Thoughts:
1) Anytime there are more than two teams with perfect records, the title game -- by default -- automatically is a dubious matchup. We have that scenario again this year, so the BCS did not work, people;
2) Auburn looked more impressive than Oregon on Saturday, but there's no underestimating a rivalry game. They always are tougher to win than mere conference title games against random opponents from the other side of the world;
3) Virginia Tech ran the table after its opening missteps. Nice;
4) With conference titles games of their own in 2011, the Big Ten and the Pac-12 will be on the forefront of the BCS discussions once again -- as tradition always mandates.
Rankings:
1) Oregon
2) TCU
3) Auburn
4) Stanford
5) Boise State
6) Michigan State
7) Nevada
8) Wisconsin
9) Ohio State
10) Oklahoma
11) Virginia Tech
12) Missouri
13) Arkansas
14) Oklahoma State
15) LSU
16) Utah
17) Alabama
18) Nebraska
19) Texas A&M
20) West Virginia
21) Hawaii
22) UCF
23) Navy
24) Northern Illinois
25) Tulsa
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 28, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Fascinating weekend of college football. The argument for the BCS here is that these exciting games wouldn't have mattered with a playoff. And that's such a lie: Nevada and Boise would have been playing for the WAC's autobid, for example, and the game would have had the same intensity. In the Big Ten, all three co-champions would have been playing for the at-large bids to the tournament, too. None of them would have "thrown" those games if their spot was already assured. Same with the SEC: Arkansas and LSU would have been fighting it out for an at-large bid, too. No matter what the BCS tries to sell, it's a lie, people;
2) Auburn was impressive, but how bad is Alabama, really? A 24-0 lead at home and a 300-yard egde in the first half, and you can't win? Good for Auburn, but the Tide just didn't have it this year. Why were they ranked #1 to start the year? Something about a lot of returning starters?!;
3) Looking at Boise's loss, same thing. It just goes to show how hard it really is to run the table, no matter what your schedule looks like. Every game you play is a tough one, and no undefeated team should EVER be left out of the title picture. Which is, again, where the BCS fails so miserably;
4) And on that note, Oregon will be favored to beat the Beavers, and Auburn will be favored to beat South Carolina. I think it's more likely that Oregon will win than Auburn, in terms of probability. TCU really still has a chance, as I don't think voters can justify a conference co-champ making the title game based on a tiebreaker alone (Wisconsin), and there is no chance of a all-one-conference title game, either. If Auburn loses to the Gamecocks and the BCS tries to keep TCU out, it's going to get very ugly. Just sayin'.
Rankings:
1) TCU -- They're in already with their perfect record. No one else is. That's the only reason for this subjective ranking;
2) Oregon -- Based on what I noted above, they have the better chance to win out;
3) Auburn -- South Carolina could have beaten Auburn already. I think Auburn will be ready for this game, barring a Cam Newton breaking news event this week. But you never know with Spurrier;
4) Stanford -- Their only loss was to an undefeated team. I don't think any other one-loss team can claim that;
5) Michigan State -- Sure, they're probably not the best of the Big Ten bunch *right now*, and despite all the goofy blather on RSFC, you really can't ignore the H2H reality here. And strangely, Sagarin says the Spartans have also played the best schedule of the three, although it's a tight contest;
6) Wisconsin -- Not sure how a team that could only score 20 on Arizona State and 27 on San Jose State yet run up 70+ points in three other games. Talk about schizophrenic;
7) Ohio State -- They got their win over Michigan and another Big Ten title, but they lost to Wisconsin. It is what it is;
8) Nevada -- Gutsy win, but Boise handed it to them. That play they gave up at the end of regulation should have cost them the game;
9) Boise State -- This is where they belong, and they have to be mad about it. This was the best team they've fielded in the last five seasons. Sometimes, though, you just can't win them all;
10) Virginia Tech -- It's been a long climb back to the Top Ten, but the Hokies made it;
11) Nebraska -- Both their losses this year were somewhat mystifying;
12) Oklahoma -- Has anyone else seen that stat, how the Sooners are very good playing in-state games, but very poor playing elsewhere?;
13) Oklahoma State -- That had to hurt;
14) Missouri -- Maybe the most "blah" team in the country;
15) Arkansas -- Fluky win, because of that first-half TD. Strange that every SEC team has two losses, except Auburn. Not a strong conference this year, despite what everyone would have us believe;
16) Utah -- Not the prettiest 10-2 record, but not bad for an "off" year. Notre Dame probably just caught them at a lucky time;
17) LSU -- Not as bad as everyone thinks, but not as good as anyone thinks, either;
18) Northern Illinois -- If only there was a tournament, some at-large school from a big conference would get to face these guys in the first round. And we'd see how good they are;
19) Texas A&M -- Six straight wins have given the Aggies a pulse for the first time in awhile;
20) South Carolina -- I suspect the SEC refs will hose them in the conference title game;
21) Florida State -- They made Urban Meyer look bad, very bad;
22) West Virginia -- The Big East really isn't so bad;
23) Hawai'i -- And the WAC is pretty good, at the top;
24) Navy -- Just because;
25) Alabama -- No team that blows a 24-point lead at home against their blood rival deserves to be ranked, but ... wow, that was PATHETIC.
1) Fascinating weekend of college football. The argument for the BCS here is that these exciting games wouldn't have mattered with a playoff. And that's such a lie: Nevada and Boise would have been playing for the WAC's autobid, for example, and the game would have had the same intensity. In the Big Ten, all three co-champions would have been playing for the at-large bids to the tournament, too. None of them would have "thrown" those games if their spot was already assured. Same with the SEC: Arkansas and LSU would have been fighting it out for an at-large bid, too. No matter what the BCS tries to sell, it's a lie, people;
2) Auburn was impressive, but how bad is Alabama, really? A 24-0 lead at home and a 300-yard egde in the first half, and you can't win? Good for Auburn, but the Tide just didn't have it this year. Why were they ranked #1 to start the year? Something about a lot of returning starters?!;
3) Looking at Boise's loss, same thing. It just goes to show how hard it really is to run the table, no matter what your schedule looks like. Every game you play is a tough one, and no undefeated team should EVER be left out of the title picture. Which is, again, where the BCS fails so miserably;
4) And on that note, Oregon will be favored to beat the Beavers, and Auburn will be favored to beat South Carolina. I think it's more likely that Oregon will win than Auburn, in terms of probability. TCU really still has a chance, as I don't think voters can justify a conference co-champ making the title game based on a tiebreaker alone (Wisconsin), and there is no chance of a all-one-conference title game, either. If Auburn loses to the Gamecocks and the BCS tries to keep TCU out, it's going to get very ugly. Just sayin'.
Rankings:
1) TCU -- They're in already with their perfect record. No one else is. That's the only reason for this subjective ranking;
2) Oregon -- Based on what I noted above, they have the better chance to win out;
3) Auburn -- South Carolina could have beaten Auburn already. I think Auburn will be ready for this game, barring a Cam Newton breaking news event this week. But you never know with Spurrier;
4) Stanford -- Their only loss was to an undefeated team. I don't think any other one-loss team can claim that;
5) Michigan State -- Sure, they're probably not the best of the Big Ten bunch *right now*, and despite all the goofy blather on RSFC, you really can't ignore the H2H reality here. And strangely, Sagarin says the Spartans have also played the best schedule of the three, although it's a tight contest;
6) Wisconsin -- Not sure how a team that could only score 20 on Arizona State and 27 on San Jose State yet run up 70+ points in three other games. Talk about schizophrenic;
7) Ohio State -- They got their win over Michigan and another Big Ten title, but they lost to Wisconsin. It is what it is;
8) Nevada -- Gutsy win, but Boise handed it to them. That play they gave up at the end of regulation should have cost them the game;
9) Boise State -- This is where they belong, and they have to be mad about it. This was the best team they've fielded in the last five seasons. Sometimes, though, you just can't win them all;
10) Virginia Tech -- It's been a long climb back to the Top Ten, but the Hokies made it;
11) Nebraska -- Both their losses this year were somewhat mystifying;
12) Oklahoma -- Has anyone else seen that stat, how the Sooners are very good playing in-state games, but very poor playing elsewhere?;
13) Oklahoma State -- That had to hurt;
14) Missouri -- Maybe the most "blah" team in the country;
15) Arkansas -- Fluky win, because of that first-half TD. Strange that every SEC team has two losses, except Auburn. Not a strong conference this year, despite what everyone would have us believe;
16) Utah -- Not the prettiest 10-2 record, but not bad for an "off" year. Notre Dame probably just caught them at a lucky time;
17) LSU -- Not as bad as everyone thinks, but not as good as anyone thinks, either;
18) Northern Illinois -- If only there was a tournament, some at-large school from a big conference would get to face these guys in the first round. And we'd see how good they are;
19) Texas A&M -- Six straight wins have given the Aggies a pulse for the first time in awhile;
20) South Carolina -- I suspect the SEC refs will hose them in the conference title game;
21) Florida State -- They made Urban Meyer look bad, very bad;
22) West Virginia -- The Big East really isn't so bad;
23) Hawai'i -- And the WAC is pretty good, at the top;
24) Navy -- Just because;
25) Alabama -- No team that blows a 24-point lead at home against their blood rival deserves to be ranked, but ... wow, that was PATHETIC.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 21, 2010
Thoughts:
1. The Big Ten 2010 is the Big XII South 2008;
2. The Boise-Nevada game is huge;
3. What's the latest Cam Newton news?;
4. Predictions: Arkansas over LSU, and 'Bama over 'Burn.
Rankings:
1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Auburn
5. Stanford
6. Oklahoma State
7. Michigan State
8. Wisconsin
9. Ohio State
10. LSU
11. Nevada
12. Virginia Tech
13. Nebraska
14. Alabama
15. Arkansas
16. Missouri
17. Oklahoma
18. Utah
19. Northern Illinois
20. Arizona
21. Texas A&M
22. Hawaii
23. South Carolina
24. Florida State
25. Navy
1. The Big Ten 2010 is the Big XII South 2008;
2. The Boise-Nevada game is huge;
3. What's the latest Cam Newton news?;
4. Predictions: Arkansas over LSU, and 'Bama over 'Burn.
Rankings:
1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Auburn
5. Stanford
6. Oklahoma State
7. Michigan State
8. Wisconsin
9. Ohio State
10. LSU
11. Nevada
12. Virginia Tech
13. Nebraska
14. Alabama
15. Arkansas
16. Missouri
17. Oklahoma
18. Utah
19. Northern Illinois
20. Arizona
21. Texas A&M
22. Hawaii
23. South Carolina
24. Florida State
25. Navy
Sunday, November 14, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 14, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Interesting games yesterday. Some teams were in trouble, but they rebounded;
2) TCU is all but in the house with a 12-0 record;
3) Oregon dodged a bullet;
4) Alabama will still probably beat Auburn.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- That was lucky;
2) Auburn -- Two more weeks now of Cam Newton Scandal News;
3) TCU -- For 47 minutes, they dominated. For 13 minutes, they looked terrible;
4) Boise State -- Yeah, no letdown here;
5) Stanford -- Another Pac-10 team dodged a bullet;
6) LSU -- Finally, a blowout win for Les;
7) Oklahoma State -- Are they for real? At this point, we have to think so;
8) Nebraska -- How did they lose to Texas?!;
9) Michigan State -- Hoping for an Iowa win over Ohio State next weekend;
10) Nevada -- Nice road win at Fresno;
11) Wisconsin -- Classless;
12) Ohio State -- Tough road test ahead against an angry Iowa team;
13) Alabama -- They can really fuck over their conference with a win over Auburn;
14) Missouri -- Solid year out of nowhere;
15) Oklahoma -- Overrated as I suspected from the start;
16) Arkansas -- Why do two SEC teams schedule lightweights in the middle of November?;
17) Virginia Tech -- How many teams above could beat the Hokies on the road?;
18) Utah -- Dropping, like deadweight;
19) Temple -- Yeah, stunning, huh?;
20) Northern Illinois -- Only 20 teams in FBS with two losses or less;
21) USC -- Considering they have no defense, this isn't bad;
22) Arizona -- Whoops, Stoops!;
23) South Carolina -- Way to go, Ol' Ball Coach!;
24) Texas A&M -- They could be for realsies;
25) Miami-FL -- They always did know how to stuff the option.
Also considered: Mississippi State, Florida State, Iowa, Hawai'i
1) Interesting games yesterday. Some teams were in trouble, but they rebounded;
2) TCU is all but in the house with a 12-0 record;
3) Oregon dodged a bullet;
4) Alabama will still probably beat Auburn.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- That was lucky;
2) Auburn -- Two more weeks now of Cam Newton Scandal News;
3) TCU -- For 47 minutes, they dominated. For 13 minutes, they looked terrible;
4) Boise State -- Yeah, no letdown here;
5) Stanford -- Another Pac-10 team dodged a bullet;
6) LSU -- Finally, a blowout win for Les;
7) Oklahoma State -- Are they for real? At this point, we have to think so;
8) Nebraska -- How did they lose to Texas?!;
9) Michigan State -- Hoping for an Iowa win over Ohio State next weekend;
10) Nevada -- Nice road win at Fresno;
11) Wisconsin -- Classless;
12) Ohio State -- Tough road test ahead against an angry Iowa team;
13) Alabama -- They can really fuck over their conference with a win over Auburn;
14) Missouri -- Solid year out of nowhere;
15) Oklahoma -- Overrated as I suspected from the start;
16) Arkansas -- Why do two SEC teams schedule lightweights in the middle of November?;
17) Virginia Tech -- How many teams above could beat the Hokies on the road?;
18) Utah -- Dropping, like deadweight;
19) Temple -- Yeah, stunning, huh?;
20) Northern Illinois -- Only 20 teams in FBS with two losses or less;
21) USC -- Considering they have no defense, this isn't bad;
22) Arizona -- Whoops, Stoops!;
23) South Carolina -- Way to go, Ol' Ball Coach!;
24) Texas A&M -- They could be for realsies;
25) Miami-FL -- They always did know how to stuff the option.
Also considered: Mississippi State, Florida State, Iowa, Hawai'i
Sunday, November 7, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: November 7, 2010
Thoughts:
1) We're a few losses away from Armageddon;
2) I don't see Oregon losing again this year;
3) I think TCU-Oregon would be the best title game matchup;
4) I suspect everything will change in the next month from where it stands now.
Rankings:
1) TCU -- They dismantled an 8-0 team on the road Saturday. That's what the other teams have done to FCS teams. Say what you want about Utah being "overrated", etc., but that was insane, fellas;
2) Oregon -- That quick-pace offense just wears out defenses. The Ducks have outscored opponents in the second half this year by almost 200 points, I think. Insane. They're destroy a defense like Auburn's Swiss cheese unit;
3) Boise State -- Hawai'i really isn't a bad team, but Boise made them look like one;
4) Auburn -- Homecoming opponents (even in November??) go down easy;
5) Stanford -- Beating Arizona so handily was impressive, and their only loss came to Oregon;
6) LSU -- Gritty win for the Bayou Bengals, and their only loss was to Auburn;
7) Utah -- The Utes have to be here, despite losing by 40 points at home. Why? Because it's their only loss, and it was to my #1 team. I can't drop them any lower, as the teams below generally lost to lesser teams than themselves;
8) Michigan State -- Sparty gets the top spot in the Big Ten because of the H2H results, and their loss came to a "lesser" team;
9) Wisconsin -- How did they lose to Sparty?!;
10) Ohio State -- They lost to the Badgers;
11) Nevada -- Of the one-loss teams, they've still got a decent loss (Hawai'i), yet they've also played a pretty weak schedule. Boise will shred them, too;
12) Nebraska -- How did this team lose to Texas?!;
13) Oklahoma State -- They lost to the Cornhuskers only, so they get this spot;
14) Arizona -- With the two-loss teams, it's too complicated for my little brain to rank them hierarchically on their losses. They've played the toughest schedule of the two-loss teams, though;
15) Missouri -- They don't like the Big XII South;
16) Oklahoma -- Someone on RSFC pointed out how overrated they were. Looks like they were right;
17) Alabama -- Has the Tide's talent level dropped that much in a year? Didn't they have a lot of starters returning? Whoops;
18) Arkansas -- Ryan Mallett still throws too many key INTs;
19) Iowa -- Got lucky against Indiana, big-time;
20) Mississippi State -- The most under-publicized team in the SEC?;
21) Virginia Tech -- Seems like the Hokies have been hovering in this range for a month now;
22) Central Florida -- Best team in the state;
23) Temple -- Maybe the Big East will want them back?;
24) San Diego State -- The WAC really isn't a bad football league at all;
25) Northern Illinois -- The MAC is, however, bad.
1) We're a few losses away from Armageddon;
2) I don't see Oregon losing again this year;
3) I think TCU-Oregon would be the best title game matchup;
4) I suspect everything will change in the next month from where it stands now.
Rankings:
1) TCU -- They dismantled an 8-0 team on the road Saturday. That's what the other teams have done to FCS teams. Say what you want about Utah being "overrated", etc., but that was insane, fellas;
2) Oregon -- That quick-pace offense just wears out defenses. The Ducks have outscored opponents in the second half this year by almost 200 points, I think. Insane. They're destroy a defense like Auburn's Swiss cheese unit;
3) Boise State -- Hawai'i really isn't a bad team, but Boise made them look like one;
4) Auburn -- Homecoming opponents (even in November??) go down easy;
5) Stanford -- Beating Arizona so handily was impressive, and their only loss came to Oregon;
6) LSU -- Gritty win for the Bayou Bengals, and their only loss was to Auburn;
7) Utah -- The Utes have to be here, despite losing by 40 points at home. Why? Because it's their only loss, and it was to my #1 team. I can't drop them any lower, as the teams below generally lost to lesser teams than themselves;
8) Michigan State -- Sparty gets the top spot in the Big Ten because of the H2H results, and their loss came to a "lesser" team;
9) Wisconsin -- How did they lose to Sparty?!;
10) Ohio State -- They lost to the Badgers;
11) Nevada -- Of the one-loss teams, they've still got a decent loss (Hawai'i), yet they've also played a pretty weak schedule. Boise will shred them, too;
12) Nebraska -- How did this team lose to Texas?!;
13) Oklahoma State -- They lost to the Cornhuskers only, so they get this spot;
14) Arizona -- With the two-loss teams, it's too complicated for my little brain to rank them hierarchically on their losses. They've played the toughest schedule of the two-loss teams, though;
15) Missouri -- They don't like the Big XII South;
16) Oklahoma -- Someone on RSFC pointed out how overrated they were. Looks like they were right;
17) Alabama -- Has the Tide's talent level dropped that much in a year? Didn't they have a lot of starters returning? Whoops;
18) Arkansas -- Ryan Mallett still throws too many key INTs;
19) Iowa -- Got lucky against Indiana, big-time;
20) Mississippi State -- The most under-publicized team in the SEC?;
21) Virginia Tech -- Seems like the Hokies have been hovering in this range for a month now;
22) Central Florida -- Best team in the state;
23) Temple -- Maybe the Big East will want them back?;
24) San Diego State -- The WAC really isn't a bad football league at all;
25) Northern Illinois -- The MAC is, however, bad.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 31, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Spooky!;
2) Some pretenders went down. Ho-hum;
3) Auburn and Oregon can't play defense;
4) Boise State and TCU can.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- They can outscore anyone, obviously;
2) TCU -- It's hard to argue with their defense;
3) Auburn -- See Oregon above;
4) Boise State -- I still think they're most well-rounded team in the country;
5) Utah -- Will GameDay go to the TCU-Utah matchup?;
6) Stanford -- Can't see Stanford losing again;
7) Nebraska -- Can't see Nebraska losing again;
8) Missouri -- Oh well;
9) Oklahoma -- They trail Baylor in the Big XII South?!;
10) Alabama -- Still going to win the lame SEC;
11) Arizona -- They'll lose to Stanford;
12) Ohio State -- They're always hanging around;
13) LSU -- Hello, Peach Bowl;
14) Oklahoma State -- That Gundy rant seems like a distant memory now;
15) Michigan State -- Whoops!;
16) Wisconsin -- If two Big Ten teams get a BCS bid, the Badgers might get left out;
17) Nevada -- They will be big boys in the WAC next year;
18) Iowa -- How did they lose at home to Wisconsin?;
19) Arkansas -- Second-tier SEC teams don't impress anyone;
20) South Carolina -- Ibid;
21) Mississippi State -- Ibid;
22) Baylor -- Impressive! Then again, it was just Texas;
23) Virginia Tech -- Doing their thing quietly;
24) North Carolina State -- Whatever;
25) Florida State -- Doh!;
Also considered: Hawaii, Central Florida, San Diego State, Syracuse, Northern Illinois.
1) Spooky!;
2) Some pretenders went down. Ho-hum;
3) Auburn and Oregon can't play defense;
4) Boise State and TCU can.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- They can outscore anyone, obviously;
2) TCU -- It's hard to argue with their defense;
3) Auburn -- See Oregon above;
4) Boise State -- I still think they're most well-rounded team in the country;
5) Utah -- Will GameDay go to the TCU-Utah matchup?;
6) Stanford -- Can't see Stanford losing again;
7) Nebraska -- Can't see Nebraska losing again;
8) Missouri -- Oh well;
9) Oklahoma -- They trail Baylor in the Big XII South?!;
10) Alabama -- Still going to win the lame SEC;
11) Arizona -- They'll lose to Stanford;
12) Ohio State -- They're always hanging around;
13) LSU -- Hello, Peach Bowl;
14) Oklahoma State -- That Gundy rant seems like a distant memory now;
15) Michigan State -- Whoops!;
16) Wisconsin -- If two Big Ten teams get a BCS bid, the Badgers might get left out;
17) Nevada -- They will be big boys in the WAC next year;
18) Iowa -- How did they lose at home to Wisconsin?;
19) Arkansas -- Second-tier SEC teams don't impress anyone;
20) South Carolina -- Ibid;
21) Mississippi State -- Ibid;
22) Baylor -- Impressive! Then again, it was just Texas;
23) Virginia Tech -- Doing their thing quietly;
24) North Carolina State -- Whatever;
25) Florida State -- Doh!;
Also considered: Hawaii, Central Florida, San Diego State, Syracuse, Northern Illinois.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 24, 2010
Thoughts:
1) No one-loss BCS team is going to jump an undefeated BCS team in the BCS standings, period;
2) We will end up with two undefeated, non-AQ teams again;
3) Oklahoma just wasn't very good;
4) The Big XII as a whole isn't very good, so Missouri better win it.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: They just keep on winning. And scoring. And scoring. And scoring;
2) Missouri: They beat a "#1" team, so why not?;
3) TCU: Should be a good game with Utah;
4) Boise State: I think they're fortunate to get Hawai'i at home this year;
5) Michigan State: Gritty team. I thought they were cooked down 17-0 late in the first half;
6) Utah: See TCU above;
7) Auburn: Impressed with Cam Newton, but one-man teams aren't going to run the table. Apologies to Vince Young;
8) Stanford: Toby Who?;
9) Wisconsin: Suddenly giant-killer instinct;
10) LSU: It was nice while it lasted, Les;
11) Oklahoma: It was nice while it lasted, Bob;
12) Ohio State: That's the Buckeyes we know and love;
13) Florida State: That's the Seminoles we know and love;
14) Nevada: At least they only lost to Hawaii on the road;
15) Alabama: How did they lose to South Carolina?!
16) Arizona: How did they lose to Oregon State?;
17) Nebraska: How did they lose to Texas?!;
18) Oklahoma State: No defense in Stillwater;
19) Miami-FL: Their losses aren't so bad, right?;
20) USC: That win over Hawai'i looks pretty good now;
21) Iowa: Close losses kill your season;
22) Hawaii: They're good. Deal with it;
23) Michigan: Bye weeks make you look better;
24) Virginia Tech: I still think they'll win the ACC;
25) South Carolina: Someone needs to be #25.
Also considered: Arkansas, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Navy.
1) No one-loss BCS team is going to jump an undefeated BCS team in the BCS standings, period;
2) We will end up with two undefeated, non-AQ teams again;
3) Oklahoma just wasn't very good;
4) The Big XII as a whole isn't very good, so Missouri better win it.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: They just keep on winning. And scoring. And scoring. And scoring;
2) Missouri: They beat a "#1" team, so why not?;
3) TCU: Should be a good game with Utah;
4) Boise State: I think they're fortunate to get Hawai'i at home this year;
5) Michigan State: Gritty team. I thought they were cooked down 17-0 late in the first half;
6) Utah: See TCU above;
7) Auburn: Impressed with Cam Newton, but one-man teams aren't going to run the table. Apologies to Vince Young;
8) Stanford: Toby Who?;
9) Wisconsin: Suddenly giant-killer instinct;
10) LSU: It was nice while it lasted, Les;
11) Oklahoma: It was nice while it lasted, Bob;
12) Ohio State: That's the Buckeyes we know and love;
13) Florida State: That's the Seminoles we know and love;
14) Nevada: At least they only lost to Hawaii on the road;
15) Alabama: How did they lose to South Carolina?!
16) Arizona: How did they lose to Oregon State?;
17) Nebraska: How did they lose to Texas?!;
18) Oklahoma State: No defense in Stillwater;
19) Miami-FL: Their losses aren't so bad, right?;
20) USC: That win over Hawai'i looks pretty good now;
21) Iowa: Close losses kill your season;
22) Hawaii: They're good. Deal with it;
23) Michigan: Bye weeks make you look better;
24) Virginia Tech: I still think they'll win the ACC;
25) South Carolina: Someone needs to be #25.
Also considered: Arkansas, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Navy.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 17, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Nebraska has no heart;
2) Auburn has no defense;
3) Ohio State has no fortitude;
4) Nevada has no clothes.
Rankings:
1 -- Oregon: Nice week for a bye.
2 -- Oklahoma: Winning ugly is effective.
3 -- Missouri: Flying under the radar is always nice.
4 -- Boise State: Why don't more teams schedule road games against WAC teams?
5 -- TCU: Or even MWC teams, for that matter?
6 -- Auburn: A lot of holes in that defense.
7 -- LSU: McNeese State?
8 -- Michigan State: How many RBs do they have?
9 -- Utah: That have just as good a shot as TCU does.
10 -- Oklahoma State: See Missouri above.
11 -- Stanford: Only loss is to Oregon.
12 -- Alabama: Their only loss looks bad now.
13 -- Arizona: See Alabama above.
14 -- Nebraska: Terrible.
15 -- Florida State: Highest-ranked ACC team.
16 -- Iowa: Have three tough games left against Wisconsin, Michigan State and tOSU.
17 -- Ohio State: No shame in that loss, but they have to be pissed.
18 -- Nevada: Who knew Hawai'i could play defense?
19 -- Kansas State: Could still win Big XII North.
20 -- Wisconsin: Always plays better at home.
21 -- West Virginia: Highest-ranked Big East team.
22 -- South Carolina: Whoops.
23 -- USC: So inconsistent week to week.
24 -- Miami-FL: Probably don't belong here.
25 -- Arkansas: See Miami-FL above.
Also considered: Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Mississippi State.
1) Nebraska has no heart;
2) Auburn has no defense;
3) Ohio State has no fortitude;
4) Nevada has no clothes.
Rankings:
1 -- Oregon: Nice week for a bye.
2 -- Oklahoma: Winning ugly is effective.
3 -- Missouri: Flying under the radar is always nice.
4 -- Boise State: Why don't more teams schedule road games against WAC teams?
5 -- TCU: Or even MWC teams, for that matter?
6 -- Auburn: A lot of holes in that defense.
7 -- LSU: McNeese State?
8 -- Michigan State: How many RBs do they have?
9 -- Utah: That have just as good a shot as TCU does.
10 -- Oklahoma State: See Missouri above.
11 -- Stanford: Only loss is to Oregon.
12 -- Alabama: Their only loss looks bad now.
13 -- Arizona: See Alabama above.
14 -- Nebraska: Terrible.
15 -- Florida State: Highest-ranked ACC team.
16 -- Iowa: Have three tough games left against Wisconsin, Michigan State and tOSU.
17 -- Ohio State: No shame in that loss, but they have to be pissed.
18 -- Nevada: Who knew Hawai'i could play defense?
19 -- Kansas State: Could still win Big XII North.
20 -- Wisconsin: Always plays better at home.
21 -- West Virginia: Highest-ranked Big East team.
22 -- South Carolina: Whoops.
23 -- USC: So inconsistent week to week.
24 -- Miami-FL: Probably don't belong here.
25 -- Arkansas: See Miami-FL above.
Also considered: Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Mississippi State.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 10, 2010
Thoughts:
1 -- Clearly a letdown game for Alabama after the last two weeks. And it will cost the SEC a BCS "title" game berth. Watch;
2 -- Oregon and Ohio State now in drivers' seats for the "title" game. But if TCU or Boise runs the table and either the Ducks or the Buckeyes slip up, watch the SEC spin machine try to get its one-loss champ into the title game. That will be the end of days for the BCS in the eyes of the government;
3 -- Denard Robinson is human after all;
4 -- UCLA sucks. Oregon State does not. Ergo, Texas sucks, and Boise/TCU do not.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- The team is deep, fast, strong and very good. That Boise loss last year seems miles away;
2) TCU -- Going to the Big East makes little sense long-term for TCU. Really;
3) Boise State -- Can anything stop the Broncos from going undefeated?;
4) Ohio State -- Now in the driver's seat for yet another MNC;
5) Nebraska -- The Big Ten will be very formidable next year, for sure;
6) LSU -- No way they're this good, but for now, they have the SEC inside track;
7) Missouri -- Sneaking up on people?;
8) Nevada -- Probably shouldn't be this high after that win over San Jose State;
9) Auburn -- Another last-second win for the Tigers;
10) Oklahoma -- I wonder how the computers will rank the Sooners;
11) Utah -- They deserve to be higher;
12) Oklahoma State -- Put that Bill Snyder thing to rest this year, didn't they?;
13) Michigan State -- After beating Wisconsin and Michigan easily in back-to-back weeks, you think they'd get more respect than this;
14) Alabama -- Look, Saban's ranked below his two previous FBS teams!;
15) Stanford -- No defense for The Farm this year, but what was with that penalty against USC on Stanford's final drive? Terrible and obvious officiating bias against the Trojans there. They can't make BCS money for the league, so make sure Stanford can?;
16) Florida State -- Hopefully, Bobby Bowden is smiling;
17) Arizona -- They got lucky against Cal and Iowa, so maybe they were due for a fall;
18) South Carolina -- Yeah, I know this ignores H2H, but whatever;
19) Arkansas -- They didn't beat 'Bama;
20) Iowa -- Still in the Big Ten hunt if they can win out;
21) NC State -- Someone has to fill these final five spots;
22) West Virginia -- Ahead of Rich-Rod again!;
23) Wisconsin -- Brent Beilema is a RUTSing bastard;
24) Michigan -- Still no defense;
25) Air Force -- I chose them to end this list ($1 to The Nails).
1 -- Clearly a letdown game for Alabama after the last two weeks. And it will cost the SEC a BCS "title" game berth. Watch;
2 -- Oregon and Ohio State now in drivers' seats for the "title" game. But if TCU or Boise runs the table and either the Ducks or the Buckeyes slip up, watch the SEC spin machine try to get its one-loss champ into the title game. That will be the end of days for the BCS in the eyes of the government;
3 -- Denard Robinson is human after all;
4 -- UCLA sucks. Oregon State does not. Ergo, Texas sucks, and Boise/TCU do not.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- The team is deep, fast, strong and very good. That Boise loss last year seems miles away;
2) TCU -- Going to the Big East makes little sense long-term for TCU. Really;
3) Boise State -- Can anything stop the Broncos from going undefeated?;
4) Ohio State -- Now in the driver's seat for yet another MNC;
5) Nebraska -- The Big Ten will be very formidable next year, for sure;
6) LSU -- No way they're this good, but for now, they have the SEC inside track;
7) Missouri -- Sneaking up on people?;
8) Nevada -- Probably shouldn't be this high after that win over San Jose State;
9) Auburn -- Another last-second win for the Tigers;
10) Oklahoma -- I wonder how the computers will rank the Sooners;
11) Utah -- They deserve to be higher;
12) Oklahoma State -- Put that Bill Snyder thing to rest this year, didn't they?;
13) Michigan State -- After beating Wisconsin and Michigan easily in back-to-back weeks, you think they'd get more respect than this;
14) Alabama -- Look, Saban's ranked below his two previous FBS teams!;
15) Stanford -- No defense for The Farm this year, but what was with that penalty against USC on Stanford's final drive? Terrible and obvious officiating bias against the Trojans there. They can't make BCS money for the league, so make sure Stanford can?;
16) Florida State -- Hopefully, Bobby Bowden is smiling;
17) Arizona -- They got lucky against Cal and Iowa, so maybe they were due for a fall;
18) South Carolina -- Yeah, I know this ignores H2H, but whatever;
19) Arkansas -- They didn't beat 'Bama;
20) Iowa -- Still in the Big Ten hunt if they can win out;
21) NC State -- Someone has to fill these final five spots;
22) West Virginia -- Ahead of Rich-Rod again!;
23) Wisconsin -- Brent Beilema is a RUTSing bastard;
24) Michigan -- Still no defense;
25) Air Force -- I chose them to end this list ($1 to The Nails).
Sunday, October 3, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 3, 2010
Thoughts:
1) The Pac-10 and the Big Ten are better conferences than the SEC this year;
2) I'm not sold on Denard Robinson's Heisman candidacy, because he's a sophomore (yeah, I know about Tebow and Ingram) and his team will lose at least four conference games this year;
3) Alabama looked pretty darn good, but clearly Florida was overrated. The Tide should win the SEC as an unbeaten again;
4) Oregon might be the best team out there still, including Alabama;
5) No commentary this week below. I am sick.
Rankings:
1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Michigan
8. Auburn
9. Kansas State
10. TCU
11. Oklahoma State
12. Nevada
13. Ohio State
14. Missouri
15. Northwestern
16. Nebraska
17. Michigan State
18. Utah
19. Florida
20. Miami-FL
21. Stanford
22. South Carolina
23. NC State
24. Florida State
25. Colorado
Also considered: Temple, USC, West Virginia, Iowa, Air Force.
1) The Pac-10 and the Big Ten are better conferences than the SEC this year;
2) I'm not sold on Denard Robinson's Heisman candidacy, because he's a sophomore (yeah, I know about Tebow and Ingram) and his team will lose at least four conference games this year;
3) Alabama looked pretty darn good, but clearly Florida was overrated. The Tide should win the SEC as an unbeaten again;
4) Oregon might be the best team out there still, including Alabama;
5) No commentary this week below. I am sick.
Rankings:
1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Michigan
8. Auburn
9. Kansas State
10. TCU
11. Oklahoma State
12. Nevada
13. Ohio State
14. Missouri
15. Northwestern
16. Nebraska
17. Michigan State
18. Utah
19. Florida
20. Miami-FL
21. Stanford
22. South Carolina
23. NC State
24. Florida State
25. Colorado
Also considered: Temple, USC, West Virginia, Iowa, Air Force.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 26, 2010
Thoughts:
1) So many great games on Saturday, especially in the SEC and the Pac-10;
2) No comment on the Big Ten schedule lameness, except that Purdue really stinks;
3) Still have no doubt that Boise would beat any team in the country at home;
4) Ryan Mallet just kissed his Hypesman hopes goodbye.
Rankings:
1) LSU (4-0) -- Random #1 this week, but so far, they've played a better schedule than any other undefeated team;
2) Boise State (3-0) -- Very tired of people ripping their schedule, simply as those doing the ripping aren't running out to schedule Boise any time soon. Hypocrisy at its worst;
3) Oklahoma (4-0) -- Anyone who has watched this time knows they're not very good. Texas could beat them, and the Longhorns aren't very good;
4) Auburn (4-0) -- Sorry, but they've played a better schedule than Alabama or Florida has so far;
5) Alabama (4-0) -- This is what you get for scheduling patsies to counterbalance good teams. And Arkansas didn't count as a good team;
6) Florida (4-0) -- See Oklahoma above. Alabama should tear them apart next week;
7) Arizona (4-0) -- Best of the Pac-10 teams based on SOS so far;
8) Stanford (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Wildcats right now;
9) USC (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Cardinal right now;
10) TCU (4-0) -- Since I am still of the belief no BCS team except Ohio State will go undefeated, I wonder which non-AQ team the BCS will shaft out of the title game this year;
11) North Carolina State (4-0) -- Surprise team of the year so far;
12) Michigan (4-0) -- Nice when you have three QBs who can play pretty well;
13) Kansas State (4-0) -- The Snyder Formula is working again;
14) Nevada (4-0) -- Boise could use the Wolfpack winning more games;
15) Oregon (4-0) -- Sure, they're better than this, but scheduling New Mexico and Portland State hurts you somewhere;
16) Northwestern (4-0) -- Seems like they always start 4-0 or something before finishing 8-4;
17) Oklahoma State (3-0) -- Why take a bye in Week 4?;
18) Utah (4-0) -- TCU could use the Utes winning more games;
19) Ohio State (4-0) -- See Oregon above;
20) Missouri (4-0) -- Admittedly, I know nothing about this team;
21) Wisconsin (4-0) -- See Ohio State above;
22) Nebraska (4-0) -- Beat a good San Diego State team on Saturday. Should win the Big XII, since OU and UT aren't very good this year;
23) Texas A&M (3-0) -- See Missouri above;
24) Michigan State (4-0) -- See Wisconsin above;
25) James Madison (4-0) -- Why the heck not?
1) So many great games on Saturday, especially in the SEC and the Pac-10;
2) No comment on the Big Ten schedule lameness, except that Purdue really stinks;
3) Still have no doubt that Boise would beat any team in the country at home;
4) Ryan Mallet just kissed his Hypesman hopes goodbye.
Rankings:
1) LSU (4-0) -- Random #1 this week, but so far, they've played a better schedule than any other undefeated team;
2) Boise State (3-0) -- Very tired of people ripping their schedule, simply as those doing the ripping aren't running out to schedule Boise any time soon. Hypocrisy at its worst;
3) Oklahoma (4-0) -- Anyone who has watched this time knows they're not very good. Texas could beat them, and the Longhorns aren't very good;
4) Auburn (4-0) -- Sorry, but they've played a better schedule than Alabama or Florida has so far;
5) Alabama (4-0) -- This is what you get for scheduling patsies to counterbalance good teams. And Arkansas didn't count as a good team;
6) Florida (4-0) -- See Oklahoma above. Alabama should tear them apart next week;
7) Arizona (4-0) -- Best of the Pac-10 teams based on SOS so far;
8) Stanford (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Wildcats right now;
9) USC (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Cardinal right now;
10) TCU (4-0) -- Since I am still of the belief no BCS team except Ohio State will go undefeated, I wonder which non-AQ team the BCS will shaft out of the title game this year;
11) North Carolina State (4-0) -- Surprise team of the year so far;
12) Michigan (4-0) -- Nice when you have three QBs who can play pretty well;
13) Kansas State (4-0) -- The Snyder Formula is working again;
14) Nevada (4-0) -- Boise could use the Wolfpack winning more games;
15) Oregon (4-0) -- Sure, they're better than this, but scheduling New Mexico and Portland State hurts you somewhere;
16) Northwestern (4-0) -- Seems like they always start 4-0 or something before finishing 8-4;
17) Oklahoma State (3-0) -- Why take a bye in Week 4?;
18) Utah (4-0) -- TCU could use the Utes winning more games;
19) Ohio State (4-0) -- See Oregon above;
20) Missouri (4-0) -- Admittedly, I know nothing about this team;
21) Wisconsin (4-0) -- See Ohio State above;
22) Nebraska (4-0) -- Beat a good San Diego State team on Saturday. Should win the Big XII, since OU and UT aren't very good this year;
23) Texas A&M (3-0) -- See Missouri above;
24) Michigan State (4-0) -- See Wisconsin above;
25) James Madison (4-0) -- Why the heck not?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 19, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Great finishes dominated the landscape on Saturday, but a few teams were lucky: Sparty, Bucky and 'Zona. Maybe Michigan, too. I'm stealing the phrase, but winning hides flaws. If Notre Dame, for example, had won the past two weeks, they'd be in the Top 20, easily;
2) Word is MSU's Dantonio had a heart attack last night after the game. Hope he recovers completely and soon;
3) I wish I could have watched Oregon's game yesterday, but it was only available on Comcast in Oregon and Washington. The Pac-12 Network can't come soon enough;
4) When you play a patsy, you have to smack the patsy thoroughly. Winning by a TD or less over a mediocre team is a sign of weakness.
Rankings:
1 -- Alabama (3-0): Sure, it was just Duke, but I'm willing to revise my earlier contention that the Tide won't run the table in the SEC this year. They are miles and miles and miles ($1 to Al Shepard) above every other team in their conference;
2 -- Oregon (3-0): I figure playing Portland State (weren't they D-II in the 1990s?) is a regional favor, but ouch. The Ducks can roll anyone in the country on a neutral field;
3 -- Boise State (2-0): They play a road game against a MWC team, and they destroy them. Again, they get Oregon State at home next week, and I'll bet they win that one. But that road date at Nevada looks a lot more imposing now, doesn't it?;
4 -- Ohio State (3-0): Another regional-favor smackdown. I realize the "value" of these games for the local interest, but I don't like them;
5 -- TCU (3-0): I bet it's fun for the Horned Frogs to beat on Baylor, considering the SWC rivalries and the fact the Big XII wanted Baylor instead of TCU. Two years in a row now, I've heard a lot about Baylor's QB, and I've yet to understand why;
6 -- Stanford (3-0): Like Cal-Maryland a few years ago, the Stanford-Wake home-and-hoe demonstrates why you don't schedule major road games across multiple time zones that start at funky times. Old story but the newest example;
7 -- Utah (3-0): This team will be a fine addition to the Pac-12, for sure. The Utes will give the Oregon schools a run for the Pac-12 North division title every season;
8 -- Arizona (3-0): Okay, so the defense finally gave up some points, and they let Iowa back into the game. But they still won against a great team with BCS aspirations of their own. Yes, home-field advantage matters. Anyone remember all those September NFL games in Phoenix where the visitor would collapse and blow big leads? I know Tucson is even worse than Phoenix when it comes to heat;
9 -- Texas (3-0): Revenge wins are sweet, even if hollow;
10 -- Oklahoma (3-0): Not sold on them yet, but I also think Air Force may win ten games this year;
11 -- Nebraska (3-0): That was impressive, despite the hype. The Huskies aren't quite ready for prime time yet, are they?;
12 -- USC (3-0): Why did Wendell Tyler's kid go to USC instead of UCLA?;
13 -- South Carolina (3-0): I want to believe, Coach. I really do;
14 -- LSU (3-0): I don't have a single interesting thing to say about this team;
15 -- Florida (3-0): I don't think they're this good, but they overcome adversity for the third game in a row to win again. But it's getting ugly;
16 -- Oklahoma State (3-0): Weak schedule so far, but whatever;
17 -- Arkansas (3-0): It would have been bad to lose that one;
18 -- Nevada (3-0): Is this too high? Their QB runs weird, like Michael Johnson (upright). Hard to believe his speed when he runs so oddly. But he killed Cal;
19 -- Auburn (3-0): Easily could have lost that game, if the Clemson QB makes that third-down throw in OT. Cheesy win, and Auburn won't be able to escape reality before October is done;
20 -- West Virginia (3-0): The Big East makes my Top 25!;
21 -- Missouri (3-0): Sleeper team in the Big XII North to challenge Nebraska?;
22 -- Fresno State (2-0): Three WAC teams in my Top 25. Schedule them!;
23 -- Michigan (3-0): No FBS team should be giving up 37 points to an FCS team at home;
24 -- Kentucky (3-0): Look, it's another SEC team building a house of cards!;
25 -- North Carolina State (3-0): An ACC team makes an appearance ...;
Also considered mildly: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan State, Texas A&M, James Madison.
1) Great finishes dominated the landscape on Saturday, but a few teams were lucky: Sparty, Bucky and 'Zona. Maybe Michigan, too. I'm stealing the phrase, but winning hides flaws. If Notre Dame, for example, had won the past two weeks, they'd be in the Top 20, easily;
2) Word is MSU's Dantonio had a heart attack last night after the game. Hope he recovers completely and soon;
3) I wish I could have watched Oregon's game yesterday, but it was only available on Comcast in Oregon and Washington. The Pac-12 Network can't come soon enough;
4) When you play a patsy, you have to smack the patsy thoroughly. Winning by a TD or less over a mediocre team is a sign of weakness.
Rankings:
1 -- Alabama (3-0): Sure, it was just Duke, but I'm willing to revise my earlier contention that the Tide won't run the table in the SEC this year. They are miles and miles and miles ($1 to Al Shepard) above every other team in their conference;
2 -- Oregon (3-0): I figure playing Portland State (weren't they D-II in the 1990s?) is a regional favor, but ouch. The Ducks can roll anyone in the country on a neutral field;
3 -- Boise State (2-0): They play a road game against a MWC team, and they destroy them. Again, they get Oregon State at home next week, and I'll bet they win that one. But that road date at Nevada looks a lot more imposing now, doesn't it?;
4 -- Ohio State (3-0): Another regional-favor smackdown. I realize the "value" of these games for the local interest, but I don't like them;
5 -- TCU (3-0): I bet it's fun for the Horned Frogs to beat on Baylor, considering the SWC rivalries and the fact the Big XII wanted Baylor instead of TCU. Two years in a row now, I've heard a lot about Baylor's QB, and I've yet to understand why;
6 -- Stanford (3-0): Like Cal-Maryland a few years ago, the Stanford-Wake home-and-hoe demonstrates why you don't schedule major road games across multiple time zones that start at funky times. Old story but the newest example;
7 -- Utah (3-0): This team will be a fine addition to the Pac-12, for sure. The Utes will give the Oregon schools a run for the Pac-12 North division title every season;
8 -- Arizona (3-0): Okay, so the defense finally gave up some points, and they let Iowa back into the game. But they still won against a great team with BCS aspirations of their own. Yes, home-field advantage matters. Anyone remember all those September NFL games in Phoenix where the visitor would collapse and blow big leads? I know Tucson is even worse than Phoenix when it comes to heat;
9 -- Texas (3-0): Revenge wins are sweet, even if hollow;
10 -- Oklahoma (3-0): Not sold on them yet, but I also think Air Force may win ten games this year;
11 -- Nebraska (3-0): That was impressive, despite the hype. The Huskies aren't quite ready for prime time yet, are they?;
12 -- USC (3-0): Why did Wendell Tyler's kid go to USC instead of UCLA?;
13 -- South Carolina (3-0): I want to believe, Coach. I really do;
14 -- LSU (3-0): I don't have a single interesting thing to say about this team;
15 -- Florida (3-0): I don't think they're this good, but they overcome adversity for the third game in a row to win again. But it's getting ugly;
16 -- Oklahoma State (3-0): Weak schedule so far, but whatever;
17 -- Arkansas (3-0): It would have been bad to lose that one;
18 -- Nevada (3-0): Is this too high? Their QB runs weird, like Michael Johnson (upright). Hard to believe his speed when he runs so oddly. But he killed Cal;
19 -- Auburn (3-0): Easily could have lost that game, if the Clemson QB makes that third-down throw in OT. Cheesy win, and Auburn won't be able to escape reality before October is done;
20 -- West Virginia (3-0): The Big East makes my Top 25!;
21 -- Missouri (3-0): Sleeper team in the Big XII North to challenge Nebraska?;
22 -- Fresno State (2-0): Three WAC teams in my Top 25. Schedule them!;
23 -- Michigan (3-0): No FBS team should be giving up 37 points to an FCS team at home;
24 -- Kentucky (3-0): Look, it's another SEC team building a house of cards!;
25 -- North Carolina State (3-0): An ACC team makes an appearance ...;
Also considered mildly: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan State, Texas A&M, James Madison.
Monday, September 13, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 13, 2010
Thoughts:
1) It's great to see Alabama and Penn State do a home-and-home right now. Considering these games were probably scheduled when Saban took over the Tide, it's rewarding for everyone, even if Penn State was a little undermanned. Oh well;
2) Likewise for Michigan and Notre Dame. College football needs more legitimately fun matchups early in the year. The Oregon-Tennessee game was great to watch (in the first half, at least), and the Miami-Ohio State game was exciting, too. If you create a playoff, you will see more matchups like this in OOC games, because a loss won't kill your title hopes. Basketball has it RIGHT;
3) The James Madison-Virginia Tech game was a puzzler. The Hokies often seem to stumble early (and losing to Boise wasn't a stumble), and then they recover by the end of the year. Tech has won 62 games in the last six seasons; says here they'll still win nine games this year, at least;
4) For what it's worth now, I think my first 11 teams will supply the BCS champion this year. No one else below that has a legitimate shot;
4b) I'm joining the ranks who won't rank teams with losses right now.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: I always love watching a game on TV when the home fans think they've got a chance early, and then by the end of the game, the shots of the crowd show these shell-shocked students in a hungover stupor. Nothing kills an alcohol buzz like watching your team gets its ass handed to it on its home field. Oregon's a legitimate BCS title contender this year, if it can win three road games in its final five (against USC, Cal and Oregon State);
2) Alabama: Very yeoman-like effort in just methodically beating Penn State. If the game is played in Happy Valley, it might have been 17-10 instead, but Alabama still would have won. In truth, I was impressed with Penn State's defense. And even their freshman QB, but the Tide have a lot of talent on that roster. If they run the table again, it'll be very impressive, because it's so hard to do the second time around. Ask Florida -- oh wait, the Gators have never had a perfect season, huh?;
3) Ohio State: Not as impressed with Ohio State as others are at this point. Miami's a good team, but a flawed team. They can win the ACC, but the ACC isn't the Big Ten or the SEC or even the Pac-10. Or even the Big XII! The Buckeyes defense played well, but those special teams look terrible;
4) Florida: This ranking is too high, and I know it, but for now, I don't mind that much. The squad is having trouble in the first halves this season so far, against lesser talented teams. They need to right that ship, quick;
5) LSU: Conference road wins before mid-September are always appreciated, even if it's just at Vanderbilt. Hard to believe the SEC is so ridiculous as to put Les Miles on the hot seat just a few years after he won the BCS title; after all, he's no Larry Coker;
6) California: The Bears have been to seven straight bowl games, and while I'm sad my Buffaloes were so overwhelmed (bye, Coach Hawkins), Cal looked awesome. They also have a favorable schedule this season, with Oregon and Stanford at home. USC looks vulnerable, even in L.A., so Oregon State looks like their only tough road game. The Bears haven't been a real Pac-10 threat since blowing that shot at being No. 1 in mid-2007 at home against the Beavers. Maybe this is the year they deliver on their promise;
7) South Carolina: For all the noise about Georgia this decade and all the bluster about Steve Spurrier's return to college football, neither has been that big of a deal. Georgia is at its best when nothing is on the line anymore, and Spurrier's teams seem to always start 4-0 before finishing 7-5. Take this one with a grain of salt, and SEC fans, note the four teams from your conference in my Top 7;
8) Texas: I have to admit, I know next to no one on this team by name. Mack Brown is the coach, though. It's been ten seasons, though, since the Longhorns didn't win at least ten games. That's impressive;
9) Boise State: This ranking is more due to having the week off than anything else. Maybe the short week hurt Virginia Tech? If so, the Broncos did some smart scheduling. Could their road game at Wyoming next weekend be a trap game? I see two true traps in their schedule: the home game against Oregon State and the road game at Nevada on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Both will be tough games;
10) Oklahoma: After a rough opening game, the Sooners looked much better against Florida State. Then again, it's just an ACC opponent making the trek to Norman, right? Air Force could give OU a tough ride this weekend;
11) TCU: A road game at Utah in early November is probably the only tough game left for the Horned Frogs. But their overall schedule strength is weaker than Boise's in my eyes;
12) Arizona: Okay, they've played no one yet (The Citadel was on Florida's schedule when the Gators won the BCS title in 2008, too), but giving up only six points to the opposing offenses so far is impressive, anyway. If you're going to schedule patsies, you must bury them thoroughly, and the Wildcats are doing that;
13) Stanford: Like LSU, the Cardinal got an early road conference win, even if it was just UCLA;
14) Utah: Their win over UNLV was comparable to Wisconsin's win over the Rebels, and no one should ever doubt Utah's ability and capabilities. If Utah wasn't already moving up to the Pac-12, I'd tell Colorado to hire their coach. Oh well;
15) USC: I went to this game in person on Saturday, and it was surreal. The Trojans are such a hot mess right now, you just have no idea what they will do each week. Seriously;
16) Michigan: The defense is a concern, and they caught a big break with the Notre Dame QB situation. But tell us this, Rich Rod: even if Denard couldn't throw last year, why wasn't he on the field more as a running back?!;
17) Iowa: Beating Iowa State is one of those wins that looks better to the computers than it does to the naked eye;
18) Missouri: Same with beating Illinois. But McNeese State? I almost expect Mayor McCheese to have gone to McNeese State;
19) Texas Tech: So they've only played SMU and New Mexico, and they certainly didn't handle New Mexico like Oregon did. Heck, the Lobos scored 17 points in this one;
20) Fresno State: They had an off week, too. Heck, the WAC has two teams so far in this Top 25, and the ACC and Big East have zero combined. Ouch;
21) Nebraska: Western Kentucky and Idaho on the schedule so far is the reason why the Huskers rank so low. Come on, Nebraska! Is this the way you ramp up for the Big Ten?;
22) Oklahoma State: A three-point win over Troy isn't impressive, but now that Washington State has won a game, that first win for the Cowboys looks even better;
23) Air Force: They dismantled BYU on Saturday. That was cool. Maybe they can give the Sooners a run for their money next Saturday;
24) Texas A&M: Two wins over patsies always gets some team into the Top 25 early;
25) Auburn: The Tigers also got a road win in conference this past weekend, even if it was only Mississippi State. The score may have different than the last time these two teams played in Starkville, but the game was just as boring.
Also considered: Arkansas, Nevada, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State.
1) It's great to see Alabama and Penn State do a home-and-home right now. Considering these games were probably scheduled when Saban took over the Tide, it's rewarding for everyone, even if Penn State was a little undermanned. Oh well;
2) Likewise for Michigan and Notre Dame. College football needs more legitimately fun matchups early in the year. The Oregon-Tennessee game was great to watch (in the first half, at least), and the Miami-Ohio State game was exciting, too. If you create a playoff, you will see more matchups like this in OOC games, because a loss won't kill your title hopes. Basketball has it RIGHT;
3) The James Madison-Virginia Tech game was a puzzler. The Hokies often seem to stumble early (and losing to Boise wasn't a stumble), and then they recover by the end of the year. Tech has won 62 games in the last six seasons; says here they'll still win nine games this year, at least;
4) For what it's worth now, I think my first 11 teams will supply the BCS champion this year. No one else below that has a legitimate shot;
4b) I'm joining the ranks who won't rank teams with losses right now.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: I always love watching a game on TV when the home fans think they've got a chance early, and then by the end of the game, the shots of the crowd show these shell-shocked students in a hungover stupor. Nothing kills an alcohol buzz like watching your team gets its ass handed to it on its home field. Oregon's a legitimate BCS title contender this year, if it can win three road games in its final five (against USC, Cal and Oregon State);
2) Alabama: Very yeoman-like effort in just methodically beating Penn State. If the game is played in Happy Valley, it might have been 17-10 instead, but Alabama still would have won. In truth, I was impressed with Penn State's defense. And even their freshman QB, but the Tide have a lot of talent on that roster. If they run the table again, it'll be very impressive, because it's so hard to do the second time around. Ask Florida -- oh wait, the Gators have never had a perfect season, huh?;
3) Ohio State: Not as impressed with Ohio State as others are at this point. Miami's a good team, but a flawed team. They can win the ACC, but the ACC isn't the Big Ten or the SEC or even the Pac-10. Or even the Big XII! The Buckeyes defense played well, but those special teams look terrible;
4) Florida: This ranking is too high, and I know it, but for now, I don't mind that much. The squad is having trouble in the first halves this season so far, against lesser talented teams. They need to right that ship, quick;
5) LSU: Conference road wins before mid-September are always appreciated, even if it's just at Vanderbilt. Hard to believe the SEC is so ridiculous as to put Les Miles on the hot seat just a few years after he won the BCS title; after all, he's no Larry Coker;
6) California: The Bears have been to seven straight bowl games, and while I'm sad my Buffaloes were so overwhelmed (bye, Coach Hawkins), Cal looked awesome. They also have a favorable schedule this season, with Oregon and Stanford at home. USC looks vulnerable, even in L.A., so Oregon State looks like their only tough road game. The Bears haven't been a real Pac-10 threat since blowing that shot at being No. 1 in mid-2007 at home against the Beavers. Maybe this is the year they deliver on their promise;
7) South Carolina: For all the noise about Georgia this decade and all the bluster about Steve Spurrier's return to college football, neither has been that big of a deal. Georgia is at its best when nothing is on the line anymore, and Spurrier's teams seem to always start 4-0 before finishing 7-5. Take this one with a grain of salt, and SEC fans, note the four teams from your conference in my Top 7;
8) Texas: I have to admit, I know next to no one on this team by name. Mack Brown is the coach, though. It's been ten seasons, though, since the Longhorns didn't win at least ten games. That's impressive;
9) Boise State: This ranking is more due to having the week off than anything else. Maybe the short week hurt Virginia Tech? If so, the Broncos did some smart scheduling. Could their road game at Wyoming next weekend be a trap game? I see two true traps in their schedule: the home game against Oregon State and the road game at Nevada on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Both will be tough games;
10) Oklahoma: After a rough opening game, the Sooners looked much better against Florida State. Then again, it's just an ACC opponent making the trek to Norman, right? Air Force could give OU a tough ride this weekend;
11) TCU: A road game at Utah in early November is probably the only tough game left for the Horned Frogs. But their overall schedule strength is weaker than Boise's in my eyes;
12) Arizona: Okay, they've played no one yet (The Citadel was on Florida's schedule when the Gators won the BCS title in 2008, too), but giving up only six points to the opposing offenses so far is impressive, anyway. If you're going to schedule patsies, you must bury them thoroughly, and the Wildcats are doing that;
13) Stanford: Like LSU, the Cardinal got an early road conference win, even if it was just UCLA;
14) Utah: Their win over UNLV was comparable to Wisconsin's win over the Rebels, and no one should ever doubt Utah's ability and capabilities. If Utah wasn't already moving up to the Pac-12, I'd tell Colorado to hire their coach. Oh well;
15) USC: I went to this game in person on Saturday, and it was surreal. The Trojans are such a hot mess right now, you just have no idea what they will do each week. Seriously;
16) Michigan: The defense is a concern, and they caught a big break with the Notre Dame QB situation. But tell us this, Rich Rod: even if Denard couldn't throw last year, why wasn't he on the field more as a running back?!;
17) Iowa: Beating Iowa State is one of those wins that looks better to the computers than it does to the naked eye;
18) Missouri: Same with beating Illinois. But McNeese State? I almost expect Mayor McCheese to have gone to McNeese State;
19) Texas Tech: So they've only played SMU and New Mexico, and they certainly didn't handle New Mexico like Oregon did. Heck, the Lobos scored 17 points in this one;
20) Fresno State: They had an off week, too. Heck, the WAC has two teams so far in this Top 25, and the ACC and Big East have zero combined. Ouch;
21) Nebraska: Western Kentucky and Idaho on the schedule so far is the reason why the Huskers rank so low. Come on, Nebraska! Is this the way you ramp up for the Big Ten?;
22) Oklahoma State: A three-point win over Troy isn't impressive, but now that Washington State has won a game, that first win for the Cowboys looks even better;
23) Air Force: They dismantled BYU on Saturday. That was cool. Maybe they can give the Sooners a run for their money next Saturday;
24) Texas A&M: Two wins over patsies always gets some team into the Top 25 early;
25) Auburn: The Tigers also got a road win in conference this past weekend, even if it was only Mississippi State. The score may have different than the last time these two teams played in Starkville, but the game was just as boring.
Also considered: Arkansas, Nevada, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 7, 2010
Alright, the regular season has begun. Here we go!
Thoughts:
1. Most worthless rankings of the regular season, but always interesting and fun to do nonetheless;
2. Credit is given to schools who actually played a decent opponent, OR absolutely hammered a bad opponent like they should have;
3. Football really should do three things: a) Give the MWC BCS status; b) Establish a playoff system; and, C) Set up OOC matchup series like basketball does, and do it randomly by computer draw so ALL BCS teams play an entire OOC schedule of BCS teams.
Rankings:
1) Oregon (1-0): Yes, I know they played a patsy, but they did what ALL teams playing a patsy should do -- whitewash them into oblivion. That 72-0 score reminded me of the 1983 Cornhuskers, and that's a good thing regardless of that Orange Bowl outcome;
2) Ohio State (1-0): They only won 45-7, but Marshall used to be a good D-1AA program, right?;
3) Alabama (1-0): They missed their Heisman winner, huh?;
4) Georgia (1-0): For some reason, I think the Bulldogs might throw a wrench into the expected Florida-Alabama SEC domination rotation this year;
5) Boise State (1-0): Very impressive to win that game. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but does it make up for the 2005 debacle at Georgia? Almost;
6) TCU (1-0): Kudos to Virginia Tech and Oregon State for taking on the little guys, albeit in "home" games. Not impressed with Andy Dalton, by the way, at all;
7) Arizona (1-0): They sort of threw a shutout, right?;
8) Oklahoma State (1-0): Maybe they'll suck this year, but they beat a BCS team pretty badly;
9) California (1-0): They held poor UC-Davis to 81 yards or something. Again, that's what you do against patsies;
10) Virginia Tech (0-1): Game might have gone either way, so no fault to the Hokies;
11) South Carolina (1-0): I don't remember Southern Miss being so bad, but Spurrier always wins the openers;
12) Texas (1-0): Probably should have beat Rice by more, but whatever. It was a road game?;
13) USC (1-0): Anyone else notice USC did nothing out of the ordinary in this game? Vanilla defense, base offensive sets. No way Kiffin was letting anyone see his cards in this game;
14) Michigan (1-0): Also beat a BCS team pretty soundly, and the defense looks improved;
15) Florida (1-0): Urban Meyer has a lot of work to do with this QB, and I wonder why they don't just start a younger kid instead of a senior;
16) LSU (1-0): Considering all the UNC drama, they should have won this game by the 20-point margin they had at halftime. But Les Miles can't coach, and he let his kids cruise to a near-loss;
17) Florida State (1-0): Jumbo should have been nicer to his alma mater;
18) Mississippi State (1-0): Early call here says they beat Auburn ... and NOT by a 3-2 score;
19) Fresno State (1-0): Sure, it won't last, but Fresno State made sure someone noticed they beat a BCS AQ from last year to start off this year. That's going to help Boise's SOS;
20) Nebraska (1-0): Their last year in the Big XII will be special. As a Colorado alum, I'll miss that end of the year game they played regularly. But not that much;
21) Utah (1-0): They might give TCU some trouble later in the year;
22) Pittsburgh (0-1): They lost in OT, but at least they scheduled Utah on the road;
23) Penn State (1-0): Defense didn't look very good, and 'Bama is salivating. But JoePa can out-gamecoach Saban any day of the week;
24) Wisconsin (1-0): The Badgers survive the Las Vegas heat with ease;
25) Miami-FL (1-0): They'll lose to Ohio State this week, but they may not lose another game all year.
ALSO RECEIVING CONSIDERATION: Virginia, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Colorado (token homer).
Thoughts:
1. Most worthless rankings of the regular season, but always interesting and fun to do nonetheless;
2. Credit is given to schools who actually played a decent opponent, OR absolutely hammered a bad opponent like they should have;
3. Football really should do three things: a) Give the MWC BCS status; b) Establish a playoff system; and, C) Set up OOC matchup series like basketball does, and do it randomly by computer draw so ALL BCS teams play an entire OOC schedule of BCS teams.
Rankings:
1) Oregon (1-0): Yes, I know they played a patsy, but they did what ALL teams playing a patsy should do -- whitewash them into oblivion. That 72-0 score reminded me of the 1983 Cornhuskers, and that's a good thing regardless of that Orange Bowl outcome;
2) Ohio State (1-0): They only won 45-7, but Marshall used to be a good D-1AA program, right?;
3) Alabama (1-0): They missed their Heisman winner, huh?;
4) Georgia (1-0): For some reason, I think the Bulldogs might throw a wrench into the expected Florida-Alabama SEC domination rotation this year;
5) Boise State (1-0): Very impressive to win that game. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but does it make up for the 2005 debacle at Georgia? Almost;
6) TCU (1-0): Kudos to Virginia Tech and Oregon State for taking on the little guys, albeit in "home" games. Not impressed with Andy Dalton, by the way, at all;
7) Arizona (1-0): They sort of threw a shutout, right?;
8) Oklahoma State (1-0): Maybe they'll suck this year, but they beat a BCS team pretty badly;
9) California (1-0): They held poor UC-Davis to 81 yards or something. Again, that's what you do against patsies;
10) Virginia Tech (0-1): Game might have gone either way, so no fault to the Hokies;
11) South Carolina (1-0): I don't remember Southern Miss being so bad, but Spurrier always wins the openers;
12) Texas (1-0): Probably should have beat Rice by more, but whatever. It was a road game?;
13) USC (1-0): Anyone else notice USC did nothing out of the ordinary in this game? Vanilla defense, base offensive sets. No way Kiffin was letting anyone see his cards in this game;
14) Michigan (1-0): Also beat a BCS team pretty soundly, and the defense looks improved;
15) Florida (1-0): Urban Meyer has a lot of work to do with this QB, and I wonder why they don't just start a younger kid instead of a senior;
16) LSU (1-0): Considering all the UNC drama, they should have won this game by the 20-point margin they had at halftime. But Les Miles can't coach, and he let his kids cruise to a near-loss;
17) Florida State (1-0): Jumbo should have been nicer to his alma mater;
18) Mississippi State (1-0): Early call here says they beat Auburn ... and NOT by a 3-2 score;
19) Fresno State (1-0): Sure, it won't last, but Fresno State made sure someone noticed they beat a BCS AQ from last year to start off this year. That's going to help Boise's SOS;
20) Nebraska (1-0): Their last year in the Big XII will be special. As a Colorado alum, I'll miss that end of the year game they played regularly. But not that much;
21) Utah (1-0): They might give TCU some trouble later in the year;
22) Pittsburgh (0-1): They lost in OT, but at least they scheduled Utah on the road;
23) Penn State (1-0): Defense didn't look very good, and 'Bama is salivating. But JoePa can out-gamecoach Saban any day of the week;
24) Wisconsin (1-0): The Badgers survive the Las Vegas heat with ease;
25) Miami-FL (1-0): They'll lose to Ohio State this week, but they may not lose another game all year.
ALSO RECEIVING CONSIDERATION: Virginia, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Colorado (token homer).
Sunday, August 22, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: 2010 Preseason
Generally, I find these preseason polls worthless, but I'll give this a whirl for RSFC's sake.
1. Alabama -- They're the champs, they're returning a lot of starters, etc. But no way they make it through the year undefeated again. Mostly, because they'll probably play Florida twice.
2. Florida -- See above.
3. tOSU -- Probably the best bet for an undefeated BCS team in 2010.
4. Texas -- They were a few plays away from the title last year, with a freshman QB.
5. OU -- A lot of talent here.
6. Virginia Tech -- Young, but well-coached and always talented.
7. TCU -- Best bet to go through regular season undefeated for a non-AQ school.
8. PSU -- Probably too high here, but whatever.
9. Oregon -- QB questions, but otherwise, pretty good.
10. LSU -- Overrated, as usual.
11. USC -- Could go 13-0 or 8-5. Depends when they lose the first one, if they do.
12. Clemson -- Overrated, as usual.
13. Miami-FL -- They'll lose to Ohio State, but maybe not again.
14. Boise State -- If they beat Virginia Tech early, they could go undefeated again.
15. Iowa -- Might give Buckeyes run for their money.
16. TTU -- Talent is there, but will they adapt?
17. Wisconsin -- Usually good for one blown game a year, if not two.
18. Arkansas -- Best dropback QB in the country. Will it be enough?
19. Georgia -- Usually overrated.
20. Tennessee -- They'll choke.
21. UNL -- Underrated.
22. Pitt -- Best of the weak Big East.
23. South Carolina -- Seems they always go 7-5, huh?
24. UNC -- Butch Davis is a good coach.
25. Mississippi -- Bound to be overrated like most SEC teams.
1. Alabama -- They're the champs, they're returning a lot of starters, etc. But no way they make it through the year undefeated again. Mostly, because they'll probably play Florida twice.
2. Florida -- See above.
3. tOSU -- Probably the best bet for an undefeated BCS team in 2010.
4. Texas -- They were a few plays away from the title last year, with a freshman QB.
5. OU -- A lot of talent here.
6. Virginia Tech -- Young, but well-coached and always talented.
7. TCU -- Best bet to go through regular season undefeated for a non-AQ school.
8. PSU -- Probably too high here, but whatever.
9. Oregon -- QB questions, but otherwise, pretty good.
10. LSU -- Overrated, as usual.
11. USC -- Could go 13-0 or 8-5. Depends when they lose the first one, if they do.
12. Clemson -- Overrated, as usual.
13. Miami-FL -- They'll lose to Ohio State, but maybe not again.
14. Boise State -- If they beat Virginia Tech early, they could go undefeated again.
15. Iowa -- Might give Buckeyes run for their money.
16. TTU -- Talent is there, but will they adapt?
17. Wisconsin -- Usually good for one blown game a year, if not two.
18. Arkansas -- Best dropback QB in the country. Will it be enough?
19. Georgia -- Usually overrated.
20. Tennessee -- They'll choke.
21. UNL -- Underrated.
22. Pitt -- Best of the weak Big East.
23. South Carolina -- Seems they always go 7-5, huh?
24. UNC -- Butch Davis is a good coach.
25. Mississippi -- Bound to be overrated like most SEC teams.
Friday, January 8, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: January 8, 2010
Thoughts:
1) A lot of upsets this bowl season, more than I can remember in a long time;
2) Congratulations to the Mountain West Conference, for winning the Bowl Challenge Cup. With its 4-1 bowl record, the MWC proved itself to be the best conference in the FBS postseason;
3) Also congratulations go to the Big East, that often-knocked little brother of the BCS conferences. With its 4-2 bowl record, it secured the best record of the BCS conferences in the bowl season;
4) Final congrats to the Alabama Crimson Tide for winning the BCS title in 2009.
Rankings:
1t) Alabama (14-0): They'll win my McMNC, simply because of the logical analysis behind that process. But they really shouldn't win this ballot vote. Then, again, start to finish, they may have been the best team all year. But Boise can make that claim, too.
1t) Boise State (14-0): Another impressive year for the Broncos, and they can claim any MNC they want to for the year. Chris Petersen really should be getting wooed by a big school; maybe he just wants to stay in Boise. He's earned the right to do whatever he wants, and says here that Kellen Moore will win the Heisman before he's done;
3) TCU (12-1): I bet they're bitterly disappointed, and they should be. But Boise really took it to them, the same way the Broncos took it to Oregon earlier in the year. I bet they still don't know what hit them;
4) Texas (13-1): Colt McCoy now knows Sam Bradford's pain, no? Except he doesn't have a Heisman Trophy to ease his wounds. Tough way to end a great career.
5) Florida (13-1): Urban Meyer left his mark on college football this decade.
6) Cincinnati (12-1): We all knew they were probably the weakest of the undefeated bunch. Now everyone else knows it. Why was this team #3 in the BCS rankings? To merely "protect" the BCS itself from TCU being in the title game. What a sham.
7) Ohio State (11-2): As I noted in my December 6 rankings, the Rose Bowl would be a pivotal point in Pryor's career. Consider him THE best QB in college football for 2010.
8) Iowa (11-2): Nice win over the ACC champions on the Orange Bowl. And? Another #8 finish for Kirk Ferentz. Must be his lucky number.
9) BYU (11-2): Solid bowl win over a good Pac-10 team. Nothing to sneeze at for the Cougars this year. Heck, I'd take this kind of year, every year, for my Buffs.
10) Penn State (11-2): Ho-hum, another Top 10 finish for JoePa. The guy is a machine, no matter what y'all say. They did play a weak schedule, though, which is why BYU jumps them in my ballot.
11) Central Michigan (12-2): Weak schedule overall, but 12 wins is 12 wins.
12) Oregon (10-3): Finally getting to the Rose Bowl and then losing it had to hurt the Ducks, but having a Pac-10 championship to yourself eases the pain. As does knowing you ended USC's seven-year reign.
13) Georgia Tech (11-3): The triple-option is easier to prepare for when you have time to do so.
14) Virginia Tech (10-3): They just churn out seasons like this, year after year. Most schools should be so fortunate. So under the radar, too.
15) Pittsburgh (10-3): I have no idea who they played in their bowl game or even which bowl game they won, which tells me all I need to know about the Panthers. No one cared.
16) Wisconsin (10-3): Good recovery year for the Badgers. I thought after last year, the end was near for the Wisconsin Football Era, but I was wrong. Good for them.
17) Utah (10-3): Nice rebuilding year.
18) Miami-FL (9-4): I like Randy Shannon.
19) USC (9-4): I like Pete Carroll.
20) Nebraska (10-4): I'm a fan of Bo Pelini.
21) Navy (10-4): Remember when Navy almost upset Ohio State?
22) LSU (9-4): Not a big fan of Les Miles.
23) West Virginia (9-4): Could care less about Bill Stewart.
24) Texas Tech (9-4): I suspect we haven't heard the last of the Leach Incident. Lubbock's gonna have a bumpy ride in the offseason.
25) Oklahoma (8-5): This violates my usual system a bit, but the Sooners were pretty good without their Heisman winner this year.
Also considered: Ole Miss, Houston, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, Stanford, Oregon State
1) A lot of upsets this bowl season, more than I can remember in a long time;
2) Congratulations to the Mountain West Conference, for winning the Bowl Challenge Cup. With its 4-1 bowl record, the MWC proved itself to be the best conference in the FBS postseason;
3) Also congratulations go to the Big East, that often-knocked little brother of the BCS conferences. With its 4-2 bowl record, it secured the best record of the BCS conferences in the bowl season;
4) Final congrats to the Alabama Crimson Tide for winning the BCS title in 2009.
Rankings:
1t) Alabama (14-0): They'll win my McMNC, simply because of the logical analysis behind that process. But they really shouldn't win this ballot vote. Then, again, start to finish, they may have been the best team all year. But Boise can make that claim, too.
1t) Boise State (14-0): Another impressive year for the Broncos, and they can claim any MNC they want to for the year. Chris Petersen really should be getting wooed by a big school; maybe he just wants to stay in Boise. He's earned the right to do whatever he wants, and says here that Kellen Moore will win the Heisman before he's done;
3) TCU (12-1): I bet they're bitterly disappointed, and they should be. But Boise really took it to them, the same way the Broncos took it to Oregon earlier in the year. I bet they still don't know what hit them;
4) Texas (13-1): Colt McCoy now knows Sam Bradford's pain, no? Except he doesn't have a Heisman Trophy to ease his wounds. Tough way to end a great career.
5) Florida (13-1): Urban Meyer left his mark on college football this decade.
6) Cincinnati (12-1): We all knew they were probably the weakest of the undefeated bunch. Now everyone else knows it. Why was this team #3 in the BCS rankings? To merely "protect" the BCS itself from TCU being in the title game. What a sham.
7) Ohio State (11-2): As I noted in my December 6 rankings, the Rose Bowl would be a pivotal point in Pryor's career. Consider him THE best QB in college football for 2010.
8) Iowa (11-2): Nice win over the ACC champions on the Orange Bowl. And? Another #8 finish for Kirk Ferentz. Must be his lucky number.
9) BYU (11-2): Solid bowl win over a good Pac-10 team. Nothing to sneeze at for the Cougars this year. Heck, I'd take this kind of year, every year, for my Buffs.
10) Penn State (11-2): Ho-hum, another Top 10 finish for JoePa. The guy is a machine, no matter what y'all say. They did play a weak schedule, though, which is why BYU jumps them in my ballot.
11) Central Michigan (12-2): Weak schedule overall, but 12 wins is 12 wins.
12) Oregon (10-3): Finally getting to the Rose Bowl and then losing it had to hurt the Ducks, but having a Pac-10 championship to yourself eases the pain. As does knowing you ended USC's seven-year reign.
13) Georgia Tech (11-3): The triple-option is easier to prepare for when you have time to do so.
14) Virginia Tech (10-3): They just churn out seasons like this, year after year. Most schools should be so fortunate. So under the radar, too.
15) Pittsburgh (10-3): I have no idea who they played in their bowl game or even which bowl game they won, which tells me all I need to know about the Panthers. No one cared.
16) Wisconsin (10-3): Good recovery year for the Badgers. I thought after last year, the end was near for the Wisconsin Football Era, but I was wrong. Good for them.
17) Utah (10-3): Nice rebuilding year.
18) Miami-FL (9-4): I like Randy Shannon.
19) USC (9-4): I like Pete Carroll.
20) Nebraska (10-4): I'm a fan of Bo Pelini.
21) Navy (10-4): Remember when Navy almost upset Ohio State?
22) LSU (9-4): Not a big fan of Les Miles.
23) West Virginia (9-4): Could care less about Bill Stewart.
24) Texas Tech (9-4): I suspect we haven't heard the last of the Leach Incident. Lubbock's gonna have a bumpy ride in the offseason.
25) Oklahoma (8-5): This violates my usual system a bit, but the Sooners were pretty good without their Heisman winner this year.
Also considered: Ole Miss, Houston, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, Stanford, Oregon State
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