College Football Top 25 Week Three

1. USC Trojans (2-0)
beat Ohio St 35-7
Is there any doubt of who is leading the pack in college football right now? Hell, we've seen some great USC teams in the past, but have any played this good out of the gate as this team has? This defense is for real and very well could stop some NFL offenses right now, at least the Chiefs. There may be nothing in the way to stop USC from the National Title.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0)
beat South Carolina 14-7
A tough game for the Bulldogs, they come out barely alive, but with the victory. Where USC looked like Supermen, Georgia looked human and Spurrier almost became upset special this week. Luckily the Bulldogs stay undefeated and still become the eventual losers to USC.

3. Missouri Tigers (3-0)
beat Nevada 69-17
Most people may have blown this off, but Nevada has been known in the past to surprise a few teams. This week though was not one of those weeks. Missouri appears to put everything together, and the wheels are churning now as we get closer to conference play.With that amount of talent the Big 12 has this year, you almost have to give it to Missouri over Georgia if they go undefeated.

4. Oklahoma Sooners(3-0)
beat Washington 55-14
An impressive win by the Sooners, but they faced an emotionally drained Washington team that had everything taken from them when they lost a heartbreaker to BYU last week. When Oklahoma starts conference play, THEN we'll see if this team is as good as billed.

5. Florida Gators (2-0)
beat Miami 26-3
Florida gets the benefit of moving up because teams above them lost, and or played so horribly that they were moved down, ie see Tigers, Auburn. This team hasn't impressed me too much yet as it seems to still be the Tim Tebow show and as we saw last year that show won't win you a National Title.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0)
beat Western Kentucky 41-7
I though Nick Saban was a year away from having the recruits he wanted to make his big push of taking over the SEC once again. Apparently he isn't going to wait and neither are his Freshmen, as they plan and look like they can dominate the SEC for years to come.

7. BYU Cougars (3-0)
beat UCLA 59-0
All I can think of when I see this score is how do you like that, grasshopper! It's no secret that I despise Rick Neuheisel and believe for his past transgressions he should be banned from coaching in college football. That being said, if he allows himself to get spanked by this by the Mormon Cougars, keep him coaching. Watching Neuheisel get beat like this will always bring a smile to my face.

8. Auburn Tigers (3-0)
beat Mississippi St 3-2
Since I was trying to survive due to Hurricane Ike I have no idea how this came about and can only assume this was due to inclement weather. If not, if the game really was just that sloppy, jimminy fucking christmass, they both should be in Conference USA.

9. Texas Longhorns (2-0)
beat UTEP 42-13
This week's game against the Razorbacks was moved to September 27th due to Hurricane Ike. They finally move into the top ten, but as we all know it's due to teams losing then anything else.

10. South Florida Bulls (3-0)
beat Kansas 37-34
This was the last game I was able to watch before hell was unleashed upon Southeast Texas. What a wonderful game, I didn't think South Florida had it in them to come back and edge out a victory, but what a phenomenal game. It will now be interesting to see if South Florida can run the table. The toughest game, maybe their only tough game, left on their schedule is West Virginia at the end of the year.

11. LSU Tigers (2-0)
beat North Texas 41-3
Not gonna lie, still not impressed with LSU. They've played Appalachin State and North Texas. A lower division school and Texas' version of Florida International. Yes, they've beaten both soundly, but that's what you're SUPPOSED to do. They're not going anywhere until I see a win of importance, and that could come this Saturday against Auburn.

12. Wisconsin Bagers (3-0)
beat Fresno State 13-10
A tough hard fought victory over the Bulldogs leave the Badgers undefeated, for the moment. I won't lie, I didn't think Wisconsin could beat Fresno State and if I would have taken the point line I would have been right if memory serves. I still don't see them lasting very long in the top 25 when conference play comes around.

13. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)
lost USC 35-7
Offensively this team may have nothing without Beanie Wells, who is known to be fragile. Defensively we've seen more of the defense that played in last year's title game, and the year before, then the defense we all expected them to have. At least we know one thing for certain, the Buckeyes aren't making a third trip to lose the title game this year.

14. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0)
beat SMU 43-7
The Big 12's version of Boise State completely rolled SMU as it attempts to come back from the NCAA death sentence. They look impressive, and have played average teams, but it still needs to translate into beating the big boys of the Big 12.

15. East Carolina Pirates (3-0)
beat Tulane 28-24
No team has helped its future with their scheduling more then East Carolina did this year. They've knocked off top teams, and where they looked a big shaky this week, it can only be expected when you lower a level and have to play Tulane instead of a team like the Hokies.

16. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
beat Syracuse 55-13
I'm assuming the JoePa is no fan of Keats as he appears to be going out with a bang and not with a whimper. Penn State just continues to destroy people, and don't think that the voters won't hold back in Penn State begins to do it in the Big Ten. You know the writers and coaches are a bunch of softies and would love to put JoePa in the title game in likely his last year as coach.

17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0)
beat Mississippi 30-28
Having a bye after that tough game versus Ole Miss may be the best thing for the Demon Deacons. It gives them a chance to prepare for the Seminoles, heal their injuries, and begin that long journey through ACC play.

18. Vanderbilt Commodores (3-0)
beat Rice 38-21
You're probably wondering to yourself, what in the same hell is Vanderbilt doing at 18?! Well, for one thing they have DJ Moore, who could be the first defensive player in years to get serious consideration for the Heisman. They beat South Carolina 24-17, the team that just took the number two team in the nation to the limit, and no one is paying attention to them. If they beat Ole Miss, people's ears may perk up. If they beat Auburn, you better believe Georgia and the rest of the SEC are going to be paying attention.

19. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1)
lost South Florida 37-34
A tough loss for the Jayhawks against the Bulls this week. One thing that did stand out to me is the msot under-rated Quarterback in the country may be Todd Reesing. The kid knows how to play the quaterback position the way it was meant to be play. You can tell this kid is a leader, never gives up, and that you're always in the game because of him. You know, the exact opposite of Todd Boeckman.

20. Utah Utes (3-0)
beat Utah State 58-10
Another week, another impressive victory for the Utes. Joe Pesci's favorite team continues to do well, as does the top teams in the Mountain West. With Utah, TCU and BYU it may not be long before the Mountain West and the WAC form a big 12 team conference and kick the Big East out of being a "BCS Conference".

21. Oregon Ducks (3-0)
beat Purdue 32-26
You know how the SEC needs to keep a close eye on Vanderbilt? The same can be said about Oregon and the Pac 10. I don't know what it is about Oregon, but this team could be one of those teams that is quiet all year long until you realize it's week 10 and they haven't lost a game yet. Then again they have USC at the beginning of October.

22. Florida State Seminoles (2-0)
beat Chattanooga 46-7
I won't lie, Bobby could be pulling a run very much like JoePa is doing in the Big Ten. The difference is Bobby has a much tougher road then JoePa, as weird as that sounds. Wake is probably better then any Big Ten team, and they still have Florida at the end of the season. I won't lie, how great of a story would it be to see Bobby vs JoePa for the title in their final season.

23. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0)
beat New Mexico State 38-7
Though there is no love for Nebraska, they have managed to start 3-0 and have their new coach which could make things interesting. Their first real test is their next game against Virginia Tech, which will have people paying attention or make Noodle very happy.

24. TCU Horned Frogs (3-0)
beat Stanford 31-14
Don't look now, but the MWC now has three teams in the top 25, the WAC has zero. Then again if Boise pulls the upset over Oregon next weekend that could change, but it is still impressive. TCU has just been playing solid football and have worked hard to get into the top 25.

25. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1)
beat Louisiana Lafayette 20-17
It's been a rough road since week one for the Illini, but they have fought and scratched and have won their next two. If it wasn't for Penn State, I'd say that this was a wide open conference. Iowa is a very quiet 3-0, but Illinois still has the firepower to make some noise and if Penn State can't keep up their pace, Illinois may be able to steal away the Big Ten.

College Football Top 25 Week One

1. USC Trojans (1-0)
beat Virginia 52-7
Lots of folks bumped the Trojans this week over whoever they had above them and for once they did the right thing. USC CRUSHED an ACC team that has had a winning record for the last few years. It looked like men playing with boys out there. Their next big test comes in two weeks when the Buckeyes come to the Coliseum for the first National Title game of the year.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)
beat Georgia Southern 45-21
Nothing wrong with the performance of the Bulldogs, they did what they needed to do. It just didn't have the eye popping performance that USC had. I suppose that happens though when you schedule the local city college for your first game.

3. Missouri Tigers (1-0)
beat Illinois 52-42
In what may end up being the highest scoring game this, the Tigers and Illinis unleashed their offenses and reminded folks of the greatest show on turf. In the end it was the Tigers' defense that proved to be the turning point and keeping the Tigers in the hunt.

4. Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
beat Youngstown State 43-0
Where Georgia played the local City College the Buckeyes played a team that might lose to some high school teams in the state of Ohio. A scary moment for the Buckeyes though, if Beanie Wells is hurt. If he's hurt, they don't stand a chance against the Trojans in So Cal.

5. Auburn Tigers (1-0)
beat Louisiana Monroe 34-0
At least who Auburn played was a Division 1A football team, even if their non-conference schedule looks like a tour of the lowest teams in college football in the south. It reminds of me of the once great band going on tour and playing dives cause they can only draw a few hundred people to a show.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (1-0)
beat Chattanooga 57-2
The funniest things about this game are as follows. Since the Sooners scheduled an elementary school it wasn't televised, except for thirty bucks on pay per view. The others is that Chattanooga took Tennessee off of its name and that the Sooners gave up a safety to a bunch of five year olds.

7. Florida Gators (1-0)
beat Hawaii 56-10
See, I can respect teams who will at least schedule a D1 opponent, even if their coach and quarterback are gone and now so is any semblance of the ability they have shown in the last ten years.

8. West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0)
beat Villanova 48-21
I couldn't remember if Villanova was a D1 program or if they just beat Patrick Ewing in basketball. Turns out their only real talent is beating Patrick Ewing for the title, which they then passed on to almost every team in the NBA.

9. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
beat Clemson 34-10
In a sense this is the Chronicles of Riddick pick, for it appears you keep what you kill. Bama not only Roll Tide over Clemson, they completely stopped their impressive running game to the point where the two studs only had about ten carries, combined.

10. BYU Cougars (1-0)
beat Northern Iowa 41-17
It's not their fault they could only schedule Northern Iowa. Most teams don't like to see BYU come to town, no word on whether that has to do with Jim McMahon getting drunk at a bar and trashing the place or all the bicycle peddlers who go door to door early in the morning.

11. Kansas Jayhawks (1-0)
beat Florida International 40-10
No, I'm not going to bag on the Jayhawks, whether you knew it or not, FIU is an ACTUAL D1 team. They are a part of that almighty Sun Belt conference, which is home to the same team who BEAT the Aggies this past weekend.

12. Texas Longhorn (1-0)
beat Florida Atlantic 52-10
A nice weekend for the Longhorns, Colt McCoy looked sharp against the Owls of Florida Atlantic. Of course I could mock them for the $30 buck pay per view like I did the Sooners, but there are two differences. One is that the Owls are coached by a legend and the other is that they are a part of the almighty Sun Belt.

13. South Florida Bulls (1-0)
beat Tennessee-Martin 52-10
Another top team, another luckluster opponent. Then again South Florida plays in the Big East. A conference that has made some noise in the past but this year came out with a whimper. I mean come on Wandstat, we can understand not winning in the NFL, but in the Big East too?

14. Wisconsin Badgers (1-0)
beat Akron 38-17
Good news, bad news time for Badger fans. The good news is that you're likely going to be 3-1 before you play Ohio State. The bad news is after that you may never see the top twenty five after that.

15. LSU Tigers (1-0)
beat Appalachian State 41-13
Well, lightning does strike twice, but only IN Michigan. The wonder of opening weekend last year doesn't go to App State once again, this year it goes to Arkansas State and Utah. Tigers looked decent, but they better not sleep on Troy or they'll end up looking like a bunch of Aggies.

16. Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0)
beat Eastern Washington 49-24
Not as big of a blowout as I was personally expecting, but I suppose that can be attributed to treating this like a pre-season game and resting your starters after a comfortable lead.

17. Arizona State Sun Devils (1-0)
beat Northern Arizona 30-13
In the biggest state battle that no one cared about since UC Davis played Cal, the Sun Devils walked through this game. Though no I have this idea about ASU playing Texas Tech to see how many words can go into titles of a game.

18. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-0)
beat Baylor 41-13
Let me amend that, I want to see ASU, Texas Tech, Wake and Penn State in a four team tournament for the greatest four word team in the nation. Wake Forest looked good, crisp at some points, a lil sloppy in others. I am honestly starting to believe they can run the ACC table.

19. Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0)
beat Coastal Carolina 66-10
Now THIS is how you beat a non D1 school, you completely smoke them and let all your players play and get some experience. For all the talk of JoePa getting older and senile, he still knows how to give it to the less fortunate.

20. Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0)
beat Rutgers 24-7
The first half wasn't pretty for either team, but Fresno St pulled their boots up and just ran all over Rutgers in the second half. You can tell these teams had some rust, but look out for the Bulldogs. They have three running backs who each have gained over a thousand yards in a season, now that's production.

21. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0)
beat North Carolina State 34-0-
The most deceiving score and maybe the worst team I've ever put into the top 25 before. Before the Wolfpack knocked out the Gamecocks "starting" QB, he had thrown I think 5 interceptions. Now I watched this game with Gamecock alumni, and they hate this kid, but in the end Spurrier knows how to win.

22. Utah Utes (1-0)
beat Michigan 25-23
Congratulations goes out to the Utes for beating Rodriguez and the Wolverines in his first game. Mountain West has now beaten the Big Ten, and you know West Virginia was laughing the entire time.

23. Cal Golden Bears (1-0)
beat Michigan State 38-31
People continually claim that the Pac 10 sucks that's about everything east of the Rocky Mountains, but the Pac 10 continually beats those other programs whenever they face off. Cal did a stand up job against those SPARTANS!

24. UCLA Bruins (1-0)
beat Tennessee 27-24 in OT
I have no love for Rick Neuheisel, or the atmosphere of rapists and criminals he creates at a program, but sometimes you must give the devil his due. Much like those Cocks, the Bruins overcame multiple interceptions to prevail over the most overrated team in college football, those Tennessee Volunteers.

25. Oregon Ducks (1-0)
beat Washington 44-10
Wait, let me just get this straight, HALF of the Pac 10 is on my top 25? Trojans, Sun Devils, Golden Bears, Bruins and Ducks? Yeah, you know what, I'd love to see an opening weekend of SEC vs Pac 10 to find the strongest conference. Omitting Vandy and one of the teams from Mississippi.

Conference Power Rankings
SEC-6 teams
Big 12-5 teams
Pac 10-5 teams
Big Ten-3 teams
Big East-2 teams
Mountain West-2 teams
ACC-1 team
WAC-1 team
Sun Belt, CUSA, MAC-0 teams
Notre Dame-Still Sucks

2008 Top 25 Prospects

The NFL combine starts on Thursday and I hope I can find a way to watch it this year. As interest in the NFL Draft has risen, and folks have been enjoying watching the NFL Draft,the NFL did the smart move and decided to air it on the NFL Network, which I used last year to watch it. Sadly this year one has to pay to watch the NFL Network so no Combine for me. Though I believe the NFL is doing something online on their site that might allow me some sort of access, so here's to hoping.

Though I do put more into what a player looks like on the field, the combine does help with those few players who are neck and neck in my book. It also gives you a look at the athletic ability of some of the small school players, to see who will raise their position with a superb combine performance.

1. Chris Long, DE, Virginia 6'4" 280lbs
It looks like more and more people are coming around to see that Chris Long is head and shoulders above most of this draft class. He has the heritage, no doubt in that, but when you're able to make the type of plays he makes on a defense that doesn't have that many other star players in the front seven, you know you have to be something special. He is the ideal Bill Parcells player, and it won't shock me to see them sign him a week before the draft takes place.
2. Jake Long, OT, Michigan 6'7" 313lbs
Many considered Jake Long better then Joe Thomas last year, a Joe Thomas who went number 3 in a draft and was in consideration for Rookie of the Year. I know some folks aren't as high on Jake Long as I am, then again I tend to put more emphasis on the offensive line being a key to success then other folks do.
3. Sedrick Ellis 6'2" 305lbs
People are starting to realize how good Ellis really is. I think there was a thought that his production was from being a part of such a stellar defense, but seeing him during the Senior Bowl folks are realizing that he is just that good. He has the ability to do amazing things and I don't know if he will really need much time to adjust to the NFL style of play.
4. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois 5'10" 215lbs
I am a member of only a handful of us who believe Mendenhall is a better prospect then McFadden. If you didn't watch Mendenhall run all over a USC defense that has almost ever player going on to the NFL this year or next year then you haven't seen what this kid can do. His north south cutting is the best in this draft, bar none. He isn't afraid to lower his shoulders and hit someone as well. Good hands out of the backfield, he's gonna make some team very very happy.
5. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas 6'2" 180lbs
I probably have Talib higher then any other ranker out there. I've watched this kid play all year and he's going to be the next coming of Darrell Green. Not with Green's speed, almost no one has that, just his ability to cover anyone in the NFL and make interceptions on a regular basis. I do have him as the best one on one corner in this draft, and he's fairly decent in zone coverage as well.
6. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College 6'5" 205lbs
I'm not sold on Matt Ryan, I know many are, I'm not. I've heard the comparisons but I just don't see it. I think at best he'll be an average quarterback at best. This year has the worst crop of quarterbacks in a long time and I think people are stretching to find a great quarterback among them. Now I think he can develop into a very good quarterback, but when I think of comparable quarterbacks in the NFL what comes to my mind is Jon Kitna and Trent Green, a solid quarterback but he's not gonna exactly carry you to a super bowl.
7. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami 6'2" 210lbs
He has the ability to turn out to be the best player to come out of this draft, like almost ever Miami safety of the last decade. The key comes on where he is drafted and if he can keep his work ethic at a high level. Now it may sound like the usual cliche, but he could slip into the I've made it mode so I can ease up like so many do. I can envision HUGE things for Phillips, we're talking Hall of Fame things, I just don't know if he'll put the pieces together.
8. Keith Rivers, OLB, USC 6'3" 225lbs
I love this kid's motor as he's one of those players that will be all over the field, sideline to sideline, making plays everywhere. When it comes to the linebackers, he rushes the quarterback phenomenally well, maybe better then any other linebacking prospect. His coverage is on and off and could use some work, but it's better then 80% of the rest of the choices in the linebacker pool. I would like to see him put on some more muscle, at 225lbs he's a bit undersized, but other then that no problem seeing him taken high.
9. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU 6'2" 303lbs
The problem right now with Glenn Dorsey isn't what he's doing, it's what he's not doing, and what's not happening around him. He didn't play at any of the college all star bowls, so he didn't get any press there. He doesn't have anyone really talking about him, not since his phenomenal job at the National Title game and as we all know if you're not being talked about people forget about you. Luckily his talent is so vast that many do still consider him a top five pick.
10. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas 6'2" 205lbs
The more film I see on Darren McFadden the less and less I like him. Is he athletically gifted, without a doubt, but when it comes to being a football player, a NFL level football player, I don't think he can do it. I read Blair Thomas all over him. When he gets hit, his legs stop moving, something you never want in a running back. He doesn't hold the ball in the right arm which has led to fumbles. These are things though that can be fixed, which is why he's still high on the list. He has intangibles that are amazing if he can overcome his flaws.
11. Erin Henderson, OLB, Maryland 6'3" 245lbs
12. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida 5'10" 200lbs
13. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas 6'5" 219lbs
14. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma 6'3 1/2" 190lbs
15. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State 6'4" 260lbs
16. Chilo Rachal, G, USC 6'4" 315lbs
17. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State 6'6" 315lbs
18. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC 6'5" 265lbs
19. Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon 5'11" 230lbs
20. Fred Davis, TE, USC 6'3 1/2" 251lbs
21. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State 6'3" 230lbs
22. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal 6' 172lbs
23. Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt 6'6" 340lbs
24. Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M 6'5" 322lbs
25. Early Doucet, WR, LSU 6'1" 210lbs

NCAA Football 2007/08 Season Top 25

The season has now come and gone and we are still no where closer to being closer to knowing who is the number one team in the nation. Sure LSU destroyed Ohio State, but I'm of the opinion that Ohio State was a good team who benefited playing in a vastly overrated conference. Then again I don't have the biggest opinion of the SEC either as I think both the Big 12 and Pac 10 had stronger overall conferences this year, and the bowl games seem to prove that point. The SEC needs to learn to schedule some big name teams in the non-conference portion of the season if they want my respect. The Big 10 tries, but they lose more often then not.

So the following is my season ending top twenty five. If I ever become a journalist and somehow get a vote to this thing, it could get very interesting. Hell, I'm pretty sure you'd be able to tell my votes every week.

1. USC Trojans
To say they manhandled Illinois would be to say Mike Tyson has slight anger issues. If only they had been healthy when they lost to the Drunken Christmas trees.
2. LSU Tigers
They're good, they have plenty of NFL talent, I still don't think they could even handle USC and they're only above Georgia cause they managed to win the conference.
3. Georgia Bulldogs
Do you think that team goes into the offseason now understanding how important every game is and not taking the first half off?
4. Missouri Tigers
They should start next season as the number one, two or three team in the nation. The scary thing is that they have the talent and determination to stay there all year.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
Another out matched Buckeye squad killed by the SEC. I guess in college football speed beat strength. They won't be there next year, they face USC in the regular season.
6. West Virginia Mountaineers
The biggest example on this entire list that speed beats strength was their drubbing of Boomer Sooner.
7. Kansas Jayhawks
I love this team, but they're losing too many of their key players to the NFL to make a similar run next year.
8. Virginia Tech Hokies
Once again the Hokies were proven to be the overrated pieces of fried chicken they are every year.
9. Oklahoma Sooners
You get put above my team only because you beat them earlier in the year, but now we have the gameplan to beat you...badly.
10. Texas Longhorns
We came, we saw, we sent the Sun Devils screaming back to hell. Perhaps Colt McCoy will shake off that sophomore slump next year.
11. Boston College Eagles
A decent year by a decent team in a decent conference. Do I think BC represents the ACC, just a tad.
12. BYU Cougars
They get here for their record alone, you have to respect only two losses.
13. Tennessee Volunteers
So they beat Wisconsin, so can many other teams in the nation, play someone with some talent Volunteers.
14. Auburn Tigers
Next year may be the year Auburn FINALLY puts all the pieces together and makes the destined National Title run.
15. Cincinnati Bearcats
They were damn impressive this year, especially for a team no one even thought twice leading up to it.
16. Michigan Wolverines
I won't lie, watching the Wolverines control their game against Florida brought a smile to my face.
17. Arizona State Sun Devils
The injury bug hurt them second worse in the Pac 10 this year (Oregon 1) but there are is promise out there in the sand and sun.
18. Hawaii Warriors
First time in the big time gitters, they were a better football team then they showed on the National scale.
19. Illinois Fighting Illini
When a team has speed AND strength speed alone won't win, will they Illinois?
20. Florida Gators
I don't like you, call me biased, but I still don't think you're any good.
21. Clemson Tigers
They could finally make it into the ACC title game next year, but then it's Clemson and they'll find a way to fuck it up.
22. Texas Tech Red Raiders
A beautiful and great Bowl Game victory of Virginia for Texas Tech.
23. Kentucky Wildcats
They barely managed to beat a team who had a quarter of their players not there, not that impressive. Beating LSU though was.
24. Oregon State Beavers
An overlooked Pac 10 team who has a running back folks should be taking a closer look at.
25. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Still a young team who can do damage in the ACC, but without Justice time will tell.

NCAA Football Top 25 Nov 26

What an insane college weekend, I don't know if there's been that many great games in one weekend in a long time. You had each section of the SEC go into five overtimes, each one with a huge implication of some kind. One team remained undefeated, the other fell to a young team that looks as good as any I've seen this year. This power ranking will cause controversy, without a doubt.

1. Missouri Tigers (2)-Chase Daniels and this young team has proved, at least to me, that they are the real deal. This team has looked impressive week in and week out, and I will be stunned if the Sooners beat them for a second time this season.
2. Hawaii Warriors (12)-Yell all you want, but they are the lone undefeated team in division 1A and deserve to be in the national title game. You can't tell me this is for the kids if they don't make it into the game. It's like getting straight As and not begin valedictorian as some kid from a better school gets it because his B in geometry was more impressive then your A because it was at a tougher school...allegedly.
3. West Virginia Mountaineers (6)-To me, the WAC is just as tough as the Big East. I think they're on pretty much equal footing when it comes to toughness of schedule and the top teams. So if the Big East is in the national title talk, so should the WAC.
4. Ohio St Buckeyes (5)-What can I write about a team that won't play for two months? Gholston is a beast, and they have the Road Warrior, is there anything else to really write?
5. Kansas Jayhawks (1)-Some could argue that the Missouri and Kansas game was the national title game and I would find it hard to argue that. You have to take your hats off to Kansas, no one ever expect a Jayhawk football team to go that close to being undefeated.
6. USC Trojans (10)-Some personality on the radio said it the best, "USC when healthy is head and shoulders abover any other team in the nation." Of course they are, they recruit like mothers, and haven't been healthy all year. If there was a plus one game, USC would be your likely national champions.
7. Virginia Tech Hookies (7)-An impressive win over the Cavaliers of Virginia, a game I honestly didn't see the Hookies winning. I don't know how Beamer does it, but his team is constantly finishing in the top ten, even when they struggle they win, which is the most important thing.
8. Georgia Bulldogs (9)- It's sad that they're not going to be in the SEC Title game, but that's the breaks and why you have to play well all year long. This is an impressive team that should get a decent bowl and maybe even a BCS Bowl Game.
9. LSU Tigers (3)-It took five overtimes, but Arkansas was able to knock off the biggest fraud at number one since last year's fuckeyes. They did fight though, my only question is who is going to coach you next year? Jumbo Fisher perhaps?
10. Oklahoma Sooners (11)-Well, ya beat the Cowboys, lucky you. Unlucky for you is the fact that you're hurt, and you're playing a damn good Missouri team, a team that is much better then when you played them earlier in the season.
11. Boston College Eagles (14)-After their two losses they have quietly worked their way back into the the BCS picture. They can still get a BCS Bowl Game with a victory of Virginia Tech, which I think they just might.
12. Arizona St Sun Devils (4)-Another tough loss for Arizona St, but this is a team that has been hindered by injuries or they may very well still be in that National Title talk. Dennis Erickson will likely have them back here next year...if he sticks around.
13. Illinois Fighting Illini (17)-I LOVE this team, and how can you not? It is not only the team with the most amazing names around, they play balls to the wall football and beat the fuckeyes, GO ZOOK!
14. Florida Gators (18)-Teabow broke his hand, word to whoever plays Florida in a bowl game (I'm looking at you Illinois) rush the hell out of him and see if he can throw the ball.
15. Tennessee Volunteers (21)-Damn, I had Kentucky beating Tennessee and they nearly did it. Andre Woodson may be my favorite player this year in college football as he just finds ways to win. If he only had one more year at Kentucky imagine the things he could do.
16. Oregon Ducks (12)-My heart goes out to Oregon, a team who should have been in the national title game if Dixon's knee hadn't blown out. Who doesn't want to see the battle of Dennis Dixon and Chase Daniels?
17. Wisconsin Badgers (20)-The Badgers do what they do every year, lose a few games, but enough to keep them in the top 25 by their ground and pound offense, perhaps we should call them the icemen?
18. BYU Cougars (22)-I know folks don't agree with this, but I have a hard enough time putting a four loss team above a team with only two losses. Their losses came to a Pac 10 team and absolute shootout with Tulsa whose QB may be the biggest sleeper in next year's draft.
19. Texas Longhorns (8)-Well, good job kids, you managed to blow it and lose to the Aggies, again, in their coaches last game. I wonder if I'm the only one whose starting to believe that Vince Young won the national title and NOT Mack Brown.
20. Clemson Tigers (23)-I wish I could say I love this team almost as much as I love Illinois, but Bowden is coaching like his father. Sadly it's not his father of a decade ago, but like his father right now.
21. Texas Tech Red Raiders (24)-They beat Oklahoma, in my book that should put them in the top ten. Well, of teams I love this year at least. Who is wishing for a Texas Tech Boise St bowl game?
22. Boise St Broncos (15)-Speak of the devil and they shall appear. Sorry Boise St your iron grip on the WAC Championship has been ended this season by Vili and the Hawaii Warriors.
23. South Florida Bulls (N/R)-They've snuck back into the top twenty five, but that again it's just one giant cluster fuck down here once you get past number twenty. Hell, one could argue that it's a clusterfuck past 15.
24. Arkansas Razorbacks (N/R)-Thank you Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, Nutt and the rest of the Razorbacks. You saved us from the LSU Tigers appearing in the national title game, if only Michigan had played as hard.
25. Troy Trojans (25)-They're still here, and all they have to do is beat Florida Atlantic to stay here. I'm sorry folks, but I want to see more of the mid-majors do well and completely destroy the power system that the MAJOR conferences have in college football. My dream this year is for every non-major conference team to beat their major conference opponents in bowl games this year.

NCAA Football Top 25 Nov 19

The week has come and gone and we've lost two of our contenders. My best friend Dock's prediction of a Oklahoma and Oregon National Title game was killed in one weekend, my condolences. I know everyone talks conference strength, but look at it. ACC, Big Ten and SEC only have one team in the top team each. Big 12 and Pac 10 have 2.

1. Kansas Jayhawks (1)-This Saturday is the big game, my number one versus my number two, the winner goes to the Big 12 Title game where they will likely face either Oklahoma or Texas, depending on who can win their game and if OU loses. Either way, Jaba the Mangi has his team undefeated.
2. Missouri Tigers (4)-I bumped them above LSU because they weren't the team that played close with Ole Miss. The Mizz went out, took care of business, and won their game, period. Chase Daniels will be with Spiller as Heisman candidates next season.
3. LSU Tigers (3)-If somehow LSU and Ohio St play for the national title game, I may not watch. It will be played between two teams who in my mind are definitely not the best two teams in the nation.
4. Arizona St Sun Devils (6)-Arizona St, the team everyone has forgotten about in the National Title picture. All they need to do this week is knock off USC and beat arch rival Arizona, no big task...right.
5. Ohio St Buckeyes (7)-They beat Michigan 14-3 in may have been the ugliest Ohio St Michigan game I've ever seen. Neither team looked very good, definitely not national title material.Sadly somehow they could still make it into the game if enough teams lose.
6. West Virginia Mountaineers (8)-They have a bumpy road, but like Ohio St, if they win out they could be playing for the National Title. I don't know what it is this year, but obviously the football gods demand a playoff system.
7. Virginia Tech Hookies (9)-A solid win this week against the Hurricanes. Their big test comes this week against in state rival Virginia. Honestly, I don't know if the Hookies can contain Virginia's defense. Chris Long will eat them alive.
8. Texas Longhorns (10)-After that two week spat of forgetting who they were, the Longhorns have fought hard and have won out. Now they have A&M, knowing that if they win and Oklahoma loses they're in the Big 12 title game. In the past that shoe has been reversed, perhaps Colt McCoy can remember who the hell he is.
9. Georgia Bulldogs (11)-I thought Kentucky was gonna shock the world again, but that Bulldog running back is the real deal. He's doing things that no Georgia running back has done since Hershall Walker, he's that kind of special. Though I don't know if he has any interest bobsledding.
10. USC Trojans (12)-A span of losses could, theoretically, put USC in the title game. It would take Atlas moving the world, but theoretically it could happen. Will it happen, I give it a .00983% chance of happening.
11. Oklahoma Sooners (5)-They lost their starting QB, at the end of the game on their onside kick attempt they may have lost their star running back. Things are not looking pretty in Norman right now as apparently Adrian Peterson has infected his alma mater.
12. Oregon Ducks (2)-They may very well continue to slide down this ranking now that Dennis Dixon is done for the season and Jonathon Stewart won't be 100% either. The Brother of Leaf may be able to get them one more win, but magic 8 ball says all signs point to no.
13. Hawaii Warriors (13)-I still contend, especially in this year's uncanny season, that if Hawaii goes undefeated that they deserve to play in the National Title game. If not, at least put them up against West Virginia to see the biggest offensive showcase since the Navy North Texas game.
14. Boston College Eagles (14)-They did what no one in my Pick Em thought possible, they beat Clemson. They came from behind and shocked us all, but they managed to pull it off. They can get a BCS bowl game with an ACC Title win, not to bad for a first year head coach.
15. Boise St Broncos (15)-Either way it plays out, I won't be surprised to see the WAC Champion in a BCS Bowl Game. Hell, I'd love to see them in there again and watch them beat another big name school. After that perhaps the WAC will get some bloody respect huh?
16. Virginia Cavaliers (17)-They could really boost their rankings, and get them in position to play in a BCS game if they can beat VA Tech and win the ACC Title game. I think the defense is there to do it, the offense just needs to stop making so many mistakes and turnovers.
17. Illinois Fighting Illini (19)-I jumped Illinois over Florida because frankly they've impressed me more these last few weeks. That and I can't stand the Gators and I get a cruel irony that Zook showed them up and showed that even Illinois can beat Ohio St.
18. Florida Gators (18)-So Tim Teabow became the first Division IA quarterback to throw for twenty touchdowns and run for twenty touchdowns. Guess what folks, want to know how to beat Florida? Key on Tim Teabow, and someone hit him. I'm talking Ronnie Lott, Rodney Harrison type of hit.
19. UConn Huskies (23)-A tough fought victory this week, and a big one coming up against West Virginia. I personally would love to see UConn beat West Virginia, all that does is take the Mountaineers out and helps the Longhorns get back into the thick of things.
20. Wisconsin Badgers (24)-They moved up four spots, but that is because of the teams that lost below them. Playing a game that close against a very bad Minnesota team is almost inexcusable. But they won, that's the important.
21. Tennessee Volunteers (22)-They have a big game against Kentucky this week. I don't know, I want to route for Kentucky, but that hasn't helped them win lately. I think I'm gonna go with the Volunteers just knowing my luck this season and hope they lose cause of it.
22. BYU Cougars (N/R)-The BYU Cougars have only lost two games, I have to put them into the top 25. The one two loss team that no one is talking about, and I've seen portions of their games, this team can be deadly at times. I likely expect them to upset some bigger named team in their Bowl Game.
23. Clemson Tigers (16)-You have to finish the game Clemson and not let the Eagles come back if you want to be considered and talked about as one of the big name title contenders. That's been the MO of Clemson for years now, so should we be at all surprised?
24. Texas Tech Red Raiders (N/R)-I'd like to thank the Red Raiders for being the team that finally followed through with my upset prediction. Now if Oklahoma St can follow suit, I can soundly sleep knowing that Texas is in the Big 12 title game.
25. Troy Trojans (N/R)-I thought long and hard about who to put as the number 25 teams. In the end so many teams were of similar records, similar talent, but Troy was a step above. They only have three losses, and have beaten Oklahoma St this season. They managed to put up decent points against SEC foes, so why not. Congrats Troy, you've made the top 25, be proud.

Vermont Catamounts Update

The Cats were picked 29th in the recent Mid-Major poll. (Over the two teams that the coaches selected to finish above them in the conference standings.)

Tomorrow's opponent George Mason is ranked 9th.

Anyone who has access to MASN should get out of any responsibilities you may have for 7pm Friday. This game promises to be an instant classic!

(Albany sucks...)

NCAA Football Top 25 Nov 05

Well, this was quite the telling weekend wasn't it? Arizona St joined the ranks of the unwashed when their undefeated season was ended in Eugene. Ohio St exploded in the 4th quarter against Wisconsin who didn't have PJ Hill the entire game. LSU struggled against Bama to also win it late. Kansas took out a few decades of frustration on the Cornhuskers in one half alone, it was beautiful to watch.

1. Kansas Jayhawks (2)-I know the argument of Ohio St over Kansas is one of who's played better teams. The problem with this argument is that Ohio St hasn't played that many big teams either. Sure they beat "ranked" teams, but these were teams ranked in the twenties, which can be a cluster fuck. Kansas obliterated Nebraska, hell Notre Dame may have put up a stronger defensive battle.
2. Ohio St Buckeyes (3)-They were losing to a slightly above average Wisconsin team who didn't even have their star running back. I just have not been impressed yet by this football team. The next two weeks will tell me whether they are the real deal or not. Illinois has speed that could be deadly to a Luckeye.
3. Oregon Ducks (4)-If you don't think the team that is playing the best football in America right now isn't the Ducks you haven't been playing attention. I really hope this team doesn't become the Carson Palmer Trojans and get snubbed out of the National Title game.
4. LSU Tigers (6)-Another week and another game where LSU has looked human to me. I don't think they could hang in a game against the Ducks, they can barely hang in there with the Crimson Tide. Hopefully they lose the SEC Title game so it's not even an issue.
5. Missouri Tigers (9)-This Chase Daniels kid is for real. 420 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air and he can run. The Missouri and Kansas game feels like a Championship game, and it is, the winner goes to the Big 12 Championship game where they have to fight off Oklahoma.
6. Oklahoma Sooners (7)-I'm sure many don't agree with me that I put Missouri over Oklahoma, but Chase Daniels is just too damn good to overlook anymore. I've seen that Oklahoma can bleed, and Missouri has seen it too, and they want another shot at them.
7. West Virginia Mountaineers (8)-The top ten team that no one appears to be talking about anymore, I wonder why. Could it be that the Big East isn't as nearly as good as we all let ourselves believe a few weeks ago?
8. Arizona St Sun Devils (1)-Rudy Carpenter wasn't fully healthy and they didn't have their best running back, but championship teams over come that and win, sadly that was not the case for the Sun Devils who still may get to play in the Rose Bowl, which is a nice consolation prize.
9. Texas Longhorns (10)-Quit your bitching now, I don't care how close it got, they still won so they move up when other teams move down. Jaamal Charles is playing like a man possessed, one of these days teams will stop playing prevent against Texas in the fourth quarter.
10. UConn Huskies (14)-They trampled Rutgers this weekend and all of a sudden a team we thought had a good record merely because of schedule is starting to have the appearance of a contender. They lost to Virginia 17-16, so basically they're two points away from being undefeated. That running back of theirs, Donald Brown, is a hell of a football player.
11. Hawaii Warriors (12)-A bye week for the Warriors before they host Fresno St this week. Their first real big challenge for the Warriors in a while, but they always have the home field advantage against the mainland teams, damn flights. Pat Hill will give them the toughest fight this year...until the Boise St game.
12. Boston College Eagles (5)-A huge fall, I know, but they've been winning games by the skim of their teeth these last few weeks. I feel for Matt Ryan though, he's had to play in bad weather every week since I can remember. That's a good thing to remember to those NFL teams that play in bad weather areas.
13. Michigan Wolverines (13)-The under achievers did it again and almost shot themselves in the foot. They dominated the beginning of the game, and then let up. Is it just a Wolverine mentality when you have so much talent you don't have to try your hardest and end up fucking up?
14. Boise St Broncos (16)-They do enough, say beat Hawaii, and enough teams fall, they can end up in a BCS Bowl game again this year, and I can't wait to watch them beat another team. Maybe then writers and voters would start to pay more attention to the West Coast.
15. VA Tech Hokies (15)-Whoever had the audacity to steal those Hokies jersey needs to be bitch slapped for that stupid idea. That doesn't give your school a good image, luckily they saved it by donating jerseys to the Hokies to wear for the game, sadly it didn't turn VA Tech's QB into Reggie Ball.
16. Georgia Bulldogs (18)-I know everyone else has them ranked as high as ten in some places, but you let Troy put thirty points or so on you and you want me to be impressed? Just because you know how to beat Tim Tebow doesn't color me impressed. I don't know if you could beat the lower half of the ACC right now.
17. USC Trojans (19)-This is a young Trojan team that appears to lack the real leadership they had under Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. I don't know what it is, I just don't get the feeling from Booty or Sanchez that I got from those two, then again they were extra special players. Next year will be scary how good that offense will be with some experience.
18. Auburn Tigers (20)-This is a tough team to read as always, but they managed to win this week so they've moved up. I'm not sure what it is, but when I watch their games I'm just not impressed with their gameplay. It just doesn't seem sound to me, the talent is there, but the word sloppy may be appropriate.
19. Florida Gators (21)-Hey, Florida, how can you let Vandy of all teams put up 22 on you? I know you won by 20, but I would run you harder then you've ever been run before for letting VANDY put up 22. Also, beware the first team that really hits Tebow, we'll see what kind of player he is then.
20. Clemson Tigers (22)-This team is looking like it is a year away from being in the top five and contending for the national title. CJ Spiller, dear Christ is this kid fast and elusive. I will go on record now and say he is an early front runner for next year's Heisman, along with Tebow who better not win this year.
21. Virginia Cavaliers (25)-This season the Cavaliers have won five games by two points or less. Either this team has ice water for blood or they are the luckiest thing Al Grohl has had since he lost his virginity all those years ago. For the life of me though, I can't figure out which.
22. Tennessee Volunteers (23)-Nice win there Fulmer, you beat up a no nothing school late in the season to give your team a win to keep them in a big bowl hunt. Now, do us all a favor and stop scheduling sisters of the poor at the attempt to keep your own job.
23. Alabama Crimson Tide (11)-Nick Saban, you tricky bastard, you had LSU on the ropes and you let them get up and knock you out. Worse then that, you were abusing Matt Flynn like he was Jodie Foster in the accused and stopped, why? I understand he was one of your recruits, but it's called tough love there sparky.
24. Arkansas Razorbacks (N/R)-Darren McFadden and Felix Jones did their best this weekend to remind all of us who in the nation has the best running attack. I don't know if McFadden will win it or not (the Heisman) but it may end up being one of the closest contests voting wise in recent memory, this kid is sick.
25. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (17)-I had the I guess you would say pleasure of watching this game on Saturday and I though Wake outplayed Virginia, but let their foot off of their throat way too early and had to rely on their kicking game to win, which is never a good thing. I know some folks (SayHey) will think Florida St should go in this spot, but they didn't beat Wake did they?

NCAA Football Top 25 Oct 29

If you were to look at my predictions on Pick Em this week and the results you would have thought it was another big crazy weekend, but sadly it wasn't quite like it was the last few weeks. You did see teams being upset, like Florida and South Florida. It's odd, when I first started ranking I think I had South Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky all in my top ten, now they're completely out of my rankings.

1. Arizona St Sun Devils (1)-There was a discussion between Dock and myself over who should be here. I went with Arizona St because their victory over Cal was more impressive to me then beating Penn St since Cal is a much better team then Penn St. Plus, I've had the Devils here last week, I shouldn't punish them for winning. Big test on Saturday, may be the game that decides who goes to the national title game.
2. Kansas Jayhawks (2)-Another week, another Kansas victory, and another week where no one is paying them any mind because after all it's Kansas and they're not a football school right? They have four games that could very well be tough, and it is fitting that Missouri and Kansas play their last game against each other.
3. Ohio St Buckeyes (6)-I am a man of my word and I have moved the Buckeyes into the top three. I'm not about to put them above Kansas, as they haven't beaten any team that has been that impressive this season. I'm counting down the days until they play Michigan. They beat Michigan and I won't complain about an Ohio St team with an easy schedule getting into the national title game, right luckeyes?
4. Oregon Ducks (3)-Once again in their history the Ducks are the team that would benefit most from having a playoff system. It was like that Joey Harrington's last year in college, and it looks to be the same this season. If they can get by Arizona St this weekend, and win out, they should be in the title game, without question.
5. Boston College Eagles (5)-I won't lie, I went to sleep with 3 minutes to go in this game and didn't find out till the next day at noon that BC somehow some way managed to find a way to win against VA Tech. I know folks are saying, Matt Ryan Heisman, I think he'd rather have Matt Ryan Number One Draft Selection instead. They showed they had heart, I still don't think they could beat any of the teams above them.
6. LSU Tigers (4)-A bye week for the tigers, and I didn't want to drop them, but the Ohio St promise bumped them so my apologies. A big week this week as Saban returns to play them, and upset their possible championship season. Do I think Saban can rock his old team? I'm choosing Bama to Roll Tide and win, what does that tell you?
7. Oklahoma Sooners (7)-I believe the Sooners were also on bye, but they weren't hurt by anyone since almost everyone behind them lost and fell back. A possible big game against A&M this week, and I am almost smelling upset, but they have two weeks to prepare so I won't call it...yet. I may very well save that for the Oklahoma State game.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers (11)-To be honest with you, I didn't think West Virginia would beat Rutgers this week. They have a HUGE next three weeks. Louisville (which can be dangerous when they play well), Cincinnati (who was playing great football earlier this year) and Connecticut (who is in the top twenty-five for the first time this year). Hell, with enough upsets above them and they win, they could sneak into the title game.
9. Missouri Tigers (17)-A strong win this week for the Tigers. This team is really starting to put things together and it's starting to make me a believer. I think they can beat Oklahoma, but the trick is for them to get to the Big 12 Title game for that to happen. They pretty much control their own destiny at this point and have a rough road ahead if they want the Boomer Sooner rematch.
10. Texas Longhorns (14)-I know some of you are rolling your eyes to see my Longhorns here, even after they had that close game against the Cornhuskers this week. I'm gonna blame that on Osbourne being back in Nebraska as motivation for the team to play above their means. That, and all the teams below them lost, they won, and so naturally Texas moves up to the next logical spot, which would be 10.
11. Alabama Crimson Tide (18)-Think about this, they lost to Georgia (who beat Florida this week) and they over looked Florida State (and I can't believe I'd ever write that in my life time) but completely rolled Tennessee. Saban is slowly but surely working his magic, which is only suited for college football, and getting this team to the level he expects them to play at. I will be one of the few not surprised if they Roll Tide all over LSU this weekend.
12. Hawaii Warriors (19)-Hawaii gets rolling along, throwing the ball like Warren Moon was their quarterback and they were playing in the House of Pain. Two out of these next three weeks is their first big test since , well, all season. They have Fresno State at home this week, and then they go to Nevada and then come home to play for the WAC Championship more or less against Boise St. I wonder what happens if they go undefeated, would they get the BCS treatment like Boise did?
13. Michigan Wolverines (17)-Who would have thought at the beginning of the season that Michigan would have fought their way back into the rankings and looking like the team we all expected them to be? This is a great thing, especially if they beat Ohio State cause this does nothing but help Oregon since they beat Michigan earlier in the season. I know I'm not the only one who thinks it would be a felony if Mike Hart doesn't win the Heisman.
14. UConn Huskies (N/R)-The UConn Huskies have entered into my top twenty five after beating South Florida. Wow, I never EVER thought the day would come when I would be putting UCONN of all teams into a FOOTBALL top twenty five. Apparently we have officially entered into Bizaro world this year, first Appalachian St beating Michigan, now this. They only lost to Virginia by a point and very well could have been undefeated at this point, scary.
15. VA Tech Hokies (13)-I thought they had it won, I was FINALLY gonna give the Hokies some credit for beating a good team. Then they decided to pull a Randy Moss and leave the field before the game was even over, what the fuck is wrong with you?! I know it was a messy game cause of the weather and all, but come on, you cannot give up a ten point lead in the fourth with less then 3 minutes to go. Damn lucky I didn't just boot you right off this list.
16. Boise St Broncos (22)-They beat my home town Bulldogs fairly well, continuing their dominance over Fresno St. I don't think Fresno St has beat Boise St in at least five years. I actually can't remember the last time Fresno St beat them, but I'm pretty sure I was at the game but perhaps it was another team don't remember. Anyways, Boise St is looking solid, without any trickery and it will be a blast to watch them play Hawaii in a few weeks.
17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (20)-I watched the majority of this game on Saturday at the Top Shelf in DC with some passionate Demon Deacs. Extra pleasure for CityCat and myself was watching Wake Forest just demolish Butch Davis. I will say this, the linebacking corps they have are ball hawks who made at the very least 2 interceptions. One was on the first play of the game, the second was run into the end zone for a touchdown. This is the ACC team no one is looking at, and they need to.

18. Georgia Bulldogs (N/R)-I've never been that big of a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. I always felt they were overrated, being an above average team, but never a true national title school. They have been living off those Herschel Walker years for decades now, but it was a great pleasure to see them beat Florida this week. I'm no fan of the Gators, and to see them with three losses is a true joy. I also find it funny that people think that with three losses they should still be in the title mix, get over it. Teabow is a running back playing quarterback and one big hit from say Chris Long and we'll know what kind of man he is.
19. USC Trojans (9)-A tough year for the Trojans, they can't get healthy to save their lives and they've lost two games for the first time in quite awhile. Oregon pretty much dominated that game, no matter what the score says. Though we did see what the freshman phenom has in him and what he will hopefully do for the Trojans next year, one where Sanchez will be the starting quarterback one assumes.
20. Auburn Tigers (24)-I'm trying to determine what is going on with the Tigers. It almost feels like they've had a personality transplant mid-season and they're playing with heart and passion now. Though I honestly have to question Tennessee Tech being scheduled this late in the season. What, was Arkansas A&M not available? Did Richmond or Delaware tell you to buzz off they'd rather play the armed services?
21. Florida Gators (8)-If we continue to hear this Tim Teabow Heisman talk I think I'm gonna vomit. I'm not going to write long on the Gators, I'm just saying if two old acquaintances surprise everyone and beat Florida, I told you first. After all the ole ball coach would love to show them up and it could be Bobby's last hurrah.
22. Clemson Tigers (N/R)-Isn't it funny that Clemson and Auburn both seem to have had the same personality transplant? That Spiller kid has a really good chance at ending up as something special. They get a week off at Duke, but then comes the buzzkill where they could end many teams' dreams whn they have Wake, BC at home and end at South Carolina.
23. Tennessee Volunteers (N/R)-Fulmer, the most overrated coach in college football, had to have one giant hard on after beating Spurrier in double OT on Saturday. Congrats Fulmer, you finally beat Spurrier, sadly for you though your team is still garbage and you still can't spell Citrus without UT.
24. Oklahoma St Cowboys (25)-Another hard fought victory this week and the Cowboys continue to respond to their coach's passion with some of their own. I don't have a doubt that this coach will have this team so hyped up for the Sooner game that we may see one of the better college football games this year.
25. Virginia Cavaliers (16)-They are barely hanging on to the top twenty five by a thread. You cannot lose to NC State, you just simply can't. I don't care about any excuses you have, you lost to the Wolfpack and that cannot and will not be excused.

NCAA Football Top 25 Oct 22

Wow, this week saw some upsets that NO ONE saw coming. Yes, I will answer the question I seemed to get from everyone this weekend, what happened to your South Carolina? I think it is quite obvious what happened, Spurrier was looking and "planning" for the Florida game because he was playing Vandy. I mean come on, can you blame him, it's Vandy. My 25 will probably cause some commotion again since it is not what you see by the mainstream media and I fully expect to hear as much shit as I heard last week.

1. Arizona St Sun Devils (4)-The got bumped up to number 4 since my top three teams from last week decided to lose. I don't know how long the Sun Devils will stay at number one because apparently I am a curse to these teams, they lost their star running back for the year and they're coached by Dennis Erickson. There is good news, of sorts, for the Sun Devils. The son of the Devil himself (read Elway) has committed to Arizona St.
2. Kansas Jayhawks (10)-This team has flown under everyone's radar except mine, probably cause I pay attention to the Big 12 more then any other conference. They beat the team that shocked Oklahoma, but it is sad that they don't play the Sooners this year. The remainder of their schedule makes it very probable that they will be undefeated by the time the Big 12 Title game comes around.
3. Oregon Ducks (9)-This offense is hitting all cylinders, its only sputter came against a Cal team that has done nothing but under achieved all year long and now everyone else sees what I've been saying all season long. I know the Ducks, once again, wish there was a playoff system.
4. LSU Tigers (5)-They moved up one spot, even if other teams moved above them. I think this LSU team has a lot of questions on offense, but they did win another knock down drag out fight on Saturday that I thought Auburn was going to take, so hats off to them.
5. Boston College Eagles (7)-I got a lot of shit from folks who tell me BC is a rock solid team. I'm sorry folks, I don't see it. USC shut out Notre Dame and rolled them up, BC couldn't do that. I don't think they've played the real cream of the crop yet in the ACC. Here's my thoughts, I don't know if they even win half of their remaining schedule.
6. Ohio St Buckeyes (8)-So they managed to squeak by the first team that has talent that they've played this year. Now comes the biggest game before Michigan, Penn State in Happy Valley. The misses has given me shit for not giving the Buckeyes credit. I will say this, if they beat JoePa this weekend I'll move this team at least to number 2.
7. Oklahoma Sooners (6)-I don't even know why I have Boomer Sooner this high. They barely got by Iowa St, really?! Wow. This team is showing its youth that may not be prepared for the pounding a college season has on you. Might be great years ahead, but it will not be this season.
8. Florida Gators (15)-One of the bigger moves up so far, and some may say they deserve more after beating my number two team but we won't talk crazy. They still have two losses in the giant clusterfuck which is the SEC East. They're at Georgia this week, which may be an interesting match up, but I think they'll win. November 10th is the game against the Ole Ball Coach.
9. USC Trojans (11)-I love how everyone has written off USC because they lost to Stanford. Michigan lost to Appalachian St and folks wrote them off. I think if there was a playoff system these two teams would be dangerous, SC because of Pete Carroll. I think all this loss does is revitalize this USC team and makes them try even harder next year with Sanchez firmly at the helm.
10. Kentucky Wildcats(2)-They didn't drop as far as South Carolina, then again they lost in a close game to Florida and not Vandy. I have to say I love this Andrew Woodson kid, but I already know what the detractors will say, he's a shotgun QB yada yada yada. Look, this kid knows how to win and I don't think he'll be what one of the commentators accidentally called him on Saturday, Andre Ware.
11. West Virginia Mountaineers(12)-The team that time forgot. Hell, I think now that South Florida has lost the Big East might as well be the conference the country has forgotten about. Yes, West Virginia still has a somewhat potent college offense, I don't think they could handle any of the "big boys" in a slugfest. They're a speed team, one monster hit and some of their track stars would be done.
12. South Florida Bulls(3)-They may be yet the latest victim of a team who was starting to believe their own press. They overlooked a Rutgers team who was hungry to show that they weren't as the last two weeks had shown and wanted to knock off one of the top teams in the nation. They succeeded. South Florida will move back up my poll if they can come back from this, but if not it was one hell of a ride while it lasted.
13. Virginia Tech Hookies (14)-Another year and another over ranked Hookies team. The only team of merit that they beat this year was Clemson. They were absolutely abused by LSU to the point of where they need to see a counselor about the bad man touching them. They may beat BC this weekend, but they'll likely lose two of the last three games this season.
14. Texas Longhorns(17)-Call me a homer for having them so high, but there is way too much talent on this team to have them lower. Colt McCoy needs to remember that he is Colt not Chris and his father didn't win two Super Bowls with the Giants. Once this happens, we're gonna be wrecking all the shops in the strip. Oh, and can one of the running backs live up to their potential, thank you.
15. Missouri Tigers (21)-A very nice and solid victory this weekend for the Tigers. This team may be BCS as bound as whoever wins the game between them and Kansas at the end of the season will be headed (more then likely) to the Big 12 Title game, and of course that winner will be in a BCS bowl. Nice for a Missouri team that has always come so close but has never grasped the ring as it was held in front of them.
16. Virginia Cavaliers (18)-It is hard for me when it comes to UVA. In one regards they have Chris Long who should be a top ten draft pick in the spring. On the other hand they are coached by Al Grohl and so the bottom could come out at any point. For Chris Long's sake, I hope this doesn't happen and they make it to the ACC title game, shocking the world. Either way, I'll be happy as long as they beat BC at some point.
17. Michigan Wolverines (19)-If there is any team other then Oregon that is an example as to why there needs to be a playoff system Michigan is that team. They've been demolishing teams these last few weeks, even with a turnstile at quarterback. Mike Hart should, without a doubt in my mind, win the Heisman Trophy as he is above and beyond the best college football player this year, hands down.
18. Alabama Crimson Tide (N/R)-ROLL TIDE right over those bastard Volunteers of Tennessee. I have made no question about my feelings towards the Citrus Volunteers, and I have to support Alabama as my father always loved Bear Bryant. Saban is like 10-1, or now 11-1 against Tennessee his entire career, Fulmer is his personal bitch.
19. Hawaii Warriors (20)-No game this week for the former Rainbow Warriors, they were "cured" of that Rainbow nonesense a pastor told me, so they move up one spot by other teams sucking. Colt Breenan has not been the Superman we saw last year, but he has found ways to win, much like Boise St found ways last year. Put them in a playoff system they upset one, maybe even two teams in the process.
20. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (N/R)-I've heard a lot of complaints from friends of mine who are alumni of the Demon Deacons, and I didn't put them here because of that. I put them here because they've been just as impressive as other teams in the nation, but once again under the radar since everyone just forgot about them because they lost two games. Their next three games will tell us the frame of this team as they have North Carolina, Virginia and Clemson. If they somehow win those games, a New Years Day bowl isn't out of the question.
21. Penn St Nittnay Lions (25)-This is the week I've been waiting for ever since the Buckeyes began sniffing the number one spot. Come on JoePa, you've got to have at least one last miracle left in you to beat the Luckeyes. Keep that QB calm, especially against an impressive Luckeyes defense. You know you can handle their offense, make turnovers, give yourself the short field, and do me proud.
22. Boise St Broncos (N/R)-You're all thinking to yourselves, what the fuck is Boise St doing here? I know a lot of you don't pay attention to the WAC, even though you should, but Boise St has only lost one game this year. We know this team can shock the world with their never ending heart. They have a big game this Friday against the Fresno St Bulldogs who are looking to beat the Broncos for the first time in years, expect a hell of a game.
23. South Carolina Gamecocks (1)-Such a big drop, I know. But when you lose to Vandy, hell when you only score six points against Vandy, you drop significantly. I guess Spurrier never got the memo that Vandy was at least somewhat better then they were the last time he coached college football. I take it back, he wasn't looking towards Florida it was looking forward to Tennessee and Fulmer.
24. Auburn Tigers (16)-They fought tooth and nail against LSU and came out on the short end. I know some folks would disagree with having a three loss team in the top twenty five, but hey, this Auburn team is a bunch of scrappers. They fight in every game as their losses came at 3, 5 and 6 point deficits. They overlooked Mississippi St, but losing to South Florida and LSU is nothing to be ashamed of.
25. Oklahoma State Cowboys (N/R)-You're probably asking yourself how the hell do I have Oklahoma St up here at twenty five? Well, they have three losses as well, but ever since Gundy went off on his rant his team has been playing as if the flames of hell were licking at their footsteps. Perhaps the players realized that this coach will fight for you all the way into the seventh circle, which probably won him a few recruits who were on the bubble about the Cowboys. Anyways, I thought I should recognize what a job they've done since then.