New Memphis Coach, Alchemy

Who is going to be the next head coach for the Memphis Tigers? Yesterday, several media outlets hinted that Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain accepted the job. Today, it appears that McElwain did indeed accept the offer, but later backed off. Next up, TCU co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Justin Fuente. Both would be solid hires with strong resumes.

A new favorite spot for Midtowners is Alchemy. Located in the Cooper Young area, Alchemy has a trendy feel that you may find in a larger city. Some have compared it to something you would find in New York, but Atlanta may be more on par. The bartenders pour mean drinks, they have a great wine list, the food (all small plates) has consistently exceeded expectations and it is a great location for people watching. The mac and cheese is highly recommended.

Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions Week of 12/5/2011 - FINAL

Now in its 6th season, Memphis Lagniappe's Fabled College Football Playoff Predictions are published weekly to show a possible college football playoff format. Similar to the NCAA basketball tournament, 11 conference champions receive automatic bids. 5 additional spots are available for at large bids.

Round 1 games would be hosted by the higher ranked seeds. Rounds 2 - 4 would incorporate the bowl system with host cities/bowls bidding to host the games. The "Big 4" BCS bowls would be permanent playoff hosts on a round-rotating basis (Championship, semi-finals and 1 round 2 game).

For the week of December 5, 2011:

1. LSU (SEC Champion)
2. Alabama (At Large SEC)
3. Oklahoma State (Big 12 Champion)
4. Stanford (At Large PAC 12)
5. Oregon (PAC 12 Champion)
6. Arkansas (At Large SEC)
7. Boise State (At Large Mountain West)
8. Kansas State (At Large Big 12)
9. Wisconsin (Big 10 Champion)
10. TCU (Mountain West Champion)
11. Clemson (ACC Champion)
12. Southern Miss (C-USA Champion)
13. West Virginia (Big East Champion)
14. Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champion)
15. Northern Illinois (MAC Champion)
16. Louisiana Tech (WAC Champion)

Dropped out: Virginia Tech (#5, ACC Champion), Houston (#6, C-USA Champion), Michigan State (#10, Big 10 Champion), Oklahoma (#11, At Large Big 12)

Number Of Teams by Conference:
SEC (3), Big 12 (2), Mountain West (2), PAC 12 (2), ACC (1), Big 10 (1), Big East (1), C-USA (1), MAC (1), Sun Belt (1), WAC (1), Independent (0)

Match ups round by round assuming higher seeds win.

Round 1
(16) Louisiana Tech at (1) LSU
(9) Wisconsin at (8) Kansas State
(12) Southern Miss at (5) Oregon
(13) West Virginia at (4) Stanford
(11) Clemson at (6) Arkansas
(14) Arkansas State at (3) Oklahoma State
(10) TCU at (7) Boise State
(15) Northern Illinois at (2) Alabama

Round 2
(8) Kansas State vs (1) LSU
(5) Oregon vs (4) Stanford
(6) Arkansas vs (3) Oklahoma State
(7) Boise State vs (2) Alabama

Round 3
(4) Stanford vs (1) LSU
(3) Oklahoma State vs (2) Alabama

Championship Game
(2) Alabama vs (1) LSU