When coach Willie Fritz left for Houston and quarterback Michael Pratt for the NFL, the conventional wisdom was Tulane might take a step back. But first-year coach Jon Sumrall, with the help of some imports he brought with him from Troy, has the most balanced team in the AAC.

Based on the current situation in Columbus, Ohio, the Buckeyes' spot in the College Football Playoff is far from guaranteed. Combine that with looming clashes with Indiana and Penn State, and the writing could be on the wall for the Day-led program.