NCAA Power Rankings
A big week with a lot of action: highly ranked teams crumbling in stupefying upsets, invincible squads looking rather mortal, and teams splashing unto the national spotlight. I had thoughts of hitting the reset button and making these rankings as if there were preseason expectations. In the end, I decided it’s a long season and looking great in week three doesn’t win anybody a national title.
A couple of notes…. You might have noticed a few trends. While I don’t punish right away for weak scheduling, the axe is looming should a team stumble (Penn St, Ole Miss). Additionally, I try to emphasize what teams have done… not what I think they’ll do. For example, if LSU played Boise State tomorrow, I’m picking the Tigers. But Boise has done more to merit a ranking than LSU. LSU still has its chance to prove its mettle with a SEC conference schedule. If they’re a better team than Boise, they’ll certainly have an opportunity to show it.
1. Florida Gators, 3-0, [LW – 1]
Now, Urban and Lane are bickering over whether the Vols tried to win the game or just keep it close. I this is a very heated rivalry, but this is getting a little silly children. And besides, we’ve got more football to play.
2. Texas Longhorns, 3-0, [LW – 2]
If I hear crap about one more football player "braving the swine flu," I’m gonna puke. Honestly, what college student doesn’t have the flu? The next time I strike out with a cute girl at the bar, I’m coming back with, "Well, I’ve got a touch of the flu, so I’m doing good just be out here."
3. Alabama Crimson Tide, 3-0 [LW – 3]
Finally, actual football is actually being played. Bama and Arkansas will meet this weekend in what should be an interesting test for Bama’s defense and Ryan Mallett’s arm.
4. Miami Hurricanes, 2-0, [LW – NR]
Another big game for young Jacory Harris. A chance for Tyrod Taylor to live up to the hype for a change. I think the ‘Canes will roll, setting up a colossal showdown with the Sooners.
5. California Bears, 3-0, [LW – 8]
The Bears make a trip to Oregon before they have a chance at a knock-out punch against USC. Everyone expects Jahvid Best to run wild on a down and out Oregon team. What’s that I smell? A TRAP GAME you say!?
6. Boise State Broncos, 3-0, [LW – 6]
The Broncos keep muddling along through a powder puff schedule. Even the slightest misstep could cause BCS disaster for Boise.
7. Ole Miss Rebels, 2-0, [LW – 7]
A primetime match-up + SEC opponent + big opportunity = big pressure. Will the Rebs come out firing? Or is it time to bust a Nutt afterall? Eitherway, this game will mean big movement for Rebels on this humble blog.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions, 3-0, [LW – 8]
Revenge game in Happy Valley. JoePa has another chance to run up the score. But this time its against the team that cost him a national title shot in 2008.
9. LSU Tigers, 3-0, [LW – 9]
I really can’t figure these guys out. That road win against Washington looks better and better. But they let Vandy hang around. I know this team is young and will develop more as we get closer to November, but the clock is ticking. After a trip to Miss State, the Tigers are looking at games @ Georgia, vs. Florida, and vs. Auburn. Gulp…
10. USC Trojans, 2-1, [LW – 5]
Matt Barkley is healthy again. Pete Carroll said he pinky swears. Well, he better be right. Now I understand why a true freshman got the preseason nod over Aaron Corp.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes, 2-1, [LW – 10]
If Ohio State has any hopes of a national title run, they’ll have to run the table and do it with style. They start off with a pesky Illinois team that can make their season, by defending their home field against the Buckeyes.
12. Oklahoma Sooners 2-1, [LW – 13]
The Sooners get a week off before traveling to Miami. Is it at all possible for Sam Bradford to make the trip next week? Please?
13. Virginia Tech Hokies 2-1, [LW – 12]
Who am I kidding? Did you watch the Nebraska game last week? There’s no way the ‘Canes let T-Mobile run around, make a sandwich, and then throw a game winner. The Hokies are gonna get creamed.
14. Cincinnati Bearcats, 3-0, [LW – NR]
The Bearcats are putting up some astronomical offensive numbers in Brian Kelly’s hurry-up no huddle. And I guess I have to at least one Big East team… right?
A big week with a lot of action: highly ranked teams crumbling in stupefying upsets, invincible squads looking rather mortal, and teams splashing unto the national spotlight. I had thoughts of hitting the reset button and making these rankings as if there were preseason expectations. In the end, I decided it’s a long season and looking great in week three doesn’t win anybody a national title.
A couple of notes…. You might have noticed a few trends. While I don’t punish right away for weak scheduling, the axe is looming should a team stumble (Penn St, Ole Miss). Additionally, I try to emphasize what teams have done… not what I think they’ll do. For example, if LSU played Boise State tomorrow, I’m picking the Tigers. But Boise has done more to merit a ranking than LSU. LSU still has its chance to prove its mettle with a SEC conference schedule. If they’re a better team than Boise, they’ll certainly have an opportunity to show it.
1. Florida Gators, 3-0, [LW – 1]
Now, Urban and Lane are bickering over whether the Vols tried to win the game or just keep it close. I this is a very heated rivalry, but this is getting a little silly children. And besides, we’ve got more football to play.
2. Texas Longhorns, 3-0, [LW – 2]
If I hear crap about one more football player "braving the swine flu," I’m gonna puke. Honestly, what college student doesn’t have the flu? The next time I strike out with a cute girl at the bar, I’m coming back with, "Well, I’ve got a touch of the flu, so I’m doing good just be out here."
3. Alabama Crimson Tide, 3-0 [LW – 3]
Finally, actual football is actually being played. Bama and Arkansas will meet this weekend in what should be an interesting test for Bama’s defense and Ryan Mallett’s arm.
4. Miami Hurricanes, 2-0, [LW – NR]
Another big game for young Jacory Harris. A chance for Tyrod Taylor to live up to the hype for a change. I think the ‘Canes will roll, setting up a colossal showdown with the Sooners.
5. California Bears, 3-0, [LW – 8]
The Bears make a trip to Oregon before they have a chance at a knock-out punch against USC. Everyone expects Jahvid Best to run wild on a down and out Oregon team. What’s that I smell? A TRAP GAME you say!?
6. Boise State Broncos, 3-0, [LW – 6]
The Broncos keep muddling along through a powder puff schedule. Even the slightest misstep could cause BCS disaster for Boise.
7. Ole Miss Rebels, 2-0, [LW – 7]
A primetime match-up + SEC opponent + big opportunity = big pressure. Will the Rebs come out firing? Or is it time to bust a Nutt afterall? Eitherway, this game will mean big movement for Rebels on this humble blog.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions, 3-0, [LW – 8]
Revenge game in Happy Valley. JoePa has another chance to run up the score. But this time its against the team that cost him a national title shot in 2008.
9. LSU Tigers, 3-0, [LW – 9]
I really can’t figure these guys out. That road win against Washington looks better and better. But they let Vandy hang around. I know this team is young and will develop more as we get closer to November, but the clock is ticking. After a trip to Miss State, the Tigers are looking at games @ Georgia, vs. Florida, and vs. Auburn. Gulp…
10. USC Trojans, 2-1, [LW – 5]
Matt Barkley is healthy again. Pete Carroll said he pinky swears. Well, he better be right. Now I understand why a true freshman got the preseason nod over Aaron Corp.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes, 2-1, [LW – 10]
If Ohio State has any hopes of a national title run, they’ll have to run the table and do it with style. They start off with a pesky Illinois team that can make their season, by defending their home field against the Buckeyes.
12. Oklahoma Sooners 2-1, [LW – 13]
The Sooners get a week off before traveling to Miami. Is it at all possible for Sam Bradford to make the trip next week? Please?
13. Virginia Tech Hokies 2-1, [LW – 12]
Who am I kidding? Did you watch the Nebraska game last week? There’s no way the ‘Canes let T-Mobile run around, make a sandwich, and then throw a game winner. The Hokies are gonna get creamed.
14. Cincinnati Bearcats, 3-0, [LW – NR]
The Bearcats are putting up some astronomical offensive numbers in Brian Kelly’s hurry-up no huddle. And I guess I have to at least one Big East team… right?
NFL Power Playoff Rankings
1. New York Giants – NFC East, [LW – 2]
Did Eli go to Peyton’s QB camp this year? He looked completely at ease moving the ball, milking the clock and setting up the game winner.
2. New Orleans Saints – NFC South, [LW – 4]
Watching the Saints offense is like seeing Godzilla taking on Tokyo. If their D can be more than a wet paper bag, watch out.
3. Baltimore Ravens – AFC North, [LW – 9]
The Ravens look very impressive. Even more impressive than the Steelers look when they win.
4. New York Jets – AFC East, [LW – NR]
Rex Ryan has the locker room drinking the Kool-Aid. The Jets sound like they can be anybody… and they played like it to.
5. Pittsburg Steelers – AFC Wild Card, [LW – 1]
Are the Steelers just an ugly football team? Ala the Giants of 2007? They muck up the game, turn it into a slugfest, and hope Big Ben has enough in the tank at the end. Seems dicey to me.
6. Atlanta Falcons – NFC Wild Card, [LW – NR]
I didn’t believe in the Falcons a month ago. Well, I’m a believer now.
7. Minnesota Vikings – NFC North, [LW – 7]
This makes me want to throw up. The Vikings have their first real test against the Niners this weekend. And then, Green Bay comes to town for Monday Night Football.
8. Green Bay Packers – NFC Wild Card, [LW – 3]
The Pack looked absolutely atrocious Sunday. But I must admit. It’s nice to have the artist formerly known as Chad Johnson back up to his old tricks.
9. San Francisco 49ers – NFC West, [LW – NR]
Frank Gore looks like he has that old school, retard strength. I wouldn’t want him doing my taxes, but toting the rock? Sounds good to me.
10. Indianapolis Colts – AFC South, [LW – 8]
I can’t decide if the Monday comeback is impressive or depressing. I know Peyton may not want to, but he’d better thank his defense for surviving a long Miami night.
11. Tennessee Titans – AFC Wild Card, [LW – 6]
The Titans need answers fast. Playing the Jets in an 0-2 hole is not one of them.
12. San Diego Chargers – AFC West, [LW – 11]
Somebody has to win the AFC West, right? If the Chargers don’t want to, the Broncos may be the team to do it. San Diego is just too banged up to beat anybody. And the Broncos may have so much karma on their side from the Cutler debacle it may not matter. Look out SD, you’re on notice.
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