Fully Loaded Weekend Ahead

Before we toast the weekend, let’s review Thursday night’s NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Johnny Manziel (with the Cleveland Browns in a cameo appearance …

The Bengals became the NFL’s first 8-0 team by beating the Browns 31-10. Andy Dalton threw three touchdown passes to tight end Tyler Eifert. Manziel had a few interesting moments in the first half but the Bengals tightened up defensively in the second half, holding the Browns to two first downs.
And now, your festive pack of six to visually imbibe. …

COLLEGE FOOTBALL (COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF RANKINGS)

No. 16 Florida State (7-1) at No. 1 Clemson (8-0): Had FSU not lost on a blocked field goal on the final play against Georgia Tech, this one would be (in Donald Trump’s words) “yooooooooogggggge.” Big for both in the ACC and for any hopes FSU might have of climbing the CFP ladder.

No. 8 TCU (8-0) at No. 14 Oklahoma State (8-0): Both are 5-0 in the Big 12 as well. TCU QB Trevone Boykin is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.

Navy (6-1) at No. 13 Memphis (8-0): Many observers feel Memphis is ranked too low, with a signature win over Ole Miss. Like the triple option offense? Navy runs it beautifully.

No. 2 LSU (7-0) at No. 4 Alabama (7-1): LSU running back Leonard Fournette is a pleasure to watch. Bama can’t afford another loss to stay in the running for a playoff berth.

NFL

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0): The Packers absorbed a beating from the Denver Broncos on the road; the Panthers come off an overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Oakland Raiders (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4): The Steelers got QB Ben Roethlisberger back and then lost RB Le’Veon Bell for the season. Oakland sports a good young tandem in QB Derek Carr and receiver Amari Cooper and heady vet Charles Woodson still makes plays in the secondary.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .