 8:41 left in the fourth quarter. Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd dropped back to pass. His pass was intercepted by Florida State sophomore cornerback Nick Waisome. The next Seminoles play was a 27-yard touchdown run by senior tailback Chris Thompson. Now trailing by 18, the Tigers never were able to recover. They did get one touchdown back, but ended up losing 49-37 to Florida State.

When Florida State had to step up, they not only did so, but did so as a team. Quarterback EJ Manuel is emerging as a true star. In the win over Clemson, he completed 27 of 35 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns. Manuel also rushed 12 times for 108 yards, including a 28-yard scamper. The Seminoles two primary tailbacks were just as important to the rushing attack. Thompson (103 rushing yards) and Wilder Jr. (65 rushing yards) both had two touchdowns each.

The effort of the Florida State defense and their pressure on Boyd and the Clemson offense all night cannot be overlooked. With his exceptional play throughout the season so far, Manuel has to be thrust into the Heisman conversation. Along with that, the Seminoles have to be in the national championship conversation as well. They have been that good to say the least.

College Football Week 3 Preview and Predictions

MSU running back Le'Veon Bell was stopped by Notre Dame last year, but this season he has been hard to slow down. (Gregory Shamus)

After a week of surprising upsets, the college football season has begun to take shape. This weekend should continue to be a grooming process of the cream of the crop. This is the preview and predictions for Week 3 of the college football season.

5. California @ #12 Ohio State - 12:00 PM EST, ABC

Last week, the PAC-12 put three big beatdowns on the Big Ten. This weekend California will look to keep the trend going as they travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State. The Golden Bears bounced back from opening loss to Nevada with a win over Southern Utah. Ohio State is 2-0 after having little trouble with Miami (OH) and Central Florida. If Cal is going to pull an upset, they are going to need a big game out of their two offensive stars, quarterback Zach Maynard and wide receiver Kennan Allen. Ohio State may need to rely on quarterback Braxton Miller to carry a heavier load with running backs Jordan Hall and Carlos Hyde battling injuries.

Prediction: Ohio State 27 California 17

4. Wake Forest @ #5 Florida State - 12:00 PM EST, ESPN/ESPN 3D

Florida State is a top-five team in the polls and has outscored two FCS opponents 124-3 to begin the season. Wake Forest will be their first real test of the season. In fact, the Demon Deacons have beaten the Seminoles in four of their last six matchups, including two of the last three in Tallahassee. One of the reasons that Florida State has put such big numbers is that quarterback EJ Manuel has yet to be sacked this season. Wake Forest will look to change that while being led by the reigning ACC defensive lineman of the week. In his first career start, defensive end Hasan Hazime had five tackles, a sack, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.  Offensively, the Demon Deacons will need big games out of their tandem of top receivers, Brandon Terry and Michael Campanaro.

Prediction: Florida State 31 Wake Forest 10

3. #2 USC @ #21 Stanford - 7:30 PM EST, FOX

While former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck led his team past their rival, current USC quarterback Matt Barkley will look to return the favor. USC, one of the favorites in the BCS race, has looked up and down so far this season. The Trojans have yet to look consistent from start to finish. Stanford rebound from a soft showing against San Jose State with a pounding of Duke. The Cardinal will need running back Stepfan Taylor to step up and lead on offense. The big question mark for the Trojans might be their offensive line. Their pass protection must give Barkley time to operate.

Prediction: USC 34 Stanford 20

2. #18 Florida @ #23 Tennessee - 6:00 PM EST, ESPN/Watch ESPN

Tennessee is ranked for the first time in four seasons. To stay in the rankings, they will have to beat rival Florida for the first time since 2004. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray has brilliant in the Vols first two games. He leads a dynamic passing attack that features wide receivers Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson. The Volunteers will look to use their up-tempo, no-huddle offense to overwhelm the Gators. Conversely, Florida will look to control the ball to keep the Tennessee offense off the field. The Gators will focus on running the ball behind power back Mike Gillislee. Gillislee leads the SEC in rushing yards and tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns.

Prediction: Tennessee 28 Florida 24

1. #20 Notre Dame @ #10 Michigan State - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Since many Big Ten favorites have stumbled early, Michigan State has emerged as the conference front runner. They now have to back that claim up with a primetime showdown with non-conference rival Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish dominated Navy in Ireland, but then looked shaky against Purdue last week. Everett Golson will get the start at quarterback, but Tommy Rees is waiting in the wings in case Golson struggles. Whoever is at quarterback will benefit from getting back running back Cierre Wood.

The Spartans offense will look for tail back Le'Von Bell to carry the load again. Bell has been an absolute beast (50 touches against Boise State) so far this season. Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell has looked pretty good, but forced too many passes against Boise State, resulting in three interceptions. The Spartans also boast what is probably the best defensive end duo in the country with William Gholston and Marcus Rush. Defensively, the Fighting Irish will rely on the leadership of Manti Te'o, one of the best linebackers in the nation, to slow down Bell and the Spartan offense.

Prediction: Michigan State 21 Notre Dame 20

Myron Rolle's Rhode Back to the NFL

Safety Myron Rolle works out at Steelers practice. (Keith Srakocic)

Myron Rolle seemed destined to continue the family tradition of playing in the NFL. His junior year at Florida State he was a third-team All-American safety and a coveted draft prospect. What many people didn't realize was that Rolle was the ultimate student athlete. He graduated in just two and a half years and was named a Rhodes Scholar.

Rather than enter the draft, Rolle opted to study at Oxford University for a year. While there, he tried to balance his schoolwork with staying in football shape. In between hours spent writing his thesis and earning his master's degree in medical anthropology, Rolle worked out in a tiny weight room and ran on a rugged rugby field.

Rolle returned to the United States and entered the 2010 NFL Draft. The Tennessee Titans drafted him in the sixth round. Rolle had quite a bit of football rust from his time away from the game. He made the team, but never played during the regular season. The Titans released him prior to the 2011 season.

Rolle was understandably frustrated, but wasn't short on options. He could go to medical school to become a neurosurgeon. He could pour his life into his charitable foundation. Or he could continue his campaign against obesity and diabetes, especially among Native Americans. Despite those worthy options, Rolle knew his heart was still in football. He also knew that he would have to work hard to make that option a reality.

Rolle got his opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Steelers already have two entrenched starting safeties in Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Ryan Mundy is a promising young talent and the team's top backup. Rolle doesn't have much of a chance of beating out Mundy, which means he will be competing with a number of free agents for that last backup spot. If there is one thing he knows how to do, it is how to work hard. For now, Myron Rolle is putting his academics on hold. It is time for his football abilities to thrive.

Noles and Tide Roll on National Signing Day

Top 5 Class of 2012 Recruiting Classes

1. Alabama - The freshly crowned national champions look to be loaded up for more runs at the title for years to come. The incoming class features 28 commits. 13 of those are ESPNU Top 150 recruits. The Crimson Tide's top recruits include Landon Collins (#1 safety), Eddie Williams (#2 athlete), Cyrus Jones (#4 athlete), and Chris Black (#2 wide receiver).

2. Florida State - No team had a better National Signing Day then Florida State. Their 2012 class currently has 18 commits, 9 of which are ESPNU Top 150 recruits. The Seminoles' defense looks to be beefing up in a big way. Not only did they get the #1 overall ranked recruit in defensive end Mario Edwards, but they made headlines when Eddie Goldman (#1 defensive tackle) committed to come to Tallahassee as well. With more top recruits verbally committed, things seem to be headed in the right direction for Florida State.

3. Texas - Coming off a disappointing season, Texas still managed to bring in a solid recruiting class. They signed 27 commits. 11 of them are ESPNU Top 150 Recruits. The Longhorns' class is headlined by the #2 overall player, Jonathan Gray (#1 running back), and Malcom Brown (#2 defensive tackle). Texas will look to get back to winning form behind some of these young players.

4. Florida - Just like Texas, Florida is coming off a disappointing season, but that didn't stop the Gators from signing a solid class either. Their class features 21 commits (8 ESPNU Top 150 recruits). The Gators' top two recruits hail from North Carolina, the top offensive lineman recruit, D.J. Humphries (#1 offensive tackle), and Jonathan Bullard (#4 defensive end). Florida is looking to bounce back next year as well.

5. Georgia - Georgia rounds out the top five classes, which are all from southern universities. The Bulldogs signed 17 commits, 5 of which are ESPNU Top 150 recruits. The top man coming to campus is Keith Marshall (#2 running back). He will likely be looking to run through holes created by another of Georgia's top recruits, John Theus. The Bulldogs are looking to stay competitive in what is a brutally tough top tier of the SEC.

Top Story of the Day

Dorial Green-Beckham - Where DGB would sign was probably the top story coming into the day. The Missouri native had almost every top school offering him a scholarship to come play. The big deal with DGB is that he was the top uncommitted prospect coming into the day and the #1 ranked high school wide receiver (#3 overall). All he did in high school was set the national career receiving record with 6,353 yards. Today, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Green-Beckham stood at a podium in his high school gymnasium before a crowd of 1,500 people, about 20 television cameras, and a national television audience watching on ESPNU. Much to the delight of everyone in attendance, DGB announced his decision to stay home and play at the University of Missouri. As his family explained afterwards, it was always where he felt the most comfortable. The signing was huge for Mizzou, who becomes a member of the SEC on July 1. Before Wednesday, the Tigers stood on the outside of the ESPNU Top 25 classes looking in. They fully realized that eight other SEC teams were already in the Top 25, including three in the Top 5. The signing of DGB shows that Mizzou is ready to compete in the SEC. They might still have a long ways to go, but this signing was a big step in the right direction.

Seven Things: A Recap of Week 7 and a Preview of the Week to Come

1. Team of the Week: Florida State

In the span of a week, Florida State turned around their season. Okay, the week is from Saturday to Saturday, but these wins are too impressive not to put the Seminoles here. They crushed North Carolina at home and took care of business against Maryland. Then, they finished off the week by going into Cameron Indoor and ending Duke's unbeaten streak at home.

Six Runners Up: Missouri, Dayton, Murray State, Long Island, Long Beach State, & Kansas

2. Player of the Week: Kevin Jones, West Virginia

Can anybody stop this guy? All he did this week was score 25 points and have 7 rebounds against in-state rival Marshall. Then, against a red hot Cincinnati team, he helped lead the Mountaineers to the big win with 26 points and 13 boards. Look at his stats from the season so far. He is a virtual double-double machine. In my opinion, he has not only put himself in position as the favorite for Big East Player of the Year, but he should be considered in any All-American conversation.

Six Runners Up: Faisal Aden (Washington State), Jason Clark (Georgetown), Anthony Davis (Kentucky), Anthony Marshall (UNLV), Aaron Broussard (Seattle), Kyle O'Quinn (Norfolk State)

3. What do we make of the Big East Conference?

Syracuse is still the best team, but certainly looked vulnerable against Notre Dame. Connecticut is struggling badly, having lost four of their last six. Georgetown certainly didn't look dominant in a win against Rutgers. Who knows how good Marquette, West Virginia, and Cincinnati really are? Then, everyone keeps beating each other. The bottomline is this is a untypically weak year for the conference.

4. Who is the best team in the Big 12?

Kansas is undefeated in conference play after knocking off Baylor at home and surviving a road trip to Texas. The Jayhawks certainly have to be considered as winners of 13 of their past 14. Missouri stated their case as well after putting a beatdown on Texas A&M and getting by Baylor as well. The Bears will have to look to respond after dropping two. Iowa State and Kansas State look to make some ripples in conference play as well.

5. Can Florida State win the ACC?

I already mentioned the Seminoles upset wins over UNC and Duke, so they are definitely capable. Those three teams are the favorites, but they can't afford to sleep on North Carolina State and Maryland. Both teams have shown signs of potential this season. Virginia looks less impressive after getting upset by Virginia Tech today at home.

6. How great is the Mountain West Conference?

This conference has been impressive so far and has already shown their supremacy as the best conference west of the Mississippi after knocking off a handful of Pac-12 teams. San Diego State is 17-2 and 3-0 in conference play, including a last second win over conference favorite UNLV. The Rebels have looked impressive in non-conference play. Who would have believed that Wyoming would be a Top 25 team right now? The Cowboys finished 10-21 last season, but are 16-3 so far this year. Colorado State, New Mexico, Air Force, and TCU are all not easy outs either in an impressive conference this year.

7. Seven Games to Watch This Coming Week

Monday: Syracuse @ Cincinnati

Tuesday: Michigan @ Purdue; San Diego State @ Wyoming

Wednesday: St. Louis @ Xavier

Thursday: Indiana @ Wisconsin

Saturday: West Virginia @ Syracuse; Mississippi State @ Florida