Thoughts:
1) Well, here we are, with six unbeatens, and probably we'll have at least four this time next week. And the BCS is arbitrarily going to tell us which two teams get to play for their title? Yeah ... whatever! When 86% of fans want a 16-team playoff, and we end up with this shit? The BCS is a crock, and it means nothing;
2) Rivalry games are really fun. But it's lame when top teams don't have true rivals. I mean, who is TCU's rival? Who is Florida's rival? Watching Texas and Alabama play their rivalry games against teams they've been playing for YEARS really makes a fan appreciate those games even more. Heck, even USC-UCLA was entertaining slop;
3) The ACC had a bad day, didn't it?;
4) Two games I'm looking most forward to watching next week: The Civil War and the SEC championship.
Rankings:
1. Alabama (12-0): Second year in a row the Tide have gone through the regular season without a loss. Impressive. And what a gritty win ... Auburn pulled out the stops and jumped out 14-0 early, and Alabama calmly (?) played their way into the lead by the end of the game. Impressive times two.
2. Texas (12-0): The game against A&M is always tough, and Colt McCoy showed why he's going to win the Hypesman. And he evened his record against the Aggies, too -- never let THAT be underestimated in the emotional exploration of college sports. No superstar could stand a losing record against her/his supreme rival.
3. Florida (12-0): Florida State just isn't a rivalry game for Florida. Is Georgia? Maybe, but if so, they ought to play it later in the season -- not in October. So I really don't see the Gators as having a true rivalry game. Yeah, I only went to law school there, so maybe I don't know, but still ... considering the football program is still relatively a "new" thing in Gainesville, they really may never develop a true rivalry with any school that has tradition, angst and late-season POWER.
4. TCU (12-0): Saw somewhere this is TCU's first undefeated regular season since 1938. If memory serves, I took that McMNC away from TCU and gave it to an SEC team. But I digress -- TCU doesn't have a rival any more. In the old SWC, would it have been ... Rice? Where the hell *is* TCU, anyway?
5. Cincinnati (11-0): I think the Bengals ... er, I mean, the Bearcats ... may be vulnerable against an angry Pitt team this week. And, they just can't play defense, can they? They remind me of those Chase Daniel-Mizzou teams of the past few years, except they've played an easier schedule.
6. Boise State (12-0): Interesting how they held Oregon to eight points, but they gave up a boatload to a few other teams. All the more reason to NOT play early games in the season against good teams? I understand the concept of some warm-up games against non-BCS schools. I really do. In fact, I think every BCS school should go slumming to play two non-BCS schools in their first two games, to work the kinks out and get the junk juking. But each BCS school should be required, as well, to play two BCS opponents in OOC games in order to be bowl eligible. What does this have to do with Boise State? Nothing, except I bet they lose their bowl game because their defense isn't very good. Then again, they did beat Oklahoma without a defense in the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago, right? Anything can happen with these guys, and they're more fun to watch than ... the SEC, the Big Ten, the Big East and the ACC. There, I said it. Truth hurts. Only the Pac-10 and the Big XII play more entertaining games on a regular basis than Boise State.
7. Oregon (9-2): Speaking of the Pac-10, if the Ducks don't beat the Beavers in the Civil War, they will pretty much cement themselves as perennial underachievers in my book. It seems like every year, the Ducks have a pretty good team -- but they've rarely really done anything with that. Oh yeah, sure, they won the Fiesta Bowl back in 2001 or whenever, but even that was a consolation prize for getting snubbed out of the title game. They lost the Rose Bowl to Penn State in 1994, and they've never been back, right? Despite having all these really good teams, they've never been back to the Rose Bowl since? Yeah, they've done the Holiday-Sun-Las Vegas bowls tour a few times, but never back to Pasadena. If they blow this opp? I'll never give them the benefit of the doubt again.
8. Georgia Tech (10-2): Talk about a veruca ... laying a golden egg for Thanksgiving isn't pretty. The ACC title game should be a fun one to watch. Says here which ever team loses the ACC title game also loses their bowl game. What a way to end a season!
9. Ohio State (10-2): One advantage for the Big Ten's early season conclusion is that their teams can sit back and watch other teams fold under the pressure.
10. Iowa (10-2): See above.
11. Pittsburgh (9-2): That's the Dave Wannstedt we know, we love and we've come accustomed to expecting.
12. BYU (10-2): Seriously, how did they lose to Florida State?
13. Penn State (10-2): I am going to assume Iowa gets the second Big Ten BCS bid over Penn State, because of their H2H win and their significantly better resume. Still Penn State should have fun in the Capital One Bowl against LSU. Anyone can beat Les Miles in a chess match.
14. Houston (10-2): I love Rice. And I love rice. And that? Was uncool, Houston.
15. Central Michigan (10-2): Poor guys will win the MAC title game and get a trip to Detroit for their reward.
16. USC (8-3): Okay, I know it was just UCLA, but the Trojans defense finally stepped up to win a game for the first time since USC knocked off the Buckeyes way back when. But Pete Carroll is going to regret throwing the hot sauce on this rivalry. This was my first USC-UCLA game (I went last night), and it was better than I thought it would be. I look forward to more as I unexpectedly settle in Los Angeles for the long haul.
17. Virginia Tech (9-3): Did they play yesterday? I was blinded by some hideous pants on the TV screen.
18. Miami-FL (9-3): I think maybe Miami could be a better rivalry game for Florida.
19. LSU (9-3): There's a long drop between SEC teams here.
20. Oregon State (8-3): It'll be interesting to see how the Beavers play Friday night.
21. California (8-3): Another perennial Pac-10 underachiever.
22. West Virginia (8-3): Doesn't take away the sting of 2007, but I bet it helps.
23. Oklahoma State (9-3): That had to hurt.
24. Nebraska (9-3): I think they're capable of beating Texas. Will they? Who knows? If they did, would it open up the door for TCU in the "title" game? That might be worth it.
25. Wisconsin (8-3): Outback Bowl?
Also considered: Utah
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 22, 2009
Thoughts:
1. Great Pac-10 games yesterday in Tucson and Palo Alto. And sneaking in, under the radar again, is Oregon State. There are six pretty good teams in the Pac-10, and I just don't think any other conference can make that same claim;
2. What to do with LSU? Wow, that was a terrible game. And Mississippi, too. Both teams had major blunders that should/could have cost them the game. Terrible football, dumb players and poor coaches;
3. I expected more out of Ohio State, which leads me to believe they'll probably get beaten in the Rose Bowl, but you never know;
4. Still hoping for five unbeatens this year, although Cincy and Boise have tough games still ahead of them. Anything to de-legitimize the BCS "title" game!
Rankings:
1. Alabama (11-0): Took care of business. Ingram seems to be gaining steam in the Hypesman race. Must be Auburn, of course. As we saw yesterday, all bets are off in major rivalry games.
2. Florida (11-0): Took care of business. Tebow is Tebow. I will maintain any good defense will shut down Florida's offense. So I guess my reputation will be on the line in the SEC title game. Worst case scenario for the SEC: Auburn beats Alabama, and then Alabama beats Florida. Or FSU beats Florida, and then Florida beats Alabama. I would watch the officiating in these two games very closely next weekend.
3. Texas (11-0): You know, they feel they were robbed last year (and correctly so). I have a feeling this team isn't going to stop until they win the "title". Then again, Mack Brown's their coach, so they can only go so far riding that dead horse.
4. TCU (11-0): I wondered why it was tied 10-10, but then I blinked and it was 45-10. Much more like it.
5. Cincinnati (10-0): With all the Brian Kelly-to-Somewhere Else rumors, I wonder if the coach will let his ego get the best of his team's chances to stay undefeated. Seriously.
6. Boise State (11-0): I hope their QB gets an invite to New York for the Hypesman ceremony. Good story about him in SI or TSN, I forget which now, this past week.
7. Georgia Tech (10-1): Looks like they'll face Clemson in the ACC title game, in a rematch. All the more reason to get rid of conference title games in football. Just play a round-robin and be done with it.
8. Pittsburgh (9-1): They have their two toughest games left to play.
9. Oregon (9-2): Gritty win in the desert. When Arizona was 6-2, I warned you they might not win another game. Oregon's win got me halfway there. A lot of good RBs in the Pac-10, you know?
10. Iowa (10-2): This will always be the year of "what if?" for the Hawkeyes. If Stanzi stayed healthy, they might have run the table. Injuries suck, but they happen. Depth is key.
11. Ohio State (10-2): A H2H paradox here, but oh well. My system just isn't impressed with the Buckeyes' lackluster offensive efforts. I mean, everyone else puts up 40+ on the Wolverines, so why not you, Terrelle?
12. Oklahoma State (9-2): They seem to be fine without Dez Bryant. Maybe Gundy can coach.
13. Penn State (10-2): Evidently, JoePa has the most 10-win seasons in FBS history. Well, duh! He's been coaching the longest; he better have the most.
14. BYU (9-2): Good game ahead against Utah for state bragging rights. Most people won't notice the game. Too bad.
15. Utah (9-2): Say Utah loses to BYU. They'll finish 9-3 in a rebuilding year. Nice.
16. Houston (9-2): This is where the "weaker" two-loss teams start, which is fitting, because a 16-team championship tourney would only take one of them (either the Cougs or the Chips).
17. Central Michigan (9-2): I love reading pro scouts diminish LeFeouver's skill set, but the kid's a gamer. I love watching him on TV.
18. Temple (9-2): Probably the worst 9-2 team ever. Seriously.
19. Virginia Tech (8-3): I've forgotten all about them.
20. USC (7-3): They finish with UCLA and Arizona at home. After a bye week, I suspect they'll be ready. And if they finish 2nd in the Pac-10 (assuming the Ducks eat beaver next week), which bowl do they go to? The Holiday Bowl. Weird.
21. Miami-FL (8-3): Yeah, the ACC has some good depth, too.
22. California (8-3): But the Pac-10 is better.
23. Oregon State (8-3): I am SURE that ass-whooping they suffered last year at home to Oregon is still resonating. Can they return the favor?
24. Clemson (8-3): ACC depth.
25. LSU (8-3): Someone has to be 25th. Why not Les Miles?
Also receiving consideration: North Carolina, West Virginia
1. Great Pac-10 games yesterday in Tucson and Palo Alto. And sneaking in, under the radar again, is Oregon State. There are six pretty good teams in the Pac-10, and I just don't think any other conference can make that same claim;
2. What to do with LSU? Wow, that was a terrible game. And Mississippi, too. Both teams had major blunders that should/could have cost them the game. Terrible football, dumb players and poor coaches;
3. I expected more out of Ohio State, which leads me to believe they'll probably get beaten in the Rose Bowl, but you never know;
4. Still hoping for five unbeatens this year, although Cincy and Boise have tough games still ahead of them. Anything to de-legitimize the BCS "title" game!
Rankings:
1. Alabama (11-0): Took care of business. Ingram seems to be gaining steam in the Hypesman race. Must be Auburn, of course. As we saw yesterday, all bets are off in major rivalry games.
2. Florida (11-0): Took care of business. Tebow is Tebow. I will maintain any good defense will shut down Florida's offense. So I guess my reputation will be on the line in the SEC title game. Worst case scenario for the SEC: Auburn beats Alabama, and then Alabama beats Florida. Or FSU beats Florida, and then Florida beats Alabama. I would watch the officiating in these two games very closely next weekend.
3. Texas (11-0): You know, they feel they were robbed last year (and correctly so). I have a feeling this team isn't going to stop until they win the "title". Then again, Mack Brown's their coach, so they can only go so far riding that dead horse.
4. TCU (11-0): I wondered why it was tied 10-10, but then I blinked and it was 45-10. Much more like it.
5. Cincinnati (10-0): With all the Brian Kelly-to-Somewhere Else rumors, I wonder if the coach will let his ego get the best of his team's chances to stay undefeated. Seriously.
6. Boise State (11-0): I hope their QB gets an invite to New York for the Hypesman ceremony. Good story about him in SI or TSN, I forget which now, this past week.
7. Georgia Tech (10-1): Looks like they'll face Clemson in the ACC title game, in a rematch. All the more reason to get rid of conference title games in football. Just play a round-robin and be done with it.
8. Pittsburgh (9-1): They have their two toughest games left to play.
9. Oregon (9-2): Gritty win in the desert. When Arizona was 6-2, I warned you they might not win another game. Oregon's win got me halfway there. A lot of good RBs in the Pac-10, you know?
10. Iowa (10-2): This will always be the year of "what if?" for the Hawkeyes. If Stanzi stayed healthy, they might have run the table. Injuries suck, but they happen. Depth is key.
11. Ohio State (10-2): A H2H paradox here, but oh well. My system just isn't impressed with the Buckeyes' lackluster offensive efforts. I mean, everyone else puts up 40+ on the Wolverines, so why not you, Terrelle?
12. Oklahoma State (9-2): They seem to be fine without Dez Bryant. Maybe Gundy can coach.
13. Penn State (10-2): Evidently, JoePa has the most 10-win seasons in FBS history. Well, duh! He's been coaching the longest; he better have the most.
14. BYU (9-2): Good game ahead against Utah for state bragging rights. Most people won't notice the game. Too bad.
15. Utah (9-2): Say Utah loses to BYU. They'll finish 9-3 in a rebuilding year. Nice.
16. Houston (9-2): This is where the "weaker" two-loss teams start, which is fitting, because a 16-team championship tourney would only take one of them (either the Cougs or the Chips).
17. Central Michigan (9-2): I love reading pro scouts diminish LeFeouver's skill set, but the kid's a gamer. I love watching him on TV.
18. Temple (9-2): Probably the worst 9-2 team ever. Seriously.
19. Virginia Tech (8-3): I've forgotten all about them.
20. USC (7-3): They finish with UCLA and Arizona at home. After a bye week, I suspect they'll be ready. And if they finish 2nd in the Pac-10 (assuming the Ducks eat beaver next week), which bowl do they go to? The Holiday Bowl. Weird.
21. Miami-FL (8-3): Yeah, the ACC has some good depth, too.
22. California (8-3): But the Pac-10 is better.
23. Oregon State (8-3): I am SURE that ass-whooping they suffered last year at home to Oregon is still resonating. Can they return the favor?
24. Clemson (8-3): ACC depth.
25. LSU (8-3): Someone has to be 25th. Why not Les Miles?
Also receiving consideration: North Carolina, West Virginia
Sunday, November 15, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 15, 2009
Thoughts:
1. Florida wins ugly, and Tebow should NOT be a Hypesman candidate;
2. I would really like to see TCU get a shot at the BCS title game. That's a good team;
3. How tough is the Pac-10? I have six teams from that conference in my Top 30;
4. Five straight Big Ten titles for Ohio State, yet this will be their first Rose Bowl since January 1, 1997. Weird;
5. Bye, Charlie.
Rankings:
1. Alabama (10-0): Read somewhere this is the 17th time (!) the Tide have started a season 10-0. That's pretty amazing.
2. Florida (10-0): Look, the bottom line is that they keep winning, even if it ain't purty.
3. TCU (10-0): Maybe the Big XII should add the Horned Frogs.
4. Texas (10-0): Winning like they should, considering they're not playing anyone good (right now).
5. Cincinnati (10-0): That was a closer one than it should have been.
6. Boise State (10-0): So no SEC team will schedule them, eh?
7. Georgia Tech (10-1): Great piece in Sports Illustrated last week about the offense.
8. Pittsburgh (9-1): That Big East showdown should be fun.
9. Oregon (8-2): Still in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl. That would be a fun game.
10. Iowa (9-2): I know they just lost an H2H against the Buckeyes, but on the road in overtime with a backup QB (and a freshman, at that) means it's fine with me.
11. Ohio State (9-2): They got it done, but it wasn't very impressive.
12. Penn State (9-2): Hoping for a Wolverine upset?
13. Wisconsin (8-2): The Big Ten does have some good teams.
14. Oklahoma State (8-2): Beating Texas Tech is always nice.
15. Utah (8-2): Ouch.
16. BYU (8-2): Whatever.
17. LSU (8-2): Unimpressive.
18. Houston (8-2): Whoops.
19. Central Michigan (8-2): Better than Temple.
20. Rutgers (7-2): Quietly having a good season.
21. Temple (8-2): Horrible schedule.
22. Virginia Tech (7-3): Always fiesty.
23. USC (7-3): Defense has issues.
24. Miami-FL (7-3): Slowly torching a formerly great season.
25. Stanford (7-3): Again, a H2H anomaly, but what can I do about it? Considering the next few teams below, the Cardinal are fine here for now.
Also considered: Arizona, Oregon State, California, Clemson, Boston College
1. Florida wins ugly, and Tebow should NOT be a Hypesman candidate;
2. I would really like to see TCU get a shot at the BCS title game. That's a good team;
3. How tough is the Pac-10? I have six teams from that conference in my Top 30;
4. Five straight Big Ten titles for Ohio State, yet this will be their first Rose Bowl since January 1, 1997. Weird;
5. Bye, Charlie.
Rankings:
1. Alabama (10-0): Read somewhere this is the 17th time (!) the Tide have started a season 10-0. That's pretty amazing.
2. Florida (10-0): Look, the bottom line is that they keep winning, even if it ain't purty.
3. TCU (10-0): Maybe the Big XII should add the Horned Frogs.
4. Texas (10-0): Winning like they should, considering they're not playing anyone good (right now).
5. Cincinnati (10-0): That was a closer one than it should have been.
6. Boise State (10-0): So no SEC team will schedule them, eh?
7. Georgia Tech (10-1): Great piece in Sports Illustrated last week about the offense.
8. Pittsburgh (9-1): That Big East showdown should be fun.
9. Oregon (8-2): Still in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl. That would be a fun game.
10. Iowa (9-2): I know they just lost an H2H against the Buckeyes, but on the road in overtime with a backup QB (and a freshman, at that) means it's fine with me.
11. Ohio State (9-2): They got it done, but it wasn't very impressive.
12. Penn State (9-2): Hoping for a Wolverine upset?
13. Wisconsin (8-2): The Big Ten does have some good teams.
14. Oklahoma State (8-2): Beating Texas Tech is always nice.
15. Utah (8-2): Ouch.
16. BYU (8-2): Whatever.
17. LSU (8-2): Unimpressive.
18. Houston (8-2): Whoops.
19. Central Michigan (8-2): Better than Temple.
20. Rutgers (7-2): Quietly having a good season.
21. Temple (8-2): Horrible schedule.
22. Virginia Tech (7-3): Always fiesty.
23. USC (7-3): Defense has issues.
24. Miami-FL (7-3): Slowly torching a formerly great season.
25. Stanford (7-3): Again, a H2H anomaly, but what can I do about it? Considering the next few teams below, the Cardinal are fine here for now.
Also considered: Arizona, Oregon State, California, Clemson, Boston College
Sunday, November 8, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 8, 2009
Thoughts:
1) Stanford doesn't suck. This had "trap" written all over it, and the Ducks proved they're not-ready-for-prime-time. Maybe this is why the Pac-10 gets no national love, but in reality, they just beat each other up;
2) I was at the Florida-Vandy game with some old law school pals yesterday. It amazes me how one-dimensional Florida's offense really is, and I do think a team with a decent defense can beat them. And no, LSU doesn't have a decent defense;
3) Michigan and Notre Dame have both fallen off the silly pedestal people put them on after Week 2. Neither can play defense, neither has a good head coach, and both will be very disappointed all offseason;
4) TCU really should be the No. 4 team in the next BCS standings, period. THAT's a defense, folks.
Rankings:
1. Alabama (9-0): Kind of funny how the SEC title game is already decided with three more regular season games to play. What happened to the "depth" of the SEC? Seriously, this conference is a joke this year, built upon the fraudulent OOC scheduling I've exposed in my previous McMNC posts. Both Florida and the Tide struggled to put away a mediocre LSU team. Whichever team emerges from the SEC title game is going to lose their bowl game, if not both of them. Mark it down.
2. Florida (9-0): It's sad when everyone in the stands knows Tebow is going to hog the goal-line carries, and Vandy still can't stop you. I mean, put 11 guys in the box and see what Touchdown Jesus Deux does. Please give me Danny Wuerffel any day of the week over TJD.
3. TCU (9-0): Their SOS is almost as good as Florida's, and they have a chance to rise higher. They obviously have a BIG hurdle to clear next week at home against Utah, but I suspect they'll be focused and ready to do this. They could have had a big trap game this week, and they didn't even blink on the road.
4. Texas (9-0): I think Texas and TCU are the two best teams in the country right now, even if my system says differently. The 'Horns are hurt by their SOS, which isn't going to get any better in the last three regular season games -- or in the Big XII title game. Right now, it looks like Nebraska or Kansas State in the Big XII North.
5. Cincinnati (9-0): A couple of garbage-time TDs made their win over UConn look closer than it was, but still. They have three interesting games coming up, and if they run the table, it will be impressive.
6. Boise State (9-0): More than anything, Boise never looks consistent to me. They can play very well in bursts, but not over 60 minutes. They can get away with that in the WAC, but never in the BCS.
7. Georgia Tech (9-1): Another example of why we need a playoff. Having to play Tech on short rest would be a great matchup in a tournament, like playing Syracuse in the basketball tourney.
8. Iowa (9-1): I suspect they'll lose in Columbus next week, especially now that Ohio State is in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl. Too bad; this was a good story, but it wasn't meant to be.
9. Pittsburgh (8-1): If Cincy and Pitt meet in that final game with a combined 21-1 record, that's going to be the equivalent of a playoff (or so some will say). And if Cincy emerges unscathed, they are deserving of a BCS title game slot.
10. Houston (8-1): Eventually, the BCS will find itself (if it's allowed to exist beyond this year) with nine or ten perfect teams in one season. And it will have no ability to argue its usual shit. Houston came close to making that possibility more of a reality this year than ever before, but I also don't think they're very good.
11. Utah (8-1): Again, the mark of a great coach is leaving an imprint on the program when you leave it. Look at what Meyer did here; look at what Saban did at LSU. Look at ... oh, I don't know. Either way, I expect Utah will finish 10-2, which is a helluva follow-up to 13-0.
12. Oregon (7-2): My system actually has the Trojans slightly ahead of the Ducks, but common sense made me flip them. And that, my friends, is how you blow your dream season ... twice.
13. USC (7-2): Having a bit of an identity crisis right now, I think. A mediocre win in their final road game of the year, and they have two tough games sandwiching a rivalry game left. Could they lose all three? Sure. Will they? I doubt it. But Stanford, UCLA and Arizona to close out the season is no picnic.
14. Arizona (6-2): Funny how Washington beat two of the best three teams in the Pac-10. Talk about conference strength. But this may be the peak for the 'Cats, as they close at California, host Oregon, visit ASU and close in Los Angeles against the Trojans. Yikes, that's a not-fun gauntlet of death.
15. Miami-FL (7-2): It's too bad the Gators don't play the 'Canes this year. Instead, Florida takes on FIU, and Miami takes on USF. Lame.
16. Ohio State (8-2): Impressive. Or maybe Penn State just sucks. I'm more inclined to believe the latter now. They control the Big Ten, I think. BFD.
17. Wisconsin (7-2): I don't trust this team, but the numbers are more reliable than my instincts, so whatever. They got payback on Sparty for last year, and I think they'll get payback on Rich-Rod for last year, too.
18. BYU (7-2): Pass.
19. West Virginia (7-2): Run.
20. Oklahoma State (7-2): Hide?
21. Penn State (8-2): I really can't decide between Penn State and LSU for the top of the bottom five this week. They were separated by two slots in the AP poll before losing this weekend. Penn State's best win is over Temple (see below?), and LSU's best win is over Auburn (don't see below, because they ain't even listed with their three losses). Maybe this would be a good bowl matchup.
22. LSU (7-2): For all the Les Miles Adoration in Ann Arbor, why do they really want him? His LSU teams have always been overrated, his game tactics are suspect, and the 2007 BCS "title" was a bought-and-paid-for joke. I wouldn't want Rich-Rod, either, but I also wouldn't want Miles running my program.
23. South Florida (6-2): They're better than FIU.
24. Central Michigan (7-2): Sneak.
25. Troy (7-2): Makes Florida's SOS look a lot better than it is, eh?
Also considered: Temple, Rutgers
1) Stanford doesn't suck. This had "trap" written all over it, and the Ducks proved they're not-ready-for-prime-time. Maybe this is why the Pac-10 gets no national love, but in reality, they just beat each other up;
2) I was at the Florida-Vandy game with some old law school pals yesterday. It amazes me how one-dimensional Florida's offense really is, and I do think a team with a decent defense can beat them. And no, LSU doesn't have a decent defense;
3) Michigan and Notre Dame have both fallen off the silly pedestal people put them on after Week 2. Neither can play defense, neither has a good head coach, and both will be very disappointed all offseason;
4) TCU really should be the No. 4 team in the next BCS standings, period. THAT's a defense, folks.
Rankings:
1. Alabama (9-0): Kind of funny how the SEC title game is already decided with three more regular season games to play. What happened to the "depth" of the SEC? Seriously, this conference is a joke this year, built upon the fraudulent OOC scheduling I've exposed in my previous McMNC posts. Both Florida and the Tide struggled to put away a mediocre LSU team. Whichever team emerges from the SEC title game is going to lose their bowl game, if not both of them. Mark it down.
2. Florida (9-0): It's sad when everyone in the stands knows Tebow is going to hog the goal-line carries, and Vandy still can't stop you. I mean, put 11 guys in the box and see what Touchdown Jesus Deux does. Please give me Danny Wuerffel any day of the week over TJD.
3. TCU (9-0): Their SOS is almost as good as Florida's, and they have a chance to rise higher. They obviously have a BIG hurdle to clear next week at home against Utah, but I suspect they'll be focused and ready to do this. They could have had a big trap game this week, and they didn't even blink on the road.
4. Texas (9-0): I think Texas and TCU are the two best teams in the country right now, even if my system says differently. The 'Horns are hurt by their SOS, which isn't going to get any better in the last three regular season games -- or in the Big XII title game. Right now, it looks like Nebraska or Kansas State in the Big XII North.
5. Cincinnati (9-0): A couple of garbage-time TDs made their win over UConn look closer than it was, but still. They have three interesting games coming up, and if they run the table, it will be impressive.
6. Boise State (9-0): More than anything, Boise never looks consistent to me. They can play very well in bursts, but not over 60 minutes. They can get away with that in the WAC, but never in the BCS.
7. Georgia Tech (9-1): Another example of why we need a playoff. Having to play Tech on short rest would be a great matchup in a tournament, like playing Syracuse in the basketball tourney.
8. Iowa (9-1): I suspect they'll lose in Columbus next week, especially now that Ohio State is in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl. Too bad; this was a good story, but it wasn't meant to be.
9. Pittsburgh (8-1): If Cincy and Pitt meet in that final game with a combined 21-1 record, that's going to be the equivalent of a playoff (or so some will say). And if Cincy emerges unscathed, they are deserving of a BCS title game slot.
10. Houston (8-1): Eventually, the BCS will find itself (if it's allowed to exist beyond this year) with nine or ten perfect teams in one season. And it will have no ability to argue its usual shit. Houston came close to making that possibility more of a reality this year than ever before, but I also don't think they're very good.
11. Utah (8-1): Again, the mark of a great coach is leaving an imprint on the program when you leave it. Look at what Meyer did here; look at what Saban did at LSU. Look at ... oh, I don't know. Either way, I expect Utah will finish 10-2, which is a helluva follow-up to 13-0.
12. Oregon (7-2): My system actually has the Trojans slightly ahead of the Ducks, but common sense made me flip them. And that, my friends, is how you blow your dream season ... twice.
13. USC (7-2): Having a bit of an identity crisis right now, I think. A mediocre win in their final road game of the year, and they have two tough games sandwiching a rivalry game left. Could they lose all three? Sure. Will they? I doubt it. But Stanford, UCLA and Arizona to close out the season is no picnic.
14. Arizona (6-2): Funny how Washington beat two of the best three teams in the Pac-10. Talk about conference strength. But this may be the peak for the 'Cats, as they close at California, host Oregon, visit ASU and close in Los Angeles against the Trojans. Yikes, that's a not-fun gauntlet of death.
15. Miami-FL (7-2): It's too bad the Gators don't play the 'Canes this year. Instead, Florida takes on FIU, and Miami takes on USF. Lame.
16. Ohio State (8-2): Impressive. Or maybe Penn State just sucks. I'm more inclined to believe the latter now. They control the Big Ten, I think. BFD.
17. Wisconsin (7-2): I don't trust this team, but the numbers are more reliable than my instincts, so whatever. They got payback on Sparty for last year, and I think they'll get payback on Rich-Rod for last year, too.
18. BYU (7-2): Pass.
19. West Virginia (7-2): Run.
20. Oklahoma State (7-2): Hide?
21. Penn State (8-2): I really can't decide between Penn State and LSU for the top of the bottom five this week. They were separated by two slots in the AP poll before losing this weekend. Penn State's best win is over Temple (see below?), and LSU's best win is over Auburn (don't see below, because they ain't even listed with their three losses). Maybe this would be a good bowl matchup.
22. LSU (7-2): For all the Les Miles Adoration in Ann Arbor, why do they really want him? His LSU teams have always been overrated, his game tactics are suspect, and the 2007 BCS "title" was a bought-and-paid-for joke. I wouldn't want Rich-Rod, either, but I also wouldn't want Miles running my program.
23. South Florida (6-2): They're better than FIU.
24. Central Michigan (7-2): Sneak.
25. Troy (7-2): Makes Florida's SOS look a lot better than it is, eh?
Also considered: Temple, Rutgers
Sunday, November 1, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 1, 2009
Thoughts:
1) Nice job, Oregon;
2) Nice job, Florida;
3) Nice job, Illinois;
4) Nice job, Texas.
Rankings:
1. Iowa (9-0): Their SOS edge is slipping on the other teams, but it should rebound as the remaining three teams on their schedule are all over .500 right now. I can't see the Hawkeyes losing to Northwestern or Minnesota, but a trip to Columbus awaits them, of course.
2. Florida (8-0): Georgia still sucks, but at least the Gators finally rolled a team like they should. Still, any team with a decent defense will beat Florida. Is that asking so much, Texas?
3. Alabama (8-0): If both Florida and Alabama make it to the SEC title game undefeated, will there be as much hype as there was for Michigan-Ohio State in 2006? Of course!
4. Texas (8-0): Maybe they've finally woken up.
5. TCU (8-0): They have a good defense.
6. Cincinnati (8-0): Their backup QB throws the ball very weirdly. If I were them, I'd want my starter back in there ASAP.
7. Boise State (8-0): Their SOS keeps slipping, of course. I assume the computers have the Broncos way behind TCU in that category. When they get shut out of the BCS, it's going to be more legislative-threat time for the BCS.
8. Oregon (7-1): One of the great things about college basketball is the "hot team" everyone fears come tournament time. Yeah, they had some issues earlier, but they just won their conference tourney, and they're smokin'. That's why the BCS sucks. It's not about the best team winning anymore. It used to be, but ... I don't think any team would want to play Oregon in a bowl game.
9. Georgia Tech (8-1): Same here, although having a month to prepare for their offense really helps.
10. LSU (7-1): Exhibit A, for why the SEC is overrated.
11. Utah (7-1): Exhibit A, for why the non-BCS schools are underrated.
12. Pittsburgh (7-1): Remember when Utah and Pitt played in the Fiesta Bowl? It'd be a good rematch now.
13. Penn State (8-1): They've really played a weak schedule for a Big Ten team so far.
14. Houston (7-1): This team isn't this good, but as long as they keep winning ...
15. USC (6-2): Is the King dead? Probably not. I don't think any team in the country would go 4-0 on the road against Cal, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oregon. That's what you get for scheduling too well. Perhaps the Trojans should adopt a new philosophy for the BCS.
16. Arizona (5-2): I don't expect this to last. They still have to play Cal, Oregon, ASU, and USC. They may not even get to seven wins.
17. Miami-FL (6-2): The Year of Living Dangerously.
18. California (6-2): Nothing wrong with being Third Banana if Oregon and USC are the top fruits.
19. Notre Dame (6-2): They won't get to nine wins.
20. Wisconsin (6-2): Home shutouts in conference play are always impressive.
21. BYU (6-2): The MWC has as many teams in my Top 21 as the Big Ten, the SEC and the Pac-10.
22. West Virginia (6-2): Doh!
23. Oklahoma State (6-2): Sinking.
24. Ohio State (7-2): At least they've played a tougher schedule than Penn State. Plus, because they know they can still win the Rose Bowl trip with a win over Iowa, they will be dangerous until then.
25. Troy (6-2): Whatever.
Also receiving consideration this week: Idaho, South Florida, Central Michigan, Temple, Rutgers
1) Nice job, Oregon;
2) Nice job, Florida;
3) Nice job, Illinois;
4) Nice job, Texas.
Rankings:
1. Iowa (9-0): Their SOS edge is slipping on the other teams, but it should rebound as the remaining three teams on their schedule are all over .500 right now. I can't see the Hawkeyes losing to Northwestern or Minnesota, but a trip to Columbus awaits them, of course.
2. Florida (8-0): Georgia still sucks, but at least the Gators finally rolled a team like they should. Still, any team with a decent defense will beat Florida. Is that asking so much, Texas?
3. Alabama (8-0): If both Florida and Alabama make it to the SEC title game undefeated, will there be as much hype as there was for Michigan-Ohio State in 2006? Of course!
4. Texas (8-0): Maybe they've finally woken up.
5. TCU (8-0): They have a good defense.
6. Cincinnati (8-0): Their backup QB throws the ball very weirdly. If I were them, I'd want my starter back in there ASAP.
7. Boise State (8-0): Their SOS keeps slipping, of course. I assume the computers have the Broncos way behind TCU in that category. When they get shut out of the BCS, it's going to be more legislative-threat time for the BCS.
8. Oregon (7-1): One of the great things about college basketball is the "hot team" everyone fears come tournament time. Yeah, they had some issues earlier, but they just won their conference tourney, and they're smokin'. That's why the BCS sucks. It's not about the best team winning anymore. It used to be, but ... I don't think any team would want to play Oregon in a bowl game.
9. Georgia Tech (8-1): Same here, although having a month to prepare for their offense really helps.
10. LSU (7-1): Exhibit A, for why the SEC is overrated.
11. Utah (7-1): Exhibit A, for why the non-BCS schools are underrated.
12. Pittsburgh (7-1): Remember when Utah and Pitt played in the Fiesta Bowl? It'd be a good rematch now.
13. Penn State (8-1): They've really played a weak schedule for a Big Ten team so far.
14. Houston (7-1): This team isn't this good, but as long as they keep winning ...
15. USC (6-2): Is the King dead? Probably not. I don't think any team in the country would go 4-0 on the road against Cal, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Oregon. That's what you get for scheduling too well. Perhaps the Trojans should adopt a new philosophy for the BCS.
16. Arizona (5-2): I don't expect this to last. They still have to play Cal, Oregon, ASU, and USC. They may not even get to seven wins.
17. Miami-FL (6-2): The Year of Living Dangerously.
18. California (6-2): Nothing wrong with being Third Banana if Oregon and USC are the top fruits.
19. Notre Dame (6-2): They won't get to nine wins.
20. Wisconsin (6-2): Home shutouts in conference play are always impressive.
21. BYU (6-2): The MWC has as many teams in my Top 21 as the Big Ten, the SEC and the Pac-10.
22. West Virginia (6-2): Doh!
23. Oklahoma State (6-2): Sinking.
24. Ohio State (7-2): At least they've played a tougher schedule than Penn State. Plus, because they know they can still win the Rose Bowl trip with a win over Iowa, they will be dangerous until then.
25. Troy (6-2): Whatever.
Also receiving consideration this week: Idaho, South Florida, Central Michigan, Temple, Rutgers
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