So we currently have 4 teams with 6+ wins (WKU, HERD, LaTech, USM), 4 teams with 7+ losses (UTSA, UNT, FAU, UNC-C) and a handful of 5 loss teams (MTSU, FIU, ODU, UTEP, Rice).

- MTSU has the easiest path to 6+ wins, with 3 from the 7+ loss group left on the schedule they need to take at least 2 of 3. Not saying these guys will simply hand the W to the raiders but MTSU should get to 6+ and bowl eligible

- Rice, on paper, has possibly the 2nd easiest path to 6 wins. With 2 from the 7+ loss group and the West #2 at home. USM seems to be on a roll and will be favored to win this one. The 49ers are on an 8 game skid and while they have improved each game, they simply do not have the size and depth to stop Rice at home. UTSA seems to be looking to next season already. Rice should get to bowl eligibility.

- ODU also needs 2 of 3 but that 3 includes only 1 team from from 7+ loss group. Next game maybe an elimination game with UTEP as they face a resurgent USM on the road the following week. Get pass UTEP and the Monarchs can start thinking about storming the field for the home finale and bowl eligibility

- UTEP's story is the same as ODU's. They need 2 of 3, with only 1 team from from 7+ loss group and the West #1 LaTech. UTEP gets LaTech at home but should be home 'dogs for this game which means a must-win against ODU and in Denton. Whoever wins next week, has a great shot at post season play.

- FIU has the toughest path to 6 wins, even though we are at 5 wins now, we have 2 games left against the East #1 & #2. Homer in me still hopes for an upset of one of these guys but our performance so far doesn't leave me with much expectations of this happening. Panthers miss out on a bowl game and spend the Christmas talking about the coulda-woulda on the UMASS and FAU losses.