So over the last few days I have been compiling information of what the consensus 5* rated players (using 247‘s Composite Rankings. This only covers those draft classes that have draft eligible players (2003-2012), and thus 2013, 2014, and 2015 classes are not included.

Out of those 10 classes there are 279 that have declared for the draft, Graduated, and/or are not in school anymore (quit for injuries, in prison, or decided to play baseball).

182 of them have made it to an NFL active roster (65%)

150 of them have been drafted (54%).

57 were drafted in the 1st rd (20%)

34 were drafted in the 2nd rd (13%)

32 were un-drafted but made it on to an active NFL roster (12%)

17 were drafted in the 4th rd (6%)

15 were drafted in the 3rd rd (5%)

11 were drafted in the 5th rd (4%)

11 were drafted in the 6th rd (4%)

4 were drafted in the 7th rd (1%)

 

I have also broken it into where the players played High School football at. Looking at the most fertile areas:

Florida, Texas, Cotton Belt SE (Georgia, Louisiana, Miss, Alabama), California, DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), Carolinas, and Ohio/PA.

 

Florida:

48 total (17%)

26 drafted (54%)

32 active rosters (67%)

 

Texas:

42 total (15%)

16 drafted (38%)

23 active (55%)

 

California:

34 total (12%)

15 drafted (44%)

18 active (53%)

 

South East:

43 total (15%)

23 drafted (53%)

33 active (77%)

 

DMV:

16 total (6%)

13 drafted (81%)

14 active (88%)

 

Carolina’s:

16 total (6%)

10 drafted (63%)

12 active (75%)

 

Ohio/PA:

24 total (9%)

14 drafted (58%)

15 active (63%)

 

 

I skipped out on last week as it was a pretty bad week in terms of good match-ups.  The week before I was a perfect 6-0, bringing my total to 42-21.

This week as always for rivalry week there are several great match-ups.  Some with big time Playoff implications on the line.  Get ready for a wild ride these last 2 weeks.

 

Mississippi St @ Ole Miss

MSU – 4.81

Ole Miss – 4.55

 

Ole Miss has been a shell of itself since Treadwell went out.  They lost what little offense they had.  If this wasn’t a rivalry game I would have MSU winning by a good margin.  However it is a rivalry game with the favorite on the road.  The underdog has a great defense.  That generally can lead to disaster for the visiting team. Add on to it it is a rivalry game.  Watch out.  Both Defensive lines should be able to control the line of scrimmages.  However Dak Prescott is a much better QB than Bo Wallace.  Both can tend to have bad games and throw questionable balls in clutch situations.  The QB with the least amount of mistakes will win this game.

 

Prediction: Mississippi State wins a nail-biter and officially throws their hat in the Playoff ring. 23-21

 

 

Arizona St @ Arizona

ASU – 4.10

Arizona – 4.14

 

These teams are very evenly matched. Add to that it is a rivalry game and we should have another scorcher in the Desert.  Both teams are fairly balanced with good offenses and good defenses. None are great, but they all get the job done.  No big weaknesses and no major strengths.  Arizona is at home and that should give them a slight advantage.  Both defensive lines have performed well this year and I suspect that should continue this game.  It will still be pretty high scoring as both teams will have a lot of possessions.

 

Prediction: Arizona takes advantage of the home-field and wins 35-31

 

 

Florida @ Florida State

UF – 4.41

FSU – 4.55

 

Not to long ago this was among the most fierce rivalries.  It has since cooled off a bit as both teams have went on streaks, when the other team was down.  However there is still a lot of hatred there.  FSU has won 27 straight. The last team to beat them. UF in Tallahassee.  The last time UF had an out-going coach, they also beat FSU.  FSU has started off slow in just about every game and has failed to put away teams, causing most of their games to be close.  I would expect that to continue.  UF will have a very similar game plan to Boston College. They will try to run the ball and keep ahead of the chains, passing only when needed or to catch FSU off-guard.  The key to this game will be if FSU can get a few stops in the first quarter and put some Touchdowns on the board early.  Forcing UF out of their game-plan (IE force them to throw).  If FSU can do that, then they can run away with it.  However I expect UF to get a lead and stick around in this game, with FSU finishing it again in the 4th quarter.

 

Prediction: FSU wins another closer one with a last minute TD 28-21

 

 

Georgia Tech @ Georgia

GT – 4.44

UGA – 4.72

 

Taking out the 2 inexplicable games against South Carolina and Florida, Georgia has been very good this year.  Georgia Tech according to F/+ has the top rated offense in the nation.  Neither team has been able to stop a good rushing attack all year, both teams love to run the ball.  Expect a lot of nice runs in this game (even without all-world RB Todd Gurley for UGA).  Georgia’s rushing defense is better than Georgia Tech’s and should be able to get a stop or 2 when needed.  That could be the difference.

 

Prediction: Georgia runs by GT 42-31

 

 

Minnesota @ Wisconsin

Minn – 4.21

Wisc – 4.65

 

Both teams have had a surprising year (Wisconsin is not surprising to SF as we predicted them to be here).  Wisconsin has come on very strong as of late, with Minnesota surprising against Nebraska last week.  It should be a good rivalry game, however with the Camp Randall crazies as the backdrop, and Melvin Gordon running the ball, Wisconsin should be able to control this game.  Both teams should have the ability to run the ball against the other.  In the end I think Wisconsin is just the better team and playing at home.

 

Prediction: Wisconsin gets behind Gordon and the home crowd and wins going away 38-28

 

 

Auburn @ Alabama

AU – 4.12

Bama – 4.98

 

Alabama has played very well at home, and struggled on the road.  Auburn has done the same thing, played well at home but not so well on the road.  Lucky for Alabama they are at home. Alabama has the better lines and more momentum.  However in the Iron bowl most of that goes out the window.  I expect Auburn to fight hard and keep it close for at least 2 quarters.  In past years offenses like Auburn have given Alabama’s defense fits, however Saban seems to have adjusted and is doing much better in that regard this year.  I still expect Malzahn to come out with a few wrinkles and have some success against this defense.

 

Prediction:Alabama pulls away in the 2nd half 35-21

Had a terrible week last week going 2-4, bringing my total on the year to 36-21.

 

Have quite a few match-ups this week that are a little under the radar, but could play a major role in the playoff picture.

 

Ohio State @ Minnesota

Ohio St – 4.75

Minnesota – 3.95

 

Ohio State has looked very dominant since the VT game.  JT Barrett is playing very well and has that offense rolling.  I really believe this Ohio State team is better than last years Ohio State team.  Minnesota has been a real surprise so far, starting strong like they usually do, but continuing that strong play in the Big10, which they usually do not do. Ohio State is just much more talented and a much better team than Minnesota.  Minnesota keeps it close with the game being at home and Ohio State coming off a big game last week.

 

Prediction: Ohio State sails past Minnesota 42-31

 

 

Clemson @ Georgia Tech

Clemson – 4.34

Georgia Tech – 4.25

 

This an under the radar game and rivalry.  Clemson has the nation’s #1 rated defense (F/+) and GT has the #2 rated offense (F/+).  Both teams are better than many expected.  This should  be a battle.  I’m giving the unorthodox offense and the homefield advantage a good amount of leverage here in this one as I think Clemson will have trouble stopping the option. If Watson plays for Clemson that could be a deal breaker, as Clemson’s offense is immensely better when he is playing.

 

Prediction: Georgia Tech stuns Clemson 30-28

 

 

Mississippi St @ Alabama

MSU – 4.72

Alabama – 4.99

 

Alabama survived a scare last week and was very fortunate to come out of Death Valley with a win over LSU, keeping their playoff hopes alive.  This week they get the #1 team in the nation to come to Tuscaloosa.  Alabama is a vastly different team at home than they are on the road this year, particularly their offense. Alabama is much more talented than Miss State and has been playing better the last few weeks.  This will be a very good game with a LOT of rushing.  Simms has fewer mistakes than Prescott.

 

Prediction: Alabama knocks off Miss State 31-24

 

 

Nebraska @ Wisconsin

Nebraska – 4.54

Wisconsin – 4.60

 

Another game that can knock a team out of the playoff picture.  Wisconsin has really turned it on as of late, and Nebraska is starting to look like the Nebraska of old (Black Shirt Defense and strong running game).  Camp Randall is one of the toughest places to play and can get quite rowdy.  I expect a very loud crowd this weekend and a very staunch Wisconsin defense to show up.  Keep an eye out on both of the RB’s in this game Abdullah for Nebraska and Gordon for Wisconsin. Both are good and should have good days.

 

Prediction: Wisconsin outlasts Nebraska and takes control in the B1G West 31-28

 

 

Auburn @ Georgia

Auburn – 4.51

Georgia – 4.49

 

Georgia gets arguably the best player in College Football back after a 4 game suspension this week, Todd Gurley. It should be a big boost to Georgia who will need his running ability, and ability to take over a game against Auburn. There should be a lot of running room for him in this game as Auburn’s defense has been suspect this year.  Should be a lot of scoring on both sides as both have good offenses and neither have good defenses. Playing between the hedges makes a big difference in this game for Georgia.

 

Prediction: Georgia outscores Auburn 42-38

 

 

Florida State @ Miami

FSU – 4.62

Miami – 4.26

 

Huge Rivalry game. FSU is playing to stay in the playoff picture, and Miami is playing to stay in the ACC hunt.  FSU is on a 25 game winning streak and Jimbo has not lost to Miami since he has taken over.  However all streaks eventually come to an end.  Will this be the game? Miami is coming into this game extremely hot, and has been getting better every game.  FSU has been playing sloppy and turning the ball over at an alarming rate and getting down against good teams. If they keep that up, eventually that will run out. FSU has an advantage on both lines and they have Jameis Winston, Miami has home field advantage and Duke Johnson.  This will be a classic FSU-Miami rivalry game like we saw in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

 

Prediction: Florida State sneaks by 34-31

 

 

Sorry I was not able to get my picks the last 2 weeks.  Was busy week 9 and Word-press was not letting me on last week.  Just to let you know my picks last week were:

FSU 31 – Louisville 21

TCU 49 – West Virginia 42

Auburn 24 – Ole Miss 28

Arizona 34 – UCLA 35

Arkansas 28 – Miss St 41

Utah 30 – Arizona St 31

 

So I went 5-1. Bringing my season total to 34-17.

 

This week we have 6 match-ups between top 20 teams (really top 17).  So there should be some good games and a LOT of shake-up in the top 20.

 

Baylor @ Oklahoma

Baylor – 4.37

Oklahoma – 4.75

 

Oklahoma has had some real stinkers in big games this year.  But Oklahoma is still a very talented team.  Baylor has been inconsistent on offense and defensively they still aren’t anything to write home about, despite their improvement on that side. Oklahoma’s offense should have some success on the ground and in the air in situations. As long as Oklahoma can control the tempo of the game and play ahead, they should be able to control the game. If Baylor can jump out to an early lead and force Oklahoma to throw and play from behind, then the game will fall into their favor.

 

Prediction: Oklahoma is able to control the LOS and the game and win 38-31

 

 

Notre Dame @ Arizona State

ND – 4.4

ASU – 4.2

 

In a game that will essentially eliminate the loser from playoff contention, expect both teams to give it their best effort.  This one should be a battle.  Golson should be able to do what he wants against the Arizona St pass defense, as should Taylor for Arizona State. On a neutral field I would take ND going away, but the game is at Arizona State, and strange things can happen when East Coast teams travel to the West Coast.  So Arizona State will keep this one close at home.

 

Predictions: Notre Dame keeps their hopes alive 30-28

 

 

Kansas State @ TCU

KSU – 4.33

TCU – 4.82

 

Kansas State is one of the most well-coached teams in the nation and TCU finally has the talent to play with the big boys of the Power-5 conferences on a weekly basis.  Just like ND/ASU this is another elimination game (for all intents and purposes). Kansas State will have trouble moving the ball against Kansas St, but with Bill Snyder, they should be able to get enough to at least keep it a close game.  TCU should be able to have success on the ground against Kansas State who does have a good rush defense.  In the end I think TCU’s home field advantage should be the difference.

 

Prediction: TCU wins 35-24 and moves into 1st place in the Big12 by themselves (with the Baylor loss).

 

 

Alabama @ LSU

Alabama – 5.12

LSU – 4.66

 

Alabama has looked a LOT better since the Arkansas game, however LSU has seemingly turned the corner with their young defense and running game.  I think this game is going to be pretty similar to the 2011 game, although with slightly more offense.  It is a night game in Death Valley, which is the best home field advantage in the nation.  It’s hard to envision LSU losing to home night games in one season (losing to Miss St earlier in the year).  However I think LSU’s pass defense will be able to force Simms into a few turnovers and they will slow down the running game enough as their pass offense is able to put a few drives together on a few big plays.

 

Prediction: Alabama goes to Death Valley and loses a defensive battle to LSU 17-20

 

 

Ohio State @ Michigan State

OSU – 4.72

MSU – 4.52

 

Ohio State has really started to roll lately as has Michigan State.  This is another elimination game as the loser is almost assuredly done and the winner will have a great shot at making the playoffs and winning the Big10.  Both teams have a defense and offense that is ranked in the top 20 by almost any measure.  I have gone back and forth on who to pick in this game.  It should be a great battle as both teams try to make a claim they belong in the playoff.  In the end I think Michigan State’s home field advantage and Barrett facing a good defense again (first time since VT…Ohio State’s lone loss) should be enough.

 

Prediction: Michigan State battles to a 28-27 victory over Ohio State

 

 

Oregon @ Utah

Oregon – 4.76

Utah – 4.19

 

Utah is a scrappy team that keeps games close with a tough defense.  However Oregon’s offense has been rolling since the OL started getting healthy.  I think Oregon’s offense will be too much for Utah in the end. Utah’s offense is not good enough to keep up with Oregon, despite Oregon’s defense not being too great.  Playing at home will maybe keep the game close than it would have been otherwise.

 

Prediction: Oregon runs by Utah 35-21

Last week I was 4-2 again. Bringing my total to 25-14 on the year.  I’ve been pretty good with the SEC this year, but a bit off with the PAC12.  Have some more top 25 match-ups this week and our first non-SEC top 5 match-up of the year.  Still looking for that perfect 6-0 week.  So in search of perfection here goes Week 8’s predictions.

 

Kansas State @ Oklahoma

Kansas St 4.21

Oklahoma 4.60

 

Both have performed better in relation to their expectations on the year and this should be a good game.  Kansas State generally shows up in these big games and at least keeps them close.  However Norman is a tough place to win.  Oklahoma has more experience and is way more talented. However Kansas State’s strength is stopping the run, which is Oklahoma’s strength as well (running the ball). It should be a relatively defensive (for the Big12) ball game. Both defenses have played well, however Oklahoma’s offense has been good, where as Kansas State’s not so much.

 

Prediction: Oklahoma uses the home-field advantage and gets by Kansas State 35-24

 

 

Texas A&M @ Alabama

TAMU 4.37

Alabama 4.69

 

Both teams have shown some real liabilities this year on both sides of the ball and have been inconsistent.  This game is quickly  becoming a yearly SEC favorite as they have went to battle the last 2 years and TAMU’s offense is the bane of Nick Saban’s existence and what he hates the most.  I don’t think this game will be any different in terms of the drama and intensity as it was the last 2 years. TAMU’s offense which came out very hot to start the season has been grounded the last few weeks as Kenny Hill and the receivers have been out of sync and inconsistent. TAMU’s defense has also been getting shredded the last few weeks. Alabama last 2 weeks ago to Ole Miss and looked pedestrian against Arkansas (winning by a point). Think Texas AM will have success on offense and get it back going again, but Alabama will run through and around TAMU’s defense.

 

Predictions: Alabama makes just enough stops to get the win in Tuscaloosa 44-34

 

 

Oklahoma State @ Texas Christian

Ok State 4.11

TCU 4.44

 

Both of these teams have performed much better than expected.  Oklahoma State is very young, but they are talented and TCU is finally getting the kind of depth and athletes needed to perform at a high level in a P5 Conference. Both teams are without their best QB and will struggle with consistency on offense.  Both defenses thrive on big plays and speed.  TCU has slightly more talent and more experience and are more talented on the lines.  Expect this to be a big play slug fest as both teams will make big plays on offense and big plays on defense.

 

Prediction: TCU wins a close game at home topping Oklahoma State 28-24

 

 

Washington @ Oregon

Washington 4.35

Oregon 4.28

 

Washington is one of the most underrated teams so far this season.  I put them right about where Auburn was last year as they learn a new system and find ways to win as they learn that system. Now I’m not going to say they will explode like Auburn did last year and start trampling people, but they should get it together and LOOK more impressive over the last half of the season, even if it doesn’t show on their record. Both teams are very talented and have a good amount of experience. The real battle here is how will Washington’s offense show up. They have looked pretty pedestrian so far, but it does have talent and Oregon’s defense has not looked great. If Washington can get their offense going, this good be a classic game.  Oregon’s offense is getting back to full health and looked very good last year. However Chris Peterson has a knack for pulling out big wins and Washington’s defense has been good in stopping the run.  However Mariotta should have a lot of open passing windows.

 

Prediction: Oregon wins in Eugene 38-31

 

 

Notre Dame @ Florida State

ND 4.57

FSU 4.75

 

Both of these teams are ranked in the top 5 in both polls.  Both teams are very talented, however FSU has considerably more speed than ND, as well as experience (particularly on offense).  Notre Dame is still without 3 starters and will be without them for the remainder of the year.  Notre Dame has been solid but not great in every aspect of the game except pass defense.  Which is not a good thing when you are going against a Heisman Trophy winning QB and a few potential first round targets at WR. Florida State should be able to score plenty of points.  The real question here is which FSU defense will show up.  Will it be the first half defense against Ok State and the defense that held Clemson to 17 points?  Or will it be the defense that missed 33 tackles against NC State and gave up many big plays to Syracuse?  Golson has been known to turn the ball over and FSU’s defense showed signs last week of being the opportunistic defense from 2013.

 

Prediction: Florida State’s defense has a good showing and gets some turnovers as Jameis Winston leads FSU 41-23

 

 

Stanford @ Arizona State

Stanford 4.44

Arizona State 3.84

 

Stanford’s defense has been outstanding this year, stopping the run as well as they stop the pass.  However they have not been able to get their offense going. About the only bright spot for Arizona State this year has been their passing game.  Arizona State should be able to get a few drives together with their offense, but Stanford will control this game and keep the home crowd out of it. But will their offense be able to score enough to win?

 

Prediction: Stanford wins 28-21 on the back of their defense

1. Mississippi State
2. Florida State
3. Ole Miss
4. Ohio State
5. Georgia
6. Auburn
7. Alabama
8. Notre Dame
9. Baylor
10. Oklahoma