Thoughts:
1) A lot of upsets. But I bet at least one of the teams that lost this week will end up in the “title” game;
2) I hope Tebow is okay, but I’m also surprised this hasn’t happened before (or more often);
3) Florida State? Fuck off;
4) Forget Stanford; Cal sucks.
Rankings:
1. Iowa (4-0): No other undefeated team has played as good a schedule so far as the Hawkeyes. I figured Penn State would beat them, simply because the loss last year cost the Nittany Lions a shot at the title game (although it clearly shouldn’t have, since Iowa was a much better team than Mississippi, etc.). Impressive win for Kirk Ferentz and Co.
2. Boise State (4-0): That win over Oregon looks pretty good right about now, doesn’t it?
3. TCU (3-0): I find it interesting Boise and TCU have SOS ratings in the Top 3 of the undefeated teams right now. Because that’s how the non-BCS schools have to do it.
4. LSU (4-0): Easily the best team right now in the SEC, simply because they’ve played the best schedule in 2009. Bet they wished Washington could have kept winning, though.
5. UCLA (3-0): Still on top of Los Angeles, for a little while longer.
6. Alabama (4-0): Since they played Virginia Tech, the rest of their schedule has sucked.
7. Houston (3-0): Stayin’ alive.
8. Cincinnati (4-0): Maybe a Big East team can run the table. I’d like to see if that would happen – and then wait for the BCS to tell us that a one-loss SEC team deserves the title game more. Bring on the chaos!
9. Wisconsin (4-0): Sort of an enigma to me. Keep an eye on this team.
10. Missouri (4-0): With their personnel losses, this surprises me.
11. Florida (4-0): Still waiting for them to play a decent team.
12. Texas (4-0): Ditto, although since they did beat Texas Tech, it says a lot about their other three games that their SOS is still lower than Florida’s at this point.
13. Michigan (4-0): This team is a few corrected officials’ calls from being 2-2.
14. Auburn (4-0): Four SEC teams still undefeated. Rumble!
15. South Florida (4-0): Impressive win without their QB. Off-topic: does Bobby B. have a clue about his team right now?
16. Kansas (4-0): I think I said it before, but it’s looking like 2007 all over again in Lawrence.
17. Texas A&M (3-0): Thank you, soft schedule.
18. Miami-FL (2-1): Egg laid. But their SOS is still No. 1 overall in my book.
19. Oregon (3-1): Impressive coaching job to get this team focused enough.
20. Virginia Tech (3-1): I realize the H2H issue with this ranking, but my H2H factor doesn’t kick in until October. So apologies in advance, Hokie fans.
21. Georgia (3-1): Rebounding nicely. Of course, Georgia always plays best when the pressure is off them. Which means they’ll be beat Florida.
22. Georgia Tech (3-1): Long-term, I wonder how long the option can last in a BCS conference.
23. BYU (3-1): Must be dumbfounded by the USF-FSU score.
24. Arizona (3-1): Three Pac-10 teams in my Top 25; stop the presses!
25. South Carolina (3-1): Impressive upset, Spurrier. I’ve always liked you much more than I could ever like Urban Meyer.
Also considered: California, Notre Dame, North Carolina, USC, Minnesota, Ohio State, Utah
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 20, 2009
Thoughts:
1) I was not surprised about the USC game, as it had "trap" written all over it -- especially with a "backup" QB. But still, the Trojans only play to their potential in their bowl game in most years, so the "Cali" 'tude snags them again;
2) More surprising was BYU, especially at home, but maybe they believed their own hype. Serves them right in September;
3) The nation's longest winning streak is now Florida's, I think. But their SOS so far is pathetic;
4) This will be the last week that only undefeated teams make my Top 25, as there just aren't that many undefeated teams left.
Rankings:
1. Miami-FL -- Why? Because they're the only team which has really beaten two good FBS teams so far. In fact, Sagarin has their SOS as the top in the country at this point.
2. Iowa -- Yes, this surprises me, too, but this is what my system spit out. First, Northern Iowa is a pretty good team, even for an FCS squad. Again, to wit, Sagarin has them at #33 overall. That's better than a lot of FBS schools right now.
3. North Carolina -- Since so many schools have played weak schedules, these are just the undefeated teams with the best schedules so far. So be it.
4. Boise State -- I wonder if they breathed a sigh of relief when BYU lost. After all, if both Boise and BYU ran the table, the BCS would never put them both into BCS games, right? Now, Boise has the non-BCS spotlight all to itself.
5. LSU -- Their SOS shot up with Washington's upset of USC. The best of the SEC bunch so far.
6. Wisconsin -- Yes, Fresno State actually helps their SOS.
7. Cincinnati -- This isn't even basketball season.
8. Auburn -- This season might turn out to be their best since 2004.
9. Alabama -- The best SEC team I've seen on TV this year, so far.
10. California -- Not sure what they were doing tied in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, but it was a road game, so whatever.
11. UCLA -- Who owns Los Angeles now?
12. Texas -- I was expecting a more dominant win over Tech, but oh well.
13. Missouri -- Flying under the radar so far.
14. Pittsburgh -- Maybe the Big East isn't so bad this year.
15. Michigan -- They played with their food a bit too long this week.
16. Houston -- The Oklahoma State win will keep them high in SOS for awhile.
17. Kentucky -- Weak SEC sisters often stay high early.
18. TCU -- Now the MWC's only shot at a BCS bowl.
19. Indiana -- Yes, their SOS is higher than Florida's right now.
20. Florida -- For all the Gators' greatness, I expected a bigger win over Rocky Top, especially at home.
21. Penn State -- Did they even schedule any good teams this year? Besides, you know they'll lose to Michigan.
22. Southern Mississippi -- The pickings are getting slim.
23. Kansas -- This could be 2007 all over again for the Big XII Norte.
24. Texas A&M -- Don't think this will last long.
25. South Florida -- Big East!
Others: Mississippi, Arizona State
1) I was not surprised about the USC game, as it had "trap" written all over it -- especially with a "backup" QB. But still, the Trojans only play to their potential in their bowl game in most years, so the "Cali" 'tude snags them again;
2) More surprising was BYU, especially at home, but maybe they believed their own hype. Serves them right in September;
3) The nation's longest winning streak is now Florida's, I think. But their SOS so far is pathetic;
4) This will be the last week that only undefeated teams make my Top 25, as there just aren't that many undefeated teams left.
Rankings:
1. Miami-FL -- Why? Because they're the only team which has really beaten two good FBS teams so far. In fact, Sagarin has their SOS as the top in the country at this point.
2. Iowa -- Yes, this surprises me, too, but this is what my system spit out. First, Northern Iowa is a pretty good team, even for an FCS squad. Again, to wit, Sagarin has them at #33 overall. That's better than a lot of FBS schools right now.
3. North Carolina -- Since so many schools have played weak schedules, these are just the undefeated teams with the best schedules so far. So be it.
4. Boise State -- I wonder if they breathed a sigh of relief when BYU lost. After all, if both Boise and BYU ran the table, the BCS would never put them both into BCS games, right? Now, Boise has the non-BCS spotlight all to itself.
5. LSU -- Their SOS shot up with Washington's upset of USC. The best of the SEC bunch so far.
6. Wisconsin -- Yes, Fresno State actually helps their SOS.
7. Cincinnati -- This isn't even basketball season.
8. Auburn -- This season might turn out to be their best since 2004.
9. Alabama -- The best SEC team I've seen on TV this year, so far.
10. California -- Not sure what they were doing tied in the fourth quarter against Minnesota, but it was a road game, so whatever.
11. UCLA -- Who owns Los Angeles now?
12. Texas -- I was expecting a more dominant win over Tech, but oh well.
13. Missouri -- Flying under the radar so far.
14. Pittsburgh -- Maybe the Big East isn't so bad this year.
15. Michigan -- They played with their food a bit too long this week.
16. Houston -- The Oklahoma State win will keep them high in SOS for awhile.
17. Kentucky -- Weak SEC sisters often stay high early.
18. TCU -- Now the MWC's only shot at a BCS bowl.
19. Indiana -- Yes, their SOS is higher than Florida's right now.
20. Florida -- For all the Gators' greatness, I expected a bigger win over Rocky Top, especially at home.
21. Penn State -- Did they even schedule any good teams this year? Besides, you know they'll lose to Michigan.
22. Southern Mississippi -- The pickings are getting slim.
23. Kansas -- This could be 2007 all over again for the Big XII Norte.
24. Texas A&M -- Don't think this will last long.
25. South Florida -- Big East!
Others: Mississippi, Arizona State
Sunday, September 13, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 13, 2009
Thoughts:
1) Surprised that UCLA beat Tennessee in Knoxville. Was talking to a friend on Saturday about Monte Kiffin, and I said that I felt he’d be the kind of guy to really build a scheme to smother Tebow when the time came. But if he and his son can’t even beat the bRuins …;
2) Impressed with USC’s defense, considering the personnel losses and the ridiculous field position Ohio State had for so much of that game. I think the Trojans have solved the mobile QB problem that cost them the 2005 AP title;
3) The freshmen QBs impressed me, too. Interesting to think that Forcier wasn’t on USC’s radar, because of his skill set, and that Barkley wouldn’t have been on Michigan’s radar, etc. Be fun to see them play against each other someday in a Rose Bowl, perhaps, but Michigan’s defense leaves a lot to be desired;
4) I have no idea why voters reward Florida for scheduling so poorly. The Gators should be traveling to take on real programs, and I don’t buy the crap about FSU and Miami, since Florida easily has the upper hand on those teams right now. Scheduling them and claiming SOS is laughable; with at least half the SEC a borderline joke this season, Florida still is getting sucked off by the media.
Rankings:
1. USC (2-0): Easily the best victory any team can claim this year, as BYU beat a depleted OU team on the road. The Trojans took the best tOSU had to offer, and they still won playing a true freshman on the road (see Michigan below). That was an ugly game, but the Trojans found a win to win it, SEC-style even.
2. BYU (2-0): Assuming they roll FSU in Provo this next week, the Coogs also get TCU and Utah at home later. It was refreshing to see ESPN TV guys pimping BYU’s title game chances if they run the table. Finally, some common sense prevails.
3. Alabama (2-0): Little Nicky might have the horses this year to win the SEC. I really am liking this team a lot already this season. And that’s a little unsettling for me.
4. LSU (2-0): Yeah, the SEC isn’t all that great from top to bottom, but at least LSU has some cojones.
5. Boise State (12-0): I know it’s very early to ponder this, but say both BYU and Boise State go undefeated, and no BCS team finishes undefeated. Does Boise State-BYU sell any tickets for an alleged “title” game? I mean, I’d go, and you know both these teams travel well, but … wow. Talk about anarchy in the U.S.
6. UCLA (2-0): Do I think they’re this good? No, but they did win a big game (for them) in a very hostile environment. That gives them some love this week.
7. Minnesota (2-0): The Golden Gophs as the Big Ten’s best team right now? Maybe, based on actual results this season and this season only.
8. Wisconsin (2-0): No, they’re not this good, but again, it’s early, and Fresno State is better than a lot of the cream puffs other teams have played at home.
9. Michigan (2-0): I really enjoy watching Tate Forcier play QB. Kid’s got moxie. But Rich-Rod, your eally need to get BOTH Forcier and Denard on the field at the SAME TIME. You can’t leave Denard rotting on the bench, and rotating QBs killed a lot of Forcier’s rhythm Saturday, almost to the point it could have cost you the game (oh but wait, you were coaching against Charlie Weis – my mistakes, for he’s even dumber than you are!). Figure it out quick, and you’ll have the best offense in the Big Ten.
10. Missouri (2-0): Maybe that win over Illinois is more impressive than we thought.
11. Georgia Tech (2-0): I really like watching the triple option. It’s cool.
12. North Carolina (2-0): Going on the road and winning like THAT is pretty funny. But at least they had the balls to schedule a road game against a BCS team.
13. California (2-0): Jahvid Best is averaging more than 10 yards a carry, I think. He’s going to New York in December, and he might just take the cake away from the QB parade. Pure talent.
14. Utah (2-0): They just keep winning, don’t they?
15. Houston (2-0): Okay, so Okie State was obviously overrated. And I can’t get forget Andre Ware or the Klingler Boys. But, hey, that was a nice win.
16. Iowa (2-0): Maybe I like Kirk Ferentz too much.
17. Arizona (2-0): That win over Central Michigan looks more impressive now.
18. Penn State (2-0): Two lackluster wins, but wins nonetheless – and one over a BCS team, albeit one with Greg Paulus half-running the show.
19. Oregon State (2-0): I bet USC is happy they don’t have to go to Corvallis this year. But come on, if they can win in Columbus …
20. Texas (2-0): When I was growing up, we used to drive to Laramie a lot just for kicks. Really.
21. South Florida (2-0): For some reason, I really want to see them do well. Still not sure why.
22. Auburn (2-0): Tony Franklin, eat your heart out.
23. West Virginia (2-0): Wouldn’t it be great to see them play Michigan in a bowl game?
24. Nebraska (2-0): I hate it when a favorite shirt starts fraying around the edges and you can’t wear it anymore. The girl I lost my virginity with went to Nebraska. And that’s all I have to say about that.
25. Tulsa (2-0): For some reason, Sagarin has their SOS higher than Florida’s so far. Amusing but sad.
Also considered but mostly rejected for pathetic early scheduling: Baylor, Miami-FL, TCU, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Florida, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas
1) Surprised that UCLA beat Tennessee in Knoxville. Was talking to a friend on Saturday about Monte Kiffin, and I said that I felt he’d be the kind of guy to really build a scheme to smother Tebow when the time came. But if he and his son can’t even beat the bRuins …;
2) Impressed with USC’s defense, considering the personnel losses and the ridiculous field position Ohio State had for so much of that game. I think the Trojans have solved the mobile QB problem that cost them the 2005 AP title;
3) The freshmen QBs impressed me, too. Interesting to think that Forcier wasn’t on USC’s radar, because of his skill set, and that Barkley wouldn’t have been on Michigan’s radar, etc. Be fun to see them play against each other someday in a Rose Bowl, perhaps, but Michigan’s defense leaves a lot to be desired;
4) I have no idea why voters reward Florida for scheduling so poorly. The Gators should be traveling to take on real programs, and I don’t buy the crap about FSU and Miami, since Florida easily has the upper hand on those teams right now. Scheduling them and claiming SOS is laughable; with at least half the SEC a borderline joke this season, Florida still is getting sucked off by the media.
Rankings:
1. USC (2-0): Easily the best victory any team can claim this year, as BYU beat a depleted OU team on the road. The Trojans took the best tOSU had to offer, and they still won playing a true freshman on the road (see Michigan below). That was an ugly game, but the Trojans found a win to win it, SEC-style even.
2. BYU (2-0): Assuming they roll FSU in Provo this next week, the Coogs also get TCU and Utah at home later. It was refreshing to see ESPN TV guys pimping BYU’s title game chances if they run the table. Finally, some common sense prevails.
3. Alabama (2-0): Little Nicky might have the horses this year to win the SEC. I really am liking this team a lot already this season. And that’s a little unsettling for me.
4. LSU (2-0): Yeah, the SEC isn’t all that great from top to bottom, but at least LSU has some cojones.
5. Boise State (12-0): I know it’s very early to ponder this, but say both BYU and Boise State go undefeated, and no BCS team finishes undefeated. Does Boise State-BYU sell any tickets for an alleged “title” game? I mean, I’d go, and you know both these teams travel well, but … wow. Talk about anarchy in the U.S.
6. UCLA (2-0): Do I think they’re this good? No, but they did win a big game (for them) in a very hostile environment. That gives them some love this week.
7. Minnesota (2-0): The Golden Gophs as the Big Ten’s best team right now? Maybe, based on actual results this season and this season only.
8. Wisconsin (2-0): No, they’re not this good, but again, it’s early, and Fresno State is better than a lot of the cream puffs other teams have played at home.
9. Michigan (2-0): I really enjoy watching Tate Forcier play QB. Kid’s got moxie. But Rich-Rod, your eally need to get BOTH Forcier and Denard on the field at the SAME TIME. You can’t leave Denard rotting on the bench, and rotating QBs killed a lot of Forcier’s rhythm Saturday, almost to the point it could have cost you the game (oh but wait, you were coaching against Charlie Weis – my mistakes, for he’s even dumber than you are!). Figure it out quick, and you’ll have the best offense in the Big Ten.
10. Missouri (2-0): Maybe that win over Illinois is more impressive than we thought.
11. Georgia Tech (2-0): I really like watching the triple option. It’s cool.
12. North Carolina (2-0): Going on the road and winning like THAT is pretty funny. But at least they had the balls to schedule a road game against a BCS team.
13. California (2-0): Jahvid Best is averaging more than 10 yards a carry, I think. He’s going to New York in December, and he might just take the cake away from the QB parade. Pure talent.
14. Utah (2-0): They just keep winning, don’t they?
15. Houston (2-0): Okay, so Okie State was obviously overrated. And I can’t get forget Andre Ware or the Klingler Boys. But, hey, that was a nice win.
16. Iowa (2-0): Maybe I like Kirk Ferentz too much.
17. Arizona (2-0): That win over Central Michigan looks more impressive now.
18. Penn State (2-0): Two lackluster wins, but wins nonetheless – and one over a BCS team, albeit one with Greg Paulus half-running the show.
19. Oregon State (2-0): I bet USC is happy they don’t have to go to Corvallis this year. But come on, if they can win in Columbus …
20. Texas (2-0): When I was growing up, we used to drive to Laramie a lot just for kicks. Really.
21. South Florida (2-0): For some reason, I really want to see them do well. Still not sure why.
22. Auburn (2-0): Tony Franklin, eat your heart out.
23. West Virginia (2-0): Wouldn’t it be great to see them play Michigan in a bowl game?
24. Nebraska (2-0): I hate it when a favorite shirt starts fraying around the edges and you can’t wear it anymore. The girl I lost my virginity with went to Nebraska. And that’s all I have to say about that.
25. Tulsa (2-0): For some reason, Sagarin has their SOS higher than Florida’s so far. Amusing but sad.
Also considered but mostly rejected for pathetic early scheduling: Baylor, Miami-FL, TCU, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas A&M, Florida, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Boston College, Kansas
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 8, 2009
Thoughts:
1) These are the most meaningless rankings of the year;
2) There's not a lot to go on, since many teams scheduled weaklings and didn't play "full" games;
3) Some teams were obviously rewarded for playing better opponents during this first weekend of the season;
4) Oklahoma was overrated last year, as pointed out here repeatedly. I feel somewhat smug seeing them go down early this year.
Rankings:
1. USC: They threw in a true freshman QB against Dick Tomey, and they rolled. The Trojans may be the best second-quarter team in the country, year-after-year. They seem to feel out their opponents in the first quarter before basically stepping on the turbo in the second quarter. By halftime, you're often cooked and done. Just ask Penn State.
2. Texas: They must now guard against complacency, knowing Oklahoma already lost more than just a game.
3. California: The running back looked good, as did the QB. I was wondering if the RB would be overrated and the QB could do it. Questions answered.
4. Florida: Not sure they should be this high after playing Charleston, but whatever.
5. Alabama: This team looked better on Saturday than they looked at any point in 2008 to me. I think they could make a serious run for the SEC title.
6. Boise State: Did Oregon suck or was Boise that good? Hard to tell and probably a bit of both.
7. LSU: Yes, the SEC is a solid conference. The SEC West is going to be nasty this year.
8. Ohio State: Bullet dodged, and you're never in good shape after playing the triple option. I wonder how the defensive line feels right now. Ouch.
9. Missouri: I expected Illinois to be better, but maybe Missouri is really good?
10. Oklahoma State: Perhaps they should be higher than Florida for beating a real team, but ...
11. BYU: It's easier to beat a team when their Heisman QB gets hurt and has to leave the game.
12. Penn State: The Big Ten isn't that bad.
13. Cincinnati: I thought Rutgers would be better, but maybe Cincy is just this good.
14. Nebraska: You know, the Big XII North may have a strong season this year.
15. Boston College: Their consistency will continue in 2009, despite the coaching change.
16. Miami-FL: I didn't the game was that great, and FSU lost it more than Miami won it.
17. Clemson: They have an interesting defensive challenge this week, no?
18. Utah: Nation's longest winning streak reaches 15 games. Have to respect that.
19. Tennessee: Yes, I believe in the Kiffins.
20. South Carolina: Ugly game of the week was also the first game of the season. See Miami-FL note above.
21. Texas Tech: The offense keeps on rolling. Crabtree Harrell who?
22. Auburn: I wonder if there is a more infuriating team to its fans in the country.
23. Oregon State: Fear the Beav.
24. Notre Dame: Sure, it was just Nevada, but the defense looked good, too. I suspect whichever team wins next week (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) will be overrated, though.
25. South Florida: Might be a Big East sleeper, but we'll see how they handle success this time around.
Others: Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Michigan State
1) These are the most meaningless rankings of the year;
2) There's not a lot to go on, since many teams scheduled weaklings and didn't play "full" games;
3) Some teams were obviously rewarded for playing better opponents during this first weekend of the season;
4) Oklahoma was overrated last year, as pointed out here repeatedly. I feel somewhat smug seeing them go down early this year.
Rankings:
1. USC: They threw in a true freshman QB against Dick Tomey, and they rolled. The Trojans may be the best second-quarter team in the country, year-after-year. They seem to feel out their opponents in the first quarter before basically stepping on the turbo in the second quarter. By halftime, you're often cooked and done. Just ask Penn State.
2. Texas: They must now guard against complacency, knowing Oklahoma already lost more than just a game.
3. California: The running back looked good, as did the QB. I was wondering if the RB would be overrated and the QB could do it. Questions answered.
4. Florida: Not sure they should be this high after playing Charleston, but whatever.
5. Alabama: This team looked better on Saturday than they looked at any point in 2008 to me. I think they could make a serious run for the SEC title.
6. Boise State: Did Oregon suck or was Boise that good? Hard to tell and probably a bit of both.
7. LSU: Yes, the SEC is a solid conference. The SEC West is going to be nasty this year.
8. Ohio State: Bullet dodged, and you're never in good shape after playing the triple option. I wonder how the defensive line feels right now. Ouch.
9. Missouri: I expected Illinois to be better, but maybe Missouri is really good?
10. Oklahoma State: Perhaps they should be higher than Florida for beating a real team, but ...
11. BYU: It's easier to beat a team when their Heisman QB gets hurt and has to leave the game.
12. Penn State: The Big Ten isn't that bad.
13. Cincinnati: I thought Rutgers would be better, but maybe Cincy is just this good.
14. Nebraska: You know, the Big XII North may have a strong season this year.
15. Boston College: Their consistency will continue in 2009, despite the coaching change.
16. Miami-FL: I didn't the game was that great, and FSU lost it more than Miami won it.
17. Clemson: They have an interesting defensive challenge this week, no?
18. Utah: Nation's longest winning streak reaches 15 games. Have to respect that.
19. Tennessee: Yes, I believe in the Kiffins.
20. South Carolina: Ugly game of the week was also the first game of the season. See Miami-FL note above.
21. Texas Tech: The offense keeps on rolling. Crabtree Harrell who?
22. Auburn: I wonder if there is a more infuriating team to its fans in the country.
23. Oregon State: Fear the Beav.
24. Notre Dame: Sure, it was just Nevada, but the defense looked good, too. I suspect whichever team wins next week (Notre Dame vs. Michigan) will be overrated, though.
25. South Florida: Might be a Big East sleeper, but we'll see how they handle success this time around.
Others: Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Michigan State
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
On haitus until Fall 2009
In the meantime, check out my off-season exploration of who I would have selected as the Heisman Trophy winner in college football over the last 70+ years:
http://mchypesmantrophy.blogspot.com/
Starting on June 1, I will re-award every Heisman Trophy from 1935 to 2008.
http://mchypesmantrophy.blogspot.com/
Starting on June 1, I will re-award every Heisman Trophy from 1935 to 2008.
Friday, January 9, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: January 9, 2009
Thoughts:
1. There's not a lot to say here. The bowl games are key factors in determining where to place teams in the final rankings.
2. I am not trying to claim MY rankings are absolute. That's the BCS's job, and it's amazing how many stupid people they are in the world who eat it up.
3. There's not much separating the top four teams.
4. I'm glad this season is over. Maybe by next season, President Obama will have eliminated the BCS.
Rankings:
1. Utah (13-0): They never lost. They scheduled big boys, and they beat the big boys. They played a big boy in the bowl game, and they beat the big boy in a bowl game in the big boy's own backyard. Nothing else to say.
2. Texas (12-1): I'm paraphrasing this line, but the Longhorns also beat the Sooners by ten points on a neutral field. And their only loss was on the road to a 12-2 team, which trumps Florida's HOME loss to a four-loss team. It's a shame how the Longhorns were f**ked by the BCS this year, but maybe it's payback for 2004. I believe in karma.
3. USC (12-1): You've heard it before, and I'll repeat it again, because it's worth reading again. This is the team of the decade, with seven straight BCS bowls and seasons with 11+ wins. The Pac-10 is traditionally ignored by the national media, who seems to think USC has a higher threshold than everyone else. But a loss in Week 3 ending USC's season? It did, although Florida lost in the same way on the same weekend to a lesser team at home. No common sense there at all. USC had, BY FAR, the most dominating bowl performance, beating an 11-1 BCS conference champion to the tune of 31-7 at halftime. No one, including Utah, would beat this team in a January bowl game. It's just silly how the media finds a new reason every year to ignore the Trojans. But history will demonstrate the dominance of this program to be on par with 1950s Oklahoma: the two best dynasties in modern college football history. Just for the record, the only reason USC is behind Texas is because the Longhorns had a "better" loss. Otherwise, these two teams were pretty even in my analysis.
4. Florida (13-1): They lost to a 9-4 team at home. Nothing else to say. Easily the worst loss of any of the top-four teams. They also scheduled The Citadel, easily the worst OOC choice of any of the top-four. They didn't dominate any good teams this year, needing to come from behind to beat Alabama and needing to break a fourth-quarter tie against Oklahoma. They were media darlings, nothing more. Sorry, but I'm not drinking the SEC Kool-Aid. Florida is another BCS "champ" with an asterisk and a hollow claim: in 11 years, we only have four legitimate champs (FSU in 1999, tOSU in 2002, USC in 2004, Texas in 2005). The rest are all controversial and somewhat meaningless. Oh, did I mention that Florida only had three wins over 10-win teams? And five wins against seven-win teams? That schedule isn't all it was cracked up to be.
5. Boise State (12-1): They sure missed a lot of opportunities in their bowl game to win and add more fuel to the debate. But losing by a point to TCU brings no shame.
6. TCU (11-2): They had the best bowl win of the season, since no other school can claim they beat an undefeated team in their bowl game, can they?
7. Oklahoma (12-2): I've never understood why teams try to power they way through on fourth-and-short. Spread the formation and run that way; you have a better chance that way. Regardless, Stoops got what he deserved. He's classless.
8. Alabama (12-2): Sad finish to an otherwise impressive season. Sure, they were never really as good as that 12-0 record suggested, and we all knew Florida would beat them. But they gave Florida a bigger fight than we expected.
9. Penn State (11-2): Like most teams in January playing USC, they got their asses handed to them. This is why the SEC won't play USC in January. But the Nits were one point from playing in the title game. So close, yet so far away.
10. Texas Tech (11-2): Worst bowl loss of any of the Top 10 teams, for sure. But like Kansas State playing in the 1998 Alamo Bowl, do you think the Red Raiders even cared? Their season ended the minute Bob Stoops ran up the score on them.
11. Ball State (12-2): Well, they sure laid eggs at the end, didn't they? Their season mirrors Alabama's somewhat.
12. Oregon (10-3): The Pac-10 is weak, right? It's funny how the "experts" can revise their Big XII appraisals in order to suck off Florida, but they won't revise their Pac-10 appraisals to suck off USC. The Pac-10 was the best conference in bowl season, period. Little good it did USC, since everyone wrote off the Trojans in September. The arbitrary and selective deductions made by "experts" to promote the BCS just reeks. Why do people believe it?
13. Georgia (10-3): Weird how this team was everyone's "darling" after their finish last year. They struggled to win their bowl game, too, pulling it out late in the fourth quarter against a really overrated Michigan State team. This team never could win when it mattered, could they? NFL buyers of Matthew Stafford, beware.
14. Ohio State (10-3): No shame in losing their bowl game. They played better as the season went on, and if it wasn't for USC, maybe they'd have run the table again. They probably will for the next three years, so be prepared.
15t. Tulsa (11-3): Nice finish to their season, RUTSing it up on Ball State.
15t. Rice (10-3): Quietest ten-win season ever? Perhaps.
17. Cincinnati (11-3): Nice season for a team no one would have expected to win the Big East.
18. BYU (10-3): The Cougars are not as bad as their bowl loss indicates, but that was a bad effort.
19. Oregon State (9-4): Bowl wins of the 3-0 variety are never pretty, but good teams find a way to win no matter what the circumstances. Consider they played their last three games without their best player, and maybe this team wins the Rose Bowl. Two years in a row a team from Oregon gets snake-bit by injuries.
20. California (9-4): Yeah, the Pac-10 sucks, right? Whatever.
21. Florida State (9-4): Plastered a bad Big Ten team in their bowl game. Ho hum.
22. Virginia Tech (10-4): Quietly, they've become the class of the ACC.
23. Missouri (10-4): Quietly good season, in light of all the love sent to the Big XII South.
24. Iowa (9-4): If there had been a big tournament for the football title, like there is in basketball, who would have wanted to draw Iowa in the first round? Didn't think so.
25. West Virginia (9-4): This is a nod to Pat White. College football will miss you. You're better than Tebow, that's for sure.
Teams also receiving consideration: Mississippi, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Western Michigan
1. There's not a lot to say here. The bowl games are key factors in determining where to place teams in the final rankings.
2. I am not trying to claim MY rankings are absolute. That's the BCS's job, and it's amazing how many stupid people they are in the world who eat it up.
3. There's not much separating the top four teams.
4. I'm glad this season is over. Maybe by next season, President Obama will have eliminated the BCS.
Rankings:
1. Utah (13-0): They never lost. They scheduled big boys, and they beat the big boys. They played a big boy in the bowl game, and they beat the big boy in a bowl game in the big boy's own backyard. Nothing else to say.
2. Texas (12-1): I'm paraphrasing this line, but the Longhorns also beat the Sooners by ten points on a neutral field. And their only loss was on the road to a 12-2 team, which trumps Florida's HOME loss to a four-loss team. It's a shame how the Longhorns were f**ked by the BCS this year, but maybe it's payback for 2004. I believe in karma.
3. USC (12-1): You've heard it before, and I'll repeat it again, because it's worth reading again. This is the team of the decade, with seven straight BCS bowls and seasons with 11+ wins. The Pac-10 is traditionally ignored by the national media, who seems to think USC has a higher threshold than everyone else. But a loss in Week 3 ending USC's season? It did, although Florida lost in the same way on the same weekend to a lesser team at home. No common sense there at all. USC had, BY FAR, the most dominating bowl performance, beating an 11-1 BCS conference champion to the tune of 31-7 at halftime. No one, including Utah, would beat this team in a January bowl game. It's just silly how the media finds a new reason every year to ignore the Trojans. But history will demonstrate the dominance of this program to be on par with 1950s Oklahoma: the two best dynasties in modern college football history. Just for the record, the only reason USC is behind Texas is because the Longhorns had a "better" loss. Otherwise, these two teams were pretty even in my analysis.
4. Florida (13-1): They lost to a 9-4 team at home. Nothing else to say. Easily the worst loss of any of the top-four teams. They also scheduled The Citadel, easily the worst OOC choice of any of the top-four. They didn't dominate any good teams this year, needing to come from behind to beat Alabama and needing to break a fourth-quarter tie against Oklahoma. They were media darlings, nothing more. Sorry, but I'm not drinking the SEC Kool-Aid. Florida is another BCS "champ" with an asterisk and a hollow claim: in 11 years, we only have four legitimate champs (FSU in 1999, tOSU in 2002, USC in 2004, Texas in 2005). The rest are all controversial and somewhat meaningless. Oh, did I mention that Florida only had three wins over 10-win teams? And five wins against seven-win teams? That schedule isn't all it was cracked up to be.
5. Boise State (12-1): They sure missed a lot of opportunities in their bowl game to win and add more fuel to the debate. But losing by a point to TCU brings no shame.
6. TCU (11-2): They had the best bowl win of the season, since no other school can claim they beat an undefeated team in their bowl game, can they?
7. Oklahoma (12-2): I've never understood why teams try to power they way through on fourth-and-short. Spread the formation and run that way; you have a better chance that way. Regardless, Stoops got what he deserved. He's classless.
8. Alabama (12-2): Sad finish to an otherwise impressive season. Sure, they were never really as good as that 12-0 record suggested, and we all knew Florida would beat them. But they gave Florida a bigger fight than we expected.
9. Penn State (11-2): Like most teams in January playing USC, they got their asses handed to them. This is why the SEC won't play USC in January. But the Nits were one point from playing in the title game. So close, yet so far away.
10. Texas Tech (11-2): Worst bowl loss of any of the Top 10 teams, for sure. But like Kansas State playing in the 1998 Alamo Bowl, do you think the Red Raiders even cared? Their season ended the minute Bob Stoops ran up the score on them.
11. Ball State (12-2): Well, they sure laid eggs at the end, didn't they? Their season mirrors Alabama's somewhat.
12. Oregon (10-3): The Pac-10 is weak, right? It's funny how the "experts" can revise their Big XII appraisals in order to suck off Florida, but they won't revise their Pac-10 appraisals to suck off USC. The Pac-10 was the best conference in bowl season, period. Little good it did USC, since everyone wrote off the Trojans in September. The arbitrary and selective deductions made by "experts" to promote the BCS just reeks. Why do people believe it?
13. Georgia (10-3): Weird how this team was everyone's "darling" after their finish last year. They struggled to win their bowl game, too, pulling it out late in the fourth quarter against a really overrated Michigan State team. This team never could win when it mattered, could they? NFL buyers of Matthew Stafford, beware.
14. Ohio State (10-3): No shame in losing their bowl game. They played better as the season went on, and if it wasn't for USC, maybe they'd have run the table again. They probably will for the next three years, so be prepared.
15t. Tulsa (11-3): Nice finish to their season, RUTSing it up on Ball State.
15t. Rice (10-3): Quietest ten-win season ever? Perhaps.
17. Cincinnati (11-3): Nice season for a team no one would have expected to win the Big East.
18. BYU (10-3): The Cougars are not as bad as their bowl loss indicates, but that was a bad effort.
19. Oregon State (9-4): Bowl wins of the 3-0 variety are never pretty, but good teams find a way to win no matter what the circumstances. Consider they played their last three games without their best player, and maybe this team wins the Rose Bowl. Two years in a row a team from Oregon gets snake-bit by injuries.
20. California (9-4): Yeah, the Pac-10 sucks, right? Whatever.
21. Florida State (9-4): Plastered a bad Big Ten team in their bowl game. Ho hum.
22. Virginia Tech (10-4): Quietly, they've become the class of the ACC.
23. Missouri (10-4): Quietly good season, in light of all the love sent to the Big XII South.
24. Iowa (9-4): If there had been a big tournament for the football title, like there is in basketball, who would have wanted to draw Iowa in the first round? Didn't think so.
25. West Virginia (9-4): This is a nod to Pat White. College football will miss you. You're better than Tebow, that's for sure.
Teams also receiving consideration: Mississippi, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, Western Michigan
Sunday, December 7, 2008
McMisanthrope's Top 25: December 7, 2008
Thoughts:
1. If ever a year screamed for a Plus-One, this is it. I want to see another game to decide a real national champion after the Bullshit Bowls are done. When USC pounds Penn State and the other bowl game is a laughable shootout without defense, people will cry for a recount.
2. Alabama was better than I thought they’d be, but Florida didn’t impress me at all. The fact they were trailing going into the 4th quarter says it all: overrated.
3. USC dismantled another team Saturday, holding them to miniscule yardage and few points. This is probably the most understated story of the year: a truly dominant defense college football hasn’t seen in three decades. Giving up 93 points in 12 games is amazing.
4. Penn State has to be bitter. For two reasons.
5. Ball State learned a lesson about turnovers, didn’t they?
Rankings:
1. Utah (12-0): They have the best wins of any top team, period. And they’re undefeated.
2. Boise State (12-0): Undefeated and shafted by the BCS. Ridiculous. Luckily, they still have a shot at the McMNC for 2008, the only “real” award out there.
3. USC (11-1): Seriously, if Florida or Oklahoma went to the Rose Bowl to face USC, they’d lose. Period. And you can’t say the same about USC going to Gainesville or Norman.
4. Texas (11-1): They beat Oklahoma. Nothing else to say.
5. Oklahoma (12-1): Can’t rank them ahead of Texas, even if they did “win” the Big XII.
6. Penn State (11-1):
7. Florida (12-1): Look, I’m a Florida alum. Yes, it’s true. I have a law degree from Fredric G. Levin, and it’s enough to remind me of the SEC hyperbole. The SEC really was down this year, and it’s a shame they’re getting by on reputation alone in 2008. And no team that schedules The Citadel on purpose should ever be allowed to play for the MNC. Ever.
8. Alabama (12-1): What’s to say? They had the chance, and they blew it. Oh well.
9. Texas Tech (11-1): They beat Texas, but that ugly loss to Oklahoma matters more.
10. Ball State (12-1): You just can’t turn the ball over three times and let that turn into 21 points, can you? Even when you’re undefeated and playing a lame team, you still need to play hard.
11. Ohio State (10-2): They don’t deserve a BCS bid. Which is why the BCS is shit.
12. Cincinnati (10-2): Someone had to win the Big East.
13. TCU (10-2): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, TCU would win in the first round.
14. BYU (10-2): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, BYU would lose in the first round.
15. Georgia Tech (9-3): Best team in the ACC, and they don’t even get to the title game.
16. Georgia (9-3): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, Georgia would lose early. They seem to play best when the pressure is off them. Pathetic.
17. Oregon (9-3): They get the Holiday Bowl against Texas Tech, right?
18. Michigan State (9-3): First, UNC lays the wood on the hard court, and now Georgia’s gonna do the same on the turf. But hey, it’s better than being 3-9, right?
19. Northwestern (9-3): They’re going to win their bowl; I mia-guarantee it.
20. Pittsburgh (9-3): Nice turnaround for Dave Wannstedt. I still think it’s an anomaly, though. The guy has proven he can’t coach.
21. Oklahoma State (9-3): Considering they only lost to a trio of top teams, maybe they should be higher, but that 60-spot they gave up to Oklahoma still hurts my eyes.
22. Virginia Tech (9-4): Ugly.
23. Missouri (9-4): Gary Barnett survived for years by winning the Big XII North.
24. Florida State (8-4): Just go away, Bobby. Please?
25. North Carolina (8-4): I’ve said it before, but the Heels will rule the ACC from 2009 until Butch Davis leaves Chapel Hill.
1. If ever a year screamed for a Plus-One, this is it. I want to see another game to decide a real national champion after the Bullshit Bowls are done. When USC pounds Penn State and the other bowl game is a laughable shootout without defense, people will cry for a recount.
2. Alabama was better than I thought they’d be, but Florida didn’t impress me at all. The fact they were trailing going into the 4th quarter says it all: overrated.
3. USC dismantled another team Saturday, holding them to miniscule yardage and few points. This is probably the most understated story of the year: a truly dominant defense college football hasn’t seen in three decades. Giving up 93 points in 12 games is amazing.
4. Penn State has to be bitter. For two reasons.
5. Ball State learned a lesson about turnovers, didn’t they?
Rankings:
1. Utah (12-0): They have the best wins of any top team, period. And they’re undefeated.
2. Boise State (12-0): Undefeated and shafted by the BCS. Ridiculous. Luckily, they still have a shot at the McMNC for 2008, the only “real” award out there.
3. USC (11-1): Seriously, if Florida or Oklahoma went to the Rose Bowl to face USC, they’d lose. Period. And you can’t say the same about USC going to Gainesville or Norman.
4. Texas (11-1): They beat Oklahoma. Nothing else to say.
5. Oklahoma (12-1): Can’t rank them ahead of Texas, even if they did “win” the Big XII.
6. Penn State (11-1):
7. Florida (12-1): Look, I’m a Florida alum. Yes, it’s true. I have a law degree from Fredric G. Levin, and it’s enough to remind me of the SEC hyperbole. The SEC really was down this year, and it’s a shame they’re getting by on reputation alone in 2008. And no team that schedules The Citadel on purpose should ever be allowed to play for the MNC. Ever.
8. Alabama (12-1): What’s to say? They had the chance, and they blew it. Oh well.
9. Texas Tech (11-1): They beat Texas, but that ugly loss to Oklahoma matters more.
10. Ball State (12-1): You just can’t turn the ball over three times and let that turn into 21 points, can you? Even when you’re undefeated and playing a lame team, you still need to play hard.
11. Ohio State (10-2): They don’t deserve a BCS bid. Which is why the BCS is shit.
12. Cincinnati (10-2): Someone had to win the Big East.
13. TCU (10-2): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, TCU would win in the first round.
14. BYU (10-2): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, BYU would lose in the first round.
15. Georgia Tech (9-3): Best team in the ACC, and they don’t even get to the title game.
16. Georgia (9-3): I think if there were a 16-team tournament, Georgia would lose early. They seem to play best when the pressure is off them. Pathetic.
17. Oregon (9-3): They get the Holiday Bowl against Texas Tech, right?
18. Michigan State (9-3): First, UNC lays the wood on the hard court, and now Georgia’s gonna do the same on the turf. But hey, it’s better than being 3-9, right?
19. Northwestern (9-3): They’re going to win their bowl; I mia-guarantee it.
20. Pittsburgh (9-3): Nice turnaround for Dave Wannstedt. I still think it’s an anomaly, though. The guy has proven he can’t coach.
21. Oklahoma State (9-3): Considering they only lost to a trio of top teams, maybe they should be higher, but that 60-spot they gave up to Oklahoma still hurts my eyes.
22. Virginia Tech (9-4): Ugly.
23. Missouri (9-4): Gary Barnett survived for years by winning the Big XII North.
24. Florida State (8-4): Just go away, Bobby. Please?
25. North Carolina (8-4): I’ve said it before, but the Heels will rule the ACC from 2009 until Butch Davis leaves Chapel Hill.
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