Tuesday, September 8, 2009

McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 8, 2009

Thoughts:

1) These are the most meaningless rankings of the year;
2) There's not a lot to go on, since many teams scheduled weaklings and didn't play "full" games;
3) Some teams were obviously rewarded for playing better opponents during this first weekend of the season;
4) Oklahoma was overrated last year, as pointed out here repeatedly. I feel somewhat smug seeing them go down early this year.

Rankings:


1. USC: They threw in a true freshman QB against Dick Tomey, and they rolled. The Trojans may be the best second-quarter team in the country, year-after-year. They seem to feel out their opponents in the first quarter before basically stepping on the turbo in the second quarter. By halftime, you're often cooked and done. Just ask Penn State.

2. Texas: They must now guard against complacency, knowing Oklahoma already lost more than just a game.

3. California: The running back looked good, as did the QB. I was wondering if the RB would be overrated and the QB could do it. Questions answered.

4. Florida: Not sure they should be this high after playing Charleston, but whatever.

5. Alabama: This team looked better on Saturday than they looked at any point in 2008 to me. I think they could make a serious run for the SEC title.

6. Boise State: Did Oregon suck or was Boise that good? Hard to tell and probably a bit of both.

7. LSU: Yes, the SEC is a solid conference. The SEC West is going to be nasty this year.

8. Ohio State: Bullet dodged, and you're never in good shape after playing the triple option. I wonder how the defensive line feels right now. Ouch.

9. Missouri: I expected Illinois to be better, but maybe Missouri is really good?

10. Oklahoma State: Perhaps they should be higher than Florida for beating a real team, but ...

11. BYU: It's easier to beat a team when their Heisman QB gets hurt and has to leave the game.

12. Penn State: The Big Ten isn't that bad.

13. Cincinnati: I thought Rutgers would be better, but maybe Cincy is just this good.

14. Nebraska: You know, the Big XII North may have a strong season this year.

15. Boston College: Their consistency will continue in 2009, despite the coaching change.

16. Miami-FL: I didn't the game was that great, and FSU lost it more than Miami won it.

17. Clemson: They have an interesting defensive challenge this week, no?

18. Utah: Nation's longest winning streak reaches 15 games. Have to respect that.

19. Tennessee: Yes, I believe in the Kiffins.

20. South Carolina: Ugly game of the week was also the first game of the season. See Miami-FL note above.

21. Texas Tech: The offense keeps on rolling. Crabtree Harrell who?

22. Auburn: I wonder if there is a more infuriating team to its fans in the country.

23. Oregon State: Fear the Beav.

24. Notre Dame: Sure, it was just Nevada, but the defense looked good, too. I suspect whichever team wins next week (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) will be overrated, though.

25. South Florida: Might be a Big East sleeper, but we'll see how they handle success this time around.

Others: Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Michigan State

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