Michael Jack's Season-long fraud five and surprise six-pack
Daily News sports writer Mike Kern recaps the college football season.
FRAUD FIVE
Florida: Yes, the Gators had lots of injuries. They still went from No. 10 in the preseason to losing their last seven games and finishing 4-8, first losing season since 1979.
Michigan: Went from 17th and 5-0 to 7-5 and fifth in the Big Ten Legends
Division. Wolves were even held to one touchdown in regulation in one late three-game stretch.
TCU: The Horned Frogs, who started 20th, went 4-8. So maybe the Big 12 ain't the Mountain West.
Northwestern: The Wildcats, who started 22nd, were 4-0 and leading Ohio State in the fourth quarter at home. They wouldn't win again until the finale, by three at 4-8 Illinois.
Oregon State: Beavers, who started 25th, won six of first seven. Maybe we should have known something, since loss was at home to FCS Eastern Washington. They finished .500.
Dishonorable mention: Nebraska. The 'Huskers did have quarterback issues. Still, they started 18th. Bo Pelini has lost four games in each of his six seasons, so maybe we should be used to it by now. At least in four of Frank Solich's 6 years he lost three or less.
SURPRISE SIX-PACK
Auburn: And you thought the storyline in 2010 was something. This one's better. The Tigers didn't win a SEC game last season, and were picked fifth in West.
Michigan State: Wasn't ranked in preseason. Going to Rose Bowl for first time in a quarter-century after going unbeaten in Big Ten for first time since 1966.
Missouri: Voted sixth in SEC East, had to win four games with backup freshman quarterback in second year in league and nearly made it to Pasadena.
Duke: Do I really have to explain this one?
Baylor: Bears had never had 11 wins before. Or won an outright conference title since 1980. And they were picked for fifth in the Big 12.
Minnesota: Even though reality set in late, as it often does, the eight wins were the most in a decade. And it's hard to root against coach Jerry Kill.
- Mike Kern