[Author note: I looked this over on Sunday and noticed that I left out Florida, so those changes were made here]
Ok, trivia question. Of the preseason top 10, who remains as an undefeated team? Answer below.
College Football is amazing. Now for all you stupid media types that say that “parity” is not good for college football, what you fail to realize is the ultimate consideration. It really isnt the media marketing, and who would watch a South Florida-California Championship, its really what is good for the students and the fans in colleges. And that is where I absolutely believe that the media jerks havent got a clue. Each one of them is so upset that we dont have a Michigan-USC or a Texas – Ohio State matchup, that they fail to realize that new football programs cropping up in previously “non-hyped” universities is a good thing.
First of all, its good for all the student athletes. Aren’t you tired of mentally seeding that all good athletes come from big schools. Take a look around the NFL rosters. Some of the finest players of all time come from schools that are NOT your main college powers. Tony Romo, from Eastern Illinois, Terrell Owens from Tenn-Chattanooga, Jerry Rice from Miss Valley State, and we could go on and on. Some of the best athletes DO come from the smaller schools, and if it takes those programs to start drawing media attention to their successes, so be it.
Second, think of the sheer impact of the benefits of the new successful football programs. Schools traditionally steeped in round ball (Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky to name just a few) are now packing in lots of kids and alumni (and dollars) into new athletic program budgets. These benefit ALL athletes and funding of these schools. Not to mention the overall college experience for the students that attend.
So, anyway, I think its just great that we are beginning to see more parity in college football. No longer can we just turn on the TV and say .. Oh well its LSU-Kentucky. Its Oh WOW its LSU-Kentucky and this could be a good ball game. And, as a matter of fact, #1 went down today. As well as #2!
Answer to Trivia Question: Ohio State,
Finished with my rant, lets examine our new top 25:
1. Ohio State (7-0). Defeated Kent St. 48-3. Next Week: Michigan St. at home.
Well, interestingly enough the Buckeyes have been playing the best football consistently since the beginning of the season. With LSU and Cal going down, who knows what happens week to week. Its really hard to determine.
2. Boston College (7-0). Defeated Notre Dame 27-14. Next week: Idle till 10/25.
BC just keeps clicking along, though a ND squad gave them some problems today. Do I really think BC should be in the hunt for a National Championship…oh hell no. and I really hope this isn’t the case.
3. South Florida (6-0). Defeated Central Florida 64-12. Next week: Rutgers (Thu)
You just can’t find alot wrong with the Bulls so far. Certainly another big game looms next week at Rutgers, a conference game. They now are in sole possession for the Big East lead. A decent win over Rutgers, tho, wont provide them any huge momentum seeing that they are unranked…so lots of effort needed for not much gain.
4. Oklahoma (6-1). Defeated Missouri 41-31. Next Week: At Iowa State.
The Sooners seems to really be close to cracking the top 2-3 again even after their Colorado debacle. I think its feasible that we could see Ohio State and OU at the end of the season. But honestly, I’m not really impressed with them that much… yet.
5. Oregon (5-1). Defeated Washington St. 53-7. Next Week: At Washington.
The Ducks are still a formidable opponent. I think they are as good as Cal, which means a good tie in the Pac 10. Where they could go in the ultimate standings is unlimited. Are they better than OU, So. Fla, and BC?? Maybe so!
6. LSU (6-1). Lost to Kentucky 43-37 (OT). Next Week: Auburn at home.
I have been thinking that the Tigers would trip up some where in the SEC, and thought it might have been against Florida. However, Kentucky pulled off the upset. This was a bit suprising. Let’s see what happens. Still alot of season left. They could make it back, given that OSU stil must play the powerhouses in the Big 10, and BC just cant stay that high…can they?
7. So. Carolina (6-1). Defeated No. Carolina 21-15. Next Week: Vanderbilt at home.
Lots of trouble with NC this week, but a good sign of a good team is that you play poorly and still win. We’ll accept that at this point. More needed to maintain tho.
8. West Virginia (5-1). Idle. Next Week: Mississippi at home.
Well, the Mountaineers didnt play but actually move up a spot due to Cal losing.
9. California (5-1). Lost to Oregon State 31-28. Next week: At UCLA.
Hard to really make out what happened here. Nate Longshore (starting QB) did not play, so you want to cut SOME slack. Yet you wonder what happened to any of the Golden Bear defense. I think a commensurate drop for Cal like USC is appropriate. Faulty QB decision cost the game, everyone will say, but as the coach said, we could have not put him in that position. Right he is.
10. Virginia Tech (6-1). Defeated Duke 43-14. Next Week: Idle.
Ok well, beating Duke in football is like beating a midget enclosed in a cage, but the fact is that the Hokies are playing very well of late. Kudos!
11. Kentucky (6-1). Defeated LSU 43-37. Next Week: Florida at home.
The road gets harder for the Wildcats, but this day they just were tougher than the #1 team in the nation. Players played tougher, they wanted it, and LSU just didnt. Kudos, but can you come back and beat the Gators next week?
12. Florida (4-2). Idle. Next Week: At Kentucky.
The Gators had no opponent this week, but face a formidable one next week. With two losses, its really hard to justify the Gators this high, but at the same time, they are a great team, so I dont know where they belong at this point.
13. USC (5-1). Defeated Arizona 20-13. Next Week: At Notre Dame.
With starting QB John David Booty on the sidelines with a broken finger, the Trojans run alot and take care of Az. The future doesn’t look bright tho.14. Hawaii (7-0). Defeated San Jose State 42-35 (OT). Next week: New Mexico St at home.
The Warriors had an off game and still came up victorious. I’m really sorry if this offends people, but yanno 7-0 deserves SOME mention. Also 540 yds/game.
15. Kansas (6-0). Defeated Baylor 58-10. Next Week: At Colorado.
Ok so I have to give the Jayhawks some love, cuz no one else will. They are undefeated and playing extremely well. Lets see what happens against the Buffaloes next week.
16. Arizona St (7-0). Defeated Washington 44-20. Next Week: Cal at home.
Next week could be a huge game for the Sun Devils. Beat Cal and you are legit and vying for a Pac 10 crown!
17. Auburn (5-2). Defeated Arkansas 9-7. Next Week: At LSU.
The score is not indicative really. Auburn has been climbing back for a couple or three weeks now. Outstanding defensive effort tonight. Another scary opponent for LSU next week.
18. Missouri (5-1). Lost to OU 41-31. Next Week: Texas Tech at home.
Tough game against OU, but a very bad game for the Tigers. Sloopy, and not well played. OU plays just well enough to win. The Tigers dissapointed me.
19. Texas (5-2). Defeated Iowa St. 56-3. Next Week: At Baylor.
Big deal. I know high school teams that can beat Iowa State.
20. Texas Tech (6-1). Defeated Tex A&M 35-7. Next Week: At Missouri.
Whoa, where did TTU get that defense? They allow an opening TD in the 1st quarter and then shut down A&M the rest of the game? Where’d this come from? Tech defense averaging 10 pts per game since new Defensive Coordinator took over.. hmmm. If Harrell, Crabtree, et al can come up big against Missouri next week, a lot of eyes might turn toward Lubbock.
21. Tennessee (4-2). Defeated Miss St. 33-21. Next Week: At Alabama.
Ok so the Vols has been improving every week, and seem to have found a semblance of defense in their back to back to back wins. Things are getting better down Orange way.
22. Georgia (5-2). Defeated Vanderbilt 20-17. Next Week: Florida at home.
The Bulldogs hang around here after a mediocre win. I think Fla pushes them out next week.
23. Alabama (5-2). Defeated Ole Miss 27-24. Next Week: Tennessee at home.
Well ok, the Tide seems to making a comeback. Up and down tho. Key game next week against Tenn.
24. Michigan (5-2). Defeated Purdue 48-21. Next Week: At Illinois.
What a great story of character. Started 0-2, and since, have rattled off 5 straight. I was surprised at the big victory against Purdue. Go Maise and Blue! Mike Hart is my choice for Heismann.
25. Virginia (6-1). Defeated UConn 17-16. Next Week: At Maryland.
The Cavaliers make their debut here, not because they are daunting, so much, but they are 6-1 and continue to quietly win. The Terps will provide a formidable opponent next week tho.
Dropped out: Texas A&M, Indiana, Cincinnati, Illinois
On the Bubble: Illinois, Kansas State, Penn State, Cincinnati
Most impressive: Kentucky, Texas Tech, South Florida, Michigan
Least Impressive: LSU, Cal, Missouri, Wisconsin
I have to be honest. I was riding with LSU the whole season as the best team in college football, but yesterdays game really made me think twice. College football is crazy this year, but I like it.
Marquis – I have found myself riding several of the teams this year, and seems I’ve been more and more disappointed each week. But, unlike many of the media pundits, and sportwriters, I love the parity. So I agree with you!