On the other hand, there's Notre Dame, the most storied program in the sport's history with a legion of fans from coast to coast. The Irish are playing exceptional football, winning 10 straight all by double digits, and their lone losses, way back in early September, came to two other top-tier teams by a combined four points.

Iowa State and Kansas State have each been fined $500,000 by the Big 12 for choosing to turn down bowl invitations. Both programs made their decisions after coaching changes last week.