ESPN 16-Team Tournament Simulation

Just for fun, I took my Top 16 teams to the following URL and entered them:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls07/bracket

Here are the results, round-by-round:

First Round -- #16 Illinois over #1 Hawaii, 31-28; #2 Ohio State over #15 Florida, 31-23; #14 Boston College over #3 Kansas, 25-22; #4 Oklahoma over #13 BYU, 37-15; #5 USC over #12 Boise State, 39-15; #11 Georgia over #6 LSU, 28-23; #10 Missouri over #7 Virginia Tech, 29-23; #8 West Virginia over #9 Arizona State, 26-19.

Quarterfinals -- Ohio State 26, Missouri 24; USC 25, Oklahoma 22; West Virginia 25, Illinois 20; Georgia 30, Boston College 18.

Semifinals -- USC 31, West Virginia 16; Georgia 29, Ohio State 21.

Championship -- Georgia 30, USC 25.

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – December 2, 2007

Where the BCS demonstrates its worthlessness …

1. Hawaii (12-0): Sad thing is, I suspect most of the East Coast mediots went to bed when it was 21-zip, Washington. Too bad. They missed a great performance from Colt Brennan. Sure, Washington isn’t a great team, but they did beat Boise State. And Boise State beat Oklahoma last year, and that’s good enough for me. I don’t suggest Hawaii should necessarily be in the BCS title game, because unless that game was played in Hawaii with Samoan referees, the Rainbow Warriors would get killed. But you have to respect any team that goes 12-0. If you don’t, you have no respect for the student-athletes themselves (and that’s probably because you weren’t a collegiate student-athlete yourself -- which means you really have a worthless opinion. Hi media voters!).

2. Ohio State (11-1): Kind of weird they are back in the title game. I cannot imagine they will lose the title game two years in a row, but if it’s against LSU in New Orleans, all bets are off. I like the Buckeyes; I respect Tressel. Can he will them to a win in the BCS title game this year? They really will be focused to erase the memories of last year. I suspect they'll win it this time out, because they know they have to EARN it this year.

3. Kansas (11-1): I could care less if they didn’t win their conference. That’s never been a prerequisite for anything: remember Washington in 1984? They didn’t even play in the Rose Bowl, because USC actually won the Pac-10 that year. But Washington was the non-BYU choice for the MNC. There is absolutely NO WAY the BCS can allow a two-loss team in the BCS title game over a one-loss BCS conference team like Kansas. Seriously, you might as well just cancel the regular season and stick the preseason favorites in the BCS title game if Kansas gets ignored. The whole regular season will become worthless if USC, Oklahoma or LSU makes the title game.

4. Oklahoma (11-2): They looked good beating Missouri TWICE. As it was noted, does any other team have that kind of resume? No. I have been dogging the Sooners off-and-on all year, but at this point, they’re the best of the two-loss BCS conference champions. Yes, they’d probably beat Kansas, too, but one loss is still better than two losses.

5. USC (10-2): They probably should have beaten UCLA by more. If they had, they would have strengthened their argument for the title game. They needed that 66-19 drubbing they placed on UCLA in 2005, basically. They’re a good team, but they’re not BCS title game worthy. Maybe that’s what college football has become, though: just a bunch of good teams and no great ones. All the more reason for a playoff, since arbitrarily picking two good teams to fight it out is just illogical. On a lighter note, I am glad I do not have to eat my laptop.

6. LSU (11-2): I see this argument on RSFC hourly, but nothing LSU does impresses me. Tennessee is not a good football team, and I’ve been saying this since they lost to Cal three months ago. And all LSU could manage was a defensive TD to win? Florida beat the Vols by 39 points; Alabama beat the Vols by 24 points. And a 6-6 Cal team beat the Vols by 14 points. Mighty LSU? Beat the Vols by seven points. Sorry, that just wasn’t impressive enough. Like USC’s ho-hum win over UCLA (another 6-6 Pac-10 team that would throttle the Vols, I am sure), LSU didn’t do anything yesterday to justify a spot in the BCS title game. Oklahoma beat the #1 team by significantly more than LSU beat the Vols. Seriously, people -- WAKE UP. Louisiana State sucks, and you're remembering their preseason hype and nothing more. When was the last time LSU actually played like a Top 2 team? September 8.

7. Virginia Tech (11-2): They’re better than LSU right now, but that September 8 loss doesn’t get erased no matter how unfair it was at the time. I think Virginia Tech is another good team, but they’re not a great team. If they hadn’t blown those last two minutes against Boston College at home, they’d be in the title game – and we’d be spared this BCS joke. Oh well; a lot of teams can ask “What if?” this year, and the Hokies are at the front of that line. Congrats to them for winning the ACC in this very tough season. They earned it.

8. West Virginia (10-2): Several RSFC threads pointed out they choked. Well? They did. Steve Slaton had 11 yards on nine carries. Hello?! This team has never lived up to the hype it earned with that 2005 season. They had a hand-delivered chance to do so yesterday, and they lost to Dave Wannstadt. Pathetic. The Big East sure dropped the ball this season, no pun intended. Of all the two-loss conference champions, they’re the only ones who ended the season with a loss. That’s why they’re here.

** INTERJECTION: If this was a better sport, and there was a playoff system, these eight teams would be in it: six BCS conference champs, and the next best two at-large teams.

9. Arizona State (10-2): Their only losses were to Dennis Dixon-led Oregon and USC. Does anyone have better losses in the two-loss, non-conference winner crowd? Only Missouri, maybe.

10. Missouri (11-2): So predictable they would lose the Big XII title game. Sad for them.

11. Georgia (10-2): Still not sure how and why they lost to Tennessee, but they did. That’s enough to keep them out of my Top Ten.

12. Boise State (10-2): If they hadn’t lost to Washington, they would be much higher. See? Hawaii was better.

13. BYU (10-2): Did anyone outside the Mountain West Conference even notice the Cougars this year?

14. Boston College (10-3): They let Virginia Tech hang around in the first half, and it cost them. No shame in a ten-win season for the Golden Eagles.

15. Florida (9-3): I’d like to see Illinois vs. Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

16. Illinois (9-3): I’d like to see Illinois vs. Florida in the Citrus Bowl.

17. Wisconsin (9-3): Barry Who?

18. Clemson (9-3): Yawn.

19. Texas (9-3): For an off year, they still can win ten games. Weird.

20. Virginia (9-3): Zzzzz.

21. Cincinnati (9-3): The Bearcats have the guy Michigan should hire if they can’t get Harbaugh.

22. Connecticut (9-3): Ho-hum.

23. South Florida (9-3): The Big East isn’t as good as this makes it look.

24. Air Force (9-3): Fisher Who?

25. Central Florida (10-3): Culpeppers!

McMisanthrope's Top 25 - November 25, 2007

Where no top team is safe from the Curse of Mianderson ...

1. Hawaii (11-0): After watching them play with such passion on Friday night, I just can't see them losing this last game to Washington. At home. With all their marbles at risk. Nope. I just can't see it. Sorry, Ty; you may have killed Notre Dame's season, but you're not going to kill the Rainbow Warriors this year, especially if you can't even beat Wazzoo.

2. Missouri (11-1): The QB was 40-for-49 last night. Nice. They looked good; they beat a good team. I just don't think they're as good as the Buckeyes, but for now, they get the nod. Why? They have a loss to a "better" team. But can they beat Oklahoma this time around? It should
be a fun game to watch. I notice Sagarin has them third, behind WVU and tOSU, though.

3. Ohio State (11-1): They're loving this, they really are. And I feel that if they get a crack at the title this year, they won't cough it up so easily (if at all). That's the beauty of getting a second
chance, like Florida did last year. (Let's just forget the other examples, like Florida State in 2000 and Nebraska in 2001, though.)

4. West Virginia (10-1): I don't think they're as good as Ohio State, either, and while they looked very good yesterday and control their own destiny in the BCS, I still wonder sometimes. Maybe they're focused now. I figure they're in the BCS title game, since Pitt isn't going to stop them anytime soon. Congrats to the Mountaineers. Maybe Slaton and White will leave early if they win the MNC.

5. Kansas (11-1): Well, they came up short, but they acquitted themselves well enough. Nothing to be ashamed of here. They should still get a BCS at-large bid. If they don't, this system is
ridiculous. If they end up in the Holiday Bowl like K-State did that one time (or the Alamo like K-State did that other time), it would be a shame. They deserve better.

6. Georgia (10-2): They will get a BCS at-large bid, I suspect. They're done, they have a good SOS, and they're hot. No matter what happens in the SEC title game, Georgia is playing like the best team in the SEC right now.

7. USC (9-2): If the Trojans lose to UCLA next weekend, I will eat my Avaratec PC laptop. Seriously. Piece by piece. With no condiments. I just can't see them blowing it two years in a row against UCLA.

8. Arizona State (9-2): Let's see, they only lost to Oregon and USC. Not a bad slate for this crazy 2007. They deserve a BCS at-large slot if they beat Arizona, which they better or else they really were frauds. Where will Dennis Erickson go in 2008? Does that mean the four BCS at-large spots will be taken by Hawaii, Kansas, Georgia and ASU? Stay tuned for another exciting episode of "As the BCS Implodes".

9. LSU (10-2): Does Michigan still want Les Miles? Well, with the Mighty (Mouse) SEC humbled again, LSU fans can still play the "We only lost in OTs!" card. Don't know where it will get them. It will be just like Les to lose to Fat Phil, too, next weekend. Oh, I really don't
care which team wins the SEC. They all suck.

10. Boston College (10-2): I bet they won't beat Virginia Tech twice. But for now, they're ahead of the Hokies because they beat them the first time out.

11. Virginia Tech (10-2): I'd actually put them ahead of LSU, the way they're playing right now, but that wouldn't be right, would it? This is also about the whole season, but the Hokies would probably beat the Tigers right now if the game was in Blacksburg (and/or on a neutral field).

12. BYU (9-2): They've won eight in a row very quietly. Does anyone outside of Utah care? I don't.

13. Boise State (10-2): Deep down, you know they're happy for Hawai'i. They just wish it hadn't come at their expense this week. Not a bad season to follow up their dream 2006, though. Hawaii looked faster than the Broncos on Friday night. And I do feel if that game had been
played on the Blue Turf, the result could have been reversed. Oh well - dem's da breaks.

14. Oklahoma (10-2): Boise goes ahead of them, because, well ... you know why. I suspect the Sooners will be ready to ruin Missouri's season. That would be a shame, too. Then again, watching Chase Daniel toy with Stoops' defense will be fun. If Tech could do it ...

15. Florida (9-3): Their SOS isn't as high as Cal's or UCLA's, but they have a better record, don't they? Lucky THEY didn't lose their starting QB. Tebow is an MVP candidate, but as well we all know, the Hypesman ain't an MVP Award, is it? Someone needs to remind the voters of that.

16. Illinois (9-3): They don't rate a BCS spot in my mind, since the Big Ten was sort of weak this year. They did beat a Top 3 team, though. Cannot knock that; the sky is their limit next year, right? Which means they'll choke/Zook it away. I suspect they get the Citrus Bowl, but you never know.

17. Wisconsin (9-3): They're not this good, but neither is any team below them in my rankings.

18. South Florida (9-3): I suspect they want those 180 minutes of their playing lives back. But hey, they were merely bit by the Curse of Two this year. No shame in that. Small steps, man, small steps. I just hope they can establish a regular level of success from this experience. And no, I'm not running for Mayor of Tampa.

19. Clemson (9-3): Lame win against a weak South Carolina team. Another season of mild disappointment? Seriously, who does Clemson think they are? What year do they think this is? 1981?

20. Virginia (9-3): Blew THAT one, didn't they? Id0ts. It's weird how a nine-win season can be viewed as a disappointment, but I guess everyone thinks they have a chance, right?

21. Oregon (9-3): See Florida above. Dennis Dixon is actually the real MVP. But he's not the Hypesman winner, either.

22. Cincinnati (9-3): They could have been better this year, and the Big East played some good football in 2007. Coincidence? I think not. The ACC is the new weak sister of the BCS, especially with Florida State and Miami down.

23. Texas (9-3): I've been telling you since Week One this team sucked. Well, I was right. But it's pretty pathetic that they can go 9-3 in a season where they suck. What does that say about college football? It says class mobility is limited. What does that say about the Big XII? It says nothing, except it sucks.

24. Tennessee (9-3): Ridiculous. Their losses were embarrassing. Yet here, they are, with a chance to win the SEC. But in the end, who cares? The SEC is out of the BCS title game, which means LSU will win the SEC, of course. Les Miles will see to that.

25. Connecticut (9-3): They finally crashed, and they crashed hard. Why keep them here over Air Force? BCS affiliation and SOS. Nothing more.

Also considered firmly: Air Force, Troy

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – November 18, 2007

Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy ride! ($1 to Margo Channing)

1. Kansas (11-0): I have a theory. When people whine about Kansas’ SOS, they’re right. They haven’t played good teams. But you know what? They’re obliterating those not-good teams. They’re not squeaking out cheesy wins like other teams we know and hate. The MOV factor is huge when the SOS is weak. It tells you all you need to know. Sure, they had a couple close road wins over teams which were playing well at the time, but road wins are road wins, no matter what. Have they faced a team as good as Missouri this year? No, but the Jayhawks will be at home. Their MOVs at home? 45, 62, 32, 52, 48, 37, 38.

2. Hawaii (10-0): First, they’re at home for the rest of the regular season. Second, they need Colt Brennan healthy to beat Boise. Third, if Brennan is healthy, I like their chances to go 12-0. Yes, the schedule is weak, but you cannot penalize the student-athletes for decisions beyond their control. All you can do is give them credit for beating the teams their AD put in front of them. For that reason, more than any other, college football needs a tournament to decides its champion. By the way, their SOS is better than Boise’s right now. If Brennan wasn’t hurt all the time, he’d be a Heisman Candidate.

3. Arizona State (9-1): Funny how the cookie crumbles. I like Sagarin, of course, and if he has their SOS higher than LSU’s this week, that’s good enough for me. LSU may have more quality wins, but ASU’s schedule is slightly better. Of course, this will be meaningless when the Sun Devils take it up the ass from USC on Thursday. But hey, not many teams get a second chance (wait, this is 2007: maybe they do?), so perhaps Erickson and Co. will take advantage – and they are at home. Wow, this could be huge for ASU … must take more time to determine a winner here.

4. LSU (10-1): Not much to say here. As that baseball guy once said, you’d rather be lucky than good. And LSU has been more of the former, although in the latter category, they’re clearly the only decent team in the SEC (except maybe Georgia?). If they lose either of their next two games, they’re id0ts. By the way, if they’re really the best team in the country, where is their Heisman Candidate?

5. West Virginia: (9-1): With their last two at home, I think they will win out. They’ll be watching the Big XII shootouts with great interest. I think they’re chances of reaching the title game are good; they need someone to lose, of course, but there’s a higher probability of that than losing themselves. However, even if they make the BCS title, I still can’t see their defense being good enough to win it all. Pat White? My Leading Heisman Candidate This Week.

6. Missouri (10-1): Truthfully, I probably know the least about Missouri than any other team in my Top 25. Does Brad Smith still play QB here? No matter; I will still be tuning in next Saturday to watch the game.

7. Ohio State (11-1): If Mike Hart thinks Sparty is his “Little Brother”, then tOSU must be his “Abusive Stepfather”. Ouch. It really must suck to give up a year of your life and fail miserably at tasks you set yourself. But hey, this is about Ohio State. It’s weird to think that a few more upsets and the Buckeyes could be right back in the fray, eh? At least they’re done with the season and can rest to watch everyone else scramble. And Rose Bowls are never a bad thing, unless you’re a Michigan coach, of course. Then you lose them most of the time. Tressel? The MAN.

8. Boise State (10-1): This is another game I won’t miss. I think Boise can win, of course, and they’ll been ROLLING the past few games. Would mianderson bet against them? Put this one in your weekly betting post, pla. At least we know they can beat Oklahoma; we know no such thing about Hawaii.

9. Georgia (9-2): Everyone’s favorite “hot team right now”, which means they’re going to lose to Georgia Tech, huh? It’s irrelevant, I guess, for the SEC East purposes. It comes down to a shitty Tennessee team versus Kentucky at home on Senior Day. Anyway, the Bulldogs have another nice season going. They’re the SEC’s saving grace; otherwise, the SEC would just be another Big Ten.

10. USC (8-2): I wonder what Pete Carroll’s been doing for the past week. Probably getting ready to shred ASU. When I think about it, Carroll’s a better X&Os guy than Erickson is, so I will go with USC on the road. Do the Trojans win the Pac-10 if they win out? A Ohio State-USC Rose Bowl would be fun … it’s been too long. January 1985, I think, no?

11. Boston College (9-2): Got up off the mat last night, didn’t they? Surprised me. Good for them. I suspect they will be kicking themselves, though, for a long time. But hey, an ACC title is a good consolation prize for this team.

12. Virginia (9-2): I will give them the edge, because they’re at home. But I have absolutely no interest in watching them play the Hokies.

13. Virginia Tech (9-2): I think I would root for the Hokies to win, simply because of the tough year it’s been in Blacksburg. But I have absolutely no interest in watching them play the Cavs.

14. Oregon (8-2): I dropped them this far because with Dixon, they’re not as good of a team. And they’re not the same team that beat USC, either, so … again, proving the maxim that you’d rather be lucky than good. And the Ducks in 2007? Unlucky. First that fumble against Cal and then the injury to their Heisman-leading QB. Maybe it’s time to simplify the jersey schemes.

15. Oklahoma (9-2): I told you this team sucked, but again, a QB injury kills a team. Then again, Sam Bradford doesn’t play defense, does he? I thought Stoops was a defensive guy. I bet they’ll still win the Big XII title game, though, since that will be par for the course in 2007.

16. Texas (9-2): Another overrated, mediocre team that somehow has found its way to a good record. Michigan’s jealous, still.

17. BYU (8-2): Quietly putting together a nice season. But does anyone outside Provo care?

18. Connecticut (9-2): After they lose at WVU next week, they can still be proud of a nine-win season no one saw coming.

19. Florida (8-3): The SEC is down this year.

20. South Florida (8-3): The Big East is up this year.

21. Tennessee (8-3): This team just sucks. I mean, you need a 16-point fourth quarter at home to beat VANDY?! I know the Vols always seem to struggle with Vandy, but come on. Either way, Michigan is still jealous.

22. Illinois (9-3): How many of you predicted a nine-win season for the Illini? Sit down, mianderson.

23. Clemson (8-3): Morons.

24. Cincinnati (8-3): As I was watching multiple TVs showing the WVU-Cincy game and the OU-Tech game side-by-side, I got the unis for the Bearcats and the Red Raiders confused. One team? Was winning. The other? Not so much.

25. Wisconsin (9-3): I don’t think the Badgers are this good, but they ain’t no Mountain West team.

Also receiving some due consideration: Utah, Air Force

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – November 11, 2007

It’s getting close to crunch time … want some?

1. Kansas (10-0): The process of attrition is almost complete. They have a gimme next week at home, before facing Missouri at home on Thanksgiving Saturday. And THEN they have a Big XII title game looming if they’re still undefeated. Wow. A lot of work left to do, but the fact they’re #1 in mid-November is still amazing. Sure, the SOS isn’t impressive, but they’re the last undefeated BCS conference team. You just can’t slight that, no matter how hard you try – because if you do, then the whole system is worthless.

2. Hawaii (9-0): If Colt Brennan is hurt, all bets are off. And they have three tough tests to finish the season: at Nevada, home against Boise, home against the Willinghams. If they beat Nevada, I think they’re good, because they’re hard to beat on Oahu.

3. Oregon (8-1): All three of their remaining games are trap games (at Zona, at UCLA, and home for the Civil War). But if they win out, they’ll be in the BCS title game. If they finish 11-1 and don’t make the title game, it’ll be just like 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, etc., for the Pac-10: the East Coast Media Bias will have struck again. But until then, the Ducks had a bye this week. Must have been nice to sit back and relax, while watching Ohio State blow it. Oh, and their current SOS is better than LSU’s, by the way. That will change, but for now …

4. LSU (9-1): They’re big Tennessee fans right now, because I guarantee you they’d much rather play the pathetic Vols in the SEC title game than face Georgia in Atlanta. Does the road game at Ole Miss scare them? I doubt it. Does the home finale against the Fading McFaddens worry them? Probably not. So again, they’re big Phat Phil Phans right now.

5. Arizona State (9-1): If ASU wins out, they should get a BCS bid, period. Either they would win the Pac-10 with an Oregon loss or they’d be 11-1 themselves. Heck, what if Kansas and LSU lose while Oregon and ASU win out? Would we get an all Pac-10 title game? Surely not. Either way, they have a home date with the Trojans on Turkey Day, and I cannot see Pete Carroll taking three losses. Then again, I didn’t think Urban Meyer would go there, either, so … anything’s possible.

6. West Virginia (8-1): They have a slightly better SOS than the next two teams, and they’ve become the team to beat in the Big East. The SOS should rise in the next two weeks as they face Cincy on the road and UConn at home. If they win both, they’ve probably put themselves in the “one-loss title game team” argument. Which brings another question about: will Slaton and White return for a senior season, knowing they’ve really blown it these last two years? Do they want glory’s last shot ($1 to the PGA Championship)?

7. Missouri (9-1): First, outside of Missouri and Kansas, the Big XII North sucks. Second, I predict right here, right now, that K-State will beat Mizzou next week. Maybe holding Texath Tech to ten points was their best achievement this year, and the clock is about to strike midnight for the Tigers. Of course, if they do lose to K-State next week, that just means they’ll beat Kansas in two weeks. Watch.

8. Ohio State (10-1): How do you blow that game? I mean, sure, Illinois isn’t a bad team, especially with a healthy Juice Williams at QB. But it’s SENIOR DAY, for Christ’s sake. How does Tressel and Co. lose this game? Just a shock to me, actually. But hey, it probably saved us from another BCS title game blowout, so maybe it was a good thing. Since all the Buckeyes have to play for now is the Big Ten title, you can bet they’ll be FOCUSED next week. Either way, the Big Ten sucks: we now have definitive proof for those non-believers.

9. Oklahoma (9-1): They have a really weak SOS, and losing to Colorado, only beating Iowa State by ten, and Texas by seven haven’t been impressive benchmarks. Of course, the voters don’t care: it’s Oklahoma! Lest we forget 2003, 2004, etc. This team has no business being in the title game discussion until all these other teams above it lose. How did they lose to Colorado?! They must KICKING themselves. And geez, how did they ever lose with Adrian Peterson in the backfield?!

10. Boise State (9-1): It’d be a shame if they ruined Hawaii’s season. They had their moment last year. But here they are again. They, too, must be kicking themselves, over that Willinghams loss. Every season, there are a handful of teams who must be just pissed that they lost that one game that kept them from greater glory. The beauty – and the horror – of college football, in its essence.

11. USC (8-2): They should have beaten defenseless Cal by more last night. Is Carroll slipping? Or is it just mediocre QB time in LaLaLand? I think the new kids on the Trojan block haven’t learned the lessons from the old kids on the Trojan block. The turnovers and the penalties are evidence; it’s like the Trojans just expect other teams to roll over for them. Carroll, in the end, is responsible for that problem. They have a big test coming at ASU on Thanksgiving. Given 12 days to prepare for that game, I’m still giving the edge to USC.

12. Georgia (8-2): First, Auburn really sucks. How did they ever go 13-0 in 2004? This maddening inconsistency must drive Auburn fans to drink excessively. Second, Georgia was drinking a bit to lose to Spurrier and Fulmer in the same season, thereby blowing their best chances to win the SEC East. Id0ts!

13. Virginia Tech (8-2): Okay, the ACC is now officially the worst BCS conference this season. This is their highest team in the rankings, and this team lost 48-7 to LSU. If the Big Ten sucks, the ACC sucks more. What if Michigan ends up winning the Big Ten? Then you have two BCS leagues with absolutely ridiculously-bad –horrible champions. Where did all the talent in the FBS go?!

14. Virginia (9-2): Ouch, they really ruined Miami’s Orange Bowl swan song. That was painful to watch … then again, no. They have a winner-take-ACC-Coastal match with the Hokies in two weeks, and you have to like their chances at home with two weeks’ prep time. But until they beat the Hokies, I am not putting them above the Hokies: wear it.

15. Clemson (8-2): They’re on a roll right now, which is more than I can say for #16 below. And they have a winner-take-ACC-Atlantic match against #16 next week (sort of). And they’re at home for that game, so … here they are. The Best Bowden in 2007? Uh huh.

16. Boston College (8-2): Lame asses. Talk about punting away your season. Id0ts.

17. Cincinnati (8-2): Put UConn in its place, that’s for sure. However, that’s not saying much. The Big East is weird; it’s like SEC North up here. I mean, Louisville is 5-5 and 2-3 in conference. Second-to-last place, only a game ahead of Syracuse – who whupped them! Anyway, this is about Cincy. I am uninspired to write much about them, so they’re here by default.

18. Texas (9-2): How is this team 9-2? This may be Mack Brown’s best coaching job ever. This team just isn’t that good. Proof? A three-point home win over NEBRASKA. ‘Nuff said.

19. Connecticut (8-2): I still hate spelling out C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-C-U-T, just as much as I did in grade school. And they finally cashed out yesterday. I suspect the free fall will begin in earnest now. When does basketball season start in Storrs?

20. BYU (7-2): Sometimes I think they’re still in the WAC. That’s not a good thing. The Mountain West has four bowl-eligible teams, though (seven wins or more).

21. Florida (7-3): Is it mathematically possible for Florida to still win the SEC East? I hope so. If Tebow gets a month to heal, however, this is a team I would NOT want to face in a bowl game.

22. South Florida (7-3): Nothing like a Slice o’ Orange to heal what ails ya, eh? They should win out against Louisville at home and Pitt on the road, but no matter what happens, what a season for the Bulls …

23. Illinois (8-3): Hey, look! Another Big Ten team finally makes the Top 25! Zook’d, indeed.

24. Kentucky (7-3): With a road game at Georgia and a home date against Tennessee, the Wildcats will have a lot to say about the fate of the SEC East – and ultimately the SEC. What if they win both games? Will that get Florida into the SEC title game? Oooo, the possibilities!

25. Wisconsin (8-3): I don’t know what to say. They should have beaten Michigan, and they did beat them. Ho-hum.

Also receiving consideration: Tennessee, Michigan, Penn State, Utah

McMisanthrope's Top 25 -- November 4, 2007

Where it's becoming more clear the BCS is fixt ... and this season sucks.

1. Ohio State (10-0): Slightly tense moments there in Columbus, I suspect, but then the Buckeyes woke up and laid the wood to Bucky. Clearly, they are the best team in the country, no mater what you say about the schedule. And the way Michigan played on Saturday, you have to like Ohio State's chances to go 12-0 again. Knowing as we do how much the Big Ten sucks (seriously, if both conference leaders struggle to beat Sparty, you know it's a bad conference), are we looking at a repeat of last year's BCS title game? Is Ohio State the new Florida State? Or the new Oklahoma?

2. Kansas (9-0): Wow. I think I was more surprised by the Nebraska suckitude than I was about Kansas' domination. They're getting close enough to taste it, and all that stands in their way is Missouri. Who would have thought it? Kansas and Missouri, fighting for the Big XII North title.

3. Hawaii (8-0): Getting to the nitty, ain't it? Three unbeatens left, and Hawaii is one of them. I like the "feel good" stories, as you know. June Jones qualifies, as does Colt Brennan. Wins are wins, though, no matter what.

4. Oregon (8-1): Sagarin has their SOS higher than LSU's, although I suspect that's fleeting considering the SEC title game looms for LSU. If the Pac-10 gets screwed by the BCS yet again this year, though, it's going to be a shame.

5. LSU (8-1): Not sure how much luckier the Tigers could get last night. But hey, maybe they're living a charmed life in 2007. Was it Durocher who said, "I'd rather be lucky than good"? Les Miles should be a believer at this point, but he's too arrogant and smug. I wonder why?

6. Arizona State (8-1): No shame in losing on the road to Oregon. If they can run the table, maybe they'll get a BCS reward. But I suspect USC will teach them a lesson when the time comes.

7. Boston College (8-1): Wow, how could they blow THAT one at home? So much for the computers knowing anything. One of the larger choke jobs this season, that's for sure. I mean, what was the point of winning last week if you were just going to turn around and cough this one up? Id0ts.

8. Missouri (8-1): Knowing the way the college football world works, the Tigers will ruin Kansas' season later this month. Nothing else would make sense.

9. West Virginia (7-1): Four games left to prove 2005 was no fluke, Mr. White and Mr. Slaton.

10. Oklahoma (8-1): If Missouri doesn't get Kansas, Oklahoma probably will. I hate college football; I really do. Because this year's Oklahoma model isn't this good, AT ALL. But they'll be good enough to win the Big XII, sadly enough.

11. Connecticut (8-1): Slowly turning into my favorite surprise of the season. The Big East? TJBEOU.

12. Boise State (8-1): How did they lose to U-Dub? Shame, because the upcoming game against Hawaii would have REALLY been an important one.

13. Georgia (7-2): I don't even really want to rank any more teams, since all the two-loss teams suck and are irrelevant.

14. Virginia Tech (7-2): They rebounded nicely from that blown game last week.

15. USC (7-2): It'll be weird to see the Trojans in the Sun Bowl, when you know they could beat LSU on a neutral field.

16. Cincinnati (7-2): It's been a few weeks since I made this comment, but I'll say it again: Mark Dantonio is dumb.

17. Clemson (7-2): Yet another example of why it's just a waste of time to rank two-loss teams.

18. Virginia (8-2): Ibid.

19. Texas (8-2): I am sure Mack Brown will find a way, still, to secure the Longhorns a BCS bid.

20. BYU (6-2): Only here because they didn't lose to a FCS team.

21. Michigan (8-2): The Wolverines are specializing in getting other teams to gift them wins late in the game this year: Penn State, Northwestern, Illinois, Michigan State. Too bad Appalachian State didn't buy in, huh, Lloyd? Seriously, has any team benefited more this season from the stupidity of its opponents? Oh yeah, LSU has! No wonder Michigan wants to hire Les Miles. They're a match made in a landfill. This is a .500 team at best, yet somehow Carr has them positioned for a shot at the Big Ten title. Why do Michigan fans complain? They're worse than Red Sox fans.

22. California (6-3): Now we're really chumming for chumps to round out the Top 25.

23. Penn State (7-3): It'll be just like them to lose to Sparty in two weeks. Watch.

24. Florida (6-3): I'm rewarding them with this spot because of SOS.

25. Wake Forest (6-3): Considering the surprise they were last year, they've done alright in a follow-up act.

Also receiving meager consideration: Kentucky, South Florida, Alabama, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Purdue, Texas Tech, Wisconsin, Utah, Central Florida, Troy, Air Force

McMisanthrope's Top 25 -- October 28, 2007

Where the going's starting to get tough ... too tough to rank 25 half-decent teams, that's for sure!

1. Ohio State (9-0): Can there be a debate now? Sure. But that was an impressive win. After yielding a TD on Penn State's opening drive, the Buckeyes pretty much flattened the Paterno Boys the rest of the way. Dominate!

2. Boston College (8-0): It wasn't exactly textbook, but it was a pretty good win for the Eagles. Maybe they are charmed. But here's the rub - if they go undefeated, would the BCS still put a one-loss SEC team (ahead of the undefeated ACC champs) into the title game? THAT's what I am waiting for: a true BCS implosion, and I hope Boston College can bring it about.

3. Arizona State (8-0): Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in ... Dennis Erickson, in the spotlight again. Of course, beating Cal doesn't mean much anymore, does it? Who would have figured the Pac-10 would come down to ASU and Oregon? Where's Beauchamp when you need him? Road trip to Eugene, anyone?

4. Kansas (8-0): Not a huge win, but a solid one. Without meaning to be rude, does anyone else think Mark Mangino should get his stomach stapled? He looks like a bad caricature on the telly. What a season ... I hope it lasts, because I like feel-good stories.

5. Hawaii (8-0): I couldn't even get their game on the telly last night. I hate that. I want to see the Fun & Gun live. But yeah, the schedule is a joke. So what? It's not the kids' faults. Yet another reason to bomb the BCS and institute a playoff in the FBS. Their next three games might move their SOS up into the Top 100, but they also might lose two of them. Stay tuned.

6. Oregon (7-1): The Pac-10 is really theirs for the taking now. But if USC hadn't been playing a green, backup QB, the Trojans could have won the game. Oregon's offense won't face a defense like USC's again until maybe their bowl game, though, so ... good for the Ducks. And, in a stroke of good fortune, they get ASU at home next week, too. The Pac-10 may have their champion.

7. LSU (7-1): The SEC and the Pac-10 were all the focus in the preseason, and look at them now -- decimated by the TJBEOU syndrome. Can LSU win on the road against Alabama? If they do, they still won't pass Oregon in my rankings. They're just lucky all the mediot voters like them so much. Which is all the more reason to hope they lose next week (which means they'll win, just to spite me).

8. West Virginia (7-1): Fuckin' Rutgers. Two years in a row, they ruin the Big East's best shot at the BCS title game before folding like a cheap house of cards soon thereafter. Good to see Slaton & Co. back to form somewhat, though. Their SOS will never get them into the title game, but they're fun to watch.

9. Missouri (7-1): A win's a win, but it wouldn't it be fun to see an undefeated Kansas take on one-loss Mizzou at the end of the Big XII season, for the Big XII North title and the right to beat Oklahoma in the Big XII title game with a possible BCS title berth on the line? Yeah, it doesn't do much for me, either.

10. Connecticut (7-1): Well, they have survived longer than a lot of other teams have in this crazy race. I bet Rutgers ruins their season, too, next week, though. Fuckin' Rutgers.

11. Oklahoma (7-1): Some computers have UConn's SOS rated higher than Oklahoma's SOS, which made me laugh enough to keep OU out of my Top Ten.

12. Boise State (7-1): If that Hawaii/Boise game isn't on national TV, I'm going to be pissed.

13. Georgia (6-2): Quietly, they lead the SEC East. Can they beat LSU if it comes down to it?

14. Wake Forest (6-2): Winners of six straight, the defending ACC champs probably can't win their ACC division, but they can make a fun run at the Top Ten. A showdown of sorts looms at Virginia next week.

15. Virginia (7-2): They need to beat Wake to stay in control of the ACC Coastal division. Says here Wake handles them next week, though.

16. Virginia Tech (6-2): That was a BAD loss. Not a BAD loss like the one at LSU earlier, which was predictable considering the offseason and the situational hype at the time. But at home, up 10-0 late and botching the onsides kick? What happened to Beamer's special teams' prowess? Shameful.

17. Alabama (6-2): With both teams having two weeks to prepare for their upcoming battle, I suspect it will be quite fun to watch LSU take on the Tide next Saturday. Alas, I have a wedding to attend (who gets married on a Saturday in the fall? Gay men?), so it's all TiVo for me.

18. Clemson (6-2): They're not this good, but the world of college football sucks this year. But I noticed Sagarin has them at #14 in his BCS/ELO rankings. So maybe I'm stingy after all.

19. USC (6-2): I think Mark Sanchez will be a good QB someday soon. The Trojans should start him the rest of the year, in order to stack their deck for 2008. Booty? He dropped the Palmer/Leinart ball.

20. Wisconsin (7-2): They might give Ohio State a small fight next week, and they'll probably beat Michigan the week after that since they'll be at home. Overall, they can't complain about their season, though. Can they?

21. Texas (7-2): Weak win over Nebraska. What happened to Colt McCoy in the offseason? Has Mack Brown lost his edge? Was Vince Young really THAT good?

22. BYU (5-2): Their season is barely beginning. Many teams' seasons are already over.

23. Cincinnati (6-2): Did Rutgers ruin their season, too? Fuckers.

24. South Florida (6-2): Teams on two-game losing streaks, especially games they could have won, are not good teams. But alas, this is the state of the Top 25 this year.

25. Appalachian State (6-2): Hey, they beat the 26th team on my list. And that 26th team beat the 27th team, so ... have to keep these rankings sane in this insane season of 2007.

Also receiving minute consideration: Michigan, Purdue

McMisanthrope's Top 25 -- October 21, 2007

Where the BCS is just another college football disgrace ...

1. Ohio State (8-0) -- That was a funny game against Sparty. Offense is going to have problems against a GOOD defense; the defense should be fine and may carry them all the way to the BCS championship game. But can they win on the road at Michigan? Irony: the Big Ten is so bad, the Buckeyes are the only team in my Top 25.

2. Boston College (7-0) -- They have played a tougher schedule than tOSU so far, believe it or not. Taking that under advisement, their big test comes in a few days. They may be yet another #2 team to take the tumble.

3. Arizona State (7-0) -- They have played a tougher schedule than tOSU, too, but we all know they's just pretending. They won't even make the Holiday Bowl, as they're probably the 4th-best Pac-10 team; well, maybe third-best since Cal has decided to be teh suck again.

4. Kansas (7-0) -- They just keep winning, and slowly their SOS gets better. Can they keep it up? Is their coach bigger than Charlie Weis pre-surgery? Has basketball season begun in Lawrence? Does anyone care? Bill Self?

5. Hawaii (7-0) -- The fact Sagarin has them way behind Northern Iowa (FCS) and only one spot ahead of I-AA North Dakota State says a lot about Hawaii's SOS. I think if they finish 12-0, they'll be in the Top 12 or whatever the BCS requires, though. That road game at Nevada looms large, though, especially after seeing that Boise/Wolfpack score.

6. South Florida (6-1) -- That was a tough loss, but it was almost predictable seeing all the media focus on them. And that's what makes it a shame.

7. LSU (7-1) -- Again, another close shave at home. As the last SEC team with a single loss, they're going to join the ranks of the two-loss SEC teams when they visit Alabama. They're barely good enough to win at home against good teams, and against good teams on the road, they'll lose. The SEC will whine a lot about their two-loss champion belonging in the BCS title game, but it'll serve Les Miles proper to be on the outside looking in.

8. Virginia (7-1) -- I say this every week, but that Wyoming loss ruined their miracle shot at the BCS title game. The SOS is better than Oregon's, but most people would be hard-pressed to know anything about this team. Stay tuned to the ACC; it could get FUN down the stretch.

9. Oregon (6-1) -- They can score, but like Cal, the question is their defense. They control their own destiny in the Pac-10, of course. And Les Miles was wrong, since the Pac-10 is better than the SEC. But Belotti's an old college QB, and he used to have a defensive whiz on his staff (Bob Foster). What happened, Mike? Why did you let him leave you for Cal?

10. USC (6-1) -- Are the Trojans back on track? Could be, even if it was just Notre Dame. But with the other QB starting at home, I figured the Irish would put up a better fight than that, especially based on USC's previous three games. I believe they, too, control their own destiny in the Pac-10. Can they win out? That should be a fun game in Eugene.

11. Virginia Tech (6-1) -- They're here, because they can play defense. And defense wins championships, and the ACC, as noted, is looking like a load of fun over the next month or so.

12. West Virginia (6-1) -- They don't control their own destiny, and it's their own fault (I sound like a broken record). But they are still in the mix. Maybe no one in the Big East wants it bad enough ... sit down, Louisville.

13. Boise State (6-1) -- Same as last year? Only with a loss this time. But hey, last time I checked, they beat the Sooners.

14. Oklahoma (7-1) -- This team just doesn't impress me like it did earlier this season. The Big XII sucks, anyway. Whichever team survives will get torched in their BCS game against a-large Notre Da -- wait, I mean, LSU.

15. Missouri (6-1) -- Does Quin Snyder still coach the basketball team? Another Big XII contender, another Big XII pretender.

16. Connecticut (6-1) -- I am surprised they're still atop the Big East. Louisville sucks.

17. Florida (5-2) -- Best two-loss team in the country! Tebow for the Hypesman!

18. Kentucky (6-2) -- Second best two-loss team in the country! Woodson for the Hypesman!

19. California (5-2) -- Chokers. Period. Since UCLA doesn't have a chance in hell of making my Top 25 with a loss to Notre Dame, Cal will have to do for the two-loss Pac-10 entry.

20. Wake Forest (5-2) -- They're back! Solid SOS, too.

21. South Carolina (6-2) -- THAT was a dumb loss, Spurrier.

22. Georgia (6-2) -- Okay, maybe Les Miles is right.

23. Rutgers (5-2) -- When do their fans stop rushing the field?

24. Alabama (6-2) -- They have a chance to really cripple the SEC's national championship hopes. But does Saban hate LSU enough?

25. UCLA (6-2) -- Okay, so they do have a chance. They have a high SOS and losing to Notre Dame is still better than losing to App State.

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – October 14, 2007

Where there really are no great teams left …

1. South Florida (6-0) – They get the edge on everyone else, because they’ve actually beaten a decent team or two. What does anyone really know about this team? (Sit down, Jaros.) This is just … strange. Has there ever been a more random Top 3 team? I mean, at least since World War II? Their schedule is somewhat favorable, since they have their tough games spaced out. If they win at Rutgers next week, they have a really favorable shot at running the table. Of course, that’s probably the kiss of death for them …

2. Ohio State (7-0) – Now the Buckeyes are poised for redemption. Will they beat Michigan again? They should be 11-0 at that point, again, but in this year of topsy-turvy fun, who knows what will happen? They have Sparty next, and Sparty can score. Of course, Sparty can’t stop anyone from scoring, either, so tOSU’s scoreboard-challenged offense might have a field day.

3. Arizona State (7-0) – Well, Les Miles, the Pac-10 still has an unbeaten team. And the SEC does not. But more on that later. I don’t want to deflect any attention from Dennis Erickson’s most recent turnaround performance. The guy can coach; who wants him next? Texas A&M?

4. Boston College (7-0) – They beat Notre Dame. So what? Now their schedule finally gets interesting. I suspect Gameday will be in Blacksburg again next week; I’ll go with the home team in that one, so the Eagles should enjoy this while they can.

5. Kansas (6-0) – Last undefeated team in the Big XII. How many of you had this one in your elimination pool? Uh huh. They have four interesting games coming up in Colorado, A&M, Nebraska and Oklahoma State (with only the Huskers at home). I’m guessing this won’t last, either.

6. Hawaii (7-0) – Our final undefeated team for this week survived an OT scare this weekend. They should win their next two games at home, so they’ll be here for a few more weeks. Then they have one last road trip to Nevada before closing with Boise and Washington at home. BCS Crashers? Definite possibility, which makes any win a good win for them.

7. West Virginia (5-1) – With their only loss coming to #1, they get the top one-loss spot. They don’t control their own destiny in the Big East, although if they run the table, you’d have to think their chances at a BCS berth would be pretty good. But after a visit from MSU-South next week, they face Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati on consecutive weekends. When did the Big East get so good?!

8t. South Carolina (6-1) – There’s no way to separate these three teams, since they have a circle of defeat connecting them all. I really think Spurrier’s gang is the best of the bunch, though, so I’m talking about them first. Lackluster win against UNC, but Butch Davis is a good coach so any win is a good win there in a non-conference matchup.

8t. Kentucky (6-1) – My new favorite team. Thank you, Wildcats. Not only did you get revenge for that ridiculous finish in 2002, but you beat down Little Les for us all. Fantastic! They didn’t quit when they fell behind, and they didn’t shrink away from the challenge. They played like a team with nothing to lose, while LSU played like a team with a lot to lose. I don’t care if Kentucky loses the rest of their games: they are GREAT in my eyes in 2007.

8t. LSU (6-1) – Poor Little Les. Fourth-and-two, in OT, needing a TD to tie/win, he calls a running play up the middle. Talk about cowardly … This serves Miles and all the LSU fans just desserts for their glee at USC’s loss last week. What comes around goes around, bitches. Hope you enjoy the Peach Bowl, because ‘Bama’s gonna beat you, too.

11. Virginia Tech (6-1) – All they do is keep winning. And now they get a good chance to jump back into the BCS fray next week when they host Boston College. As much press/hype as BC has received, it’s time for the Hokies to regain their rightful place in the ACC.

12. Oklahoma (6-1) – They, too, have re-asserted themselves somewhat, and they have a relatively soft three games coming up, before they close with two tougher ones. They control their own destiny again, and that’s all you can ask for, right?

13. Missouri (5-1) – No shame in losing to Oklahoma, but I think the party is over. They’re on their way down with the upcoming games they have left on the schedule. If they finish 3-3 in their last six games, they should be happy.

14. California (5-1) – Freshman QB brain lock aside, I have been warning you all about their mediocre defense all season. That’s what cost them more than anything. I mean, how can you take the field knowing LSU lost and you’re going to be #1 if you can win this game, and then lay an egg AT HOME? Cal, you’re just not ready for prime-time. Oh, and DeSean Jackson, your Heisman Hopes need to be returned immediately. Thankee in advance.

15. Oregon (5-1) – Do I think Oregon is better than Cal? Yes. But they blew that game, and now they’re KICKING themselves even more so. Oregon lost on a physical error; Cal lost on a mental error. Sad thing is they don’t even control their own destiny in the Pac-10, and they’re probably the best team out West. Hey Les Miles, take your LSU team to Eugene, please!

16. USC (5-1) -- The more I think about it, the more I think the Trojans were amazingly fortunate to have Leinart and Bush on the same team. They just haven’t been the same since, obviously. Squeaking a seven-point win against Arizona is Cal-like, not Trojan Territory. They could lose two more times this year, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelash. If Pete Carroll gets this team to run the table, it’ll be the best coaching accomplishment of his career.

17. Cincinnati (6-1) – Oops. Louisville is now playing spoiler, and the Bearcats were their first victims. I hear Brian Kelly is a very unlikable coach, in the style of Les Miles. If so, he got what he deserved. And, Kelly’s doing it all with someone else’s recruits. That 34-3 win over the Beavers looks REALLY good right now, huh?

18. Texas Tech (6-1) – I know this getting to be an over-hyped media story now, but has anyone looked at the frosh WR’s numbers? Seventy-eight catches, 1244 yards, 17 TDs – in SEVEN games. I don’t care what gimmicky offense you play in, them’s impressive numbers. Maybe Tech can win the Big XII. That’d be cool.

19. Boise State (4-1) – I don’t know what to say here. At least their loss was to a BCS conference team. Maybe that was a bad week, but with seven games left to play, they have a lot of ground to cover.

20. Virginia (6-1) – That loss to Wyoming is really sticking in their craw right now. Do they have a chance in the ACC? Why not? The ACC sucks.

21. Connecticut (5-1) – No shame in losing by a point to Virginia. Better than I thought they’d do, and it keeps them in the Top 25 for another week.


22. Auburn (5-2) – Ugly win over Arkansas, but they may have single-handedly take the Hypesman away from Darren McFadden. Schizophrenic Team of the Decade?

23. Florida (4-2) – Man, they’re pissed they let LSU off the hook last week, aren’t they?

24. Kansas State (4-2) – They have decent losses, and their SOS is strong. Why not put them here?

25. Illinois (5-2) – Disappointing loss, for sure, but they can still Zook it with the best of them.

Also receiving consideration: Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, UCLA

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – October 7, 2007

Where two losses still gets you NO sympathy …

1. Ohio State (6-0) – Nice defense. Seriously, where was this defense LAST year? Strangely enough, they may be the most consistent team so far this season. Their SOS is fine, and they seem very comfortable. Perhaps the memory of that fiasco in the desert last January is driving them.

2. California (5-0) – DeSean Jackson may have been right when he said Cal was going to clean USC’s collective clock. The Bears must have been laughing their asses off when the Trojans lost to The Cardinal. But that same Cardinal team will be the Bears last hurdle, perhaps … stay tuned. By the way, their SOS is slightly better than Ohio State’s SOS, but I like the Buckeyes defense better.

3. LSU (6-0) – If that game last night had been played on a neutral field or in The Swamp, LSU would lose. I don’t know if there’s a more smug, unlikeable coach in college football than Les Miles, either. When Florida had the ball, up by 10 in the 4th quarter, I figured it was their game to lose. And they lost it; LSU didn’t win it. The Tigers better hope they don’t have to face anyone GOOD in the SEC title game. Oh, and their SOS is slightly better than Cal’s, too, but until LSU beats a good team out of The Bayou, I am not giving them ANY credit. It’s clear good teams can scare them too much in The Bayou; out of that comfort zone, these Tigers will crumble.

4. South Florida (5-0) – Ugly win, but for a program in their position, that’s all they needed: a win. FYI: Their SOS is slightly below LSU’s, so it’s not like they haven’t played anyone “good” yet.

5. Arizona State (6-0) – Is Bruce Snyder back in town? No, that’s just Dennis Erickson. Wonder where he will be coaching next year? Want a surprise? Their SOS is pretty high, just below Ohio State’s SOS, but I can’t name a single team they’ve beaten without looking it up. Don’t book those Rose Bowl trips just yet, Devil fans.

6. Boston College (6-0) – Beat down some bad team yesterday, as they should have. Since I’m on a SOS kick this week, their SOS is weak. Maybe that says more about the ACC than the Golden Eagles, though. Still, nothing wrong with a 6-0 start.

7. Hawaii (6-0) – Speaking of SOS, Hawaii has a horrible number. But they have Colt Brennan, the second-best HFA in college football this year after LSU, and their schedule stinks. BCS Crasher!

8. Missouri (5-0) – This is really the stretch of weaker undefeated teams, isn’t it? Big XII North, sitting pretty, though.

9. Cincinnati (6-0) – Let me again preface this by saying Mark Dantonio blew it. Also, even though their SOS is weak, I have bought into the hype. We’ll see if it holds as they face the tougher teams on their Big East slate.

10. Kansas (5-0) – There’s something to be said for scheduling cream puffs, isn’t there? I think K-State really believed their own press after beating Oklahoma. Beneficiary? The Jayhawks! Hey, is Glen Mason BACK?!

11. Connecticut (5-0) – No comment. This is the fly in my rankings’ ointment, for sure. But I must be consistent, for RSFC’s sake.

12. Purdue (5-1) – Their one loss is to my #1 this week, so get this spot (i.e., the top-ranked, one-loss team). I didn’t watch their game, since I was going back and forth between the Stanford/USC game and the Florida/LSU game, but every time I checked in, I was surprised they STILL hadn’t scored. Says a lot about Ohio State’s defense.

13. Oregon (4-1) – Maybe their bye week made them realize they could beat USC, too, and maybe they’ll get it together and run the table for a BCS at-large spot. Maybe. They’re still smarting from that Cal loss, though, and maybe the bye week helped them recover. Maybe.

14. South Carolina (5-1) – The Ol’ Ball Coach wants a second crack at LSU away from The Swamp, doesn’t he?

15. Virginia Tech (5-1) – Maybe they’re finally ready to play this season. If that’s the case, who could blame them? It’s almost unfair they had that LSU game when they did. If they played on a neutral field now? LSU would still win.

16. West Virginia (5-1) – Maybe if they run the table, they can have their BCS slot back.

17. Illinois (5-1) – With their only loss in OT to an undefeated team, the Zooker is BACK. Can they win the Big Ten? Let’s find out!

18. Wisconsin (5-1) – Ironic that the Big Ten still comes down to Michigan and Ohio State, huh? Oh, and ILLINOIS! So much for my theory about the Badgers being a team that just knows how to win … although, if LSU had to play in Champaign-Urbana, they'd lose, too.

19. Kentucky (5-1) – Andre’ Woodson, your Heisman Trophy Hopes need to be returned, please.

20. Indiana (5-1) – WTF is going on this year? I am seriously afraid when the Illini AND the Hoosiers somehow crack my Top 20.

21. Florida State (4-1) – How did THIS happen? Maybe they have a chance in the ACC after all.

22. USC (4-1) – Did anyone else get that sense of inevitability last night when Stanford stuffed the 4th and goal right before halftime? USC got exactly what they deserved. They can still win the Pac-10, of course, and Pete Carroll will have them focused, but this was another example of what happened when you let a well-coached team hang around too long. Side note: the Stanford WRs seemed to get away with A LOT of push-offs. I wonder how long it will take the Pac-10 crews to crack down on that one after Pete complains to them privately.

23. Oklahoma (5-1) – Ho-hum. Why they were even in a close game with Texas is beyond me. Maybe Stoops is losing it.

24. Boise State (3-1) – They get the edge over Wyoming, based on H2H victory.

25. Wyoming (4-1) – They get the edge over Virginia, based on H2H victory.


Others meriting consideration: Virginia, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 30, 2007

Man, the cream has already risen, and we're left with dogs who have at least lost to RANKED teams!

1. LSU (5-0) – Winners of a “road” game, they may be the most fortunate MNC contender, schedule-wise, that I have ever seen. If LSU doesn’t win the BCS title, Les Miles should never be allowed to coach again.

2. Ohio State (5-0) – Ho hum. Nice defense.

3. USC (4-0) – The Huskies are not weak, but considering what Ohio State did in Washington, USC should have been better. Then again, maybe merely avoiding the upset bug is enough for them this week.

4. South Florida (4-0) – Are they this good? Maybe not, but with all the upsets, they had the most impressive win of the unbeatens. Then again, maybe WVU is just soft. They’ve really killed themselves two years in a row against USF, so it’s time to give USF credit for that.

5. California (5-0) – Holding the Ducks to 24 points and four turnovers while only winning by seven points says more about Oregon than it does about Cal. But hey, their defense did the job, and their offense did the job, ON THE ROAD. LSU couldn’t win a road game like this, that’s for sure. Although we’ll probably never find out, will we?

6. Boston College (5-0) – I don’t even know who they played this week. But who cares? They won. In all seriousness, though, they needed to beat UMass by more points than that.

7. Arizona State (5-0) – The Pac-10 has three undefeated teams in my Top 7. They are in Sagarin’s Top 8. Les Miles, you better win the MNC, because if you lose it to a Pac-10 team, you should never be allowed to coach again. Oh, and Harbaugh? Stanford sucks.

8. Wisconsin (5-0) – Sparty had two chances to tie or win in your house, and you pretty much got lucky, Mr. Badger. But hey, wins are wins when so many others in the Top 25 lost. Kudos, and as I said earlier, you’re beginning to look a lot like Ohio State did in 2002. Nothing wrong with that.

9. Kentucky (5-0) – FAU? Seriously? Why do SEC teams schedule like pussies? Either way, they avoided the upset bug. That has to count for something.

10. Missouri (4-0) – Bye weeks are nice, especially when everyone else is losing.

11. Purdue (5-0) – They beat Notre Dame, and they didn’t look good doing it. That says more about the Irish than it does about the Boilermakers, though. I mean, Notre Dame can’t suck forever, right? Right? RIGHT?!

12. Cincinnati (5-0) – Along with USF, they are now in the driver’s seat for the Big East’s BCS spot. Man, they just beat each other up in that league! Pounded a state school on the road, as they should have.

13. Hawaii (5-0) – Another blowout win for Colt & Co. I am rooting them to bust the BCS this year, of course, just like Boise State and Utah did in the past few years.

14. Connecticut (5-0) – Comparative scores are nice. UConn beat Akron by more than #2 Ohio State did. I am surprised they are still undefeated, but hey, they keep winning, right? Right? RIGHT?!

15. Kansas (4-0) – Hey, even better than scheduling a cupcake, they had a bye week! And they’re officially the worst of the remaining unbeatens in the FBS. Don’t expect them to stay here long …

16. South Carolina (4-1) – The run of SEC also-rans can begin now. No shame in losing road games to LSU, I guess. Oh, and my list, the only one-loss teams who make it are the ones who lost to still-unbeaten teams.

17. Oregon (4-1) – The only problem I have with them losing is that they should have been able to beat Cal at home, but they kept giving the ball away. When you lose a close one like this, you question all your efforts and focus on every little mistake you made. This loss will have psychological damage to the Ducks. It would have been better for them to lose by 30 points than to lose the way they did.

18. West Virginia (4-1) – Wow, you really suck, Mountaineers. Slaton? Say good bye to your Heisman. White? You just entered J.J. Stokes Territory with that thigh bruise. Pussies, all of you. Truthfully, I hope they lose to Louisville, Cincinnati, and every other team in the Big East from here on out. What a bunch of cunts.

19. Michigan State (4-1) – The difference between the past and the present? In the past, when Wisconsin took a 10-point lead in the third quarter, Sparty would have rolled over and lost by 20+ points. But don’t congratulate them yet: they blew two relatively good chances to tie or win the game late. However, with Northwestern and Indiana up at home next, Sparty should be 6-1 when they play at Ohio State. If they’re not, well – then they’re still the same ol’ Sparty.

20. Illinois (4-1) – They were a sleeper this year, and they are now officially off the sleeper list. Clearly, Penn State sucks, though. Zooooooooooooooooook!

21. Nebraska (4-1) – Their only loss was to an unbeaten team, even if it was a blowout at home that they were supposed to be fired up for. This is not a good team.

22. Virginia Tech (4-1) – This is not a good team, either, but their only loss was on the road to an undefeated team. Even if it was a huge ass-fucking, even bigger than the one USC gave the Cornhuskers …

23. Georgia (4-1) – No shame in losing a to a team who’s only loss was to a team that lost at LSU, right? Right? RIGHT?!

24. Kansas State (3-1) – Since their only loss was to Auburn, and it was on the road, they get the nod for this spot. Are they better than Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Rutgers? On paper, probably not. But on the field, they’ve earned this spot for Week 5.

25. Florida (4-1) – They should have known better than to lose to Auburn at home. You cannot lose to unranked teams at home, Urban Meyer!

Others receiving consideration, in order:

Clemson, Florida State, Oklahoma, Boise State, Texas, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Miami-FL, Texas A&M, UCLA and Virginia

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 23, 2007

If you've lost once, you're still second-rate …

1. USC – The Trojans held serve with a 30-point win over Wazzou. Pretty good effort, showing Wazzou to be better than Nebraska, in essence (if you want to play that game, and I’m not sure I do). Of course, things get tougher (maybe?) for USC, but clearly, they may be the only Pac-10 team who can play any defense.

2. LSU – I think this win was their best one, by far. Crafty opponent, etc., but again, can this team play away from home? Thanks to a ridiculously lame schedule and fortuitous BCS rotation, we may never find out. And that’s the shame about college football. If they had to play in L.A., they’d get smoked by the Trojans. If they had to play in the Horseshoe, they’d lose. If they get to play in Louisiana, probably only USC can hang with them. I wonder how they’re going to fair in the SEC title game; or is that in New Orleans this year, too?!

3. Oklahoma – I think we may see another 2004 here, with three undefeated teams at the end of the year. Oklahoma absolutely whipped a decent Tulsa team, and it was ugly. I like Patrick Allen a lot, by the way.

4. Ohio State – They finally delivered the type of ass-kicking that had been missing from their resume this season. Up by 28 after the end of the first period? Is Northwestern still in the Big Ten? Should they be?

5. Florida – Everyone is allowed a hiccup, but this one drops the Gators a bit this week. Even for a road game in the SEC, you must dazzle more than that.

6. Rutgers – Byes are nice, especially when some of your conference mates drop the ball. Maybe this is too high, because they haven’t really played anyone yet, but at least they’ve been dominating those schlubs.

7. West Virginia – All I heard was how Skip Holtz’ defense was so good at limiting WVU’s running attack the past two years. Whatever.

8. Boston College – I keep thinking they’re in the Big East, but you’re probably looking at the new ACC champs. Probably shouldn’t have given up 17 points to Army, but 20-point wins are expected in games like this.

9. Oregon – I guess they’ve played a “tougher” schedule than some of the teams below them, but when you’re behind at Stanford at halftime, I don’t care if you rip them a new one in the second half on the way to a big win. You suck, and like most Pac-10 teams on this list, the Ducks can’t play defense (and that says A LOT about Michigan’s offense, by the way, and the quality of the Big Ten this year).

10. California – Why am I putting them below Oregon? Because I have been pointing out their defensive deficiencies since the first week of the season. They might be able to score as well as USC and Oregon, but like the Ducks, anyone can score them in return. Predictions for the big game in Eugene next weekend? How about 51-45? 65-61? 78-71 in 2OT? Should be a fun game to watch, unless you’re a defensive maven.

11. Wisconsin – Winning ugly, for sure. A formula that worked for Oklahoma in 2000 and Ohio State in 2002. Am I really comparing the Badgers to those teams? No, not really. But they’re not going to win a lot of style points this season.

12. Kentucky – Their win over Louisville lost some luster, and a two-loss Arkansas team isn’t as good as we thought, either. But you have to give them credit for beating both those teams nonetheless.

13. Arizona State – Fell behind 19-0 in the first quarter at home to an average Beaver squad, but they rallied for the win. Again, there’s a team in the Pac-10 for teams other than the Trojans: No Defense!

14. South Florida – So I heard a funny anecdote from a USF administrator last night. He said all the previous campus presidents had opposed football, until this one president made an off-the-cuff comment, on the record, that if the football supporters could raise $10M, they could start a football program – never thinking the $10M could actually be gathered. Then in a matter of weeks, the money was raised. The guy had to keep his word, and there you have it: USF football. I really think stories like this are great for college football. Maybe the Big East can give us a fourth undefeated BCS team this year; maybe it will be USF.

15. Clemson – Dominating road win in ACC play. With BC, they seem to be the cream of that crop.

16. Cincinnati – Their SOS is not great, but I think they’re right up there with USF. Why did their coach leave? He could have had an Urban Meyer 2004 Utah-like season this year and parlayed that into the MICHIGAN job.

17. Hawaii – I don’t think too many teams would want to play Hawaii on a neutral field. Hopefully, they will run the table, and we’ll get to see them matched against the ACC champ (yawn).

18. Texas – Who friggin’ made this schedule? At least the ‘Horns finally got a blowout win, but they had to play Rice to get it. Seriously, I have major doubts about this team. I suspect Oklahoma will eradicate them easily.

19. Michigan State – Interestingly, Sagarin has them rated as the worst of the remaining Division 1-A unbeatens. Putting them behind a team like Kansas, however, Mr. Sagarin, is unfair, since the Spartans at least tried to schedule some good teams. They’ve faced some adversity in each of the past three weeks, and they’ve won all three games. It may be an interesting game in Madison next weekend.

20. Purdue – Do I think Purdue is better than Michigan State? Yes. The offense seems to be working well enough, as a Tiller O should. Giving up 31 points to Minnesota, however, is not good. That knocks you below Sparty for a week, though. Have fun with the Irish chew-toy next week, Boilermakers!

21. Missouri – Big win over a pancake this week. Will they give Nebraska a run for Big XII North title? Or will Kansas sneak in and take it while no one’s looking? Okay, you can stop laughing now.

22. Connecticut – Beating Pittsburgh was a surprise to me, as they stayed unbeaten for another week. Their SOS is better than Kansas’, so that’s why they’re here.

23. Kansas – Play a real friggin’ team, already – PLEASE. Amazing how you can stack a schedule to get you to a bowl game, huh? When teams like Michigan are 2-2 and this team is 4-0, it makes you realize why college football still has a lot of issues. But it’s my rule to penalize teams severely for losses (especially to Division 1-AA teams, Wolverines), so get over it.

24. South Carolina – Certainly, there was NO shame in their loss to LSU. If they played on a neutral field, it might be a much closer game, too. And if LSU played at USC (either one), the Tigers would be kittens.

25. Georgia – They get the edge over Alabama for obvious reasons. Impressive fortitude to hold on for the OT win last night. And everyone loves it when Saban loses …

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 16, 2007

Where if you’ve lost already, you ain’t worthy …

1. USC – They were up 42-10, on the road, against a ranked team, which was pumped for the game. This wasn’t beating an emotionally-ravaged team in your stacked viper-pit of a home stadium. The final score doesn’t truly tell how thoroughly the Trojans kicked Nebraska’s ass. UCLA’s loss took some shimmer off the Pac-10 SOS, of course.

2. LSU – These two teams are easily playing the best right now, so … not much material to a debate right now. The SEC looks pretty weak, in truth, save Florida, so as they “beat each other up” in the SEC, it will be interesting to see how LSU’s SOS is affected.

3. tOSU – Beat a rising BCS team on the road, which cannot be underrated. The defense is solid, the offense is coming around, and maybe they’re playing better knowing Michigan stinks this year. Certainly, they rose to the challenge after the Akron slugfest.

4. Oklahoma – Have they done anything wrong? No. But their schedule is weak. I don’t see anyone in the Big XII challenging them this season (sit down, Mack Brown).

5. Florida – Beating Tennessee (now a two-loss team in mid-Sept) doesn’t win you any style points. And let’s be honest: it was only 28-20 in the third quarter. You’re good, Gators, but the four teams above you have been playing better (so far). No shame in being Top 5.

6. Boston College – This ranking may be too high, but when you’re 3-0 already in your BCS conference standings, you’ve gotten off to a great start. You beat the defending ACC champs, you beat a good Georgia Tech team in an upset on the road, and you are going to get to kick Notre Dame’s ass in a few weeks. Enjoy this, and may you keep it going.

7. Penn State – Who have they played so far? No one, really. The slow start against Buffalo can be overlooked by the fact that it was 31-3 after three periods. TCB? Oh yes, especially with a reeling Michigan team on the horizon.

8. West Virginia – Forget Steve Slaton. Say hi to Noel Devine. Impressive road win over Maryland, too. The defense finally showed up. With Louisville’s loss, they have to be considered the Big East favorites (although watch Cincinnati).

9. Rutgers – The Knights haven’t played anyone yet, but that’s in their favor since they’ve been kicking ass thoroughly. Here comes the real schedule for you now; let’s see what you got.

10. South Carolina – There’s a big drop-off already, from #9 to #10. We will learn all we need to know next weekend about these Gamecocks and the Ol’ Ball Coach. Somehow, if Spurrier manages to win at LSU this year, I think he’s officially “back”. He just hasn’t had a big enough win yet at USC-Lite to announce that.

11. Kentucky – Probably too high of a jump for them, but Louisville was a CONTENDER. Rich Brooks is a good guy; he deserves this success.

12. Alabama – They can earn this spot by beating Georgia next weekend. In the meantime, they beat Arkansas, which really shouldn’t have been losing to the Tide this season. Good for Saban, although it just means he’s more likely to leave sooner rather than later.

13. California – Beating LaTech by 30 at home doesn’t make me think anything more of their defense, which still has a lot of holes in it. When they play at Autzen in two weeks, then we’ll know what we need to know about Cal.

14. Wisconsin – The Citadel scored 31 points on the Badgers in Madison. Not good. But hey, at least Michigan sucks this season.

15. Oregon – Blowouts wins over bad teams can only get you so high, but they get Cal in a few weeks.

16. Purdue – The Boilermakers just might be Oregon East. They should be 5-0 when they host the Buckeyes.

17. Arizona State – Easy wins over weak teams (sorry, Colorado). So what?

18. South Florida – Should they be ranked this high based on a road win over an overrated SEC team which has since lost AGAIN? Maybe not. When they play the Mountaineers in two weeks, though, we’ll know all we need to know.

19. Cincinnati – Along with Utah, they’ve punctured some Pac-10 dreams. But what else? Giving up 16 points in three games is a purdy stat.

20. Air Force – Wins over Utah and TCU are looking good right now. Can they run the table with no games against ranked teams? Remember, they get to play the Irish, too.

21. Clemson – Still looking for a quality win over a good team. They’ll have chances before the season is over.

22. Missouri – Two so-so BCS wins before some play toys. Giving up 83 points in three games, however? Not good.

23. Texas – That win over TCU doesn’t look so good now, and the other wins are bad wins. How good is this team? They may be 5-0 when they play Oklahoma, but it’s going to be ugly when the Sooners are through with them.

24. Hawaii – So they hiccupped last week; they rebounded hard this week. They, like Air Force, have a good shot at running the table. I am betting they will, and they’ll still end up in the Honolulu Bowl.

25. Michigan State – Only here because of the lack of quality in still-undefeated teams. Which begs the question: should I be ranking teams with losses? No. Not yet. Not until the BCS standings come out. In the meantime, the Spartans are much improved on defense – and they get to play Notre Dame next before going to Madison to end the month. If the Citadel can score on the Badgers …

Others receiving consideration:

* Kansas – Given up only 20 points in three games against nobodies is a good sign.
* Texas Tech – Giving up 64 points in three games against nobodies is not a good sign for the defense.
* Texas A&M – Pancake schedule so far, and it says here the Hurricanes are going to pound them.
* Tulsa – Sure, they can score. But can they play defense?
* Connecticut – SOS went up when Duke won a game. Five points wins against Temple? Stinky.
* Indiana – If they can beat Minnesota, Ball State and Northwestern, they can go bowling.

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 9, 2007

Where no team with a loss will be ranked in September

1. Oklahoma – They beat down Miami-FL pretty well, in a game that should have been more of a contest. Maybe we learned more about Miami here than the Sooners, but in a TCB game, Oklahoma did their job, putting 51 points on the board and limiting the Hurricanes to 139 total yards.

2. LSU – First, they were at home. As we see almost every year, LSU looks like world-beaters at home, but then they lose a game (or two) on the road they shouldn’t. Second, when there is a blowout like this in a Top 10 matchup, you have to wonder whether the losing team belonged in the Top 10 (remember Notre Dame last year?) in the first place. LSU’s win said more about Virginia Tech than it did about LSU. That being said, this is a very good team, and they kicked the crap out of a BCS opponent.

3. USC – Idle weeks are rarely good for your ranking, but the Trojans moved up this time because so many others sucked. The so-so win over Idaho seems like a long time ago in comparison to LSU’s romp over Virginia Tech.

4. Penn State – The defense still hasn’t given up a TD, which is very good for the first two games, no matter who you play. And when you play bad teams, it’s almost expected of you. So Penn State is doing its job well thus far.

5. Georgia Tech – Are they this good? I have no idea. But they have to big wins so far, which means they’re doing what they should be doing. And that’s more than a lot of schools can say thus far in 2007.

6. Ohio State – The good? Michigan lost (again), and the Buckeyes defense threw a shutout. The bad? The offense only put 20 points on the board against the friggin’ Zips. But hey, defense wins championships as the 2002 Buckeyes (and the 2006 Buckeyes?) can attest.

7. Rutgers – Probably gave up too many points to Navy, but it was a win over a pesky opponent you always have to respect.

8. West Virginia – Losing by seven at halftime to Marshall wasn’t good, but winning the second half 42-10 certainly means they’re listening to their coach at halftime. That’s a good sign.

9. Florida – Giving up 31 points to the school formerly known as Troy State isn’t good. Nice offense, though.

10. Wisconsin – Even for a road win over a non-BCS team, it was lackluster. It was a trap game, for sure, but the Badgers did what they needed to. They just didn’t do it very impressively.

11. UCLA – A blah win over BYU gets added to a resume with a blah win over Stanford. But hey, 2-0 is 2-0, and that means you’ve got a spot on this list.

12. Louisville – Bad defensive outing against a directional. When you give up 42 points to a directional, you really need to work on something. Louisville drops a bunch this week.

13. Washington – They ended the nation’s longest winning streak in dominant fashion, holding Boise to ten points. They’re looking good, so here they are. It’s up to them, of course, to decide if they stay here.

14. California – The win over the Volunteers showed Cal’s defensive weaknesses. Colorado State re-emphasized this weakness. Maybe Cal should be in the Big East.

15. Oregon – So they beat the Wolverines. Big deal. But it’s HOW they beat them, on the road, in the House Formerly Known As Big. Put the second half of their first win together with the first half of this win, and you have an impressive 60 minutes of football.

16. Boston College – Two ACC wins already, and it’s not even September 10. Good way to start the season.

17. Missouri – Two wins over two BCS teams means the Tigers have done more than most teams already.

18. South Carolina – The weak first win over a directional is forgotten by an SEC win on the road. Maybe Georgia wasn’t all that good, anyway (see LSU’s win above), but you have to like the Ol’ Ball Coach this year in the SEC East.

19. Cincinnati – I’d heard this team was loaded, and with two wins in dominant fashion (giving up six total points) over a directional and a Pac-10 school, they’ve proven it. The Big East is good!

20. Texas – The first game is now forgotten. Down 10-0 at halftime, the Longhorns responded the way they should have responded, outscoring TCU 34-3 in the second half. Wow! About time the Longhorns showed up for the 2007 season.

21. Nebraska – Just like UCLA, they’re getting it done, but they’re not as good as UCLA at this point. I think it’s going to be UGLY when the Trojans come to town next week, so enjoy the moment, Cornhuskers.

22. South Florida – Hey, they’re a BCS team, and they’re 2-0, so yeah, I’ll rank ‘em somewhere. Beating Auburn on the road was definitely more impressive than beating Elon (?!).

23. Clemson – Beating a former directional is expected. Giving up 26 points to a former direction is not. Impress me, Tigers!

24. Alabama – An SEC road win is always good, even if it’s just over Vanderbilt.

25. Arizona State – Beat a BCS team pretty solidly, even if it was just the Buffalo.


** And just because I can, I’ll throw 13 more bones out there **


26. Iowa – Defense has only surrendered three points in two cupcake wins. If the offense comes around …

27. Michigan State – Being tied at halftime against a decent middling school isn’t good enough. I don’t care if the refs blew two fumble calls in favor of Bowling Green, either.

28. Kansas – Two huge wins over two directionals means you are doing what you should do when you’re in the Big XII.

29. Kentucky – Two big wins over two bad schools. Okay, so show us something in the SEC slate.

30. Connecticut – Also two big wins over two bad schools. Are they a Big East fraud?

31. Hawaii – Escaped with their lives in Ruston, thanks to the defense (sort of?). Colt is Colt, but if Hawaii struggles this much every time they leave the Islands, it’s going to be an interesting season for the Rainbow Warriors.

32. Purdue – Who is the next cupcake on their schedule?

33. Pittsburgh – Solid wins over bad teams are better than weak wins over bad teams. Another Big East team at 2-0? The conference is STACKED!

34. Texas Tech – You shouldn’t be giving up 31 points to UTEP, no matter what offense you run.

35. Maryland – So-so wins over bad teams means it could be a long year in the ACC, but for now, here they are.

36. Northwestern – What were they doing down 14 at halftime to Nevada?

37. Indiana – Giving up 27 points to a directional means the Big Ten season is going to hurt.

38. Texas A&M – Wins are wins, but lackluster wins over Montana State and Fresno State aren’t impressive.

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 4, 2007

Where we don’t rank 0-1 teams no matter what

1. Oklahoma – This is what good teams do to bad teams in Week One. My lord, up 49-0 at halftime, the Sooners still scored 30 more points in the second half. Thank you, Bob Stoops, for showing these other teams what they should have been doing right out of the gate.

2. Louisville – Like the Sooners, the Cardinals put on a clinic in Week 1. They clearly are the team to beat in the Big East (and they can play defense, too).

3. Florida – Another good example of a woodshed beating from the get-go. Beating a directional school 49-3 is expected of a Top 5 team, and they didn’t have to wait to get it started, either. Up by 14 after one quarter, leading 28-3 at halftime … good enough for my Top 5.

4. Wisconsin – Doubling up a decent BCS opponent (sit down, LSU) first game out is impressive. Depending on perspective, this might have been the most impressive win of the weekend. After a close first quarter, the Badgers dominated for three quarters.

5. Boise State – Let’s see, they finished last season in the Top 5. They have the longest winning streak in Division 1-A (FBS). They won a conference game with a 49-0 halftime edge. Yeah, I’ll keep them in the Top 5 until they fail to impress.

6. Georgia – Close behind Wisconsin’s quality win, the Bulldogs turned a close game at halftime into a solid victory by shutting out a decent BCS opponent in the second half. If you’re going to schedule a BCS team to start the season, this is the way to beat them.

7. U$C – I am not sure a 38-10 win at home was good enough to put the Trojans at No. 1, but they were up 21-0 after 18 minutes of play. It was also 38-3 after three periods. They didn’t keep their first-quarter pace into the second quarter, but at least they buried their opponent early enough.

8. LSU – They did what they were supposed to, but it took them too long to establish themselves. You have to play more thoroughly than being up 3-0 after 21 minutes against a bad team. I don’t care if it was a road game. You don’t get a Top 5 ranking playing like that; not in my rankings, at least.

9. Virginia Tech – They get one free pass for the emotional challenge of Week 1. But they have to play better than that to stay in the Top 15. I suspect we’ll see them play a bit better in Week 2, win or lose.

10. Penn State – A big shutout win over a nobody team is what you’d expect from a Big Ten team. Very good start to the 43rd season of JoePa.

11. tOSU – It was basically 14-0 after one quarter, but then the Buckeyes (like U$C) didn’t sustain their success well enough. Considering the opponent, they should have rolled by more at home. Up only 24-6 at the end of three quarters just isn’t good enough for the Top 10.

12. Rutgers – Up 21 after the first quarter, the Scarlets cruised to a 35-point win. Good, but you need to be better to win the Big East.

13. UCLA – Up only 14-7 at halftime, the Bruins got it going in the second half. A conference road win early is good, but then again, it was only Stanford.

14. West Virginia – Great offense, but giving up 14 first-half points to a MAC team isn’t the way to BCS glory. This isn’t going to be a Top 10 team unless they fix that defense ASAP.

15. California – Nice win, but they should have won by more. The defense isn’t good enough to sustain a season-long schedule against very good offenses. I see them as a Top 15 team, at best.

16. Miami (FL) – I am a big Randy Shannon fan, and Miami started its season the right way with a dominant win over a solid middling team. I suspect this team is only going to get better, too.

17. Alabama – This is how you beat a bad team to start the season. Impressive return for Nick Saban, but will it last?

18. Michigan State – Scoring TDs on your first six possessions while shutting a Conference USA team out leads to a 42-0 lead and cruise control the rest of the way. Impressive return for Sparty, but can it last?

19. Hawaii – Is Northern Colorado a Division 1-AA team? It’s hard to win in Hawaii, but this was just ugly. Maybe Michigan can get this UNC on their schedule for next season …

20. TCU – The defense was there, but the offense needs to show more soon.

21. Wyoming – Beating a BCS team (even a weak one) in Week 1 is a good start for a non-BCS team. Defense? Good. Offense? Needs work.

22. Arkansas – Too close at halftime, Hogs. Great finish, but your engine needs to be warmed up sooner, especially with that RB duo. Or maybe it’s just your defense?

23. Boston College – Tied at halftime, you pulled away at home in the second half. A good win, but hardly a great win. At least it was over the defending ACC champs, though.

24. Missouri – A big road win over a trendy BCS team on the rise. Can’t complain there.

25. Nebraska – It took them awhile to shake a weak team, but in the end, the score looked nice. Just what you might expect from a team on the bottom ledge of the Top 25. Not what you expect from team that claims to have MNC aspirations, of course.


** Just for the heck of it, here are 18 more teams **


26. Texas Tech – A blowout win on the road against a lame team. Just what the doctor ordered for an unranked team. Even though they were only up 14-6 until right before halftime, this is how you win your first game when you’re unranked. Notice the similarities between this win and LSU’s …

27. Kansas – That is how you beat a MAC team.

28. Auburn – Perhaps the best example of the SEC’s perennial blowhardness. While it’s nice they beat a BCS school to start the season, struggling to beat them at home in the fourth quarter does not a good team make.

29. Georgia Tech – I am not ranking them high based on a whitewashing of a bad Notre Dame team. In essence, the Wreck should have beat the Irish last year, too. So I ain’t impressed.

30. Clemson – So you beat F$U again. Big deal. You never should have let them back in the game, either.

31. Arizona State – Big blowout win over a bowl-winning team from last season. Solid start for an unranked team.

32. Oregon State – Solid win over a solid (albeit not BCS) opponent. Nothing special, nothing negative.

33. Purdue – You have to be up more than 14 points at halftime over a MAC team, even if you are on the road.

34. Oregon – The final score hides the three-point halftime lead the Ducks held at home. I suspect the Wolverines will play a bit tougher in this next game, too.

35. Washington – So you beat Syracuse by a lot. So what?

36. Maryland – Is Villanova FBS or FCS? You need to beat them by more, either way.

37. Texas – Wow, you’re no Top 5 team. An eight-point win over Arkansas State at home? Sit down and shut up, Longhorns. You’re going to have to earn some respect this year.

38. Texas A&M – What was that halftime score again? 17-7 over Montana State? At home? Please: you’re not worthy right now.

39. BYU – You need to beat Arizona by more than that at home.

40. Pittsburgh – You beat a MAC team by 24 points at home. Not good enough.

41. Iowa – Weak win over a weak team. Why am I even including them on this list? I have no idea.

42. Colorado – Beating your in-state rival is a good win, but in OT against a MWC team? Well, I guess it’s better than last year’s start, right?

43. South Carollina – A 14-point win at home over a former directional? I thought the ol’ ball coach said this team was good. Evidently not.