Thoughts:
1) A lot of upsets. But I bet at least one of the teams that lost this week will end up in the “title” game;
2) I hope Tebow is okay, but I’m also surprised this hasn’t happened before (or more often);
3) Florida State? Fuck off;
4) Forget Stanford; Cal sucks.
Rankings:
1. Iowa (4-0): No other undefeated team has played as good a schedule so far as the Hawkeyes. I figured Penn State would beat them, simply because the loss last year cost the Nittany Lions a shot at the title game (although it clearly shouldn’t have, since Iowa was a much better team than Mississippi, etc.). Impressive win for Kirk Ferentz and Co.
2. Boise State (4-0): That win over Oregon looks pretty good right about now, doesn’t it?
3. TCU (3-0): I find it interesting Boise and TCU have SOS ratings in the Top 3 of the undefeated teams right now. Because that’s how the non-BCS schools have to do it.
4. LSU (4-0): Easily the best team right now in the SEC, simply because they’ve played the best schedule in 2009. Bet they wished Washington could have kept winning, though.
5. UCLA (3-0): Still on top of Los Angeles, for a little while longer.
6. Alabama (4-0): Since they played Virginia Tech, the rest of their schedule has sucked.
7. Houston (3-0): Stayin’ alive.
8. Cincinnati (4-0): Maybe a Big East team can run the table. I’d like to see if that would happen – and then wait for the BCS to tell us that a one-loss SEC team deserves the title game more. Bring on the chaos!
9. Wisconsin (4-0): Sort of an enigma to me. Keep an eye on this team.
10. Missouri (4-0): With their personnel losses, this surprises me.
11. Florida (4-0): Still waiting for them to play a decent team.
12. Texas (4-0): Ditto, although since they did beat Texas Tech, it says a lot about their other three games that their SOS is still lower than Florida’s at this point.
13. Michigan (4-0): This team is a few corrected officials’ calls from being 2-2.
14. Auburn (4-0): Four SEC teams still undefeated. Rumble!
15. South Florida (4-0): Impressive win without their QB. Off-topic: does Bobby B. have a clue about his team right now?
16. Kansas (4-0): I think I said it before, but it’s looking like 2007 all over again in Lawrence.
17. Texas A&M (3-0): Thank you, soft schedule.
18. Miami-FL (2-1): Egg laid. But their SOS is still No. 1 overall in my book.
19. Oregon (3-1): Impressive coaching job to get this team focused enough.
20. Virginia Tech (3-1): I realize the H2H issue with this ranking, but my H2H factor doesn’t kick in until October. So apologies in advance, Hokie fans.
21. Georgia (3-1): Rebounding nicely. Of course, Georgia always plays best when the pressure is off them. Which means they’ll be beat Florida.
22. Georgia Tech (3-1): Long-term, I wonder how long the option can last in a BCS conference.
23. BYU (3-1): Must be dumbfounded by the USF-FSU score.
24. Arizona (3-1): Three Pac-10 teams in my Top 25; stop the presses!
25. South Carolina (3-1): Impressive upset, Spurrier. I’ve always liked you much more than I could ever like Urban Meyer.
Also considered: California, Notre Dame, North Carolina, USC, Minnesota, Ohio State, Utah
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 20, 2009
Thoughts:
1) I was not surprised about the USC game, as it had "trap" written all over it -- especially with a "backup" QB. But still, the Trojans only play to their potential in their bowl game in most years, so the "Cali" 'tude snags them again;
2) More surprising was BYU, especially at home, but maybe they believed their own hype. Serves them right in September;
3) The nation's longest winning streak is now Florida's, I think. But their SOS so far is pathetic;
4) This will be the last week that only undefeated teams make my Top 25, as there just aren't that many undefeated teams left.
Rankings:
1. Miami-FL -- Why? Because they're the only team which has really beaten two good FBS teams so far. In fact, Sagarin has their SOS as the top in the country at this point.
2. Iowa -- Yes, this surprises me, too, but this is what my system spit out. First, Northern Iowa is a pretty good team, even for an FCS squad. Again, to wit, Sagarin has them at #33 overall. That's better than a lot of FBS schools right now.
3. North Carolina -- Since so many schools have played weak schedules, these are just the undefeated teams with the best schedules so far. So be it.
4. Boise State -- I wonder if they breathed a sigh of relief when BYU lost. After all, if both Boise and BYU ran the table, the BCS would never put them both into BCS games, right? Now, Boise has the non-BCS spotlight all to itself.
5. LSU -- Their SOS shot up with Washington's upset of USC. The best of the SEC bunch so far.
6. Wisconsin -- Yes, Fresno State actually helps their SOS.
7. Cincinnati -- This isn't even basketball season.
8. Auburn -- This season might turn out to be their best since 2004.
9. Alabama -- The best SEC team I've seen on TV this year, so far.
10. California -- Not sure what they were doing tied in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, but it was a road game, so whatever.
11. UCLA -- Who owns Los Angeles now?
12. Texas -- I was expecting a more dominant win over Tech, but oh well.
13. Missouri -- Flying under the radar so far.
14. Pittsburgh -- Maybe the Big East isn't so bad this year.
15. Michigan -- They played with their food a bit too long this week.
16. Houston -- The Oklahoma State win will keep them high in SOS for awhile.
17. Kentucky -- Weak SEC sisters often stay high early.
18. TCU -- Now the MWC's only shot at a BCS bowl.
19. Indiana -- Yes, their SOS is higher than Florida's right now.
20. Florida -- For all the Gators' greatness, I expected a bigger win over Rocky Top, especially at home.
21. Penn State -- Did they even schedule any good teams this year? Besides, you know they'll lose to Michigan.
22. Southern Mississippi -- The pickings are getting slim.
23. Kansas -- This could be 2007 all over again for the Big XII Norte.
24. Texas A&M -- Don't think this will last long.
25. South Florida -- Big East!
Others: Mississippi, Arizona State
1) I was not surprised about the USC game, as it had "trap" written all over it -- especially with a "backup" QB. But still, the Trojans only play to their potential in their bowl game in most years, so the "Cali" 'tude snags them again;
2) More surprising was BYU, especially at home, but maybe they believed their own hype. Serves them right in September;
3) The nation's longest winning streak is now Florida's, I think. But their SOS so far is pathetic;
4) This will be the last week that only undefeated teams make my Top 25, as there just aren't that many undefeated teams left.
Rankings:
1. Miami-FL -- Why? Because they're the only team which has really beaten two good FBS teams so far. In fact, Sagarin has their SOS as the top in the country at this point.
2. Iowa -- Yes, this surprises me, too, but this is what my system spit out. First, Northern Iowa is a pretty good team, even for an FCS squad. Again, to wit, Sagarin has them at #33 overall. That's better than a lot of FBS schools right now.
3. North Carolina -- Since so many schools have played weak schedules, these are just the undefeated teams with the best schedules so far. So be it.
4. Boise State -- I wonder if they breathed a sigh of relief when BYU lost. After all, if both Boise and BYU ran the table, the BCS would never put them both into BCS games, right? Now, Boise has the non-BCS spotlight all to itself.
5. LSU -- Their SOS shot up with Washington's upset of USC. The best of the SEC bunch so far.
6. Wisconsin -- Yes, Fresno State actually helps their SOS.
7. Cincinnati -- This isn't even basketball season.
8. Auburn -- This season might turn out to be their best since 2004.
9. Alabama -- The best SEC team I've seen on TV this year, so far.
10. California -- Not sure what they were doing tied in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, but it was a road game, so whatever.
11. UCLA -- Who owns Los Angeles now?
12. Texas -- I was expecting a more dominant win over Tech, but oh well.
13. Missouri -- Flying under the radar so far.
14. Pittsburgh -- Maybe the Big East isn't so bad this year.
15. Michigan -- They played with their food a bit too long this week.
16. Houston -- The Oklahoma State win will keep them high in SOS for awhile.
17. Kentucky -- Weak SEC sisters often stay high early.
18. TCU -- Now the MWC's only shot at a BCS bowl.
19. Indiana -- Yes, their SOS is higher than Florida's right now.
20. Florida -- For all the Gators' greatness, I expected a bigger win over Rocky Top, especially at home.
21. Penn State -- Did they even schedule any good teams this year? Besides, you know they'll lose to Michigan.
22. Southern Mississippi -- The pickings are getting slim.
23. Kansas -- This could be 2007 all over again for the Big XII Norte.
24. Texas A&M -- Don't think this will last long.
25. South Florida -- Big East!
Others: Mississippi, Arizona State
Sunday, September 13, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 13, 2009
Thoughts:
1) Surprised that UCLA beat Tennessee in Knoxville. Was talking to a friend on Saturday about Monte Kiffin, and I said that I felt he’d be the kind of guy to really build a scheme to smother Tebow when the time came. But if he and his son can’t even beat the bRuins …;
2) Impressed with USC’s defense, considering the personnel losses and the ridiculous field position Ohio State had for so much of that game. I think the Trojans have solved the mobile QB problem that cost them the 2005 AP title;
3) The freshmen QBs impressed me, too. Interesting to think that Forcier wasn’t on USC’s radar, because of his skill set, and that Barkley wouldn’t have been on Michigan’s radar, etc. Be fun to see them play against each other someday in a Rose Bowl, perhaps, but Michigan’s defense leaves a lot to be desired;
4) I have no idea why voters reward Florida for scheduling so poorly. The Gators should be traveling to take on real programs, and I don’t buy the crap about FSU and Miami, since Florida easily has the upper hand on those teams right now. Scheduling them and claiming SOS is laughable; with at least half the SEC a borderline joke this season, Florida still is getting sucked off by the media.
Rankings:
1. USC (2-0): Easily the best victory any team can claim this year, as BYU beat a depleted OU team on the road. The Trojans took the best tOSU had to offer, and they still won playing a true freshman on the road (see Michigan below). That was an ugly game, but the Trojans found a win to win it, SEC-style even.
2. BYU (2-0): Assuming they roll FSU in Provo this next week, the Coogs also get TCU and Utah at home later. It was refreshing to see ESPN TV guys pimping BYU’s title game chances if they run the table. Finally, some common sense prevails.
3. Alabama (2-0): Little Nicky might have the horses this year to win the SEC. I really am liking this team a lot already this season. And that’s a little unsettling for me.
4. LSU (2-0): Yeah, the SEC isn’t all that great from top to bottom, but at least LSU has some cojones.
5. Boise State (12-0): I know it’s very early to ponder this, but say both BYU and Boise State go undefeated, and no BCS team finishes undefeated. Does Boise State-BYU sell any tickets for an alleged “title” game? I mean, I’d go, and you know both these teams travel well, but … wow. Talk about anarchy in the U.S.
6. UCLA (2-0): Do I think they’re this good? No, but they did win a big game (for them) in a very hostile environment. That gives them some love this week.
7. Minnesota (2-0): The Golden Gophs as the Big Ten’s best team right now? Maybe, based on actual results this season and this season only.
8. Wisconsin (2-0): No, they’re not this good, but again, it’s early, and Fresno State is better than a lot of the cream puffs other teams have played at home.
9. Michigan (2-0): I really enjoy watching Tate Forcier play QB. Kid’s got moxie. But Rich-Rod, your eally need to get BOTH Forcier and Denard on the field at the SAME TIME. You can’t leave Denard rotting on the bench, and rotating QBs killed a lot of Forcier’s rhythm Saturday, almost to the point it could have cost you the game (oh but wait, you were coaching against Charlie Weis – my mistakes, for he’s even dumber than you are!). Figure it out quick, and you’ll have the best offense in the Big Ten.
10. Missouri (2-0): Maybe that win over Illinois is more impressive than we thought.
11. Georgia Tech (2-0): I really like watching the triple option. It’s cool.
12. North Carolina (2-0): Going on the road and winning like THAT is pretty funny. But at least they had the balls to schedule a road game against a BCS team.
13. California (2-0): Jahvid Best is averaging more than 10 yards a carry, I think. He’s going to New York in December, and he might just take the cake away from the QB parade. Pure talent.
14. Utah (2-0): They just keep winning, don’t they?
15. Houston (2-0): Okay, so Okie State was obviously overrated. And I can’t get forget Andre Ware or the Klingler Boys. But, hey, that was a nice win.
16. Iowa (2-0): Maybe I like Kirk Ferentz too much.
17. Arizona (2-0): That win over Central Michigan looks more impressive now.
18. Penn State (2-0): Two lackluster wins, but wins nonetheless – and one over a BCS team, albeit one with Greg Paulus half-running the show.
19. Oregon State (2-0): I bet USC is happy they don’t have to go to Corvallis this year. But come on, if they can win in Columbus …
20. Texas (2-0): When I was growing up, we used to drive to Laramie a lot just for kicks. Really.
21. South Florida (2-0): For some reason, I really want to see them do well. Still not sure why.
22. Auburn (2-0): Tony Franklin, eat your heart out.
23. West Virginia (2-0): Wouldn’t it be great to see them play Michigan in a bowl game?
24. Nebraska (2-0): I hate it when a favorite shirt starts fraying around the edges and you can’t wear it anymore. The girl I lost my virginity with went to Nebraska. And that’s all I have to say about that.
25. Tulsa (2-0): For some reason, Sagarin has their SOS higher than Florida’s so far. Amusing but sad.
Also considered but mostly rejected for pathetic early scheduling: Baylor, Miami-FL, TCU, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Florida, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas
1) Surprised that UCLA beat Tennessee in Knoxville. Was talking to a friend on Saturday about Monte Kiffin, and I said that I felt he’d be the kind of guy to really build a scheme to smother Tebow when the time came. But if he and his son can’t even beat the bRuins …;
2) Impressed with USC’s defense, considering the personnel losses and the ridiculous field position Ohio State had for so much of that game. I think the Trojans have solved the mobile QB problem that cost them the 2005 AP title;
3) The freshmen QBs impressed me, too. Interesting to think that Forcier wasn’t on USC’s radar, because of his skill set, and that Barkley wouldn’t have been on Michigan’s radar, etc. Be fun to see them play against each other someday in a Rose Bowl, perhaps, but Michigan’s defense leaves a lot to be desired;
4) I have no idea why voters reward Florida for scheduling so poorly. The Gators should be traveling to take on real programs, and I don’t buy the crap about FSU and Miami, since Florida easily has the upper hand on those teams right now. Scheduling them and claiming SOS is laughable; with at least half the SEC a borderline joke this season, Florida still is getting sucked off by the media.
Rankings:
1. USC (2-0): Easily the best victory any team can claim this year, as BYU beat a depleted OU team on the road. The Trojans took the best tOSU had to offer, and they still won playing a true freshman on the road (see Michigan below). That was an ugly game, but the Trojans found a win to win it, SEC-style even.
2. BYU (2-0): Assuming they roll FSU in Provo this next week, the Coogs also get TCU and Utah at home later. It was refreshing to see ESPN TV guys pimping BYU’s title game chances if they run the table. Finally, some common sense prevails.
3. Alabama (2-0): Little Nicky might have the horses this year to win the SEC. I really am liking this team a lot already this season. And that’s a little unsettling for me.
4. LSU (2-0): Yeah, the SEC isn’t all that great from top to bottom, but at least LSU has some cojones.
5. Boise State (12-0): I know it’s very early to ponder this, but say both BYU and Boise State go undefeated, and no BCS team finishes undefeated. Does Boise State-BYU sell any tickets for an alleged “title” game? I mean, I’d go, and you know both these teams travel well, but … wow. Talk about anarchy in the U.S.
6. UCLA (2-0): Do I think they’re this good? No, but they did win a big game (for them) in a very hostile environment. That gives them some love this week.
7. Minnesota (2-0): The Golden Gophs as the Big Ten’s best team right now? Maybe, based on actual results this season and this season only.
8. Wisconsin (2-0): No, they’re not this good, but again, it’s early, and Fresno State is better than a lot of the cream puffs other teams have played at home.
9. Michigan (2-0): I really enjoy watching Tate Forcier play QB. Kid’s got moxie. But Rich-Rod, your eally need to get BOTH Forcier and Denard on the field at the SAME TIME. You can’t leave Denard rotting on the bench, and rotating QBs killed a lot of Forcier’s rhythm Saturday, almost to the point it could have cost you the game (oh but wait, you were coaching against Charlie Weis – my mistakes, for he’s even dumber than you are!). Figure it out quick, and you’ll have the best offense in the Big Ten.
10. Missouri (2-0): Maybe that win over Illinois is more impressive than we thought.
11. Georgia Tech (2-0): I really like watching the triple option. It’s cool.
12. North Carolina (2-0): Going on the road and winning like THAT is pretty funny. But at least they had the balls to schedule a road game against a BCS team.
13. California (2-0): Jahvid Best is averaging more than 10 yards a carry, I think. He’s going to New York in December, and he might just take the cake away from the QB parade. Pure talent.
14. Utah (2-0): They just keep winning, don’t they?
15. Houston (2-0): Okay, so Okie State was obviously overrated. And I can’t get forget Andre Ware or the Klingler Boys. But, hey, that was a nice win.
16. Iowa (2-0): Maybe I like Kirk Ferentz too much.
17. Arizona (2-0): That win over Central Michigan looks more impressive now.
18. Penn State (2-0): Two lackluster wins, but wins nonetheless – and one over a BCS team, albeit one with Greg Paulus half-running the show.
19. Oregon State (2-0): I bet USC is happy they don’t have to go to Corvallis this year. But come on, if they can win in Columbus …
20. Texas (2-0): When I was growing up, we used to drive to Laramie a lot just for kicks. Really.
21. South Florida (2-0): For some reason, I really want to see them do well. Still not sure why.
22. Auburn (2-0): Tony Franklin, eat your heart out.
23. West Virginia (2-0): Wouldn’t it be great to see them play Michigan in a bowl game?
24. Nebraska (2-0): I hate it when a favorite shirt starts fraying around the edges and you can’t wear it anymore. The girl I lost my virginity with went to Nebraska. And that’s all I have to say about that.
25. Tulsa (2-0): For some reason, Sagarin has their SOS higher than Florida’s so far. Amusing but sad.
Also considered but mostly rejected for pathetic early scheduling: Baylor, Miami-FL, TCU, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Florida, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 8, 2009
Thoughts:
1) These are the most meaningless rankings of the year;
2) There's not a lot to go on, since many teams scheduled weaklings and didn't play "full" games;
3) Some teams were obviously rewarded for playing better opponents during this first weekend of the season;
4) Oklahoma was overrated last year, as pointed out here repeatedly. I feel somewhat smug seeing them go down early this year.
Rankings:
1. USC: They threw in a true freshman QB against Dick Tomey, and they rolled. The Trojans may be the best second-quarter team in the country, year-after-year. They seem to feel out their opponents in the first quarter before basically stepping on the turbo in the second quarter. By halftime, you're often cooked and done. Just ask Penn State.
2. Texas: They must now guard against complacency, knowing Oklahoma already lost more than just a game.
3. California: The running back looked good, as did the QB. I was wondering if the RB would be overrated and the QB could do it. Questions answered.
4. Florida: Not sure they should be this high after playing Charleston, but whatever.
5. Alabama: This team looked better on Saturday than they looked at any point in 2008 to me. I think they could make a serious run for the SEC title.
6. Boise State: Did Oregon suck or was Boise that good? Hard to tell and probably a bit of both.
7. LSU: Yes, the SEC is a solid conference. The SEC West is going to be nasty this year.
8. Ohio State: Bullet dodged, and you're never in good shape after playing the triple option. I wonder how the defensive line feels right now. Ouch.
9. Missouri: I expected Illinois to be better, but maybe Missouri is really good?
10. Oklahoma State: Perhaps they should be higher than Florida for beating a real team, but ...
11. BYU: It's easier to beat a team when their Heisman QB gets hurt and has to leave the game.
12. Penn State: The Big Ten isn't that bad.
13. Cincinnati: I thought Rutgers would be better, but maybe Cincy is just this good.
14. Nebraska: You know, the Big XII North may have a strong season this year.
15. Boston College: Their consistency will continue in 2009, despite the coaching change.
16. Miami-FL: I didn't the game was that great, and FSU lost it more than Miami won it.
17. Clemson: They have an interesting defensive challenge this week, no?
18. Utah: Nation's longest winning streak reaches 15 games. Have to respect that.
19. Tennessee: Yes, I believe in the Kiffins.
20. South Carolina: Ugly game of the week was also the first game of the season. See Miami-FL note above.
21. Texas Tech: The offense keeps on rolling. Crabtree Harrell who?
22. Auburn: I wonder if there is a more infuriating team to its fans in the country.
23. Oregon State: Fear the Beav.
24. Notre Dame: Sure, it was just Nevada, but the defense looked good, too. I suspect whichever team wins next week (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) will be overrated, though.
25. South Florida: Might be a Big East sleeper, but we'll see how they handle success this time around.
Others: Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Michigan State
1) These are the most meaningless rankings of the year;
2) There's not a lot to go on, since many teams scheduled weaklings and didn't play "full" games;
3) Some teams were obviously rewarded for playing better opponents during this first weekend of the season;
4) Oklahoma was overrated last year, as pointed out here repeatedly. I feel somewhat smug seeing them go down early this year.
Rankings:
1. USC: They threw in a true freshman QB against Dick Tomey, and they rolled. The Trojans may be the best second-quarter team in the country, year-after-year. They seem to feel out their opponents in the first quarter before basically stepping on the turbo in the second quarter. By halftime, you're often cooked and done. Just ask Penn State.
2. Texas: They must now guard against complacency, knowing Oklahoma already lost more than just a game.
3. California: The running back looked good, as did the QB. I was wondering if the RB would be overrated and the QB could do it. Questions answered.
4. Florida: Not sure they should be this high after playing Charleston, but whatever.
5. Alabama: This team looked better on Saturday than they looked at any point in 2008 to me. I think they could make a serious run for the SEC title.
6. Boise State: Did Oregon suck or was Boise that good? Hard to tell and probably a bit of both.
7. LSU: Yes, the SEC is a solid conference. The SEC West is going to be nasty this year.
8. Ohio State: Bullet dodged, and you're never in good shape after playing the triple option. I wonder how the defensive line feels right now. Ouch.
9. Missouri: I expected Illinois to be better, but maybe Missouri is really good?
10. Oklahoma State: Perhaps they should be higher than Florida for beating a real team, but ...
11. BYU: It's easier to beat a team when their Heisman QB gets hurt and has to leave the game.
12. Penn State: The Big Ten isn't that bad.
13. Cincinnati: I thought Rutgers would be better, but maybe Cincy is just this good.
14. Nebraska: You know, the Big XII North may have a strong season this year.
15. Boston College: Their consistency will continue in 2009, despite the coaching change.
16. Miami-FL: I didn't the game was that great, and FSU lost it more than Miami won it.
17. Clemson: They have an interesting defensive challenge this week, no?
18. Utah: Nation's longest winning streak reaches 15 games. Have to respect that.
19. Tennessee: Yes, I believe in the Kiffins.
20. South Carolina: Ugly game of the week was also the first game of the season. See Miami-FL note above.
21. Texas Tech: The offense keeps on rolling. Crabtree Harrell who?
22. Auburn: I wonder if there is a more infuriating team to its fans in the country.
23. Oregon State: Fear the Beav.
24. Notre Dame: Sure, it was just Nevada, but the defense looked good, too. I suspect whichever team wins next week (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) will be overrated, though.
25. South Florida: Might be a Big East sleeper, but we'll see how they handle success this time around.
Others: Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Michigan State
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