Thoughts:
1) No one-loss BCS team is going to jump an undefeated BCS team in the BCS standings, period;
2) We will end up with two undefeated, non-AQ teams again;
3) Oklahoma just wasn't very good;
4) The Big XII as a whole isn't very good, so Missouri better win it.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: They just keep on winning. And scoring. And scoring. And scoring;
2) Missouri: They beat a "#1" team, so why not?;
3) TCU: Should be a good game with Utah;
4) Boise State: I think they're fortunate to get Hawai'i at home this year;
5) Michigan State: Gritty team. I thought they were cooked down 17-0 late in the first half;
6) Utah: See TCU above;
7) Auburn: Impressed with Cam Newton, but one-man teams aren't going to run the table. Apologies to Vince Young;
8) Stanford: Toby Who?;
9) Wisconsin: Suddenly giant-killer instinct;
10) LSU: It was nice while it lasted, Les;
11) Oklahoma: It was nice while it lasted, Bob;
12) Ohio State: That's the Buckeyes we know and love;
13) Florida State: That's the Seminoles we know and love;
14) Nevada: At least they only lost to Hawaii on the road;
15) Alabama: How did they lose to South Carolina?!
16) Arizona: How did they lose to Oregon State?;
17) Nebraska: How did they lose to Texas?!;
18) Oklahoma State: No defense in Stillwater;
19) Miami-FL: Their losses aren't so bad, right?;
20) USC: That win over Hawai'i looks pretty good now;
21) Iowa: Close losses kill your season;
22) Hawaii: They're good. Deal with it;
23) Michigan: Bye weeks make you look better;
24) Virginia Tech: I still think they'll win the ACC;
25) South Carolina: Someone needs to be #25.
Also considered: Arkansas, Kansas State, Mississippi State, Navy.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 17, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Nebraska has no heart;
2) Auburn has no defense;
3) Ohio State has no fortitude;
4) Nevada has no clothes.
Rankings:
1 -- Oregon: Nice week for a bye.
2 -- Oklahoma: Winning ugly is effective.
3 -- Missouri: Flying under the radar is always nice.
4 -- Boise State: Why don't more teams schedule road games against WAC teams?
5 -- TCU: Or even MWC teams, for that matter?
6 -- Auburn: A lot of holes in that defense.
7 -- LSU: McNeese State?
8 -- Michigan State: How many RBs do they have?
9 -- Utah: That have just as good a shot as TCU does.
10 -- Oklahoma State: See Missouri above.
11 -- Stanford: Only loss is to Oregon.
12 -- Alabama: Their only loss looks bad now.
13 -- Arizona: See Alabama above.
14 -- Nebraska: Terrible.
15 -- Florida State: Highest-ranked ACC team.
16 -- Iowa: Have three tough games left against Wisconsin, Michigan State and tOSU.
17 -- Ohio State: No shame in that loss, but they have to be pissed.
18 -- Nevada: Who knew Hawai'i could play defense?
19 -- Kansas State: Could still win Big XII North.
20 -- Wisconsin: Always plays better at home.
21 -- West Virginia: Highest-ranked Big East team.
22 -- South Carolina: Whoops.
23 -- USC: So inconsistent week to week.
24 -- Miami-FL: Probably don't belong here.
25 -- Arkansas: See Miami-FL above.
Also considered: Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Mississippi State.
1) Nebraska has no heart;
2) Auburn has no defense;
3) Ohio State has no fortitude;
4) Nevada has no clothes.
Rankings:
1 -- Oregon: Nice week for a bye.
2 -- Oklahoma: Winning ugly is effective.
3 -- Missouri: Flying under the radar is always nice.
4 -- Boise State: Why don't more teams schedule road games against WAC teams?
5 -- TCU: Or even MWC teams, for that matter?
6 -- Auburn: A lot of holes in that defense.
7 -- LSU: McNeese State?
8 -- Michigan State: How many RBs do they have?
9 -- Utah: That have just as good a shot as TCU does.
10 -- Oklahoma State: See Missouri above.
11 -- Stanford: Only loss is to Oregon.
12 -- Alabama: Their only loss looks bad now.
13 -- Arizona: See Alabama above.
14 -- Nebraska: Terrible.
15 -- Florida State: Highest-ranked ACC team.
16 -- Iowa: Have three tough games left against Wisconsin, Michigan State and tOSU.
17 -- Ohio State: No shame in that loss, but they have to be pissed.
18 -- Nevada: Who knew Hawai'i could play defense?
19 -- Kansas State: Could still win Big XII North.
20 -- Wisconsin: Always plays better at home.
21 -- West Virginia: Highest-ranked Big East team.
22 -- South Carolina: Whoops.
23 -- USC: So inconsistent week to week.
24 -- Miami-FL: Probably don't belong here.
25 -- Arkansas: See Miami-FL above.
Also considered: Virginia Tech, North Carolina State, North Carolina, Mississippi State.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 10, 2010
Thoughts:
1 -- Clearly a letdown game for Alabama after the last two weeks. And it will cost the SEC a BCS "title" game berth. Watch;
2 -- Oregon and Ohio State now in drivers' seats for the "title" game. But if TCU or Boise runs the table and either the Ducks or the Buckeyes slip up, watch the SEC spin machine try to get its one-loss champ into the title game. That will be the end of days for the BCS in the eyes of the government;
3 -- Denard Robinson is human after all;
4 -- UCLA sucks. Oregon State does not. Ergo, Texas sucks, and Boise/TCU do not.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- The team is deep, fast, strong and very good. That Boise loss last year seems miles away;
2) TCU -- Going to the Big East makes little sense long-term for TCU. Really;
3) Boise State -- Can anything stop the Broncos from going undefeated?;
4) Ohio State -- Now in the driver's seat for yet another MNC;
5) Nebraska -- The Big Ten will be very formidable next year, for sure;
6) LSU -- No way they're this good, but for now, they have the SEC inside track;
7) Missouri -- Sneaking up on people?;
8) Nevada -- Probably shouldn't be this high after that win over San Jose State;
9) Auburn -- Another last-second win for the Tigers;
10) Oklahoma -- I wonder how the computers will rank the Sooners;
11) Utah -- They deserve to be higher;
12) Oklahoma State -- Put that Bill Snyder thing to rest this year, didn't they?;
13) Michigan State -- After beating Wisconsin and Michigan easily in back-to-back weeks, you think they'd get more respect than this;
14) Alabama -- Look, Saban's ranked below his two previous FBS teams!;
15) Stanford -- No defense for The Farm this year, but what was with that penalty against USC on Stanford's final drive? Terrible and obvious officiating bias against the Trojans there. They can't make BCS money for the league, so make sure Stanford can?;
16) Florida State -- Hopefully, Bobby Bowden is smiling;
17) Arizona -- They got lucky against Cal and Iowa, so maybe they were due for a fall;
18) South Carolina -- Yeah, I know this ignores H2H, but whatever;
19) Arkansas -- They didn't beat 'Bama;
20) Iowa -- Still in the Big Ten hunt if they can win out;
21) NC State -- Someone has to fill these final five spots;
22) West Virginia -- Ahead of Rich-Rod again!;
23) Wisconsin -- Brent Beilema is a RUTSing bastard;
24) Michigan -- Still no defense;
25) Air Force -- I chose them to end this list ($1 to The Nails).
1 -- Clearly a letdown game for Alabama after the last two weeks. And it will cost the SEC a BCS "title" game berth. Watch;
2 -- Oregon and Ohio State now in drivers' seats for the "title" game. But if TCU or Boise runs the table and either the Ducks or the Buckeyes slip up, watch the SEC spin machine try to get its one-loss champ into the title game. That will be the end of days for the BCS in the eyes of the government;
3 -- Denard Robinson is human after all;
4 -- UCLA sucks. Oregon State does not. Ergo, Texas sucks, and Boise/TCU do not.
Rankings:
1) Oregon -- The team is deep, fast, strong and very good. That Boise loss last year seems miles away;
2) TCU -- Going to the Big East makes little sense long-term for TCU. Really;
3) Boise State -- Can anything stop the Broncos from going undefeated?;
4) Ohio State -- Now in the driver's seat for yet another MNC;
5) Nebraska -- The Big Ten will be very formidable next year, for sure;
6) LSU -- No way they're this good, but for now, they have the SEC inside track;
7) Missouri -- Sneaking up on people?;
8) Nevada -- Probably shouldn't be this high after that win over San Jose State;
9) Auburn -- Another last-second win for the Tigers;
10) Oklahoma -- I wonder how the computers will rank the Sooners;
11) Utah -- They deserve to be higher;
12) Oklahoma State -- Put that Bill Snyder thing to rest this year, didn't they?;
13) Michigan State -- After beating Wisconsin and Michigan easily in back-to-back weeks, you think they'd get more respect than this;
14) Alabama -- Look, Saban's ranked below his two previous FBS teams!;
15) Stanford -- No defense for The Farm this year, but what was with that penalty against USC on Stanford's final drive? Terrible and obvious officiating bias against the Trojans there. They can't make BCS money for the league, so make sure Stanford can?;
16) Florida State -- Hopefully, Bobby Bowden is smiling;
17) Arizona -- They got lucky against Cal and Iowa, so maybe they were due for a fall;
18) South Carolina -- Yeah, I know this ignores H2H, but whatever;
19) Arkansas -- They didn't beat 'Bama;
20) Iowa -- Still in the Big Ten hunt if they can win out;
21) NC State -- Someone has to fill these final five spots;
22) West Virginia -- Ahead of Rich-Rod again!;
23) Wisconsin -- Brent Beilema is a RUTSing bastard;
24) Michigan -- Still no defense;
25) Air Force -- I chose them to end this list ($1 to The Nails).
Sunday, October 3, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: October 3, 2010
Thoughts:
1) The Pac-10 and the Big Ten are better conferences than the SEC this year;
2) I'm not sold on Denard Robinson's Heisman candidacy, because he's a sophomore (yeah, I know about Tebow and Ingram) and his team will lose at least four conference games this year;
3) Alabama looked pretty darn good, but clearly Florida was overrated. The Tide should win the SEC as an unbeaten again;
4) Oregon might be the best team out there still, including Alabama;
5) No commentary this week below. I am sick.
Rankings:
1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Michigan
8. Auburn
9. Kansas State
10. TCU
11. Oklahoma State
12. Nevada
13. Ohio State
14. Missouri
15. Northwestern
16. Nebraska
17. Michigan State
18. Utah
19. Florida
20. Miami-FL
21. Stanford
22. South Carolina
23. NC State
24. Florida State
25. Colorado
Also considered: Temple, USC, West Virginia, Iowa, Air Force.
1) The Pac-10 and the Big Ten are better conferences than the SEC this year;
2) I'm not sold on Denard Robinson's Heisman candidacy, because he's a sophomore (yeah, I know about Tebow and Ingram) and his team will lose at least four conference games this year;
3) Alabama looked pretty darn good, but clearly Florida was overrated. The Tide should win the SEC as an unbeaten again;
4) Oregon might be the best team out there still, including Alabama;
5) No commentary this week below. I am sick.
Rankings:
1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Alabama
4. Boise State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Michigan
8. Auburn
9. Kansas State
10. TCU
11. Oklahoma State
12. Nevada
13. Ohio State
14. Missouri
15. Northwestern
16. Nebraska
17. Michigan State
18. Utah
19. Florida
20. Miami-FL
21. Stanford
22. South Carolina
23. NC State
24. Florida State
25. Colorado
Also considered: Temple, USC, West Virginia, Iowa, Air Force.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 26, 2010
Thoughts:
1) So many great games on Saturday, especially in the SEC and the Pac-10;
2) No comment on the Big Ten schedule lameness, except that Purdue really stinks;
3) Still have no doubt that Boise would beat any team in the country at home;
4) Ryan Mallet just kissed his Hypesman hopes goodbye.
Rankings:
1) LSU (4-0) -- Random #1 this week, but so far, they've played a better schedule than any other undefeated team;
2) Boise State (3-0) -- Very tired of people ripping their schedule, simply as those doing the ripping aren't running out to schedule Boise any time soon. Hypocrisy at its worst;
3) Oklahoma (4-0) -- Anyone who has watched this time knows they're not very good. Texas could beat them, and the Longhorns aren't very good;
4) Auburn (4-0) -- Sorry, but they've played a better schedule than Alabama or Florida has so far;
5) Alabama (4-0) -- This is what you get for scheduling patsies to counterbalance good teams. And Arkansas didn't count as a good team;
6) Florida (4-0) -- See Oklahoma above. Alabama should tear them apart next week;
7) Arizona (4-0) -- Best of the Pac-10 teams based on SOS so far;
8) Stanford (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Wildcats right now;
9) USC (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Cardinal right now;
10) TCU (4-0) -- Since I am still of the belief no BCS team except Ohio State will go undefeated, I wonder which non-AQ team the BCS will shaft out of the title game this year;
11) North Carolina State (4-0) -- Surprise team of the year so far;
12) Michigan (4-0) -- Nice when you have three QBs who can play pretty well;
13) Kansas State (4-0) -- The Snyder Formula is working again;
14) Nevada (4-0) -- Boise could use the Wolfpack winning more games;
15) Oregon (4-0) -- Sure, they're better than this, but scheduling New Mexico and Portland State hurts you somewhere;
16) Northwestern (4-0) -- Seems like they always start 4-0 or something before finishing 8-4;
17) Oklahoma State (3-0) -- Why take a bye in Week 4?;
18) Utah (4-0) -- TCU could use the Utes winning more games;
19) Ohio State (4-0) -- See Oregon above;
20) Missouri (4-0) -- Admittedly, I know nothing about this team;
21) Wisconsin (4-0) -- See Ohio State above;
22) Nebraska (4-0) -- Beat a good San Diego State team on Saturday. Should win the Big XII, since OU and UT aren't very good this year;
23) Texas A&M (3-0) -- See Missouri above;
24) Michigan State (4-0) -- See Wisconsin above;
25) James Madison (4-0) -- Why the heck not?
1) So many great games on Saturday, especially in the SEC and the Pac-10;
2) No comment on the Big Ten schedule lameness, except that Purdue really stinks;
3) Still have no doubt that Boise would beat any team in the country at home;
4) Ryan Mallet just kissed his Hypesman hopes goodbye.
Rankings:
1) LSU (4-0) -- Random #1 this week, but so far, they've played a better schedule than any other undefeated team;
2) Boise State (3-0) -- Very tired of people ripping their schedule, simply as those doing the ripping aren't running out to schedule Boise any time soon. Hypocrisy at its worst;
3) Oklahoma (4-0) -- Anyone who has watched this time knows they're not very good. Texas could beat them, and the Longhorns aren't very good;
4) Auburn (4-0) -- Sorry, but they've played a better schedule than Alabama or Florida has so far;
5) Alabama (4-0) -- This is what you get for scheduling patsies to counterbalance good teams. And Arkansas didn't count as a good team;
6) Florida (4-0) -- See Oklahoma above. Alabama should tear them apart next week;
7) Arizona (4-0) -- Best of the Pac-10 teams based on SOS so far;
8) Stanford (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Wildcats right now;
9) USC (4-0) -- Just a shade behind the Cardinal right now;
10) TCU (4-0) -- Since I am still of the belief no BCS team except Ohio State will go undefeated, I wonder which non-AQ team the BCS will shaft out of the title game this year;
11) North Carolina State (4-0) -- Surprise team of the year so far;
12) Michigan (4-0) -- Nice when you have three QBs who can play pretty well;
13) Kansas State (4-0) -- The Snyder Formula is working again;
14) Nevada (4-0) -- Boise could use the Wolfpack winning more games;
15) Oregon (4-0) -- Sure, they're better than this, but scheduling New Mexico and Portland State hurts you somewhere;
16) Northwestern (4-0) -- Seems like they always start 4-0 or something before finishing 8-4;
17) Oklahoma State (3-0) -- Why take a bye in Week 4?;
18) Utah (4-0) -- TCU could use the Utes winning more games;
19) Ohio State (4-0) -- See Oregon above;
20) Missouri (4-0) -- Admittedly, I know nothing about this team;
21) Wisconsin (4-0) -- See Ohio State above;
22) Nebraska (4-0) -- Beat a good San Diego State team on Saturday. Should win the Big XII, since OU and UT aren't very good this year;
23) Texas A&M (3-0) -- See Missouri above;
24) Michigan State (4-0) -- See Wisconsin above;
25) James Madison (4-0) -- Why the heck not?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 19, 2010
Thoughts:
1) Great finishes dominated the landscape on Saturday, but a few teams were lucky: Sparty, Bucky and 'Zona. Maybe Michigan, too. I'm stealing the phrase, but winning hides flaws. If Notre Dame, for example, had won the past two weeks, they'd be in the Top 20, easily;
2) Word is MSU's Dantonio had a heart attack last night after the game. Hope he recovers completely and soon;
3) I wish I could have watched Oregon's game yesterday, but it was only available on Comcast in Oregon and Washington. The Pac-12 Network can't come soon enough;
4) When you play a patsy, you have to smack the patsy thoroughly. Winning by a TD or less over a mediocre team is a sign of weakness.
Rankings:
1 -- Alabama (3-0): Sure, it was just Duke, but I'm willing to revise my earlier contention that the Tide won't run the table in the SEC this year. They are miles and miles and miles ($1 to Al Shepard) above every other team in their conference;
2 -- Oregon (3-0): I figure playing Portland State (weren't they D-II in the 1990s?) is a regional favor, but ouch. The Ducks can roll anyone in the country on a neutral field;
3 -- Boise State (2-0): They play a road game against a MWC team, and they destroy them. Again, they get Oregon State at home next week, and I'll bet they win that one. But that road date at Nevada looks a lot more imposing now, doesn't it?;
4 -- Ohio State (3-0): Another regional-favor smackdown. I realize the "value" of these games for the local interest, but I don't like them;
5 -- TCU (3-0): I bet it's fun for the Horned Frogs to beat on Baylor, considering the SWC rivalries and the fact the Big XII wanted Baylor instead of TCU. Two years in a row now, I've heard a lot about Baylor's QB, and I've yet to understand why;
6 -- Stanford (3-0): Like Cal-Maryland a few years ago, the Stanford-Wake home-and-hoe demonstrates why you don't schedule major road games across multiple time zones that start at funky times. Old story but the newest example;
7 -- Utah (3-0): This team will be a fine addition to the Pac-12, for sure. The Utes will give the Oregon schools a run for the Pac-12 North division title every season;
8 -- Arizona (3-0): Okay, so the defense finally gave up some points, and they let Iowa back into the game. But they still won against a great team with BCS aspirations of their own. Yes, home-field advantage matters. Anyone remember all those September NFL games in Phoenix where the visitor would collapse and blow big leads? I know Tucson is even worse than Phoenix when it comes to heat;
9 -- Texas (3-0): Revenge wins are sweet, even if hollow;
10 -- Oklahoma (3-0): Not sold on them yet, but I also think Air Force may win ten games this year;
11 -- Nebraska (3-0): That was impressive, despite the hype. The Huskies aren't quite ready for prime time yet, are they?;
12 -- USC (3-0): Why did Wendell Tyler's kid go to USC instead of UCLA?;
13 -- South Carolina (3-0): I want to believe, Coach. I really do;
14 -- LSU (3-0): I don't have a single interesting thing to say about this team;
15 -- Florida (3-0): I don't think they're this good, but they overcome adversity for the third game in a row to win again. But it's getting ugly;
16 -- Oklahoma State (3-0): Weak schedule so far, but whatever;
17 -- Arkansas (3-0): It would have been bad to lose that one;
18 -- Nevada (3-0): Is this too high? Their QB runs weird, like Michael Johnson (upright). Hard to believe his speed when he runs so oddly. But he killed Cal;
19 -- Auburn (3-0): Easily could have lost that game, if the Clemson QB makes that third-down throw in OT. Cheesy win, and Auburn won't be able to escape reality before October is done;
20 -- West Virginia (3-0): The Big East makes my Top 25!;
21 -- Missouri (3-0): Sleeper team in the Big XII North to challenge Nebraska?;
22 -- Fresno State (2-0): Three WAC teams in my Top 25. Schedule them!;
23 -- Michigan (3-0): No FBS team should be giving up 37 points to an FCS team at home;
24 -- Kentucky (3-0): Look, it's another SEC team building a house of cards!;
25 -- North Carolina State (3-0): An ACC team makes an appearance ...;
Also considered mildly: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan State, Texas A&M, James Madison.
1) Great finishes dominated the landscape on Saturday, but a few teams were lucky: Sparty, Bucky and 'Zona. Maybe Michigan, too. I'm stealing the phrase, but winning hides flaws. If Notre Dame, for example, had won the past two weeks, they'd be in the Top 20, easily;
2) Word is MSU's Dantonio had a heart attack last night after the game. Hope he recovers completely and soon;
3) I wish I could have watched Oregon's game yesterday, but it was only available on Comcast in Oregon and Washington. The Pac-12 Network can't come soon enough;
4) When you play a patsy, you have to smack the patsy thoroughly. Winning by a TD or less over a mediocre team is a sign of weakness.
Rankings:
1 -- Alabama (3-0): Sure, it was just Duke, but I'm willing to revise my earlier contention that the Tide won't run the table in the SEC this year. They are miles and miles and miles ($1 to Al Shepard) above every other team in their conference;
2 -- Oregon (3-0): I figure playing Portland State (weren't they D-II in the 1990s?) is a regional favor, but ouch. The Ducks can roll anyone in the country on a neutral field;
3 -- Boise State (2-0): They play a road game against a MWC team, and they destroy them. Again, they get Oregon State at home next week, and I'll bet they win that one. But that road date at Nevada looks a lot more imposing now, doesn't it?;
4 -- Ohio State (3-0): Another regional-favor smackdown. I realize the "value" of these games for the local interest, but I don't like them;
5 -- TCU (3-0): I bet it's fun for the Horned Frogs to beat on Baylor, considering the SWC rivalries and the fact the Big XII wanted Baylor instead of TCU. Two years in a row now, I've heard a lot about Baylor's QB, and I've yet to understand why;
6 -- Stanford (3-0): Like Cal-Maryland a few years ago, the Stanford-Wake home-and-hoe demonstrates why you don't schedule major road games across multiple time zones that start at funky times. Old story but the newest example;
7 -- Utah (3-0): This team will be a fine addition to the Pac-12, for sure. The Utes will give the Oregon schools a run for the Pac-12 North division title every season;
8 -- Arizona (3-0): Okay, so the defense finally gave up some points, and they let Iowa back into the game. But they still won against a great team with BCS aspirations of their own. Yes, home-field advantage matters. Anyone remember all those September NFL games in Phoenix where the visitor would collapse and blow big leads? I know Tucson is even worse than Phoenix when it comes to heat;
9 -- Texas (3-0): Revenge wins are sweet, even if hollow;
10 -- Oklahoma (3-0): Not sold on them yet, but I also think Air Force may win ten games this year;
11 -- Nebraska (3-0): That was impressive, despite the hype. The Huskies aren't quite ready for prime time yet, are they?;
12 -- USC (3-0): Why did Wendell Tyler's kid go to USC instead of UCLA?;
13 -- South Carolina (3-0): I want to believe, Coach. I really do;
14 -- LSU (3-0): I don't have a single interesting thing to say about this team;
15 -- Florida (3-0): I don't think they're this good, but they overcome adversity for the third game in a row to win again. But it's getting ugly;
16 -- Oklahoma State (3-0): Weak schedule so far, but whatever;
17 -- Arkansas (3-0): It would have been bad to lose that one;
18 -- Nevada (3-0): Is this too high? Their QB runs weird, like Michael Johnson (upright). Hard to believe his speed when he runs so oddly. But he killed Cal;
19 -- Auburn (3-0): Easily could have lost that game, if the Clemson QB makes that third-down throw in OT. Cheesy win, and Auburn won't be able to escape reality before October is done;
20 -- West Virginia (3-0): The Big East makes my Top 25!;
21 -- Missouri (3-0): Sleeper team in the Big XII North to challenge Nebraska?;
22 -- Fresno State (2-0): Three WAC teams in my Top 25. Schedule them!;
23 -- Michigan (3-0): No FBS team should be giving up 37 points to an FCS team at home;
24 -- Kentucky (3-0): Look, it's another SEC team building a house of cards!;
25 -- North Carolina State (3-0): An ACC team makes an appearance ...;
Also considered mildly: Wisconsin, Northwestern, Michigan State, Texas A&M, James Madison.
Monday, September 13, 2010
McMisanthrope's Top 25: September 13, 2010
Thoughts:
1) It's great to see Alabama and Penn State do a home-and-home right now. Considering these games were probably scheduled when Saban took over the Tide, it's rewarding for everyone, even if Penn State was a little undermanned. Oh well;
2) Likewise for Michigan and Notre Dame. College football needs more legitimately fun matchups early in the year. The Oregon-Tennessee game was great to watch (in the first half, at least), and the Miami-Ohio State game was exciting, too. If you create a playoff, you will see more matchups like this in OOC games, because a loss won't kill your title hopes. Basketball has it RIGHT;
3) The James Madison-Virginia Tech game was a puzzler. The Hokies often seem to stumble early (and losing to Boise wasn't a stumble), and then they recover by the end of the year. Tech has won 62 games in the last six seasons; says here they'll still win nine games this year, at least;
4) For what it's worth now, I think my first 11 teams will supply the BCS champion this year. No one else below that has a legitimate shot;
4b) I'm joining the ranks who won't rank teams with losses right now.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: I always love watching a game on TV when the home fans think they've got a chance early, and then by the end of the game, the shots of the crowd show these shell-shocked students in a hungover stupor. Nothing kills an alcohol buzz like watching your team gets its ass handed to it on its home field. Oregon's a legitimate BCS title contender this year, if it can win three road games in its final five (against USC, Cal and Oregon State);
2) Alabama: Very yeoman-like effort in just methodically beating Penn State. If the game is played in Happy Valley, it might have been 17-10 instead, but Alabama still would have won. In truth, I was impressed with Penn State's defense. And even their freshman QB, but the Tide have a lot of talent on that roster. If they run the table again, it'll be very impressive, because it's so hard to do the second time around. Ask Florida -- oh wait, the Gators have never had a perfect season, huh?;
3) Ohio State: Not as impressed with Ohio State as others are at this point. Miami's a good team, but a flawed team. They can win the ACC, but the ACC isn't the Big Ten or the SEC or even the Pac-10. Or even the Big XII! The Buckeyes defense played well, but those special teams look terrible;
4) Florida: This ranking is too high, and I know it, but for now, I don't mind that much. The squad is having trouble in the first halves this season so far, against lesser talented teams. They need to right that ship, quick;
5) LSU: Conference road wins before mid-September are always appreciated, even if it's just at Vanderbilt. Hard to believe the SEC is so ridiculous as to put Les Miles on the hot seat just a few years after he won the BCS title; after all, he's no Larry Coker;
6) California: The Bears have been to seven straight bowl games, and while I'm sad my Buffaloes were so overwhelmed (bye, Coach Hawkins), Cal looked awesome. They also have a favorable schedule this season, with Oregon and Stanford at home. USC looks vulnerable, even in L.A., so Oregon State looks like their only tough road game. The Bears haven't been a real Pac-10 threat since blowing that shot at being No. 1 in mid-2007 at home against the Beavers. Maybe this is the year they deliver on their promise;
7) South Carolina: For all the noise about Georgia this decade and all the bluster about Steve Spurrier's return to college football, neither has been that big of a deal. Georgia is at its best when nothing is on the line anymore, and Spurrier's teams seem to always start 4-0 before finishing 7-5. Take this one with a grain of salt, and SEC fans, note the four teams from your conference in my Top 7;
8) Texas: I have to admit, I know next to no one on this team by name. Mack Brown is the coach, though. It's been ten seasons, though, since the Longhorns didn't win at least ten games. That's impressive;
9) Boise State: This ranking is more due to having the week off than anything else. Maybe the short week hurt Virginia Tech? If so, the Broncos did some smart scheduling. Could their road game at Wyoming next weekend be a trap game? I see two true traps in their schedule: the home game against Oregon State and the road game at Nevada on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Both will be tough games;
10) Oklahoma: After a rough opening game, the Sooners looked much better against Florida State. Then again, it's just an ACC opponent making the trek to Norman, right? Air Force could give OU a tough ride this weekend;
11) TCU: A road game at Utah in early November is probably the only tough game left for the Horned Frogs. But their overall schedule strength is weaker than Boise's in my eyes;
12) Arizona: Okay, they've played no one yet (The Citadel was on Florida's schedule when the Gators won the BCS title in 2008, too), but giving up only six points to the opposing offenses so far is impressive, anyway. If you're going to schedule patsies, you must bury them thoroughly, and the Wildcats are doing that;
13) Stanford: Like LSU, the Cardinal got an early road conference win, even if it was just UCLA;
14) Utah: Their win over UNLV was comparable to Wisconsin's win over the Rebels, and no one should ever doubt Utah's ability and capabilities. If Utah wasn't already moving up to the Pac-12, I'd tell Colorado to hire their coach. Oh well;
15) USC: I went to this game in person on Saturday, and it was surreal. The Trojans are such a hot mess right now, you just have no idea what they will do each week. Seriously;
16) Michigan: The defense is a concern, and they caught a big break with the Notre Dame QB situation. But tell us this, Rich Rod: even if Denard couldn't throw last year, why wasn't he on the field more as a running back?!;
17) Iowa: Beating Iowa State is one of those wins that looks better to the computers than it does to the naked eye;
18) Missouri: Same with beating Illinois. But McNeese State? I almost expect Mayor McCheese to have gone to McNeese State;
19) Texas Tech: So they've only played SMU and New Mexico, and they certainly didn't handle New Mexico like Oregon did. Heck, the Lobos scored 17 points in this one;
20) Fresno State: They had an off week, too. Heck, the WAC has two teams so far in this Top 25, and the ACC and Big East have zero combined. Ouch;
21) Nebraska: Western Kentucky and Idaho on the schedule so far is the reason why the Huskers rank so low. Come on, Nebraska! Is this the way you ramp up for the Big Ten?;
22) Oklahoma State: A three-point win over Troy isn't impressive, but now that Washington State has won a game, that first win for the Cowboys looks even better;
23) Air Force: They dismantled BYU on Saturday. That was cool. Maybe they can give the Sooners a run for their money next Saturday;
24) Texas A&M: Two wins over patsies always gets some team into the Top 25 early;
25) Auburn: The Tigers also got a road win in conference this past weekend, even if it was only Mississippi State. The score may have different than the last time these two teams played in Starkville, but the game was just as boring.
Also considered: Arkansas, Nevada, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State.
1) It's great to see Alabama and Penn State do a home-and-home right now. Considering these games were probably scheduled when Saban took over the Tide, it's rewarding for everyone, even if Penn State was a little undermanned. Oh well;
2) Likewise for Michigan and Notre Dame. College football needs more legitimately fun matchups early in the year. The Oregon-Tennessee game was great to watch (in the first half, at least), and the Miami-Ohio State game was exciting, too. If you create a playoff, you will see more matchups like this in OOC games, because a loss won't kill your title hopes. Basketball has it RIGHT;
3) The James Madison-Virginia Tech game was a puzzler. The Hokies often seem to stumble early (and losing to Boise wasn't a stumble), and then they recover by the end of the year. Tech has won 62 games in the last six seasons; says here they'll still win nine games this year, at least;
4) For what it's worth now, I think my first 11 teams will supply the BCS champion this year. No one else below that has a legitimate shot;
4b) I'm joining the ranks who won't rank teams with losses right now.
Rankings:
1) Oregon: I always love watching a game on TV when the home fans think they've got a chance early, and then by the end of the game, the shots of the crowd show these shell-shocked students in a hungover stupor. Nothing kills an alcohol buzz like watching your team gets its ass handed to it on its home field. Oregon's a legitimate BCS title contender this year, if it can win three road games in its final five (against USC, Cal and Oregon State);
2) Alabama: Very yeoman-like effort in just methodically beating Penn State. If the game is played in Happy Valley, it might have been 17-10 instead, but Alabama still would have won. In truth, I was impressed with Penn State's defense. And even their freshman QB, but the Tide have a lot of talent on that roster. If they run the table again, it'll be very impressive, because it's so hard to do the second time around. Ask Florida -- oh wait, the Gators have never had a perfect season, huh?;
3) Ohio State: Not as impressed with Ohio State as others are at this point. Miami's a good team, but a flawed team. They can win the ACC, but the ACC isn't the Big Ten or the SEC or even the Pac-10. Or even the Big XII! The Buckeyes defense played well, but those special teams look terrible;
4) Florida: This ranking is too high, and I know it, but for now, I don't mind that much. The squad is having trouble in the first halves this season so far, against lesser talented teams. They need to right that ship, quick;
5) LSU: Conference road wins before mid-September are always appreciated, even if it's just at Vanderbilt. Hard to believe the SEC is so ridiculous as to put Les Miles on the hot seat just a few years after he won the BCS title; after all, he's no Larry Coker;
6) California: The Bears have been to seven straight bowl games, and while I'm sad my Buffaloes were so overwhelmed (bye, Coach Hawkins), Cal looked awesome. They also have a favorable schedule this season, with Oregon and Stanford at home. USC looks vulnerable, even in L.A., so Oregon State looks like their only tough road game. The Bears haven't been a real Pac-10 threat since blowing that shot at being No. 1 in mid-2007 at home against the Beavers. Maybe this is the year they deliver on their promise;
7) South Carolina: For all the noise about Georgia this decade and all the bluster about Steve Spurrier's return to college football, neither has been that big of a deal. Georgia is at its best when nothing is on the line anymore, and Spurrier's teams seem to always start 4-0 before finishing 7-5. Take this one with a grain of salt, and SEC fans, note the four teams from your conference in my Top 7;
8) Texas: I have to admit, I know next to no one on this team by name. Mack Brown is the coach, though. It's been ten seasons, though, since the Longhorns didn't win at least ten games. That's impressive;
9) Boise State: This ranking is more due to having the week off than anything else. Maybe the short week hurt Virginia Tech? If so, the Broncos did some smart scheduling. Could their road game at Wyoming next weekend be a trap game? I see two true traps in their schedule: the home game against Oregon State and the road game at Nevada on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Both will be tough games;
10) Oklahoma: After a rough opening game, the Sooners looked much better against Florida State. Then again, it's just an ACC opponent making the trek to Norman, right? Air Force could give OU a tough ride this weekend;
11) TCU: A road game at Utah in early November is probably the only tough game left for the Horned Frogs. But their overall schedule strength is weaker than Boise's in my eyes;
12) Arizona: Okay, they've played no one yet (The Citadel was on Florida's schedule when the Gators won the BCS title in 2008, too), but giving up only six points to the opposing offenses so far is impressive, anyway. If you're going to schedule patsies, you must bury them thoroughly, and the Wildcats are doing that;
13) Stanford: Like LSU, the Cardinal got an early road conference win, even if it was just UCLA;
14) Utah: Their win over UNLV was comparable to Wisconsin's win over the Rebels, and no one should ever doubt Utah's ability and capabilities. If Utah wasn't already moving up to the Pac-12, I'd tell Colorado to hire their coach. Oh well;
15) USC: I went to this game in person on Saturday, and it was surreal. The Trojans are such a hot mess right now, you just have no idea what they will do each week. Seriously;
16) Michigan: The defense is a concern, and they caught a big break with the Notre Dame QB situation. But tell us this, Rich Rod: even if Denard couldn't throw last year, why wasn't he on the field more as a running back?!;
17) Iowa: Beating Iowa State is one of those wins that looks better to the computers than it does to the naked eye;
18) Missouri: Same with beating Illinois. But McNeese State? I almost expect Mayor McCheese to have gone to McNeese State;
19) Texas Tech: So they've only played SMU and New Mexico, and they certainly didn't handle New Mexico like Oregon did. Heck, the Lobos scored 17 points in this one;
20) Fresno State: They had an off week, too. Heck, the WAC has two teams so far in this Top 25, and the ACC and Big East have zero combined. Ouch;
21) Nebraska: Western Kentucky and Idaho on the schedule so far is the reason why the Huskers rank so low. Come on, Nebraska! Is this the way you ramp up for the Big Ten?;
22) Oklahoma State: A three-point win over Troy isn't impressive, but now that Washington State has won a game, that first win for the Cowboys looks even better;
23) Air Force: They dismantled BYU on Saturday. That was cool. Maybe they can give the Sooners a run for their money next Saturday;
24) Texas A&M: Two wins over patsies always gets some team into the Top 25 early;
25) Auburn: The Tigers also got a road win in conference this past weekend, even if it was only Mississippi State. The score may have different than the last time these two teams played in Starkville, but the game was just as boring.
Also considered: Arkansas, Nevada, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State.
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