The Fraud Five by Mike Kern – Week 13

Mike Kern’s Fraud Five

November 24, 2024

And yes, it’s close to the last one for the regular season. But there’s often plenty of candidates in the postseason. So …

Alabama — It’s one thing to miss a four-team playoff, which almost never happened under Nick Saban. But a 12-teamer? The folks in Tuscaloosa will not be happy. And did the Tide only score three points, at Oklahoma, which stinks? When was the last time that happened? And Auburn, up next, will be coming off an upset of Texas A&M. Now that would really be bad for the first-year coach. And remember when Jalen Milroe was a Heisman favorite? Me neither.

Ole Miss — I know Florida has now beaten ranked opponents for the first time since 2008. That team won a national title. This one is 6-5. And Rebels had just beaten Georgia at home. This one was on the road. And it will likely keep them out of the playoffs.

Texas A&M — Can’t be losing at Auburn, even if you were just slight favorites, and even if it took four overtimes. After falling behind 21-zip. The good news is the Aggies will still play Texas for a spot in the SEC final.

Colorado — I know Kansas has now beaten three ranked teams in a row. And the Jayhawks were home. But the Buffs were, well, on quite a roll too. But they fell behind by 17, got to within two with plenty of time left and then gave up the last two touchdowns. It’s still a good story, just not the same now. Colorado can still make the Big 12 final but needs help.

Army — It seriously pains me to do this to one of he academies, but 49-14 is what it is, especially when you were unbeaten. It was 14-7 early in the second period. Good thing the Cadets got a TD with 22 seconds left. And they’re still in the American title game, against Tulane, maybe even at home. Only wish the Navy game was being played here, as it should be but won’t be again until 2027. Please don’t get me started.

Dishonorable Mention

Washington State — For the second straight week. Coming off a 38-35 come-from ahead loss at New Mexico, the Cougars fell at Oregon State, 41-38, to lose the PAC-12 title, for whatever that means any more. OSU had lost five straight. WSU led by seven, but once again gave up 10 in the final three minutes, including a field goal with 20 seconds to go.

Have a great Gobble Gobble.