Thoughts:
1) Going to echo a lot of the "overrated" comments on RSFC from Saturday. Not a lot of really impressive teams out there right now. All the more reason for a playoff, because when the BC$/E$PN combo chooses their best TV matchup and argues its the "title" game, 95% of college football fans are getting jobbed. How anyone can argue this system "works" just defies common sense and logic;
2) I found the USC-ND game to be quite interesting. The Trojans never should have been in that position at the end, and the "home" timekeeper difference between this game and the ND-Michigan game was clearly apparent. Notre Dame didn't get that last second in Ann Arbor, but they got it at home -- same kind of play, etc. Another reason why college football just can't be taken seriously;
3) Texas could have won their game by three touchdowns if they had a decent coach. Hasn't this always been the story with Mack Brown? Great recruits, underperformance on the field. If this team makes the "title" game, no way in hell they win it. The Longhorns just aren't that good;
4) At this point in the season, I really do think Alabama is head and shoulders above everyone else. My rankings don't reflect that below, but I can't tweak my system in the middle of the season, either. So be it.
Rankings:
1. Iowa (7-0): Not sure what to say here. Winning ugly? But with 11 straight wins, you can't argue with the results, can you? It seems they start slow and finish strong, so we'll see.
2. Alabama (7-0): See above comments. Mark Ingram is pretty good, too.
3. Boise State (6-0): Any road win against a good team is valuable, but the Broncos don't seem to be blowing teams out like they should. Even against Oregon, they could have won that game 45-7, but they shot themselves in the foot repeatedly. I don't think we've seen the best of this team yet.
4. Florida (6-0): Dodged a bullet. I've always maintained that a good K is worth his weight in gold to a college football team.
5. TCU (6-0): Plugging along under the radar.
6. Texas (6-0): See above. Ugly.
7. Cincinnati (6-0): I feel they should be higher, but the numbers don't say so.
8. Georgia Tech (6-1): They've played a pretty good schedule so far, the best one of the one-loss teams.
9. USC (5-1): They've played four games on the road so far, so they have a second-half edge here. But look at their road wins: @ Ohio State, @ California and @ Notre Dame. Can any team in the country boast better quality road wins? Nope, mostly because most teams are too cowardly to schedule tough road games.
10. Oregon (5-1): Yeah, the Pac-10 and the SEC should have an annual OOC competition. I'd love to see Oregon play Florida and USC play Alabama. Fun times.
11. Miami-FL (5-1): I know they beat Georgia Tech, but my system doesn't do H2H very effectively. Sorry.
12. LSU (5-1): Still an enigma to me.
13. Utah (5-1): If the superconference is the direction to go for the Pac-10, then it's BYU and Utah.
14. Idaho (6-1): Impressive SOS and results, although I must confess I don't think I've seen a down of one of their games this year. Must make sure to watch them this next game.
15. Pittsburgh (6-1): Perhaps Cincy's only remaining roadbloack.
16. BYU (6-1): Losing to 2-4 FSU so badly really killed their credibility.
17. Houston (5-1): Seriously, UTEP?
18. West Virginia (5-1): Can it last?
19. Penn State (6-1): Considering they lost to the only good team they played, I have no idea what to make of Penn State. But did anyone see that clip of Paterno at the press conference before the Minnesota game? That was funny.
20. Oklahoma State (5-1): At least the Cougars are still "good" on paper, making their one loss half-credible.
21. Central Michigan (6-1): Again, maybe the only good team they played they lost to, but the State of Michigan champs look good.
22. Kansas (5-1): No way they should have helped Dan Hawkins out there. Bad loss, considering what's to come on their schedule in the next month.
23. South Florida (5-1): You just can't lose a home game when you're undefeated, even if the opponent is undefeated, too. I mean, why else does home-field advantage matter? This team teases almost every year. Getting stale.
24. Virginia Tech (5-2): I thought they were a bit too high for the one-loss crowd, because they never seem to be able to play consistent ball all season long. Not that many can, mind you, but ...
25. Arizona (4-2): They've played a Top 10 schedule according to my numbers.
Also considered this week: Notre Dame, California
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 11, 2009
Thoughts:
1) Florida was underwhelming, and I still think Alabama will beat them when the time comes -- just the opposite of last year. But it's cool to see a big rivalry develop between the two schools (again?).
2) Tate Forcier's star is falling, because you don't talk back to the coach, right? Just goes to show you, also, how important home-field advantage is in college football. Michigan is golden at home, and they're blue on the road.
3) Tony Romo is terrible. Oh wait, this is a college football poll. Sorry.
4) I have a feeling Texas is going to lose to Oklahoma next weekend. Just a hunch.
Rankings:
1) Alabama (6-0): Ole Miss sucks, and they were overrated like most SEC teams are year-in, year-out. With anyone ever learn? But Bama did what they needed to: win big on the road against a weaker team.
2) Iowa (6-0): Considering all the turnovers Michigan had, Iowa should have won their game by more than two points. Settling for FGs instead of TDs will hurt any team, obviously.
3) Florida (6-0): The ten-point margins against their "real" opponents aren't cutting it for me. And the rest of their schedule is weak (only one ranked team left in regular season?). So they're not #1 in my book; sorry.
4) Boise State (5-0): They'd be undefeated against Florida's schedule, too.
5) TCU (5-0): I like the 4-2-5 to stop the spread. Defenses will start adjusting soon.
6) Texas (5-0): As noted above, I have a hunch Oklahoma will beat them. Save Vince Young, Mack Brown has a history of undercoaching his talent.
7) Cincinnati (5-0): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team.
8) Kansas (5-0): Hope they've enjoyed the ride, because their gauntlet approaches.
9) South Florida (5-0): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
10) Virginia Tech (5-1): Why does this team have so many problems with its openers? No wonder the SEC keeps scheduling them early. Going back to their Sugar Bowl loss to Auburn in January 2005, it seems like the SEC owns the Hokies.
11) Miami-FL (4-1): Why are they playing Florida A&M?
12) USC (4-1): That freak lifting injury to Johnson still is bothering me. Ouch.
13) Oregon (5-1): Impressive road win at UCLA. Ugly, but impressive.
14) Georgia Tech (5-1): Have I mentioned I love the option, still? Yes, you need speed and discipline on defense to stop it, but not many teams have that. I love the option.
15) LSU (5-1): Color me unimpressed.
16) Notre Dame (4-1): They might beat USC. Nah.
17) Wisconsin (5-1): Well, their defense played well enough to win.
18) Ohio State (5-1): I'm ignoring H2H here, for now.
19) Nebraska (4-1): Weird win the other night, but it's a win.
20) Utah (4-1): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
21) Auburn (5-1): It was nice while it lasted.
22) Idaho (5-1): Random.
23) South Carolina (5-1): When does the annual second-half demise begin?
24) BYU (5-1): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
25) Missouri (4-1): Choke?
Others: Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Houston, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Central Michigan, Tulsa
1) Florida was underwhelming, and I still think Alabama will beat them when the time comes -- just the opposite of last year. But it's cool to see a big rivalry develop between the two schools (again?).
2) Tate Forcier's star is falling, because you don't talk back to the coach, right? Just goes to show you, also, how important home-field advantage is in college football. Michigan is golden at home, and they're blue on the road.
3) Tony Romo is terrible. Oh wait, this is a college football poll. Sorry.
4) I have a feeling Texas is going to lose to Oklahoma next weekend. Just a hunch.
Rankings:
1) Alabama (6-0): Ole Miss sucks, and they were overrated like most SEC teams are year-in, year-out. With anyone ever learn? But Bama did what they needed to: win big on the road against a weaker team.
2) Iowa (6-0): Considering all the turnovers Michigan had, Iowa should have won their game by more than two points. Settling for FGs instead of TDs will hurt any team, obviously.
3) Florida (6-0): The ten-point margins against their "real" opponents aren't cutting it for me. And the rest of their schedule is weak (only one ranked team left in regular season?). So they're not #1 in my book; sorry.
4) Boise State (5-0): They'd be undefeated against Florida's schedule, too.
5) TCU (5-0): I like the 4-2-5 to stop the spread. Defenses will start adjusting soon.
6) Texas (5-0): As noted above, I have a hunch Oklahoma will beat them. Save Vince Young, Mack Brown has a history of undercoaching his talent.
7) Cincinnati (5-0): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team.
8) Kansas (5-0): Hope they've enjoyed the ride, because their gauntlet approaches.
9) South Florida (5-0): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
10) Virginia Tech (5-1): Why does this team have so many problems with its openers? No wonder the SEC keeps scheduling them early. Going back to their Sugar Bowl loss to Auburn in January 2005, it seems like the SEC owns the Hokies.
11) Miami-FL (4-1): Why are they playing Florida A&M?
12) USC (4-1): That freak lifting injury to Johnson still is bothering me. Ouch.
13) Oregon (5-1): Impressive road win at UCLA. Ugly, but impressive.
14) Georgia Tech (5-1): Have I mentioned I love the option, still? Yes, you need speed and discipline on defense to stop it, but not many teams have that. I love the option.
15) LSU (5-1): Color me unimpressed.
16) Notre Dame (4-1): They might beat USC. Nah.
17) Wisconsin (5-1): Well, their defense played well enough to win.
18) Ohio State (5-1): I'm ignoring H2H here, for now.
19) Nebraska (4-1): Weird win the other night, but it's a win.
20) Utah (4-1): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
21) Auburn (5-1): It was nice while it lasted.
22) Idaho (5-1): Random.
23) South Carolina (5-1): When does the annual second-half demise begin?
24) BYU (5-1): Nothing interesting to say this week about this team, either.
25) Missouri (4-1): Choke?
Others: Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Houston, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Central Michigan, Tulsa
Monday, October 5, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 4, 2009
Thoughts:
1) I saw the post with the “13 Contenders Left” headline: four teams are in the SEC, three teams are in the Big XII, two teams are in the Big Ten, two teams are in the Big East, and two teams are in non-BCS conferences. The ACC and Pac-10 don’t have any undefeated teams left, yet they may be the deepest conferences in the country;
2) After reading all the negative press on LSU and Auburn, good for both of them to win on the road;
3) Michigan wasn’t so fortunate;
4) I am curious to see if the Boise State-Cincinnati title game can truly happen. The four SEC teams are bound to beat each other up, and I can’t see any other team but Texas going undefeated. A Cincy-UT title game would be interesting, but I am doing what I shouldn’t do. So without further adieu …
Rankings:
1. LSU (5-0): Georgia may have been screwed by that excessive celebration penalty, but LSU still had to win the game. And they did. By my system (which remains a carefully guarded legal secret), the Tigers have played the best schedule of any of the undefeated teams remaining. I don’t think that can be debated.
2. Iowa (5-0): Not sure how you go from beating Penn State on the road by double digits to the squeaker stinker the Hawkeyes gave us on Saturday, but if it’s a letdown game and you still win, that’s all that matters.
3. Alabama (5-0): There’s a drop-off from the SOS of LSU and Iowa to ‘Bama. The Crimson Tide needs to start proving itself again, but I like what Saban is doing here.
4. Auburn (5-0): Isn’t this the start they were supposed to have last year? This feels like 2004 for Auburn, after they crashed burned in 2003 with all the preseason expectations.
5. Wisconsin (5-0): Can we call it winning ugly? After awhile, it just may be what it is: winning.
6. Boise State (5-0): The problem here is the schedule strength, which will continue to drop the Broncos in my rankings. The positive is that the other teams will probably all lose, which will raise the Broncos in my rankings.
7. Texas (4-0): If they lose to Oklahoma, they’re never going to live it down.
8. TCU (4-0): I feel like almost every year in the last handful, we hear how TCU can run the table. And they never do. Gary Patterson is the only coach in school history to record five 10-win seasons, though.
9. Florida (4-0): The gauntlet begins.
10. Cincinnati (5-0): Well, they survived the Sports Illustrated exposure.
11. Missouri (4-0): I bet if someone told us three Big XII teams would be undefeated heading into mid-October, few would have assumed two of those teams would be in the North division.
12. Kansas (4-0): I wonder if Todd Reesing will have a pro career. He kind of reminds me of Tony Romo sometimes, both good and bad.
13. South Florida (5-0): We’ve seen this story before, right?
14. Miami-FL (3-1): Well, THAT was impressive.
15. Virginia Tech (4-1): The only reason Miami is higher than VaTech is the SOS, since I have Miami-FL with the second-highest SOS overall in the country. The Hokies are at No. 14, by the way.
16. USC (4-1): Considering the Trojans still have to play Oregon and Stanford and UCLA and Oregon State and Arizona and Arizona State and Notre Dame, I don’t know how anyone thinks their schedule is easy.
17. Georgia Tech (4-1): The ACC has some very good teams.
18. Oregon (4-1): So does the Pac-10. And they all play each other every year. How cool is THAT for the fans?
19. Arizona (3-1): There’s a reason Pac-10 SOS is strong, and it’s teams like this.
20. Ohio State (4-1): So can a one-loss Ohio State team make the title game? Is it time to start asking that question yet?
21. Notre Dame (4-1): First, clearly UW is on the way back, although they’ll need another QB like Jake. Second, the Irish aren’t this good, and like the Wolverines, I think they’re on glass stilts.
22. UCLA (3-1): Speaking of glass stilts …
23. Stanford (4-1): Another head-to-head anomaly here, but that will work itself out. Can I get betting odds on Harbaugh taking the Michigan job by 2011?
24. BYU (4-1): They lost to three-loss FSU at home by 30 points or whatever. They will carry that one to their celestial kingdoms for all eternity.
25. Utah (3-1): Pretty good program they have going here. Has the Pac-10 noticed?
Also considered briefly: West Virginia, South Carolina, Penn State, Idaho, Middle Tennessee, Michigan, Nebraska, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Houston
1) I saw the post with the “13 Contenders Left” headline: four teams are in the SEC, three teams are in the Big XII, two teams are in the Big Ten, two teams are in the Big East, and two teams are in non-BCS conferences. The ACC and Pac-10 don’t have any undefeated teams left, yet they may be the deepest conferences in the country;
2) After reading all the negative press on LSU and Auburn, good for both of them to win on the road;
3) Michigan wasn’t so fortunate;
4) I am curious to see if the Boise State-Cincinnati title game can truly happen. The four SEC teams are bound to beat each other up, and I can’t see any other team but Texas going undefeated. A Cincy-UT title game would be interesting, but I am doing what I shouldn’t do. So without further adieu …
Rankings:
1. LSU (5-0): Georgia may have been screwed by that excessive celebration penalty, but LSU still had to win the game. And they did. By my system (which remains a carefully guarded legal secret), the Tigers have played the best schedule of any of the undefeated teams remaining. I don’t think that can be debated.
2. Iowa (5-0): Not sure how you go from beating Penn State on the road by double digits to the squeaker stinker the Hawkeyes gave us on Saturday, but if it’s a letdown game and you still win, that’s all that matters.
3. Alabama (5-0): There’s a drop-off from the SOS of LSU and Iowa to ‘Bama. The Crimson Tide needs to start proving itself again, but I like what Saban is doing here.
4. Auburn (5-0): Isn’t this the start they were supposed to have last year? This feels like 2004 for Auburn, after they crashed burned in 2003 with all the preseason expectations.
5. Wisconsin (5-0): Can we call it winning ugly? After awhile, it just may be what it is: winning.
6. Boise State (5-0): The problem here is the schedule strength, which will continue to drop the Broncos in my rankings. The positive is that the other teams will probably all lose, which will raise the Broncos in my rankings.
7. Texas (4-0): If they lose to Oklahoma, they’re never going to live it down.
8. TCU (4-0): I feel like almost every year in the last handful, we hear how TCU can run the table. And they never do. Gary Patterson is the only coach in school history to record five 10-win seasons, though.
9. Florida (4-0): The gauntlet begins.
10. Cincinnati (5-0): Well, they survived the Sports Illustrated exposure.
11. Missouri (4-0): I bet if someone told us three Big XII teams would be undefeated heading into mid-October, few would have assumed two of those teams would be in the North division.
12. Kansas (4-0): I wonder if Todd Reesing will have a pro career. He kind of reminds me of Tony Romo sometimes, both good and bad.
13. South Florida (5-0): We’ve seen this story before, right?
14. Miami-FL (3-1): Well, THAT was impressive.
15. Virginia Tech (4-1): The only reason Miami is higher than VaTech is the SOS, since I have Miami-FL with the second-highest SOS overall in the country. The Hokies are at No. 14, by the way.
16. USC (4-1): Considering the Trojans still have to play Oregon and Stanford and UCLA and Oregon State and Arizona and Arizona State and Notre Dame, I don’t know how anyone thinks their schedule is easy.
17. Georgia Tech (4-1): The ACC has some very good teams.
18. Oregon (4-1): So does the Pac-10. And they all play each other every year. How cool is THAT for the fans?
19. Arizona (3-1): There’s a reason Pac-10 SOS is strong, and it’s teams like this.
20. Ohio State (4-1): So can a one-loss Ohio State team make the title game? Is it time to start asking that question yet?
21. Notre Dame (4-1): First, clearly UW is on the way back, although they’ll need another QB like Jake. Second, the Irish aren’t this good, and like the Wolverines, I think they’re on glass stilts.
22. UCLA (3-1): Speaking of glass stilts …
23. Stanford (4-1): Another head-to-head anomaly here, but that will work itself out. Can I get betting odds on Harbaugh taking the Michigan job by 2011?
24. BYU (4-1): They lost to three-loss FSU at home by 30 points or whatever. They will carry that one to their celestial kingdoms for all eternity.
25. Utah (3-1): Pretty good program they have going here. Has the Pac-10 noticed?
Also considered briefly: West Virginia, South Carolina, Penn State, Idaho, Middle Tennessee, Michigan, Nebraska, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Houston
Sunday, September 27, 2009
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 27, 2009
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
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 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)