Watch List

The aforementioned Fab Four will grab the headlines, but not all of them in the second half

Team to watch I

Clemson. Dabo Swinney's team is playing with confidence. In knocking off three straight ranked opponents (Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech), sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd and speedy freshman receiver Sammy Watkins proved to be perfect pieces for new coordinator Chad Morris's up-tempo spread offense. Barring a second-half collapse, the Tigers should win their first ACC title in 20 years.

Team to watch II

Michigan State (5--1). The Spartans, 2--0 in the Big Ten's Legends Division, are a genuine threat to upset Wisconsin this week. Mark Dantonio's team has quietly produced the nation's second-ranked defense (186.2 ypg). They held Michigan star Denard Robinson to 9-of-24 passing and 167 total yards in a 28--14 win last Saturday. Disruptive 310-pound defensive tackle Jerel Worthy helps key a dominating front four.

Top flop candidate

Baylor (4--2). Robert Griffin III may be the best quarterback in the country not named Luck, but unfortunately for the Bears, he can't play both sides of the ball. Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill lit up Baylor's 99th-ranked defense in a 55--28 drubbing last week, which doesn't bode well with Oklahoma State's Weeden, Oklahoma's Jones and Missouri's James Franklin all remaining on the Bears' schedule.

Next coach to be fired

UCLA's Rick Neuheisel. In four seasons the Bruins' coach has gone 18--25 (3--3 in 2011). His teams have yet to produce a consistent quarterback or offensive playmakers, once a specialty of Neuheisel, and he has failed to take advantage of crosstown rival USC's NCAA woes. The Bruins could still get to a bowl, but AD Dan Guerrero has been outspoken about needing to see more substantial progress.

Heisman winner