Sportswoman of the Week Ending 4/5/2026

The NCAA tournament on the men's AND women's side have been amazing theater.  The big teams are winning when it counts, and UCLA has fit the bill on the women's side.  At 31-1 entering the tournament, the Bruins seemed to be about the fourth choice by betting favorites behind fellow number one seeds Connecticut, South Carolina, and Texas.  They made no match for two of three.  The Bruins played absolute clamp down defense and scored consistently to win by an average of 17 points, culminating in a 28 point beatdown of South Carolina in the Finals .  Led by our Sportswoman of the Week Lauren Betts.  In relative low scoring games, The 6'7" senior Betts scored 30 points in the Final Four, on efficient 13-20 from the field, perfect 4-4 from the line, 22 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5 assists, all of what it takes to win.  It was their first NCAA Championship for a program of proud sports tradition.  Betts and her team finished the season 37-1, and a worthy Longhorndave Sportswoman of the Week! 

Sportsman of the Week Ending 3/22/2026

March Madness is in full effect!  With fewer upsets than some wanted (I'm good with it, I want to see big boy heavyweight games downstream), one individual set an all-time NCAA record that is decades old.  Purdue guard Braden Smith hit 1077 career assists passing the sentimental Duke guard Bobby Hurley for most in NCAA history.  Hurley had the record for over 30 years.  One of only four players to have more than 1000 (Chris Corchiani and Ed Cota the other two).  He's an All-Big 10 first team selection for the third straight year.  Epitome of older school college basketball where your best players played through their eligibility and consistently go deep in the tournament.  Purdue is queued up for a Sweet 16 matchup against Texas, and should they play that they'll look for their second Final Four berth since 1980, the last of which was two years ago when they lost to Connecticut in the finals.  Experienced guard play is always key to deep tournament runs and Smith has that for Purdue.  He is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!  

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/28/2025

The first major conference matchup week in college football unfolded in the last weekend in September and it did not disappoint.  In the New Conference Order, suddenly a matchup between Illinois and Southern California is (1) a conference matchup and (2) one between ranked teams.  And on national TV, the Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer took over.  Altmyer struck early, was efficient, and finished the game.  He ended 20-26 with 328 yards on such limited attempts.  And two TDs in a thrilling 34-32 victory.  And no interceptions.  And he was efficient with his legs on five carries and tack on another touchdown.  Oh and, he caught a TD pass.  Talk about doing it all.  Altmyer answered the critics after a tough loss and has positioned Illinois with their conference title fate in front of them.  Luke Altmyer is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 10/13/2024

Another huge weekend for college football including big conference matchups and one of the more intriguing games was Penn State travelling out west to Southern California for a new world Big 10 matchup.  The game did not disappoint.  USC took a 20-6 lead at halftime but the Nittany Lions came out of the locker room in the second half on fire.  Overall, while Drew Allar stepped up with the biggest game of his QB career, it was Tight End Tyler Warren who put up the biggest individual numbers.  Allar to Warren was good for 17 catches and 224 yards and a touchdown.  The senior Warren had eclipsed 100 yards only twice in his career and never more than 8 catches.  The Lions won in overtime to preserve their Top 4 ranking and Warren is an unlikely hero.  And the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/1/2024

A second thrilling weekend of college football commenced with a handful of big national matchups between big conferences.  The weekend spanned five full days (Thursday through Monday) giving fans a holiday weekend buffet of action.  Sunday night may have been the peak game with a huge SEC and Big 10 matchup at a neutral site and it didn't disappoint.  Teams that have each won National Championships in the last 20 years squared off in Las Vegas as the 13th ranked Louisiana State Tigers and 23rd ranked Southern California Trojans went toe to toe for 60 minutes.  In what many expected to be a high scoring game (having seen USC defense the prior year) was a slugfest with body blows thrown throughout but coming down to the fourth quarter.  With the game 17-13 entering the fourth quarter, USC excelled with two huge scoring drives to win it led by heir apparent to the USC QBU franchise Miller Moss.  Moss ended the day 27-36 with a TD, but had two go ahead drives in the fourth quarter with a TD throw, and a two-minute drill drive in which he was 5-6 and led a 1m 39s drive with ease.  They could have gotten a FG but got the TD on a run.  Moss was patient behind Heisman Trophy winner and eventual top NFL draft pick Caleb Williams and the reigns are now his, and he is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 3/24/2024

It's the time of year.  March Madness!  Circled on the calendar for many as a highlight of the Sports calendar (so robbed in 2020 for the pandemic) but this year it's in full swing.  One of the short list favorites to crash the Final Four in Glendale are the top seeded Purdue Boilermakers.  Led by senior Zach Edey who dominates on both sides of the floor.  Through the first weekend, Edey showed why he will make Purdue a tough if not impossible out.  In two textbook wins, national scoring title holder Edey scored 26.5 PPG and 17.5 RPG.  In limited minutes of blowouts over outclassed Grambling State and Utah State (averaged 29 minutes).  That's a point per minute and three rebounds every 5 minutes of play (rounded).  The Canadian hit 19-28 from the field with 12 offensive boards and 23 defensive wipes.  Throw in 5 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks and he was a one-man wrecking crew.  Purdue is looking for their first basketball title after two Final Four appearances and this may be the year thanks to the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 3/17/2024

The college basketball season is entering its pinnacle with conference tournament championships and top teams emerging.  One of the big conference winners from the Big 10 is a favorite to crash Glendale in the Final Four was the Illinois Fighting Illini.  Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. was a big reason why.  There's always something about senior guards and the leadership they provide in tournament style play.  And Shannon Jr. answered in leadership and play.  In the three games in the Big 10 tournament, he averaged 34 points in 35 minutes per game, 27-57 from the field (10-22 beyond the arc) field and 38-44 from the line.  Scoring.  Machine.  The Illini have a 3 seed in the East and poised to push on a week or two.  Terrence Shannon Jr. is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/14/2024

In one of the most anticipated College Football Playoff Championship games in recent memory, two 14-0 teams geared up to battle in Houston.  Intrigue skyrocketed as two conflicting styles of play... Michigan's running and defense versus Washington's weapon-laden, diverse offense and points would be settled on the field.  The former proved superior.  The tone was set early on two early breakout runs by Donovan Edwards, who had been relegated to more of a change-of-pace back through the year behind workhorse Blake Corum.  But it was Edwards who burst through the Huskies defensive line twice in the first 13 minutes of the game to stake the Wolverines to a 14-3 lead, after which Washington never got closer than a TD.  Both Edwards runs were 40+ yards and hit paydirt for the first two touchdowns of the game.  He totaled 104 yards on just 6 carries, but his strong start is worthy of the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/31/2023

It's a Longhorndave on Sports tradition that Bowl Season the big players in Bowl games get the nod for Sportsman of the Week honors and this week is no different.  While some complain that the Bowl Season was watered down with too many, now watered down with opt outs, the Chick-Fil-a Peach Bowl brought two heavyweight conference contenders who were within a game or two of the College Football Playoff in Ole Miss and Penn State.  Two great coaches and loads of talent in a hotbed of college football, Atlanta, GA.  And Ole Miss was all gas and no brakes in running up the score on a strong Penn State defense.  Rebels Quarterback Jaxson Dart shredded the Nittany Lions defense for 379 yards and 3 TD.  While the other 15 yards of passing for Ole Miss was caught by the junior while running for 14 yards and a fourth TD.  Ole Miss looks to be a force in the SEC for years to come, including next year when Dart has professed to come back and will be on the Heisman short list.  It was a big win led by our Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 1/2/2022

What a fun crescendo to the end of 2021 highlighted by the usual high level College Football Bowl Games, not the least of which was the College Football Playoff.  However, where the playoffs lacked in excitement, the Rose Bowl made up for in action and competitiveness.  A see saw affair ended up landing on the Ohio State Buckeyes side, much due to a record-breaking receiving performance.  Buckeye receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated the game in a way no receiver had ever before.  Not the Rose Bowl.  Any Bowl.  Smith-Njigba hauled in 15 passes for a record breaking 347 yards and 3 TDs as Ohio State beat the scrappy Utah Utes 48-45 in one the great classics of the "Grandaddy of them All".  It was Smith-Njigba's 5th straight 100 yard game and by far his most productive in a 1600+ yard season.  The Buckeye's sophomore leading receiver is a worthy Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 11/28/2021

What a weekend for college football as the final regular season week produced huge matchups and lots of hate.  Perhaps no more hate north of Alabama was felt in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the state's beloved Wolverines took on the hated Ohio State Buckeyes.  While the rivalry is storied and easily Top 5 in college football no matter the circumstance, the stakes were significantly higher this week as Michigan was riding an 8-game losing streak against the perennial powerhouse Buckeyes and the teams were both ranked in the Top 5 coming in.  Big 10 title on the line.  Playoff spot on the line.  Enter cold weather and snow and it was the American dream for a football fan.  But this turned into a nightmare for the Buckeyes.  In Big 10 football style, Michigan lined up and took control of the game at the line.  The beneficiary was Hassan Haskins.  He put the team on his back with 28 carries for 169 yards and 5 TD, personally outscoring the Buckeyes in the 42-27 Wolverines victory.  And it wasn't the kind of effort where it was a few long runs.  Every time Michigan had the ball, Haskins pounded for 5 yards, 7 yards, 2 yards, 6 yards shedding tacklers on the way to setting up his team for good 3rd down distance.  Michigan scored a TD on its last 5 possessions that didn't end the half keeping Ohio State at bay.  What a win for Michigan and while the Sportsman of the Week goes to Haskins, his offensive line deserves much of the credit as well! 

Sportsman of the Week Ending 10/31/2021

No player was scarier on Halloween Weekend for defensive players than all world running back Kenneth Walker III as he single handedly won the intrastate rivalry, dealt the Michigan Wolverines their first loss of the season, and surged toward the top of the Heisman Trophy favorite board.  The Michigan State Spartan shredded the Wolverines defense for nearly 200 yards (197 to be exact) and five, read that FIVE touchdowns.  It was all the offense the Spartans needed to outscore the Wolverines 37-33 and move to 8-0 themselves and into the Big 10 title discussion.  Trailing Michigan 30-14, Walker III ran to pay dirt three times in the second half (including two 2-point conversions) from 1 yard, 58 yards, and 23 yards to deflate the favored Michigan squad.  An impressive effort in a huge game, nets Walker III our Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/20/2020

 

The college football season ended with a flourish, as feverish debates over teams' playoff worthiness and conference championship pedigree.  Ohio State was on the playoff bubble, but thanks to our Sportsman of the Week, busted through to earn a berth and even move up a seed.  Senior running back Trey Sermon delivered his career best performance in perhaps the biggest moment in leading the Buckeyes to their 4th  straight conference championship with a 22-10 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats.  And I do mean career performance.  Sermon rushed for a Buckeye and Big 10 title game record 331 yards on a workman like 29 carries and both Buckeye TDs to get the job done.  One might wonder why Ohio State tried to throw the ball at all as Heisman candidate Justin Fields faltered with a sore thumb and ineffectiveness.  Sermon made sure that the Buckeye congregation is moving on and looks to deliver them their first National Championship in 6 years.

Sportsman of the Week Ending 12/1/2019

The college football season is hitting its regular season climax, with a round of great rivalry games on Thanksgiving weekend, now followed by the Conference Championships this weekend.  And Ohio State is smack dab in the middle of it, led by their Heisman Trophy candidate running back J.K. Dobbins.  Dobbins sliced through the statistically stout Michigan Wolverine defense for 211 rushing yards on a workman-like 31 carries.  With OSU leading most of the game, there was no reason not to feed the monster.  And 4 of the 31 carries ended with him untackled as he crossed the goal line as the Buckeyes pummeled their rival 56-27.  Dobbins also added 2 catches for 49 yards as if his running wasn't unstoppable enough.  Dobbins now turns to a rematch with Wisconsin then the College Football Playoff.  Dobbins will be a big part of their success, and is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 10/27/2019

It's hard to believe that the NCAA Football regular season is about 2/3 over, and the Conference title races are starting to take shape.  In the middle of the Big 10 as usual, is Ohio State.  Defensive lineman disruption specialist Chase Young of Ohio State has shored up the Buckeyes defense in a way that their last few teams didn't have.  In their biggest game of the year, he showed up to play.  He had six tackles, including 4 were sacks, a fifth was for a loss.  Throw in two forced fumbles that were recovered by the Buckeyes.  The result, a discombobulated Wisconsin Badgers offense, and a 38-7 win over their best opponent to date.  There seems to be little in between the Buckeyes and another Big 10 title game, and this year, very likely a playoff berth.  While the Buckeyes have weapons on offense, it's Heisman candidate Young and that defense that seems to be the difference.  Chase Young is a sure-fire NFL Top 5 pick, and the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/22/2019

In one of the biggest conference games to start the Big 10, a strong Heisman candidate stepped up and made a statement.  Jonathan Taylor of the Wisconsin Badgers plowed through what was expected to be a stingy Michigan Wolverine defense for over 200 yards.  203 to be exact, on 23 carries for two TDs.  His longest was a spectacular 72 yard scamper in the first quarter to set the tone for the game.  He even missed the 2nd quarter with a cramp, but returned in the second half to help ensure the 35-14 conference opening victory in one of their toughest projected games.  The win thrust the Badgers up to Number 8 and solidifies their favorite status in the Big 10 West.  Taylor has averaged over 2000 yards his first two seasons and is likely to find himself in New York competing for the Heisman, which he finished 9th last year.  Taylor is the Longhorndave Sportsman of the Week!

Sportsman of the Week Ending 9/24/2017

Conference play began in college football across the country, and while no games decided the title, many games left teams scrambling to stay in the hunt.  One was #4 Penn State.  With a tricky conference opener at undefeated Iowa, they needed to find a way to escape with a win.  And escape they did.  The game will most be remembered for the Nittany Lions touchdown as the clock struck zero to preserve their Big 10 title hopes.  But it was Saquon Barkley that was the star of the show.  In hostile territory against an aggressive defense, Barkley toted the rock 28 times while catching another 12 passes.  The result?  305 total yards (over 7 yards a play) and a touchdown.  And there were not many holes, he turned 3 yard losses into 5 yard gains, and 5 yard gains into 20 yard bursts.  Hurdling, going through tacklers, getting better as the game went on.  The first big Heisman performance happened, and it was our Sportsman of the Week Saquon Barkley who delivered to shot across the bow.

J.R. Ewing College Football Picks: 2016-17 Bowl Pick Special

It's time for the Big Boys to play, let's get it on!

The second in the two part J.R. Ewing Bowl picks, the first being straight up underdog picks.  This set is the five best bets ATS; noting that the first week or so of games featured Group of 5 conference that I had not seen much of this season, so it didn't make sense to pick.  Beginning December 26, the Power 5 conferences will take center stage.

Many of these will be favorites, given that I already selected several underdogs to win, therefore go ahead and take those ATS if you're feeling less confident.  Note both playoff games are included!

Just to continue to trumpet a successful college football regular season:

Summary:
Final Week: 3-2 (+80)
Season: 37-31-2 (+$290, 3.8% profit)

Note that the profit takes into account house take at $10 for every $100 wagered.

Here are the five best College Bowl Bets ATS:

December 27, 2016 (10:15 p.m. EST) - Motel 6 Cactus Bowl, Phoenix, AZ
Boise State (-7.5) vs. Baylor

Baylor was the most overrated 6-0 team in history.  They have lost six straight, only two were within a TD, and two losses were to non-bowl teams.  Meanwhile Boise State has just two losses overall, and always step up their game against Power 5 opponents.  Both teams are an odds defying 3-9 ATS, but it's Baylor who is mailing it in.  The coach and staff are out, some players are skipping the game, and they haven't won since October 15.  Boise takes this big.

December 28, 2016 (9:00 p.m. EST) - Advocare V100 Texas Bowl, Houston, TX
Texas A+M (-2.5) vs. Kansas State

The Aggies will be anxious to match up with their former Big 12 opponent.  The game is in Houston so expect a lot of maroon filling the 65,000 seat NRG Stadium.  Kansas State is a scrappy team in the regular season, but is only 1-7 in their last 8 bowl games, usually drawing a more talented team with time to prepare for their unorthodox, grinding style of offense.  As is the case this year.  A+M will want to finish the season on a positive note after nosediving from the College Football Playoff poll.  They win by 10 or more.

December 30, 2016 (Noon EST) - Autozone Liberty Bowl, Memphis, TN
Georgia (PK) vs. TCU

TCU has just two wins in their last six games finishing a disappointing 6-6 on the season in a very mediocre Big 12.  A young Georgia squad with a new coach and QB battled tough but loss some heartbreaking losses to rivals like Tennessee and Georgia Tech.  Given a chance to catch their breath, they can focus on building momentum for 2017 with a win here.  TCU is historically good in bowls, but this team isn't like the recent ones that have gone 4-1 / 8-2 in their last five/ten Bowl Games.  Georgia wins a see saw affair.

December 31, 2016 (3:00 p.m. EST) - Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl, Atlanta, GA
Washington (+14.5) vs. Alabama

Alabama is being tabbed as the odds on favorite to win their second straight playoff and why shouldn't they?  They are the only undefeated team remaining and talent laden.  Two factors have me thinking this is closer than experts think.  One is that the top of the SEC was much softer than some of the others Alabama navigated.  It enabled Alabama to have a lot of eye pleasing blowouts, but Washington is a sound team.  Washington is young, so they must step up to the big atmosphere.  I think this is either really close or a Crimson Tide blowout.  I'll lean toward close and a cover.

December 31, 2016 (7:00 p.m. EST) - Playstation Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, AZ
Clemson (+3) vs. Ohio State

I think media and fans fell a bit too much in love with the Big 10 this year.  Because of the quantity of teams, the cream of the crop really only faced a worthy opponent 3 or 4 times during the conference season.  Ohio State went 2-1 in such games, with both wins in overtime.  Not exactly dominating.  Clemson was here last year and tasted the atmosphere.  With a veteran squad (vs. a young Buckeye squad), I see this is a near pick'em.  So I'm leaning to the Tigers to get it done and punch their ticket to Tampa.

Enjoy your holiday week and the Bowl Action and we'll see you in 2017!

J.R. Ewing College Football Picks: 2016-17 Bowl Upset Special

I like money.  Let me make you some.

After a romp in the regular season, we turn our attention to Bowl Season.  These games are difficult games to pick, because of the layoff, coach defections, and unpredictability in inspiration by the teams.  That's where I step in to give you the edge.

One final look at regular season performance, nothing short of solid and profitable:

Summary:
Final Week: 3-2 (+80)
Season: 37-31-2 (+$290, 3.8% profit)

Note that the profit takes into account house take at $10 for every $100 wagered.

This is the first of two Bowl Predicts.  This game focuses on straight up upsets.  No point spreads, but rather games that I've pegged as underdogs winning.  Put $100 on each and if you snag two of five, you get a very nice profit.

December 27, 2016 (Noon EST) - Heart of Texas Bowl, Dallas, TX
North Texas (+320) vs. Army

These teams already played once and North Texas rolled.  People look at UNT and their scant five wins and dismiss them, however Army isn't world beaters.  They did beat Navy, although Navy had a very inexperienced QB and was beat up all over the field.  And how much did that take out of the team?  This game is in my home city of Dallas, at over 3 to 1, I'll see if North Texas can put together a solid effort.

December 29, 2016 (8:00 EST) - Belk Bowl, Charlotte, NC
Arkansas (+225) vs.Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech hasn't defeated a Bowl team since October (0-2 since).  Arkansas is a Jeckyl and Hyde team, but typically plays well in Bowls under Bret Bielema (2-0 and both were blowouts).  Couple that with historic strong play in bowl games for the SEC, and getting this money line seems like a nice play.

December 30, 2016 (8:00 EST) - Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, FL
Florida State (+225) vs. Michigan

Michigan quietly lost two of their last three and never really played that well away from the Big House (roll over against Rutgers withstanding).  Meanwhile Florida State has won six of seven, the one loss a close one to ACC Champion Clemson.  FSU is at home and with a chip on their shoulder.  Michigan felt like they should have beat Ohio State and perhaps made the playoffs despite a loss.  Given the money line, taking the 'Noles.

December 31, 2016 (11:00 EST) - Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL
Louisville (+140) vs. LSU

There were times this year in which pundits noted that Louisville was the best betting matchup against invincible Alabama.  Then Louisville dropped their last two inexplicably to 17 point or more underdogs.  This is the game they rally; they're not that bad.  LSU had a roller coaster season shedding a head coach and playing without an effective Leonard Fournette (who is out of this game).  Lamar Jackson is the best player on the field and Louisville wins it (as a slight underdog).

January 2, 2017 (1:00 EST) - Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Western Michigan (+260) vs. Wisconsin

A few factors at play here, one is the Western Michigan is the team with something to prove.  Wisconsin is licking their wounds after a tough Big 10 title game and season of close losses to the top teams.  This game will have very few fans in attendance (relatively) as both teams have a ways to travel and outside of Southfork Ranch, Dallas isn't necessarily a tourist hot spot.  Combine all that with an early kickoff and Wisconsin could be lethargic.  Given the money line play, I like this play.

Coming up next, Top 5 point spread games!

- JR

J.R. Ewing College Football Picks: Championship Weekend

Christmas party on me and my profits!

Well well well, it looks like I'll be taking a profit into the Christmas holidays for the whole season.  After a couple weeks of bleeding away my early season profits, things came together last weekend.  It wasn't a romp, but enough to keep the win train going!

Summary:
Previous Week: 3-2 (+80)
Season: 34-29-2 (+$210, 3.2% profit)

While normally I have a full slate of games to cherry pick, we can do nothing more than pick the Power Five Conference Championship Games (or the defacto version of the Big 12).  But before that, a short commercial break.  If you want to know how I feel about how the College Football Playoff committee should vote based upon results this weekend, check out this Blog.

But back to the picks, here we go!

Pac 12 Championship Game
Washington (-7.5) vs Colorado (Friday 12/2 9:00 p.m. EST - Santa Clara, CA)

Washington seems like a team that woke up when it had it's bell rung on the road against a surging Southern California team.  Throw out that game and they haven't been played in less than a TD.  They didn't seem to play scared last weekend in the Apple Cup, and their defense shuts down the Buffs to win something like 24-7 (take the under 58, too).


Oklahoma (-11.5) vs Oklahoma State (12:30 p.m. EST)

As this is a regular season game, it's in Norman.  The Sooners do well in Norman.  There have been times that Oklahoma State wrecked the Sooners hopes but this isn't one of those years.  Oklahoma muddled through injuries (and some suspensions) during the season but is peaking.  Oklahoma State has been more the category of doing just enough to win.  Explosive offenses abound, I take Oklahoma 42-31 (believe it or not, that's an under 77.5).

SEC Championship Game
Florida (+24) vs Alabama (4:00 p.m. EST - Atlanta, GA)

This just seems like too many points.  Alabama has been a machine at hitting games right near the line, so if I had my choice I would probably no play.  That being said, Florida's defense can be good, and Alabama has been winning more low scoring games lately.  So something like 28-7 would seem right.  That's also an under (40) play.

ACC Championship Game
Clemson (-10) vs Virginia Tech (8:00 p.m. EST - Orlando, FL)

Another big spread, but another veteran team against an upstart team that isn't the same level.  Clemson was in this situation last year and it was tight.  It won't be tight.  Clemson uses their talent advantage and I'm guessing a crowd outnumbering the opposition to win 34-21.  Under 58.

Big 10 Championship Game
Penn State (+2.5) vs Wisconsin (8:00 p.m. EST - Indianapolis, IN)

Penn State continues to get disrespected and they continously prove doubters wrong.  They haven't lost since September 24 and haven't won by fewer than 2 TD since October 1 (besides a stunning upset of Ohio State).  They are rolling.  Wisconsin has had an amazing season playing a tough schedule, but Nittany wins this one by a FG at least. 

So with this result, I would have: Alabama, Clemson, Washington, and Big 10 in the playoff.  I would take Penn State, but the committee seems to value Ohio State.