McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 25, 2009

Thoughts:

1) Best undefeated team effort on Saturday was ... surprise ... Texas. Maybe they realized they're underwhelming;

2) Iowa and Alabama really got lucky. But luck is the result of design, so ... kudos to them;

3) Pittsburgh looks pretty good; they're going to give Cincy a run in the Big Least. Watch;

4) Notre Dame is dancing some fine lines in 2009.

Rankings:

1. Iowa (8-0): Can't argue with the results, and the team is resilient. But ... they have the strongest SOS of any team that's undefeated, using my system. And it's not close, actually. Michigan State is better than its 4-4 record suggests, for example.
2. Alabama (8-0): What do the Hawkeyes and the Tide have in common? Great special teams play that has kept them undefeated in 2009. Maybe they're destined to meet in the MNC game.
3. Florida (7-0): Underwhelming, again. They look like 'Bama last year.
4. TCU (7-0): Seriously, that defense can beat any team in the country. Hope they get a MNC game shot.
5. Texas (7-0): Finally, an impressive win, of sorts.
6. Boise State (7-0): I haven't perused the BCS monopoly rules close enough, but if TCU makes the title game, can Boise State still get another BCS bowl bid?
7. Cincinnati (7-0): Just saw one highlight from their game, and the QB literally slung the ball toward the end zone. And it was a TD. I am not sold.
8. Oregon (6-1): If they win the Pac-10, their coach gets my COTY vote.
9. Georgia Tech (7-1): Steamrolling.
10. USC (6-1): Hey Pete, if you get up by 20 against the Ducks next week, make sure your defense doesn't fold late, okay?
11. LSU (6-1): Whatever.
12. Utah (6-1): You have to think this is one of the best programs in the FBS right now. Seriously. If I'm an undersized kid with a lot of heart living out West, I go to Salt Lake City and get a good education while playing for a perennial Top 20 program. Great coaching.
13. Pittsburgh (7-1): That freshman RB is pretty good.
14. West Virginia (6-1): Not sure why Noel Devine doesn't have more big games, but then again, he is playing in a Big East outpost. I mean, he's third in the nation in rushing. I haven't even noticed.
15. Penn State (7-1): Bet THAT felt good. But the Nits still haven't beaten a good team all season.
16. Houston (6-1): Whatever.
17. Oklahoma State (6-1): With such a poor SOS, you wonder how good this team really is.
18. Central Michigan (7-1): They'll think twice before scheduling another trip out West. This team could also be undefeated with a little better planning. Wow.
19. Virginia Tech (5-2): Great schedule, and they suffer for it.
20. Arizona (5-2): About time, Mike.
21. Miami-FL (5-2): That was a blown opp. Remember the ol' Orange Bowl days, where NO ONE came into the 'Canes' backyard and won? Yeah, I do, too.
22. Notre Dame (5-2): So close to being 7-0, and so close to being 1-6. Charlie, you're living lucky. Still think they're going to lose to Pitt and Stanford.
23. California (5-2): Whatever. I'm moving to California soon (San Jose, actually).
24. Wisconsin (5-2): These last few teams mean nothing to me.
25. South Carolina (6-2): I still have a soft spot for the Ol' Ball Coach, though.

Others considered but dismissed for weak-ass scheduling: Ohio State, BYU, Mississippi, Idaho, Navy, Troy, Kansas, South Florida, Temple, Rutgers