1. LSU - Still the #1 team in my eyes, thanks to an impressive start to the season. It was nice to see Jordan Jefferson get some playing time. He provides an element no one else on their roster can give to their offense. Tyrann Mathieu is the clear front-runner for the Thorpe Award right now. He's all over the place for the Bayou Bengals.
Next: vs. Florida, October 8
2. Alabama - Nick Saban sure knows how to coach up that defense, doesn't he? His whole team is a bunch of big, fast freaks of nature. They completely throttled Charlie Weis's offense. The Tide rolled up more rushing yards than the Gators could manage as a team on offense. That LSU meeting is must-see TV. No excuses.
Next: vs. Vanderbilt, October 8
3. Wisconsin- For years, we've been forced to watch Wisconsin football with almost-good-enoughs or true game managers like Scott Tolzien or Jim Sorgi at QB. The results with an elite college QB under center are absolutely frightening (for opposing defensive coordinators). Russell Wilson was simply too good for the Blackshirts on Saturday Night. Montee Ball was too tough for the Huskers. The offensive line is filthy. They'll miss DE David Gilbert defensively, who is out with a broken foot for about a month and a half, according to reports. Even without him, the Badgers are the clear class of the Big Ten and the strongest threats to Alabama or LSU in a bowl game, in my opinion.
Next: vs. Indiana, October 15
4. Oklahoma - The Sooner Schooner was pretty busy last week watching their boys pile up nearly 60 points on hapless Ball State. That likely won't be the case as the next target in Stoops and Co.'s crosshairs has long horns and no love for Oklahoma.
Next: vs. Texas, October 8
5. Oklahoma State- The Pokes had a bye week and treated us to an enjoyable/awkward week of watching their coach dance or socialize with Lou Holtz and Mark May at ESPN for a day. It's weird to think that Mike Gundy played with Barry Sanders back in the day.
Next: vs. Kansas, October 8
6. Stanford- Is there anything Andrew Luck cannot do? Seriously? If they played on the East Coast, they'd be higher ranked nationally.
Next: , October 8
7. Boise State- The effort wasn't Heisman-worthy from Kellen Moore (2 INT's), but the result (whooping up last year's thorn-in-the-side Nevada) had to be very satisfying for the Broncos.
Next: at Fresno State, October 7
8. Clemson- Who would've thought that these guys would be leading the ACC after a month of action? Put your hands down, you liars. This team has some serious mojo going right now. They're too hot to handle. Winning in the manner they did in Blacksburg is no mean feat. I can't wait to see their game with Georgia Tech.
Next: vs. Boston College, October 8
9. Oregon - The Ducks had a bye week to get prepped for their game Thursday with a team that has given them trouble historically, Cal.
Next: vs. California, October 6
10. Illinois- In a bitter rivalry game, Nathan Scheelhaase was everything you could've wanted and more. The Fighting Zooks are off to the best start in school history since the 22nd Amendment was ratified. (Look it up.)
Next: at Indiana, October 8
11. Michigan- The Wolverines are undefeated and have done it by feasting on some weak teams.
Next: at Northwestern, October 8
12. Georgia Tech- The Coastal Division is now theirs for the taking after demolishing NC State on Saturday. Paul Johnson's triple option looks unstoppable. The Ramblin' Wreck takes their wrecking ball offense to Maryland next. Their defense will be tested again by Danny O'Brien in another roadie for the Techies.
Next: vs. Maryland, October 8
13. Arkansas- Alabama one week. Texas A&M the next. Now the Hogs get to rumble with Auburn fresh off their upset of the Gamecocks. Don't expect too much defense here.
Next: vs. Auburn, October 8
14. Texas - It's a good thing that Mack Brown made the QB change a few weeks ago, or this matchup wouldn't be nearly as interesting if the 'Horns weren't undefeated. Do they have enough on offense to rumble with their hated rivals? I say no, but we'll see.
Next: vs. Oklahoma, October 8 (in Dallas)
15. Arizona State - It wasn't a pretty win against Oregon State, but they got the job done. Dennis Erickson has to be pleased with the effort his team has given so far. The early favorite to win the Pac-12 South right now
Next: at Utah, October 8
16. South Carolina- That loss has to cost Stephen Garcia his starting job. It took a few weeks, but his inconsistency finally cost the 'Cocks. Time to get the Connor Shaw jerseys out in Columbia.
Next: vs. Kentucky, October 8
17. West Virginia- They finally got some help for Geno Smith in the running game last week. Granted, Bowling Green ain't LSU, either. We'll see if that continues for the Mountaineers
Next: vs. UConn, October 8
18. Nebraska- It's been a long time since we've seen a Bo Pelini defense get pushed around, stomped on, and dominated by an opposing offense. Taylor Martinez needs to grow up as a passer or this team will not be going anywhere in the Big Ten.
Next: vs. Ohio State, October 8
19. Virginia Tech - Ouch. Getting punked at home by Clemson is not what Beamer's boys were expecting when many expected them to ride their easy schedule to the top of the ACC molehill. They need to get more from Logan Thomas.
Next: vs. Miami, October 8
20. Kansas State- It's been a long time since the Wildcats were ranked (4 years specifically), but this is the second straight 4-0 year for them since Bill Snyder got back on the sidelines. They could give the Big XII South powers some trouble when they inevitably cross paths. Nebraska's departure really opened the division up for them this year.
Next: vs. Missouri, October 8
21. Auburn - It's amazing how good the Tigers are in close games. Cam Newton or not, they've been able to come through big in crunch time recently. They've beaten South Carolina three times over the past year and held Marcus Lattimore in check every time.
Next: at Arkansas, October 8
22. Baylor- So RGIII is human after all? Even with his big day, the Bears still lost a tough road game. I'm interested to see how a program unaccustomed to success will respond to that kind of loss.
Next: vs. Iowa State, October 8
23. Florida- Life in the SEC just ain't fair. One week after getting pummeled, battered, and beaten into submission by Alabama, the Gators have to head to Baton Rouge to rumble with the Bayou Bengals in Death Valley. Ouch. The ice tub is going to be popular in Gainesville for a while. Good luck to whoever gets the unfortunate task of playing QB for the Gators.
Next: at LSU , October 8
24. Florida State - The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the 'Noles. Getting E.J. Manuel back and the rest of their injured players will be a huge boost to the team.
Next: at Wake Forest, October 8
25. Houston - Case Keenum's assault on the NCAA passing records is well under way and off to a fine start: he's completing nearly 70% of his passes and has over 2000 yards passing already.
Next: vs. East Carolina, October 8
Just missed:
SMU, Notre Dame, Michigan State, USC, Washington, Texas Tech, USF
Showing posts with label CFB Top 25. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFB Top 25. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Week 5 College Football Top 25
My inaugural college football Top 25 (on here of course)
1. LSU - The clear top dogs in college football. No one even comes close to their resume. Heck, most teams barely get to play three teams as good as Oregon, Mississippi State and West Virginia in a whole season! That rumble with Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 5 looks to be game-of-the-year material.
Next: vs. Kentucky, October 1
2. Oklahoma - Sorry Sooner fans. It seldom seems the #1 team in the nation drops in the polls after a hard-fought win, but that's where Bob Stoops and Co. find themselves this week. After two closer-than-expected wins against Florida State and Missouri, there might be some small concern, but it should be negligible. Don't forget- Mizzou beat the Sooners last year.
Next: vs. Ball State, October 1
3. Alabama - Ho-hum. The Tide rolls on, once again driving Bobby Petrino's Razorbacks absolutely nuts in the process. Sure, Saban's boys aren't sexy, but this is a classic Alabama team. They run the ball well with Trent Richardson and play phenomenal defense. Their LSU game might devolve to a game of 10, as in whoever scores 10 first wins. Up next is a roadie at the Swamp to tangle with the new-look Gators.
Next: vs. at Florida, October 1
4. Oklahoma State - That sure was some win in College Station wasn't it? I hate the "A Tale of Two Halves" cliche, but in this case, it applies. For two quarters, Texas A&M was having their way with Mike Gundy's boys. Once halftime was over, it was the Brandon Weeden show. If he keeps that up, the Pokes will have their first Heisman winner since that Sanders guy played RB in Stillwater.
Next: vs. Kansas, October 8
5. Boise State - The Broncos are at it again. After a stiff season-opening game in Atlanta, Chris Petersen's boys are at it again, pulverizing any lesser team unfortunate enough to be in their way. Unfortunately, the week was not all good news as TCU's loss of Tanner Brock makes them a less impressive win should Boise beat them in a few weeks.
Next: vs. Nevada, October 1
6. Wisconsin - The Badgers have been absolutely dominant through their first four games, admittedly against far inferior competition. The offense hasn't missed a beat at all, even with the losses of Scott Tolzien and Gabe Carimi. Russell Wilson looks like this year's Cam Newton, though he'll be hard-pressed to put up the gaudy numbers Newton did last year at Auburn.
Next: vs. Nebraska, October 1
7. Stanford - Luck and co. have picked up right where they left off last year. The Pac-12 is completely wide-open for them (Oregon travels to Palo Alto this year) and QB Andrew Luck is making it look too easy as well as getting every professional scout, GM, and personnel director salivate at the thought of drafting him. Luckily for the Cardinal, that draft won't happen until April.
Next: vs. UCLA, October 1
8. Nebraska - The moment the Huskers have waited for has finally arrived- their first Big Ten game. Unfortunately, it's a date with the best team in the conference in their house. We'll see just how much Taylor Martinez has matured.
Next: at Wisconsin, October 1
9. Oregon - Maybe that LSU game was just an anomaly. Since that game, the Ducks have piled up 181 points and 1764 yards of offense (60.3 PPG and 588 YPG). Life in the Pac-12 is a lot easier on the Ducks' offense, it would seem. Granted, LSU can make life hard for anyone. It's clear that Oregon is back on the right track and not at all ready to go quietly.
Next: vs. California, October 6
10. South Carolina - The Gamecocks are just riding Marcus Lattimore to the promised land. It's obvious Steve Spurrier doesn't trust Stephen Garcia to take them there. Garcia's maddening inconsistency might spell doom for the Gamecocks. It's obvious the defense and running game won't be their problems. How long of a leash will Spurrier have before he puts Connor Shaw back into the starting lineup? We'll see.
Next: vs. Auburn, October 1
11. Virginia Tech - The Hokies haven't exactly been taking names on the gridiron like many expected but they're undefeated. What many assumed to be an easy ride through the ACC suddenly looks a lot harder with the emergence of both Clemson and Georgia Tech. Logan Thomas has been efficient and solid for them and the rest of the Beamer Ball boys have been up to snuff, especially RB David Wilson, who already has over 500 yards rushing.
Next: vs. Clemson, October 1
12. Florida - Snuck up on you a little didn't they? Florida is flying under the radar as much as they can this year. Will Muschamp's crew haven't had a particularly difficult schedule yet (that will change with SEC play about to start). John Brantley looks a lot more comfortable in Charlie Weis's offense than he did in Urban Meyer's.
Next: at Alabama, October 1
13. Clemson - Easily the surprise team so far in the nation, the Tigers have been playing solid football under Dabo Swinney and are 4-0 for the first time since 2007. The offense has really been off to a good start with Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins making big plays for the Tigers. Going to Blacksburg will be a big test for them. If they can win there, they'll be coasting to the ACC Championship game. After Va Tech, only one of their next five games pits them against a ranked opponent. (at Georgia Tech on October 29)
Next: at Virginia Tech, October 1
14. Texas A&M - I'm interested to see how the Aggies bounce back from a disappointing loss last week as they now face an Arkansas team that just got smacked around by Alabama at Jerryworld. Where did the offense go in the 2nd half? They missed an important chance to get a leg up on the rest of the South division.
Next: vs. Arkansas, October 1 (at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
15. South Florida - Skip Holtz has been doing some good work in Tampa and the Bulls are riding high having notched back-to-back 50 point games. The season-opening win at Notre Dame was only one win, but it could have been the start of something big for them. They have to feel pretty confident going into their game at Pitt this Thursday.
Next: at Pittsburgh, September 29
16. Baylor - How good has Robert Griffin III been? To put it one way, he has more TD passes (13) than incomplete passes. Ladies and gentlemen, your Heisman dark horse candidate!
Next: at Kansas State, October
17. Illinois - Ron Zook has the Illini playing some of the best football the program has ever seen. The development of Nathan Scheelhaase (71% completion percentage) coupled with the emergence of freshman RB Donovonn Young has the Illini feeling pretty good. Even better, they miss out on playing Nebraska and Michigan State this year.
Next: vs. Northwestern, October 1
18. Michigan - Once again, the Wolverines enter Big Ten play undefeated. Brady Hoke's willingness to tweak the offense has paid off in a big way for Denard Robinson, who has been absolutely electrifying since the Notre Dame game. The defense has shown improvement as well.
Next: vs. Minnesota, October 1
19. Arizona State - The folks in Eugene and Palo Alto can't be please with what they just saw in Tempe, as Dennis Erickson's Sun Devils squashed USC at home. QB Brock Osweiler has been more willing to check down and not forced as many throws this year. Although they have that one loss to Illinois on their resume, wins against Missouri and USC are impressive. The Pac-12 South looks ripe for the taking. LB Vontaze Burfict has been an absolute terror for opposing offenses.
Next: vs. Oregon State, October 1
20. Georgia Tech - Quick, which offense has been better since week 2? Oregon or Georgia Tech's? Unbelievably, the Ramblin' Wreck has been the nation's most explosive offense, scoring at a 53 PPG clip, to go along with 630 YPG (of which nearly 400 are rushing yards). QB Tevin Washington has been a nice surprise, as has AB Orwin Smith and BB David Sims.
Next: at NC State, October 1
21. West Virginia - Sure, they got manhandled at home by LSU. So did Oregon. The sky hasn't fallen on them yet and they play in a winnable conference. The Big East looks a little tougher this year than originally thought at the beginning of the year with the emergence of South Florida. As the Mountaineers get more comfortable with Dana Holgorson's offense, they will steadily improve. The December 1 game at USF might decide the Big East's BCS bid.
Next: vs. Bowling Green, October 1
22. Texas - They just had an off week, but the offense looked a lot more crisp in its first week away from Garrett Gilbert under Case McCoy. Although it sounds weird, the Longhorns might sneak up on the Big XII this year. If they can get consistency at QB and on the ground (is Malcolm Brown the answer?), they could push as high as 2nd or 3rd in the South, ahead of even A&M and Oklahoma State.
Next: at Iowa State, October 1
23. Arkansas - Bobby Petrino has to be sick of losing to Alabama, considering that Arkansas has been good against everyone else in the SEC under his tutelage.
Next: vs. Texas A&M, October 1 (at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
24. Florida State - Things have gotten rocky in Tallahassee really fast after two tough losses for the 'Noles. One instant, they look ready to challenge Oklahoma, the next their QB is injured and they've lost at Clemson. They have to get more from the running game if they want to win. Leading rusher Chris Thompson is only averaging 2.9 yards a carry. Clint Trickett has plenty of talent but is still young and needs help from the rest of the offense. No one doubts their defense, even after getting pushed a little recently. The schedule will not be this difficult down the stretch for them, thankfully.
Next: at Wake Forest, October 8
25. Ohio State - The Buckeyes still have issues, but freshman Braxton Miller injected some life into the offense against Colorado. Watching to see how he develops could decide the Big 10 race. The Buckeye's upcoming schedule is going to get a lot more difficult and it starts this week with Sparty coming to Columbus.
Next: vs. Michigan State, October 1
Just missed:
TCU, Notre Dame, Houston, USC, Auburn
1. LSU - The clear top dogs in college football. No one even comes close to their resume. Heck, most teams barely get to play three teams as good as Oregon, Mississippi State and West Virginia in a whole season! That rumble with Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 5 looks to be game-of-the-year material.
Next: vs. Kentucky, October 1
2. Oklahoma - Sorry Sooner fans. It seldom seems the #1 team in the nation drops in the polls after a hard-fought win, but that's where Bob Stoops and Co. find themselves this week. After two closer-than-expected wins against Florida State and Missouri, there might be some small concern, but it should be negligible. Don't forget- Mizzou beat the Sooners last year.
Next: vs. Ball State, October 1
3. Alabama - Ho-hum. The Tide rolls on, once again driving Bobby Petrino's Razorbacks absolutely nuts in the process. Sure, Saban's boys aren't sexy, but this is a classic Alabama team. They run the ball well with Trent Richardson and play phenomenal defense. Their LSU game might devolve to a game of 10, as in whoever scores 10 first wins. Up next is a roadie at the Swamp to tangle with the new-look Gators.
Next: vs. at Florida, October 1
4. Oklahoma State - That sure was some win in College Station wasn't it? I hate the "A Tale of Two Halves" cliche, but in this case, it applies. For two quarters, Texas A&M was having their way with Mike Gundy's boys. Once halftime was over, it was the Brandon Weeden show. If he keeps that up, the Pokes will have their first Heisman winner since that Sanders guy played RB in Stillwater.
Next: vs. Kansas, October 8
5. Boise State - The Broncos are at it again. After a stiff season-opening game in Atlanta, Chris Petersen's boys are at it again, pulverizing any lesser team unfortunate enough to be in their way. Unfortunately, the week was not all good news as TCU's loss of Tanner Brock makes them a less impressive win should Boise beat them in a few weeks.
Next: vs. Nevada, October 1
6. Wisconsin - The Badgers have been absolutely dominant through their first four games, admittedly against far inferior competition. The offense hasn't missed a beat at all, even with the losses of Scott Tolzien and Gabe Carimi. Russell Wilson looks like this year's Cam Newton, though he'll be hard-pressed to put up the gaudy numbers Newton did last year at Auburn.
Next: vs. Nebraska, October 1
7. Stanford - Luck and co. have picked up right where they left off last year. The Pac-12 is completely wide-open for them (Oregon travels to Palo Alto this year) and QB Andrew Luck is making it look too easy as well as getting every professional scout, GM, and personnel director salivate at the thought of drafting him. Luckily for the Cardinal, that draft won't happen until April.
Next: vs. UCLA, October 1
8. Nebraska - The moment the Huskers have waited for has finally arrived- their first Big Ten game. Unfortunately, it's a date with the best team in the conference in their house. We'll see just how much Taylor Martinez has matured.
Next: at Wisconsin, October 1
9. Oregon - Maybe that LSU game was just an anomaly. Since that game, the Ducks have piled up 181 points and 1764 yards of offense (60.3 PPG and 588 YPG). Life in the Pac-12 is a lot easier on the Ducks' offense, it would seem. Granted, LSU can make life hard for anyone. It's clear that Oregon is back on the right track and not at all ready to go quietly.
Next: vs. California, October 6
10. South Carolina - The Gamecocks are just riding Marcus Lattimore to the promised land. It's obvious Steve Spurrier doesn't trust Stephen Garcia to take them there. Garcia's maddening inconsistency might spell doom for the Gamecocks. It's obvious the defense and running game won't be their problems. How long of a leash will Spurrier have before he puts Connor Shaw back into the starting lineup? We'll see.
Next: vs. Auburn, October 1
11. Virginia Tech - The Hokies haven't exactly been taking names on the gridiron like many expected but they're undefeated. What many assumed to be an easy ride through the ACC suddenly looks a lot harder with the emergence of both Clemson and Georgia Tech. Logan Thomas has been efficient and solid for them and the rest of the Beamer Ball boys have been up to snuff, especially RB David Wilson, who already has over 500 yards rushing.
Next: vs. Clemson, October 1
12. Florida - Snuck up on you a little didn't they? Florida is flying under the radar as much as they can this year. Will Muschamp's crew haven't had a particularly difficult schedule yet (that will change with SEC play about to start). John Brantley looks a lot more comfortable in Charlie Weis's offense than he did in Urban Meyer's.
Next: at Alabama, October 1
13. Clemson - Easily the surprise team so far in the nation, the Tigers have been playing solid football under Dabo Swinney and are 4-0 for the first time since 2007. The offense has really been off to a good start with Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins making big plays for the Tigers. Going to Blacksburg will be a big test for them. If they can win there, they'll be coasting to the ACC Championship game. After Va Tech, only one of their next five games pits them against a ranked opponent. (at Georgia Tech on October 29)
Next: at Virginia Tech, October 1
14. Texas A&M - I'm interested to see how the Aggies bounce back from a disappointing loss last week as they now face an Arkansas team that just got smacked around by Alabama at Jerryworld. Where did the offense go in the 2nd half? They missed an important chance to get a leg up on the rest of the South division.
Next: vs. Arkansas, October 1 (at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
15. South Florida - Skip Holtz has been doing some good work in Tampa and the Bulls are riding high having notched back-to-back 50 point games. The season-opening win at Notre Dame was only one win, but it could have been the start of something big for them. They have to feel pretty confident going into their game at Pitt this Thursday.
Next: at Pittsburgh, September 29
16. Baylor - How good has Robert Griffin III been? To put it one way, he has more TD passes (13) than incomplete passes. Ladies and gentlemen, your Heisman dark horse candidate!
Next: at Kansas State, October
17. Illinois - Ron Zook has the Illini playing some of the best football the program has ever seen. The development of Nathan Scheelhaase (71% completion percentage) coupled with the emergence of freshman RB Donovonn Young has the Illini feeling pretty good. Even better, they miss out on playing Nebraska and Michigan State this year.
Next: vs. Northwestern, October 1
18. Michigan - Once again, the Wolverines enter Big Ten play undefeated. Brady Hoke's willingness to tweak the offense has paid off in a big way for Denard Robinson, who has been absolutely electrifying since the Notre Dame game. The defense has shown improvement as well.
Next: vs. Minnesota, October 1
19. Arizona State - The folks in Eugene and Palo Alto can't be please with what they just saw in Tempe, as Dennis Erickson's Sun Devils squashed USC at home. QB Brock Osweiler has been more willing to check down and not forced as many throws this year. Although they have that one loss to Illinois on their resume, wins against Missouri and USC are impressive. The Pac-12 South looks ripe for the taking. LB Vontaze Burfict has been an absolute terror for opposing offenses.
Next: vs. Oregon State, October 1
20. Georgia Tech - Quick, which offense has been better since week 2? Oregon or Georgia Tech's? Unbelievably, the Ramblin' Wreck has been the nation's most explosive offense, scoring at a 53 PPG clip, to go along with 630 YPG (of which nearly 400 are rushing yards). QB Tevin Washington has been a nice surprise, as has AB Orwin Smith and BB David Sims.
Next: at NC State, October 1
21. West Virginia - Sure, they got manhandled at home by LSU. So did Oregon. The sky hasn't fallen on them yet and they play in a winnable conference. The Big East looks a little tougher this year than originally thought at the beginning of the year with the emergence of South Florida. As the Mountaineers get more comfortable with Dana Holgorson's offense, they will steadily improve. The December 1 game at USF might decide the Big East's BCS bid.
Next: vs. Bowling Green, October 1
22. Texas - They just had an off week, but the offense looked a lot more crisp in its first week away from Garrett Gilbert under Case McCoy. Although it sounds weird, the Longhorns might sneak up on the Big XII this year. If they can get consistency at QB and on the ground (is Malcolm Brown the answer?), they could push as high as 2nd or 3rd in the South, ahead of even A&M and Oklahoma State.
Next: at Iowa State, October 1
23. Arkansas - Bobby Petrino has to be sick of losing to Alabama, considering that Arkansas has been good against everyone else in the SEC under his tutelage.
Next: vs. Texas A&M, October 1 (at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas)
24. Florida State - Things have gotten rocky in Tallahassee really fast after two tough losses for the 'Noles. One instant, they look ready to challenge Oklahoma, the next their QB is injured and they've lost at Clemson. They have to get more from the running game if they want to win. Leading rusher Chris Thompson is only averaging 2.9 yards a carry. Clint Trickett has plenty of talent but is still young and needs help from the rest of the offense. No one doubts their defense, even after getting pushed a little recently. The schedule will not be this difficult down the stretch for them, thankfully.
Next: at Wake Forest, October 8
25. Ohio State - The Buckeyes still have issues, but freshman Braxton Miller injected some life into the offense against Colorado. Watching to see how he develops could decide the Big 10 race. The Buckeye's upcoming schedule is going to get a lot more difficult and it starts this week with Sparty coming to Columbus.
Next: vs. Michigan State, October 1
Just missed:
TCU, Notre Dame, Houston, USC, Auburn
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