College Football's Bottom 25, Week 11 2023

 

                              

   (Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, University of Connecticut Football)

Soooo many 3-6 teams. What to do, what to do? 

Basically, that record after 9 games is the cutoff point between being in or out of the poll. Therefore, some teams who won last week to get to 3-6, especially impressively (see Army) dropped completely out of the poll AND the DHM. Others just ended out of the poll but in the DHM. And those who had a loss leaving them at 3-6 are back in, some for the first time this year.

As always, enjoy the games!!


1) Connecticut (1-8) The Fusskies predictably got trashed, 59-3 at Tennessee. The reward is being newly ranked at B25 #1 leading into another game at a nationally ranked opponent, this time James Madison.

2) Kent State (1-8) The Golden Flashless ended on the short end of the MAC’s worst team Bummer Bowl, losing the Wagon Wheel Rivalry game at Akron, 31-27. As often happens, Bummer Bowls can prove to be just as (or even more) entertaining as the matchups between national powers. Bowling Green visits this coming Wednesday.

3) East Carolina (1-8) The Pyrites lost at home to nationally ranked Tulane, 13-10. That score against that opponent actually moves them down one spot to #3 heading into a visit to FAU this coming weekend.

4) Sam Houston (1-8) The Bearkats were the sole remaining winless FBS squad until a 24-21 victory over Kennesaw State of the FCS on a last-second FG. Congratulations on your maiden FBS win! Next up is a Conference USA Bummer Bowl at new #18 Louisiana Tech. Could a winning streak be in the offing?

5) Vanderbilt (2-8) The Commode–doors were War Eagle Tigered by Auburn, 31-15. Next is an almost Bummer Bowl at DHMers South Carolina.

6) UL Monroe (2-7) This was NOT an example of an exciting Bummer Bowl as the Marhawks lost 24-7 at Southern Mississippi. Next up, Troy comes to town.

7) Nevada (2-7) The Wolfcack are back in off a BYE week. This weekend brings a visit to Utah State to play the (What’s an?) Aggies.

8) Arizona State (2-7) The Stunned Devils of Roger Clyne Alma Mater University return after a 55-3 booting by the Utes at Utah. Next up is a visit to SoCal to play at UCLA. 

9) Pittsburgh (2-7) The Panters actually played better against #4 FSU than they did the previous week against Our Lady, losing 24-7 at home to the ‘Noles. Next up, the ACC’s only team without a conference win, Syracuse, makes the 5-hour trip across 90 and down 79 to the Yinzer City.

10) Purdue (2-7) The ShotandaBeers got tanked at #2 Michigan, 41-13. Next up, Minnesota pays a visit. Last call!!!

11) Cincinnati (2-7) The Scarecats gifted UCF their first Big12 win by losing to them 28-26. Next up is a visit to Houston to take on the Cougars.

12) Virginia (2-7) The Cabriolets got stung at home, 45-17 by Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets. Next is a road trip to face nationally ranked 8-1 Louisville.

13) Middle Tennessee State (2-7) The Blue Faiders were beaten 13-7 at New Mexico State by one of the best (What's An?) Aggies’ team in years. Next up, FIU visits.

14) Ball State (2-7) The Marginals lost on Wednesday at former 25ers Bowling Green, 24-21. Next up is a trip to the northern part of Illinois. Can you guess that they might be playing at NIU?

15) Southern Mississippi (2-7) The Golden Eagles finally won after 7 straight losses, defeating UL Monroe 24-7 in a home Sun Belt Bummer Bowl. This week brings a Thursday night tilt at Louisiana.

16) Akron (2-7) As I said above, Bummer Bowls often prove to be every bit as entertaining the big Saturday games featuring two HIGHLY ranked teams. The Zips score a very late touchdown to cap a 21-point comeback win over fellow 25ers Kent State, 31-27. Next, Akron travels across state on Wednesday to take on Miami of Ohio.

17) UTEP (3-7) The Minors were 2-2 in their last 4 games but game 4 was a loss at home, 21-13 to WKU. Next up is a BYE week before a likely Conference USA Bummer Bowl at MTSU.

18) Louisiana Tech (3-7) The Dulldogs are in after their 4th straight loss, 56–30 at Liberty. Next, they will be hosting Sam Houston for a CUSA Bummer Bowl.

19) Massachusetts (3-7) The Minutemen have won two straight after beating Merrimack of the FCS, 31-21. Next up is a BYE week before a trip to the poorly named city of Lynchburg to take on conference leaders Liberty.

20) Hawai'i (3-7) The Rainbow Warriors won their MWC (almost) Bummer Bowl at former #1 Nevada, 27-14, putting the Wolfcack back in the poll after a week away. Next up, the reward is hosting an angry Air Force squad who just lost their first game of the season to former 25ers Army.

21) Tulsa (3-6) The Golden Bore-icanes took their 4th straight loss, 33-26 to former 25ers Charlotte, falling into the poll for the first time this season. Next, the 23rd annual (Jethro) Tul Bowl at #24 Tulane.

22) Buffalo (3-6) The Lulls lost at Toledo, 31-13. Next, Ohio pays a visit on Tuesday.

23) North Texas (3-6) Their third straight loss, 37- 29 at home to UTSA, brings the Lean Spleen into the poll for the first time in 2023. Next up is a trip to play at SMU.

24) New Mexico (3-6) Los Loblos lost 56-14 at home to UNLV, joining several others as first time 25ers this year. They travel to Idaho this weekend to take on Boise State.

25) tie California (3-6) The Folden Bears lost 63-19 at Oregon. Yikes! Next, Washington State pays a visit to Tightwad Hill.

25) tie Colorado State (3-6) The Hams lost the Border War Game and the Bronze Boot at Wyoming, 24-15. Next, they are hosting DHMers San Diego State in an (almost) MWC Bummer Bowl.

DISHONORABLE MENTION

Michigan State (3-6), Charlotte (3-6), Baylor (3-6), Western Michigan (3-6), San Diego State (3-6), Temple (3-6), UAB (3-6) and South Carolina (3-6)


Dropped Out

Army, Indiana, Stanford and Arkansas.


CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

AAC – 3 (+ 2 DHM)

ACC – 2

Big12 – 1 (+1 DHM)

BIG 10 (12, 14, whatever) – 1 (+ 1 DHM)

CUSA – 4

Ind. – 2

MAC – 4 (+1 DHM)

Mountain West – 4 (+1 DHM)

PAC 12 (soon to be none) – 2 (+1 DHM)

SEC – 1

Sun Belt - 2


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