Northwestern Clinches Big Ten West; Pitt Closes in on ACC Coastal

In a relatively surprise-free few weeks of FBS football, these results will have to do.

For now.

It could well be that the Northwestern Wildcats and Pittsburgh Panthers are setting the stage for a December shock or two.

They've put themselves in position to complicate the CFP bracket chase.

 

The reality is it's more than just a matematical possibility that one of those teams can do what hasn't been done to date this season, ie- seriously shake up conventional thinking.

The Wildcats gave credence to Duke and an early Christmas present to those feisty Zips from Akron early this season before playing Michigan tough before losing by three. Their only downer since then was giving Notre Dame a game.

Dudes needed that sorta hang-in-there tenacity in Iowa City, which served them well:

 

The 'Cats' 14-10 victory looked like a typical Big Ten game. They've lost to two current CFP clubs by a total of 13 points, albeit at home.

Ohio State's defense is horrid. If they win the Big Ten East, Northwestern could cause issues.

If they get a rematch with Michigan, they'd need to find an antidote to Karan Higdon, whose 30-115 performance with a pair of TDs was the difference in their first go-round.

 

Pittsburgh's magic number to claim the ACC Coastal is one, and they're gonna have to do it on the road.

First up is Wake Forest, followed by Miami.

If the Panthers keep up what they did to Virginia Tech -- a 52-22 pasting -- they've gotta like their chances.

 

Like Northwestern, Pitt put up stiff resistance to Notre Dame, too, and the Panthers did it in South Bend.

They've had a history of biting favorites in the patootie when it's least expected, as they showed against Clemson in 2016.

 

There's still time for a November surprise in the season, but right now, it seems if one's gonna come, it'll be during Championship Week.

But don't hold your breath. Unless you're under water.