NFL declares Week 15 flex scheduling, Week 16 Saturday slate

As the regular season nears its final month, playoff races continue to heat up across the NFL. As a result of adaptive scheduling, more supporters throughout the nation will have the ability to see these significant competitions.

The league on Sunday declared the finalization of both Week 15’s flex program and Week 16’s Saturday doubleheader. The Week 15 1 p.m. ET competition between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns and the 4:25 p.m. ET match between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions will both be broadcast on FOX.

The reversal of network — a fresh element of the flex scheduling procedure called "cross-bending" — for the Cincinnati-Cleveland game brings an instate competition into a bigger audience as both teams fight for supremacy in a closely contested AFC North.

A classic NFC North matchup between recognizable foes takes the 4:25 p.m. time slot when the Vikings travel to Ford Field to take on the upstart Lions.

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NFL declares Week 15 flex scheduling, Week 16 Saturday slate

Report: UAB to lose football plan

The University of Alabama-Birmingham has fired sports manager Brian Mackin and means to shut down its football plan amid extensive changes to a financially struggling fit section, according to multiple media outlets.

The school will declare the move, which trainer Bill Clark had indicated he firmly worried, in a news conference Thursday, according to Sports Illustrated. The Blazers defeat Southern Miss, 45-24, on Saturday to become bowl-eligible with a 6-6 record under first year coach Bill Clark.

Atlanta Falcons star receiver Roddy White is the most notable NFL players from UAB. He caught 163 passes for 3,112 yards and 26 touchdowns at the school from 2001-2004 to become a first-round pick by the Falcons in the 2005 NFL Draft.

White expressed his support for the plan Saturday after the triumph over Southern Miss:

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Report: UAB to lose football plan

Mississippi State"s Dan Mullen was not bullish on playoff opportunities

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen was not convinced his Bulldogs would’ve made the College Football Playoff even if they’d defeated Mississippi on Saturday.

Well, he sort of believed that, anyhow.

Mississippi State was ranked fourth in this week’s College Football Playoff positions, but after Saturday’s loss Mullen told CBSSports.com, "I did not believe we were getting in the playoff anyway."

Mullen subsequently talked more about it — and did not look almost as certain.

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Mississippi State"s Dan Mullen was not bullish on playoff opportunities

Pitt's James Conner, Miami's Duke Johnson establish school records

The match itself did not mean all that much — though Pitt did become bowl-eligible by defeating Miami 35-23 — but running backs for each team set remarkable school records.

Pitt sophomore James Conner ran for 2 touchdowns, giving him 24 for the season. The record of 22 have been held by Tony Dorsett, when he was a senior as well as the Heisman winner in 1976. Additionally, Conner raised his ACC single-season touchdown record.

Conner also rushed for 75 yards, giving him 1,675 for the season, which leads the ACC.

Meanwhile, Miami junior Duke Johnson ran for 89 yards, pushing his season total to 1,520 and his career total to a school-record 3,387 yards. The previous record holder was Ottis Anderson, who totaled 3,331 from 1975 78. Johnson has rushed for at least 88 yards in every single match this season and has had six 100-yard games.

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Pitt"s James Conner, Miami"s Duke Johnson establish school records

Winners and losers from Week 14 college football matches

Week 14 of the college football season brought us emphasizes galore as well as several surprises that nobody could have called earlier in 2013. While we understand who won and who lost the matches in the box scores, who actually came out of Saturday competent to hold their heads high?

TCU: Saturday could not have been scripted considerably better for the Horned Frogs, who found Mississippi State go down in front of the box and Ohio State lose their starting quarterback. Combination in Baylor fighting against lowly Texas Tech and TCU is in far better standing to reach the College Football Playoff.

Memphis: The Tigers won seven matches united in 2012 and 2013 but continued their extraordinary turn around under trainer Justin Fuente with their ninth victory of the season on Saturday over UConn. That gave the team a share of the AAC tournament and made the boxscores coach an even hotter commodity this offseason.

Georgia Tech: It was not pretty but the Yellow Jackets stormed back to defeat their instate competition in wild way and send themselves into the ACC Championship Game next week on a high.

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Winners and losers from Week 14 college football matches

Ohio State"s J.T. Barrett carted off with harm vs. Michigan

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was carted off the field with an injury early in the fourth quarter of the Buckeyes’ 42-28 win over longtime opponent Michigan.

Barrett was injured on a second-and-1 run on the initial play of the fourth quarter. His lower left leg was put in a air form before he was taken off in a handcart. Columbus Dispatch reporter Tim May tweeted that sources told him Barrett has a right ankle dislocation and likely broken bone. Barrett additionally was promptly taken to the hospital after suffering the harm, per May.

Sportsmanship. pic.twitter.com/2q8sw7OlsN

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Ohio State"s J.T. Barrett carted off with harm vs. Michigan

Can not-miss Minutes: Top school football plays of Week 14

Saturdays during school football season consistently provide a bevy of "can not-miss Moments." College Football 24/7 is here to remember to have accessibility to all the plays buffs will be raving about.

Georgia’s Damian Swann returned a Justin Thomas fumble 99 yards for a touchdown vs. Georgia Tech.

Georgia’s Marshall Morgan gained 28 yards on this fake field goal.

Clemson’s Artavis Scott revealed some fine footwork close to the conclusion of the 70-yard scoring play.

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Can not-miss Minutes: Top school football plays of Week 14

Bobby Petrino involved in scuffle before UK-Louisville match

The first Kentucky-Louisville game of Bobby Petrino’s second go round as the Cardinals’ trainer featured a pregame scuffle involving Petrino.

UK assistant trainer Dan Berezowitz and UofL head coach Bobby Petrino scuffle at midfield before the #UKvsUofL match pic.twitter.com/JVEWLfYM51

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Bobby Petrino involved in scuffle before UK-Louisville match

CFB Societal: Week 14 in college football through social media

Week 14 of college football is underway and social media is buzzing using the activity. Here will be the most effective tweets, vines, videos and much more from throughout the united states.

it is competition week and nowhere does that mean more than in both Midwest states of Ohio and Michigan. Simply look at what the results are in Columbus hospitals.

These #BuckeyeBabies were born just in time for the Michigan game! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/WVd0P4BEGg

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CFB Societal: Week 14 in college football through social media

Scouting the scouts: Six clubs credentialed for Notre Dame-USC

Which school games will NFL teams send scouts to Saturday? College Football 24/7 brings you a glance at the teams that are credentialed to attend a few of the most important matches in college football. NFL Media analyst and former NFL scout Bucky Brooks adds comment for every match. Which positions might your NFL team be scouting? NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt supplies his main draft needs for every team.

Scouting the scouts: Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 | Oct. 18 | Oct. 25 | Oct. 31 | Nov. 7 | Nov. 14 | Nov. 21

Notre Dame at USC

Club attending: Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks.

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Scouting the scouts: Six clubs credentialed for Notre Dame-USC

Ray Rice wins appeal, instantly permitted return

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has taken a huge step nearer to a potential return to the NFL.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported Friday that Rice won his appeal and has had his indefinite suspension in the league overturned, according to a source directly associated with the specific situation. Rice is instantly eligible to return by winning his appeal, Rapoport reports.

The NFL Media Group got Judge Barbara S. Jones’ overview and selection:

"In this arbitration, the NFL claims that Commissioner Goodell was misled when he disciplined Rice the first time. Because, after careful consideration of most the evidence, I’m not swayed that Rice lied to, or misled, the NFL at his June interview, I find the indefinite suspension was an abuse of discretion and should be vacated."

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Ray Rice wins appeal, instantly permitted return

TCU restrains Texas to give statement win to CFP committee

TCU rolled into Austin on Thanksgiving trying to give a statement to the College Football Playoff choice committee.

Mission achieved.

Headed with a swarming defense as well as a big-play offense, the Horned Frogs turned within an impressive showing on national television to overcome their instate opponent, 48-10, within a match they commanded throughout.

Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin presented several highlights through the night but did not have his finest appearance of the year against a stingy Longhorns defense that’s been one of the finest in the Big 12 this season. The double-threat quarterback completed 20-of-34 passes for 233 yards while accounting for three complete touchdowns.

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TCU restrains Texas to give statement win to CFP committee

TCU restrains Texas to deliver statement win to CFB committee

TCU rolled into Austin on Thanksgiving appearing to give a statement directed in the College Football Playoff choice committee.

Assignment executed.

Headed with a swarming defense as well as a big-play offense, the Horned Frogs turned within an impressive showing on national television to overcome their instate competition 48-10 during a match they commanded throughout.

Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin presented several highlights through the night but did not have his finest appearance of the year against a stingy Longhorns defense that’s been one of the finest in the Big 12 this season. The double-threat quarterback completed 20-of-34 passes for 233 yards while accounting for three complete touchdowns.

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TCU restrains Texas to deliver statement win to CFB committee

CFB Social: Week 13 in college football through social media

Week 13 of college football is underway and social media is buzzing with the action. Here are the best tweets, vines, videos and more from across the country.

USC and UCLA go to battle over Los Angeles in the game of the day, and the Trojans are getting pumped for the Pac-12 South contest with this hype video:

Minnesota knocked off Nebraska in a wild one, resulting in Goldy claiming this new trophy.

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CFB Social: Week 13 in college football through social media

Can"t-miss Moments: Top college football plays of Week 13

Saturday’s during college football season always deliver a bevy of "Can’t-miss Moments." College Football 24/7 is here to make sure you have access to all of the plays fans will be raving about.

Defensive end Randy Gregory blocked a Gophers field-goal attempt, which Nebraska’s Nate Gerry scooped up and returned 85 yards for a Huskers touchdown.

Northwestern senior Tony Jones fielded a line-drive punt, broke free of an attempted tackle and found open field on this 64-yard return for a touchdown.

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Can"t-miss Moments: Top college football plays of Week 13

Jets-Bills available on NFL mobile in select areas

Disappointed that your Bills won’t be in Buffalo Week 12? Don’t worry Verizon’s got you covered.

Select Verizon users will be able to watch the Bills take on the Jets LIVE in NFL Mobile on Monday at 7:05pm ET. The game will be available in the app for users in the following regions only:

»NYC

»Buffalo

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Jets-Bills available on NFL mobile in select areas

Mississippi State"s Justin Cox arrested, suspended indefinitely

Mississippi State defensive back Justin Cox has been suspended indefinitely following his arrest on suspicion of burglary of a dwelling and aggravated domestic violence.

The off-campus incident occurred early Friday morning at an apartment complex, where Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department officers responded to a call at about 3 a.m. and discovered a female victim with a head injury, according to the Starkville Daily News. Cox was arrested at the scene and booked into the Oktibbeha County Jail, per the report.

Cox, a junior college transfer in his second year at MSU, has appeared in nine games this season, making 21 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups. It remains unclear who might fill in for Cox when the Bulldogs host Vanderbilt on Saturday night (7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network).

Mississippi State remains in contention for an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth. The Bulldogs must beat Vanderbilt and rival Ole Miss next week, plus get help in the form of an Auburn win over Alabama, to reach the SEC Championship Game. MSU is currently ranked No. 4 in the CFP rankings.

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Mississippi State"s Justin Cox arrested, suspended indefinitely

Like/Dislike: Need a happy ending for Josh Gordon

Poised for a huge game

Super savvy in social media

The spirt of the show lives on

Josh Gordon!

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Like/Dislike: Need a happy ending for Josh Gordon

Oregon Ducks QB Marcus Mariota ticketed for speeding

For three seasons, college football coordinators have schemed to figure out a way to stop Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.

All it took the Oregon state police just a small stretch of highway near Eugene to trip him up.

The Ducks signal-caller was pulled over for speeding last week, according to The Oregonian. Mariota was caught driving at 80 miles per hour in a 55 zone.

"Mr. Mariota was polite and respectful, he was professional and took the citation appropriately and acted appropriately," state police Lt. Josh Brooks told the paper. "Everybody gets tickets and 80 in a 55 is a tad fast. We send you on your way, it’s just that."

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Oregon Ducks QB Marcus Mariota ticketed for speeding

Holgorsen: Kevin White most NFL-ready receiver I"ve coached

West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White is not only a top prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft, he could be ahead of three former first-round picks in terms of being ready to play at the next level.

That’s how Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen sees it, anyway.

"Of all the [receivers] I’ve coached — it’s crazy to say — he may be more suited for the NFL than any of them," Holgorsen said, according to Sports Illustrated.

Holgorsen’s travels from Texas Tech to Houston, from Oklahoma State to West Virginia, have indeed put him around some highly regarded draft prospects at the receiver position. Among them, Michael Crabtree, now of the San Francisco 49ers; Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars; and Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams. All three were not only first-round picks, but top-10 picks. And according to one NFL scout, White could be on his way to being drafted in the same first-round company.

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Holgorsen: Kevin White most NFL-ready receiver I"ve coached

Power Up!: NFL level kettlebell workouts

Looking to build muscle and power, but don’t have the time to commit to the gym? NFL Up! has your back. Here’s a compilation of workouts to improve power and strength from some NFL elite. All you’ll need is a pair of kettlebells and you’re ready. So, get Up! from that couch!

Instructions:

Repeat the below circuit three to six times. Go for three to five reps to failure. Rest time should be about three minutes between sets. This is a power workout, so you’ll want to go with heavier kettlebells. For a bigger focus on fat burning, increase the reps and lessen the amount of weight and rest.

Remember to stretch before and after your workout to prepare muscles and limit risk of injury. For more tips on stretching, check out these exercises and drills.

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Power Up!: NFL level kettlebell workouts

Dante Fowler tweets he"s leaving Florida with Will Muschamp

For the second year in a row, a Florida Gator has gotten the season of NFL draft entry declarations by underclassmen off to an early start.

Florida defensive end Dante Fowler filed social media notice of his intention to enter the 2015 NFL Draft Tuesday night. The junior noted on Twitter that he entered the Florida program at the same time as outgoing coach Will Muschamp and will fittingly make his exit with the dismissed coach as well.

I came in with champ. I’m leaving with Him.

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Dante Fowler tweets he"s leaving Florida with Will Muschamp

Tuesday Tweetbag: Is Mike Gundy a candidate for Florida job?

Week 12’s college football action is in the books, so we decided to fire up the Tuesday Tweetbag to tackle the burning topics on your mind this season, from top pro prospects to the best teams in the sport.

Feel free to submit your questions to @BryanDFischer on Twitter each Monday or early Tuesday morning to get them answered every week. Without further ado, let the smorgasbord of questions commence.

@BryanDFischer Why do my fellow OSU fans seem so eager for Gundy to move on?

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Tuesday Tweetbag: Is Mike Gundy a candidate for Florida job?

Tuesday Tweetbag: Mike Gundy leaving Oklahoma State for Florida?

Week 12’s college football action is in the books, so we decided to fire up the Tuesday Tweetbag to tackle the burning topics on your mind this season, from top pro prospects to the best teams in the sport.

Feel free to submit your questions to @BryanDFischer on Twitter each Monday or early Tuesday morning to get them answered every week. Without further ado, let the smorgasbord of questions commence.

@BryanDFischer Why do my fellow OSU fans seem so eager for Gundy to move on?

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Tuesday Tweetbag: Mike Gundy leaving Oklahoma State for Florida?

Indiana"s Tevin Coleman generating "ton of buzz in NFL circles"

Indiana’s Tevin Coleman, who’s on the brink of setting his school’s single-season rushing record, is coming off a 307-yard performance and he’s second in the nation in rushing.

So why isn’t he receiving more acclaim? He’s been overshadowed in his own league by Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon — who is on pace to set the FBS single-season rushing record after a 408-yard performance and leads the nation in rushing.

» Scout’s Take: Can Melvin Gordon succeed in NFL?

But Coleman (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), a junior, is being noticed by NFL scouts. NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks wrote Monday that Coleman has "spectacular skills" and that he "continues to generate a ton of buzz in NFL circles." Brooks also said Coleman has "the stuff needed to be a feature back at the next level."

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Indiana"s Tevin Coleman generating "ton of buzz in NFL circles"

Adrian Peterson suspended without pay for rest of 2014 season

Adrian Peterson will not return to football in 2014.

The NFL announced Tuesday the Minnesota Vikings running back will be suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2014 season, and cannot be considered for reinstatement before April 15, 2015. (To read the league’s full statement, click here.)

Commissioner Roger Goodell expanded on his decision in the following letter to Peterson:

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Adrian Peterson suspended without pay for rest of 2014 season

College Football Playoff: Predicting the fourth set of rankings

After years in the making, we’ll see yet another glimpse of the College Football Playoff selection committee in action Tuesday night, when it releases its fourth set of top 25 rankings.

» CFB 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings: A new No. 1

Fresh off a thrilling Week 12 and a number of upsets, here are a few guesses for who will make the committee’s top four and who will be left wondering what they have to do to move up. Keep in mind, this is a look at the playoff picture right now and not a projection of wins and losses the rest of the season.

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College Football Playoff: Predicting the fourth set of rankings

FSU OL Cameron Erving"s move to center permanent

The experiment of Florida State left tackle Cameron Erving as a center is over.

It’s now permanent.

>> College Football 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings

The fifth-year senior made his first start at the position Saturday against Miami, though he saw some action there against Virginia the previous week. The result was so much to coach Jimbo Fisher’s liking, the highly regarded NFL prospect will remain there for the rest of the season.

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FSU OL Cameron Erving"s move to center permanent

DEA agents check NFL medical staffs after games

Federal drug enforcement agents showed up unannounced Sunday to check at least three visiting NFL teams’ medical staffs as part of an investigation into former players’ claims that teams mishandled prescription drugs.

There were no arrests, Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Rusty Payne said Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers‘ staff was checked at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after they played the New York Giants. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ staff was checked at Baltimore-Washington International airport after playing the Redskins. The Seattle Seahawks, who played at Kansas City, confirmed via the team’s Twitter account that they were spot-checked as well.

The operation was still ongoing, Payne said.

"DEA agents are currently interviewing NFL team doctors in several locations as part of an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the (Controlled Substances Act)," Payne said.

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DEA agents check NFL medical staffs after games

Todd Gurley runs for 138, injured in return from suspension

Mark Richt didn’t exactly ease Todd Gurley back into the mix in the Georgia rushing rotation Saturday. And after a four-game suspension, the star junior looked like his dominant self until a left knee injury ended his night.

Gurley fed on a season-high 29 carries for 138 yards and a touchdown to help the Bulldogs to a 34-7 home drubbing of Auburn, keeping UGA in the hunt for an SEC East title, and as well marking the return of one of college football’s elite talents. But late in the game, Gurley took a carry up the middle and suffered an undisclosed injury to his left knee. He was carted off the field.

In his postgame press conference, Richt acknowledged Gurley hurt his knee, but wasn’t able to shed any light on the severity of the injury.

"Don’t know, I really don’t know," Richt told reporters. "I’m just as curious as everyone else. … He hurt his knee."

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Todd Gurley runs for 138, injured in return from suspension

TCU stumbles, but escapes trip to Kansas behind Trevone Boykin

For three quarters, Kansas played like they were Baylor.

In the final quarter however, they reverted to form and looked like Kansas.

TCU survived a trip to Lawrence and tough winter conditions by a nose in a 34-30 win over a Jayhawks team that was thinking upset from the start.

The Horned Frogs looked as though they were going to put on another offensive show when they started the game with an opening drive touchdown on a quick, seven-play drive that took just over two minutes. Kansas responded right away with a 17-play, 76 yard drive for a score that showed they would be no push over on Saturday however.

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TCU stumbles, but escapes trip to Kansas behind Trevone Boykin

CFB Social: Week 12 in college football through social media

Week 12 of college football is underway and social media is buzzing with the action. Here are the best tweets, vines, videos and more from across the country.

Sub-freezing temperature? Check. Horizontal snow? Check. Minnesota football staffer eating a Dilly Bar on the sideline? Check.

When attending Minnesota game at this time of year, one typically dresses as a gopher for warmth.

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CFB Social: Week 12 in college football through social media

Star prospect Hroniss Grasu expected to miss couple of games

Oregon finds itself in an enviable spot, entering a bye week as the No. 2-ranked team by the College Football Playoff selection committee.

That doesn’t mean all is well in Eugene, though.

Offensive line woes have been one of the few things hampering the Ducks this season, and those issues will apparently stretch out even longer, as starting guard Hamani Stevens said star center Hroniss Grasu is expected to miss the next couple games after suffering an injury against Utah last week.

» Sources Tell Us: Scout compares Grasu to Pro Bowl center

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Star prospect Hroniss Grasu expected to miss couple of games

Big Ten rankings: Ohio State stamps itself as conference elite

Ohio State’s win over Michigan State last week ended any doubt as to who will win the East Division. It seems likely the West Division will be decided his week, when Wisconsin plays host to Nebraska.

Up next: at Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 15
The skinny: You know what last Saturday’s win at Michigan State really meant? It meant the Buckeyes are set to dominate this league for the next few years.

» Will Buckeyes have QB controversy in 2015?

Up next: at Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 15
The skinny: The Spartans’ defense has played two high-level offenses this season. And both absolutely carved them up.

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Big Ten rankings: Ohio State stamps itself as conference elite

Like/Dislike: Here"s how you break the internet

Matchup is not that great

He’s going to smoke us

She makes the world much better

Why are people trying to break the internet? The internet gives us many wonderful things: News, information, and a way to judge and mock people whose ideas are different than ours. So why would somebody try to break something this wonderful?

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Like/Dislike: Here"s how you break the internet