Why is Notre Dame inside the top 20?
Speedblog
As I speak, Notre Dame is ranked #18 on one poll, and #20 on the other.
Both polls had the Irish as #23 last week.
So one must wonder, how did Notre Dame jump 3 to 5 spots in one weekend, after playing a team (Nevada) that does not boost your cred?
At first I wanted to argue this because in my opinion, Notre Dame is NOT one of the top 20 teams in the nation, and does NOT have a strong schedule to prove their manhood. To me, it just looks like Notre Dame fixed a soft schedule in hopes that their coach can save face, as well as the university. And sadly enough, what this may also prove is that a soft schedule CAN get you in the BCS…even if you don’t deserve it.
But to be fair to Notre Dame, there is a reason why they jumped up over other teams. On one poll Notre Dame is ranked over 7 other teams. I can explain why they are so ranked:
UNC is ranked #19 because last week they were ranked #21 in the nation, while Notre Dame was ranked #23. While the Tarheels crushed Citadel, at least Notre Dame beat a Division I foe. It kinda answers why they barely jumped them in one poll, but just under UNC in the other.
Miami (FL) was not even ranked last week, and their win over Florida State vaults them into #20. Consider that Florida State, Oregon and Iowa were dropped from one of the polls, you can see how the Irish were beneficiaries of such fortune.
Georgia was ranked #13, but their loss to Oklahoma State hurt them, and it is all too easy to jump over a team that is 0-1 when you are 1-0. I wonder if they punished Georgia too much, after all they played another ranked team, but I guess a loss is a loss.
Nebraska was ranked #24 last week, and this week only moved up 2 spots. Beating Florida Atlantic was good, but that is what they should have done. Some wonder if Nebraska will ever return to the days of old, when they ran the Big 12 like a king.
Cincinnati is ranked #23, and still surprised me how a team that won 11 games can be ignored as well as the entire Big East in the first week of the year. Yet a 1-0 record finally gets them some respect…though not much.
Kansas was ranked #25 last week, only moving one spot. I thought this team was pretty good last year, what’s the deal with the low ranking? Beating Northern Colorado didn’t earn any style points apparently, which is why Notre Dame was able to put distance on them.
Missouri wasn’t ranked last week, which again surprises me after all the noise the Big 12 made last year. This week they are at the bottom of that list, after beating a quality BCS conference team. Personally I thought they should have moved a little higher, but we can’t argue too much about the first weekend of the season.
So when you look at all that, one can’t argue much about where Notre Dame is placed. Sometimes you move up by default, not that it makes you that much better. This weekend they play Michigan, and I dare say the winner still won’t prove much, it’s two bad teams with historic names playing each other. But to be honest, they are right where they need to be…for now.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
#5: Mississippi, Penn State or Oklahoma State?
#5: Mississippi, Penn State or Ok State
Speedblog
Ah, an interesting debate.
Who SHOULD be the 5th best team in the nation? Mississippi, Penn State or Oklahoma State?
On the two major polls, one has Oklahoma State, Penn State and Mississippi, in that order. The other has Penn State, Oklahoma State and Ohio State, in that order, with Mississippi trailing the three.
So I guess in theory one might say that Mississippi is not in this argument as the top 5 candidate. I would agree.
The Rebels had a great year last year, in fact beating Texas Tech in a bowl, and also handing Florida their only defeat, so there is credibility to the team. And with a lot of offensive returners, this is indeed a good team initially. And with no Florida and Georgia on the schedule, the greatest fears are teams like Alabama, South Carolina, LSU and maybe Auburn or Tennessee. But I don’t think anybody is predicting the Rebels to go undefeated, even with a “softer” schedule in the SEC than some will admit.
So the real debate is, who is better at this point of the year, Oklahoma State or Penn State? If you are basing it off last year, Ok State had a great year but ran up on some of the best teams in the nation, that being Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, and lost in the bowl game to Oregon. Those are four HARD games folks.
Some may argue that their only real quality win was over Missouri, meaning their wins might be kinda…inflated. But beating Georgia was exactly what the doctor ordered. I can’t see them going undefeated, but the way things have gone already this year, be mindful of injuries and upsets.
Penn State lost two games last year, a loss to USC and an embarrassing loss to Iowa just after beating Ohio State. They have the ability to repeat from last year, and I think the Big 10 is a very quality conference, so wins do mean a lot. Losing to a 9-4 Iowa team isn’t that bad, especially when you lost at their house. I think the Nittany Lions has what it takes to at LEAST repeat last year’s record.
If that is true, then I would give the nod, by slightest of margins, to Penn State over Oklahoma State. But mind you, this is only after 2 weeks, so whether one is #5 and the other #6 has no real bearing right now, it’s what they do over the next 10 or so weeks that will determine that.
Speedblog
Ah, an interesting debate.
Who SHOULD be the 5th best team in the nation? Mississippi, Penn State or Oklahoma State?
On the two major polls, one has Oklahoma State, Penn State and Mississippi, in that order. The other has Penn State, Oklahoma State and Ohio State, in that order, with Mississippi trailing the three.
So I guess in theory one might say that Mississippi is not in this argument as the top 5 candidate. I would agree.
The Rebels had a great year last year, in fact beating Texas Tech in a bowl, and also handing Florida their only defeat, so there is credibility to the team. And with a lot of offensive returners, this is indeed a good team initially. And with no Florida and Georgia on the schedule, the greatest fears are teams like Alabama, South Carolina, LSU and maybe Auburn or Tennessee. But I don’t think anybody is predicting the Rebels to go undefeated, even with a “softer” schedule in the SEC than some will admit.
So the real debate is, who is better at this point of the year, Oklahoma State or Penn State? If you are basing it off last year, Ok State had a great year but ran up on some of the best teams in the nation, that being Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, and lost in the bowl game to Oregon. Those are four HARD games folks.
Some may argue that their only real quality win was over Missouri, meaning their wins might be kinda…inflated. But beating Georgia was exactly what the doctor ordered. I can’t see them going undefeated, but the way things have gone already this year, be mindful of injuries and upsets.
Penn State lost two games last year, a loss to USC and an embarrassing loss to Iowa just after beating Ohio State. They have the ability to repeat from last year, and I think the Big 10 is a very quality conference, so wins do mean a lot. Losing to a 9-4 Iowa team isn’t that bad, especially when you lost at their house. I think the Nittany Lions has what it takes to at LEAST repeat last year’s record.
If that is true, then I would give the nod, by slightest of margins, to Penn State over Oklahoma State. But mind you, this is only after 2 weeks, so whether one is #5 and the other #6 has no real bearing right now, it’s what they do over the next 10 or so weeks that will determine that.
Why is Alabama #4?
Why is Alabama #4
Speedblog
Now of the previous debates, this one is more questionable.
Last year Alabama shocked the world by going 12-2, losing to Florida and Utah… back to back. This year they were ranked in the top 10 and won over fellow-top ten ranked foe Virginia Tech. With the Hokies losing and Oklahoma losing, the Crimson Tide rolls (pardon the pun) to #4.
So….is this legit?
Both polls have Alabama as #4, and one poll gave them two first place votes. Is this legit?
If you are asking me if there are more deserving teams, I think I can argue, but after one week of football, it really does not mean a thing. You can put Duke as the #1 team in college football, because we all know they ain’t going undefeated, so it will solve itself….
(we kid because we love…UNC)
But seriously, is Alabama the fourth best team in the nation?
I kinda wonder, because as I said a moment ago, this team lost their last two games. Yeah, granted it was against Florida and Utah, two very good teams, but it is still two losses in a row. Losing a starting quarterback and a great running back does not help either.
And I gotta tell you, I wasn’t really impressed by the strength of schedule of Alabama, in the so-called powerful SEC. I mean, beating a collapsed Clemson, Tulane and Western Kentucky wasn’t that impressive for a top 10 team. Arkansas finished 5-7, and Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas State was not scaring many people. Mississippi State and Auburn were similar, so one truly wonders about those 8 games.
But credit must be given to beating Georgia and Mississippi and LSU. Those are indeed credible wins. But still, is this enough to give a team a top 5 ranking, at #4? Without playing Georgia or Florida in the regular season, I fear this could be a team that could be 5-0 before they see Mississippi. To me, their schedule just isn’t strong enough to warrant them this high, but nobody can argue the strength of the SEC. I do believe they are a top 10 team, but because it is early, I won’t argue them being #4...
I just don’t see them staying there.
Speedblog
Now of the previous debates, this one is more questionable.
Last year Alabama shocked the world by going 12-2, losing to Florida and Utah… back to back. This year they were ranked in the top 10 and won over fellow-top ten ranked foe Virginia Tech. With the Hokies losing and Oklahoma losing, the Crimson Tide rolls (pardon the pun) to #4.
So….is this legit?
Both polls have Alabama as #4, and one poll gave them two first place votes. Is this legit?
If you are asking me if there are more deserving teams, I think I can argue, but after one week of football, it really does not mean a thing. You can put Duke as the #1 team in college football, because we all know they ain’t going undefeated, so it will solve itself….
(we kid because we love…UNC)
But seriously, is Alabama the fourth best team in the nation?
I kinda wonder, because as I said a moment ago, this team lost their last two games. Yeah, granted it was against Florida and Utah, two very good teams, but it is still two losses in a row. Losing a starting quarterback and a great running back does not help either.
And I gotta tell you, I wasn’t really impressed by the strength of schedule of Alabama, in the so-called powerful SEC. I mean, beating a collapsed Clemson, Tulane and Western Kentucky wasn’t that impressive for a top 10 team. Arkansas finished 5-7, and Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas State was not scaring many people. Mississippi State and Auburn were similar, so one truly wonders about those 8 games.
But credit must be given to beating Georgia and Mississippi and LSU. Those are indeed credible wins. But still, is this enough to give a team a top 5 ranking, at #4? Without playing Georgia or Florida in the regular season, I fear this could be a team that could be 5-0 before they see Mississippi. To me, their schedule just isn’t strong enough to warrant them this high, but nobody can argue the strength of the SEC. I do believe they are a top 10 team, but because it is early, I won’t argue them being #4...
I just don’t see them staying there.
Why is Southern Cal #3?
Why is Southern Cal #3
Speedblog
The Pac-10 is always looking to get respect from the so-called “East Coast Bias”, and with good reason. It’s hard to showcase your talent with a 3 hour time difference. Unless you are a really big college football fan, you are not likely going to be watching any Pac-10 games at 9pm or 10pm at night…or later.
And with Oregon losing to Boise State in the first week, some have turned a cold shoulder to the strength of the Pac-10. Either Boise State is THAT good…or the Pac-10 is THAT weak…or something in between.
So, is USC worthy of a #3 ranking?
Both major polls agree that USC is worthy of such a ranking, one of those polls giving the Trojans a first place vote. Mind you, this was a team that won 12 games, losing only one (to Oregon State).
Outside of that lone loss, nobody came close to USC. Not Ohio State, not Virginia, not Penn State, not Notre Dame, not California. This team dominated every team they had outside the Beavers, and won their bowl at the end of the year. If there is a knock, it would be in the quarterback, which will leave some questions when they get to serious conference play.
But are they truly worthy of that #3 ranking?
Mind you, I am writing this before they play Ohio State AT Ohio State, so the result of that game can be different. But to me, I believe that USC has every chance of taking the Pac-10 championship (too bad they don’t have a conference title game…they really do need one if the NCAA would allow teams under 12 to do so). The argument for Alabama is a good one but considering that Florida is in that conference, it is not that likely that BOTH will be in the BCS, will they?
I wonder a bit about the quarterback slot, I really think it can be a problem with a high profile team. Experience means everything folks, and that QB job is as tough as they come. We’ll see a lot from this youngster this weekend when they play Ohio State. Both teams realize a loss now might dump the season, but the good thing is that because it is so early there is time to come back.
I just don’t know if USC can go undefeated this year, not too confident in that, but I can’t argue their placement right now. With Oklahoma falling and Virginia Tech falling, lots of teams by default had to move up, why not the Trojans.
But they’ll have to earn that spot this weekend…we shall see.
Speedblog
The Pac-10 is always looking to get respect from the so-called “East Coast Bias”, and with good reason. It’s hard to showcase your talent with a 3 hour time difference. Unless you are a really big college football fan, you are not likely going to be watching any Pac-10 games at 9pm or 10pm at night…or later.
And with Oregon losing to Boise State in the first week, some have turned a cold shoulder to the strength of the Pac-10. Either Boise State is THAT good…or the Pac-10 is THAT weak…or something in between.
So, is USC worthy of a #3 ranking?
Both major polls agree that USC is worthy of such a ranking, one of those polls giving the Trojans a first place vote. Mind you, this was a team that won 12 games, losing only one (to Oregon State).
Outside of that lone loss, nobody came close to USC. Not Ohio State, not Virginia, not Penn State, not Notre Dame, not California. This team dominated every team they had outside the Beavers, and won their bowl at the end of the year. If there is a knock, it would be in the quarterback, which will leave some questions when they get to serious conference play.
But are they truly worthy of that #3 ranking?
Mind you, I am writing this before they play Ohio State AT Ohio State, so the result of that game can be different. But to me, I believe that USC has every chance of taking the Pac-10 championship (too bad they don’t have a conference title game…they really do need one if the NCAA would allow teams under 12 to do so). The argument for Alabama is a good one but considering that Florida is in that conference, it is not that likely that BOTH will be in the BCS, will they?
I wonder a bit about the quarterback slot, I really think it can be a problem with a high profile team. Experience means everything folks, and that QB job is as tough as they come. We’ll see a lot from this youngster this weekend when they play Ohio State. Both teams realize a loss now might dump the season, but the good thing is that because it is so early there is time to come back.
I just don’t know if USC can go undefeated this year, not too confident in that, but I can’t argue their placement right now. With Oklahoma falling and Virginia Tech falling, lots of teams by default had to move up, why not the Trojans.
But they’ll have to earn that spot this weekend…we shall see.
Why is Texas #2
Why is Texas #2?
Speedblog
There might be a bigger argument about why Texas is #2 than why Florida is #1. I really don’t see any argument about Florida, they are right where they should be, but some will argue about Texas.
The reason why this is debatable is because on the two main polls, Texas as two first place votes. But on one poll, Alabama has 2 first place votes, and on the other poll, Southern Cal has one first place vote. This means we have a debate between three teams as to which is better.
In the whole scope of things, in the second week, this is worthless. Anybody whining about placement after ONE game is Houston Nutz!
(anybody get that joke?)
Yet I can see why some argue about Alabama, of the three teams in question, Alabama did beat a top 10 opponent, whereas Texas and USC did not. So is there a legit argument as to why Texas is ranked ahead of them?
I think the key reason is because they (Texas) still has an excellent quarterback in Colt McCoy. We also know that the head coach (Mack Brown) is a very good coach and has won the BCS recently. We also know that the Big 12 is either the BEST conference or second best to the SEC, so if Texas is the favorite, then they have the inside track to the BCS.
The lost one game last year, that to Texas Tech, and beat Ohio State to cap off an otherwise great season. This is a powerful offense that I think even Florida has to worry about. And with Oklahoma with injured players, this makes them an even bigger favorite to make it to the Big 12 championship.
I gotta tell you, I can appreciate why some think Alabama MIGHT be a better team, but I am really not sold on it yet, I mean, Clemson was highly ranked last year and fell apart like a paper suit in a thunderstorm. I didn’t really understand how they put Virginia Tech in the top 10 to begin with, so the jury is still out on Alabama.
Still, this is only the second week folks, no bowls have been given yet, so there is still much to play…we shall learn much more as the season progresses….
Speedblog
There might be a bigger argument about why Texas is #2 than why Florida is #1. I really don’t see any argument about Florida, they are right where they should be, but some will argue about Texas.
The reason why this is debatable is because on the two main polls, Texas as two first place votes. But on one poll, Alabama has 2 first place votes, and on the other poll, Southern Cal has one first place vote. This means we have a debate between three teams as to which is better.
In the whole scope of things, in the second week, this is worthless. Anybody whining about placement after ONE game is Houston Nutz!
(anybody get that joke?)
Yet I can see why some argue about Alabama, of the three teams in question, Alabama did beat a top 10 opponent, whereas Texas and USC did not. So is there a legit argument as to why Texas is ranked ahead of them?
I think the key reason is because they (Texas) still has an excellent quarterback in Colt McCoy. We also know that the head coach (Mack Brown) is a very good coach and has won the BCS recently. We also know that the Big 12 is either the BEST conference or second best to the SEC, so if Texas is the favorite, then they have the inside track to the BCS.
The lost one game last year, that to Texas Tech, and beat Ohio State to cap off an otherwise great season. This is a powerful offense that I think even Florida has to worry about. And with Oklahoma with injured players, this makes them an even bigger favorite to make it to the Big 12 championship.
I gotta tell you, I can appreciate why some think Alabama MIGHT be a better team, but I am really not sold on it yet, I mean, Clemson was highly ranked last year and fell apart like a paper suit in a thunderstorm. I didn’t really understand how they put Virginia Tech in the top 10 to begin with, so the jury is still out on Alabama.
Still, this is only the second week folks, no bowls have been given yet, so there is still much to play…we shall learn much more as the season progresses….
Why is Florida #1
Why is Florida #1?
Speedblog
After the initial week of the glorious college football season, there may well be a debate why Florida is ranked #1 in the nation. Let’s debate that.
Now I am not sitting here as a super Florida fan, but I have sense enough to know that at worst, the Gators are one of the best teams in the land. And sure, they played a cupcake, but every team has one or two in their schedule. Hey, back in the “good ole days” some college played HIGH SCHOOL teams…check Michigan’s records for example.
(note: that was WAY back in the day folks, when college football was very young)
So, does Florida deserve to be the best ranked team in the nation? Sure, I have absolutely no argument about this because they are coming off a National Championship, meaning they WERE the best team in the country.
And as the famous Ric Flair said, “in order to BE the man, you gotta BEAT the man” and that “man” is a Gator. So yeah, I have no problems with Florida being where they are.
A second reason is because the season is still extremely young. Nobody is playing in the BCS this week, because there is far too much that can happen. It’s funny because some people already have Boise State in the BCS after one win, not likely folks.
In order for a team like Boise State to hope to get there, teams like Florida has to lose. And to me, even if they lose one game, they are still better than Boise State. Now granted the Gators have another tasty cupcake in Troy, and then play shaky Tennessee, so we could easily be looking at a 3-0 team, even 4-0 when they see Kentucky.
But this is not guaranteed, we need only look at Oklahoma to see that injuries can change ANY team from superior to average an the blink of an eye. And there may be a few questions about who is the prime receiver for Florida. Hey, they ALL looked good when playing Charleston Southern…how about when they get to conference play?
We’ll know all soon enough, but for me, the Gators are right where they should be.
Speedblog
After the initial week of the glorious college football season, there may well be a debate why Florida is ranked #1 in the nation. Let’s debate that.
Now I am not sitting here as a super Florida fan, but I have sense enough to know that at worst, the Gators are one of the best teams in the land. And sure, they played a cupcake, but every team has one or two in their schedule. Hey, back in the “good ole days” some college played HIGH SCHOOL teams…check Michigan’s records for example.
(note: that was WAY back in the day folks, when college football was very young)
So, does Florida deserve to be the best ranked team in the nation? Sure, I have absolutely no argument about this because they are coming off a National Championship, meaning they WERE the best team in the country.
And as the famous Ric Flair said, “in order to BE the man, you gotta BEAT the man” and that “man” is a Gator. So yeah, I have no problems with Florida being where they are.
A second reason is because the season is still extremely young. Nobody is playing in the BCS this week, because there is far too much that can happen. It’s funny because some people already have Boise State in the BCS after one win, not likely folks.
In order for a team like Boise State to hope to get there, teams like Florida has to lose. And to me, even if they lose one game, they are still better than Boise State. Now granted the Gators have another tasty cupcake in Troy, and then play shaky Tennessee, so we could easily be looking at a 3-0 team, even 4-0 when they see Kentucky.
But this is not guaranteed, we need only look at Oklahoma to see that injuries can change ANY team from superior to average an the blink of an eye. And there may be a few questions about who is the prime receiver for Florida. Hey, they ALL looked good when playing Charleston Southern…how about when they get to conference play?
We’ll know all soon enough, but for me, the Gators are right where they should be.
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