McMisanthrope's Top 25 -- October 28, 2007

Where the going's starting to get tough ... too tough to rank 25 half-decent teams, that's for sure!

1. Ohio State (9-0): Can there be a debate now? Sure. But that was an impressive win. After yielding a TD on Penn State's opening drive, the Buckeyes pretty much flattened the Paterno Boys the rest of the way. Dominate!

2. Boston College (8-0): It wasn't exactly textbook, but it was a pretty good win for the Eagles. Maybe they are charmed. But here's the rub - if they go undefeated, would the BCS still put a one-loss SEC team (ahead of the undefeated ACC champs) into the title game? THAT's what I am waiting for: a true BCS implosion, and I hope Boston College can bring it about.

3. Arizona State (8-0): Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in ... Dennis Erickson, in the spotlight again. Of course, beating Cal doesn't mean much anymore, does it? Who would have figured the Pac-10 would come down to ASU and Oregon? Where's Beauchamp when you need him? Road trip to Eugene, anyone?

4. Kansas (8-0): Not a huge win, but a solid one. Without meaning to be rude, does anyone else think Mark Mangino should get his stomach stapled? He looks like a bad caricature on the telly. What a season ... I hope it lasts, because I like feel-good stories.

5. Hawaii (8-0): I couldn't even get their game on the telly last night. I hate that. I want to see the Fun & Gun live. But yeah, the schedule is a joke. So what? It's not the kids' faults. Yet another reason to bomb the BCS and institute a playoff in the FBS. Their next three games might move their SOS up into the Top 100, but they also might lose two of them. Stay tuned.

6. Oregon (7-1): The Pac-10 is really theirs for the taking now. But if USC hadn't been playing a green, backup QB, the Trojans could have won the game. Oregon's offense won't face a defense like USC's again until maybe their bowl game, though, so ... good for the Ducks. And, in a stroke of good fortune, they get ASU at home next week, too. The Pac-10 may have their champion.

7. LSU (7-1): The SEC and the Pac-10 were all the focus in the preseason, and look at them now -- decimated by the TJBEOU syndrome. Can LSU win on the road against Alabama? If they do, they still won't pass Oregon in my rankings. They're just lucky all the mediot voters like them so much. Which is all the more reason to hope they lose next week (which means they'll win, just to spite me).

8. West Virginia (7-1): Fuckin' Rutgers. Two years in a row, they ruin the Big East's best shot at the BCS title game before folding like a cheap house of cards soon thereafter. Good to see Slaton & Co. back to form somewhat, though. Their SOS will never get them into the title game, but they're fun to watch.

9. Missouri (7-1): A win's a win, but it wouldn't it be fun to see an undefeated Kansas take on one-loss Mizzou at the end of the Big XII season, for the Big XII North title and the right to beat Oklahoma in the Big XII title game with a possible BCS title berth on the line? Yeah, it doesn't do much for me, either.

10. Connecticut (7-1): Well, they have survived longer than a lot of other teams have in this crazy race. I bet Rutgers ruins their season, too, next week, though. Fuckin' Rutgers.

11. Oklahoma (7-1): Some computers have UConn's SOS rated higher than Oklahoma's SOS, which made me laugh enough to keep OU out of my Top Ten.

12. Boise State (7-1): If that Hawaii/Boise game isn't on national TV, I'm going to be pissed.

13. Georgia (6-2): Quietly, they lead the SEC East. Can they beat LSU if it comes down to it?

14. Wake Forest (6-2): Winners of six straight, the defending ACC champs probably can't win their ACC division, but they can make a fun run at the Top Ten. A showdown of sorts looms at Virginia next week.

15. Virginia (7-2): They need to beat Wake to stay in control of the ACC Coastal division. Says here Wake handles them next week, though.

16. Virginia Tech (6-2): That was a BAD loss. Not a BAD loss like the one at LSU earlier, which was predictable considering the offseason and the situational hype at the time. But at home, up 10-0 late and botching the onsides kick? What happened to Beamer's special teams' prowess? Shameful.

17. Alabama (6-2): With both teams having two weeks to prepare for their upcoming battle, I suspect it will be quite fun to watch LSU take on the Tide next Saturday. Alas, I have a wedding to attend (who gets married on a Saturday in the fall? Gay men?), so it's all TiVo for me.

18. Clemson (6-2): They're not this good, but the world of college football sucks this year. But I noticed Sagarin has them at #14 in his BCS/ELO rankings. So maybe I'm stingy after all.

19. USC (6-2): I think Mark Sanchez will be a good QB someday soon. The Trojans should start him the rest of the year, in order to stack their deck for 2008. Booty? He dropped the Palmer/Leinart ball.

20. Wisconsin (7-2): They might give Ohio State a small fight next week, and they'll probably beat Michigan the week after that since they'll be at home. Overall, they can't complain about their season, though. Can they?

21. Texas (7-2): Weak win over Nebraska. What happened to Colt McCoy in the offseason? Has Mack Brown lost his edge? Was Vince Young really THAT good?

22. BYU (5-2): Their season is barely beginning. Many teams' seasons are already over.

23. Cincinnati (6-2): Did Rutgers ruin their season, too? Fuckers.

24. South Florida (6-2): Teams on two-game losing streaks, especially games they could have won, are not good teams. But alas, this is the state of the Top 25 this year.

25. Appalachian State (6-2): Hey, they beat the 26th team on my list. And that 26th team beat the 27th team, so ... have to keep these rankings sane in this insane season of 2007.

Also receiving minute consideration: Michigan, Purdue

McMisanthrope's Top 25 -- October 21, 2007

Where the BCS is just another college football disgrace ...

1. Ohio State (8-0) -- That was a funny game against Sparty. Offense is going to have problems against a GOOD defense; the defense should be fine and may carry them all the way to the BCS championship game. But can they win on the road at Michigan? Irony: the Big Ten is so bad, the Buckeyes are the only team in my Top 25.

2. Boston College (7-0) -- They have played a tougher schedule than tOSU so far, believe it or not. Taking that under advisement, their big test comes in a few days. They may be yet another #2 team to take the tumble.

3. Arizona State (7-0) -- They have played a tougher schedule than tOSU, too, but we all know they's just pretending. They won't even make the Holiday Bowl, as they're probably the 4th-best Pac-10 team; well, maybe third-best since Cal has decided to be teh suck again.

4. Kansas (7-0) -- They just keep winning, and slowly their SOS gets better. Can they keep it up? Is their coach bigger than Charlie Weis pre-surgery? Has basketball season begun in Lawrence? Does anyone care? Bill Self?

5. Hawaii (7-0) -- The fact Sagarin has them way behind Northern Iowa (FCS) and only one spot ahead of I-AA North Dakota State says a lot about Hawaii's SOS. I think if they finish 12-0, they'll be in the Top 12 or whatever the BCS requires, though. That road game at Nevada looms large, though, especially after seeing that Boise/Wolfpack score.

6. South Florida (6-1) -- That was a tough loss, but it was almost predictable seeing all the media focus on them. And that's what makes it a shame.

7. LSU (7-1) -- Again, another close shave at home. As the last SEC team with a single loss, they're going to join the ranks of the two-loss SEC teams when they visit Alabama. They're barely good enough to win at home against good teams, and against good teams on the road, they'll lose. The SEC will whine a lot about their two-loss champion belonging in the BCS title game, but it'll serve Les Miles proper to be on the outside looking in.

8. Virginia (7-1) -- I say this every week, but that Wyoming loss ruined their miracle shot at the BCS title game. The SOS is better than Oregon's, but most people would be hard-pressed to know anything about this team. Stay tuned to the ACC; it could get FUN down the stretch.

9. Oregon (6-1) -- They can score, but like Cal, the question is their defense. They control their own destiny in the Pac-10, of course. And Les Miles was wrong, since the Pac-10 is better than the SEC. But Belotti's an old college QB, and he used to have a defensive whiz on his staff (Bob Foster). What happened, Mike? Why did you let him leave you for Cal?

10. USC (6-1) -- Are the Trojans back on track? Could be, even if it was just Notre Dame. But with the other QB starting at home, I figured the Irish would put up a better fight than that, especially based on USC's previous three games. I believe they, too, control their own destiny in the Pac-10. Can they win out? That should be a fun game in Eugene.

11. Virginia Tech (6-1) -- They're here, because they can play defense. And defense wins championships, and the ACC, as noted, is looking like a load of fun over the next month or so.

12. West Virginia (6-1) -- They don't control their own destiny, and it's their own fault (I sound like a broken record). But they are still in the mix. Maybe no one in the Big East wants it bad enough ... sit down, Louisville.

13. Boise State (6-1) -- Same as last year? Only with a loss this time. But hey, last time I checked, they beat the Sooners.

14. Oklahoma (7-1) -- This team just doesn't impress me like it did earlier this season. The Big XII sucks, anyway. Whichever team survives will get torched in their BCS game against a-large Notre Da -- wait, I mean, LSU.

15. Missouri (6-1) -- Does Quin Snyder still coach the basketball team? Another Big XII contender, another Big XII pretender.

16. Connecticut (6-1) -- I am surprised they're still atop the Big East. Louisville sucks.

17. Florida (5-2) -- Best two-loss team in the country! Tebow for the Hypesman!

18. Kentucky (6-2) -- Second best two-loss team in the country! Woodson for the Hypesman!

19. California (5-2) -- Chokers. Period. Since UCLA doesn't have a chance in hell of making my Top 25 with a loss to Notre Dame, Cal will have to do for the two-loss Pac-10 entry.

20. Wake Forest (5-2) -- They're back! Solid SOS, too.

21. South Carolina (6-2) -- THAT was a dumb loss, Spurrier.

22. Georgia (6-2) -- Okay, maybe Les Miles is right.

23. Rutgers (5-2) -- When do their fans stop rushing the field?

24. Alabama (6-2) -- They have a chance to really cripple the SEC's national championship hopes. But does Saban hate LSU enough?

25. UCLA (6-2) -- Okay, so they do have a chance. They have a high SOS and losing to Notre Dame is still better than losing to App State.

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – October 14, 2007

Where there really are no great teams left …

1. South Florida (6-0) – They get the edge on everyone else, because they’ve actually beaten a decent team or two. What does anyone really know about this team? (Sit down, Jaros.) This is just … strange. Has there ever been a more random Top 3 team? I mean, at least since World War II? Their schedule is somewhat favorable, since they have their tough games spaced out. If they win at Rutgers next week, they have a really favorable shot at running the table. Of course, that’s probably the kiss of death for them …

2. Ohio State (7-0) – Now the Buckeyes are poised for redemption. Will they beat Michigan again? They should be 11-0 at that point, again, but in this year of topsy-turvy fun, who knows what will happen? They have Sparty next, and Sparty can score. Of course, Sparty can’t stop anyone from scoring, either, so tOSU’s scoreboard-challenged offense might have a field day.

3. Arizona State (7-0) – Well, Les Miles, the Pac-10 still has an unbeaten team. And the SEC does not. But more on that later. I don’t want to deflect any attention from Dennis Erickson’s most recent turnaround performance. The guy can coach; who wants him next? Texas A&M?

4. Boston College (7-0) – They beat Notre Dame. So what? Now their schedule finally gets interesting. I suspect Gameday will be in Blacksburg again next week; I’ll go with the home team in that one, so the Eagles should enjoy this while they can.

5. Kansas (6-0) – Last undefeated team in the Big XII. How many of you had this one in your elimination pool? Uh huh. They have four interesting games coming up in Colorado, A&M, Nebraska and Oklahoma State (with only the Huskers at home). I’m guessing this won’t last, either.

6. Hawaii (7-0) – Our final undefeated team for this week survived an OT scare this weekend. They should win their next two games at home, so they’ll be here for a few more weeks. Then they have one last road trip to Nevada before closing with Boise and Washington at home. BCS Crashers? Definite possibility, which makes any win a good win for them.

7. West Virginia (5-1) – With their only loss coming to #1, they get the top one-loss spot. They don’t control their own destiny in the Big East, although if they run the table, you’d have to think their chances at a BCS berth would be pretty good. But after a visit from MSU-South next week, they face Rutgers, Louisville and Cincinnati on consecutive weekends. When did the Big East get so good?!

8t. South Carolina (6-1) – There’s no way to separate these three teams, since they have a circle of defeat connecting them all. I really think Spurrier’s gang is the best of the bunch, though, so I’m talking about them first. Lackluster win against UNC, but Butch Davis is a good coach so any win is a good win there in a non-conference matchup.

8t. Kentucky (6-1) – My new favorite team. Thank you, Wildcats. Not only did you get revenge for that ridiculous finish in 2002, but you beat down Little Les for us all. Fantastic! They didn’t quit when they fell behind, and they didn’t shrink away from the challenge. They played like a team with nothing to lose, while LSU played like a team with a lot to lose. I don’t care if Kentucky loses the rest of their games: they are GREAT in my eyes in 2007.

8t. LSU (6-1) – Poor Little Les. Fourth-and-two, in OT, needing a TD to tie/win, he calls a running play up the middle. Talk about cowardly … This serves Miles and all the LSU fans just desserts for their glee at USC’s loss last week. What comes around goes around, bitches. Hope you enjoy the Peach Bowl, because ‘Bama’s gonna beat you, too.

11. Virginia Tech (6-1) – All they do is keep winning. And now they get a good chance to jump back into the BCS fray next week when they host Boston College. As much press/hype as BC has received, it’s time for the Hokies to regain their rightful place in the ACC.

12. Oklahoma (6-1) – They, too, have re-asserted themselves somewhat, and they have a relatively soft three games coming up, before they close with two tougher ones. They control their own destiny again, and that’s all you can ask for, right?

13. Missouri (5-1) – No shame in losing to Oklahoma, but I think the party is over. They’re on their way down with the upcoming games they have left on the schedule. If they finish 3-3 in their last six games, they should be happy.

14. California (5-1) – Freshman QB brain lock aside, I have been warning you all about their mediocre defense all season. That’s what cost them more than anything. I mean, how can you take the field knowing LSU lost and you’re going to be #1 if you can win this game, and then lay an egg AT HOME? Cal, you’re just not ready for prime-time. Oh, and DeSean Jackson, your Heisman Hopes need to be returned immediately. Thankee in advance.

15. Oregon (5-1) – Do I think Oregon is better than Cal? Yes. But they blew that game, and now they’re KICKING themselves even more so. Oregon lost on a physical error; Cal lost on a mental error. Sad thing is they don’t even control their own destiny in the Pac-10, and they’re probably the best team out West. Hey Les Miles, take your LSU team to Eugene, please!

16. USC (5-1) -- The more I think about it, the more I think the Trojans were amazingly fortunate to have Leinart and Bush on the same team. They just haven’t been the same since, obviously. Squeaking a seven-point win against Arizona is Cal-like, not Trojan Territory. They could lose two more times this year, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelash. If Pete Carroll gets this team to run the table, it’ll be the best coaching accomplishment of his career.

17. Cincinnati (6-1) – Oops. Louisville is now playing spoiler, and the Bearcats were their first victims. I hear Brian Kelly is a very unlikable coach, in the style of Les Miles. If so, he got what he deserved. And, Kelly’s doing it all with someone else’s recruits. That 34-3 win over the Beavers looks REALLY good right now, huh?

18. Texas Tech (6-1) – I know this getting to be an over-hyped media story now, but has anyone looked at the frosh WR’s numbers? Seventy-eight catches, 1244 yards, 17 TDs – in SEVEN games. I don’t care what gimmicky offense you play in, them’s impressive numbers. Maybe Tech can win the Big XII. That’d be cool.

19. Boise State (4-1) – I don’t know what to say here. At least their loss was to a BCS conference team. Maybe that was a bad week, but with seven games left to play, they have a lot of ground to cover.

20. Virginia (6-1) – That loss to Wyoming is really sticking in their craw right now. Do they have a chance in the ACC? Why not? The ACC sucks.

21. Connecticut (5-1) – No shame in losing by a point to Virginia. Better than I thought they’d do, and it keeps them in the Top 25 for another week.


22. Auburn (5-2) – Ugly win over Arkansas, but they may have single-handedly take the Hypesman away from Darren McFadden. Schizophrenic Team of the Decade?

23. Florida (4-2) – Man, they’re pissed they let LSU off the hook last week, aren’t they?

24. Kansas State (4-2) – They have decent losses, and their SOS is strong. Why not put them here?

25. Illinois (5-2) – Disappointing loss, for sure, but they can still Zook it with the best of them.

Also receiving consideration: Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, UCLA

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – October 7, 2007

Where two losses still gets you NO sympathy …

1. Ohio State (6-0) – Nice defense. Seriously, where was this defense LAST year? Strangely enough, they may be the most consistent team so far this season. Their SOS is fine, and they seem very comfortable. Perhaps the memory of that fiasco in the desert last January is driving them.

2. California (5-0) – DeSean Jackson may have been right when he said Cal was going to clean USC’s collective clock. The Bears must have been laughing their asses off when the Trojans lost to The Cardinal. But that same Cardinal team will be the Bears last hurdle, perhaps … stay tuned. By the way, their SOS is slightly better than Ohio State’s SOS, but I like the Buckeyes defense better.

3. LSU (6-0) – If that game last night had been played on a neutral field or in The Swamp, LSU would lose. I don’t know if there’s a more smug, unlikeable coach in college football than Les Miles, either. When Florida had the ball, up by 10 in the 4th quarter, I figured it was their game to lose. And they lost it; LSU didn’t win it. The Tigers better hope they don’t have to face anyone GOOD in the SEC title game. Oh, and their SOS is slightly better than Cal’s, too, but until LSU beats a good team out of The Bayou, I am not giving them ANY credit. It’s clear good teams can scare them too much in The Bayou; out of that comfort zone, these Tigers will crumble.

4. South Florida (5-0) – Ugly win, but for a program in their position, that’s all they needed: a win. FYI: Their SOS is slightly below LSU’s, so it’s not like they haven’t played anyone “good” yet.

5. Arizona State (6-0) – Is Bruce Snyder back in town? No, that’s just Dennis Erickson. Wonder where he will be coaching next year? Want a surprise? Their SOS is pretty high, just below Ohio State’s SOS, but I can’t name a single team they’ve beaten without looking it up. Don’t book those Rose Bowl trips just yet, Devil fans.

6. Boston College (6-0) – Beat down some bad team yesterday, as they should have. Since I’m on a SOS kick this week, their SOS is weak. Maybe that says more about the ACC than the Golden Eagles, though. Still, nothing wrong with a 6-0 start.

7. Hawaii (6-0) – Speaking of SOS, Hawaii has a horrible number. But they have Colt Brennan, the second-best HFA in college football this year after LSU, and their schedule stinks. BCS Crasher!

8. Missouri (5-0) – This is really the stretch of weaker undefeated teams, isn’t it? Big XII North, sitting pretty, though.

9. Cincinnati (6-0) – Let me again preface this by saying Mark Dantonio blew it. Also, even though their SOS is weak, I have bought into the hype. We’ll see if it holds as they face the tougher teams on their Big East slate.

10. Kansas (5-0) – There’s something to be said for scheduling cream puffs, isn’t there? I think K-State really believed their own press after beating Oklahoma. Beneficiary? The Jayhawks! Hey, is Glen Mason BACK?!

11. Connecticut (5-0) – No comment. This is the fly in my rankings’ ointment, for sure. But I must be consistent, for RSFC’s sake.

12. Purdue (5-1) – Their one loss is to my #1 this week, so get this spot (i.e., the top-ranked, one-loss team). I didn’t watch their game, since I was going back and forth between the Stanford/USC game and the Florida/LSU game, but every time I checked in, I was surprised they STILL hadn’t scored. Says a lot about Ohio State’s defense.

13. Oregon (4-1) – Maybe their bye week made them realize they could beat USC, too, and maybe they’ll get it together and run the table for a BCS at-large spot. Maybe. They’re still smarting from that Cal loss, though, and maybe the bye week helped them recover. Maybe.

14. South Carolina (5-1) – The Ol’ Ball Coach wants a second crack at LSU away from The Swamp, doesn’t he?

15. Virginia Tech (5-1) – Maybe they’re finally ready to play this season. If that’s the case, who could blame them? It’s almost unfair they had that LSU game when they did. If they played on a neutral field now? LSU would still win.

16. West Virginia (5-1) – Maybe if they run the table, they can have their BCS slot back.

17. Illinois (5-1) – With their only loss in OT to an undefeated team, the Zooker is BACK. Can they win the Big Ten? Let’s find out!

18. Wisconsin (5-1) – Ironic that the Big Ten still comes down to Michigan and Ohio State, huh? Oh, and ILLINOIS! So much for my theory about the Badgers being a team that just knows how to win … although, if LSU had to play in Champaign-Urbana, they'd lose, too.

19. Kentucky (5-1) – Andre’ Woodson, your Heisman Trophy Hopes need to be returned, please.

20. Indiana (5-1) – WTF is going on this year? I am seriously afraid when the Illini AND the Hoosiers somehow crack my Top 20.

21. Florida State (4-1) – How did THIS happen? Maybe they have a chance in the ACC after all.

22. USC (4-1) – Did anyone else get that sense of inevitability last night when Stanford stuffed the 4th and goal right before halftime? USC got exactly what they deserved. They can still win the Pac-10, of course, and Pete Carroll will have them focused, but this was another example of what happened when you let a well-coached team hang around too long. Side note: the Stanford WRs seemed to get away with A LOT of push-offs. I wonder how long it will take the Pac-10 crews to crack down on that one after Pete complains to them privately.

23. Oklahoma (5-1) – Ho-hum. Why they were even in a close game with Texas is beyond me. Maybe Stoops is losing it.

24. Boise State (3-1) – They get the edge over Wyoming, based on H2H victory.

25. Wyoming (4-1) – They get the edge over Virginia, based on H2H victory.


Others meriting consideration: Virginia, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 30, 2007

Man, the cream has already risen, and we're left with dogs who have at least lost to RANKED teams!

1. LSU (5-0) – Winners of a “road” game, they may be the most fortunate MNC contender, schedule-wise, that I have ever seen. If LSU doesn’t win the BCS title, Les Miles should never be allowed to coach again.

2. Ohio State (5-0) – Ho hum. Nice defense.

3. USC (4-0) – The Huskies are not weak, but considering what Ohio State did in Washington, USC should have been better. Then again, maybe merely avoiding the upset bug is enough for them this week.

4. South Florida (4-0) – Are they this good? Maybe not, but with all the upsets, they had the most impressive win of the unbeatens. Then again, maybe WVU is just soft. They’ve really killed themselves two years in a row against USF, so it’s time to give USF credit for that.

5. California (5-0) – Holding the Ducks to 24 points and four turnovers while only winning by seven points says more about Oregon than it does about Cal. But hey, their defense did the job, and their offense did the job, ON THE ROAD. LSU couldn’t win a road game like this, that’s for sure. Although we’ll probably never find out, will we?

6. Boston College (5-0) – I don’t even know who they played this week. But who cares? They won. In all seriousness, though, they needed to beat UMass by more points than that.

7. Arizona State (5-0) – The Pac-10 has three undefeated teams in my Top 7. They are in Sagarin’s Top 8. Les Miles, you better win the MNC, because if you lose it to a Pac-10 team, you should never be allowed to coach again. Oh, and Harbaugh? Stanford sucks.

8. Wisconsin (5-0) – Sparty had two chances to tie or win in your house, and you pretty much got lucky, Mr. Badger. But hey, wins are wins when so many others in the Top 25 lost. Kudos, and as I said earlier, you’re beginning to look a lot like Ohio State did in 2002. Nothing wrong with that.

9. Kentucky (5-0) – FAU? Seriously? Why do SEC teams schedule like pussies? Either way, they avoided the upset bug. That has to count for something.

10. Missouri (4-0) – Bye weeks are nice, especially when everyone else is losing.

11. Purdue (5-0) – They beat Notre Dame, and they didn’t look good doing it. That says more about the Irish than it does about the Boilermakers, though. I mean, Notre Dame can’t suck forever, right? Right? RIGHT?!

12. Cincinnati (5-0) – Along with USF, they are now in the driver’s seat for the Big East’s BCS spot. Man, they just beat each other up in that league! Pounded a state school on the road, as they should have.

13. Hawaii (5-0) – Another blowout win for Colt & Co. I am rooting them to bust the BCS this year, of course, just like Boise State and Utah did in the past few years.

14. Connecticut (5-0) – Comparative scores are nice. UConn beat Akron by more than #2 Ohio State did. I am surprised they are still undefeated, but hey, they keep winning, right? Right? RIGHT?!

15. Kansas (4-0) – Hey, even better than scheduling a cupcake, they had a bye week! And they’re officially the worst of the remaining unbeatens in the FBS. Don’t expect them to stay here long …

16. South Carolina (4-1) – The run of SEC also-rans can begin now. No shame in losing road games to LSU, I guess. Oh, and my list, the only one-loss teams who make it are the ones who lost to still-unbeaten teams.

17. Oregon (4-1) – The only problem I have with them losing is that they should have been able to beat Cal at home, but they kept giving the ball away. When you lose a close one like this, you question all your efforts and focus on every little mistake you made. This loss will have psychological damage to the Ducks. It would have been better for them to lose by 30 points than to lose the way they did.

18. West Virginia (4-1) – Wow, you really suck, Mountaineers. Slaton? Say good bye to your Heisman. White? You just entered J.J. Stokes Territory with that thigh bruise. Pussies, all of you. Truthfully, I hope they lose to Louisville, Cincinnati, and every other team in the Big East from here on out. What a bunch of cunts.

19. Michigan State (4-1) – The difference between the past and the present? In the past, when Wisconsin took a 10-point lead in the third quarter, Sparty would have rolled over and lost by 20+ points. But don’t congratulate them yet: they blew two relatively good chances to tie or win the game late. However, with Northwestern and Indiana up at home next, Sparty should be 6-1 when they play at Ohio State. If they’re not, well – then they’re still the same ol’ Sparty.

20. Illinois (4-1) – They were a sleeper this year, and they are now officially off the sleeper list. Clearly, Penn State sucks, though. Zooooooooooooooooook!

21. Nebraska (4-1) – Their only loss was to an unbeaten team, even if it was a blowout at home that they were supposed to be fired up for. This is not a good team.

22. Virginia Tech (4-1) – This is not a good team, either, but their only loss was on the road to an undefeated team. Even if it was a huge ass-fucking, even bigger than the one USC gave the Cornhuskers …

23. Georgia (4-1) – No shame in losing a to a team who’s only loss was to a team that lost at LSU, right? Right? RIGHT?!

24. Kansas State (3-1) – Since their only loss was to Auburn, and it was on the road, they get the nod for this spot. Are they better than Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Rutgers? On paper, probably not. But on the field, they’ve earned this spot for Week 5.

25. Florida (4-1) – They should have known better than to lose to Auburn at home. You cannot lose to unranked teams at home, Urban Meyer!

Others receiving consideration, in order:

Clemson, Florida State, Oklahoma, Boise State, Texas, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Miami-FL, Texas A&M, UCLA and Virginia

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 23, 2007

If you've lost once, you're still second-rate …

1. USC – The Trojans held serve with a 30-point win over Wazzou. Pretty good effort, showing Wazzou to be better than Nebraska, in essence (if you want to play that game, and I’m not sure I do). Of course, things get tougher (maybe?) for USC, but clearly, they may be the only Pac-10 team who can play any defense.

2. LSU – I think this win was their best one, by far. Crafty opponent, etc., but again, can this team play away from home? Thanks to a ridiculously lame schedule and fortuitous BCS rotation, we may never find out. And that’s the shame about college football. If they had to play in L.A., they’d get smoked by the Trojans. If they had to play in the Horseshoe, they’d lose. If they get to play in Louisiana, probably only USC can hang with them. I wonder how they’re going to fair in the SEC title game; or is that in New Orleans this year, too?!

3. Oklahoma – I think we may see another 2004 here, with three undefeated teams at the end of the year. Oklahoma absolutely whipped a decent Tulsa team, and it was ugly. I like Patrick Allen a lot, by the way.

4. Ohio State – They finally delivered the type of ass-kicking that had been missing from their resume this season. Up by 28 after the end of the first period? Is Northwestern still in the Big Ten? Should they be?

5. Florida – Everyone is allowed a hiccup, but this one drops the Gators a bit this week. Even for a road game in the SEC, you must dazzle more than that.

6. Rutgers – Byes are nice, especially when some of your conference mates drop the ball. Maybe this is too high, because they haven’t really played anyone yet, but at least they’ve been dominating those schlubs.

7. West Virginia – All I heard was how Skip Holtz’ defense was so good at limiting WVU’s running attack the past two years. Whatever.

8. Boston College – I keep thinking they’re in the Big East, but you’re probably looking at the new ACC champs. Probably shouldn’t have given up 17 points to Army, but 20-point wins are expected in games like this.

9. Oregon – I guess they’ve played a “tougher” schedule than some of the teams below them, but when you’re behind at Stanford at halftime, I don’t care if you rip them a new one in the second half on the way to a big win. You suck, and like most Pac-10 teams on this list, the Ducks can’t play defense (and that says A LOT about Michigan’s offense, by the way, and the quality of the Big Ten this year).

10. California – Why am I putting them below Oregon? Because I have been pointing out their defensive deficiencies since the first week of the season. They might be able to score as well as USC and Oregon, but like the Ducks, anyone can score them in return. Predictions for the big game in Eugene next weekend? How about 51-45? 65-61? 78-71 in 2OT? Should be a fun game to watch, unless you’re a defensive maven.

11. Wisconsin – Winning ugly, for sure. A formula that worked for Oklahoma in 2000 and Ohio State in 2002. Am I really comparing the Badgers to those teams? No, not really. But they’re not going to win a lot of style points this season.

12. Kentucky – Their win over Louisville lost some luster, and a two-loss Arkansas team isn’t as good as we thought, either. But you have to give them credit for beating both those teams nonetheless.

13. Arizona State – Fell behind 19-0 in the first quarter at home to an average Beaver squad, but they rallied for the win. Again, there’s a team in the Pac-10 for teams other than the Trojans: No Defense!

14. South Florida – So I heard a funny anecdote from a USF administrator last night. He said all the previous campus presidents had opposed football, until this one president made an off-the-cuff comment, on the record, that if the football supporters could raise $10M, they could start a football program – never thinking the $10M could actually be gathered. Then in a matter of weeks, the money was raised. The guy had to keep his word, and there you have it: USF football. I really think stories like this are great for college football. Maybe the Big East can give us a fourth undefeated BCS team this year; maybe it will be USF.

15. Clemson – Dominating road win in ACC play. With BC, they seem to be the cream of that crop.

16. Cincinnati – Their SOS is not great, but I think they’re right up there with USF. Why did their coach leave? He could have had an Urban Meyer 2004 Utah-like season this year and parlayed that into the MICHIGAN job.

17. Hawaii – I don’t think too many teams would want to play Hawaii on a neutral field. Hopefully, they will run the table, and we’ll get to see them matched against the ACC champ (yawn).

18. Texas – Who friggin’ made this schedule? At least the ‘Horns finally got a blowout win, but they had to play Rice to get it. Seriously, I have major doubts about this team. I suspect Oklahoma will eradicate them easily.

19. Michigan State – Interestingly, Sagarin has them rated as the worst of the remaining Division 1-A unbeatens. Putting them behind a team like Kansas, however, Mr. Sagarin, is unfair, since the Spartans at least tried to schedule some good teams. They’ve faced some adversity in each of the past three weeks, and they’ve won all three games. It may be an interesting game in Madison next weekend.

20. Purdue – Do I think Purdue is better than Michigan State? Yes. The offense seems to be working well enough, as a Tiller O should. Giving up 31 points to Minnesota, however, is not good. That knocks you below Sparty for a week, though. Have fun with the Irish chew-toy next week, Boilermakers!

21. Missouri – Big win over a pancake this week. Will they give Nebraska a run for Big XII North title? Or will Kansas sneak in and take it while no one’s looking? Okay, you can stop laughing now.

22. Connecticut – Beating Pittsburgh was a surprise to me, as they stayed unbeaten for another week. Their SOS is better than Kansas’, so that’s why they’re here.

23. Kansas – Play a real friggin’ team, already – PLEASE. Amazing how you can stack a schedule to get you to a bowl game, huh? When teams like Michigan are 2-2 and this team is 4-0, it makes you realize why college football still has a lot of issues. But it’s my rule to penalize teams severely for losses (especially to Division 1-AA teams, Wolverines), so get over it.

24. South Carolina – Certainly, there was NO shame in their loss to LSU. If they played on a neutral field, it might be a much closer game, too. And if LSU played at USC (either one), the Tigers would be kittens.

25. Georgia – They get the edge over Alabama for obvious reasons. Impressive fortitude to hold on for the OT win last night. And everyone loves it when Saban loses …

McMisanthrope’s Top 25 – September 16, 2007

Where if you’ve lost already, you ain’t worthy …

1. USC – They were up 42-10, on the road, against a ranked team, which was pumped for the game. This wasn’t beating an emotionally-ravaged team in your stacked viper-pit of a home stadium. The final score doesn’t truly tell how thoroughly the Trojans kicked Nebraska’s ass. UCLA’s loss took some shimmer off the Pac-10 SOS, of course.

2. LSU – These two teams are easily playing the best right now, so … not much material to a debate right now. The SEC looks pretty weak, in truth, save Florida, so as they “beat each other up” in the SEC, it will be interesting to see how LSU’s SOS is affected.

3. tOSU – Beat a rising BCS team on the road, which cannot be underrated. The defense is solid, the offense is coming around, and maybe they’re playing better knowing Michigan stinks this year. Certainly, they rose to the challenge after the Akron slugfest.

4. Oklahoma – Have they done anything wrong? No. But their schedule is weak. I don’t see anyone in the Big XII challenging them this season (sit down, Mack Brown).

5. Florida – Beating Tennessee (now a two-loss team in mid-Sept) doesn’t win you any style points. And let’s be honest: it was only 28-20 in the third quarter. You’re good, Gators, but the four teams above you have been playing better (so far). No shame in being Top 5.

6. Boston College – This ranking may be too high, but when you’re 3-0 already in your BCS conference standings, you’ve gotten off to a great start. You beat the defending ACC champs, you beat a good Georgia Tech team in an upset on the road, and you are going to get to kick Notre Dame’s ass in a few weeks. Enjoy this, and may you keep it going.

7. Penn State – Who have they played so far? No one, really. The slow start against Buffalo can be overlooked by the fact that it was 31-3 after three periods. TCB? Oh yes, especially with a reeling Michigan team on the horizon.

8. West Virginia – Forget Steve Slaton. Say hi to Noel Devine. Impressive road win over Maryland, too. The defense finally showed up. With Louisville’s loss, they have to be considered the Big East favorites (although watch Cincinnati).

9. Rutgers – The Knights haven’t played anyone yet, but that’s in their favor since they’ve been kicking ass thoroughly. Here comes the real schedule for you now; let’s see what you got.

10. South Carolina – There’s a big drop-off already, from #9 to #10. We will learn all we need to know next weekend about these Gamecocks and the Ol’ Ball Coach. Somehow, if Spurrier manages to win at LSU this year, I think he’s officially “back”. He just hasn’t had a big enough win yet at USC-Lite to announce that.

11. Kentucky – Probably too high of a jump for them, but Louisville was a CONTENDER. Rich Brooks is a good guy; he deserves this success.

12. Alabama – They can earn this spot by beating Georgia next weekend. In the meantime, they beat Arkansas, which really shouldn’t have been losing to the Tide this season. Good for Saban, although it just means he’s more likely to leave sooner rather than later.

13. California – Beating LaTech by 30 at home doesn’t make me think anything more of their defense, which still has a lot of holes in it. When they play at Autzen in two weeks, then we’ll know what we need to know about Cal.

14. Wisconsin – The Citadel scored 31 points on the Badgers in Madison. Not good. But hey, at least Michigan sucks this season.

15. Oregon – Blowouts wins over bad teams can only get you so high, but they get Cal in a few weeks.

16. Purdue – The Boilermakers just might be Oregon East. They should be 5-0 when they host the Buckeyes.

17. Arizona State – Easy wins over weak teams (sorry, Colorado). So what?

18. South Florida – Should they be ranked this high based on a road win over an overrated SEC team which has since lost AGAIN? Maybe not. When they play the Mountaineers in two weeks, though, we’ll know all we need to know.

19. Cincinnati – Along with Utah, they’ve punctured some Pac-10 dreams. But what else? Giving up 16 points in three games is a purdy stat.

20. Air Force – Wins over Utah and TCU are looking good right now. Can they run the table with no games against ranked teams? Remember, they get to play the Irish, too.

21. Clemson – Still looking for a quality win over a good team. They’ll have chances before the season is over.

22. Missouri – Two so-so BCS wins before some play toys. Giving up 83 points in three games, however? Not good.

23. Texas – That win over TCU doesn’t look so good now, and the other wins are bad wins. How good is this team? They may be 5-0 when they play Oklahoma, but it’s going to be ugly when the Sooners are through with them.

24. Hawaii – So they hiccupped last week; they rebounded hard this week. They, like Air Force, have a good shot at running the table. I am betting they will, and they’ll still end up in the Honolulu Bowl.

25. Michigan State – Only here because of the lack of quality in still-undefeated teams. Which begs the question: should I be ranking teams with losses? No. Not yet. Not until the BCS standings come out. In the meantime, the Spartans are much improved on defense – and they get to play Notre Dame next before going to Madison to end the month. If the Citadel can score on the Badgers …

Others receiving consideration:

* Kansas – Given up only 20 points in three games against nobodies is a good sign.
* Texas Tech – Giving up 64 points in three games against nobodies is not a good sign for the defense.
* Texas A&M – Pancake schedule so far, and it says here the Hurricanes are going to pound them.
* Tulsa – Sure, they can score. But can they play defense?
* Connecticut – SOS went up when Duke won a game. Five points wins against Temple? Stinky.
* Indiana – If they can beat Minnesota, Ball State and Northwestern, they can go bowling.