Time to take another look at the top teams in the country and label them their true status of pretender or contender...
Oklahoma: Contender. Sure, they played Baylor, but so what? They put on another dominating performance.
Alabama: Contender. While they struggled mightily against a Kentucky team that always seems to show up in big games, can we assume the Tide was just a little hung over from their win against Georgia?
LSU: On the fence. The Tigers were on a bye, but I'm still not impressed with their QB play. This is the one area that may do them in next week against Florida. I have them dropping in the rankings this week. Byes can be a killer when Mizzou is playing lights out.
Mizzou: Contender. Heck, the Tigers look just as strong as the Sooners, and actually have played stronger teams than the Sooners. They should move up.
Texas: Contender. Finally, Colt McCoy has officially recovered from his sophomore slump, and the Red River Rivalry all of a sudden looks to be the new "game of the century."
Penn State: Contender. The Nits look better than LSU, and I don't understand why they are ranked below the Tigers. Big Ten backlash?
Texas Tech: Pretender. The Red Raiders have a prolific offense, but the D will not be able to hide anymore when the Red Raiders play Texas on Nov. 1. Until that date, they will probably be undefeated.
BYU: Contender. Yeah, OK, big deal, they beat Utah State 34-14, and next week they play New Mexico. The soft part of the schedule comes up, and they may actually get dropped down a few notches if they don't start dominating these cupcakes more.
USC: Contender. Was the Oregon State game a hiccup? Or was the Oregon game a hiccup for the Ducks? Hard to tell. If the Trojans play ASU like they did the Ducks, then it's the former, not latter. The fact that the Trojans bounced back big after the Beavers loss means they are mad.
South Florida: Pretender. Grothe simply hasn't lived up to the potential he showed in his freshman year.
Georgia: Pretender. They were exposed in the 'Bama game, and really, the signs were there before that game. This week they get the Vols, and if the Dawgs don't beat them by 18+, they may actually drop in the rankings, even if they win.
Florida: Hesitant Contender. The Gators' O just isn't jelling, but they are winning, aren't they? This week they host LSU, and even though it's not a divisional game, the magnitude of its importance is not overlooked; the pretender will get exposed.
Auburn: Pretender. The spread isn't working, and Auburn fans have to be pretty ticked at the OC right now. Even though the Tigers have only one divisional loss (to LSU) they struggled against Missy State and Tennessee before finally getting exposed at Vanderbilt.
Ohio State: On the fence.
111 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Lisa Horne 9 months ago
While I was writing this, the rankings came out, and Ball State is #25. Hooray!
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Marcus Walker 9 months ago
Javon Ringer might have 6,000 carries this season. Sooner or later Hoyer is going to have to make some plays.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
marcus-
Well, so far he hasn't been needed, but yes, the passing game is unsettling.
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Joe G 9 months ago
Hoyer's been making plays the last couple of weeks. His numbers aren't flashy but he's been effective. Stays away from sacks, and has very few picks this season.
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Marcus 9 months ago
Great article, it's good to finally see some love for my Michigan State Spartans. Great article. Ringer is the carry load for the Spartans and as proven this past week against a good Hawkeye team, he had a "decent" game with 25 carries for just 91 yards, the rest of the team stepped up especially on the defensive side of the ball. Hoyer is nothing great but he does just enough for the offense to give them a chance. We'll see more of that now with the tougher part of the schedule coming up.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
crossing my fingers for ya Marcus!
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J.C. Hagan 9 months ago
"Utah- Pretender. They beat Oregon State in a last second field goal, but the Beavers game is the only real competition they have faced..."
They beat Michigan @ the Big House. I know it's not a normal Michigan team, but the defense at UM is still fairly solid. Utah has done just as much - if not more - to impress than BYU, so I don't understand why BYU is a contender and Utah is a pretender, unless you're just looking at preseason rankings.
"Michigan State- Contender. Sparty is the second best team in the Big Ten- behind Penn State. You heard it here a few weeks ago, and I'm sticking to it."
MSU fans don't even believe that. They have a decent schedule getting OSU and Wisky at home, but they beat Iowa at home by a mere field goal. There's a lot of weakness with the passing game and it's bound to be exposed in one game of the next four, if not two.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
BYU has the more difficult schedule. That's all. I have watched both teams play, and BYU looks much better to me, even with that close call in Seattle.
As far as MSU....if you have a strong running game, then u don't need a strong passing game unless you fall behind. So far, MSU looks good.
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A to the H 9 months ago
"MSU fans don't even believe that. They have a decent schedule getting OSU and Wisky at home, but they beat Iowa at home by a mere field goal."
Most of the Sparty fans in my office have a 'reserved hope'... The comment from one of the more avid officemates was "I'm not making any predictions this year, we don't have any depth."
I think the Big Ten is on its way up... Unless the Buckeye defense (playcalling?) steps it up a few notches soon, Michigan State and Penn State could spoil the B10 championship hopes.
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Joe G 9 months ago
I'm an MSU fan and I believe it. The Iowa win didn't show me a struggling team, it showed me a team that has finally learned to make big stops at the end and win close games. I think they've made the leap from "pleasant surprise" to "new year's day bowl contender".
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Matt Smith 9 months ago
Finally some UNC love, great game to be at and can't wait to sit in the stands for the ND game!
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Hey...this a big game for both programs! Good luck.
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Franklin Crittenden 9 months ago
Lisa , I am glad to see you have joined the"dark side". Roll Tide!
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Haven't joined any side....lmao! I just call 'em like I see 'em.
The teams listed were mostly in order on how they were ranked last week. I noticed some changes. I would have had ND in top 25, but they are suffering from the same backlash as Ohio State.
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12 9 months ago
Thanks for the props to Bama, Lisa. Everyone who was anyone was saying the Kentucky game could be a trap game for the Tide, and they were correct. There have been two telling games for Alabama this season thus far: Tulane and Kentucky. Both were after victories few thought Bama would achieve, Clemson and Georgia. CNS has much to work on, but this team has made me a happy man this year so far. Roll Tide!!!
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Good to see happy Bama fans....but I'm concerned about Missy State. It's tough with a bullseye on your back, and I see that game as a tough slug fest. Hope Nick keeps them focused.
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12 9 months ago
Bama has drawn a target of their own on Ms. State's back...they've beaten us two years in a row. Not gonna happen this year.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Just a side note, if I may - Nick Saban had the Miss State score posted on every player's locker entering this season to remind them of what happened last year. If they lose to State, Saban may possible explode, literally, right there on the sidelines.
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Bryan Ford 9 months ago
Michigan State is a contender for what? The very down and bad Big Ten? Only Penn State looks good.
Finally, don't forget Texas Tech has beaten Oklahoma two of the last three. Ok, I don't think we will win in Norman, but it wouldn't be a shock.
14 points given up this week weren't the fault of the d. Tech's first team d held a very good KState offense to 14 points at home.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Bry-
The reason why I have Tech as a pretender is that their sked doesn't really get interesting until Nov 1st. And I think they lose that game against Texas and the one against OU. The Red Raiders also had two FCS teams....UMass and E. Wash as non-conf games while MSU had Cal and Notre Dame.
MSU is a contender because they have played some good teams. I think the word "bad" is not appropriate to describe the Big Ten. Maybe a bit down, but bad? Hardly.
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Matt Weatherby 9 months ago
Not sure if you can compare T-Tech's non-conf games to the practice games MSU had against Cal and Notre Dame. Cal was good for just over a year, and lets face it......the Irish are a joke with a highly overpaid coach. Lets let the standings show us the best teams so far, and pray for a playoff type system soon! Until then GO BIG RED, and if they cant..then VIVA LA BIG XII!!!!
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Bryan Ford 9 months ago
Tech only had UMASS until TULSA took the easier game and backed out (so they could make more money and play a much weaker Arkansas team..... yes the coach of Tulsa Todd Graham is a huge D-bag.. just ask Rice and anyone else that has worked with him or met him)on Tech after last season was over. It was very, very, late.. in fact so late that most people don't have the gall or the bad manners to back out at such a late date. But Todd has no scruples...
Surprisingly on short notice there weren't a lot of D1 teams that wanted to or even had the open date to come play Tech in Lubbock. AD Myers tried to get a better team. Now actually Eastern Washington is better than SMU and might be able to beat Nevada also. They almost won in Colorado the week after playing Tech.
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Lou Vozza 9 months ago
Good list as usual.
I don't know much about Vanderbilt, but do they have any real rivals? I can see Tennessee maybe because they are in state. But aren't they just everyone's whipping boy? That's different from a rivalry.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
The Vols are Vandy's rivalry, and this year, yes, the Vols are down. However, as a USC fan, I remember UCLA beating the Trojans when the Bruins were in a down year. ANYthing can happen in rivalry games.
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Lou Vozza 9 months ago
I finally got a chance to see a bit of Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri this weekend. Looks great, but I want to see them score points when there is a defensive line coming at them and some speed in the defensive secondary. All of sudden those guys aren't wide open all the time, or if they are you can't find them. Then all of sudden you aren't up by 28 points. Now they're coming out you and you have to start trying to force the ball into places it doesn't belong. Turns around quickly on these guys, you watch.
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Brian 9 months ago
Lisa,
Thanks for the Michigan State love, but I must admit next Saturday's game in Evanston has me sweating bullets.
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Doug Kraus 9 months ago
I have to somewhat agree with you Lisa about Ohio State being on the fence. I think they get a step better each week but until they (hopefully) beat Penn State on October 25th I won't be completely convinced.
It is hard to believe that last year was supposed to just be a warm up for this year. The O and D lines just haven't gelled yet. Beanie is for real and Pryor is well on his way.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Doug-
Don't get me wrong. The Bucks are a good team. A very good team. But I don't think they get past Penn State, Michigan State and dang it, there's always Michigan. Three losses should keep them out of it. :(
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Andrew Alton 9 months ago
Multiple omissions of Illinois. People seem to forget about the ole Fightin' Illini. Granted, we are 3-2, with two are our wins being against Louisiana-Lafayete and Eastern Illiniois, but out two defeats are against Mizzou and Penn State.
Our Big 10 schedule didn't help us any, starting back-to-back road games at Penn State and Michigan. Not to mention, we destroyed Michigan. Behind Penn State, I could easily argue the point that Illinois has the best offense in the Big 10. The defense is lackluster, but slowly improving, or else it seemed to be improving during the Michigan game.
In the context of this specific thread, Ohio State could very easily lose to Illinois. We went into the Horseshoe last year and upset OSU, then ranked #1. This year, they come to Champaign. Easily looking at another loss for OSU.
Furthermore, don't be surprised to see the Illini run the table the rest of the way in the Big 10. Home games against Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio State. Road Games at Wisconsin and Northwestern with a non-conference game squeezed in at Detroit against Western Michigan. Three scary games left, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Northwestern. I already addressed OSU, Wisconsin is falling apart offensively, and lost to Michigan. Their QB is not able to get the job done effectively. Finally, Northwestern is tough, but definitely winnable. Don't count us out...atleast not yet.
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Steven Resnick 9 months ago
I would say that Oklahoma is a pretender seeing how they haven't played anyone with talent yet this year.
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RedRaider Red 9 months ago
Lis, youre contradicting yourself here... once you say Tech will be unbeaten till they play the Sooners (which means they beat Texas) and then you say the Longhorns will beat Tech (Tech plays Longhorns BEFORE they play the Sooners).
So which one is it?
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
I said they will be unbeaten until Nov 1st....that's when they play Texas. They will lose to Oklahoma AFTER that Texas game. They play the Sooners on Nov. 22nd.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
I see where I made you confused.
In the article, I said they would be unbeaten until Nov 1st. But I had the Sooners listed as that game, when it was Texas. My bad. I corrected it. I have the Red Raiders being unbeaten until Nov 1st, when they play Texas, and then the Sooners later. Hope that clears it up- had the right date, but wrong team. My bad.
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Isaac Luber 9 months ago
Just keep in mind, Boise State is in the WAC, and their toughest competition this year was playing Oregon when Oregon had their something-ith string quarterback. I think it was 2nd string against Boise State. Wisconsin and Ohio State play in the Big 10. Wisconsin lost a close game to Ohio State, so I wouldn't put them as a pretender yet. Even when Penn State most likely kills them next week, PSU is great, so you can't put Wisky as a pretender, unless it is a 31-0 shutout.
I think Boise State is no better than Utah. I completely agree with you about Kansas, and dropped them to 25 in my rankings after almost losing to Iowa State, and they should've lost that game to.
Ohio State will probably lose to Penn State, and Michigan State should be a good game, but I don't think they are on the fence, they are a contender. Ohio State was just unable to exploit the weaknesses in USC like Oregon State did.
Also, don't be so quick to call UGA a pretender. They are still a very good, very talented, and very capable team. They showed some fight in the second half of the Bama loss, and I expect no more than 2 losses this season for them. I believe that Florida is a pretender, and could not beat Georgia. I'm not sure about Florida beating LSU, as LSU doesn't seem that great either.
Also, Mizzou has the same problem that the Red Raiders have. TTU doesn't have a defense, and neither does Mizzou, although they both have very talented offenses.
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Lise, the Dawgs do have some problems, and we shall soon see if they can correct them. With our schedule there is no place to hide. We either have it or we don't. If USC could have a hiccup game against an unranked team, maybe the Dawgs had one against a very good Alabama team.
I am a Tebow fan, but I am not sure that the Gators belong as a "contender" yet. Tebow and Harvey can't do it all. It's getting good!
I always enjoy this article!
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
GG...good point on hiccups. But I thought Georgia looked vulnerable before the Bama game, and got flak for it. I'm leaning towards Florida as a contender, but it's hesitant. The best of luck to both teams...they have great fans! :)
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Micah Green 9 months ago
GG,
If Tebow and Harvin can't do it all neither can Moreno and Stafford. ;) we had 2 freshmen rush for 103 yards each. Both teams are contenders. If either of them win out they will be in.
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Micah, I couldn't agree with you more! Srafford and Moreno can't do it all. Thats why we have AJ Green!!! In all honesty, I haven't been impressed with Florida's running backs. Not saying they aren't a good team, I just think that both teams have something to prove down the stretch.
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Micah, I couldn't agree with you more! Srafford and Moreno can't do it all. Thats why we have AJ Green!!! In all honesty, I haven't been impressed with Florida's running backs. Not saying they aren't a good team, I just think that both teams have something to prove down the stretch.
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Micah Green 9 months ago
How dare you! lol yah I have not been impressed. But in '06 we looked average until the end of the season. Concerning the RB stuation we have 893 yards Georgia has 807. Tebow and Harvin are our 3 and 4 yards wise. I know injuries are a "cheap" excsue but e. moody has been injured alot. And don't worry I'm not comparing against Moreno. He's the best RB.
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Gerald Ball 9 months ago
Lisa:
What difference is there between Utah's schedule and BYU's? BYU has beaten I - AA Northern Iowa, winless Washington (by the slimmest of margins), 2 - 3 UCLA, 2 - 4 Wyoming, and 1 - 4 Utah State. It is irksome how the media is positioning BYU as a western entrant into the title game in case USC does not make it.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Gerald...it's just an overall impression. I thought the Georgia Bulldogs looked beatable after two games and got serious heat from their fans when I called them pretenders. Can't explain it logically, it's just there.
BYU looks good. Scary good. USC has nothing to do with BYU's entrance into the title game...I don't understand that at all.
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sven ghali 9 months ago
Hearing about ND's weak schedule is really getting old. Here's a comparison of USC and ND's schedules sorted by opponent strength. I don't see much of a difference.
Ohio State USC
Oregon UNC
ND Pitt
Arizona MSU
Cal BC
ASU Michigan
OSU Purdue
Stanford Stanford
UCLA Navy
WSU SDSU
Virginia Syracuse
UW UW
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Francesco Borromini 9 months ago
Good comparison...and now with the latest AP poll ranking USC, UNC, Michigan St. and Pitt, hard to keep harping about a weak schedule.
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Tyler Bishop 9 months ago
If you think UW is weaker than WSU, the Apple Cup is going to be a surprise. WSU is terrible this year.
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Joe G 9 months ago
You're dead wrong if you think MSU is weaker than both UNC and Pitt.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Where did I say it was weak? I said it may be indicative of a soft schedule. /but since you brought it up...go to the ND message boards...even their own fans admit their schedule is soft. Why is it that ND fans get all excited over a soft schedule and think 9+ wins is a probability, but as soon as someone else mentions it, it's a reason to become defensive? It is what it is.
Having SDSU, Syracuse, and Navy is a soft schedule, and any BCS team who had that as their non-conf game would be accused of the very same thing.
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sven ghali 9 months ago
Sorry Lisa, I didn't mean to critique you're article as much as I wanted to make a quick point. It just seems that ND is the new poster child for flimsy schedules even though there's evidence to suggest otherwise. Right now there are 5 teams on the schedule that reached the top25 at some point, and if BC stays on course they will also. If you measure SOS based on the three worst teams, the Irish are facing murderer's row compared to LSU's worst opponents. If you measure SOS based on the three best teams, the Irish schedule is comparable to the Pac-10, Big-10, Big East, and ACC. ND's opponents are 32-24 in games not involving ND, which is clearly better than average.
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Francesco Borromini 9 months ago
There's no question that the schedule is not what it was last year...that's the comment being made on ND boards. If you base the schedule's rating on the weakest 3 teams...USC's slate of UW, WSU and Virginia is as bad as ND's.
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Chris Coakley 9 months ago
Pretty good list can't really argue with anything. I will say though still that I think in a big game when it's on the line and you got to put your money on it Florida and USC are the two best teams. But as far as who is playing best it's Alabama mainly because of who they have beaten and where they won those games. Missouri probably is second but just like last year it'll come down to whether or not they can beat the Sooners.
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Colin Flosi 9 months ago
Lisa, you say Tech is a pretender, and will be undefeated until then...
So, 11-1 is pretending?
That is still national championship worthy depending on how the cards fall...
It is a joke that you say Texas Tech will beat Texas, and be 11-1, yet, whoever loses the RR Shootout, will be AT BEST 11-1, yet they are both contenders?
You say Texas has the better defense than Tech? In a Big 12 where passing reigns supreme, UT gives up 11 more yards per game, and has given up 5 passing TDs to only 2 interceptions, while Tech has given up 4 passing TDs to 10 interceptions... The UT secondary is weak.
Graham Harrell is better than Colt McCoy, Crabtree is better than any receiver that Texas has, and Tech finally has a running game to at least change things up.
So how can you pick Tech as a pretender, yet UT has to also play Missouri, another game that can, AND will, make Texas a 9-3 team at season's end, as a contender?
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RedRaider Red 9 months ago
Can you clear this up for us, Lisa?
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Colin....remember Hawai'i from last year? Soft sked and undefeated. Till they played a tougher opponent in Georgia.
Look, I understand why you like Tech, but you are arguing in Tech's favor because Texas has to play Mizzou? So that makes them a pretender if they lose? What if they win?
TT had two FCS teams on their sked. That undefeated status, while noteworthy, is not exactly indicative of a great team. Two of those wins were layups.
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Colin Flosi 9 months ago
The only time you can bring up the schedule part of it is if we're comparing stats.
Texas had nobody on their schedule who would challenge them, Texas Tech would have gone undefeated against UT's schedule. Tech got stuck with an extra FCS team, true, but it's not like Tech would have lost to Rice, FAU, UTEP, or Arkansas. You could say that all 4 of Tech's OOC wins were layups, but the same with UT.
Arkansas almost lost to Western Illinois, and LA-Monroe, and got blown out in all their games against real teams. Tech would have done to Rice exactly what they did last year. FAU is a BAD 1-4, and UTEP lost to Buffalo and New Mexico St. Don't say that Tech hasn't played anybody when UT played the same level of competition.
And yes, I was arguing in Tech's favor because I was under the impression that you said Tech would beat UT... But, regardless, I still find the same schedule argument used against Texas Tech to be ignorant. The same with the passing defense argument. A
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Chris Mizerany 9 months ago
Auburn doesn't even deserve to be on this list.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
It's not my list, it was the AP from yesterday.
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Chris Mizerany 9 months ago
Ha. I know. Nothing against you. Just me being bitter. :) Can you blame me? Great article, by the way.
War Eagle
Chris
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football fan PSU 9 months ago
Lisa I love your story. I have read most of your's storys and I cant find any that I didnt dislike.
Keep it up
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
thanks ff!
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Tiger Histalmos 9 months ago
Wow, quite a list there. I'd have to say it is pretty accurate. This is the time of the year where one can finally start looking towards how the conferences will pan out. Good stuff as always.
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Aaron Barton 9 months ago
Hey Lisa - Enjoy reading your articles. Its been mentioned a few times on here - but have a question for you on the Tech pick. I know K-State is the first BCS team they've played, so I'm hesitant to give them a lot of praise right now as well - but you say they will probably be undefeated before they play Oklahoma. This means they'll have beaten Texas, yet you list Texas as a contender. Was hoping to get your thoughts on this.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Aaron...I had OU as their opponent on Nov 1st, I goofed...it was Texas. Sorry.
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Jeffrey McDaniel 9 months ago
Great article.
I think you are the only person besides me who isn't sold on LSU, at least that I know of. I just think it's too early to tell whether they are for real or not. As for Vandy, everyone I talk to keeps knocking them, saying that they have no shot at winning the SEC East. If ever it was their year, this year is their year. After 6 weeks, they are contenders in my book.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Jeff-
Vandy looks good! LSU has won all of their games, but, and this is a huge but, they haven't sold me. They need a signature win, then all will be well!
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Scott Pusich 9 months ago
Actually, it's too early to tell for *everyone* at the moment... the season is only halfway through, and for some teams *cough*, only a third complete.
I suppose the idea of the BCS to start its ranking table in mid-October has some merit.
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Kevin Paul 9 months ago
Can't really argue with a lot of these picks Lise... we're on the same page pretty much here... though I guess when you say "contender" it's a loose term and not just title... could be conference title, bowl game, whatever...
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Contender means minimum conference champ. :)
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Kevin Paul 9 months ago
Was this defined in the B/R football dictionary for dummies and I missed it?! =P
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Cullen Buie 9 months ago
Nice! I disagree a little on some teams. I think LSU is for real, their O-line and D-line play puts them ahead of Florida (young o-line, had problems with Miami) and just behind Alabama in my opinion. As far as the Big 10 goes, the whole league is an enigma.
Penn State - Looks good but has traditionally struggled on the road (20 pts. at Purdon't?!). I wanna see them handle Wisconsin on the road before I think they'll beat OSU in the Shoe.
Illinois - Didn't make your list but could be 2nd best in the Big 10. Their offense is second only to Penn State's.
Mich State - 'Could' be #2 in Big 10 but I really doubt it, they're too one dimensional on offense. I think they're an 8-9 win team, tops.
Ohio State - Still a work in progress, they've shown flashes but Penn State has more talent. I think they'll beat Mich State, the game to watch out for is Illinois (running QB, on the road, week before Michigan).
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Hey Cullen....re-LSU...which game of the ones they played impressed you? My problem is that I can't find one yet. Things may change, as last year was evidence of that, but so far...I'm on the fence. Again, things may change, but right now, I'm on the fence.
I noticed that LSU dropped one in the polls (didn't they?)...did I read that right? The pollsters may have had the same impression as I did.
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Chase Dunagan 9 months ago
I love how FINALLY people are seeing Texas for what we are, a contender!!
Last year's bad pass defense is gone, teams cannot score at will against our secondary. Most Texas fans will say that last years team was our worst in 4 years... and we only lost to OU by 7....
This year our team is so much better and even though OU's team looks to be better, we'll have to wait and see.
If we can hold their first quarter surge, then the game will be in our favor.
Texas 28
OU 24
Then we come home for Mizzou.... This is awesome! I love college football!
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Raj Kamruddin 9 months ago
Lisa.. enjoyed the article. A few comments:
How are schools like Vandy and MSU contenders while teams like Georgia are pretenders? Do you believe that Vandy would beat Georgia?
I agree with OSU. I really think its a different and better team with Pryor.
Unti ND demonstrates they can beat a top 25 team, they should remain pretenders. They are playing really good and have some stud playmakers on offense, but they need to do it against UNC, PITT, U$C. Earn it one game at a time.
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GeorgiaDawg 9 months ago
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa.... I must protest...
Georgia a pretender? Georgia will rebound and get back in the hunt... see last years lost to Tenn, and the weeks that followed.
and if Georgia is a PRETENDER..... how on earth can you say:
1) Florida (Hesitant Contender... they are winning right?) NO... they lost AT HOME to UNRANKED Ole MISS who then turned around and lost to SCarolina !!!
2) Vandy a contender? For what? They beat SC and Auburn (who can't score any points)... BIG DEAL!!
3) Boise State contender? A WAC team is, and a one loss Georgia team is not.... the logic escapes me.
I know I'm a homer for Georgia.... but UGA is better than what they showed against Bama. Hopefully the rest of the season will bear that out...
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Micah Green 9 months ago
1.) What are you talkin' about???? We beat Arkansas. We haven't played S. Carolina yet. Get the facts.
2.) Vandy leads the East right now.
3.)your right.
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Micah Green 9 months ago
I ran back to my computer when I realized what I did lol. I apologize for #1 lol But I think both Florida and Georgia are contenders. My b.
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Ouch!
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GeorgiaDawg 9 months ago
Apology accepted. I don't expect a Gator fan to read the whole comment. They usually just pick and choose what they want to WHINE about. ;-)
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Roy LaFaver 9 months ago
You doubt LSU because you still aren't sure of the quarterback situation. Yet, you remain on the USC bandwagon when they have repeatedly shown a lot of weakness in the middle of their defensive front. I don't see either situation as a huge drawback at this point, but your bias might be from the fact your favorite has lost out on the title twice recently to LSU. Does it really bother you so much?
I think this weekend will show where the LSU defensive secondary stands and where they have to go for the long haul. They don't absolutely have to win this one to win the SEC, but they need to show improvement. SC is going to need another team capable and willing to take it up the middle from the first quarter to the fourth before we will know if they have improved. Oregon was certainly successful when they chose to do that, primarily in the first quarter.
Does the phrase "defense wins championships" mean anything to you? That is the perspective needed to determine pretenders and contenders. Your list looks more like an appraisal of offenses.
We will see.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Roy-
If you are asking whether or not I am a fan of USC, then yes, I am. You know that. But if I were a Sooners fan, and ranked them #1, would that make me a homer or bandwagoner? No. I call it like it see it. I had USC ranked #9, and it looks like most pollsters moved them up one spot past BYU to #8. I am very confident and fair of my analysis in college football teams. I happen to think PSU should be ranked higher than LSU.
LSU has a quarterback (Lee) ranked #82. That will spell trouble if the Tigers are in a hole or need to score quick points. The D looks great, but the offense looks troublesome.
Re-the lines at USC..the rushing defense is ranked #12 nationally, #16 in passing defense, and overall, #4 in the country. In the Oregon game, USC held the Ducks to 60 yards rushing....prior to the game they averaged 300 yards.
Yes, defense wins championships. Who knows if LSU can play in Sugar Bowl or beyond? I'm on the fence with them. They haven't sold me. Bama has sold me completely. Florida and LSU probably will be contenders, but "probably" isn't the name of the game her
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Roy LaFaver 9 months ago
I didn't mean to infer LSU should have a higher appraisal. I was inferring USC should be lower. Both have defensive issues. Regardless of yearly average stats, I have seen USC three times, and the average gain up the middle on them looked pretty high to me. OSU and Oregon both seemed to abandon that approach whereas Oregon State did not.
If USC winds up in a bowl game with a good offensive line and running backs (like LSU), they will be in trouble. If LSU winds up in a bowl game with a very good passing attack (like USC) they are in trouble. Both situations can still get a lot better, but at this time they both look iffy to me.
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faunchin 9 months ago
My 2 cents. Texas gets beat down by Oklahoma and Missouri, edges Ok State and faces an undefeated Texas Tech team in Lubbock. Tech beats Nebraska at home, Texas A&M on the road and an under performing Kansas team in Lawrence. Advantage Texas Tech. Tech over Texas at the Jones. Maybe then you can change them from pretender to contender
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Gerald Ball 9 months ago
faunchin:
Texas Tech goes from pretender to contender when they start beating elite teams on a consistent basis. As much as Mike Leach and before him Spike Dikes accomplished at Texas Tech, that is not something that this program has done in quite awhile.
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Gerald Ball 9 months ago
Lisa:
"Gerald...it's just an overall impression. BYU looks good. Scary good."
Give Texas Tech that same schedule and they'd look just as good. BYU is a mid - major in the top 10 and people are hyping them for a national title bid despite the fact that they have not played a single team with a winning record. I am sorry, but that really puts the grief that folks give SEC teams for their weak nonconference schedules into context.
Let's check out the rest of their schedule, shall we? New Mexico, TCU, UNLV, Colorado State, San Diego State, Air Force, and Utah. Pardon me, but how many of these teams will even be ranked at the end of the season? Can you name a single contender that wouldn't easily go 12 - 0 or look "scary good" against this slate? TCU and Utah maybe. Also, what on earth makes Utah's schedule weaker than BYU's? Utah played Michigan and Oregon State. BYU played Washington and UCLA. That favors Utah big time ... Utah's two major opponents will likely go to bowl games where BYU's two major opponents will probably have 4 wins between them, and they are in the same conference.
Maybe I am wrong about the USC thing, but the case for BYU is completely media manufactured. Far from being in the national title discussion, they aren't even the most accomplished team in their own mid - major conference at this point. Maybe the contenders from the BCS conferences wouldn't drop 55 points on UCLA in 3 quarters (which is when all this BYU hype began I suppose), but being a contender takes a bit more than that.
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Michael Oleszek 9 months ago
I would put Florida as more 'on the fence' instead of 'hesistant contender'. A win over LSU would put them on the contender side.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
I said hesitant because they are basically the same team as last year and the D has more experience, so although they have won most of their games, I think the Ole Miss loss will cause them to wake up with fire! Like USC did.
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Gray Ghost 9 months ago
Ouch! Michael! Lisa just mentioned Florida in the same paragraph as USC!!! What an insult!
Okay, that was just a joke Lisa. Your boys looked good against the Ducks. I do agree that on any given Saturday - anything can happen.
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Roberto Alvarez-Galloso 9 months ago
Great article Lisa. I saw Oklahoma and they are contenders.
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Gil HHH 9 months ago
Cal is way overrated b/c they can't win on the road. Jeff T. has built his reputation on a USC win from Matt Leinart's first year as a starting QB. Jeff T. is an ok coach but his teams are too finesse. I am still not sold on Mizzou b/c I think they also have a finesse team and have no record of any top wins.
I don't think OSU or UG can go to the national title game b/c of they way they lost even though I think OSU will win their remaining games and UG will lose to UF. I am still crossing my fingers that USC goes to the NC game against the SEC champ. I still think that the Big 12 is great on offense but will have trouble against a physical defense (ala LSU and USC vs. OU).
The one team I am keeping my eye on is Pitt b/c they can make some noise for the NC game even though they are a long shot. It looks like their offense and defense is starting to pick up. Their game against ND will be huge b/c the Big East is down this year.
Lisa-I have a what if question for you, if you could pick any team (e.g. OU, Alabama) against USC, would you feel confident that they could beat USC in a neutral field? Thanks.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
Gil-
I think any team can beat any team on any given Saturday. I would be happy if SC played in the title game...just thrilled. But right now, there are a lot of teams ahead of them that deserve to go.
IF the Trojans could play Bama, PSU, Mizzou, that would be great...they have played OU recently, so that's not as exciting, and yes, right now, any of those teams could beat USC, as SC has been beaten.
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Timothy Croley 9 months ago
Lisa, one thing to consider in picking Bama as a contender - everyone should have known the UK game was going to be brutal. I know it wasn't the same, but the Cats beat the national champions last season.
I agree that LSU is a pretender so far, even though their record says different. I saw them play @ Auburn and they were lucky to get out of their alive the way their offense sputtered and gave up points. Auburn is not very good right now, and LSU won by 5. I may be dead wrong, but I see Florida winning by 10 or so Saturday night.
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Jim Sheridan 9 months ago
Lisa, you nailed the Big 10 to a tee, (in my opinion). I think that your right on with Vandy also, from here on out I ll be keeping an eye on Donald Brown and UConn as well. Another brilliant piece, thanks Jim
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John Anders 9 months ago
Bama is tired guys. Its a good thing they have a bye this week they need it. Mentally and some physically. I question Georgia being pretender and Florida being a contender, and I have the same doubts as most that although LSU could beat Bama, they look like they are about to lose every week for the last year and a half before pulling a win out. I think Georgia is gonna shine the rest of the year, well at least alot more than Florida. To me it seems Florida is on its way to a decline as well as Lsu maybe the following year. Tennessee has alredy bit the Doggy bisquit. I dont know, just a nasty little feeling I got. I hope for Bamas sake Florida does get the EAST cause I dont want to play Georgia twice, but Hey it may be Vandy twice. Ok maybe not lol
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Chris Coakley 9 months ago
It's safe to say we'll find out this saturday who some big dogs are because there's Texas vs. Oklahoma and LSU vs. Florida. But I will say the team out of those 4 that could really make their season is LSU because a lot of people still arent sure about them in particular their qb play but if they go into Florida and win they might be the new favorite in the SEC.
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Anthony 9 months ago
The test for OU is going to be Tuh Tuh Tuh Texas. Man that word is hard to say without making yourself throw up. We will find out if OU has the defense to keep up fast paced offense.
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Jeremy 9 months ago
Lisa
Where did you find the information about Utah having the 99th ranked schedule?? And they do play TCU who has a legit chance to beat both Utah and BYU.
Out of all of the bcs computer rankings that are available their SOS is the following
Sagarin 49
Colly Matrix 102
Anderson/Hester 77
Massey Current Rank 41 Completed Schedule Rank 64
So I am not sure where you got that info. Yes the Utes SOS will drop some in the first 3, but where did you get 99. As for the Utes being a contender for a NC appearance maybe 1000-1 odds but a decent shot as a contender for a BCS bid.
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Lisa Horne 9 months ago
phil steele. The problem is of course the true SOS won't be accurate until after everybody has played. Those computer rankings are also a bit skewed...look at all the differences in numbers!
The SOS in late December is the one that counts.
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Jeremy 9 months ago
OK just wondering where the info came from. December is when it counts
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matt tanner 9 months ago
Tulsa is the most underrated team in the country. They have the best offense in the country statistically and would probably beat Ball St. by 30 points.
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Jeremy 9 months ago
Tulsa is very good and even though their SOS has not been great they have been destroying everyone.
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Eric Rodriguez 9 months ago
Lisa,
I agree with you that BYU is a contender and here's why. First, they offense is incredibly talented. BYU's offensive line is one of the top 5 in the country. To date, it has only given up one sack, and that was in the 4th quarter last week. Max Hall has all day to throw and the RBs have large holes to run through. BYU's TE is one of the best in the nation. Dennis Pitta is big, strong, fast and has great hands. BYU has a great WR in Austin Collie and a very good receiver in Michael Reed. If you try and double Collie, Reed or Pitta will kill you. If you double the TE, the RBs will catch passes. BYU offense is very difficult to defend.
The defense is very young, but maturing nicely. The defense has only allowed 14 points in the last three games (all in the 4th quarter of the last game). The defense is still a work in progress, but the DL is very athletic and can generate a pass rush without having to blitz much. The LB's are DB are very physical and have caused a lot of turnovers.
All in all, this team is very deep and is not overrated. They will probably play a ranked TCU team (will probably be ranked after this week, only 1 loss to Oklahoma) at TCU. And they will play a ranked Utah team at Utah. If BYU runs the table, it will deserve to be in the BCS.
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Scott Pusich 9 months ago
It's an entertaining article... but it's like calling a horse race just before halfway through. There is a LOT of race left, and much can (and no doubt *will*) happen between now and B.S. (uh, Bowl Selection.. haha) Sunday.
Great article, thought-provoking as always. Keep up the good work!
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Carter . 9 months ago
Texas will definately be a pretender after Saturday's game against OU...the receiving corps for the Longhorns is much less younger and inexperienced than OU's. Sam for for the O-Line, and secondary...
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Dean Walker 9 months ago
Wow man, sparty over Illinois and OSU? That's a pretty bold statement. Unfortunately we won't get to see the Illinois / MSU game but I really don't see them beating the buckeyes. Stack 8 men in the box and you have their number. Hoyer just isn't good enough to make up for a bad (or even mediocre) Javon Ringer game. Ringer gets 45 carries per game for a reason.
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Kristin Hamlin 9 months ago
Lisa--
Great read as always..though I am diappointed about the Badgers "pretender comment".....Capital One Bowl? Alright so we gave up a 19 point lead.....in one half....to Michigan....and we barely beat Fresno State....kinda stuggled a lot with them...ok ok I see your point.
I know it sounds crazy but I honestly think WISC will beat Penn State this wknd. :)
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Kenneth Julian III 9 months ago
Great read of course... I am doubting that you think Tulsa is a contender... But I was wondering why you think that... I do not think they are either, but I would just like to see another opinion on that... I sitll think they should be in the top 25 though...
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RedRaider Red 9 months ago
Hey, please write a new article. This ones getting old.
I love (reading/commenting on) your articles.
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Thomas Brown 9 months ago
this is kind of ignorant
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Robert 9 months ago
Lisa, don't sleep on the Dawgs.
They got beat down by Alabama, a contender.
They put up a good fight in the second half, without relying on the run-game. That loss really impressed me, honestly. Stafford showed some real maturity in the second half. Bama just showed some true grit and JPW played out of his mind.
And we have to win by 18 against the Vols? Dang...talk about pressure. Ha ha...
BTW, Florida lost at home, to Ole Miss, an unranked team.
Will they still be a contender if they lose to LSU? But they have "Superman!"
Will LSU be a contender if they beat Florida?
And Vandy? A contender now? Seriously?
Wow. What a season...
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Tiger in Europe 9 months ago
Darn, I missed this one when it came out.
I will go with your Ball State comments, and I have love that Vandy is getting love. They have always been my favorite losing team, and before the season I told those that I "politely debate" with on occasion that they would be a big surprise this year (just a gut feeling really, not because of any serious analysis).
Have to disagree with the LSU part (I'm a fan, no choice) I too have some disappointment in their play, and wonder about the QB, but I'm pretty sure if Boise travelled to death valley, they would no longer make the contender list. For that matter they would no longer be contenders if they faced Georgia, Florida, Ohio, Texas Tech or a host of the other teams you picked as "pretenders" or "on the fence."
I sincerely hope you are wrong about Texas Tech. I'm not a fan, but I have loved their games this year. I think the D is firming up as well.
Georgia, I think Bama exposed every weakness they have.
Penn -- everybody looks better when you play in the Big Ten :-) No, I have to say that backlash is definately in affect. Two dropped championships by Big 10 has people wondering about the conference as a whole.
But and a big one, the reality is, who can tell what will happen.
Ohio lost to #1 and dropped out of the Top 10. USC lost to an unranked and dropped to what, 8? 9?
October 19th brings the BCS rankings out, maybe then we will have some real guidance -- probably not.
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Tiger in Europe 9 months ago
I guess I should add: if anyone noticed the weaknesses of Bama' defense against Kentucky. Lot's of exposed areas. Can they afford to play that way with the rest of the schedule and still be contenders? Unlikely.
Bama needs to fix the gaps. Can't count on a QB dropping the ball on the 4 every game.
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Jay Drudge 9 months ago
greta read. Seems like you aren't strong on the SEC as most are.
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