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As the 2014 college football season begins to wind down the first annual College Football Playoff race heats up as the calendar turns to November. It has been a season full of twists and turns, but the craziest month historically is November.

The long time saying in college football has always been “the games in November are the ones you remember.” This will be even truer this season with this new four team playoff.

Conference races across the country shift into high gear and the race to make the final four of college football is on the mind of more than a dozen teams.

The SEC West has been the top division in all of college football this season and as the season winds down the Western division of the SEC is still the best. The teams in the SEC West have begun beating up on each other now that the schedule has gotten tougher and these teams have started to face each other.

One of the top contenders in the SEC West has been the Alabama Crimson Tide and now that November has arrived their schedule hits the home stretch. The Crimson Tide suffered a loss the first week in October when the Ole Miss Rebels beat them in a game for the ages.

The Tide have been anything but dominant this season, but I am going to make the argument that the Crimson Tide will not lose another regular season game this year. The Tide are hitting their stride at the right time and it will pay big dividends now that we have hit November.

I feel the Tide will finish November unbeaten and represent the SEC West in the SEC title game in Atlanta come December. There is one huge reason I believe Alabama will finish the regular season 11-1 and have a perfect 4-0 finish to the season.

That huge reason I believe Alabama will finish November unbeaten is the schedule. The biggest reason I came to the conclusion Alabama would finish the 2014 season at 11-1 is the way their schedule shapes up in November.

The Crimson Tide start their November schedule this coming Saturday in Death Valley against LSU. The Tigers have been the biggest challenge to the Crimson Tide in their past run of success. The LSU Tigers currently sit at 7-2 and one of the hottest teams in all of college football.

I believe this game on Saturday will be the biggest challenge to Alabama and if they manage to get by this game, which I believe they will, they will no doubt represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game in December.

The following Saturday, on November 15, the Tide host the number one team in the nation Mississippi State. I know most people will feel this will be the toughest game in November for Alabama, but the fact this game is in Alabama will be the difference.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State are not used to this type of pressure being number one so late in the season and it will eventually get to them.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott admitted last weekend, following their narrow victory over Arkansas, that he pressed and tried to force the action. This is a scary thing to hear from Prescott if you are a Mississippi State fan and I believe against Alabama their magical run will end.

The Crimson Tide then face Western Carolina in what amounts to another scrimmage game to get prepared for Auburn in the Iron Bowl. A game like this in November is what makes people upset at the SEC and their weak scheduling habits.

It’s November, the stretch run of the season, and Alabama and other SEC teams are playing teams like Western Carolina while other power five conferences are playing tough conference rivals. It’s a joke for the SEC, but they get a pass for it just because it’s the SEC.

Last, but not least the Alabama Crimson Tide finish the 2014 season and November off with the Iron Bowl as they do every year. Auburn beat Alabama last year in a game for the ages and prevented Alabama from a possible three peat.

This year Auburn has to travel to Tuscaloosa and I believe this will be the difference. I am a huge believer in home field being the deciding factor in college football more than any other sport in the world. This has been the case for years and only the elite of the elite seem to win on the road in marquee college football games.

I believe Auburn can be one of those elite teams to win a tough game on the road, but this year I feel Alabama will find a way to win. It will be a close battle that comes down to the wire like last year, but the Crimson Tide will have the home field behind them unlike last year in Auburn.

So, I feel the fact their schedule ends favorably, in terms of home and away games, will be the reason Alabama finishes 2014 at 11-1. This will get them in the SEC title game where they will face an inferior SEC East opponent.

Alabama will be huge favorites in the SEC title game, no matter which SEC East team they face, and they will then be one of the four playoff teams. This would come just months after people said the Alabama dynasty is over and Nick Saban has lost his edge.

It will be a strong finish for Alabama and the rest of the country and SEC will be its main witness. The Tide is back and for opponents that is a scary thought. Saban has not lost his edge and the Crimson Tide are primed to make yet another national title run in 2014.

Allen Hurns, an undrafted rookie, opened many eyes with is Week 1 performance. The Jaguar receiver caught four passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, putting his playmaking ability on display. However, Hurns averaged just 35 yards a game from Weeks 2 to 8, while scoring just one touchdown in that stretch.

In Week 9, against the highly-touted Cincinnati Bengals, Hurns stepped up once again, proving that the first game was no simple fluke. Hurns recorded seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers still do not show how well Hurns played; many of his catches were contested. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Hurns is not by any means an big receiver, but he was able to outmuscle opposing corners with consistency.

With Cecil Shorts and the Jaguars' two second-round picks, Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, all competing for playing time, it is amazing how Hurns have found a way to get extensive reps. The Jaguars lacked playmaking ability on the offense last year, but with four capable receivers, a shifty running back, and a quarterback of the future, they can now focus on other issues, like their line and secondary play.

Hurns is not physically superior to many cornerbacks, but he has a knack for the ball. He just wants it more than everybody else. With five touchdowns at the midway point, he may have more scores in his rookie season than he had in his final year of college (6). He did have 1162 yards, though, which he is unlikely to top. Fellow receivers Shorts and Lee have been dealing with injuries, but both will look to play more often in the second half of the season.

2014 Projection: 50 Receptions, 710 Yards, 8 Touchdowns

The NFL playing games in London has been debated since its creation in 2007. It has been no secret the league's ultimate goal is to either relocate a franchise or place an expansion team in the English capital. That idea has been met with much criticism due to stadium availability, the hardships of traveling, and other issues listed in the video.

The league, however, seems to have tapped into one of its best ideas to date with the airing of "The London Game" at 9:30 AM on the east coast.

Football and pancakes on Sunday morning? What is better than that?

One would have to be a real football scrooge not to love the idea of an extra network game available to the public in a time slot that A) does not take up another night during the week (AKA Thursday Night Football), and B) does not feature anything else in television fans want to watch (sorry, BPL fans).

It's an extra game. Fans can have it on in the background while doing the normal Sunday morning routine or make it a family gathering after Sunday morning service.

Sure, it's never going to gather the same amount of viewers as a normal Sunday afternoon game. All that matters, though, is that the live game will bring in more viewers than the standard pregame show. Two weeks ago, the Falcons and Lions game in London earned a 6.6 Nielsen Rating according to Brit View NFL. That's double what the Fox Pregame Show normally gets.

So if the fans want it, and the television networks want it, this is something the NFL can sell. Here is a layout of Dave's London Propsal:

1) London will host eight regular season games per season

2) If necessary, the NFL schedule will be expanded 18 weeks to give each team two byes. Every team will be rewarded a bye week after the London game to travel back to the United States (the NFL already does this)

3) With eight games per season, 16 teams will visit London per year, meaning each team visits London every other season. Every four years, each team gives up a home game to play in London.

4) Owners will be compensated $1 million for losing a home game, which the NFL already does for some teams.

This would work because:

A) Fans want the extra time slot without purchasing another television package. Sure, it might be a pain to get up and watch your own team so early, but that only occurs every other season and the trade off is eight additional games to watch per year. The same argument can be used for season ticket holders. Every season ticket holder loses a home game every four years, but the trade off is 32 additional games on national television in exchange for losing just one home game.

B) Again, the television networks will make more money with additional viewers watching a live game rather than a pregame show.

C) The NFL gets to market its game overseas without having to expand the league or relocate a current franchse.

It almost sounds too easy. It makes all the sense in the world.

Please let us know what you think. Did you enjoy the 9:30 AM London game two weeks ago? What do you think of Dave's proposal? Would you prefer a permanent team in London? Would you rather not have any additional games on television at all?

Leave a comment in the section below. If you leave a comment, Dave will announce it on the next episode of Monday Morning Huddle. For more on the host's London proposal, listen to Oct. 27 episode of Monday Morning Huddle.

As the 2014 college football season begins to wind down the first annual College Football Playoff race heats up as the calendar turns to November. It has been a season full of twists and turns, but the craziest month historically is November.

The long time saying in college football has always been “the games in November are the ones you remember.” This will be even truer this season with this new four team playoff.

Conference races across the country shift into high gear and the race to make the final four of college football is on the mind of more than a dozen teams.

The SEC West has been the top division in all of college football this season and as the season winds down the Western division of the SEC is still the best. The teams in the SEC West have begun beating up on each other now that the schedule has gotten tougher and these teams have started to face each other.

One of the top contenders in the SEC West has been the Alabama Crimson Tide and now that November has arrived their schedule hits the home stretch. The Crimson Tide suffered a loss the first week in October when the Ole Miss Rebels beat them in a game for the ages.

The Tide have been anything but dominant this season, but I am going to make the argument that the Crimson Tide will not lose another regular season game this year. The Tide are hitting their stride at the right time and it will pay big dividends now that we have hit November.

I feel the Tide will finish November unbeaten and represent the SEC West in the SEC title game in Atlanta come December. There is one huge reason I believe Alabama will finish the regular season 11-1 and have a perfect 4-0 finish to the season.

That huge reason I believe Alabama will finish November unbeaten is the schedule. The biggest reason I came to the conclusion Alabama would finish the 2014 season at 11-1 is the way their schedule shapes up in November.

The Crimson Tide start their November schedule this coming Saturday in Death Valley against LSU. The Tigers have been the biggest challenge to the Crimson Tide in their past run of success. The LSU Tigers currently sit at 7-2 and one of the hottest teams in all of college football.

I believe this game on Saturday will be the biggest challenge to Alabama and if they manage to get by this game, which I believe they will, they will no doubt represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game in December.

The following Saturday, on November 15, the Tide host the number one team in the nation Mississippi State. I know most people will feel this will be the toughest game in November for Alabama, but the fact this game is in Alabama will be the difference.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State are not used to this type of pressure being number one so late in the season and it will eventually get to them.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott admitted last weekend, following their narrow victory over Arkansas, that he pressed and tried to force the action. This is a scary thing to hear from Prescott if you are a Mississippi State fan and I believe against Alabama their magical run will end.

The Crimson Tide then face Western Carolina in what amounts to another scrimmage game to get prepared for Auburn in the Iron Bowl. A game like this in November is what makes people upset at the SEC and their weak scheduling habits.

It’s November, the stretch run of the season, and Alabama and other SEC teams are playing teams like Western Carolina while other power five conferences are playing tough conference rivals. It’s a joke for the SEC, but they get a pass for it just because it’s the SEC.

Last, but not least the Alabama Crimson Tide finish the 2014 season and November off with the Iron Bowl as they do every year. Auburn beat Alabama last year in a game for the ages and prevented Alabama from a possible three peat.

This year Auburn has to travel to Tuscaloosa and I believe this will be the difference. I am a huge believer in home field being the deciding factor in college football more than any other sport in the world. This has been the case for years and only the elite of the elite seem to win on the road in marquee college football games.

I believe Auburn can be one of those elite teams to win a tough game on the road, but this year I feel Alabama will find a way to win. It will be a close battle that comes down to the wire like last year, but the Crimson Tide will have the home field behind them unlike last year in Auburn.

So, I feel the fact their schedule ends favorably, in terms of home and away games, will be the reason Alabama finishes 2014 at 11-1. This will get them in the SEC title game where they will face an inferior SEC East opponent.

Alabama will be huge favorites in the SEC title game, no matter which SEC East team they face, and they will then be one of the four playoff teams. This would come just months after people said the Alabama dynasty is over and Nick Saban has lost his edge.

It will be a strong finish for Alabama and the rest of the country and SEC will be its main witness. The Tide is back and for opponents that is a scary thought. Saban has not lost his edge and the Crimson Tide are primed to make yet another national title run in 2014.

Allen Hurns, an undrafted rookie, opened many eyes with is Week 1 performance. The Jaguar receiver caught four passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, putting his playmaking ability on display. However, Hurns averaged just 35 yards a game from Weeks 2 to 8, while scoring just one touchdown in that stretch.

In Week 9, against the highly-touted Cincinnati Bengals, Hurns stepped up once again, proving that the first game was no simple fluke. Hurns recorded seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers still do not show how well Hurns played; many of his catches were contested. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Hurns is not by any means an big receiver, but he was able to outmuscle opposing corners with consistency.

With Cecil Shorts and the Jaguars' two second-round picks, Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, all competing for playing time, it is amazing how Hurns have found a way to get extensive reps. The Jaguars lacked playmaking ability on the offense last year, but with four capable receivers, a shifty running back, and a quarterback of the future, they can now focus on other issues, like their line and secondary play.

Hurns is not physically superior to many cornerbacks, but he has a knack for the ball. He just wants it more than everybody else. With five touchdowns at the midway point, he may have more scores in his rookie season than he had in his final year of college (6). He did have 1162 yards, though, which he is unlikely to top. Fellow receivers Shorts and Lee have been dealing with injuries, but both will look to play more often in the second half of the season.

2014 Projection: 50 Receptions, 710 Yards, 8 Touchdowns

The NFL playing games in London has been debated since its creation in 2007. It has been no secret the league's ultimate goal is to either relocate a franchise or place an expansion team in the English capital. That idea has been met with much criticism due to stadium availability, the hardships of traveling, and other issues listed in the video.

The league, however, seems to have tapped into one of its best ideas to date with the airing of "The London Game" at 9:30 AM on the east coast.

Football and pancakes on Sunday morning? What is better than that?

One would have to be a real football scrooge not to love the idea of an extra network game available to the public in a time slot that A) does not take up another night during the week (AKA Thursday Night Football), and B) does not feature anything else in television fans want to watch (sorry, BPL fans).

It's an extra game. Fans can have it on in the background while doing the normal Sunday morning routine or make it a family gathering after Sunday morning service.

Sure, it's never going to gather the same amount of viewers as a normal Sunday afternoon game. All that matters, though, is that the live game will bring in more viewers than the standard pregame show. Two weeks ago, the Falcons and Lions game in London earned a 6.6 Nielsen Rating according to Brit View NFL. That's double what the Fox Pregame Show normally gets.

So if the fans want it, and the television networks want it, this is something the NFL can sell. Here is a layout of Dave's London Propsal:

1) London will host eight regular season games per season

2) If necessary, the NFL schedule will be expanded 18 weeks to give each team two byes. Every team will be rewarded a bye week after the London game to travel back to the United States (the NFL already does this)

3) With eight games per season, 16 teams will visit London per year, meaning each team visits London every other season. Every four years, each team gives up a home game to play in London.

4) Owners will be compensated $1 million for losing a home game, which the NFL already does for some teams.

This would work because:

A) Fans want the extra time slot without purchasing another television package. Sure, it might be a pain to get up and watch your own team so early, but that only occurs every other season and the trade off is eight additional games to watch per year. The same argument can be used for season ticket holders. Every season ticket holder loses a home game every four years, but the trade off is 32 additional games on national television in exchange for losing just one home game.

B) Again, the television networks will make more money with additional viewers watching a live game rather than a pregame show.

C) The NFL gets to market its game overseas without having to expand the league or relocate a current franchse.

It almost sounds too easy. It makes all the sense in the world.

Please let us know what you think. Did you enjoy the 9:30 AM London game two weeks ago? What do you think of Dave's proposal? Would you prefer a permanent team in London? Would you rather not have any additional games on television at all?

Leave a comment in the section below. If you leave a comment, Dave will announce it on the next episode of Monday Morning Huddle. For more on the host's London proposal, listen to Oct. 27 episode of Monday Morning Huddle.

As the 2014 college football season begins to wind down the first annual College Football Playoff race heats up as the calendar turns to November. It has been a season full of twists and turns, but the craziest month historically is November.

The long time saying in college football has always been “the games in November are the ones you remember.” This will be even truer this season with this new four team playoff.

Conference races across the country shift into high gear and the race to make the final four of college football is on the mind of more than a dozen teams.

The SEC West has been the top division in all of college football this season and as the season winds down the Western division of the SEC is still the best. The teams in the SEC West have begun beating up on each other now that the schedule has gotten tougher and these teams have started to face each other.

One of the top contenders in the SEC West has been the Alabama Crimson Tide and now that November has arrived their schedule hits the home stretch. The Crimson Tide suffered a loss the first week in October when the Ole Miss Rebels beat them in a game for the ages.

The Tide have been anything but dominant this season, but I am going to make the argument that the Crimson Tide will not lose another regular season game this year. The Tide are hitting their stride at the right time and it will pay big dividends now that we have hit November.

I feel the Tide will finish November unbeaten and represent the SEC West in the SEC title game in Atlanta come December. There is one huge reason I believe Alabama will finish the regular season 11-1 and have a perfect 4-0 finish to the season.

That huge reason I believe Alabama will finish November unbeaten is the schedule. The biggest reason I came to the conclusion Alabama would finish the 2014 season at 11-1 is the way their schedule shapes up in November.

The Crimson Tide start their November schedule this coming Saturday in Death Valley against LSU. The Tigers have been the biggest challenge to the Crimson Tide in their past run of success. The LSU Tigers currently sit at 7-2 and one of the hottest teams in all of college football.

I believe this game on Saturday will be the biggest challenge to Alabama and if they manage to get by this game, which I believe they will, they will no doubt represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game in December.

The following Saturday, on November 15, the Tide host the number one team in the nation Mississippi State. I know most people will feel this will be the toughest game in November for Alabama, but the fact this game is in Alabama will be the difference.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State are not used to this type of pressure being number one so late in the season and it will eventually get to them.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott admitted last weekend, following their narrow victory over Arkansas, that he pressed and tried to force the action. This is a scary thing to hear from Prescott if you are a Mississippi State fan and I believe against Alabama their magical run will end.

The Crimson Tide then face Western Carolina in what amounts to another scrimmage game to get prepared for Auburn in the Iron Bowl. A game like this in November is what makes people upset at the SEC and their weak scheduling habits.

It’s November, the stretch run of the season, and Alabama and other SEC teams are playing teams like Western Carolina while other power five conferences are playing tough conference rivals. It’s a joke for the SEC, but they get a pass for it just because it’s the SEC.

Last, but not least the Alabama Crimson Tide finish the 2014 season and November off with the Iron Bowl as they do every year. Auburn beat Alabama last year in a game for the ages and prevented Alabama from a possible three peat.

This year Auburn has to travel to Tuscaloosa and I believe this will be the difference. I am a huge believer in home field being the deciding factor in college football more than any other sport in the world. This has been the case for years and only the elite of the elite seem to win on the road in marquee college football games.

I believe Auburn can be one of those elite teams to win a tough game on the road, but this year I feel Alabama will find a way to win. It will be a close battle that comes down to the wire like last year, but the Crimson Tide will have the home field behind them unlike last year in Auburn.

So, I feel the fact their schedule ends favorably, in terms of home and away games, will be the reason Alabama finishes 2014 at 11-1. This will get them in the SEC title game where they will face an inferior SEC East opponent.

Alabama will be huge favorites in the SEC title game, no matter which SEC East team they face, and they will then be one of the four playoff teams. This would come just months after people said the Alabama dynasty is over and Nick Saban has lost his edge.

It will be a strong finish for Alabama and the rest of the country and SEC will be its main witness. The Tide is back and for opponents that is a scary thought. Saban has not lost his edge and the Crimson Tide are primed to make yet another national title run in 2014.

Allen Hurns, an undrafted rookie, opened many eyes with is Week 1 performance. The Jaguar receiver caught four passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, putting his playmaking ability on display. However, Hurns averaged just 35 yards a game from Weeks 2 to 8, while scoring just one touchdown in that stretch.

In Week 9, against the highly-touted Cincinnati Bengals, Hurns stepped up once again, proving that the first game was no simple fluke. Hurns recorded seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers still do not show how well Hurns played; many of his catches were contested. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Hurns is not by any means an big receiver, but he was able to outmuscle opposing corners with consistency.

With Cecil Shorts and the Jaguars' two second-round picks, Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, all competing for playing time, it is amazing how Hurns have found a way to get extensive reps. The Jaguars lacked playmaking ability on the offense last year, but with four capable receivers, a shifty running back, and a quarterback of the future, they can now focus on other issues, like their line and secondary play.

Hurns is not physically superior to many cornerbacks, but he has a knack for the ball. He just wants it more than everybody else. With five touchdowns at the midway point, he may have more scores in his rookie season than he had in his final year of college (6). He did have 1162 yards, though, which he is unlikely to top. Fellow receivers Shorts and Lee have been dealing with injuries, but both will look to play more often in the second half of the season.

2014 Projection: 50 Receptions, 710 Yards, 8 Touchdowns

As the 2014 college football season begins to wind down the first annual College Football Playoff race heats up as the calendar turns to November. It has been a season full of twists and turns, but the craziest month historically is November.

The long time saying in college football has always been “the games in November are the ones you remember.” This will be even truer this season with this new four team playoff.

Conference races across the country shift into high gear and the race to make the final four of college football is on the mind of more than a dozen teams.

The SEC West has been the top division in all of college football this season and as the season winds down the Western division of the SEC is still the best. The teams in the SEC West have begun beating up on each other now that the schedule has gotten tougher and these teams have started to face each other.

One of the top contenders in the SEC West has been the Alabama Crimson Tide and now that November has arrived their schedule hits the home stretch. The Crimson Tide suffered a loss the first week in October when the Ole Miss Rebels beat them in a game for the ages.

The Tide have been anything but dominant this season, but I am going to make the argument that the Crimson Tide will not lose another regular season game this year. The Tide are hitting their stride at the right time and it will pay big dividends now that we have hit November.

I feel the Tide will finish November unbeaten and represent the SEC West in the SEC title game in Atlanta come December. There is one huge reason I believe Alabama will finish the regular season 11-1 and have a perfect 4-0 finish to the season.

That huge reason I believe Alabama will finish November unbeaten is the schedule. The biggest reason I came to the conclusion Alabama would finish the 2014 season at 11-1 is the way their schedule shapes up in November.

The Crimson Tide start their November schedule this coming Saturday in Death Valley against LSU. The Tigers have been the biggest challenge to the Crimson Tide in their past run of success. The LSU Tigers currently sit at 7-2 and one of the hottest teams in all of college football.

I believe this game on Saturday will be the biggest challenge to Alabama and if they manage to get by this game, which I believe they will, they will no doubt represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game in December.

The following Saturday, on November 15, the Tide host the number one team in the nation Mississippi State. I know most people will feel this will be the toughest game in November for Alabama, but the fact this game is in Alabama will be the difference.

The Bulldogs of Mississippi State are not used to this type of pressure being number one so late in the season and it will eventually get to them.

Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott admitted last weekend, following their narrow victory over Arkansas, that he pressed and tried to force the action. This is a scary thing to hear from Prescott if you are a Mississippi State fan and I believe against Alabama their magical run will end.

The Crimson Tide then face Western Carolina in what amounts to another scrimmage game to get prepared for Auburn in the Iron Bowl. A game like this in November is what makes people upset at the SEC and their weak scheduling habits.

It’s November, the stretch run of the season, and Alabama and other SEC teams are playing teams like Western Carolina while other power five conferences are playing tough conference rivals. It’s a joke for the SEC, but they get a pass for it just because it’s the SEC.

Last, but not least the Alabama Crimson Tide finish the 2014 season and November off with the Iron Bowl as they do every year. Auburn beat Alabama last year in a game for the ages and prevented Alabama from a possible three peat.

This year Auburn has to travel to Tuscaloosa and I believe this will be the difference. I am a huge believer in home field being the deciding factor in college football more than any other sport in the world. This has been the case for years and only the elite of the elite seem to win on the road in marquee college football games.

I believe Auburn can be one of those elite teams to win a tough game on the road, but this year I feel Alabama will find a way to win. It will be a close battle that comes down to the wire like last year, but the Crimson Tide will have the home field behind them unlike last year in Auburn.

So, I feel the fact their schedule ends favorably, in terms of home and away games, will be the reason Alabama finishes 2014 at 11-1. This will get them in the SEC title game where they will face an inferior SEC East opponent.

Alabama will be huge favorites in the SEC title game, no matter which SEC East team they face, and they will then be one of the four playoff teams. This would come just months after people said the Alabama dynasty is over and Nick Saban has lost his edge.

It will be a strong finish for Alabama and the rest of the country and SEC will be its main witness. The Tide is back and for opponents that is a scary thought. Saban has not lost his edge and the Crimson Tide are primed to make yet another national title run in 2014.

Allen Hurns, an undrafted rookie, opened many eyes with is Week 1 performance. The Jaguar receiver caught four passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns, putting his playmaking ability on display. However, Hurns averaged just 35 yards a game from Weeks 2 to 8, while scoring just one touchdown in that stretch.

In Week 9, against the highly-touted Cincinnati Bengals, Hurns stepped up once again, proving that the first game was no simple fluke. Hurns recorded seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The numbers still do not show how well Hurns played; many of his catches were contested. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Hurns is not by any means an big receiver, but he was able to outmuscle opposing corners with consistency.

With Cecil Shorts and the Jaguars' two second-round picks, Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, all competing for playing time, it is amazing how Hurns have found a way to get extensive reps. The Jaguars lacked playmaking ability on the offense last year, but with four capable receivers, a shifty running back, and a quarterback of the future, they can now focus on other issues, like their line and secondary play.

Hurns is not physically superior to many cornerbacks, but he has a knack for the ball. He just wants it more than everybody else. With five touchdowns at the midway point, he may have more scores in his rookie season than he had in his final year of college (6). He did have 1162 yards, though, which he is unlikely to top. Fellow receivers Shorts and Lee have been dealing with injuries, but both will look to play more often in the second half of the season.

2014 Projection: 50 Receptions, 710 Yards, 8 Touchdowns

The Jacksonville Jaguars know they will have a full complement of offensive linemen when they ply at Cincinnati on Sunday,

The team announced that left tackle Luke Joeckel has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion last Sunday versus Miami.

According to Jaguars.com, the situation on the offensive line is improved, so now the team can focus on changes being made on the defensive side of the ball, most notably at linebacker.

Joeckel, the Jaguars’ starting left tackle in the first eight games of the season, was listed as probable on the team’s injury report Friday, with all indications he will start when the Jaguars visit the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.

“I’d be shocked if we didn’t (have Joeckel Sunday),” Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-7) prepared to play the Bengals (4-2-1).

Joeckel, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, left a loss to Miami last Sunday with a concussion, and after missing practice Wednesday returned on a limited basis Thursday. He worked full in practice Friday.

“I missed out on Wednesday’s practice, but I’ve done the walkthroughs and all that stuff,” Joeckel said. “I feel good to go. I’ve watched plenty of film, so I’m ready to go.”

The team got some other good news when defensive back Dwayne Gratz was listed as probable for Sunday. His play has been limited throughout the week as elbow and groin issues continue to plague him.

Jeremiah George, signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad September 23, is expected to have an expanded role and could start at middle linebacker. If that happens, J.T. Thomas – who started at middle linebacker last week with starter Paul Posluszny (torn pectoral) having gone on injured reserve – would return to the Otto linebacker spot. Thomas started at Otto Weeks 3-7.

Dekoda Watson, who started at the Otto in Week 8, is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Bradley saying the decision to give George an expanded role was more about George earning an opportunity than anything else.

“He’s caught our attention,” Bradley said. “His speed, his instincts all caught our eye. We were waiting for him to see how well he could pick up the defense. He showed really well last week, then had another good week on top of it. He’s caught our eye.”

Bradley added that Thomas has proven he can play well at the Otto.

In other Jaguars news…

• Cornerback Will Blackmon (finger) and defensive end Andre Branch (groin) missed practice and will be out Sunday. Blackmon is out an extended period and Branch is expected to miss about five more weeks. Neither is expected to make the trip to Cincinnati or to London the week afterward.
• Safety Sherrod Martin is expected to play the nickel Sunday with Blackmon having played there the first eight weeks of the season. It will be Martin’s first extensive playing time since sustaining anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries in December 2012 while playing with Carolina. Martin, a second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft from Troy, started for Carolina in 2010 and 2011. He has played five snaps this season. “When you get your opportunity, you have to step in and capitalize on it,” Martin said. “You just have to put your best foot forward.”

The Jacksonville Jaguars know they will have a full complement of offensive linemen when they ply at Cincinnati on Sunday,

The team announced that left tackle Luke Joeckel has been cleared to play after suffering a concussion last Sunday versus Miami.

According to Jaguars.com, the situation on the offensive line is improved, so now the team can focus on changes being made on the defensive side of the ball, most notably at linebacker.

Joeckel, the Jaguars’ starting left tackle in the first eight games of the season, was listed as probable on the team’s injury report Friday, with all indications he will start when the Jaguars visit the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday.

“I’d be shocked if we didn’t (have Joeckel Sunday),” Head Coach Gus Bradley said as the Jaguars (1-7) prepared to play the Bengals (4-2-1).

Joeckel, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, left a loss to Miami last Sunday with a concussion, and after missing practice Wednesday returned on a limited basis Thursday. He worked full in practice Friday.

“I missed out on Wednesday’s practice, but I’ve done the walkthroughs and all that stuff,” Joeckel said. “I feel good to go. I’ve watched plenty of film, so I’m ready to go.”

The team got some other good news when defensive back Dwayne Gratz was listed as probable for Sunday. His play has been limited throughout the week as elbow and groin issues continue to plague him.

Jeremiah George, signed off the New York Jets’ practice squad September 23, is expected to have an expanded role and could start at middle linebacker. If that happens, J.T. Thomas – who started at middle linebacker last week with starter Paul Posluszny (torn pectoral) having gone on injured reserve – would return to the Otto linebacker spot. Thomas started at Otto Weeks 3-7.

Dekoda Watson, who started at the Otto in Week 8, is questionable with a hamstring injury, with Bradley saying the decision to give George an expanded role was more about George earning an opportunity than anything else.

“He’s caught our attention,” Bradley said. “His speed, his instincts all caught our eye. We were waiting for him to see how well he could pick up the defense. He showed really well last week, then had another good week on top of it. He’s caught our eye.”

Bradley added that Thomas has proven he can play well at the Otto.

In other Jaguars news…

• Cornerback Will Blackmon (finger) and defensive end Andre Branch (groin) missed practice and will be out Sunday. Blackmon is out an extended period and Branch is expected to miss about five more weeks. Neither is expected to make the trip to Cincinnati or to London the week afterward.
• Safety Sherrod Martin is expected to play the nickel Sunday with Blackmon having played there the first eight weeks of the season. It will be Martin’s first extensive playing time since sustaining anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injuries in December 2012 while playing with Carolina. Martin, a second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft from Troy, started for Carolina in 2010 and 2011. He has played five snaps this season. “When you get your opportunity, you have to step in and capitalize on it,” Martin said. “You just have to put your best foot forward.”

It is week 9 already?  This season has flown by and now we start the heavier BYE weeks.  6 teams are on a BYE this week, so there are only 13 games.

In the 15 games last week, I picked 15 breakout players, 15 busts, 15 super sleepers and 30 Lottery Tickets.

Let's review how I did in Week 8:

8 Breakouts correct (52% correct for the season)

10 Busts correct (59.5% correct for the season)

7 Lottery Tickets correct (30% correct for the season)

8 Sleepers (38% correct for the season)

Good Call of the week: Miami DST – “Watch for Miami to score a defensive or special team touchdown this week.”  Miami only allowed 13 points and had 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 4 sacks, 2 touchdowns and a blocked field goal.

Bad Call Of The Week: Jeremy Maclin – “Arizona will make another receiver beat them this week, his ceiling is likely around 60 yards.”  Maclin had only 54 yards… on one of his two touchdowns.  Maclin totaled 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, so… I was a little off on this one.

Just in case you have forgotten or are new to this... here are my definitions:

Breakout Potential: This is the player that has the most upside in this match-up. It may be a top player that will shine a little brighter than expected or a player that isn't necessarily a must start that will exceed expectations.

Bust Watch: The player with the most to downside and the most to lose. Will likely underperform this week.

Super Sleeper:  This is a player that is likely buried on someone's bench or a free agent that has the opportunity to surprise with a decent fantasy game.

Lottery Tickets: Feeling Lucky? Want to start a player that the league may laugh at you when you start, but will bow to you when you are right... try one of these players. WARNING: They are called Lottery Tickets for a reason, most won't pan out... so choose wisely... or play it safe and just stash one of these guys on your bench so you can lament later in the week, "AHH!! I ALMOST STARTED HIM!"

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

• Breakout Potential: Cam Newton – Drew Brees and his offense should have no problem putting up big numbers against Carolina.  However, Newton should have similar success against a Saints’ defense that has been anything but spectacular.
• Bust Watch: DeAngelo Williams – He may be back from injury and New Orleans is bad against the run, expect him to take a couple weeks to get back towards anywhere you could consider starting him.
• Super Sleeper: Kenny Stills – Over the last two weeks, Stills has 9 catches, 160 yards and a touchdown.  He is making the most of his targets and he will likely get 5 or 6 more targets Thursday night.
• Lottery Tickets: Jonathan Stewart, Travaris Cadet

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cleveland Browns

• Breakout Potential: Cleveland DST – Playing at home with a chance to get to 5-3, they will come to play and Mike Glennon hasn’t been able to lead a consistent offense.
• Bust Watch: Andrew Hawkins – 12 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks.  This could be his let down week.
• Super Sleeper: Travis Benjamin – If the focus shifts to Hawkins, Benjamin could see some targets.
• Lottery Tickets: Jim Dray, Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

• Breakout Potential: Andy Dalton – Jacksonville + AJ Green return = very, very good things.
• Bust Watch: Allen Robinson – This game should be a wake-up call to Cincinnati’s defense, Robinson will be covered.
• Super Sleeper: Clay Harbor – Could find a way to get a touchdown in this game.
• Lottery Tickets: Jermaine Gresham, Cecil Shorts III

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys

• Breakout Potential: Dez Bryant – The Cardinals’ defense allowed Jeremy Maclin to blow up last week (just like I said he wouldn’t… whoops!) Bryant is a better receiver than Maclin is.
• Bust Watch: John Brown – He is still the number 3 wide receiver and not quite ready to overtake Michael Floyd or Larry Fitzgerald.
• Super Sleeper: Carson Palmer – Colt McCoy threw for 299 yards against their defense… Colt McCoy, to stick with stating the obvious… Palmer is a better quarterback than McCoy.
• Lottery Tickets: John Carlson, Cole Beasley

Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans

• Breakout Potential: DeAndre Hopkins – He is the number 1 receiver in Houston now and Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking his way more recently.  Look for another 100 yard game with a touchdown.
• Bust Watch: Jeremy Maclin – If at first you don’t succeed… try, try again.  Houston will allow some passing yards, but last week’s performance should get Maclin covered by more than one player for most of the game.
• Super Sleeper: Ryan Fitzpatrick – This game could be higher scoring than you would expect, which means that Fitzpatrick would have sneaky value.
• Lottery Tickets: Alfred Blue, Zach Ertz

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs

• Breakout Potential: Alex Smith – Kyle Orton had success against The Jets’ defense last week, so expect Smith to have a real nice day against New York.
• Bust Watch: Michael Vick – He may have a decent game, but he isn’t the dynamic runner he used to be and he still turned the ball over 3 times last week.
• Super Sleeper: Eric Decker – With the attention Harvin will get, look for Vick to make Decker his favorite target.
• Lottery Tickets: De’Anthony Thomas, Chris Johnson

San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins

• Breakout Potential: Lamar Miller – Hillman ran all over San Diego last week and Miller could have the same type of success this week.
• Bust Watch: Antonio Gates – Miami’s defense has been playing strong and has played better against the tight end position since their BYE week.
• Super Sleeper: Eddie Royal – Guessing he finds the end zone this week… but it’s Eddie Royal, so all you can do is guess.
• Lottery Tickets: Ryan Tannehill, Ronnie Brown

Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings

• Breakout Potential: Alfred Morris – He showed us all last week that he does in fact remember where the end zone is, look for him to build on that success here.
• Bust Watch: Pierre Garcon – I would expect about 3 catches for 55 yards from him, if you start him hope one of those is for a touchdown.
• Super Sleeper: Washington DST – Minnesota didn’t move the ball very well last week against Tampa Bay, Washington played strongly against Dallas on Monday night.
• Lottery Tickets: Matt Asiata, Roy Helu Jr.

St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers

• Breakout Potential: Vernon Davis – Coming off the BYE, he should be healthier and ready to finally breakout this season.
• Bust Watch: Austin Davis – Losing Brian Quick hurt and the inconsistent, unknown running game isn’t helping Davis at all either.
• Super Sleeper: Carlos Hyde – San Francisco is using him more and should look to transition from Frank Gore to him in the coming weeks.
• Lottery Tickets: Benny Cunningham, Steve Johnson

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

• Breakout Potential: Julius Thomas – 50 yards over the last two games, with Darrel Revis matched up against Emmanuel Sanders or Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas should get easier coverages.
• Bust Watch: Tom Brady – He has been playing excellent lately, but just as the rumors of his demise being exaggerated, so is the idea that he is on a statistical level close to Peyton Manning.
• Super Sleeper: Julian Edelman – He has been quiet the last few weeks and with Denver likely to focus on Rob Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell, Brady will go back to Edelman.
• Lottery Tickets: Timothy Wright, C.J. Anderson

Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks

• Breakout Potential: Russell Wilson – Wilson is carrying this team through its adversity, he will run and pass all over Oakland.
• Bust Watch: Doug Baldwin – He is just not a reliable number 1 receiver and you can’t rely on him for anything more than 60 yards.
• Super Sleeper: David Carr – Don’t forget, Carr earned the starting position with his play against Seattle, and he did it against most of The Seahawks’ starters too.
• Lottery Tickets: Denarius Moore, Ricardo Lockette

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

• Breakout Potential: Steve Smith Sr – He has been held in check the last few weeks, but this 35 year old went for 71 yards when they played in Week 2.  Smith should surpass 100 yards and haul in a touchdown this week.
• Bust Watch: Lorenzo Taliaferro – He is coming off a 2 touchdown performance and has been added in numerous leagues, but don’t expect 18 points off of 7 touches every week.
• Super Sleeper: Heath Miller – He could find the end zone again this week.
• Lottery Tickets: Markus Wheaton, Crockett Gillmore

Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants

• Breakout Potential: Eli Manning – Remember his last night game?  Manning and Larry Donnell had themselves quite a game.  Coming off of the BYE, Manning should make fantasy owners very happy this week.
• Bust Watch: Ahmad Bradshaw – Trent Richardson is likely back this week and if Bradshaw doesn’t score a touchdown, his production is below average.
• Super Sleeper: Hakeem Nicks – Nicks playing against his former team, he should be ready to play for this game and Andrew Luck will likely make it a point to get him into the end zone.
• Lottery Tickets: Preston Parker, Coby Fleener

It is week 9 already?  This season has flown by and now we start the heavier BYE weeks.  6 teams are on a BYE this week, so there are only 13 games.

In the 15 games last week, I picked 15 breakout players, 15 busts, 15 super sleepers and 30 Lottery Tickets.

Let's review how I did in Week 8:

8 Breakouts correct (52% correct for the season)

10 Busts correct (59.5% correct for the season)

7 Lottery Tickets correct (30% correct for the season)

8 Sleepers (38% correct for the season)

Good Call of the week: Miami DST – “Watch for Miami to score a defensive or special team touchdown this week.”  Miami only allowed 13 points and had 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 4 sacks, 2 touchdowns and a blocked field goal.

Bad Call Of The Week: Jeremy Maclin – “Arizona will make another receiver beat them this week, his ceiling is likely around 60 yards.”  Maclin had only 54 yards… on one of his two touchdowns.  Maclin totaled 187 yards and 2 touchdowns, so… I was a little off on this one.

Just in case you have forgotten or are new to this... here are my definitions:

Breakout Potential: This is the player that has the most upside in this match-up. It may be a top player that will shine a little brighter than expected or a player that isn't necessarily a must start that will exceed expectations.

Bust Watch: The player with the most to downside and the most to lose. Will likely underperform this week.

Super Sleeper:  This is a player that is likely buried on someone's bench or a free agent that has the opportunity to surprise with a decent fantasy game.

Lottery Tickets: Feeling Lucky? Want to start a player that the league may laugh at you when you start, but will bow to you when you are right... try one of these players. WARNING: They are called Lottery Tickets for a reason, most won't pan out... so choose wisely... or play it safe and just stash one of these guys on your bench so you can lament later in the week, "AHH!! I ALMOST STARTED HIM!"

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

• Breakout Potential: Cam Newton – Drew Brees and his offense should have no problem putting up big numbers against Carolina.  However, Newton should have similar success against a Saints’ defense that has been anything but spectacular.
• Bust Watch: DeAngelo Williams – He may be back from injury and New Orleans is bad against the run, expect him to take a couple weeks to get back towards anywhere you could consider starting him.
• Super Sleeper: Kenny Stills – Over the last two weeks, Stills has 9 catches, 160 yards and a touchdown.  He is making the most of his targets and he will likely get 5 or 6 more targets Thursday night.
• Lottery Tickets: Jonathan Stewart, Travaris Cadet

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cleveland Browns

• Breakout Potential: Cleveland DST – Playing at home with a chance to get to 5-3, they will come to play and Mike Glennon hasn’t been able to lead a consistent offense.
• Bust Watch: Andrew Hawkins – 12 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks.  This could be his let down week.
• Super Sleeper: Travis Benjamin – If the focus shifts to Hawkins, Benjamin could see some targets.
• Lottery Tickets: Jim Dray, Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

• Breakout Potential: Andy Dalton – Jacksonville + AJ Green return = very, very good things.
• Bust Watch: Allen Robinson – This game should be a wake-up call to Cincinnati’s defense, Robinson will be covered.
• Super Sleeper: Clay Harbor – Could find a way to get a touchdown in this game.
• Lottery Tickets: Jermaine Gresham, Cecil Shorts III

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys

• Breakout Potential: Dez Bryant – The Cardinals’ defense allowed Jeremy Maclin to blow up last week (just like I said he wouldn’t… whoops!) Bryant is a better receiver than Maclin is.
• Bust Watch: John Brown – He is still the number 3 wide receiver and not quite ready to overtake Michael Floyd or Larry Fitzgerald.
• Super Sleeper: Carson Palmer – Colt McCoy threw for 299 yards against their defense… Colt McCoy, to stick with stating the obvious… Palmer is a better quarterback than McCoy.
• Lottery Tickets: John Carlson, Cole Beasley

Philadelphia Eagles at Houston Texans

• Breakout Potential: DeAndre Hopkins – He is the number 1 receiver in Houston now and Ryan Fitzpatrick is looking his way more recently.  Look for another 100 yard game with a touchdown.
• Bust Watch: Jeremy Maclin – If at first you don’t succeed… try, try again.  Houston will allow some passing yards, but last week’s performance should get Maclin covered by more than one player for most of the game.
• Super Sleeper: Ryan Fitzpatrick – This game could be higher scoring than you would expect, which means that Fitzpatrick would have sneaky value.
• Lottery Tickets: Alfred Blue, Zach Ertz

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs

• Breakout Potential: Alex Smith – Kyle Orton had success against The Jets’ defense last week, so expect Smith to have a real nice day against New York.
• Bust Watch: Michael Vick – He may have a decent game, but he isn’t the dynamic runner he used to be and he still turned the ball over 3 times last week.
• Super Sleeper: Eric Decker – With the attention Harvin will get, look for Vick to make Decker his favorite target.
• Lottery Tickets: De’Anthony Thomas, Chris Johnson

San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins

• Breakout Potential: Lamar Miller – Hillman ran all over San Diego last week and Miller could have the same type of success this week.
• Bust Watch: Antonio Gates – Miami’s defense has been playing strong and has played better against the tight end position since their BYE week.
• Super Sleeper: Eddie Royal – Guessing he finds the end zone this week… but it’s Eddie Royal, so all you can do is guess.
• Lottery Tickets: Ryan Tannehill, Ronnie Brown

Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings

• Breakout Potential: Alfred Morris – He showed us all last week that he does in fact remember where the end zone is, look for him to build on that success here.
• Bust Watch: Pierre Garcon – I would expect about 3 catches for 55 yards from him, if you start him hope one of those is for a touchdown.
• Super Sleeper: Washington DST – Minnesota didn’t move the ball very well last week against Tampa Bay, Washington played strongly against Dallas on Monday night.
• Lottery Tickets: Matt Asiata, Roy Helu Jr.

St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers

• Breakout Potential: Vernon Davis – Coming off the BYE, he should be healthier and ready to finally breakout this season.
• Bust Watch: Austin Davis – Losing Brian Quick hurt and the inconsistent, unknown running game isn’t helping Davis at all either.
• Super Sleeper: Carlos Hyde – San Francisco is using him more and should look to transition from Frank Gore to him in the coming weeks.
• Lottery Tickets: Benny Cunningham, Steve Johnson

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

• Breakout Potential: Julius Thomas – 50 yards over the last two games, with Darrel Revis matched up against Emmanuel Sanders or Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas should get easier coverages.
• Bust Watch: Tom Brady – He has been playing excellent lately, but just as the rumors of his demise being exaggerated, so is the idea that he is on a statistical level close to Peyton Manning.
• Super Sleeper: Julian Edelman – He has been quiet the last few weeks and with Denver likely to focus on Rob Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell, Brady will go back to Edelman.
• Lottery Tickets: Timothy Wright, C.J. Anderson

Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks

• Breakout Potential: Russell Wilson – Wilson is carrying this team through its adversity, he will run and pass all over Oakland.
• Bust Watch: Doug Baldwin – He is just not a reliable number 1 receiver and you can’t rely on him for anything more than 60 yards.
• Super Sleeper: David Carr – Don’t forget, Carr earned the starting position with his play against Seattle, and he did it against most of The Seahawks’ starters too.
• Lottery Tickets: Denarius Moore, Ricardo Lockette

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

• Breakout Potential: Steve Smith Sr – He has been held in check the last few weeks, but this 35 year old went for 71 yards when they played in Week 2.  Smith should surpass 100 yards and haul in a touchdown this week.
• Bust Watch: Lorenzo Taliaferro – He is coming off a 2 touchdown performance and has been added in numerous leagues, but don’t expect 18 points off of 7 touches every week.
• Super Sleeper: Heath Miller – He could find the end zone again this week.
• Lottery Tickets: Markus Wheaton, Crockett Gillmore

Indianapolis Colts at New York Giants

• Breakout Potential: Eli Manning – Remember his last night game?  Manning and Larry Donnell had themselves quite a game.  Coming off of the BYE, Manning should make fantasy owners very happy this week.
• Bust Watch: Ahmad Bradshaw – Trent Richardson is likely back this week and if Bradshaw doesn’t score a touchdown, his production is below average.
• Super Sleeper: Hakeem Nicks – Nicks playing against his former team, he should be ready to play for this game and Andrew Luck will likely make it a point to get him into the end zone.
• Lottery Tickets: Preston Parker, Coby Fleener

Playoff Pushover Prognostications

With the release of the 1st Playoff Projection Tuesday evening, college football has it's first ever glimpse of what could happen if the season ended today with the inception of a playoff to determine it's champion.

And, as 'luck' would have it, Irish faithful will have to wait until seasons end to see if Notre Dame can somehow climb into the picture with it's lone defeat to Flordida State.

The panel did get it right.

Notre Dame does not belong within the top 4.

But that's today.

And 10 is a bit low, but understandable from the most important perspective:

Who have the Irish 'beat'?

A Stanford win looked nice heading into the season.

So did Michigan.

Heck, the Rice game would have been a decent win had the Owls played half as good as they did in 2013.

The same holds true for North Carolina, another ranked team at the beginning of the season -but one that has fallen well below expectations.

So forget one thing Irish fans:

The results of those wins. The outcome of all the games this year play no part in the status of the Irish today. Even the Florida State game.

Notre Dame resides at 11 simply by the lack of production of the teams they faced.

Some are even leaning to the notion the Noles are a little down, with squeakers over NC State and Oklahoma State.

It's a long season and the Irish can work their way back in with some help-and if they run the table.

Here's a closer look at how that can happen:

The 1st 4 in as of October 28th:

#1 Mississippi State

Remaining schedule: Arkansas, UT Martin, Alabama, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss

Possible loss: Alabama, Ole Miss

Final Record: 11-1 to 10-2

#2 Florida State 7-0

Remaining schedule:Louisville,Virginia, Miami,Boston College,Florida

Possible loss: Louisville

Final record: 12-0 to 11-1

#3 Auburn 6-1

Remaining schedule: Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia,Samford and Alabama

Possible loss: Ole Miss,Georgia,Alabama

Final record:10-2 to 9-3

#4 Ole Miss 7-1

Remaining schedule: Auburn,Presbyterian, Arkansas, Mississippi State

Possible loss: Auburn, Mississippi State

Final record: 11-1 to 10-2

Translation:

Without the usage of a crystal ball or the vast well of knowledge Kirk Herbstreet has, there are plenty of games to lose for all the teams currently within the top 4 today.

Ole Miss and Mississippi State will end their season's in the Egg Bowl which will eliminate Ole Miss if it's the Rebs who lose. Ole Miss could very well be eliminated by then with a loss possibly to Auburn. Arkansas has a slim chance to defeat the Rebs.

Mississippi State would advance to the SEC title game providing they remained undefeated, which is unlikely. They could very well lose to Alabama.

Auburn looks bad on defense, and will lose 1 more game- which could happen this weekend to Ole Miss.

The team that could remain undefeated out of the 4 is Florida State. Some are suggesting they'll to Louisville.

Should they win this week, the Noles have a clear path to the final four, less an upset via Florida, Miami or BC.

What does all this mean for Notre Dame?

Alot. Remaining undefeated no longer is a must for any team in the new format. It helps, but it's not a death nail. Key is winning all your prime matchups, winning big and throttling the teams your supposed to throttle.

But it's all pointless if the Irish do not run the table o matter how they accomplish that.

Recruiting Rumblings

Brian Kelly is hitting a home run where his next class is concerned.

Linebacker U as some would call it. Little early?

Notre Dame picked up a huge commitment for the recruiting class of 2015 when 4-star inside linebacker Tevon Coney committed to Notre Dame over the Florida Gators.

Coney, a 6’0″, 220 lbs inside linebacker, had one of the most impressive offer lists of any current Notre Dame recruit prior to committing to the Irish. Coney also had offers from the likes of Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Miami.

Prior to his pledge, the Irish hauled in Asmar Bilal from Indiana.

Bilal, a 6-3, 205-pound inside linebacker, previously narrowed his choices to Notre Dame and Michigan. Bilal is ranked by 247sports.com as the No. 3 inside linebacker in the country and the No. 2 in-state prospect behind  linebacker Josh Barajas, who is also committed to Notre Dame.

And the list grows with the addition of Bo Wallace from River Ridge Louisianna.

Add these players alongside current Domer Jaylon Smith and freshman Nyles Morgan and next year looks pretty stellar in the middle for Notre Dame.

CBS and The Middies

This Saturday's game with Navy will be broadcast in primetime yet again for the Irish.

Former lineman Aaron Taylor will help with the tone for Irish faithful as a guest color analyst. He is talented folks and tops the list of people many love to see on NBC games for Notre Dame.

And to the question as to why the game is on CBS, it's 2014- even years go to CBS within the series.

NDFANRADIO

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On Wednesday's, join Irish Nation on the web with perhaps the finest podcast available.

Go to Blogtalkradio.com