2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season

American college football season January 2019 December 2025 2016 File:Army_vs._UTEP_football_(29796132565).jpg The Army Black Knights defeats the UTEP Miners 66–14 on September 17 at the Sun Bowl. 128 Alabama August 26, 2016 – December 10, 2016 41 December 17, 2016 January 9, 2017 College Football Playoff 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Raymond James StadiumTampa, Florida Clemson Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson Clemsonhttp://collegefootball.ap.org/poll/2017/16 The AP Top 25 Poll Clemsonhttp://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/football/polls/coaches-poll/2016/16/ NCAA Football - Amway Coaches Poll - USA Today Sports sportspolls.usatoday.com The 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season was the highest level of college football competition in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The regular season began on August 26, 2016, and ended on December 10, 2016. The postseason concluded on January 9, 2017, with the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide to claim their second national title in school history. The championship game was a rematch of the 2016 edition won by Alabama. Rule changes The following rule changes were voted on by the NCAA Football Rules Committee for the 2016 season:https://www.ncaa.org/news/football/article/2016-02-11.football-rules-committee-approves-proposals-enhance-player-safety Football Rules Committee Approves Proposals to Enhance Player Safety ncaa.org ncaa.org February 11, 2016 February 11, 2016January 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Requiring replay officials to review all aspects of targeting penalties, including the option to call a targeting foul missed by the on-field officials if the foul is deemed egregious. After several hits during the early part of the season that resulted in concussions that should have been targeting, the NCAA Rules Committee reinforced this rule for replay officials and also clarified the "crown of the helmet" (to determine targeting penalties) as the area above the facemask to the dome of the helmet.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17679366/ncaa-issues-two-rules-interpretations-targeting-fouls-clarifies-definition-crown-helmet NCAA issues two rules interpretations on targeting fouls espn.com ESPN October 1, 2016 October 1, 2016 Allowing electronic devices to be used for coaching purposes in the press box and locker room during the game. Electronic devices will still be prohibited on the field and sideline. Coaches can now be ejected after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in one game, the same as players. A ball carrier who "gives himself up" (e.g., by sliding) will now be considered a defenseless player. Deliberate tripping of a ball carrier with the leg is now a 15-yard penalty. Players who leave the tackle box are now prohibited from blocking below the waist toward the initial position of the ball. An exception to a rule introduced for the 2015 season regarding low hits to passers (i.e., at or below the knee) was eliminated. Previously, a defensive player would not have been penalized for such a hit if making a bona fide attempt at a tackle. Teams attempting a scrimmage kick (i.e., field goals, PATs, and punts) must have five offensive linemen (numbered 50–79) on the scrimmage line unless the kicking team has at least two players seven yards OR one player at least 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Previously, only one player had to be lined up seven yards behind the line to avoid using five linemen, causing confusion in kick coverage on defense. The procedure for restarting the game clock following a penalty by the offense will change if the penalized team has a lead in the last two minutes of either half. Before this season, the game clock would have been restarted in this situation once the ball was declared ready for play; it now will not start until the ball is snapped. The committee, once again, took no action on changing the ineligible receiver downfield rule from three yards to one yard; however it will once again be a "point of emphasis" and will adjust officiating mechanics to better officiate those plays. Conference realignment Membership changes SchoolFormer conferenceNew conferenceUMass MAC FBS independent Although Coastal Carolina began the transition process to FBS in the 2016 season and joined the Sun Belt Conference in non-football sports, it was officially classified as an FCS independent for this first season of the transition. Coastal Carolina became a provisional FBS member when the football team joined the Sun Belt in 2017, and full FBS membership and bowl eligibility followed in 2018.Coastal Carolina Announces 2016 Football Schedule http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030116aaa.html Coastal Carolina Athletics March 17, 2016 March 1, 2016 "This is an important year for our program as we start our transition to the FBS," said fifth-year head coach Joe Moglia. "However, we are still an FCS independent this year and have put together a nationally-competitive schedule to reflect that. Conway, South Carolina March 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160314052242/http://www.goccusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/030116aaa.html dead Other headlines March 1 – The Sun Belt Conference announced that its football-only membership agreements with Idaho and New Mexico State would not be renewed upon their expirations at the end of the 2017 season.http://sunbeltsports.org/news/2016/3/1/FB_0301161055.aspx Sun Belt Football to Be 10 Teams in 2018 Sun Belt Conference March 1, 2016 March 3, 2016 New Orleans March 3 - The NCAA Council forced the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns football team to vacate 22 wins from 2011-2014 including the 2011 and 2014 New Orleans Bowl championships after a finding that a previous assistant head coach had falsified ACT scores. Their penalty was the lowest penalty in NCAA Division I and the university did not receive a post-season ban.Ragin' Cajuns to vacate 22 games from 2011-14 football https://louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20160303/ragin-cajuns-vacate-22-games-2011-14-football Louisiana.edu University of Louisiana at Lafayette January 2, 2019 March 3, 2016 April 8 – The NCAA Division I Council voted to prohibit FBS schools from participating in or conducting so-called "satellite camps." The NCAA had already prohibited schools from hosting camps located more than 50 mi km from campus, but many coaches took advantage of a loophole that allowed them to participate in off-site camps as guest coaches.Cooper Sam NCAA votes to prohibit satellite camps https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/ncaa-votes-to-prohibit-satellite-camps-172819288.html sports.yahoo.com Yahoo! Sports May 5, 2016 April 8, 2016 The new rule was reversed on April 28.NCAA overturns ban on satellite camps https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/15420705/ncaa-overturns-ban-satellite-camps-wants-recruiting-review August 6, 2016 ESPN News Services Associated Press ESPN Internet Ventures April 29, 2016 April 11 – The Division I Council approved a three-year moratorium on new bowl games, following a season in which a record three teams with sub-.500 records made bowls. No new bowls were allowed until the 2019 season. This decision affected three games that were in the process of seeking NCAA certification for the 2016 season.McMurphy Brett NCAA approves three-year halt to new bowl games https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/15181015/ncaa-approves-three-year-moratorium-new-bowl-games ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures April 11, 2016 April 11, 2016 April 28 The University of Idaho announced that the Vandals football team would return to the FCS Big Sky Conference, its all-sports league, effective with the 2018 season.http://www.uidaho.edu/president/communications/ftball-announcement?SPSID=87195&SPID=10352&DB_OEM_ID=17100 UI Moving Football to Big Sky Conference University of Idaho Office of the President April 28, 2016 May 1, 2016 Moscow, Idaho The Vandals became the first team ever to voluntarily drop from FBS to FCS.Dodd Dennis Idaho will become first team to drop from FBS to FCS in 2018 https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/idaho-will-become-first-team-to-drop-from-fbs-to-fcs-in-2018/ CBSSports.com CBS Interactive April 30, 2016 April 27, 2016 The Division I Board of Directors rescinded the FBS satellite camp ban that had been approved less than three weeks earlier. The ban had sparked major controversy within several conferences, notably the Pac-12 (whose Division I Council representative voted for the ban despite 11 of the league's 12 members opposing it). Additionally, the ban was seen as having the unintended effect of limiting scholarship opportunities, especially at Group of Five schools, for a large number of high school prospects.Cooper Sam NCAA Division I Board rescinds satellite camp ban https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/ncaa-division-i-board-rescinds-satellite-camp-ban-180802884.html sports.yahoo.com Yahoo Sports May 5, 2016 April 28, 2016Cooper Sam Satellite camp ban is bad for student-athletes, just ask them https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/satellite-camp-ban-is-bad-for-student-athletes--just-ask-them-215248826.html sports.yahoo.com Yahoo Sports May 5, 2016 April 10, 2016 September 10 - Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage scored 8 touchdowns in the Sun Devils' 68–55 win over Texas Tech, tying an NCAA record set in 1990 by Howard Griffith of Illinois against Southern Illinois.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17518391/arizona%C2%A0state%C2%A0rb%C2%A0kalen-ballage%C2%A0ties%C2%A0ncaa%C2%A0mark%C2%A0with%C2%A08%C2%A0tds Arizona State RB Kalen Ballage ties NCAA mark with 8 TDs Mitch Sherman ESPN.com September 11, 2016 September 11, 2016 October 22 – The Oklahoma–Texas Tech game, won 66–59 by Oklahoma, saw several FBS single-game records broken or equaled:https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17862402/oklahoma-sooners-texas-tech-red-raiders-combine-fbs-record-1708-yards-offensive-slugfest Oklahoma, Texas Tech combine for FBS-record 1,708 yards in slugfest Jake Trotter ESPN.com October 23, 2016 October 23, 2016 The teams combined for 1,708 yards of total offense (854 each), surpassing the previous FBS record of 1,640 set by San Jose State and Nevada in 2001. Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes' 819 yards of total offense broke the previous FBS record of 751 set in 2014 by Connor Halliday of Washington State. Mahomes also tied Halliday's FBS record of 734 passing yards. Oklahoma became the first FBS team ever with a 500-yard passer (Baker Mayfield), 200-yard rusher (Joe Mixon), and 200-yard receiver (Dede Westbrook) in a single game. November 9 – Georgia State University received final approval from the Georgia Board of Regents, the governing body of the state's university system, to purchase Turner Field, vacated by the Atlanta Braves after their 2016 season. The facility, originally the main stadium of the 1996 Olympics, was converted to a football stadium seating 23,000, with potential future expansion to 33,000.http://news.gsu.edu/2016/11/09/board-regents-approves-georgia-state-universitys-purchase-turner-field/ Board Of Regents Approves Georgia State University's Purchase Of Turner Field Georgia State University November 9, 2016 November 9, 2016 The football team ultimately began play at Turner Field, now known as Center Parc Stadium, in 2017 while the conversion project was ongoing.http://stadium.gsu.edu/ Stadium Project Georgia State University November 9, 2016 Scroll down to the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of the page, which specifically addressed where the team would play in 2017. November 26 – Pittsburgh defeated Syracuse 76–61, with the two teams setting a new FBS record for combined points scored in a regulation game. The previous record had been set by Navy and North Texas in 2007.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869500 Syracuse gives up most points ever in game in Pitt's wild 76-61 victory Associated Press ESPN.com November 26, 2016 November 26, 2016 Kickoff games California and Hawaii played the first game of the 2016 season at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on August 27.n Due to time zone differences, the game took place on August 26 in the home time zones of both participating schools. This was the first college football game in Oceania since 1985.Australian Fans Treated to a Wyoming Victory https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-12-08-sp-15022-story.html July 2, 2016 Los Angeles Times Times Wire Service December 8, 1985 Melbourne California eased to a 51–31 win.Passa Dennis Webb solid in Cal debut, Bears beat Hawaii 51-31 Down Under http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/webb-solid-cal-debut-bears-beat-hawaii-51-31-down-under August 27, 2016 Associated Press Associated Press AP Sports August 27, 2016 Sydney Boston College and Georgia Tech played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on September 3, in a game billed as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Georgia Tech scored a touchdown in the last minute to win 17–14.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869424 Mills' late TD run lifts Georgia Tech past Eagles 17-14 Associated Press ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 3, 2016 Wisconsin hosted LSU at the first-ever Division I FBS game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, also on September 3. The Badgers surprised the No. 5 Tigers 16–14. AP reporter Genaro Armas wrote that the loss, the first in a season opener for Les Miles in his 12 seasons at LSU, "will surely put Miles back on the hot seat after he was nearly run out of Baton Rouge after a 9–3 season in 2015."https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868974 Wisconsin shocks No. 5 LSU, 16-14 Genaro Armas Associated Press ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 3, 2016 Houston met Oklahoma at NRG Stadium in Houston on September 3 in the Texas Kickoff, a game with major College Football Playoff significance as a virtual elimination game for Houston as a CFP contender. The Cougars are members of the "Group of Five" American Athletic Conference, but were coming off a convincing win over Florida State in last season's Peach Bowl. The game was also played against the backdrop of potential Big 12 Conference expansion, with Houston seen by many in the media as a leading Big 12 candidate. The Cougars won 33–23.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869507 No. 15 Houston looks Big 12-ready in 33-23 victory over OU Ralph D. Russo Associated Press ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 3, 2016 North Carolina and Georgia played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia on September 3, in the annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Both teams entered the contest 0–1 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, with North Carolina losing to LSU in 2010 and Georgia falling to Boise State in 2011. In the debut for Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs won 33–24, led by Nick Chubb, who ran for 222 yards and two touchdowns in his first game since tearing an ACL last season.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868972 Chubb runs for 222 yards, Georgia beats NCarolina 33-24 Paul Newberry Associated Press ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 3, 2016 USC and Alabama played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 3 in the Advocare Classic. Defending national champions Alabama blasted the Trojans 52–6, marking USC's worst loss since a 51–0 blowout by Notre Dame in 1966.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868969 No. 1 Alabama rolls with freshman QB to beat No. 20 USC 52-6 ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 5, 2016 Arizona and BYU played week 1 of the season at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 3 in the Cactus Kickoff. BYU won 18–16 on a field goal with 4 seconds left.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868922 Oldroyd's late kick sends BYU to 18-16 win over Arizona ESPN.com September 3, 2016 September 4, 2016 Ole Miss and Florida State played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on September 5 in the Camping World Kickoff. Florida State, facing a 28–6 second-quarter deficit, scored 33 unanswered points and went on to win 45–34.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400868979 Frosh QB Deondre Francois rallies Florida State past Ole Miss 45-34 ESPN.com September 5, 2016 September 6, 2016 Virginia Tech and Tennessee played at Bristol Motor Speedway near Bristol, Tennessee, on September 10 in a game billed as the Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol. The game drew an announced crowd of 156,990, breaking the previous record for a college football game by more than 40,000. After trailing 14–0 at the end of the first quarter, Tennessee scored 31 unanswered points en route to a 45–24 win.http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/record-crowd-watches-no-17-vols-beat-virginia-tech-45-24 Record crowd watches No. 17 Vols beat Virginia Tech 45-24 Megargee Steve September 11, 2016 Associated Press AP Sports Bristol, Tennessee Associated Press September 11, 2016 Regular season top 10 matchups Rankings reflect the AP Poll. Rankings for Week 10 and beyond will list College Football Playoff Rankings first and AP Poll second. Teams that fail to be a top 10 team for one poll or the other will be noted. Week 3 No. 10 Louisville defeated No. 2 Florida State 63–20 (Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky) Week 5 No. 10 Washington defeated No. 7 Stanford 44–6 (Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington) No. 5 Clemson defeated No. 3 Louisville 42–36 (Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina) No. 4 Michigan defeated No. 8 Wisconsin 14–7 (Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan) Week 6 No. 8 Texas A&M defeated No. 9 Tennessee 45–38, 2OT (Kyle Field, College Station, Texas) Week 7 No. 1 Alabama defeated No. 9 Tennessee 49–10 (Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee) No. 2 Ohio State defeated No. 8 Wisconsin 30–23, OT (Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin) Week 8 No. 1 Alabama defeated No. 6 Texas A&M 33–14 (Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama) Week 10 No. 6/6 Ohio State defeated No. 10/9 Nebraska 62–3 (Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio) Week 12 No. 9/8 Oklahoma defeated No. 14/10 West Virginia 56–28 (Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West Virginia) Week 13 No. 2/2 Ohio State defeated No. 3/3 Michigan 30–27, 2OT (Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio) Week 14 No. 4/4 Washington defeated No. 8/9 Colorado 41–10 (2016 Pac-12 Championship Game, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California) No. 7/8 Penn State defeated No. 6/6 Wisconsin 38–31 (2016 Big 10 Championship Game, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana) Upsets In the first full weekend of the season, seven teams ranked in the AP Poll lost, the most in an opening week since the debut of the AP preseason poll in 1950.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17480624/college-football-playoff-doomsday-scenarios-conference-left-out After a wild first week, which conferences could be left out of the playoff? Heather Dinich ESPN.com September 7, 2016 September 7, 2016 The seven ranked losers included two top-five teams; the last time two such teams had lost in the season's first week was 1972.https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/inside-college-football-big-12-will-have-to-explain-if-it-doesnt-add-byu-houston/ Inside College Football: Big 12 will have to explain if it doesn't add BYU, Houston Dennis Dodd CBSSports.com September 7, 2016 September 7, 2016 The weekend also saw seven SEC teams lose their season openers, which had not happened since the league returned to 12 teams with the 1992 arrival of Arkansas and South Carolina.n The SEC was founded in 1932 with 13 members. The league operated with 12 members from the 1940 departure of Sewanee to the 1964 departure of Georgia Tech, and then with 11 members until Tulane left in 1966. One of those loses saw South Alabama defeat Mississippi State 21–20 as a 28-point underdog, which was the biggest FPI upset in the last 5 seasons (2.3% chance to win before the match).http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/sec/article99820202.html South Alabama stuns Mississippi State March 6, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170306210400/http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/sec/article99820202.html March 6, 2017 dead On September 10, a finish noted for its improbability happened when Central Michigan defeated Oklahoma State 30–27 on a Hail Mary pass followed by a lateral on the game's final play. Shortly afterwards, the game officials, as well as the conferences of the participating teams (the MAC and Big 12 respectively), announced that Central Michigan should not have been allowed to run the winning play. On the previous play, during which the clock had run out, Oklahoma State had been called for intentional grounding on fourth down. Under NCAA rules, a game cannot end on an accepted live ball foul; however, an exception to that rule states that if the penalty includes a loss of down—which is the case for intentional grounding—the game ends at that point.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17514343/central-michigan-chippewas-wrongly-get-extra-play-upset-no-22-oklahoma-state-cowboys Central Michigan wrongly gets untimed down, beats No. 22 Oklahoma State Sam Jr. Khan ESPN.com September 10, 2016 September 11, 2016 On September 17, FCS program North Dakota State defeated No. 13 Iowa on a late field goal to win 23–21 at Kinnick Stadium, becoming just the fourth FCS team to beat an AP-ranked FBS team.http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/upset-city-north-dakota-st-tops-no-13-iowa-final-play UPSET CITY: North Dakota St tops No. 13 Iowa on final play This was Iowa's first loss to a non FBS opponent. The next day, NDSU received 74 points in the AP Poll to set a new record for votes received by an FCS team in a single AP Poll.https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/1/seasontype/2/year/2016/week/4 2016 College Football Rankings - Week 4 September 18, 2016 ESPN.com September 24, 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160924125611/http://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/poll/1/seasontype/2/year/2016/week/4 September 24, 2016 On October 22, unranked Penn State defeated No. 2 Ohio State, 24–21 at Beaver Stadium. Penn State had not been ranked since the 2011 season, and had entered the 2016 season still rebuilding after sanctions had decimated the roster in 2012. Ohio State built a 21–7 lead in the third quarter; Penn State rallied to score the game's final 17 points. Ohio State had lined up for a field goal to potentially put them ahead by seven points, but then-safety Marcus Allen blocked the field goal attempt, and Penn State's cornerback Grant Haley returned it 60 yards for the score. Haley's game-winning touchdown was labeled as the "Kick Six". It was Penn State's first win over a Top-5 team in 20 years; their first win against a top-2 opponent since 1990; and their first win in Beaver Stadium against a team ranked No. 2 since 1982 against No. 2 Nebraska. Penn State would go on to win nine straight games, winning the Big Ten Championship, rose to No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, and went to the Rose Bowl. Ohio State did not lose again during the regular season, and despite their loss to Penn State, they would go on to the College Football Playoff.https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400869645 UPSET: Penn State topples No. 2 Ohio State 24-21 - October 23, 2016 - ESPN ESPN.com On December 10, Army defeated No. 25 ranked Navy 21–17 to end a 14-year losing streak in the Army–Navy Game, the longest for either side in the rivalry's history.https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400868921 Navy vs. Army - Game Summary - December 10, 2016 - ESPN ESPN.com FCS team wins over FBS teams Italics denotes FCS teams. no no September 2 no Albany Buffalo University at Buffalo Stadium Amherst, New York no 22–16 18,657 FCS wins vs. FBS teams: All-time victories, upsets, wins vs. ranked teams https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/fcs-wins-vs-fbs-teams-all-time-victories-upsets NCAA.com September 7, 2025 October 2, 2025 September 3 no 14 (FCS) Eastern Washington Washington State Martin Stadium Pullman, Washington no 45–42 32,952 September 3 no 5 (FCS) Northern Iowa Iowa State Jack Trice Stadium Ames, Iowa no 25–20 60,629 September 3 no 4 (FCS) Richmond Virginia Scott Stadium Charlottesville, Virginia no 37–20 49,270 September 10 no Eastern Illinois Miami (OH) Yager Stadium Oxford, Ohio no 21–17 17,369 September 10 no 10 (FCS) Illinois State Northwestern Ryan Field Evanston, Illinois no 9–7 30,635 September 10 no 23 (FCS) North Carolina A&T Kent State Dix Stadium Kent, Ohio no 39–36 4OT 13,540 September 17 no 1 (FCS) North Dakota State 13 Iowa Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, Iowa no 23–21 70,585 September 24 no Central Arkansas Arkansas State Centennial Bank Stadium Jonesboro, Arkansas no 28–23 28,012 September 24 no 13 (FCS) Western Illinois Northern Illinois Huskie Stadium DeKalb, Illinois no 28–23 15,496 AP poll released prior to the game Updated stadiums Miami (FL) debuted major renovations to the renamed Hard Rock Stadium. In a project that began after the Hurricanes and the stadium's owner, the Miami Dolphins, completed their 2014 seasons, a canopy was added over the main seating areas, video boards were placed in each corner, many luxury suites and club seats were added, and the stadium's lower bowl was reconstructed, eliminating an obsolete movable stand that had been added in the early 1990s to accommodate Major League Baseball's Florida (now Miami) Marlins. The capacity was reduced from over 75,000 to slightly over 65,000. Utah State made major renovations to Maverik Stadium, adding a new complex to the west side featuring expanded concourses, luxury suites, and a new press box.http://www.utahstateaggies.com/school-bio/ust-romneystadium.html Merlin Olsen Field At Maverik Stadium Utah State Aggies January 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160314081530/http://www.utahstateaggies.com/school-bio/ust-romneystadium.html March 14, 2016 dead mdy-all Oklahoma is currently undertaking a $160 million renovation of the south end zone of Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The renovation which will bowl in the end zone includes 22 enclosed suites, 60 loge boxes and nearly 2,000 club seats.Shinn John Owen Field renovation moving at scheduled pace http://www.normantranscript.com/sports/ou_football/owen-field-renovation-moving-at-scheduled-pace/article_e7a18b3c-1577-517d-85ca-044b6bc8d9b8.html February 11, 2016 The Norman Transcript Community Newspaper Holdings January 21, 2016 The new end zone when completed will be topped by a new state of the art 7,806 square feet scoreboard.Vardeman Brady Oklahoma football: Stadium renovations proceeding on schedule http://www.oudaily.com/sports/oklahoma-football-stadium-renovations-proceeding-on-schedule/article_5d45bc24-c093-11e5-8faa-d7dbfb44b4c5.html February 11, 2016 The Oklahoma Daily OU Student Media January 21, 2016 The official capacity increased to 83,489 (from 82,112). Ole Miss debuted phase 2 of the latest renovations and expansion of Vaught–Hemingway Stadium. The 2016 season saw the opening of new seating bowls in the north end zone, bringing capacity to 64,038. Florida State unveiled The Champions Club, a new club seat section constructed for Doak Campbell Stadium. The exclusive 6,000-seat club seat section, with more than 70,000 square feet of air conditioned club space and 34,000 square feet of covered rooftop terraces, was built in the south end zone across from the Unconquered Statue. Arizona State began a four-year renovation of Sun Devil Stadium after the 2014 season. For the 2016 season, upper deck seats were removed and the lower bowl on the west sideline and north end zone was redone. Renovations are expected to be complete by the start of the 2018 season. West Virginia was in the midst of approximately $50 million in renovations to Milan Puskar Stadium. For this season, the old turf and goalposts were replaced, and the crown under the field was removed and a modern base and drainage system installed that is more in keeping with today's infilled artificial turf systems. Also, work on the east and north side gates and concourses, including renovations to concessions, restrooms, and additional space for EMS and police operations, was completed for the 2016 season. Similar work on the west and south sides of the stadium is ongoing and expected to be completed for 2017. Louisville began work on expansion of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium during the season. The project will increase the stadium's capacity from 55,000 to 65,000,http://comingfullcircle.com/#FREQUENTLY Frequently Asked Questions: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium Expansion Project Cardinal Athletic Fund April 14, 2017 and at the time was planned to be complete for the 2019 season. Due to unexpected fundraising success, the project timetable was advanced, and the expansion is now expected to open for the 2018 season.http://www.wdrb.com/story/34459060/papa-johns-cardinal-stadium-expansion-accelerated-due-to-fundraising-success Papa John's Cardinal Stadium expansion accelerated due to fundraising success WDRB Louisville, KY February 8, 2017 April 14, 2017 In addition to the stadium updates above, two schools played their final season in their then-current venues: Colorado State was in the process of replacing Hughes Stadium, owned by the university but located about 4 miles (6 km) west of the main campus, with a new on-campus venue tentatively known as Colorado State Stadium. The new stadium opened for the 2017 season. Georgia State played its final season in the Georgia Dome, as the stadium was to be demolished once its replacement, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, opened in September 2017. As noted above, Georgia State purchased Turner Field with the intent of renovating the stadium for football, and the Panthers began playing home games there in 2017 while renovations were ongoing. Conference standings Conference summaries Rankings reflect the Week 15 AP Poll before the conference championship games were played. Power 5 Conferences Conference Champion Runner-upScoreOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the YearCoach of the Year ACC No. 3 Clemson CFP No. 19 Virginia Tech 42–35 Lamar Jackson (QB), Louisvillehttp://www.theacc.com/news/louisville-jackson-earns-acc-player-of-the-year-honors-11-30-2016 Louisville's Jackson earns ACC's Player of the Year honors Atlantic Coast Conference November 30, 2016 November 30, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161201015454/http://www.theacc.com/news/louisville-jackson-earns-acc-player-of-the-year-honors-11-30-2016 December 1, 2016 dead mdy-all DeMarcus Walker (LB), Florida Statehttp://www.theacc.com/#!/news-detail/acc-players-of-the-year-11-30-2016 Louisville's Jackson earns ACC Player of the Year Atlantic Coast Conference November 30, 2016 November 30, 2016 Justin Fuente, Virginia Techhttp://www.theacc.com/news/virginia-tech-s-fuente-voted-acc-coach-of-the-year-11-29-2016 Virginia Tech's Fuente voted ACC's Coach of the Year honors Atlantic Coast Conference November 29, 2016 November 29, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161201081625/http://www.theacc.com/news/virginia-tech-s-fuente-voted-acc-coach-of-the-year-11-29-2016 December 1, 2016 dead mdy-all Big 12 No. 7 Oklahoma No. 11 Oklahoma State #14 West Virginia N/A Dede Westbrook (WR), Oklahoma Jordan Willis (DE), Kansas State Bob Stoops, Oklahoma Big Ten No. 8 Penn State No. 6 Wisconsin 38–31 Saquon Barkley (RB), Penn State Jabrill Peppers (LB), Michigan Paul Chryst (coaches), Wisconsin & James Franklin (media), Penn State Pac-12 No. 4 Washington CFP No. 9 Colorado 41–10 Jake Browning (QB), Washington Adoree' Jackson (WR/CB), USC Mike MacIntyre, Colorado SEC No. 1 Alabama CFP No. 15 Florida 54–16 Jalen Hurts (QB), Alabama Jonathan Allen (DE), Alabama Nick Saban, Alabama Group of Five Conferences ConferenceChampionRunner upScoreOffensive Player of the YearDefensive Player of the YearCoach of the Year AAC Temple No. 20 Navy 34–10 Quinton Flowers (QB), South Florida Shaquem Griffin (LB), UCF Ken Niumatalolo, Navy C-USA Western Kentucky Louisiana Tech 58–44 Ryan Higgins (QB), Louisiana Tech (MVP)Carlos Henderson (WR), Louisiana Tech (Offensive POY) Trey Hendrickson (DE), Florida Atlantic Skip Holtz, Louisiana Tech MAC No. 13 Western Michigan Ohio 29–23 Corey Davis (WR), Western Michigan Tarell Basham (DE), Ohio P. J. Fleck, Western Michigan MW San Diego State Wyoming 27–24 Donnel Pumphrey (RB), San Diego State Damontae Kazee (DB), San Diego State Craig Bohl, Wyoming Sun Belt Appalachian State Arkansas State TroyIdaho N/A Jalin Moore (RB), Appalachian State Ja'Von Rolland-Jones (DL), Arkansas State (overall POY)Rashad Dillard (DL), Troy (Defensive POY) Paul Petrino, IdahoCFP College Football Playoff participant Postseason Bowl selections 2016–17 NCAA football bowl gamesThere were 40 postseason bowl games, with two teams advancing to a 41st – the CFP National Championship game. As in previous seasons, teams with losing records could become bowl-eligible in order to fill all 80 bowl slots. Bowl-eligible teams American Athletic Conference (7): Houston, Memphis, Navy, Temple, Tulsa, UCF, USF Atlantic Coast Conference (11): Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, N.C. State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest Big 12 Conference (6): Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia Big Ten Conference (10): Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin Conference USA (7): Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, North Texas*, Southern Miss, UTSA, Western Kentucky Independents (2): Army, BYU Mid-American Conference (6): Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan Mountain West Conference (7): Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Hawaii*, New Mexico, San Diego State, Wyoming Pac-12 Conference (6): Colorado, Stanford, USC, Utah, Washington, Washington State Southeastern Conference (12): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State*, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt Sun Belt Conference (6): Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Idaho, Louisiana-Lafayette, South Alabama, Troy Teams with Asterisk(*) qualified for bowls based on Academic Progress Rate, despite not having a bowl-eligible record. Number of bowl berths available: 80 Number of bowl-eligible teams: 80 Bowl-ineligible teams The American (5): SMU, Cincinnati, Connecticut, East Carolina, Tulane ACC (3): Duke, Syracuse, Virginia Big Ten (4): Illinois, Michigan State, Purdue, Rutgers Big 12 (4): Texas, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas Conference USA (6): Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Marshall, Rice, UTEP Independent (2): Notre Dame, Massachusetts MAC (6): Akron, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Kent State Mountain West (5): Nevada, Fresno State, San Jose State, Utah State, UNLV Pac-12 (6): Arizona State, California, Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA SEC (2): Missouri, Ole Miss Sun Belt (5): Georgia Southern, Louisiana–Monroe, Georgia State, New Mexico State, Texas State Number of bowl-ineligible teams: 48 Conference performance in bowl games Conference Total games Wins Losses Pct. ACC 12 9 3 9 3 SEC 13 6 7 6 7 C-USA 7 4 3 4 3 MW 7 4 3 4 3 Big 12 6 4 2 4 2 Sun Belt 6 4 2 4 2 Big Ten 10 3 7 3 7 Pac-12 6 3 3 3 3 The American 7 2 5 2 5 Independents 2 2 0 2 0 MAC 6 0 6 0 6 https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2016-12-31/college-football-how-every-conference-has-fared-years-bowl-games College football: How every conference fared in this year's bowl games January 1, 2017 April 5, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20170102210237/http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2016-12-31/college-football-how-every-conference-has-fared-years-bowl-games January 2, 2017 dead College Football Playoff Since the 2014–15 postseason, six College Football Playoff (CFP) bowl games have hosted two semifinal playoff games on a rotating basis. For the 2016 season, the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl hosted the semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Rankings 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings Final CFP rankings CFP School Record Bowl game 1 Alabama 13–0 Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal) 2 Clemson 12–1 Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal)3 Ohio State 11–1 Fiesta Bowl (CFP Semifinal) 4 Washington 12–1 Peach Bowl (CFP Semifinal) 5 Penn State 11–2 Rose Bowl 6 Michigan 10–2 Orange Bowl 7 Oklahoma 10–2 Sugar Bowl 8 Wisconsin 10–3 Cotton Bowl Classic 9 USC 9–3 Rose Bowl 10 Colorado 10–3 Alamo Bowl 11 Florida State 9–3 Orange Bowl 12 Oklahoma State 9–3 Alamo Bowl 13 Louisville 9–3 Citrus Bowl 14 Auburn 8–4 Sugar Bowl 15 Western Michigan 13–0 Cotton Bowl Classic 16 West Virginia 10–2 Russell Athletic Bowl 17 Florida 8–4 Outback Bowl 18 Stanford 9–3 Sun Bowl 19 Utah 8–4 Foster Farms Bowl 20 LSU 7–4 Citrus Bowl 21 Tennessee 8–4 Music City Bowl 22 Virginia Tech 9–4 Belk Bowl 23 Pittsburgh 8–4 Pinstripe Bowl 24 Temple 10–3 Military Bowl25 Navy 9–3 Armed Forces Bowl Final rankings RankAssociated PressCoaches' Poll1 Clemson Clemson2 Alabama Alabama3 USC Oklahoma4 Washington Washington5 Oklahoma USC6 Ohio State Ohio State7 Penn State Penn State8 Florida State Florida State9 Wisconsin Wisconsin10 Michigan Michigan11 Oklahoma State Oklahoma State12 Stanford Stanford13 LSU Florida14 Florida LSU15 Western Michigan Colorado16 Virginia Tech Virginia Tech17 Colorado West Virginia18 West Virginia Western Michigan19 USF USF20 Miami (FL) Louisville21 Louisville Utah22 Tennessee Auburn23 Utah Miami (FL)24 Auburn Tennessee25 San Diego State San Diego State Awards and honors Heisman Trophy voting The Heisman Trophy is given to the year's most outstanding player Player School Position 1st 2nd 3rd Total Lamar Jackson Louisville QB 526 251 64 2,144 Deshaun Watson Clemson QB 269 302 113 1,524 Baker Mayfield Oklahoma QB 26 72 139 361 Dede Westbrook Oklahoma WR 7 49 90 209 Jabrill Peppers Michigan LB 11 45 85 208 Jake Browning Washington QB 3 41 91 182 Jonathan Allen Alabama DE 17 21 39 132 D'Onta Foreman Texas RB 6 21 17 131 Christian McCaffrey Stanford RB 10 17 39 103 Dalvin Cook Florida State RB 3 15 28 67 Donnel Pumphrey San Diego State RB 4 12 31 67 Other overall Archie Griffin Award (MVP): Sam Darnold, USC AP Player of the Year: Lamar Jackson, Louisville Chic Harley Award (Player of the Year): Deshaun Watson, Clemson Maxwell Award (top player): Lamar Jackson, Louisville SN Player of the Year: Lamar Jackson, Louisville Walter Camp Award (top player): Lamar Jackson, Louisville Special overall Burlsworth Trophy (top player who began as walk-on): Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player): Jabrill Peppers, Michigan Campbell Trophy ("academic Heisman"): Zach Terrell, Western Michigan Wuerffel Trophy (humanitarian-athlete): Trevor Knight, Texas A&M POLY POY (Polynesian College Football Player of the Year): Sefo Liufau, Colorado Offense Quarterback Davey O'Brien Award (quarterback): Deshaun Watson, Clemson Johnny Unitas Award (senior/4th year quarterback): Deshaun Watson, Clemson Kellen Moore Award (quarterback): Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma Manning Award (quarterback): Deshaun Watson, Clemson Sammy Baugh Trophy (passing quarterback): Patrick Mahomes II, Texas Tech Running back Doak Walker Award (running back): D'Onta Foreman, Texas Jim Brown Trophy (running back): Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State Receiver Fred Biletnikoff Award (outstanding receiver at any position): Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma Paul Warfield Trophy (wide receiver): Finalists: Corey Davis, Western Michigan Tight end John Mackey Award (tight end): Jake Butt, Michigan Ozzie Newsome Award (tight end): Evan Engram, Ole Miss Lineman Dave Rimington Trophy (center): Pat Elflein, Ohio State Jim Parker Trophy (offensive lineman): Pat Elflein, Ohio State Joe Moore Award (offensive line): Iowa Defense Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player): Jonathan Allen, Alabama Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player): Jonathan Allen, Alabama Lott Trophy (defensive impact): Jabrill Peppers, Michigan Defensive line Bill Willis Award (defensive lineman): Ed Oliver, Houston Dick Butkus Award (linebacker): Reuben Foster, Alabama Jack Lambert Trophy (linebacker): Ben Boulware, Clemson Lombardi Award (defensive lineman/linebacker): Jonathan Allen, Alabama Ted Hendricks Award (defensive end): Jonathan Allen, Alabama Defensive back Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back): Adoree' Jackson, USC Jack Tatum Trophy (defensive back): Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State Special teams Lou Groza Award (placekicker): Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State Vlade Award (placekicker): Tyler Davis, Penn State Ray Guy Award (punter): Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah Jet Award (return specialist): Adoree' Jackson, USC Peter Mortell Award (holder): Garrett Moores, Michigan Other positional awards Outland Trophy (interior lineman on either offense or defense): Cam Robinson, Alabama Coaches AFCA Coach of the Year: Mike MacIntyre, Colorado AP Coach of the Year: Mike MacIntyre, Colorado Assistants AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year: Dan Brooks, Clemson Broyles Award: Brent Venables, Clemson All-Americans 2016 College Football All-America Team Coaching changes Preseason and in-season This is restricted to coaching changes taking place on or after May 1, 2016. For coaching changes that occurred earlier in 2016, see 2015 NCAA Division I FBS end-of-season coaching changes. TeamOutgoing coachDateReasonReplacement Baylor Art Briles 2016 5 26 FiredSchlabach Mark Mark Schlabach Baylor to fire coach Art Briles after 8 seasons https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/15745318/baylor-bears-dismiss-football-coach-art-briles ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures May 28, 2016 May 28, 2016 Jim Grobe (interim, bowl) FIU Ron Turner 2016 9 25 FiredAssociated Press Associated Press Ron Turner fired at FIU after 10-30 record over four seasons https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17633564/ron-turner-fired-fiu-10-30-record ESPN.com ESPN Internet Ventures September 25, 2016 September 25, 2016 Ron Cooper (interim) FIURon Cooper (interim) 2016 11 9 Permanent replacement Butch Davis Fresno State Tim DeRuyter 2016 10 23 Fired Eric Kiesau (interim) Fresno State Eric Kiesau (interim) 2016 11 9 Permanent replacement Jeff Tedford Georgia State Trent Miles 2016 11 13 Fired Tim Lappano (interim) Houston Tom Herman 2016 11 26 Hired by Texas Todd Orlando (interim) Bowl LSU Les Miles 2016 9 25 Fired Ed Orgeronn Interim for remainder of season; named permanent replacement on November 26, 2016.Associated Press Associated Press LSU hires Ed Orgeron as new football coach https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18139337/lsu-tigers-hire-ed-orgeron-new-football-coach ESPN.com ESPN November 26, 2016 November 26, 2016 Purdue Darrell Hazell 2016 10 16 Fired Gerad Parker (interim) South Florida Willie Taggart 2016 12 11 Hired by Oregon T. J. Weist (interim) Temple Matt Rhule 2016 12 6 Hired by Baylor Ed Foley (interim) Western Kentucky Jeff Brohm 2016 12 5 Hired by Purdue Nick Holt (interim) End of season TeamOutgoing coachDateReasonReplacement Baylor Jim Grobe (interim, bowl) 2016 12 6 Permanent replacement Matt Rhule California Sonny Dykes 2017 1 8 Fired Justin Wilcox Cincinnati Tommy Tuberville 2016 12 4 Resigned Luke Fickell Florida Atlantic Charlie Partridge 2016 11 27 Fired Lane Kiffin Georgia State Tim Lappano (interim) 2016 12 8 Permanent replacement Shawn Elliott Houston Todd Orlando (interim, bowl)n Although Orlando was originally announced as being the Cougars' head coach for the Las Vegas Bowl, he would ultimately not serve in that role; Applewhite immediately assumed head coaching duties.https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/18242101/houston-cougars-promote-offensive-coordinator-major-applewhite-head-coach Houston promotes Major Applewhite to head coach ESPN.com December 9, 2016 December 9, 2016 2016 12 9 Permanent replacement Major Applewhite Indiana Kevin Wilson 2016 12 1 Resigned Tom Allen Minnesota Tracy Claeys 2017 1 3 Fired P. J. Fleck Nevada Brian Polian 2016 11 27 Agreed to part ways Jay Norvell Oregon Mark Helfrich 2016 11 29 Agreed to part ways Willie Taggart Purdue Gerad Parker (interim) 2016 12 5 Permanent replacement Jeff Brohm San Jose State Ron Caragher 2016 11 27 Fired Brent Brennan South Florida T. J. Weist (interim, bowl) 2016 12 11 Permanent replacement Charlie Strong Temple Ed Foley (interim, bowl) 2016 12 13 Permanent replacement Geoff Collins Texas Charlie Strong 2016 11 26 FiredTom Herman UConn Bob Diaco 2016 12 26 Fired Randy Edsall Western Kentucky Nick Holt (interim, bowl) 2016 12 12 Permanent replacement Mike Sanford Jr. Western Michigan P. J. Fleck 2017 1 6 Hired by Minnesota Tim Lester Television viewers and ratings Most watched regular season games All times Eastern. Rankings are from the AP Poll before (11/1) and the CFP Rankings thereafter. Rank Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV Ratinghttp://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/ College Football TV Ratings SportsMediaWatch.com October 3, 2016 Significance 1 November 26, 12:00pm No. 3 Michigan 27 No. 2 Ohio State 30 ABC 16.84 9.4 College GameDay/Rivalry 2 September 4, 7:30pm No. 10 Notre Dame 47 Texas 50 10.94 6.4 3 November 5, 8:00pm No. 1 Alabama 10 No. 13 LSU 0 CBS 10.38 5.8 College GameDay/Rivalry 4 October 1, 8:00pm No. 3 Louisville 36 No. 5 Clemson 42ABC 9.29 5.5College GameDay 5 October 15, 8:00pm No. 2 Ohio State 30 No. 8 Wisconsin 23 8.96 5.6College GameDay 6 October 22, 3:30pm No. 6 Texas A&M 14 No. 1 Alabama 33 CBS 8.46 5.1College GameDay 7 September 5, 8:00pm No. 11 Ole Miss 34 No. 4 Florida State 45 ESPN 8.35 4.8 Camping World Kickoff 8 November 26, 3:30pm No. 13 Auburn 12 No. 1 Alabama 30CBS 8.24 4.6 Rivalry 9 September 17, 3:30pm No. 1 Alabama 48 No. 19 Ole Miss 43 8.17 5.0 Rivalry 10 September 3, 8:00pm No. 20 USC 6 No. 1 Alabama 52 ABC 7.94 4.6 Advocare Classic Conference championship games All times Eastern. Rankings are from the CFP Rankings. Rank Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV Ratinghttp://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/ College Football TV Ratings SportsMediaWatch.com December 6, 2016 Conference Location 1 December 3 No. 1 Alabama (West) 54 No. 15 Florida (East) 16 CBS 11.09 6.6 SEC Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA 2 December 3 No. 6 Wisconsin (West) 31 No. 7 Penn State (East) 38FOX 9.19 5.2 Big Ten Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN 3 December 2 No. 8 Colorado (South) 10 No. 4 Washington (North) 41 5.67 3.4 Pac-12 Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA 4 December 3 No. 3 Clemson (Atlantic) 42 No. 23 Virginia Tech (Coastal) 35 ABC 5.34 3.2 ACC Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FLDr Pepper ACC Football Championship Set For Orlando http://www.theacc.com/news/dr-pepper-acc-football-championship-game-set-for-orlando-09-29-2016 theacc.com Atlantic Coast Conference October 6, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161002120844/http://www.theacc.com/news/dr-pepper-acc-football-championship-game-set-for-orlando-09-29-2016 October 2, 2016 dead mdy-all 5 December 3 No. 19 Navy (West) 10 Temple (East) 34 ABC 2.05 1.4 AAC Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD 6 December 2 No. 17 Western Michigan (West) 29 Ohio (East) 23 ESPN2 1.36 0.3 MAC Ford Field, Detroit, MI 7 December 3 Western Kentucky (East) 58 Louisiana Tech (West) 44 ESPN 0.926 0.6 C-USA Houchens Industries–L. T. Smith Stadium, Bowling Green, KY 8 December 3 San Diego State (West) 27 Wyoming (Mountain) 24 ESPN 0.713 0.4 MW War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, WY College Football Playoff All times Eastern. Rankings are from the CFP Rankings. Game Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV RatingCOLLEGE FOOTBALL TV RATINGS https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/college-football-tv-ratings/2/ SportsMediaWatch.com January 11, 2017 Location Peach Bowl (semifinal) December 31, 2016, 3:00pm No. 4 Washington 7 No. 1 Alabama 24 ESPN 19.34 10.7 Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA Fiesta Bowl (semifinal) December 31, 2016, 7:00pm No. 3 Ohio State 0 No. 2 Clemson 31 19.23 9.8 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ National Championship January 9, 2017, 8:30pm No. 2 Clemson 35 No. 1 Alabama 31 25.27 14.2 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL Attendance +2016 NCAA Division I FBS football attendances:Solomon Jon College football attendance in 2016: Crowds decline for sixth straight year CBSSports.com 2016-12-16 https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-attendance-in-2016-crowds-decline-for-sixth-straight-year/ 2025-05-04TeamHome averageMichigan 110,468Ohio State 107,278Texas A&M 101,917Alabama 101,821LSU 101,231Tennessee 100,968Penn State 100,257Texas 97,881Georgia 92,746Nebraska 90,200Florida 87,846Auburn 86,937Oklahoma 86,857Clemson 80,970Notre Dame 80,795Wisconsin 79,357South Carolina 76,920Florida State 76,800Michigan State 74,667Iowa 69,656Arkansas 69,581USC 68,459UCLA 67,459Ole Miss 64,910Washington 64,589Virginia Tech 63,043Miami Hurricanes 58,572BYU 58,569Mississippi State 58,317Texas Tech 58,250West Virginia 57,583NC State 57,497Oregon 54,677Louisville 54,065Oklahoma State 53,814Kentucky 53,643Iowa State 52,557Missouri 52,236Kansas State 51,919North Carolina 50,250Arizona 48,288Arizona State 47,736Georgia Tech 47,503California 46,628Colorado 46,609Utah 46,506Pittsburgh 46,076Baylor 45,838Illinois 45,644TCU 45,168Rutgers 44,804Stanford 44,142East Carolina 44,113Minnesota 43,814Indiana 43,027Virginia 39,929Maryland 39,615Houston 38,953Oregon State 37,622South Florida 37,539Memphis 37,346San Diego State 37,289UCF 35,802Northwestern 34,798Purdue 34,451Boise State 34,273Cincinnati 33,585Syracuse 32,805Army 32,653Boston College 32,157Washington State 31,675Navy 31,571Vanderbilt 31,242Duke 29,895Air Force 29,587Southern Miss 28,588Colorado State 27,600Temple 27,225Connecticut 26,796Wake Forest 26,456Appalachian State 26,153Kansas 25,828Fresno State 25,493Marshall 24,760Hawai'i 24,521Western Michigan 23,838SMU 23,712UTSA 23,038UTEP 23,001Tulane 22,718Arkansas State 22,700Troy 22,534Rice 21,425Wyoming 21,266Ohio 21,190Georgia Southern 20,819Toledo 20,628Louisiana Tech 20,412Louisiana-Lafayette 20,224Old Dominion 20,118North Texas 19,878Tulsa 19,234Utah State 19,136New Mexico 18,708Nevada 18,501UNLV 18,389Texas State 18,120Western Kentucky 17,705Eastern Michigan 17,677Buffalo 17,493Central Michigan 17,408Middle Tennessee 17,243Miami RedHawks 17,110FIU 16,789South Alabama 16,250San José State 15,419Bowling Green 15,140Georgia State 15,103Massachusetts 14,510Charlotte 14,192Louisiana-Monroe 12,610Idaho 11,190Northern Illinois 11,019Kent State 10,898Akron 10,337FAU 10,073New Mexico State 9,545Ball State 7,789 See also 2016 NCAA Division I FCS football season 2016 NCAA Division II football season 2016 NCAA Division III football season 2016 NAIA football season Footnotes n References 30em External links