thank you!

http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/blog/_/name/karabell_eric_football/id/8721155/ahmad-bradshaw-jumps-top-15-week-14-flex-rankings

Welcome to Week 14, and for many of you, the fantasy playoffs! The decisions you make from now on are obviously magnified, and we aim to help with the latest flex rankings, combining the top running backs, wide receivers and tight ends into one tidy top 100.
For more advice, check out the Week 14 staff rankings in the usual spots, or perhaps your question was answered in one of our chats this week or by me on Wednesday.

Good luck in Week 14 and beyond, and remember the Thursday night game between the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos. Get those lineups in and check for the latest news online and/or on television Sunday morning.

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Jim O'Connor/US Presswire
Following three consecutive single-digit fantasy performances, Ahmad Bradshaw scored a combined 28 fantasy points in Weeks 12 and 13.
1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: Hard to believe he might be the fantasy MVP. What an incredible athlete.
2. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers: A rookie at No. 2!? Well, you've seen the Philadelphia Eagles attempt to play defense lately, right?
3. Trent Richardson, RB, Browns
4. Arian Foster, RB, Texans: No. 4 is still pretty good, but the Patriots do handle the run well.
5. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
6. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks
7. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos
8. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Hasn't scored in a few weeks, but he's not exactly struggling for targets or yards.
9. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
10. Bryce Brown, RB, Eagles: Yep, No. 10. Hey, 53 fantasy points in two weeks is quite good, and there's still no sign of LeSean McCoy.
11. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
12. Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins: Another rookie fantasy owners are relying on, and this guy also has consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
13. Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears
14. Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
15. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants: The Andre Brown injury gave him the goal-line work last week. So far, so good, as long as he can stay healthy.
16. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys
17. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
18. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: I'm not too concerned about his past two weeks, to be honest. He should do well this week. If he doesn't, then we worry.
19. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
20. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs
21. C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills: Sure, it would be nice if he saw more touches, but don't bet on it anytime soon. You can still enjoy his production, though.
22. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants
23. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots
24. DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys: Looked healthy enough in his return to be relied on.
25. Marques Colston, WR, Saints
26. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
27. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals: Playing his best football of the season, and should be a safe RB2 for most.
28. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: Perhaps he won't be 100 percent healthy the rest of the season, but he's healthy enough.
29. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos: Got 20 rushing attempts each of the past two weeks. He can help you win.
30. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: Nope, I'm not too concerned about him. Not this week, not any week.
31. Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens
32. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
33. Randall Cobb, WR, Packers: Top Packers option after A-Rod!
34. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints: Still capable of a 20-point fantasy game at any point. Don't panic.
35. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: Hey, you were warned about the schedule getting tougher.
36. Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins: Looks so good in tandem with his rookie passer; just wish he could stay healthy.
37. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Steelers: As I wrote Wednesday, he has the job this week, and I say he plays well.
38. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
39. Mikel Leshoure, RB, Lions
40. Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: Facing the Eagles, and neither starting Philly cornerback is playing well.
41. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers: Looked just fine to me in his return. Fine enough to rely on.
42. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
43. Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Some concern here. If the Bears get way up early, then what? Either way, Forte probably won't get 20 touches.
44. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
45. Vick Ballard, RB, Colts: Potential is there for him to become a RB2 if Donald Brown is inactive.
46. Danario Alexander, WR, Chargers: Still can't understand why he's not owned in more, if not all, leagues.
47. Lance Moore, WR, Saints
48. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: Honestly, does he care who the quarterback is? The schedule gets easier, and he should perform better.
49. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons
50. Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars: Still a chance he doesn't suit up, but I trust him if he does.
51. Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: You know this guy has a 25-point fantasy game lurking one of these December weeks, and then we'll all overrate him again in 2013.
52. Steve Johnson, WR, Bills
53. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: Well, I'm not buying a big performance. Not this week.
54. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
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AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Mike Wallace has scored just 11 total fantasy points over his past four games and has scored in single digits in six of his past seven games.
55. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers: If he was playing like a borderline top-10 wide receiver when Ben Roethlisberger was healthy, then I could be convinced to move him way up. But he wasn't.
56. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins
57. James Jones, WR, Packers
58. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys
59. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
60. Owen Daniels, TE, Texans
61. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints: His owners really should not worry about his lack of rushing attempts. It's about the catches, and he can score that way.
62. Golden Tate, WR, Seahawks: Has 15 or more fantasy points in three of four games, and the last one was in Chicago. Honestly, I don't see the problem with starting him.
63. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons
64. Marcel Reece, RB, Raiders
65. Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks
66. Brandon Myers, TE, Raiders: He's a top-5 tight end in season scoring, and he's still readily available. That makes little sense.
67. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Falcons: Even if he's splitting the touches with Turner, that's still enough to flex him.
68. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: Sorry, but it's tough to expect a big game from him after looking at the past month's production. That speaks louder than what he did in the Week 4 meeting with the Raiders.
69. Montell Owens, RB, Jaguars: He has the job for this week, but he doesn't seem to have much upside.
70. Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders: His production has waned of late, and the Raiders obviously have noticed.
71. Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots: Still a good play this week. The numbers will come.
72. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: People are acting as if John Skelton is Tom Brady. Um, he's not.
73. Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints: Just when you give up on him, the Saints use him a lot. Figures.
74. Kenny Britt, WR, Titans
75. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs
76. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: His problem wasn't Jonathan Stewart last week.
77. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals: His problem is he's just not that good.
78. Heath Miller, TE, Steelers
79. Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
80. Chris Givens, WR, Rams: This potential breakout guy has proven to be a nice deep threat and a PPR helper.
81. Bilal Powell, RB, Jets
82. Jeremy Kerley, WR, Jets
83. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
84. Alex Green, RB, Packers: See Wells, Beanie. That said, with 20 touches, anyone can hit the end zone.
85. Michael Bush, RB, Bears: Certainly a sleeper if Forte really is hiding an injury or this is a blowout.
86. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders
87. Peyton Hillis, RB, Chiefs
88. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: I never thought the DeSean Jackson injury helped him much. It just gave more opportunities to Riley Cooper.
89. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers: Pretty disappointing season for him, but upgrade him a little if Big Ben suits up.
90. Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers
91. Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots
92. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Patriots
93. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
94. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys
95. Nate Washington, WR, Titans
96. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jaguars
97. Josh Gordon, WR, Browns
98. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
99. Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins
100. Donnie Avery, WR, Colts
Others: Justin Forsett, RB, Texans; Ben Tate, RB, Texans; Santana Moss, WR, Redskins; Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals; Kendall Wright, WR, Titans; Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins; Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos; Daryl Richardson, RB, Rams; Joique Bell, RB, Lions; David Wilson, RB, Giants.

please and thanks:

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8741152/ranking-top-25-impact-players-college-basketball-dec-13-edition-ncb


and also:

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8746417/making-picks-first-week-bowl-games-ncf

We introduced this season's Impact 25 last month with the idea that these players wouldn't necessarily represent the best 25 players in the country -- or the best NBA prospects -- but rather players who most impact their teams, conferences and college basketball in general.

Obviously, the next edition of the Impact 25 could look completely different, just like the season. Very good players who dropped out likely will be back, and some players might come out of nowhere to earn their way onto the list. Also, while I've always been partial to under-the-radar, mid-major players, this is a very easy season to reward them, as those types of standout players -- such as Lehigh's C.J. McCollum and South Dakota State's Nate Wolters -- could star on any team in the country.

Only Indiana, Louisville and Kansas placed two players on the current list, although I could have made a great argument for the Hoosiers' Jordan Hulls making this list as a third member from his team.

Here are my top 25 impact players in college basketball as of Dec. 13.

1. Cody Zeller (Previous ranking: No. 1)
Center | Sophomore | Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers have not been tested much, and Zeller has had to play more than 30 minutes in a game only once, so his numbers are not eye-popping. But it doesn't matter, as his offensive efficiency has been outstanding in the 24 percent of Hoosiers possessions he's utilizing. Big Ten play will provide the true measure of what he means to the nation's current No. 1 team. In the meantime, there's no better player to build an elite college basketball team around than Zeller.

2. Doug McDermott (Previous ranking: No. 2)
Forward | Junior | Creighton Bluejays

McDermott is averaging 23 points and seven rebounds per game on 56 percent shooting inside the arc and 52 percent beyond it. Plus, he's shooting 85 percent from the foul line and drawing nearly six fouls a game. More importantly, the Bluejays are 9-1. So not much has changed since the season started for the consensus first-team All-American. He has had the expected impact.

3. Trey Burke (Previous ranking: No. 16)
Guard | Sophomore | Michigan Wolverines

Burke's assist rate and offensive efficiency have significantly improved this season. Additionally, his turnovers are down from last season, when he burst on the Big Ten scene as a relatively unheralded freshman who ended up splitting Big Ten freshman of the year honors with Zeller.

Now, after a season in John Beilein's offensive system and with more weapons around him, Burke has developed into an elite player who can lead the Wolverines to the Final Four.

4. Mason Plumlee (Previous ranking: No. 12)
Center | Senior | Duke Blue Devils

Our preseason Impact 25 had Plumlee ranked reasonably high at No. 12 despite what many consider to be his inconsistent previous three seasons at Duke. A conversation I had with coach Mike Krzyzewski before the season led me to believe he would have a huge impact on Duke's season, and I'm glad I listened.

Having played one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the country so far, the Blue Devils are 9-0. Not surprisingly, Plumlee has been a dominant player on both ends of the court, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds on 61 percent shooting. Plus, he is having his best season at the foul line, shooting 73 percent. As hard as he has been playing, Plumlee should live at the line this season.

5. Brandon Paul (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Senior | Illinois Fighting Illini

Few players in the nation have had a bigger impact on his team's success than Paul. While his first three seasons in Champaign were a bit of a roller-coaster ride, the arrival of new coach John Groce has energized Paul and the entire Illini program. A win at Gonzaga builds on Illinois' Maui Invitational championship and great overall start to the season.

Groce's NBA-style offensive system has been perfect for Paul, as it creates scoring opportunities for him in screen-and-roll situations and has freed him for open shots. Paul has responded by becoming an ultra-efficient scorer from all over the court -- as well as a willing passer. He's the key reason Illinois has started the season 11-0. In the process, the Big Ten has gotten deeper and stronger.

6. Jeff Withey (Previous ranking: No. 21)
Center | Senior | Kansas Jayhawks

When I first saw the Arizona transfer begin to practice with Bill Self's team in January 2008, there was no way I could have envisioned the improvement Withey has made. But he has had the benefit of spending every day in practice the past three seasons battling guys such as Cole Aldrich, the Morris twins and Thomas Robinson. He clearly took advantage of that.

Withey is the most dominant defensive player in the country right now, anchoring a Jayhawks defense that is blocking nearly one out of every four of its opponents' 2-point shots. While his 5.6 blocks-per-game average has been impressive, he has not been a slouch on offense, contributing 13.8 points per game.

7. Deshaun Thomas (Previous ranking: No. 9)
Forward | Junior | Ohio State Buckeyes

Thomas, who finished as the third-leading scorer in Indiana high school history, can put up points.

Thomas' possessions have increased since the departure of William Buford and Jared Sullinger -- and so has his efficiency. He is playing the same amount of minutes as last season but is taking three more shots a game; as a result, his scoring has increased from 16 points per game to nearly 21.

The Buckeyes have lost some key players in recent years, but Thomas' elevated play is a key reason they likely will stay in the hunt for a Big Ten crown this season.

8. Michael Carter-Williams (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Sophomore | Syracuse Orange

We left him off the initial Impact 25 with the caveat that once people saw the 6-foot-6 point guard play, that would change -- and it has. On Saturday, Carter-Williams had 16 assists in an easy win over Monmouth, and he has been playing really well ever since coach Jim Boeheim gave him the ball to start the season.

Carter-Williams' assist rate is No. 1 in the country, and he produces more than half the team's assists when he is in the game. Plus, he's leading the nation with 10.4 assists per game, and he has close to a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Simply put, he has the best passing vision in the country and the weapons to pass to. Not surprisingly, the Orange have Final Four potential again.

9. C.J. McCollum (Previous ranking: No. 8)
Guard | Senior | Lehigh Mountain Hawks

McCollum's NBA stock continues to climb the way that of Weber State's Damian Lillard did last season. His 30 points versus Duke in the 2012 NCAA tournament and his play against other pro prospects were only a precursor to his senior season.

McCollum is averaging 25 points per game and is shooting well from all over the floor, despite being a marked man. The Mountain Hawks were short-handed earlier this season, but at full strength -- and with a player such as McCollum -- they will be very dangerous if they get back to the NCAA tournament.

10. Isaiah Canaan (Previous ranking: No. 3)
Guard | Senior | Murray State Racers

The Racers might not have the buzz of being undefeated like they were for most of last season, but they are 7-1, and Canaan has picked up right where he left off last season.

Canaan is on pace for career-best scoring numbers and is likely to finish all four seasons at Murray State shooting 40 percent or better from behind the arc. Like McCollum, he long ago proved he could play with the best players in the country. However, the Ohio Valley Conference will be a bigger challenge this season as Belmont tries to slow Canaan and the Racers.

11. Jack Cooley (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Forward | Senior | Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Cooley has transformed from Luke Harangody's body double as a freshman into one of the most impactful players in the Big East as a senior.

Cooley owns the best offensive rebounding rate in the country (5.4 per game), and is the heart and soul of Mike Brey's 8-1 Irish. On a deep, talented Notre Dame team, you pretty much can pencil in Cooley for 15 points and 11 boards every game. And those numbers don't measure the impact he has on winning. (That's a sentence I didn't think I would write three years ago.)

12. Phil Pressey (Previous ranking: No. 5)
Guard | Junior | Missouri Tigers

Don't worry about Pressey's numbers; he's averaging 13 points and six assists per game, but his three single-digit scoring efforts came in blowout wins over pedestrian opponents. On a team that Frank Haith told me is more talented than last season's 35-5 club, the 5-foot-11 point guard has the biggest impact on the team's success.

Pressey is like a fearless punt returner who won't call for a fair catch on his own 5-yard line; he'll occasionally fumble, but it's more likely he'll break long runs. At times, his ultra-quickness and confidence get him in trouble, but he often creates easy scoring opportunities for his Tigers teammates. Also, he's not afraid to take a big shot. He's the reason Haith's team will battle Florida and Kentucky toe to toe.

13. Peyton Siva (Previous ranking: No. 7)
Guard | Senior | Louisville Cardinals

While point guard is easily the deepest position in college basketball this season, Siva has as much impact on his team as any point guard in the nation. He runs the show for a Louisville team whose only loss was to Duke in the finals of the Battle 4 Atlantis.

Siva has learned to vary his blinding speed like a driver downshifting a sports car in city traffic. In Rick Pitino's ball-screen offense, Siva has become a maestro at decision-making. And defensively, he and backcourt mate Russ Smith cause as much havoc as any duo in the country. His impact on a game belies his stats, except the one that matters most: wins.

14. Sean Kilpatrick (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Junior | Cincinnati Bearcats

Kilpatrick is the best player on the best team in the top 25 that people rarely talk about. And he's off to a sizzling start to his junior season. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, he epitomizes the Bearcats' scrappiness around the basket, grabbing six rebounds a game. But many of his 20 points per game come on 40 percent 3-point shooting. He has become an efficient go-to scorer for Mick Cronin.

15. Marcus Smart (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Freshman | Oklahoma State Cowboys

Smart is not the most physically gifted freshman in the country, but he is as important to his team's success as as any other freshman.

While Smart's stats are pretty good -- he's averaging 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists per game -- winning is what drives him, and has the Cowboys off to a 7-1 start. He dominated No. 6 NC State in the finals of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, posting 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, four block and four steals. In a Big 12 that is wide open after Kansas, Smart is poised to make Oklahoma State relevant again.

16. Erick Green (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Senior | Virginia Tech Hokies

Wow. What a start to Green's season at Virginia Tech. Despite the exodus of some very good players and recruits, Green and new coach James Johnson have the Hokies on an upward trajectory and have a chance to be 11-1 heading into ACC play.

While Green has had a solid career in Blacksburg to this point, he has taken his game to a new level this season, scoring 21 or more points in each of his first eight games. His 25-point average comes on only 14 shots per game, and, not surprisingly, he is the most efficient offensive player in the nation, according to kenpom.com.

17. Nate Wolters (Previous ranking: No. 20)
Guard | Senior | South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Despite missing two games with an ankle injury and seeing opponents tilt their entire defenses in his direction, Wolters is averaging 20 points, six rebounds and six assists per game at the point guard position. And, while he coasted through a couple of blowout wins, his best nights have come against the best competition on the Jacks' schedule.

Wolters' impact on the rest of the college season rests on his team dominating the Summit League and, potentially, being a bracket-buster in March. But there's no doubt he could play for any team in the country.

18. Russ Smith (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Junior | Louisville Cardinals

A young coach would have trouble channeling the talent of a guy such as Smith. His wild shot selection and gambling habits on defense would turn the coach's hair gray. Not Pitino. He has seen enough basketball to know that, despite the foibles, he has a game-changer in Smith.

First of all, creating your own shot is a skill few players can master in college. Smith not only is able to do that, but his accuracy -- from both inside and outside the arc -- has been very good. He's averaging 20 points a game on an offensively challenged team. But it's on the defensive end that Smith creates the most problems for his opponents. With quick hands and feet -- and playing in a system that espouses defensive pressure -- Smith is No. 1 in the country with a 6.7 percent steal rate. Pitino can live with that.

19. Anthony Bennett (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Forward | Freshman | UNLV Rebels

Canadian national team coach and Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Jay Triano held a training camp in late August, and, according to Triano, UNLV's 6-foot-8 freshman was the most impressive young player. Not surprisingly, Triano knew what he was talking about.

Bennett might or might not be the best freshman in the country, but he already has had a major impact on UNLV. He's averaging almost 20 points a game on only 11 shots while grabbing eight rebounds per contest. His tour de force came Sunday when he posted 25 points and 13 boards in the Rebels' win at Cal. NBA scouts have taken notice.

20. Alex Poythress (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Forward | Freshman | Kentucky Wildcats

Minus one foul-plagued disappearing act in a loss at Notre Dame, Poythress has averaged 18 points and nearly eight rebounds in his past eight games. He has been Kentucky's most consistent player and the one who could have the most impact on the Wildcats' season.

At 6-7 and almost 240 pounds, Poythress reminds me of old-school Alabama forwards such as Antonio McDyess, Derrick McKey and David Benoit. He plays with high energy, is ultra-efficient in the paint -- he's shooting more than 70 percent inside the arc -- and has the most potential of any of the Kentucky freshmen in terms of carrying the team on both ends of the court.

It is a transition season at Kentucky, but the Wildcats' lineup still has four future first-round picks. Each will have his moments of brilliance this season. Poythress is one freshman I think is ready to explode.

21. Victor Oladipo (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Junior | Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers are No. 1 for a reason: They have more impact players than just Cody Zeller. So while both Oladipo and point guard Jordan Hulls vied for a spot on my Impact 25 list, I went with Oladipo because of what he means to Indiana on both ends of the court.

Oladipo is shooting a ridiculously high 76 percent from inside the arc, and while he gets his share of run-outs in transition and off steals, he has improved dramatically in handling the ball in order to use his immense athleticism to get to the basket. That athleticism also has turned him into an elite defender. He's the perfect role player on a team filled with them.

22. Jamaal Franklin (Previous ranking: No. 24)
Guard | Junior | San Diego State Aztecs

Franklin doesn't have the most beautiful game, but he epitomizes the toughness that has characterized Steve Fisher's Aztecs in recent seasons. He is coming off a Mountain West player of the year season as a junior and could add a second award if his team wins the conference again. In fact, he has become the guy opponents love to hate.

Although Franklin doesn't have the mismatch advantage he enjoyed last season as a "small" power forward, he is still averaging almost 20 points per game. But it's his rebounding and defense that make him the heart of SDSU's talented team. In the Aztecs' win over UCLA last week, he looked like he relished being the toughest player on the floor while posting 28 points and seven rebounds.

23. Elias Harris (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Forward | Senior | Gonzaga Bulldogs

In my opinion, Harris has gone from a slightly overrated player as a freshman to an improved, undervalued senior on a deep Gonzaga team. In the process, Harris has embraced his natural position of being a mobile, versatile power forward.

The 6-8, 238-pound senior is averaging nearly 17 points a game on only 11 shots. Plus, he can rebound, can handle the break, can score around the hoop, can drive from the perimeter, is a good high-post passer and draws fouls. Moreover, he's the key to a team with loads of weapons.

24. Ben McLemore (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Guard | Freshman | Kansas Jayhawks

Yes, I witnessed McLemore's career-high 24-point scoring effort Saturday against Colorado, so call me biased. However, after watching him for parts of two seasons at Kansas, I expected that kind of breakout performance. And while he's never said it to me directly, Bill Self has implied McLemore might be the best freshman he has coached at Kansas.

McLemore is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Jayhawks. On a team that will be very good defensively, the Jayhawks need a consistent scorer, and he is morphing quickly into that go-to guy. At 6-6 and blessed with phenomenal athleticism and a pure shooting stroke, McLemore will have an impact on the Big 12 in a major way. At the rate he's going, it's not crazy to think he can compete for Big 12 player of the year honors.

25. Mike Muscala (Previous ranking: Not rated)
Center | Senior | Bucknell Bison

For all the hype C.J. McCollum has received -- deserved, of course -- there's another really good player in the Patriot League who has proved he can play at any level: Muscala. The 6-11 senior has the Bison at 8-1, and is averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Although he's in the midst of an outstanding career, his 20-point, nine-rebound effort in a win at Arizona in the NIT opened some eyes. One thing is for sure: Whichever team wins the conference will have the attention of its first opponent in the NCAA tournament. Just ask Mike Krzyzewski.

Others to watch

Any time you rank the top 25 players in any category, you're going to leave out some worthy candidates. Here is a list of a few who just missed the cut this time, but could make it into future editions of the Impact 25. (In fact, there were 13 players in this ranking that didn't make my preseason edition.)

Jared Berggren, Wisconsin
Tyler Brown and Jackie Carmichael, Illinois State
Laurence Bowers, Missouri
Kenny Boynton and Erik Murphy, Florida
Allen Crabbe, California
Tyler Haws, BYU
Mark Lyons, Arizona
Ray McCallum, Detroit
Otto Porter, Georgetown
Nik Stauskas, Michigan
Kendall Williams, New Mexico

Off the board

These players were on our preseason list but didn't make this edition:

Lorenzo Brown, NC State
Aaron Craft, Ohio State
Matthew Dellavedova, Saint Mary's
Gorgui Dieng, Louisville
Solomon Hill, Arizona
Pierre Jackson, Baylor
C.J. Leslie, NC State
Tony Mitchell, North Texas
Mike Moser, UNLV
Andre Roberson, Colorado
Michael Snaer, Florida State
Jarnell Stokes, Tennessee
BJ Young, Arkansas

Every week during the season, Will Harris will check with the computers (using Insider's PickCenter) and wiseguys to evaluate the upset possibilities in college football's most compelling games and give his picks for which teams will come out on top.

After a successful season picking games against the number this season (a 5-1 mark in the conference title games brought us to 81-54 for the year), we're turning our attention to the bowls. We'll be making against-the-spread selections for every bowl game this season, in four separate installments. For now, here are our picks for the first week of games.

Boise State Broncos versus Washington Huskies
MAACO Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 22)
Boise State is favored by 5 points

This is a tough game to call, as a consistent Boise State squad deserves the favorite's mantle over an error-prone Washington outfit that has been truly impressive in victory only twice this season … yet laying points in what is bound to be a serious defensive struggle is downright unsavory.

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Boise's uncharacteristically pedestrian offense hasn't scored 30 points on a bowl team all year and thus far has featured dreadful red zone passing and no explosiveness from the receiving corps; the top three wideouts have a mere 10 touchdowns among them, and none is averaging even 12 yards per catch.

The Broncos do at least boast their customary outstanding ball security and pass protection, which is more than can be said for the Huskies. Washington quarterback Keith Price tossed 33 touchdown passes against 11 interceptions last year en route to a handful of school records, but this year that ratio is just 18-11, with seven lost fumbles to boot. Part of the issue is a receiving corps that's much shorter on experience, explosiveness and depth. Last year Price's top three targets had right around 40 catches apiece, with the top two -- Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar -- both clocking in at 15 yards per catch, while ace tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins was the No. 3 man. This year, with Kearse and Aguilar gone, the scene is much different as the tight end has had to carry the load as Price's top target, while the No. 1 wideout, Kasen Williams, averages only 11 yards per catch and is the only player at his position with more than 18 grabs.

The even bigger problem with Price -- and this offense, which was held to 21 points or fewer in its first eight FBS games and has managed only a single play of more than 47 yards -- is the offensive line. Hit with injuries early, this unit has had Price on the run all year, while missed assignments and holding penalties have become its defining qualities. This offensive line has allowed at least two sacks to every FBS opponent. Its task of blocking a stout, disruptive Boise front could be the critical mismatch of this game.

We've no doubt that Huskies defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox's charges will do their part in what should be one of the lower-scoring bowls, and we're not that fired up about laying points when it's hard to see how the favorite can move the chains. But we're certainly not taking them, as tight, defensive games often hinge on one or two big plays, and -- given the contrast between steady, detail-oriented Boise and self-destructive, error-prone Washington -- it's pretty obvious which one of these teams is more likely to make the critical blunder.

The pick: Boise State 17, Washington 10

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns versus East Carolina Pirates
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 22)
ULL is favored by 5.5 points

College teams face significantly disparate schedules, yet nearly half of them reach the postseason on the basis of win-loss records alone. There are therefore a few bowl entrants each year that stand out as really below-average FBS teams. East Carolina is one of this year's weakest. The Pirates -- who rank an abysmal 114th in Brian Fremeau's FEI ratings -- have played only four fellow bowl squads this season, beating none while getting outgained by a whopping 160 yards per game, easily the worst mark among this year's postseason contestants.

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The rest of East Carolina's FBS schedule reads like a who's who of Conference USA doormats, seven wins over teams that scraped together a combined 22 victories. When allowing 59 points and 633 yards at home in an overtime escape against a 5-7 Marshall team qualifies as your best performance, it's time to get philosophical about "earning" a bowl berth while the likes of Tennessee, Utah and Missouri sit at home.

East Carolina does have some offensive firepower, principally in the form of 1,000-yard receiver Justin Hardy, who amazingly has 69 more grabs than the second-leading yardage-gainer. The Pirates also sport a 1,000-yard rusher in Vintavious Cooper, but coordinator Lincoln Riley is an Air Raid disciple straight from Mike Leach's high plains school of offense, which means that as Hardy goes, so goes the offensive production.

A Ragin' Cajuns offense with the nation's third-best red zone touchdown rate is even more productive. The powerful running game is peaking late in the year behind the Sun Belt's best offensive line and the passing game features a trio of big-play receivers and a quarterback who ranks in the nation's top 25 in passer rating. This bunch is both efficient and explosive and will have its way with an East Carolina defense that allowed the likes of Southern Miss and Tulane to turn in above-average performances.

Louisiana's defense is by no means a shutdown unit, but this group has held half its foes under 75 rushing yards and fields a serviceable pass rush, a half dozen all-conference selections and a heart-and-soul leader at middle linebacker. The defense also has what it probably needs most in this particular matchup: a pair of decorated senior cornerbacks who can keep Hardy from going ballistic. Throw in an utter mismatch in the kicking game and a rowdy partisan crowd and you've got an easy decision.

The pick: Louisiana-Lafayette 52, East Carolina 28

Arizona Wildcats vs. Nevada Wolf Pack
Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 15)
Arizona is favored by 9.5 points

Two renowned offensive gurus roam the sideline; the nation's top two rushers patrol the field … the season's first bowl game certainly figures to be a shootout. Nevada and Arizona are two of only three teams in the country (along with Texas A&M) to average 230 rushing yards and 240 passing yards per game this year. The much-maligned Nevada defense has played better down the stretch, but it's still assured that Matt Scott, Ka'Deem Carey and the Arizona offense will move the ball.

So will the Wolf Pack, who counter with Pistol triggerman Cody Fajardo, workhorse Stefphon Jefferson and a difficult matchup for Arizona's smallish defense in hulking tight end Zach Sudfeld. A Wildcats defense that boasts only 18 scholarship players who are not true freshmen is undersized, inexperienced and razor-thin. Only one senior has started on that side of the ball, and he has started only five games. There have been lots of injuries, lots of shuffling and over a fifth of the team's tackles have been made by freshmen or walk-ons. It's no wonder that the Cats set a school record for yardage allowed this year.

The setup of this early bowl game favors Nevada. It's true that the Pack's bowl record under Chris Ault has been dismal. During the program's seven-year bowl streak Nevada has averaged 258 rushing yards per game during the regular season but only 158 in the bowls. As with Georgia Tech and its bowl woes, Nevada's unique offense is a lot easier for opposing defenses to handle with extra time to prepare. And the timing and precision required to execute the attack efficiently are often far rustier after long layoffs.

This year, though, the Pack come into the bowl hot off their best offensive half of the season, a 379-yard second-stanza outburst against a stout Boise State defense. Arizona has a mere two weeks to get past a devastating blown Territorial Cup lead and prepare for an unfamiliar offense that's really clicking. They'll have to play at a site where the cold and altitude favor the opponent, a site where the Cats will practice only once and where several players must take proctored exams because of the travel schedule. Arizona had its eye on the Las Vegas Bowl, but instead fell to the Pac-12's last bowl slot. It's true that Ault's bowl record leaves something to be desired, but Rich Rodriguez is 1-5 against the postseason number himself, with three of the losses falling at least four touchdowns away from the spread.

Each side figures to hold up its end of this shootout, and with the offenses clearly having the best of it, the game might hinge on which team stops itself. That could well be favored Arizona, which is fumble-prone and has logged 28 stalled trips to opposing red zones this year. This game sets up nicely for the Pack, and we'll look for the outright upset.

The pick: Nevada 45, Arizona 42

Quick hitters

Utah State Aggies (-10) versus Toledo Rockets
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (Dec. 15)
The favored Aggies are the better team in all three phases and match up well with Toledo's weaknesses, especially with Rockets stars Terrance Owens and David Fluellen likely operating at less than 100 percent. Utah State lost this bowl at the wire last year and is determined to win it this time around.
Utah State 38, Toledo 17

Brigham Young Cougars (-2.5) versus San Diego State Aztecs
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl (Dec. 20)
A defensive struggle is in store for these longtime WAC and MWC rivals. San Diego State has a modest passing game and is now powered almost exclusively by tailback Adam Muema, who lost backfield mate Walter Kazee to injury in the season finale. The BYU rush defense, however, has held 11 of its 12 opponents to fewer than 118 rushing yards. Points will be hard to come by for a pedestrian BYU attack as well, and we see this one as a low-scoring toss-up.
BYU 17, San Diego State 14

UCF Knights (-7.5) versus Ball State Cardinals
Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl (Dec. 21)
Star Ball State quarterback Keith Wenning has not resumed practicing and it's still unknown if he will be able to play, but at least capable senior backup Kelly Page has returned to the practice field after a concussion in the season finale. Regular readers know we've been backing Pete Lembo and this Ball State team all year, and the Cardinals have delivered with a 9-3 record both straight up and against the spread, their three outright losses coming against squads that went a combined 32-4 in the regular season. The Cards have enough horses to take down a solid Central Florida outfit if Wenning plays, and probably even if Page has to fill in.
Ball State 35, Central Florida 28

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=ncbrecruitingnational&id=5066

Sweet, I accidentally unsubscribed this thread.

First-year Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber has quietly put together an excellent 2013 recruiting class.

With four-star scoring guard Marcus Foster (Wichita Falls, Texas/Hirschi), long, athletic and skilled shooting guard Wesley Iwundu (Houston/Westfield), and strong and physical attacking point guard Jevon Thomas (Queens, N.Y./St. John's Northwest Military Academy) already in the fold, on Monday Weber added three-star center Neville Fincher (Teaneck, N.J./Hargrave Military Academy) to give the Wildcats a class that has size, length, strength, athletic ability and tremendous upside.

The 6-foot-9 Fincher played very well when he was evaluated in late November at the Fishburne Military School Best Western Caisson Shootout. Fincher has a college-ready body at about 225 pounds and appears to have very low body fat. He is physical, powerful and explosive around the basket when he receives drop-off pass in transition or in the half-court offense created by dribble penetration.

Neville FincherCenter2013Committed: Kansas State He finishes swing steps along the baseline above the rim in traffic and through contact without difficulty or delay. He will have to work to develop his offensive back-to-the-basket scoring package with moves, touch and footwork, but these areas should rapidly improve at the major college level. Fincher is also a good area rebounder and capable defender.

What will Fincher bring to Manhattan?

Fincher will bring an immediate physical presence in the post for the Wildcats with his ability to finish, rebound and defend. He will be a screen-and-roll and screen-and-post player in Weber's motion offense. He will be counted on to protect the lane by moving opponents out of deep low-post position and by blocking shots on the ball and coming to the aid of a teammate from the weak side in the pressure man defense.

Fincher should take his production to the next level as he improves on the offensive end and works to play with great energy and effort the entire time he is on the floor. Fincher has great upside, and if he can max out his potential Wildcats fans are going to be extremely happy.

This Kansas State class not only has some talent but has a level of toughness and competitiveness that will help the Wildcats become a team that can potentially cause problems in the Big 12 once they work together and develop a winning chemistry.

http://m.espn.go.com/nba/story?storyId=8825002 , please.