1. Alabama
Was I wrong about this team being unbeatable? Perhaps I was. That's good news for Boise potentially. But I don't who on their schedule is going to beat them, yet. I'm not as impressed with LSU or Auburn as others seem to be. I'm
2. Ohio State
Another warm up week for Ohio State with two more on the way. Illinois and Indiana to start conference play means another 6-0 start.
3. Oregon
Oregon is no longer the league leader in total defense. Not after giving up 597 yards to Arizona State. And yet, after forcing 7 turnovers, they still won by double digits.
4. Boise State
The Broncos' season is now over, according to the talking heads. But this team needs to stay focused as Fresno St, Nevada and Utah St are all capable of knocking them off.
5. TCU
All signs point to a monster match-up of undefeated top 10 teams when TCU plays Utah.
6. Nebraska
What a lackluster victory against South Dakota St. Seems like an anomaly with the way this team has played thus far, they should start rolling through Big 12 North opponents.
7. Oklahoma
A scare against a mediocre Cincinnati squad is not a good sign for Sooner fans; however, Texas may not prove to be as tough an out as we previously thought so I don't know what team can beat OU (not until the Big 12 championship game v Nebraska, that is).
8. Florida
This team is "rolling" now. They played Kentucky, sure, and we're only a week removed from struggles against Tennessee, but what a win to set up a match-up with Alabama right? How convenient that the talking heads warm up to UF this week... I, on the other hand, am not swayed by scores against the Wildcats and wonder if Florida can stand on the same field as Alabama. That's what I hope to find out this weekend.
9. Wisconsin
Michigan State is a good football team. Wisconsin is more talented, but I wouldn't be surprised if they lose this weekend. That said, Oct 16 is the date to circle: that's when Ohio State goes to Madison.
10. Auburn
That was at least a good win against South Carolina (it's been well documented how I think that team is consistently overrated... ever since Spurrier arrived), but couple that with another good win over Clemson, and this Auburn squad is a pleasant surprise.
considered: Utah, Stanford, LSU
would never consider: Michigan, Arizona
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Chutes and Ladders
In an interesting development this college football season, every team is playing a game of Jekyll and Hyde. The unbeatable for the first few weeks: Alabama, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska - looked pedestrian this past weekend, and in the case of the Longhorns, who looked downright awful against UCLA, the season is now half over. Expectations in Austin are #1 Big 12 Championship and #2 National Championship. The latter of these is out the window, the former probably will not be achieved either. It shouldn't be expected of a team that lost their heart and soul, but fans in Austin only have the appetite for winning it all - success breeds unrealistic expectations.
Teams that looked terrible in the first few weeks now seem to be better than expected: UCLA, Michigan, Virginia Tech. All won this weekend going away - for UCLA that was a shocker, for Michigan and Va Tech, I was surprised at least considering that in previous weeks they'd had no idea how to put it all together. Perhaps it was just the perfect storm of playing over matched squads and getting a few breaks.
Teams that shouldn't be talked about anymore as quality opponents:
Notre Dame and Georgia. Both are now 1-3 with their lone wins over equally horrendous teams. Michigan State, Michigan and South Carolina rode the waves of these teams in the rankings and should instantly be reconsidered. I don't believe any should be ranked above 20 in anybody's rankings, though I'm prepared for all of them to be, considering a weak field (though the rankings have ignored Nevada to this point...) and the fact that voters tend to change their mind very slowly after they've pushed a team up the rankings early in the year. Without a bad loss, they tend to keep rising.
Teams that should now be considered quality wins:
UCLA. It may seem like I'm leaping all over this bandwagon, and in a sense I am. But I'm not doing so under the impression that UCLA will challenge for a Pac 10 title or rise in the polls. Rather, I'm doing so because UCLA has probably played the toughest schedule in the country thusfar and has emerged 2-2 with two quality wins. Stanford is really good, I think people are starting to realize that now, so while a 35-0 blanking is a bad loss, when it is to Stanford - it isn't quite as bad.
Teams that are still undefeated (and you didn't realize it):
NC State, Indiana, Utah, Kansas State, Missouri
the only ones of these that deserve to sniff the rankings at this point are Utah (in) and Kansas State/NC State (maybe just on the outside looking in).
Stop talking about:
South Carolina, Penn State
Call me when one of these teams beats somebody.
Start talking about:
Nevada, Wisconsin
One is the best team you're not currently following and the other is the quietest top 15 team as they sleepwalked through their non-conference slate and the best chance at Ohio State not going undefeated.
What I'm watching today:
Dallas at Houston. The battle for Texas. On the day after the Longhorns let down the whole state, 0-2 Dallas looks to rebound against stunningly perfect 2-0 Houston. Dallas is better than an 0-3 start, but here I am riding the Texan bandwagon.
Houston 30-27
Philadelphia at Jacksonville. Not the best game in this time slot, but I'm just excited to be watching Michael Vick again, this time as a passer. Ok, just kidding. I'm hoping he takes off running every play. Here's assuming he doesn't need to against a porous Jags d.
Philly 26-9
New York (Jets) at Miami. I'm not riding the Sanchez train, I'm not betting on the Jets. I don't want to support Miami either, but I'd love to see Jets fans play the Sanchez seesaw again (week 1, what a bum, week 2, what a stud, week 3, ?).
Miami 17-16
Boardwalk Empire - Buscemi and Scorcese, what could be better? First episode was a bit of a dull one, but I'm hopeful that's because it was just to set up the characters. Michael Pitt's character may end up being the most interesting.
- Jabari
Teams that looked terrible in the first few weeks now seem to be better than expected: UCLA, Michigan, Virginia Tech. All won this weekend going away - for UCLA that was a shocker, for Michigan and Va Tech, I was surprised at least considering that in previous weeks they'd had no idea how to put it all together. Perhaps it was just the perfect storm of playing over matched squads and getting a few breaks.
Teams that shouldn't be talked about anymore as quality opponents:
Notre Dame and Georgia. Both are now 1-3 with their lone wins over equally horrendous teams. Michigan State, Michigan and South Carolina rode the waves of these teams in the rankings and should instantly be reconsidered. I don't believe any should be ranked above 20 in anybody's rankings, though I'm prepared for all of them to be, considering a weak field (though the rankings have ignored Nevada to this point...) and the fact that voters tend to change their mind very slowly after they've pushed a team up the rankings early in the year. Without a bad loss, they tend to keep rising.
Teams that should now be considered quality wins:
UCLA. It may seem like I'm leaping all over this bandwagon, and in a sense I am. But I'm not doing so under the impression that UCLA will challenge for a Pac 10 title or rise in the polls. Rather, I'm doing so because UCLA has probably played the toughest schedule in the country thusfar and has emerged 2-2 with two quality wins. Stanford is really good, I think people are starting to realize that now, so while a 35-0 blanking is a bad loss, when it is to Stanford - it isn't quite as bad.
Teams that are still undefeated (and you didn't realize it):
NC State, Indiana, Utah, Kansas State, Missouri
the only ones of these that deserve to sniff the rankings at this point are Utah (in) and Kansas State/NC State (maybe just on the outside looking in).
Stop talking about:
South Carolina, Penn State
Call me when one of these teams beats somebody.
Start talking about:
Nevada, Wisconsin
One is the best team you're not currently following and the other is the quietest top 15 team as they sleepwalked through their non-conference slate and the best chance at Ohio State not going undefeated.
What I'm watching today:
Dallas at Houston. The battle for Texas. On the day after the Longhorns let down the whole state, 0-2 Dallas looks to rebound against stunningly perfect 2-0 Houston. Dallas is better than an 0-3 start, but here I am riding the Texan bandwagon.
Houston 30-27
Philadelphia at Jacksonville. Not the best game in this time slot, but I'm just excited to be watching Michael Vick again, this time as a passer. Ok, just kidding. I'm hoping he takes off running every play. Here's assuming he doesn't need to against a porous Jags d.
Philly 26-9
New York (Jets) at Miami. I'm not riding the Sanchez train, I'm not betting on the Jets. I don't want to support Miami either, but I'd love to see Jets fans play the Sanchez seesaw again (week 1, what a bum, week 2, what a stud, week 3, ?).
Miami 17-16
Boardwalk Empire - Buscemi and Scorcese, what could be better? First episode was a bit of a dull one, but I'm hopeful that's because it was just to set up the characters. Michael Pitt's character may end up being the most interesting.
- Jabari
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
WGRF College Football Power Poll 2010 vol 2
I'm glad that I did not rank Iowa or TCU before, as they both made clear to me how good they are - Iowa with a loss, TCU with a very solid win.
1. Alabama
This will get old, this team is not going to be beaten by anyone but themselves. Richardson played great in Ingram's absence. Ingram's return was one of the best I've ever seen. An average of 15+ per carry coming back from injury, are you kidding me?
2. Ohio State
This team is very polished in all aspects of the game other than kick coverage. I believe the Arizona-Iowa game demonstrated to us how dangerous of a problem this can be, but so far it hasn't bitten the Buckeyes.
3. Boise State
I have to give credit here, I thought Boise would struggle a bit in Laramie, but this team is extremely focused. They believe they deserve a shot at the big boys for a NC. I don't know if I agree, but I'm still impressed with how they're playing.
4. TCU
Baylor is not a good football team. And yet, TCU made them look like chumps, which is not just par for the course when playing Baylor. TCU put them away easily. TCU's schedule is easy, sure, but they're going to try and make sure nobody can hang with them.
5. Oklahoma
It's not shameful to have a problem with Air Force - that's a good football team. Plus, OU beat up Air Force early and then coasted to a victory. The score looked closer than the game.
6. Oregon
No Blunt, No Masoli, no problem. This team is rolling offensively, which is a surprise to me at least, considering the talent they had to replace.
7. Nebraska
This defense is not better than last year, they just haven't played anybody yet, but I'm believing in the talent - and focus - in dominating their opponents thusfar.
8. Texas
It has not been the best start of the post-McCoy era (as I'm going to call it until Gilbert steps up and claims it as his era), but they're winning solidly even if not impressing. The OU game will be the barometer, as always.
9. Auburn or SEC Team*
Auburn has the win over Clemson - that's enough for me to put them here, knowing that if they don't back it up in conference play they'll drop fast.
10. SEC team*
*The polls currently have Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida and LSU somewhere in the top 16. All of those teams have good talent, but none have played a quality opponent (Georgia doesn't count). Once they get into conference play it will become more clear which are good and which were overrated (as some, like South Carolina, always are)
Teams I'm paying attention to:
Arizona - that win over Iowa was either lucky or good, we'll find out
Stanford - the domination of UCLA looks fairly solid now
Wisconsin - coasting through non-conference almost cost them one
Michigan - this team is exciting, even if not that great
Utah - pretty impressive so far, I wonder if they'll have something to say about TCU
1. Alabama
This will get old, this team is not going to be beaten by anyone but themselves. Richardson played great in Ingram's absence. Ingram's return was one of the best I've ever seen. An average of 15+ per carry coming back from injury, are you kidding me?
2. Ohio State
This team is very polished in all aspects of the game other than kick coverage. I believe the Arizona-Iowa game demonstrated to us how dangerous of a problem this can be, but so far it hasn't bitten the Buckeyes.
3. Boise State
I have to give credit here, I thought Boise would struggle a bit in Laramie, but this team is extremely focused. They believe they deserve a shot at the big boys for a NC. I don't know if I agree, but I'm still impressed with how they're playing.
4. TCU
Baylor is not a good football team. And yet, TCU made them look like chumps, which is not just par for the course when playing Baylor. TCU put them away easily. TCU's schedule is easy, sure, but they're going to try and make sure nobody can hang with them.
5. Oklahoma
It's not shameful to have a problem with Air Force - that's a good football team. Plus, OU beat up Air Force early and then coasted to a victory. The score looked closer than the game.
6. Oregon
No Blunt, No Masoli, no problem. This team is rolling offensively, which is a surprise to me at least, considering the talent they had to replace.
7. Nebraska
This defense is not better than last year, they just haven't played anybody yet, but I'm believing in the talent - and focus - in dominating their opponents thusfar.
8. Texas
It has not been the best start of the post-McCoy era (as I'm going to call it until Gilbert steps up and claims it as his era), but they're winning solidly even if not impressing. The OU game will be the barometer, as always.
9. Auburn or SEC Team*
Auburn has the win over Clemson - that's enough for me to put them here, knowing that if they don't back it up in conference play they'll drop fast.
10. SEC team*
*The polls currently have Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida and LSU somewhere in the top 16. All of those teams have good talent, but none have played a quality opponent (Georgia doesn't count). Once they get into conference play it will become more clear which are good and which were overrated (as some, like South Carolina, always are)
Teams I'm paying attention to:
Arizona - that win over Iowa was either lucky or good, we'll find out
Stanford - the domination of UCLA looks fairly solid now
Wisconsin - coasting through non-conference almost cost them one
Michigan - this team is exciting, even if not that great
Utah - pretty impressive so far, I wonder if they'll have something to say about TCU
Monday, September 20, 2010
Michael Vick doesn't want to start, Carmelo Anthony trade, MNF
I watched the Michael Vick interview and somehow found myself convinced that Vick actually has no problem backing up Kevin Kolb. Normally, when hearing that a player will support another starter, I figure it is hogwash, but in this case my bs-meter has yet to ring. I believe this for two reasons.
1) Michael Vick lost enough in his arrest to make him rethink a lot of things. Two years of salary. His popularity. His status as an elite starter. Michael Vick can't get any of that back without playing by some other peoples' rules. Vick wants to start again, but he knows that he needs to show that he can be a team player to get a chance. He mentions in the interview that he hopes a team gives him a chance - and with his progression as a pocket passer (and probably the fact that he's self aware of his inability to take over games just by running), and the fact that he's deferring to Kolb when he could assert that he is every bit as capable as a starter, he will probably be given that opportunity.
2) Michael Vick needs a paycheck and to remain a factor in the game. You don't just forget what it was like from a few years absence.
Teams that I think may try Vick as a full time starter:
KC, Cleveland, Philly
Carmelo Anthony clearly doesn't want to stay in Denver. If he did, he would've signed an extension (like Durant did so quickly in OKC). Denver is smart for trying to get something for him, but I'm not sure how much they can. I feel like Carmelo is at the lower end of the elite tier - which is still elite, don't confuse this as a slight against him - but it doesn't appear that he will ever lead a team by himself. He just doesn't have that type of talent, defensively or intangibles. Carmelo can score, maybe better than anyone not named KD, LBJ or Dwade, but he's not going to win a championship (or compete for one) unless there is someone else leading his squad. Unfortunately Billups was a bit past his prime when he came to Denver and Iverson was wayyyy past his.
MNF tonight:
I probably won't tune in, and I should probably let Raffy handle the NFL picking in the future, considering that I thought NE would roll over NYJ or that Indianapolis would struggle. In any case, New Orleans is still the defending champs, so while I don't think last weeks game was representative of this 49ers team, I don't think they come up with the win here. NO 26-21
Power Polls tomorrow
- Jabari
1) Michael Vick lost enough in his arrest to make him rethink a lot of things. Two years of salary. His popularity. His status as an elite starter. Michael Vick can't get any of that back without playing by some other peoples' rules. Vick wants to start again, but he knows that he needs to show that he can be a team player to get a chance. He mentions in the interview that he hopes a team gives him a chance - and with his progression as a pocket passer (and probably the fact that he's self aware of his inability to take over games just by running), and the fact that he's deferring to Kolb when he could assert that he is every bit as capable as a starter, he will probably be given that opportunity.
2) Michael Vick needs a paycheck and to remain a factor in the game. You don't just forget what it was like from a few years absence.
Teams that I think may try Vick as a full time starter:
KC, Cleveland, Philly
Carmelo Anthony clearly doesn't want to stay in Denver. If he did, he would've signed an extension (like Durant did so quickly in OKC). Denver is smart for trying to get something for him, but I'm not sure how much they can. I feel like Carmelo is at the lower end of the elite tier - which is still elite, don't confuse this as a slight against him - but it doesn't appear that he will ever lead a team by himself. He just doesn't have that type of talent, defensively or intangibles. Carmelo can score, maybe better than anyone not named KD, LBJ or Dwade, but he's not going to win a championship (or compete for one) unless there is someone else leading his squad. Unfortunately Billups was a bit past his prime when he came to Denver and Iverson was wayyyy past his.
MNF tonight:
I probably won't tune in, and I should probably let Raffy handle the NFL picking in the future, considering that I thought NE would roll over NYJ or that Indianapolis would struggle. In any case, New Orleans is still the defending champs, so while I don't think last weeks game was representative of this 49ers team, I don't think they come up with the win here. NO 26-21
Power Polls tomorrow
- Jabari
Sunday, September 19, 2010
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