There's one very important distinction in the CFN rankings: these
are based on how good the teams are and NOT how they're going to finish.
Some teams have easier schedules than others, some get tougher road
games and some will need a little bit of time to jell meaning they might
be better than their final record might indicate.
Rankings Coaches
| CFN
Preseason |
Week 1
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Week 3
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Week 4
Week 5 |
Week 6 |
Week
7
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Week 8
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Week 9
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Week
10
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Week 11
1. LSU
(10-1)
W, Ole Miss 41-24
next game: Arkansas
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... this is the unquestioned
number one team at the moment, but is it really playing at its peak
efficiency? It’s the most talented team in America, but is it playing up
to its talent level? It took a bit too long to get by Ole Miss. The
allowed Brent Schaeffer to look like Vince Young.
2. Missouri (10-1)
W, at Kansas State 49-32
next game: Kansas (in Kansas City)
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the Tigers are an
offensive machine. The Kansas State win was better than it might appear
(considering the Wildcats got blasted by Nebraska) as the team didn’t
show any let down going into the upcoming showdowns. Mizzou has scored
40 points or more in each of the last five games despite getting
everyone’s full attention.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... … the defense continues
to be an X factor. Is it allowing too many points because it doesn’t
have to crank up the intensity, thanks to the offense, or is it merely
average? Kansas will answer that in a hurry.
3. Ohio State (11-1)
W, at Michigan 14-3
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … if the defense plays like
it did against Michigan, OSU might actually be the number one team in
America. If the offensive line isn’t the best in the country, it’s
probably second behind LSU.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the Illinois loss can’t
be glossed over. With everything on the line, Ohio State lost at home in
what amounted to a playoff game. For two straight weeks, QB Todd
Boeckman and the passing game didn’t get going. While there wasn’t much
of an air attack needed against Michigan, how he’d fare against a
superior defense, like LSU’s, is in question.
4. Kansas (11-0)
W, Iowa State 45-7
next game: Missouri (in Kansas City)
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the numbers continue to be
staggering. It’s not like KU is buckling under the pressure averaging 55
points per game over the last three. No. 1 in the nation in kickoff
returns and No. 1 in turnover margin, KU is doing most of the little
things right. QB Todd Reesing is on fire.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... there continues to be the
question mark about the competition. Beating Oklahoma State is still the
signature win, but it’s not like there won’t be chances over the next
two weeks (if KU gets past Missouri first).
5. West Virginia (10-1)
W, at Cincinnati 28-23
next game: Connecticut
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the offensive playmakers
are rolling. Pat White is playing at a Heisman level, Steve Slaton got
going against Cincinnati, and the offense continues to come through when
needed. The pressure is on, and the Mountaineers are coming through.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the defense is starting
to have a few issues. It took a little too much effort to beat a good,
but not elite Cincinnati, and the struggle to beat Louisville looks
extremely ugly now. If WVU struggled against the Cardinals and the
Bearcats, the D would have big problems with the teams ranked higher,
and would have a hard time with Arizona State.
6. Arizona State (9-1)
DIDN’T PLAY THIS WEEK
next game: USC
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … it’s rested and ready to
make some big noise. What happens if ASU blows out USC? What happens if
it rolls over an Arizona team that was just so great against Oregon? The
Sun Devils are more in the hunt than many might believe.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the offensive line could
use as much time as needed. As good as the season has been, it could
quickly go into the tank if the front five can’t keep Rudy Carpenter
upright. At this point, being great in the Pac 10 doesn’t seem like that
big a deal.
7. Georgia (9-2)
W, Kentucky 24-13
next game: at Georgia Tech
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … it’s as hot as anyone in
America. After rolling for 131 points on Florida, Troy and Auburn, the
Dawgs got pushed a little bit by Kentucky and still came through with a
double-digit win. When you’re not playing your best and you still beat a
bowl team by 11, you’re doing something right.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... there’s still a question
mark about how good the Dawgs are in a true road game. They have yet to
win a road game by more than three points (Florida doesn’t count) and
now comes a trip to Georgia Tech.
8. Oklahoma (9-2)
L, Texas Tech 34-27
next game: Oklahoma State
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … even with everything going
wrong, OU still almost pulled out a win over Texas Tech. It everything
is clicking, this could be the best team in the country. Backup QB Joey
Halzle lit up the Red Raiders like a Christmas tree in the fourth
quarter.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... is Sam Bradford out for
the Oklahoma State game? How’d DeMarco Murray? This might not be the
same Sooner team that looked like a number one team earlier in the year.
How good are the Sooners on the road or at a neutral site? It appears to
be a night-and-day different team away from Norman.
9. Florida (8-3)
W, Florida Atlantic, 59-20
next game: Florida State
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … no one wants anything to
do with the Gators right now. Andre Caldwell is providing a top
receiving threat, Tim Tebow is the best player in America, and the
defense, well, Tebow is playing extremely well. If this is a top five
caliber team, it rolls past Florida State.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... whoopee, they blew out
Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Florida Atlantic. The defense is still in
question mark and can be bombed on. The D line isn’t generating nearly
enough pressure.
10. Texas (9-2)
Didn’t Play This Week
next game: at Texas A&M
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because …
it’s happening again, only to Oklahoma. Last year, Texas had the South
won before dropping its final two games helped by the injury to Colt
McCoy. OU lost to Texas Tech when Sam Bradford got knocked out, and now
comes the rivalry game against Oklahoma State. If Texas beats A&M, the
South is still up for grabs.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the pass defense is
extremely suspect. It’s not as bad as last year’s production, but it’s
not all that far off. The injuries on both sides of the ball are
starting to mount.
11. Virginia Tech (9-2)
W, Miami 44-14
next game: at Virginia
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … had Tech recovered the
onside kick against Boston College, or if Matt Ryan hadn’t come up with
a big comeback, it would be in the national title hunt with a shot at a
rematch against LSU. Basically, Tech is a recovery away from being in
the top five, and possible No. 2. The offense is starting to him scoring
four points or more in four of the last six games.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... it shouldn’t be. The
Hokies are jelling at just the right time and can prove it again next
week against Virginia. They’ll get a second shot at Boston College, but
this time, almost all the stars will be available.
12. Tennessee (8-3)
W, Vanderbilt 25-24
next game: at Kentucky
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the world keeps waiting
for a slip so Georgia can get into the SEC championship game, but
Tennessee isn’t obliging. The pressure has been on but the wins just
keep on coming.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the Vols are an eyelash
of a missed Vanderbilt field goal away from being among the SEC
also-rans instead of the leaders in the East race. The last time they
went on the road they got blasted by Alabama 41-17. That was the Tide’s
last win.
13. Oregon (8-2)
L, at Arizona 34-24
next game: at UCLA
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the defense stepped up its
play big-time in the second half against Arizona and almost led the way
to a comeback win. If you believed this was a national title-level team
a few weeks ago, then you should’ve believed there was more to it than
Dennis Dixon. Of course …
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... … without Dixon, this is
a night-and-day different team. Brady Leaf isn’t suited for the offense,
as it showed against Arizona, and now the injury situation has gone from
bad to apocalyptic. How good are the Ducks away from home now without
their superstar?
14. USC (8-2)
Didn’t Play This Week
next game: at Arizona State
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … you can be honest; after
two weeks off to rest up, this isn’t a team you want your team to deal
with right now. Had Stanford’s last-gasp touchdown pass hit the turf,
USC would probably be in the national title picture. The defense is the
best in the Pac 10, and if it flexes its muscle against Arizona State,
the Trojans will be in top ten. If you’re honest, you sort of want to
see a USC – Ohio State Rose Bowl.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the offense had better
wake up quickly. Arizona State is going to be ready for a shootout, and
it’s time for the USC attack to start putting up better numbers. Fun
stat: USC has scored more than 27 points once in the last seven games,
and that was against Notre Dame.
15. Illinois (9-3)
W, Northwestern 41-22
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the lines are playing
extremely well. There’s a reason Juice Williams and Rashard Mendenhall
are having some huge games for the nation’s sixth best running game.
Illinois leads the Big Ten in rushing and sacks allowed and is 14th
in the nation in sacks.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the loss to Iowa now goes
from bad to horrendous, but that’s the only real knock. This is probably
one of the nation’s ten best teams to close out the regular season.
16. Boston
College (9-2)
W, at Clemson 20-17
next game: Miami
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … well, welcome back to the
living. Not only does the two-game losing streak to Florida State and
Maryland not matter after the win over Clemson, but as Atlantic Division
champions, the Eagles can coast against Miami next week. Oh yeah, Matt
Ryan is really, really good, while the run defense is number one in the
nation.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... BC was a dropped
touchdown catch in the final minute from losing to Clemson, and a
just-missed field goal from going into overtime. Give all credit where
credit is due for pulling off the win, but the Eagles were this
close to losing their third in a row.
17. Auburn (7-4)
Didn’t Play This Week
next game: Alabama
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … this is a rested team
after the 45-20 shellacking against Georgia. When the final pecking
order shakes out, this could be the SEC’s third best teams, or if
Tennessee rolls, it could be no worse than fourth if it beats the Tide.
The defense is better than is looked against the Dawgs.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the pressure is now all on
the Tigers against Alabama. After the Tide lost to UL Monroe, and on a
three-game losing streak, no one’s expecting the Tide to pull out the
Iron Bowl. Will Brandon Cox be steady, or will he play like he did
against Georgia?
18. Clemson (8-3)
L, Boston College 20-17
next game: at South Carolina
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the Tigers were within an
eyelash, or a dropped touchdown pass, of getting by Boston College and
going off to the ACC title game. Talent-wise, this is still one of the
ACC’s elite teams and more than good enough to finish the year with ten
wins.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... it’s Clemson. After
losing to BC, will it go into the tank against South Carolina? As good
as the team might be, a loss to the Gamecocks would all of a sudden turn
a terrific season sour and put the heat back on Tommy Bowden.
19.. Virginia (9-2)
Didn’t Play This Week
next game: Virginia Tech
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … after having plenty of
time off to rest up, the Cavaliers are going to be as close to 100% as
possible going into the showdown against Virginia Tech for the Coastal
Division title.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... is the offense going to
be good enough to keep up with the suddenly hot Hokies? As great as the
season has been, the Cavs are a few plays away from just fighting for
bowl survival. Is this a team waiting to be exposed, or is it good
enough to really play with the big boys? We’ll know more after this
week.
20. Wisconsin (9-3)
W, at Minnesota 41-34
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … even hurt, the Badger
offense is putting up points in bunches. With almost all the key parts,
especially P.J. Hill, returning after several weeks off, this could be a
frighteningly good bowl team. The offensive line stepped up its play
over the final five weeks of the season.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the defense got lit up
like Paris by Minnesota. It took everything in the bag to beat one of
America’s worst teams. The Badgers would be destroyed by a great spread
attack.
21. Michigan (8-4)
L, Ohio State 14-3
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … it’ll be interesting to
see what kind of a team this is in six weeks. Almost certain to get a
New Year’s Day bowl considering someone big will want Lloyd Carr’s final
game, Chad Henne and Mike Hart should finally be healthy again. There’s
no excuse for Michigan to not roar in the bowl game.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the defense was
challenged over the last few weeks and didn’t come through. It got run
over by both Wisconsin and Ohio State. For all the skill and all the
talent and all the motivation, the offense didn’t show up against the
Buckeyes. Injuries or no injuries, 91 yards of total offense in the
biggest game of season is inexcusable.
22. Penn State (8-4)
L, at Michigan State 35-31
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … if everything is working,
this is one of the most dangerous teams around. The lines can be
fantastic when they’re on a roll, and the defense has the parts to shut
teams down. However …
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... … the consistency just
wasn’t there this season. In a lather, the Nittany Lions destroyed
Wisconsin, and then struggled against Indiana. There was only one good
win this season for one of the Big Ten’s biggest enigmas. The stats are
there, but the overall production, especially with the spotlight on,
wasn’t.
23. Arkansas
(7-4)
W, Mississippi State 45-31
next game: at LSU
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … now there’s a passing
game. Of course the nation’s fourth best running attack will always be
devastating, but Casey Dick was razor-sharp throwing the ball against
Mississippi State and could be the X factor in the pivotal game against
LSU.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... the pass defense has gone
bye-bye. The overall stats are great, but the secondary has collapsed in
two of the last three games. If you’re getting torched through the air
by MSU, there’s a problem.
24. Texas Tech (8-4)
W, Oklahoma 34-27
next game: BOWL GAME
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … the offense is always
going to be amazing, but it was the defense, at least for around 50
minutes, that led the way to the win over the Sooners. Tech finally got
its first big win of the season with a near-perfect performance … again,
for around 50 minutes.
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... Oklahoma was without Sam
Bradford. Give Tech credit for coming up with the victory, but the
Sooners didn’t have their triggerman and still almost pulled it out.
Yeah, Tech is good enough to beat OU, but it’s also inconsistent enough
to crash against a Colorado.
25. Cincinnati (8-3)
L, West Virginia 28-23
next game: at Syracuse
The Ranking Should Be Higher Because … when all is said and done,
Cincinnati is probably the second best team in the Big East. This is a
rock-solid team that happened to lose to a national title-level West
Virginia team. Don’t forget about the great wins over South Florida and
Connecticut, but …
The Ranking Should Be Lower Because ... … don’t forget about the
losses to Louisville and Pitt. This is a very good team that gives up
plenty of passing yards and gets just enough offense to get by. This
could be the most difficult team to figure out going into the bowls.
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26 |
Connecticut (9-2) |
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27 |
Wake Forest (7-4) |
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28 |
South Florida (8-3) |
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29 |
Michigan State (7-5) |
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30 |
Boise State (10-1) |
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31 |
South Carolina (6-5) |
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32 |
Rutgers (7-4) |
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33 |
BYU (8-2) |
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34 |
Mississippi State (6-5) |
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35 |
Kentucky (7-4) |
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36 |
Florida State (7-4) |
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37 |
Oregon State (7-4) |
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38 |
Georgia Tech (7-4) |
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39 |
Colorado (5-6) |
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40 |
Hawaii (10-0) |
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41 |
California (6-5) |
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42 |
Maryland (5-6) |
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43 |
Alabama (6-5) |
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44 |
Texas A&M (6-5) |
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45 |
Oklahoma State (6-5) |
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46 |
Arizona (5-6) |
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47 |
UCLA (5-5) |
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48 |
Air Force (9-3) |
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49 |
Utah (8-3) |
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50 |
Northwestern (6-6) |
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51 |
Indiana (7-5) |
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52 |
NC State (5-6) |
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53 |
Purdue (7-5) |
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54 |
UCF (8-3) |
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55 |
Vanderbilt (5-6) |
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56 |
TCU (6-5) |
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57 |
New Mexico (7-4) |
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58 |
Tulsa (8-3) |
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59 |
Fresno State (6-4) |
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60 |
Nebraska (5-6) |
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61 |
Troy (7-3) |
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62 |
Kansas State (5-6) |
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63 |
Washington (4-7) |
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64 |
Pitt (4-6) |
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65 |
Iowa (6-6) |
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66 |
Louisville (5-6) |
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67 |
Miami (5-6) |
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68 |
Iowa State (3-9) |
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69 |
Houston (6-4) |
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70 |
Washington State (4-7) |
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71 |
Navy (7-4) |
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72 |
Stanford (3-7) |
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73 |
East Carolina (6-5) |
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74 |
Nevada (5-5) |
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75 |
Ole Miss (3-7) |
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76 |
San Diego State (4-6) |
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77 |
North Carolina (3-8) |
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78 |
Southern Miss (6-5) |
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79 |
UL Monroe (5-6) |
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80 |
Ball State (5-5) |
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81 |
Notre Dame (2-9) |
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82 |
Bowling Green (7-4) |
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83 |
Colorado State (2-9) |
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84 |
Memphis (6-5) |
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85 |
Central Michigan (6-5) |
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86 |
Wyoming (5-6) |
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87 |
UNLV (2-9) |
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88 |
Baylor (3-9) |
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89 |
Western Michigan (4-7) |
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90 |
San Jose State (4-7) |
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91 |
Miami University (6-5) |
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92 |
Duke (1-10) |
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93 |
Florida Atlantic (5-4) |
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94 |
Toledo (5-6) |
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95 |
Louisiana Tech (5-6) |
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96 |
Minnesota (1-11) |
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97 |
Syracuse (2-9) |
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98 |
Ohio (5-6) |
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99 |
UAB (2-9) |
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100 |
Tulane (4-7) |
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101 |
UTEP (5-6) |
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102 |
Buffalo (4-7) |
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103 |
Temple (4-7) |
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104 |
Eastern Michigan (4-8) |
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105 |
Rice (3-8) |
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106 |
Army (3-8) |
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107 |
Akron (4-7) |
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108 |
UL Lafayette (3-8) |
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109 |
Middle Tennessee (5-6) |
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110 |
Northern Illinois (2-9) |
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111 |
Arkansas State (5-6) |
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112 |
Marshall (2-9) |
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113 |
Utah State (1-10) |
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114 |
New Mexico State (4-8) |
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115 |
Kent State (3-8) |
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116 |
North Texas (1-9) |
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117 |
SMU (1-10) |
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118 |
Idaho (1-10) |
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119 |
FIU (0-10) |