2018 NCAA Basketball Bracket Projection- 12/27/17

EAST(1)-Boston, MA
Pittsburgh, PA
1 Villanova
16 Prairie View A&M/NC A&T
8 Notre Dame
9 Missouri
Boise, ID
5 Virginia
12 Towson
4 Arkansas
13 Stephen F. Austin
Pittsburgh, PA
6 Creighton
11 Northern Iowa
3 West Virginia
14 Belmont
Charlotte, NC
7 Alabama
10 St. John's
2 North Carolina
15 Oakland

SOUTH(4)-Atlanta, GA
Charlotte, NC
1 Duke
16 Rider
8 Rhode Island
9 Minnesota
Boise, ID
5 Texas Tech
12 Clemson/USC
4 Wichita State
13 Portland State
Wichita, KS
6 Kentucky
11 Nevada
3 Kansas
14 GA Southern
Dallas, TX
7 Butler
10 Temple
2 Texas A&M
15 Wagner


WEST(2)-Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
1 Arizona State
16 Radford/Bucknell
8 Auburn
9 Florida State
Detroit, MI
5 Gonzaga
12 Louisville/St. Bona
4 Seton Hall
13 Buffalo
Nashville, TN
6 Texas
11 New Mexico State
3 Purdue
14 Lipscomb
Wichita, KS
7 Cincinnati
10 Washington
2 Oklahoma
15 Vermont

MIDWEST(3)-Omaha, NE
Detroit, MI
1 Michigan State
16 Penn
8 Baylor
9 UCLA
San Diego, CA
5 Tennessee
12 Middle Tennessee State
4 Arizona
13 UCSB
Nashville, TN
6 Miami (FL)
11 SMU
3 Xavier
14 Wofford
Dallas, TX
7 Michigan
10 Florida
2 TCU
15 South Dakota State

Danger Zone
Last 10 in: UCLA, Florida, Temple, St. John's, Washington, SMU, Clemson, Louisville, St. Bonaventure, USC

First 12 Out:  Providence, Boise State, Houston, Iowa State, Syracuse, SDSU, Utah, UNLV, Georgia, St. Mary's, UCF, Virginia Tech 

Multiple Bid Conferences

ACC- 8
SEC- 8
Big 12- 7
Big East- 6
Pac-12- 5
AAC-4
Big Ten- 4
A-10- 2

M+J's College Football Conference Championship Predictions

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS

Pac-12

USC vs Stanford

USC won the season matchup and look to win the Pac-12. Stanford looks to continue the north's dominance over the south. With the Cardinal the King of the North and the Trojans on the Iron Throne in the South, who will claim the championship? Sam Darnold vs Bryce Love should make this an entertaining game.

USC 31, Stanford 27

American 

UCF vs Memphis

A battle of ranked opponents in the American Athletic Championship. UCF crushed Memphis in the first meeting and look to finish the regular season undefeated and represent the Group of 5 in the New Years Six' Bowls. The Tigers can spoil the Golden Knights season with a win. 

UCF 56, Memphis 38

MAC

Toledo vs Akron

The Rockets beat the Zips in their regular season matchup and look to win the MAC. The Zips at 7-5 play in the MAC Championship for the first time since 2005. Toledo has been a consistent power in the MAC and should be favored in this game. This is the same team that gave Miami FL a run early in the season.

Toledo 41, Akron 24

Conference USA

North Texas vs Florida Atlantic 

Lane Kiffin has led the Owls to an undefeated conference play regular season in his first season. FAU dominated North Texas in the first matchup 69-31. This was the only loss in conference play for the Mean Green. Both teams enter at 9-3 with a 10 win season and a conference championship on the line.

Florida Atlantic 49, North Texas 42

Big 12

Oklahoma vs TCU

The Sooners won the regular season matchup and are looking to get back to the playoff after missing it a season ago. Baker Mayfield, the Heisman favorite would like to cement his chances by leading his team to a Big 12 Championship and playoff bid. The Horned Frogs can still sneak their way in the playoff with win as long as other dominos fall their way. The first conference championship since 2010 should be a good one.

Oklahoma 27, TCU 24

SEC

Georgia vs Auburn

The Tigers won the regular season matchup and are coming off an Iron Bowl victory over Alabama and looking to make the playoffs as a 2-loss team. The Bulldogs are looking to avenge their loss to Auburn. The winner will be in the playoff and the loser will be eliminated. With an SEC Championship at stake and a ticket to the College Football Playoff, its going to be a full house in Atlanta.

Georgia 24, Auburn 21

Mountain West

Boise State vs Fresno State

The Bulldogs beat the Broncos last week and will play for the Mountain West Championship this week. The game was played in Fresno. This time it will be in Boise. Advantage goes to the Broncos under these circumstances. The winner likely won't be the Group of 5 champ, but will finish in the Top 25. 

Boise State 30, Fresno State 23

ACC

Clemson vs Miami 

The Canes fell hard last week against Pitt and now have to beat Clemson in order to make the playoff. The Tigers at number one, can't feel safe with a loss but could still make it if the dominos fell their way. Miami must play better if they want to win. Defense will be the key to this matchup. The defense creating more turnovers will win the ACC.

Clemson 20, Miami 19

Big Ten

Ohio State vs Wisconsin

The Badgers are the only undefeated team outside of UCF. The schedule hasn't been as challenging as others but they are 12-0 and one win away from a playoff appearance. The Buckeyes can spoil the Badgers' chances with a win and could still climb to number 4 but will need enough dominos to fall for this to happen. As one loss Alabama sits at Number 5, will the Big Ten have a playoff team if Ohio State wins?

Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 27

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 13

UPSET WATCH

Michigan over Ohio State

Ohio State enters the Big Game with a slight chance of making the playoff. Last season, both teams were in the hunt and this game knocked the Wolverines out. Michigan is out for revenge and get to play this one at their house. Ohio State's last road performance was a disaster. Can Michigan get revenge?

Stanford over Notre Dame

Bryce Love and the Cardinal have played well down the stretch and now have an opportunity to eliminate the Irish from playoff contention. Notre Dame has been limping lately but know that this one is a must. Can Stanford spoil the Irish's season?

Auburn over Alabama

The Iron Bowl is always a classic when both are in contention. The Kick Six is the most famous of recent times. Auburn has taken Alabama's championship away before in this game, and the Tigers get it at home this season. Nick Saban hardly ever loses, but this one has been one of his hardest ones in his career. Auburn needs this one to keep their playoff hopes alive. Will this be another memorable upset win for Auburn?

Virginia over Virginia Tech

The Hokies have struggled lately including last week's escape against Pitt. Virginia nearly upset Miami (FL) last week. This rivalry is always interesting especially because the Cavaliers are all over the map. If last week's performances are an indication of the result, then an upset should happen.

Texas A&M over LSU

Kevin Sumlin might need this one to keep his job. Good thing, this one is on the road. The Aggies under Sumlin have performed better on road against ranked teams than at home. Coach O and his Tigers have really bounced back after the Troy loss. If history repeats, an upset is likely.

Rutgers over Michigan State

Michigan State clearly is not as good as its ranking. Rutgers is improved this year and maybe moving in the right direction. An upset win would be huge for Chris Ash and his rebuilding process. Could the Spartans really fall to the Scarlet Knights?

Weekend Picks

Score Projections:

TCU 48, Baylor 17

Miami (FL) 45, Pittsburgh 14

Houston 24, Navy 21

Missouri 31, Arkansas 24

UCF 38, USF 28

Iowa 25, Nebraska 17

Texas 42, Texas Tech 31

Virginia 28, Virginia Tech 24

UCLA 48, California 38

Georgia 42, Georgia Tech 21

Kentucky 38, Louisville 35

Michigan 24, Ohio State 21

Purdue 20, Indiana 14

Memphis 58, East Carolina 21

SMU 27, Tulane 21

Syracuse 38, Boston College 35

Wake Forest 30, Duke 14

Alabama 23, Auburn 21

Iowa State 27, Kansas State 21

Penn State 41, Maryland 24

Wisconsin 21, Minnesota 7

NC State 34, North Carolina 17

Boise State 31, Fresno State 20

Oklahoma 47, West Virginia 28

Tennessee 23, Vanderbilt 20

Northwestern 28, Illinois 0

Michigan State 20, Rutgers 17

Arizona 45, Arizona State 42

Oregon 62, Oregon State 14

Texas A&M 21, LSU 20

Clemson 27, South Carolina 21

Stanford 28, Notre Dame 21

Washington St. 35, Washington 28
Utah 24, Colorado 17

BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Oklahoma State 66, Kansas 7

SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Troy 42, Texas State 14

PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Florida State 14, Florida 10

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Cincinnati 28 Connecticut 17

M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 13

1 Alabama
2 Oklahoma
3 Miami FL
4 Clemson
5 Wisconsin
6 Georgia
7 Notre Dame
8 Auburn
9 USC
10 UCF
11 Penn State
12 TCU
13 Washington State
14 Ohio State
15 Washington
16 Mississippi State
17 Stanford
18 Oklahoma State
19 Memphis
20 LSU
21 Michigan State
22 Iowa State
23 Northwestern
24 Boise State
25 South Florida

Dropped Out- West Virginia, Arizona, Michigan

NEW- Iowa State, Boise State, South Florida

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 12

UPSET WATCH

Western Carolina over North Carolina

The Tar Heels host in state little brother, The Catamounts of Western Carolina. Its been a bad year for Larry Fedora and the Tar Heels. The 7-4 Catamounts have had this game circled and will be fired up. Can the Tar Heels motivate themselves to beat Western Carolina? They need to take control early. The longer the game stays close, The Catamounts will gain confidence and the Tar Heels will feel butterflies in the stomach.

UAB over Florida

The Gators season has turned into a burning dumpster fire. Fired coached- check. 5 game losing streak- check. Loss to UAB in their first year back? Maybe. The Blazers are bowl eligible and playing with a lot of confidence and can put an explanation mark in their first year back with a win in the swamp. Can the Gators end their losing streak?

Wake Forest over NC State

The Deacs put up 64 points at the Carrier Dome last weekend and return home to host the Wolfpack. The Wolfpack can't win the ACC but can still earn a 10 win season. This weekend is a must win in order to reach 10 wins. With a lot of offensive confidence, John Wolford and company are looking to repeat last weekend.

Georgia Southern over South Alabama

Can the Eagles get their first win of the season? The Jaguars come to Statesboro this weekend with a chance of reaching bowl eligibility if they win out. The Eagles can ruin their opportunity with their first win of the season. Its possible as the Eagles will be playing with nothing to lose because when your winless, losing is the norm.

Weekend Picks

Score Projections:

Alabama 56 Mercer 0

Miami FL 31 Virginia 7

Wisconsin 24 Michigan 17

Auburn 45 UL Monroe 7

TCU 42 Texas Tech 28

UCF 52 Temple 17

Mississippi State 35 Arkansas 24

Memphis 42 SMU 35

Florida Atlantic 48 Florida International 31

West Virginia 33 Texas 24

Indiana 34 Rutgers 27

Clemson 48 The Citadel 6

Virginia Tech 35 Pittsburgh 14

Iowa State 38 Baylor 24

Arizona State 39 Oregon State 21

Georgia 42 Kentucky 14

Notre Dame 35 Navy 21

Ohio State 59 Illinois 7

Oklahoma State 49 Kansas State 28

Louisville 56 Syracuse 45

Georgia Tech 28 Duke 13

Iowa 28 Purdue 14

Penn State 45 Nebraska 14

Michigan State 27 Maryland 7

LSU 21 Tennessee 10

Arizona 45 Oregon 38

Texas A&M 37 Ole Miss 34

Missouri 42 Vanderbilt 27

Wyoming 34 Fresno State 28

USC 49 UCLA 24

Stanford 28 California 14

Boise State 30 Air Force 20

Washington 27 Utah 13

BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Oklahoma 70, Kansas 7

SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Southern Miss 28, Charlotte 6

PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Northwestern 16 Minnesota 9

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Cincinnati 30 East Carolina 28

M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 12

1 Alabama
2 Oklahoma
3 Miami FL
4 Clemson
5 Wisconsin
6 Georgia
7 Notre Dame
8 Auburn
9 USC
10 UCF
11 Penn State
12 TCU
13 Oklahoma State
14 Ohio State
15 Washington State
16 Washington
17 Stanford
18 West Virginia
19 Mississippi State
20 Memphis
21 Arizona
22 Michigan State
23 Michigan
24 Northwestern
25 LSU

Dropped Out- Virginia Tech, Iowa State

NEW- Northwestern, LSU

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 11

UPSET WATCH

Stanford over Washington

The Cardinal are looking to bounce back and get back in the Pac-12 title race. A win here would keep them in the run for the Pac-12 North. Stanford is always difficult at home. Washington hasn't had a road test like this, so an upset could be looming.

Boston College over NC State

The Wolfpack are good but have not shown to be Top 25 good. The Eagles have been surging as of late and get to play this one at home in freezing cold weather. An upset seems likely here.

Baylor over Texas Tech

Baylor finally got on the win board last week as expected. Now, they get a Texas Tech team that has been limping as lately they have been unable to win lately. The Bears are improving which could be dangerous for Kingbury's job.

Iowa over Wisconsin

The Hawkeyes demolition of Ohio State last week was a shocker. Will they be able to keep this momentum into Wisconsin this week? This will be the Badgers toughest opponent yet.

Iowa State over Oklahoma State

The Cyclones nearly won at West Virginia last week ending their hot streak. With wins over Oklahoma and TCU, we know an upset is possible. Iowa State really needs this one to stay in the Big 12 Title hunt. The Cowboys do as well. Whoever wants it more will come out on top.

Army over Duke

Somehow Duke is the road favorite against the 7-2 Black Knights, who have been playing better each week. In comparison, Duke has played worse each week as it is hard to believe that this team beatdown Northwestern early one. On another note, Duke gets to play in frigid temperatures.

Georgia Tech over Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech did not look week at Miami(FL). Bad news is that they hit the road again. This time, it is at Georgia Tech. Judging by the Hokies performance on the road last week, this could be a dangerous trap in front of the Yellow Jacket fans.

Utah over Washington State

Washington State showed at California that they can be vulnerable on the road. Utah has been close in their conference losses this season and is due another win. If Utah can keep Falk to average numbers, an upset could be in the bag.

Weekend Picks

Score Projections:

Washington 21 Stanford 17
Ohio State 28 Michigan State 24
Penn State 48 Rutgers 24
Boston College 41 NC State 24
LSU 27 Arkansas 7
Army 28 Duke 17
Baylor 48 Texas Tech 35
Minnesota 31 Nebraska 28
Georgia Tech 27 Virginia Tech 21
Syracuse 38 Wake Forest 28
Georgia 35 Auburn 24
Clemson 31 Florida State 14
Iowa 16 Wisconsin 14
Louisville 55 Virginia 35
Michigan 45 Maryland 28
Kansas State 33 West Virginia 28
Navy 28 SMU 24
USC 42 Colorado 28
Kentucky 24 Vanderbilt 21
Washington State 27 Utah 21
Alabama 28 Mississippi State 24
Northwestern 20 Purdue 15
Notre Dame 38 Miami (FL) 27
Oklahoma 24 TCU 21
UCLA 37 Arizona State 29
Arizona 58 Oregon State 21
Colorado State 31 Boise State 30

BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

UCF 64, Connecticut 12

SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

North Texas 35, UTEP 14

PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

South Carolina 17, Florida 10

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:

Nevada 32, San Jose State 10