1) Stanford (5-0, 3-0, +13) - The Cardinal's stopping of Keith Price and Washington on 4th and 10 with under 2 minutes to play was not the only controversial ending Saturday night. Stanford held on to beat the Huskies 31-28, and take the inside track in the Pac-12 North. However, many questions remain, especially about Stanford's offense. QB Kevin Hogan looked mediocre for the first time all season, going 12 for 20 for 105 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. Also, Stanford's offense was outgained by Washington's 284-489. They're going to have to fix these problems fast, too; after a trip to Utah next week, Stanford faces UCLA, Oregon State, and Oregon in succession.
2) Washington (4-1, 1-1, +10) - It's no consolation to come up just short in a big game like this one, but the Huskies have plenty of reason to be confident going forward. I believe that they have two legitimate Heisman candidates: QB Keith Price (33/48, 350 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT) and RB Bishop Sankey (125 yds on 27 carries, 2 TDs). Oregon comes to Seattle next week, in what should be an awesome game. Washington hasn't beaten the Ducks since 2003. Next week they get their chance.
3) Alabama (5-0, 2-0, +10) - Alabama beat Georgia State 45-3. Next week they play at Kentucky. Good for them.
4) Georgia (4-1, 3-0, +10) - Georgia's 34-31 overtime win over Tennessee was the game that had me howling. The Bulldogs trailed 31-24 with less than 2 minutes left, but Tennessee couldn't stop them from tying the game on a 3rd and goal from the 2. Then in overtime, Tennessee's Alton Howard fumbled the ball as he was crossing the end zone, resulting in a touchback and a turnover to Georgia. So, I just want to point out that Georgia needed a couple of plays varying from unlikely to miraculous in order to pull out the win against a team that Oregon beat 59-14. Next week, Georgia is at home against undefeated Missouri.
5) Michigan (5-0, 1-0, +9) - I think the Wolverines have been happy to be out of the spotlight for a while. They beat Minnesota 42-13, and are at Penn State next week in a game that looked a lot more intimidating before the Nittany Lions lost at Indiana 44-24.
6) Clemson (5-0, 3-0, +9) - Clemson QB Tajh Boyd ought to be at or near the top of most Heisman lists. In Clemson's 49-14 win over Syracuse, Boyd went 20/27, 455 yds, 5 TDs, and 2 INTs. Ten different Tigers had receptions, led by Sammy Watkins, who had 4 catches for 126 yards and 1 TD. Clemson is at home against Boston College next week before they host Florida State in the ACC game of the year.
7) Miami (FL) (5-0, 1-0, +9) - The Hurricanes still have plans for the ACC Championship, but they will need next week's bye to fix some problems. Two weeks ago, they looked lethargic against a terrible South Florida team, turning the ball over 4 times and giving up 4.8 yards per play, and this week they fell behind Georgia Tech 17-7 before rallying for a 45-30 win. In this game, they also turned the ball over 4 times, and gave up 5.0 yards per play.
8) Ohio State (6-0, 2-0, +9) - The Buckeyes escaped Evanston with a 40-30 win, and have now passed the toughest part of their schedule. Michigan is the only other ranked team that Ohio State will face in the regular season. That means that they will have a very good chance of going undefeated. However, it also means that they would probably be ranked behind an undefeated Pac-12 champ at the end of the season. They are at home against Iowa next week.
9) Florida State (5-0, 3-0, +8) - The Seminoles made the biggest statement of the weekend, crushing previously undefeated Maryland 63-0. Jameis Winston had a stat line of 23/32, 393 yds, 5 TDs and 0 INTs. On the other side of the ball, the defense held Maryland to 234 total yards, including 33 rushing yards on 1.3 yards per rush. They get a bye week before traveling to Clemson on Oct. 19.
10) UCLA (4-0, 1-0, +7) - QB Brett Hundley had an off game against Utah, but the Bruins defense didn't, catching 6 interceptions to help UCLA to a 34-27 road win. Utah, USC, and Colorado are all 0-2 in conference, and UCLA is the only team in the South without a loss. The Bruins play Cal next week before back-to-back trips to Stanford and Oregon. Fortunately, UCLA gets Arizona State - probably the second best team in the South - at home on Nov. 23.
11) Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0, +5) - The Red Raiders continue to roll along, beating Kansas 54-16. Next week they are at Iowa State.
12) Louisville (5-0, 1-0, +5) - The Cardinals won at Temple 30-7, and Teddy Bridgewater had a stat line of 25/35, 348 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. They play Rutgers next weekend. Louisville is 4-0 in non-conference games; the rest of the American Conference is 14-20.
13) Oregon (5-0, 2-0, +5) - Here are the final scores for Oregon's last four games: 59-10, 59-14, 55-16, 57-16. That is consistency. Granted, they have not been playing against elite teams (ahem, Tennessee .... ) but if the box score next week against Washington is anything like that, we will know that this is a special team.
14) Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0, +5) - The Sooners held on at home to beat TCU 20-17, and play Texas next week in what is looking like it's going to be a Red River Bloodbath. Oklahoma has the #1 defense in the Big 12, allowing 281 yards and 13 points per game. Texas' defense is last in the conference, giving up 465 yards and 28 points per game. This will be the first time Texas enters the game unranked since 1998, and the Longhorns haven't won this game since 2009. I don't think Saturday will be their day, either.
15) Fresno State (5-0, 2-0, +5) - Go Bulldogs! Fresno State whooped the Idaho Vandals 61-14, and look like the best team in the Mountain West right now. Of course, that's easy to say when your conference includes No. 122 Hawaii (0-5), No. 120 Air Force (1-5), and No. 93 New Mexico (2-3! A good year!). The second best team in the conference right now is No. 43 Wyoming, who just lost to Texas State by 3 touchdowns. The Bulldogs have zero room for error if they want to get to a BCS Bowl. They play UNLV next week.
16) Missouri (5-0, 1-0, +5) - Along with Alabama, Missouri is the only other undefeated SEC team remaining. Yes, that's against teams like Murray State, Arkansas State, and Indiana (ugh, talk about a cupcake, eh Penn State?). But they did win at Vanderbilt 51-28, and they're averaging 543 yards and 46 points per game. They're at Georgia next week, who is 95th in the nation in points allowed, at 32. Don't sleep on this one.
17) Northern Illinois (5-0, 1-0, +5) - In my Top 25 this week, there are 4 Tigers, 2 Huskies, and 2 Bulldogs. I've also got 2 Wildcats and a Cougar, a Bear and a Bruin, a Wolverine, a Duck, a Beaver, a Cardinal (the bird), and Cardinal (the principle.) That would be a cool zoo. NIU plays Akron next week.
18) LSU (4-1, 1-1, +4) - LSU struggled early, but then pulled away to beat the Mississippi State Bulldogs (Tigers! Bulldogs! Unimaginative Southern team names! Princeton! Yale!) 59-26. In a suddenly offense crazed conference, LSU is 4th in yards per game at 488 and 3rd in points at 45.5. They are at Florida next week, who is #1 in defense in the SEC allowing only 217 yards per game (2nd in the nation) and 12.2 points per game. It may not exactly be unstoppable force versus immovable object, but it should be interesting.
19) Houston (4-0, 2-0, +4) - Houston is trying to make the most of their AQ moment. They're 4-0, although that includes wins against FCS Southern, No. 108 Temple, No. 104 UTSA, and No. 50 Rice. They play No. 95 Memphis next week.
20) Baylor (4-0, 1-0, +4) - Baylor continues to put up "Oregon-like" numbers on offense, beating West Virginia 73-42 and hanging 864 yards of offense on 9.1 yards per play on the Mountaineers. The Bears are #1 in he nation in total offense (779 ypg) and points (70.5 ppg). And what kind of freaking all-star team could you put together from Oregon transfers like Lache Seastrunk and Johnny Manziel? (One that is slightly worse than De'Anthony Thomas and Marcus Mariota. #GoDucks.) Baylor is at Kansas State next week.
21) Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0, +4) - It was kind of hard to tell after they lost 35-10 to Alabama, but Virginia Tech has a really good defense. Remember, in that game, they only gave up 1 offensive touchdown, and held the Tide to 96 rushing yards on 2.5 yards per carry. They beat North Carolina this week 27-17, and gave up 99 rushing yards on 2.6 yards per carry. Last week, they beat Georgia Tech 17-10, giving up 129 rushing yards on 3.1 yards per carry. Next week they play Pittsburgh. Consistency is a good thing.
22) Auburn (4-1, 2-1, +3) - The headlines say that Auburn "upset" Mississippi 30-22, but it really wasn't an upset. The Tigers already had wins over No. 48 Washington State (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) and No. 56 Mississippi State, and they played well in the second half against LSU. Mississippi, on the other hand, was overrated because they beat a pooptacular Texas team in Week 3. Auburn is home against Western Carolina next week.
23) Northwestern (4-1, 0-1, +2) - Poor Northwestern. They went into the 4th quarter at home up on Ohio State 23-20, only lose 40-30. Also, poor bettors, as Ohio State got a pick six on the last play of the game and THEY DID IT! THEY BEAT THE SPREAD! On the other hand, there are a lot of reasons for the Wildcats to be optimistic. They have every reason to believe that they are the No. 2 team in the Big Ten, and they know they could beat Ohio State. They are in a very winnable, albeit tough division; every game they play is both winnable and losable. They get Michigan at home. And they could get another shot at the Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship. They're at Wisconsin next week.
24) Arizona (3-1, 0-1, +2) - Whereas Arizona State has had big game (beat Wisconsin!) after big game (lose to Stanford!) after big game (beat USC!) after big game (lose to Notre Dame!), Arizona has quietly gone 3-1, beating teams like Northern Arizona and UTSA, but losing to Washington. We'll see if they're worth anything when they play at USC next week.
25) Oregon State (4-1, 2-0, +2) - One team that is worth something is the Beavers. They got ambushed by Eastern Washington in their season opener, but since then have won 4 in a row, most recently beating Colorado 44-17 behind a 27/52, 414 yds, 6 TD, 1 INT performance from QB Sean Mannion. The Beavers are at Washington State next week in the Pac-12's "Fascinating Undercard of the Week" Game.
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Sunday, October 6, 2013
My Top 25
1) Stanford (5-0, 3-0, +13)
2) Washington (4-1, 1-1, +10)
3) Alabama (5-0, 2-0, +10)
4) Georgia (4-1, 3-0, +10)
5) Michigan (5-0, 1-0, +9)
6) Clemson (5-0, 3-0, +9)
7) Miami (FL) (5-0, 1-0, +9)
8) Ohio State (6-0, 2-0, +9)
9) Florida State (5-0, 3-0, +8)
10) UCLA (4-0, 1-0, +7)
11) Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0, +5)
12) Louisville (5-0, 1-0, +5)
13) Oregon (5-0, 2-0, +5)
14) Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0, +5)
15) Fresno State (5-0, 2-0, +5)
16) Missouri (5-0, 1-0, +5)
17) Northern Illinois (5-0, 1-0, +5)
18) LSU (4-1, 1-1, +4)
19) Houston (4-0, 2-0, +4)
20) Baylor (4-0, 1-0, +4)
21) Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0, +4)
22) Auburn (4-1, 2-1, +3)
23) Northwestern (4-1, 0-1, +2)
24) Arizona (3-1, 0-1, +2)
25) Oregon State (4-1, 2-0, +2)
South Carolina (4-1, 2-1, +2)
Bowling Green (5-1, 3-0, +1)
UCF (4-1, 1-0, 0)
Rutgers (4-1, 1-0, 0)
Maryland (4-1, 0-1, -1)
Ball State (5-1, 2-0, -1)
Michigan State (4-1, 1-0, -1)
Nebraska (4-1, 1-0, -1)
Texas A&M (4-1, 1-1, -2)
Oklahoma State (4-1, 1-1, -2)
Notre Dame (4-2, 0-0, -2)
Ohio (4-1, 1-0, -2)
East Carolina (4-1, 2-0, -2)
Florida (4-1, 3-0, -2)
Illinois (3-2, 0-1, -3)
Iowa (4-2, 1-1, -3)
Minnesota (4-2, 0-2, -3)
Wyoming (3-1, 1-0, -3)
Pittsburgh (3-1, 2-1, -3)
Navy (3-1, 0-0, -3)
North Carolina State (3-2, 0-2, -4)
Utah (3-2, 0-2, -4)
Washington State (4-2, 2-1, -4)
Indiana (3-2, 1-0, -4)
Rice (3-2, 2-0, -4)
Mississippi (3-2, 1-2, -5)
Arizona State (3-2, 1-2, -5)
Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-2, -5)
Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1, -5)
Buffalo (3-2, 1-0, -5)
Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1, -5)
Texas State (3-2, 0-1, -6)
Tennessee (3-3, 0-2, -6)
Brigham Young (3-2, 0-0, -6)
Colorado (2-2, 0-2, -7)
Kansas (2-2, 0-1, -7)
Penn State (3-2, 0-1, -8)
West Virginia (3-3, 1-2, -8)
Boise State (3-2, 1-1, -8)
UNLV (3-2, 1-0, -8)
Texas (3-2, 2-0, -8)
Tulane (4-2, 2-0, -8)
Western Kentucky (4-2, 1-1, -8)
Old Dominion (4-2, 0-0, -8)
Cincinnati (3-2, 0-1, -9)
TCU (2-3, 0-2, -9 )
USC (3-2, 0-2, -9)
Duke (3-2, 0-2, -9)
Boston College (3-2, 1-1, -9)
Marshall (3-2, 1-0, -9)
Louisiana-Lafayette (3-2, 1-0, -9)
Syracuse (2-3, 0-1, -10)
Wake Forest (3-3, 1-2, -10)
Toledo (3-3, 2-1, -11)
Virginia (1-3, 0-1, -12)
Colorado State (2-3, 0-0, -12)
San Diego State (2-3, 1-0, -12)
Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3, -13)
North Texas (2-3, 0-1, -14)
Nevada (3-3, 2-1, -14)
Arkansas (3-3, 0-2, -15)
Middle Tennessee (3-3, 1-1, -15)
Utah State (3-3, 2-0, -15)
Arkansas State (2-3, 1-0, -15)
Troy (3-3. 1-1, -15)
San Jose State (2-3, 1-1, -15)
South Alabama (2-3, 1-1, -16)
Kansas State (2-3, 0-2, -16)
New Mexico (2-3, 0-1, -16)
Memphis (1-3, 0-1, -17)
Army (2-4, 0-0, -17)
Iowa State (1-3, 0-1, -17)
Akron (1-4, 0-2, -18)
California (1-4, 0-2, -18)
North Carolina (1-4, 0-2, -18)
Kent State (1-4, 0-2, -18)
South Florida (1-4, 1-0, -18)
Louisiana-Monroe (2-4, 0-1, -19)
UTSA (2-4, 1-1, -19)
Connecticut (0-4, 0-0, -19)
Tulsa (1-4, 0-1, -20)
UAB (1-4, 0-1, -20)
Temple (0-5, 0-2, -22)
Purdue (1-4, 0-1, -22)
Louisiana Tech (2-4, 1-1, -22)
Central Michigan (2-4. 1-1, -22)
Florida Atlantic (2-4, 1-3, -22)
Florida International (1-4, 1-0, -22)
SMU (1-4, 0-1, -23)
UTEP (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Kentucky (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Eastern Michigan (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Georgia State (0-5, 0-0, -25)
Idaho (1-5, 0-0, -27)
Western Michigan (0-5, 0-1, -28)
Air Force (1-5, 0-4, -29)
Southern Miss (0-5, 0-1, -29)
Hawaii (0-5, 0-3, -29)
Miami (OH) (0-5, 0-1, -30)
New Mexico State (0-6, 0-0, -30)
Massachusetts (0-5, 0-1, -30)
2) Washington (4-1, 1-1, +10)
3) Alabama (5-0, 2-0, +10)
4) Georgia (4-1, 3-0, +10)
5) Michigan (5-0, 1-0, +9)
6) Clemson (5-0, 3-0, +9)
7) Miami (FL) (5-0, 1-0, +9)
8) Ohio State (6-0, 2-0, +9)
9) Florida State (5-0, 3-0, +8)
10) UCLA (4-0, 1-0, +7)
11) Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0, +5)
12) Louisville (5-0, 1-0, +5)
13) Oregon (5-0, 2-0, +5)
14) Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0, +5)
15) Fresno State (5-0, 2-0, +5)
16) Missouri (5-0, 1-0, +5)
17) Northern Illinois (5-0, 1-0, +5)
18) LSU (4-1, 1-1, +4)
19) Houston (4-0, 2-0, +4)
20) Baylor (4-0, 1-0, +4)
21) Virginia Tech (5-1, 2-0, +4)
22) Auburn (4-1, 2-1, +3)
23) Northwestern (4-1, 0-1, +2)
24) Arizona (3-1, 0-1, +2)
25) Oregon State (4-1, 2-0, +2)
South Carolina (4-1, 2-1, +2)
Bowling Green (5-1, 3-0, +1)
UCF (4-1, 1-0, 0)
Rutgers (4-1, 1-0, 0)
Maryland (4-1, 0-1, -1)
Ball State (5-1, 2-0, -1)
Michigan State (4-1, 1-0, -1)
Nebraska (4-1, 1-0, -1)
Texas A&M (4-1, 1-1, -2)
Oklahoma State (4-1, 1-1, -2)
Notre Dame (4-2, 0-0, -2)
Ohio (4-1, 1-0, -2)
East Carolina (4-1, 2-0, -2)
Florida (4-1, 3-0, -2)
Illinois (3-2, 0-1, -3)
Iowa (4-2, 1-1, -3)
Minnesota (4-2, 0-2, -3)
Wyoming (3-1, 1-0, -3)
Pittsburgh (3-1, 2-1, -3)
Navy (3-1, 0-0, -3)
North Carolina State (3-2, 0-2, -4)
Utah (3-2, 0-2, -4)
Washington State (4-2, 2-1, -4)
Indiana (3-2, 1-0, -4)
Rice (3-2, 2-0, -4)
Mississippi (3-2, 1-2, -5)
Arizona State (3-2, 1-2, -5)
Georgia Tech (3-2, 2-2, -5)
Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1, -5)
Buffalo (3-2, 1-0, -5)
Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1, -5)
Texas State (3-2, 0-1, -6)
Tennessee (3-3, 0-2, -6)
Brigham Young (3-2, 0-0, -6)
Colorado (2-2, 0-2, -7)
Kansas (2-2, 0-1, -7)
Penn State (3-2, 0-1, -8)
West Virginia (3-3, 1-2, -8)
Boise State (3-2, 1-1, -8)
UNLV (3-2, 1-0, -8)
Texas (3-2, 2-0, -8)
Tulane (4-2, 2-0, -8)
Western Kentucky (4-2, 1-1, -8)
Old Dominion (4-2, 0-0, -8)
Cincinnati (3-2, 0-1, -9)
TCU (2-3, 0-2, -9 )
USC (3-2, 0-2, -9)
Duke (3-2, 0-2, -9)
Boston College (3-2, 1-1, -9)
Marshall (3-2, 1-0, -9)
Louisiana-Lafayette (3-2, 1-0, -9)
Syracuse (2-3, 0-1, -10)
Wake Forest (3-3, 1-2, -10)
Toledo (3-3, 2-1, -11)
Virginia (1-3, 0-1, -12)
Colorado State (2-3, 0-0, -12)
San Diego State (2-3, 1-0, -12)
Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3, -13)
North Texas (2-3, 0-1, -14)
Nevada (3-3, 2-1, -14)
Arkansas (3-3, 0-2, -15)
Middle Tennessee (3-3, 1-1, -15)
Utah State (3-3, 2-0, -15)
Arkansas State (2-3, 1-0, -15)
Troy (3-3. 1-1, -15)
San Jose State (2-3, 1-1, -15)
South Alabama (2-3, 1-1, -16)
Kansas State (2-3, 0-2, -16)
New Mexico (2-3, 0-1, -16)
Memphis (1-3, 0-1, -17)
Army (2-4, 0-0, -17)
Iowa State (1-3, 0-1, -17)
Akron (1-4, 0-2, -18)
California (1-4, 0-2, -18)
North Carolina (1-4, 0-2, -18)
Kent State (1-4, 0-2, -18)
South Florida (1-4, 1-0, -18)
Louisiana-Monroe (2-4, 0-1, -19)
UTSA (2-4, 1-1, -19)
Connecticut (0-4, 0-0, -19)
Tulsa (1-4, 0-1, -20)
UAB (1-4, 0-1, -20)
Temple (0-5, 0-2, -22)
Purdue (1-4, 0-1, -22)
Louisiana Tech (2-4, 1-1, -22)
Central Michigan (2-4. 1-1, -22)
Florida Atlantic (2-4, 1-3, -22)
Florida International (1-4, 1-0, -22)
SMU (1-4, 0-1, -23)
UTEP (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Kentucky (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Eastern Michigan (1-4, 0-2, -23)
Georgia State (0-5, 0-0, -25)
Idaho (1-5, 0-0, -27)
Western Michigan (0-5, 0-1, -28)
Air Force (1-5, 0-4, -29)
Southern Miss (0-5, 0-1, -29)
Hawaii (0-5, 0-3, -29)
Miami (OH) (0-5, 0-1, -30)
New Mexico State (0-6, 0-0, -30)
Massachusetts (0-5, 0-1, -30)
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Power Rankings
1) Washington (4-0, 1-0, +12) - The top 3 teams in the Pac-12 North all won conference games in convincing fashion in monsoon-type weather conditions. The Huskies beat previously undefeated Arizona 31-13, with running back Bishop Sankey carrying the load with 40 rushes for 161 yards. Basically, the weather prevented either team from passing the ball efficiently, and Washington - which had been averaging 574 yards per game - had "only" 409. Washington will face by far their toughest competition of the season yet next week, when they visit Stanford on The Farm in a Saturday night game.
2) Alabama (4-0, 2-0, +9) - After an unusually large amount of talk about Alabama being on upset watch, the Tide came out and rolled Mississippi, 25-0. Alabama's offense took a while to get going, as they led at the half only 9-0. However, the defense was dominant, forcing three three-and-outs, two takeaways, and three turnovers on downs. 'Bama is now essentially on cruise control until they play LSU in November. Until then, they play No. 125 Georgia State (0-4), No. 107 Kentucky (1-3), No. 71 Arkansas (3-2), and No. 60 Tennessee (3-2).
3) Georgia (3-1, 2-0, +9) - Georgia beat LSU 44-41 in a game between two top-ten SEC teams that featured 85 points and 943 total yards of offense. Even with one loss, the Bulldogs are at the top of the rankings with wins over South Carolina and LSU. They also all ready have the inside track to their second consecutive SEC East title, although there are a lot of "trap" games left on their schedule, including next week at Tennessee, Nov. 2 against Florida, and maybe even at Auburn?
4) Michigan (4-0, 0-0, +8) - Michigan didn't play, which means that they didn't have to worry about getting upset by a team like Akron or Connecticut. They open Big Ten play next week at home against Minnesota, which just lost to Iowa. The Wolverines have two more opponents on their schedule in the AP top 25: #16 Northwestern and #4 Ohio State. With their big win against Notre Dame looking less impressive every week, Michigan will have very little margin of error if they want to secure a BCS at-large bid.
5) Clemson (4-0, 2-0, +8) - Clemson took care of business, crushing Wake Forest 56-7 and, in my opinion, continue to be the best team in the ACC. Tajh Boyd threw for 311 yards and 3 TDs, and rushed for 69 more yards and one more TD. Next week they travel to Syracuse, for what will be the Orange's first conference game as a member of the ACC.
6) Miami (FL) (4-0, 0-0, +8) - Miami also took care of business, defeating South Florida (one of the worst teams in the FBS this year) 49-21. Miami is now 3-0 in intrastate games this year, although the big one is Nov. 02 against Florida State. In the meantime, the Hurricanes start ACC play next week against Georgia Tech. Also, did you know that, although Oklahoma has played in the Orange Bowl 18 times, and Miami has played in it 9 times, they've only played each other once, a 20-14 win for Miami in 1988 that won them the national championship?
7) Stanford (4-0, 2-0, +7) - Stanford cruised in their second Pac-12 win, 55-17 over Washington State. Now, they get to prepare to host Washington next week for what will be the biggest Pac-12 game of the season, so far. My guess is that the Cardinal will try to establish the running game, and use their offensive line to punish Washington's defense. Against the Cougars - who have definitely been better this year - Stanford had 238 rushing yards on 6 yards per carry. The impressive part of that stat is that they had 5 different players rush for at least 30 yards, and none for more than 56. That is sharing the load.
8) UCLA (3-0, 0-0, +6) - I don't think that it's a stretch to imagine that the best part of UCLA's day off was that USC's coach Lane Kiffin was fired after the Trojans lost 62-41 to Arizona State. Without even playing a game, the Bruins are now tied atop the Pac-12 South, with every other team having at least one loss. The Bruins open up conference play next week at Utah, and I bet they're thinking that the division is their's to lose. One reason why? So far this season, the South Division is 0-4 against the North.
9) Ohio State (5-0, 1-0, +5) - Like Alabama, the Buckeyes were on upset watch playing at home against a good-not-great Wisconsin team and, also like Alabama, they prevailed. However, what was looking like a blow-out became close in the 4th quarter, when Wisconsin's defense stopped the Buckeyes on three straight possessions, cutting the lead from 31-14 to 31-24 in the process. However, they couldn't get a first down on their final drive, and eventually turned the ball over on downs. Things don't get any less interesting for Ohio State, as they travel to Evanston to take on undefeated Northwestern next week.
10) LSU (4-1, 1-1, +4) - It was a tough loss for LSU at Georgia, especially considering that Zach Mettenberger had a career day with 372 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs in the loss. In the end, the difference probably was the 4 sacks that LSU allowed, including a huge one on 1st and 10 on their final drive. The Tigers now have a very steep path to get to the SEC Championship game; they may have to run the table, including winning at Alabama on Nov. 09. They play next week at Mississippi State.
11) Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0, +4) - Oklahoma is the highest ranked Big 12 team in the AP poll at 11, beneath at least one team from every other AQ conference and 4 SEC teams. Texas Tech is currently at #20, and, although they're 4-0, this includes wins over the likes of Stephen F. Austin and Texas State. The Red Raiders host Kansas next week, but probably won't be challenged until back-to-back trips to West Virginia and Oklahoma in October.
12) Northwestern (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Through their first four games, Northwestern has wins against Cal (Pac-12), Syracuse (ACC), Western Michigan (MAC) and Maine (FCS), whereas Ohio State has wins over Cal (Pac-12), San Diego State (MWC), Buffalo (MAC) and Florida A&M (FCS), and yet the Buckeyes are #4 and Northwestern is #16. Why? Defense. Ohio State is 18th in the nation by allowing 304 yards per game, whereas Northwestern is 88th, allowing 426 yards per game. I'll be rooting for the Wildcats next week, but if the Buckeyes blow them out, that's why.
13) Maryland (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Maryland is the big surprise of the ACC so far, whollaping West Virginia 37-0 last week and sneaking into the AP at number 25 this week. They'll get their big chance next week when they visit Florida State.
14) Louisville (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Louisville was last seen dismantling 0-4 Florida International 72-0, and will be traveling next week to take on 0-4 Temple. In fact, the combined records of Louisville's first four FBS opponents is 4-12. This is why people don't respect you, American Conference.
15) Oregon (4-0, 1-0, +4) - The rain did not slow down the Ducks, who jumped out to a 27-0 first quarter lead over California en route to a 55-16 win. I wonder if Oregon is ever tempted to score 100 points in a game, not to embarrass their opponents, but just to see if they could do it. One concern was the severely twisted/possibly broken ankle of De'Anthony Thomas. However, in his absence, Byron Marshall (130 yards on 19 carries) and Thomas Tyner (94 yards on 13 carries) were able to pick up the load. DAT could also probably rest next week against Colorado, before the Ducks visit Washington for a big showdown on October 12.
16) Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0, +4) -Oklahoma looked good in their 35-21 win at Notre Dame, especially their defense, which forced quarterback Tommy Rees into a 9/24, 104 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT day. The Sooners now look like the class of the Big 12 - especially with Oklahoma State's loss - but we may not know for certain until they visit Baylor and Oklahoma State later in the season. The Sooners are at home next week against TCU before the Red River Rivalry with Texas.
17) Fresno State (4-0, 2-0, +4)
18) Missouri (4-0, 0-0, +4)
19) Houston (4-0, 2-0, +4)
20) Northern Illinois (4-0, 0-0, +4)
21) Florida State (4-0, 2-0, +4)
22) Baylor (3-0, 0-0, +3)
23) Illinois (3-1, 0-0, +3)
24) Virginia Tech (4-1, 1-0, +3)
25) Iowa (4-1, 1-0, +3)
2) Alabama (4-0, 2-0, +9) - After an unusually large amount of talk about Alabama being on upset watch, the Tide came out and rolled Mississippi, 25-0. Alabama's offense took a while to get going, as they led at the half only 9-0. However, the defense was dominant, forcing three three-and-outs, two takeaways, and three turnovers on downs. 'Bama is now essentially on cruise control until they play LSU in November. Until then, they play No. 125 Georgia State (0-4), No. 107 Kentucky (1-3), No. 71 Arkansas (3-2), and No. 60 Tennessee (3-2).
3) Georgia (3-1, 2-0, +9) - Georgia beat LSU 44-41 in a game between two top-ten SEC teams that featured 85 points and 943 total yards of offense. Even with one loss, the Bulldogs are at the top of the rankings with wins over South Carolina and LSU. They also all ready have the inside track to their second consecutive SEC East title, although there are a lot of "trap" games left on their schedule, including next week at Tennessee, Nov. 2 against Florida, and maybe even at Auburn?
4) Michigan (4-0, 0-0, +8) - Michigan didn't play, which means that they didn't have to worry about getting upset by a team like Akron or Connecticut. They open Big Ten play next week at home against Minnesota, which just lost to Iowa. The Wolverines have two more opponents on their schedule in the AP top 25: #16 Northwestern and #4 Ohio State. With their big win against Notre Dame looking less impressive every week, Michigan will have very little margin of error if they want to secure a BCS at-large bid.
5) Clemson (4-0, 2-0, +8) - Clemson took care of business, crushing Wake Forest 56-7 and, in my opinion, continue to be the best team in the ACC. Tajh Boyd threw for 311 yards and 3 TDs, and rushed for 69 more yards and one more TD. Next week they travel to Syracuse, for what will be the Orange's first conference game as a member of the ACC.
6) Miami (FL) (4-0, 0-0, +8) - Miami also took care of business, defeating South Florida (one of the worst teams in the FBS this year) 49-21. Miami is now 3-0 in intrastate games this year, although the big one is Nov. 02 against Florida State. In the meantime, the Hurricanes start ACC play next week against Georgia Tech. Also, did you know that, although Oklahoma has played in the Orange Bowl 18 times, and Miami has played in it 9 times, they've only played each other once, a 20-14 win for Miami in 1988 that won them the national championship?
7) Stanford (4-0, 2-0, +7) - Stanford cruised in their second Pac-12 win, 55-17 over Washington State. Now, they get to prepare to host Washington next week for what will be the biggest Pac-12 game of the season, so far. My guess is that the Cardinal will try to establish the running game, and use their offensive line to punish Washington's defense. Against the Cougars - who have definitely been better this year - Stanford had 238 rushing yards on 6 yards per carry. The impressive part of that stat is that they had 5 different players rush for at least 30 yards, and none for more than 56. That is sharing the load.
8) UCLA (3-0, 0-0, +6) - I don't think that it's a stretch to imagine that the best part of UCLA's day off was that USC's coach Lane Kiffin was fired after the Trojans lost 62-41 to Arizona State. Without even playing a game, the Bruins are now tied atop the Pac-12 South, with every other team having at least one loss. The Bruins open up conference play next week at Utah, and I bet they're thinking that the division is their's to lose. One reason why? So far this season, the South Division is 0-4 against the North.
9) Ohio State (5-0, 1-0, +5) - Like Alabama, the Buckeyes were on upset watch playing at home against a good-not-great Wisconsin team and, also like Alabama, they prevailed. However, what was looking like a blow-out became close in the 4th quarter, when Wisconsin's defense stopped the Buckeyes on three straight possessions, cutting the lead from 31-14 to 31-24 in the process. However, they couldn't get a first down on their final drive, and eventually turned the ball over on downs. Things don't get any less interesting for Ohio State, as they travel to Evanston to take on undefeated Northwestern next week.
10) LSU (4-1, 1-1, +4) - It was a tough loss for LSU at Georgia, especially considering that Zach Mettenberger had a career day with 372 passing yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs in the loss. In the end, the difference probably was the 4 sacks that LSU allowed, including a huge one on 1st and 10 on their final drive. The Tigers now have a very steep path to get to the SEC Championship game; they may have to run the table, including winning at Alabama on Nov. 09. They play next week at Mississippi State.
11) Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0, +4) - Oklahoma is the highest ranked Big 12 team in the AP poll at 11, beneath at least one team from every other AQ conference and 4 SEC teams. Texas Tech is currently at #20, and, although they're 4-0, this includes wins over the likes of Stephen F. Austin and Texas State. The Red Raiders host Kansas next week, but probably won't be challenged until back-to-back trips to West Virginia and Oklahoma in October.
12) Northwestern (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Through their first four games, Northwestern has wins against Cal (Pac-12), Syracuse (ACC), Western Michigan (MAC) and Maine (FCS), whereas Ohio State has wins over Cal (Pac-12), San Diego State (MWC), Buffalo (MAC) and Florida A&M (FCS), and yet the Buckeyes are #4 and Northwestern is #16. Why? Defense. Ohio State is 18th in the nation by allowing 304 yards per game, whereas Northwestern is 88th, allowing 426 yards per game. I'll be rooting for the Wildcats next week, but if the Buckeyes blow them out, that's why.
13) Maryland (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Maryland is the big surprise of the ACC so far, whollaping West Virginia 37-0 last week and sneaking into the AP at number 25 this week. They'll get their big chance next week when they visit Florida State.
14) Louisville (4-0, 0-0, +4) - Louisville was last seen dismantling 0-4 Florida International 72-0, and will be traveling next week to take on 0-4 Temple. In fact, the combined records of Louisville's first four FBS opponents is 4-12. This is why people don't respect you, American Conference.
15) Oregon (4-0, 1-0, +4) - The rain did not slow down the Ducks, who jumped out to a 27-0 first quarter lead over California en route to a 55-16 win. I wonder if Oregon is ever tempted to score 100 points in a game, not to embarrass their opponents, but just to see if they could do it. One concern was the severely twisted/possibly broken ankle of De'Anthony Thomas. However, in his absence, Byron Marshall (130 yards on 19 carries) and Thomas Tyner (94 yards on 13 carries) were able to pick up the load. DAT could also probably rest next week against Colorado, before the Ducks visit Washington for a big showdown on October 12.
16) Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0, +4) -Oklahoma looked good in their 35-21 win at Notre Dame, especially their defense, which forced quarterback Tommy Rees into a 9/24, 104 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT day. The Sooners now look like the class of the Big 12 - especially with Oklahoma State's loss - but we may not know for certain until they visit Baylor and Oklahoma State later in the season. The Sooners are at home next week against TCU before the Red River Rivalry with Texas.
17) Fresno State (4-0, 2-0, +4)
18) Missouri (4-0, 0-0, +4)
19) Houston (4-0, 2-0, +4)
20) Northern Illinois (4-0, 0-0, +4)
21) Florida State (4-0, 2-0, +4)
22) Baylor (3-0, 0-0, +3)
23) Illinois (3-1, 0-0, +3)
24) Virginia Tech (4-1, 1-0, +3)
25) Iowa (4-1, 1-0, +3)
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Power Rankings
1) Clemson Tigers - I am very close to becoming a straight up Clemson fan. They are fun to watch, they have cool traditions and an eccentric coach, and they have won 3 out of their last 4 games against SEC teams. Unfortunately, two of those games happened to be sponsored by a certain homophobic chicken restaurant chain. Also, I visited South Carolina for the first time this Summer, and really liked the (touristy) parts that I saw. In their 38-35 win over Georgia, QB Tajh Boyd went 18 for 30 for 270 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs, and receiver Sammy Watkins caught 6 of those passes for 127 yards and 1 TD. I know that Clemson and Washington are not the two best teams in the country, but, at this point in the season, they are the most deserving of playing for the National Championship. Besides, wouldn't it be fun to see Boyd matched up against Washington's quarterback Keith Price? Maybe in the Sun Bowl, sponsored by Hyundai, which is well known for subsidizing ethical medical research in South Korea, rather than for discriminating against homosexuals?
2) Washington Huskies - Consider this: Since 2008, the Boise State Broncos had lost exactly 5 games, by a combined score of 114-126. Over that span, they were 5-0 against Pac-10/12 teams. Last night, they lost to Washington 38-6. Huskies quarterback Keith Price was 23 for 31 with 324 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT, and running back Bishop Sankey ran for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry. This pretty much means that the Broncos will not be busting the BCS one last time, and that Washington now replaces Oregon State as the 3-seed in the Pac-12 North. They get next week off before playing the hapless Illinois Illini at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 14th.
3) Utah Utes - Again, I know. Utah is not the #3 team in the country. But they are 1-0, beating Utah State 30-26 in an ugly game, and Utah State went 11-2 last year and won their conference. Utah is now the stalking deer for the Pac-12, as whoever can beat them will move up dramatically in these rankings. The most likely candidate to do that will be the Oregon State Beavers, who visit Salt Lake on Sept. 14th. That's the beginning of a rough stretch for the Utes, as they play vs. OSU, at BYU, vs. UCLA, vs. Stanford, at Arizona, at USC. They also play at Oregon later in the season. 7-5 looks like Utah's ceiling to me.
4) Alabama Crimson Tide - Alabama beat Virginia Tech 35-10, and is still probably the best team in the SEC and the country. However, they are not without their flaws. Of their five touchdowns scored, only two came on offense, with two coming on kick returns and one on a pick-six. They only had 96 rushing yards on 3.3 yards per carry, and AJ McCarron was sacked four times. The offensive line must and will get better. I'm not worried though. They get a week off before their showdown with Texas A&M, who just gave up 509 yards and 31 points to Rice, and have a quarterback with a giant "Kick Me" sign taped to his back. After that, their opponents have the following 2012 win percentages: .333, .538, .090 (FCS), .167, .333, .416, Bye Week, .769, .615, .545 (FCS), .250. So, yeah. I'm not worried about Alabama.
5) Oregon Ducks - Yes, I'm giving Oregon exactly as much credit for beating Nicholls State 66-3 as I am to Alabama for beating Virginia Tech 35-10. Because screw you, that's why.
6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish - In many ways, this season will be a judgment on Notre Dame's last season. Was that 12-0 team a fluke, or will the Irish once again be a force in college football, week in and week out? They looked good dismantling Temple, 28-6. Next up is a visit to what looks like a much improved Michigan team. And, just like last year, games against Oklahoma, USC, and Stanford loom on the horizon. Oh, and Pittsburgh. Don't forget about Pittsburgh. Practice your field goals.
7) Texas A&M Aggies - Oh, Johnny Manziel. You are a problem. Yes, I agree that the NCAA's enforcement of "amateurism" in college football is hypocritical and inconsistent, at the least. But that does not make you some kind of hero for standing up to them. Unlike Cam Newton, Reggie Bush, and Terrelle Pryor, you've got two big things going for you, Johnny: Football-independent wealth and White privilege. You're benefitting from that old Johnny Unitas bigotry: That the quarterback of the team ought to be handsome and charismatic and White. So while you're flashing money signs after touchdowns and getting penalized for taunting and when you're out partying with Drake, remember: JaMarcus Russell was once arrested in Alabama for possession of codeine syrup without a valid prescription. This will never happen to you.
Also, Texas A&M plays three teams this year named "Tigers." What's up with that?
8) Florida Gators - If I had to pick an upset of the week, I might go with Miami over Florida next week. Not saying that I'm making that pick. I'm just saying that I'm thinking about it.
9) Ohio State Buckeyes - Like most of the elite teams in Week 1, Ohio State showed that they have some areas in need of improvement. It took them a while, but they eventually put away the Buffalo Bulls 40-20, even though they had let a 23-0 lead get cut to 30-20 in the third quarter. Most pundits have pencilled in an Alabama-Ohio State final, but I am not quite as sanguine on the Buckeyes. They just seem kind of ... meh. What can't hurt them is a resurgence in the quality of Big Ten teams, who went 10-2 in Week 1. If Ohio State can play ranked teams in Northwestern and Michigan, and maybe even Wisconsin or Penn State, then that will help their case a lot should they find themselves amongst a slew of one-loss teams at the end of the season.
10) South Carolina Gamecocks
11) LSU Tigers - LSU became the first team to win 2 Cowboy Classics with their 37-27 win over TCU. The winner of that game has gone on to play in the National Championship the past 2 years, and we'll see if the Tigers can make it three. I would argue that LSU, not Texas A&M, has the best chance to knock off Alabama when they visit the Tide on Nov. 9th. Unfortunately, LSU also has conference games against Georgia and Florida, two teams that Alabama avoids. I also expect to see TCU back in the Top 25 sooner than later. They had cut the lead to 30-27 in the 4th quarter before giving up a 77-yard kickoff return that lead to an LSU touchdown. 60 seconds later, they had a 2nd and 2, then went: Incomplete pass, incomplete pass, punt. Why? Down 10 with 5:26 and a 4th and 2? You go for it, man. Instead, the Horned Frogs punted, and never touched the ball again.
12) Oklahoma Sooners - Once again, I have no idea who is going to win the Big 12. I think that you could make an argument for at least five different teams (including TCU) to come out on top by the end of the season. The Sooners are generally a safe bet, and we'll know pretty quickly how they'll do: After a Sept. 28th visit to Notre Dame, they host TCU, and then play Texas in the Red River Shootout. If they get to 6-0, I think that they'll be playing in the BCS at least as an at-large, maybe more.
13) Northern Illinois Huskies - With Boise State's loss, NIU now becomes the best hope for a BCS-buster this season. They outlasted Iowa 30-27 behind Jordan Lynch's 331 all purpose yards and 3 passing touchdowns. They play one more BCS team, Purdue, on Sept. 28th. If they can run the table, then they should be able to force the Fiesta Bowl to send them an invitation. Also, in an unrelated note, the wife and I are planning on adopting a black lab/husky mix. I doubt we'll name him Jordan, though.
14) San Jose State Spartans - I'm curious to see if San Jose - a team that went 10-2 last year and lost to Stanford by 3 - could challenge for the Mountain West crown and possibly a trip to the BCS. They make their annual trip to Stanford next week. The Cardinal, meanwhile, suddenly have a very interesting schedule that includes vs. San Jose State, vs. Washington, at Utah, vs. AP No. 21 UCLA, at Oregon State, vs. No. 3 Oregon, at No. 24 USC, and vs. No. 14 Notre Dame.
15) Texas Longhorns
16) Kent State Golden Flashes
17) Arkansas State Red Wolves
18) UCLA Bruins
19) Cincinnati Bearcats - Purdue may not be a powerhouse of a Big Ten team, but Cincinnati sure looked good against them, forcing four turnovers and outgaining the Boilermakers 425-226 en rout to a 42-7 route. Most folks have picked Louisville to win the American Conference, but don't sleep on Cincinnati. The two play each other in the season finale on December 5.
Let me take this opportunity to talk about Illinois. They play Cincinnati in Champaign next week. Then, the week after that, they play Washington in Chicago in a showdown between two of the country's elite Library Schools. In fact, the Illini play exactly one game outside of the state of Illinois between August 31 and November 1! They play four true away games all season long - and two of those are in Indiana!
20) Michigan Wolverines - Who would win in a fight between a red wolf, a bruin, a bearcat, and a wolverine?
21) Nebraska Cornhuskers - Definitely not a cornhusker.
22) Arizona Wildcats
23) Texas Tech Red Raiders
24) Ball State Cardinals
25) Northwestern Wildcats - Wildcat. It's kind of an ... obsolete vernacular.
2) Washington Huskies - Consider this: Since 2008, the Boise State Broncos had lost exactly 5 games, by a combined score of 114-126. Over that span, they were 5-0 against Pac-10/12 teams. Last night, they lost to Washington 38-6. Huskies quarterback Keith Price was 23 for 31 with 324 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT, and running back Bishop Sankey ran for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry. This pretty much means that the Broncos will not be busting the BCS one last time, and that Washington now replaces Oregon State as the 3-seed in the Pac-12 North. They get next week off before playing the hapless Illinois Illini at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 14th.
3) Utah Utes - Again, I know. Utah is not the #3 team in the country. But they are 1-0, beating Utah State 30-26 in an ugly game, and Utah State went 11-2 last year and won their conference. Utah is now the stalking deer for the Pac-12, as whoever can beat them will move up dramatically in these rankings. The most likely candidate to do that will be the Oregon State Beavers, who visit Salt Lake on Sept. 14th. That's the beginning of a rough stretch for the Utes, as they play vs. OSU, at BYU, vs. UCLA, vs. Stanford, at Arizona, at USC. They also play at Oregon later in the season. 7-5 looks like Utah's ceiling to me.
4) Alabama Crimson Tide - Alabama beat Virginia Tech 35-10, and is still probably the best team in the SEC and the country. However, they are not without their flaws. Of their five touchdowns scored, only two came on offense, with two coming on kick returns and one on a pick-six. They only had 96 rushing yards on 3.3 yards per carry, and AJ McCarron was sacked four times. The offensive line must and will get better. I'm not worried though. They get a week off before their showdown with Texas A&M, who just gave up 509 yards and 31 points to Rice, and have a quarterback with a giant "Kick Me" sign taped to his back. After that, their opponents have the following 2012 win percentages: .333, .538, .090 (FCS), .167, .333, .416, Bye Week, .769, .615, .545 (FCS), .250. So, yeah. I'm not worried about Alabama.
5) Oregon Ducks - Yes, I'm giving Oregon exactly as much credit for beating Nicholls State 66-3 as I am to Alabama for beating Virginia Tech 35-10. Because screw you, that's why.
6) Notre Dame Fighting Irish - In many ways, this season will be a judgment on Notre Dame's last season. Was that 12-0 team a fluke, or will the Irish once again be a force in college football, week in and week out? They looked good dismantling Temple, 28-6. Next up is a visit to what looks like a much improved Michigan team. And, just like last year, games against Oklahoma, USC, and Stanford loom on the horizon. Oh, and Pittsburgh. Don't forget about Pittsburgh. Practice your field goals.
7) Texas A&M Aggies - Oh, Johnny Manziel. You are a problem. Yes, I agree that the NCAA's enforcement of "amateurism" in college football is hypocritical and inconsistent, at the least. But that does not make you some kind of hero for standing up to them. Unlike Cam Newton, Reggie Bush, and Terrelle Pryor, you've got two big things going for you, Johnny: Football-independent wealth and White privilege. You're benefitting from that old Johnny Unitas bigotry: That the quarterback of the team ought to be handsome and charismatic and White. So while you're flashing money signs after touchdowns and getting penalized for taunting and when you're out partying with Drake, remember: JaMarcus Russell was once arrested in Alabama for possession of codeine syrup without a valid prescription. This will never happen to you.
Also, Texas A&M plays three teams this year named "Tigers." What's up with that?
8) Florida Gators - If I had to pick an upset of the week, I might go with Miami over Florida next week. Not saying that I'm making that pick. I'm just saying that I'm thinking about it.
9) Ohio State Buckeyes - Like most of the elite teams in Week 1, Ohio State showed that they have some areas in need of improvement. It took them a while, but they eventually put away the Buffalo Bulls 40-20, even though they had let a 23-0 lead get cut to 30-20 in the third quarter. Most pundits have pencilled in an Alabama-Ohio State final, but I am not quite as sanguine on the Buckeyes. They just seem kind of ... meh. What can't hurt them is a resurgence in the quality of Big Ten teams, who went 10-2 in Week 1. If Ohio State can play ranked teams in Northwestern and Michigan, and maybe even Wisconsin or Penn State, then that will help their case a lot should they find themselves amongst a slew of one-loss teams at the end of the season.
10) South Carolina Gamecocks
11) LSU Tigers - LSU became the first team to win 2 Cowboy Classics with their 37-27 win over TCU. The winner of that game has gone on to play in the National Championship the past 2 years, and we'll see if the Tigers can make it three. I would argue that LSU, not Texas A&M, has the best chance to knock off Alabama when they visit the Tide on Nov. 9th. Unfortunately, LSU also has conference games against Georgia and Florida, two teams that Alabama avoids. I also expect to see TCU back in the Top 25 sooner than later. They had cut the lead to 30-27 in the 4th quarter before giving up a 77-yard kickoff return that lead to an LSU touchdown. 60 seconds later, they had a 2nd and 2, then went: Incomplete pass, incomplete pass, punt. Why? Down 10 with 5:26 and a 4th and 2? You go for it, man. Instead, the Horned Frogs punted, and never touched the ball again.
12) Oklahoma Sooners - Once again, I have no idea who is going to win the Big 12. I think that you could make an argument for at least five different teams (including TCU) to come out on top by the end of the season. The Sooners are generally a safe bet, and we'll know pretty quickly how they'll do: After a Sept. 28th visit to Notre Dame, they host TCU, and then play Texas in the Red River Shootout. If they get to 6-0, I think that they'll be playing in the BCS at least as an at-large, maybe more.
13) Northern Illinois Huskies - With Boise State's loss, NIU now becomes the best hope for a BCS-buster this season. They outlasted Iowa 30-27 behind Jordan Lynch's 331 all purpose yards and 3 passing touchdowns. They play one more BCS team, Purdue, on Sept. 28th. If they can run the table, then they should be able to force the Fiesta Bowl to send them an invitation. Also, in an unrelated note, the wife and I are planning on adopting a black lab/husky mix. I doubt we'll name him Jordan, though.
14) San Jose State Spartans - I'm curious to see if San Jose - a team that went 10-2 last year and lost to Stanford by 3 - could challenge for the Mountain West crown and possibly a trip to the BCS. They make their annual trip to Stanford next week. The Cardinal, meanwhile, suddenly have a very interesting schedule that includes vs. San Jose State, vs. Washington, at Utah, vs. AP No. 21 UCLA, at Oregon State, vs. No. 3 Oregon, at No. 24 USC, and vs. No. 14 Notre Dame.
15) Texas Longhorns
16) Kent State Golden Flashes
17) Arkansas State Red Wolves
18) UCLA Bruins
19) Cincinnati Bearcats - Purdue may not be a powerhouse of a Big Ten team, but Cincinnati sure looked good against them, forcing four turnovers and outgaining the Boilermakers 425-226 en rout to a 42-7 route. Most folks have picked Louisville to win the American Conference, but don't sleep on Cincinnati. The two play each other in the season finale on December 5.
Let me take this opportunity to talk about Illinois. They play Cincinnati in Champaign next week. Then, the week after that, they play Washington in Chicago in a showdown between two of the country's elite Library Schools. In fact, the Illini play exactly one game outside of the state of Illinois between August 31 and November 1! They play four true away games all season long - and two of those are in Indiana!
20) Michigan Wolverines - Who would win in a fight between a red wolf, a bruin, a bearcat, and a wolverine?
21) Nebraska Cornhuskers - Definitely not a cornhusker.
22) Arizona Wildcats
23) Texas Tech Red Raiders
24) Ball State Cardinals
25) Northwestern Wildcats - Wildcat. It's kind of an ... obsolete vernacular.
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