Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Pusich

College Football Preview 2009: Playoff Edition

Scott Pusich — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:35:45 -0400

Much as I anticipate the start of college football season, I detest the "beauty pageant" format that is the standard by which teams are judged worthy of being ranked even before the season begins.

Even the BCS boffins realized that this was corrupting their precious algorithms which decided the two teams that get to compete for the tiara... um, crystal ball... uh, "national championship", and do not even bother to compute rankings for the season until a sufficient number of games have been played (i.e., enough raw data for the CURRENT season is available).

That said, the polls are still heavily factored into the algorithms, and so the bias evident in preseason (summer) polling leaves a bitter taste that can often still affect the banquet of "Bowl Selection Sunday" in December.

Therefore, I dedicate this season preview to the postseason. Not the sorry excuse for one that currently exists, but a legitimate knockout tournament of eight teams. Whether this "madness" be in December or January is of little consequence (though traditionalists might prefer it to start on New Year's Day... or Jan. 2nd if the 1st falls on a Sunday).

Those who haven't read my articles before can refer to the templates I gave for an FBS playoff (both eight-team and sixteen-team formats) in several articles from last season. Here's the original one:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/51983-broken-championship-system-heres-how-to-fix-it

Here is last season's information to update that article:

2008: Actual pairings (what actually happened)

BCS Championship: (1) Oklahoma (Big 12) vs. (2) Florida (SEC)
Rose Bowl: (5) USC (Pac-10) vs. (8) Penn State (Big "11")
Fiesta Bowl: (3) Texas (at-large) vs. (10) Ohio State (at-large)
Sugar Bowl: (4) Alabama (at-large) vs. (6) Utah (at-large)
Orange Bowl*: (12) Cincinnati (Big East) vs. (19) Virginia Tech (ACC)

* = At same site as BCS Championship

2008: Quarterfinals (what could have been)

Rose Bowl: (5) USC (Pac-10) vs. (8) Penn State (Big "11")
Fiesta Bowl: (1) Oklahoma (Big 12) vs. (12) Cincinnati (Big East)
Sugar Bowl: (2) Florida (SEC) vs. (6) Utah* (at-large)
Orange Bowl: (19) Virginia Tech (ACC) vs. (3) Texas (at-large)

"Losers": (4) Alabama*, (7) Texas Tech, (9) Boise State, (10) Ohio State (teams in bold do not remain in one of the four BCS bowls in the quarterfinal scenario)

* = As loser of a conference championship game, Alabama would not have been eligible for a playoff; instead, they would have received an invite to a non-playoff BCS "Best of the Rest" bowl game along with (7) Texas Tech.

Ideally, this game would always be at the site of the Cotton Bowl (Cowboys Stadium in Arlington starting with January 2010).

Those who are familiar with my writing will recognize this format. Although I would prefer a more complete bracket of sixteen teams, I realize that given time and financial constraints an eight-team format is more workable.

However, my position on the necessity for a playoff at FBS level hasn't changed. It's either eight or sixteen: choose one. If the BCS conferences and their puppet... uh, commissioner...were *forced* to choose, I strongly suspect they would choose eight.

So, here is the preview for the 2009-2010 college football postseason (Playoff Edition):

Quarterfinals (January 1, 2010):

Rose Bowl: California (Pac-10) vs. Ohio State (Big "11")
Fiesta Bowl: Texas (Big 12) vs. TCU (at-large)
Sugar Bowl: Florida (SEC) vs. South Florida (Big East)
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech (ACC) vs. Oklahoma (at-large)

"Losers" (or as BT says, "on the porch"): Alabama, USC, Boise State, Penn State, Mississippi, Nebraska, Georgia, Virginia Tech.

Semifinals (January 8) and Final (January 15):

Ford Field, Detroit (pictured at top of article)

Why Ford Field in Detroit? Well, last season I used the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis as the hypothetical neutral site for the "College Football Final Four". As previously mentioned in last year's articles, this is a way to keep the traditional bowls intact (as quarterfinals) while adding the appeal of a true "Final Four"... which does NOT exist at the moment in the top tier of college football.

Note also that (in this format) only the richest teams have a realistic chance to make it to the 8-team quarterfinals (much less a "Final Four") year after year, and can afford the travel costs, while "Cinderellas" such as TCU will see it as a once-in-a-decade chance to be on the big stage and be willing to splurge. Of course, if the NCAA were on board with a playoff format, travel funds could be allocated to each of the eight teams as well.

For those who are interested, I am projecting that Texas beats Nebraska in the Big 12 "championship game" and that Florida beats Mississippi in the SEC "championship game". I'm projecting Alabama, though (not Ole Miss... the Tide will get the edge in the final pre-bowl rankings due to the human polls), to meet the USC Trojans in the Cotton Bowl in the "Best of the Rest" (non-playoff) game.

However, I will *NOT* be projecting the results of these hypothetical matchups, any more than I wish to list a preseason Top 25. If you wish, consider the sixteen teams I've listed above as a "Top 16", but not ranked from 1-16...

I'll just put them in alphabetical order, as follows (Alabama, Boise State, California, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Florida, Texas, TCU, USC, Virginia Tech).

What I will do is point out the pleasure to be derived in anticipating a potential quarterfinal round such as I've outlined above, and compare it to the anti-climactic postseason that actually occurs.

The anticipation everyone is feeling for the upcoming season is for games such as Alabama vs. Virginia Tech and USC vs. Ohio State.

If these were postseason playoff matchups, the winners of such games should be entitled to advance and prove themselves worthy of a title game ON THE FIELD, and not through a ballot or "style points" in which they edge out three other contestants or candidates based on the lobbying and/or votes by coaches and writers.

So, here's to a messy season full of BCS-busting upsets!

I Love the BCS!

Scott Pusich — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:42:52 -0500

I dedicate this song to all those who oppose an FBS (Div. I-A) playoff.

"I Love the BCS"

(as sung by Will Forte on Saturday Night Live, Jan. 10, 2009)

I love stepping in dog crap
And I love it when children get sick
I love paper cuts on my corneas
And I love the BCS

I love hanging at the DMV
And I love finding out I'm adopted
I love eating tacos filled with uncooked chicken
And I love the BCS

Oh yeah, I love the BCS

It's the best system ever devised
Neck and neck with the electoral college
And if you've got some kind of problem with that
I invite you to s my d
S my d
S my d
S my d
BCS S my d

I love the smell of sick people's farts
And I love George W. Bush
I wish he could be my dad and my lover
And I love the BCS

I love thinking about Bush with his shirt off
I love taking off his pants with my mind
He's the lame duck that I really want to f.....

...fudge

Cause, I love the BCS
Oh yeah, I love the BCS

And my hemorrhoids!
I love the BCS

Robert Mugabe!
I love the BCS

(from http://sportsrubbish.blogspot.com/2009/01/video-i-love-bcs-song-will-forte-on.html)

(picture obtained after typing "I love the BCS" into Google image search. Seriously.)

Bowls, Cups, and Saucers: Which Bowl Games Deserve The Name "Bowl"?

Scott Pusich — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 09:52:24 -0500

Games worthy of the designation "BOWLS" (contenders):

Rose Bowl (first game 1902, continuous since 1916)
Orange Bowl (1935)
Sugar Bowl (1935)
Sun Bowl (1935)
Cotton Bowl (1937)
Gator Bowl (1946)
CapitalOne/Citrus/Tangerine Bowl (1947)
Liberty Bowl (1959)
Chick-fil-A/Peach Bowl (1968)
Fiesta Bowl (1971)

Games worthy of the designation "CUPS" (pretenders):

Independence (1976)
Holiday (1978)
Outback/Hall of Fame (1986)
Insight/Copper (1989)
Champs Sports/Carquest/Micron PC/Blockbuster (1990)
Las Vegas/California (1992)
Alamo (1993)
Motor City/Cherry (1997)
Humanitarian/MPC Computers (1997)
Music City (1998)

Games worthy of the designation "SAUCERS" (offenders):

GMAC/Mobile Alabama (1999)
Texas/galleryfurniture.com/EV1.net Houston (2000)
New Orleans (2001)
Emerald/San Francisco (2002)
Hawaii (2002)
Meineke Car Care/Continental Tire/Queen City (2002)
Armed Forces/Fort Worth (2003)
Poinsettia (2005)
Papajohns.com/Birmingham (2006)
New Mexico (2006)
International (2007)
EagleBank (2008)
St. Petersburg (2008)

Bowls Of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing

Scott Pusich — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:19:22 -0500

For those who would rather watch mediocre FBS (I-A) teams create a snoozefest than watch the two teams remaining in the knockout competition known as the Division I Football Championship, there's not much I'll be able to do to sway you.

However, for those who are wondering just where in purgatory the EagleBank Bowl and the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl have come from, I direct you to: the Aloha Bowl, the Bluebonnet Bowl, the Cherry Bowl, the Freedom Bowl, the Pecan Bowl, the Salad Bowl, and the Seattle Bowl.

For those who feast on college football, the above bowls more or less represent the "White Castle slider" philosophy: make it shiny and greasy and people will gobble it down and forget that they even did so...until they realize a few hours later they could have been consuming their time more wisely.

(You can choose your own fast-food analogy for the "cheap in bulk" bowl games that dominate the schedule from Dec. 20 to Dec. 30).

Why not consume something that's good for you? Why not watch a game that demonstrates that the teams with the most tenacity, endurance, dedication, and yes, teamwork, are the ones worthy of lifting a championship trophy?

Why continue to watch dead-end games that reward mediocrity, or games that are important because the teams that reached them have done so by invitation, or by a popularity contest?

I've written elsewhere about the fact that the NCAA does not officially recognize the FBS (I-A) "champion." Those three trophies you see in the picture represent the three consecutive FCS (I-AA) championships won by the Appalachian State Mountaineers from the 2005 to 2007 seasons. Perhaps you've heard of Appalachian State?

This year, the Mountaineers (of the Southern Conference) got knocked out of the playoffs in the quarterfinal round by the Richmond Spiders (of the Colonial Athletic Association). The upset was all the more impressive since it was at the Mountaineers' home field. Richmond then upset the Northern Iowa Panthers in the semifinal round last weekend at the Panthers' home field.

The Spiders face the Montana Grizzlies (of the Big Sky Conference) in the FCS championship game Friday at 8pm ET (5pm PT) on ESPN2. The game will be at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN (home of UT-Chattanooga), where it's been held every year since 1997.

Would FBS (I-A) ever countenance a fixed site for its title game (as I addressed in my previous article)? Will FBS (and the BCS) ever have the cojones—the testicular fortitude—to step up and serve the college football fans some actual haute cuisine or at least some reasonably worthy victuals, instead of the empty-calorie-filled bowls of junk we are force-fed year after year?

I don't know about you, but I'm not tuning into the EagleBank Bowl or the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl to find out. If I watch any football Saturday, it will be the Div. III championship game (the "Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl") between Wisconsin-Whitewater and Mt. Union College, also on ESPN2. Or perhaps some NFL. But no greasy bowls, thank you, I'm on a diet to lower my FBS levels.

Instead, I'll be watching a football team lift an NCAA Div. I championship trophy Friday evening. It may not be as heavily marketed or as flashy and shiny as the junk food foisted upon us during "Bowl Week" (it's more like a fortnight), but it's much more meaningful.

So, try eating your veggies tomorrow...you might just like them.

College Football: How a 16-Team FBS Playoff Might Work

Scott Pusich — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:44:00 -0500

I'm going to leave my anti-bowl rant for later in the week, as the 20th approaches. Not that the bowls shouldn't exist; after all, 6-6 teams need some reason to feel good...

No, that's not it. It's the excitement and the drama of a knockout playoff to bring the best teams in the nation to fight it out, unshackled by conference affiliations and (after the first round kicks off) untainted by the "beauty contest" aspect of the polls.

Leave it all on the field.

16-TEAM PLAYOFF BRACKET (seeded)

BCS conference winners seeded 1-6 according to BCS ranking of Week 15 (Dec. 7);
Non-BCS conference winners seeded next according to BCS ranking (if in Top 25);
Remaining teams considered “at-large” and seeded according to BCS ranking.

Oklahoma (BCS 1)
Florida (BCS 2)
USC (BCS 5)
Penn State (BCS 8)
Cincinnati (BCS 12)
Virginia Tech (BCS 19)
Utah (BCS 6)
Boise State (BCS 9)
Texas (BCS 3)
Alabama (BCS 4)
Texas Tech (BCS 7)
Ohio State (BCS 10)
TCU (BCS 11)
Oklahoma State (BCS 13)
Georgia Tech (BCS 14)
Georgia (BCS 15)

Team “bumped” from the playoff due to Virginia Tech's inclusion: BYU (BCS 16).

Buffalo (MAC), East Carolina (C-USA), and Troy (Sun Belt), the three remaining FBS conference champions, are not in the BCS Top 25 and are thus ineligible for the playoff.

Other rankings could conceivably be used, but the AP has already asked out of being used to determine participants in the BCS and is likely to do so with the playoff scenario as well.

Using the final pre-bowl BCS ranking represents a compromise to ensure the BCS conferences retain some measure of influence in the process (though not overwhelmingly so as they do now). The seeding of the six BCS conferences as 1-6 in the bracket is the only other concession.

This sort of playoff may come about as the result of political action by the United States Congress, financial incentives from major media interests (such as ESPN, CBS College Sports, etc.), and public pressure from sports fans disappointed with the purgatory that is the BCS—neither the status quo ante (a dozen "big" traditional bowls, with no attempt to create a playoff), nor the utopian "pure" playoff system free of any BCS involvement (seeding without regard to BCS conference affiliation).

What this represents is politics as the art of compromise, and sport as the art of competition. There are fairer and finer ways of bringing the FBS college football season to a close, and this is one small contribution to that end.

So, in addition to my previous article (one of my first on Bleacher Report) outlining the possibilities for a pragmatic, workable, eight-team playoff, I shall now present an equally pragmatic, workable example of a 16-team playoff.

FIRST ROUND (Sweet Sixteen): Dec. 26-27

Higher seeds are “home” teams, though there are no "home" games per se; the location of each group is set by the 1-4 seeds (with attention paid to pre-existing conference affiliations with certain bowl sites when relevant).

It is possible for those who wish to consider the possibility of seeds 1-8 hosting first round games to imagine them doing so, with only the Quarterfinal games ("Elite Eight") taking place at the four bowl sites. However, it is very likely that minimizing travel costs between games will be a more important factor.

Therefore the "@" should be taken as a technical designation only (for uniforms, etc.).

Group A (Fiesta Bowl)
16 Georgia @ 1 Oklahoma
9 Texas @ 8 Boise State

Group B (Orange Bowl)
12 Ohio State @ 5 Cincinnati
13 TCU @ 4 Penn State

Group C (Rose Bowl)
14 Oklahoma State @ 3 USC
11 Texas Tech @ 6 Virginia Tech

Group D (Sugar Bowl)
10 Alabama @ 7 Utah
15 Georgia Tech @ 2 Florida

QUARTERFINALS (Elite Eight): Jan. 1

Winners of the first round games meet at the same bowl site within the week—hence Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, which is seven days. When Jan. 1 falls on Sunday, the first round games move to Dec. 27-28 and the quarterfinals to Jan. 2. The traditional date of Jan. 1 (or 2) for the four BCS bowl sites is preserved.

Ideally the date would be left to these four bowl games, but it may be difficult to force the non-playoff bowls to move to a different date.

SEMIFINALS AND FINAL (Final Four): Jan. 7 and Jan. 12

The winners of the four quarterfinal games then advance to a 5th site for the “Final Four”—for example, the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis (pictured at the top of the article).

Note that the 15 playoff games take place at five sites: the four BCS bowl sites and a fifth, neutral site that may change from year to year (as the NFL Super Bowl and the NCAA Final Four), or be set in one location (as the NCAA College World Series).

Each of the five sites hosts three games. This represents a bonus for the four BCS bowl sites, as they host one currently (and the title game every fourth year).

The concessions *by* the BCS (the concessions *to* the BCS have already been mentioned) are the addition of the fifth site, presumably to be organized in full or in part by the NCAA (not the BCS conferences), with the winner of the final being officially recognized by the NCAA and presented with an NCAA trophy (this is not the case currently).

What follows is a simulation run on “ESPN College Football Playoffs Simulation (powered by AccuScore)”: http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls08/bracket

The simulation was run only once, and for those who question the results, note that the percentages given after the score are the probabilities of each team winning based on 10,000 (!) simulations of every possible matchup among the teams allowed in the simulation. Note that only the Top 25 teams in the final pre-bowl BCS rankings are available for the simulation.

Where the probabilities (percentages) of a team's chances of winning do not match the result, an upset has occurred, and I've labeled it as such.

I could run the simulation with these particular 1-16 seeds over and over, and get different results each time. If I were to run it 10,000 times, then the "average" results of the 10,000 times would more closely match the probabilities, and the upsets would disappear into those "average" results. Of course, the games are played only once.

FIRST ROUND (Sweet Sixteen):

Group A:
Oklahoma 46, Georgia 29 (79% - 20%)
Boise State 41, Texas 25 (18% - 81%, upset)

Group B:
Ohio State 28, Cincinnati 17 (69% - 31%)
Penn State 27, TCU 20 (59% - 40%)

Group C:
Oklahoma State 35, USC 29 (41% - 58%, upset)
Texas Tech 39, Virginia Tech 27 (67% - 32%)

Group D:
Utah 32, Alabama 19 (21% - 78%, upset)
Florida 50, Georgia Tech 24 (87% - 12%)

QUARTERFINALS (Elite Eight):

Group A: Boise State 53, Oklahoma 31 (16% - 83%, upset)
Group B: Ohio State 34, Penn State 28 (38% - 61%, upset)
Group C: Texas Tech 43, Oklahoma State 39 (52% - 47%)
Group D: Florida 48, Utah 25 (81% - 18%)

SEMIFINALS AND FINAL (Final Four):

Semifinal 1: Ohio State 31, Boise State 22 (61% - 38%)
Semifinal 2: Florida 46, Texas Tech 32 (67% - 32%)

Final: Ohio State 42, Florida 27 (24% - 75%, upset)

***IMPORTANT*** Note that the locations of the games are not specified in the simulation and thus do not have an effect. We can assume that, in the simulation, all games take place at a “neutral” site (i.e. in cyberspace, or on the ESPN or AccuScore servers). In my playoff model on the previous page, I assign the games to specific locations, but do not project the results.

So... about this idea for a sixteen-team playoff...

Is it perfect? No. Nothing on this Earth is perfect.

Is it better than the "Broken Championship System?" I'd like to think so. Let me know what you think, both of the prospective matchups created by the seedings and of the playoff model in general. And feel free to try running simulations of this playoff model or another one of your choice.

BCS, Y'all Just Got Served.

Scott Pusich — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:35:14 -0500

I won't go into the details of my own objections to the "Broken Championship System", or my suggestions for righting the misguided ship of FBS football; I have previous articles addressing those topics, and I don't believe in duplication.

However, there was some additional news this week that (in my opinion) signifies the proverbial 'tip of the iceberg' for the captains cowardly of the BCS. vessel:

Oregon president David Frohnmayer (current chair of the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee... let's call him "Admiral")
Notre Dame president Rev. John Jenkins
Ole Miss president Robert Khayat
Pitt president Mark Nordenberg
Northern Illinois president John Peters
Nebraska president Harvey Perlman
Penn State president Graham Spanier
Virginia Tech president Charles Steger

A quote from the esteemed admiral of this sporting armada:

"We deeply respect the president-elect and we are glad that he is a fan of college football," Frohnmayer said in an e-mail response to ESPN Tuesday. "We have the most compelling regular season in all of sports, and I'm sure that contributes to Senator Obama's enjoyment of our great game."

"My colleagues and I on the BCS Presidential Oversight Committee have discussed the future of postseason football on many occasions and we do not believe a playoff would be in the best interest of the sport, the student-athletes or our many other constituencies," Frohnmayer said.

(from http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3704864)

While this committee is presumably speaking on behalf of football fans everywhere (unless fans don't count as one of those "other constituencies"), there is clear public will for reform of this broken system, which represents a purgatory between a "purist", non-playoff system which doesn't even pretend to decide the top two teams (the system as it existed pre-BCS), and a "reformist", playoff-centered system which does away with the biases and anti-competitive foundation (yes, the BCS was created to KEEP THE SMALL FRY OUT) of this sporting version of oligarchical collectivism (see Orwell, George: Nineteen Eighty-Four).

Three U.S. representatives have co-sponsored a bill with the aim of "breaking" the BCS cartel:

Joe Barton, R-Texas (6th district): ranking Republican on House Energy and Commerce Committee
Bobby Rush, D-Illinois (1st district): member of House Energy and Commerce Committee; chair of Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection; erstwhile opponent of Barack Obama (for the 1st district congressional seat) in 2000
Michael McCaul, R-Texas (10th district): member of House Ethics Committee; former Deputy Attorney General, State of Texas

In terms of actual subpoenas being served, it may take quite a while for the bureaucratic machinery to clunk and plod through the process of dismantling the BCS. But given the apparent views of major players in both parties--let's include the President-Elect--I wouldn't rule out some congressional testimony for various BCS bigwigs (such as those mentioned above) in the near future (i.e., 2009-2012).

To quote Congressman Barton (pictured at top of article):

"In some years the sport's national championship winner was left unsettled, and at least one school was left out of the many millions of dollars in revenue that accompany the title," Barton said in a statement released ahead of the bill's introduction. "Despite repeated efforts to improve the system, the controversy rages on."

He said the bill "will prohibit the marketing, promotion, and advertising of a postseason game as a 'national championship' football game, unless it is the result of a playoff system. Violations of the prohibition will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act as an unfair or deceptive act or practice."

(from http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3760232)

This would mean NO advertisements, whether "stand-alone" or "in-show" (such as on SportsCenter), for a "BCS Championship"; NO BCS Championship logo; NO sponsors--televised or otherwise--for such a game (good luck with that, Fox and ESPN); and here's the kicker:

NO trophy (sponsor!) and NO official merchandise proclaiming a "National Champion".

Someone tell me: what's the stated purpose of the BCS again? The thing they repeat over and over, ad nauseam, whenever there is disquiet among the "unwashed" masses (meaning you and me... the fans)?

This is not the first time the BCS has attracted unfavorable attention from Congress. The last time was in 2005, in lieu of the informal exclusion of "mid-major" teams from participation in BCS bowls. The BCS essentially settled "out of court" by adding a fifth bowl game, and adding official stipulations for participation of ONE "mid-major" program if certain conditions were met.

That is just one of many tweaks the BCS administrators have made to their "compelling" system (note that Admiral Frohnmayer uses that word to describe the REGULAR season, not the postseason, which is the responsibility of him and his "crew").

Now, there are those who will argue that Congress has no business meddling in college football. These would be the same people that Congress has no business (a) impeaching presidents, (b) raising an army through military conscription (that's called a 'draft'), or (c) regulating interstate commerce. College football as we know it today falls under (c), dear readers.

Specifically, the case can (and likely will) be made that the BCS is by its nature a form of interstate commerce. See that little bit above about "violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act" (I put it in bold, just for you)?

Yeah, that.

For the more judicial-minded among you, it should also be heartening to know that the Supreme Court, should the BCS appeal a congressional law as unconstitutional, will likely defer to Congress on the matter:

Rational Basis Review

The evolving level of scrutiny applied by Federal courts to Commerce Clause cases should be considered in the context of rational basis review. The idea behind rational basis review is that the judiciary must show deference to the elected representatives of the people. A respect for the democratic process requires that the Courts uphold legislation if there are rational facts and reasons that could support Congressional judgment, even if the Justices would come to different conclusions. Throughout the 20th century, in a variety of contexts, courts sought to avoid second guessing the legislative branch, and Commerce Clause jurisprudence can be seen as a part of this trend. Lawrence Tribe states:

Since 1937, in applying the factual test Jones & Laughlin to hold a broad range of activities sufficiently related to interstate commerce, the Supreme Court has exercised little independent judgment, choosing instead to defer to the expressed or implied findings of Congress to the effect that regulated activities have the requisite "economic effect." Such findings have been upheld whenever they could be said to rest upon some rational basis.^[6] (Citing Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v United States, 1964)

(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_Clause)

For those of you who would discredit this based on the fact it exists on Wikipedia, note that there are no disputes regarding neutrality or factual claims in this article. Feel free to challenge it, but just as would happen with a BCS challenge to Congressional law, you... WILL... fail.

You see, there's this silly little thing called "precedent", natch.

BCS: Y'all just got served.

My B/R Top 25 (Dec. 7)

Scott Pusich — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:26:26 -0500

1. Florida (previous: T-2) 12-1; beat No. 1 Alabama 31-20

The Gators, some say, had the worst loss of the one-loss teams. However, they had the best win of the weekend—yes, better than Oklahoma’s demolition of Missouri. They get the No. 1 spot, since they actually played in a “national semifinal.” Too bad there weren’t two such games (see below)…

T-2. Oklahoma (previous: T-2) 12-1; beat No. 15 Missouri 62-21

The Big XII championship game was nothing of the sort; the best two teams in the conference this year are Oklahoma and Texas. Therefore, I won’t give Oklahoma a “boost” into the title game by virtue of beating the—what would you call Missouri?—fifth-best team in the Big XII…

…For the purposes of the B/R poll (which doesn’t allow ties), though, I will have Oklahoma at No. 2 and Texas at No. 3. However, I believe that last night’s game in Kansas City should have been the “other semifinal” and pitted the Sooners in a rematch vs. the Longhorns (see below).

T-2. Texas (previous: T-2) 11-1; no game, regular season completed

Last week I wrote: “In my own personal system, there are four teams deserving of being in a four-team playoff, and they’re ranked 1 and T-2." If the Big XII title game had matched the correct two teams, there would be no question about the finalists. The winner would be 12-1, and the loser 11-2. But it didn’t match them, and so the question remains.

I don’t blame either Oklahoma or Texas for the sorry state of affairs; I blame the Big XII presidents and administrators for putting monetary considerations over the interests of competition (matching the two best teams). So let’s bring on the eight-team playoff…

4. Alabama (previous: 1) 12-1; lost to No. T-2 Florida 20-31

Like Ball State, the Crimson Tide suffered their only loss of the regular season at the worst possible time: in the conference championship game. Except this one was termed a “national semifinal” as the winner would be a virtual lock for the BCS title game. So will the Tide be ready for likely Sugar Bowl opponent Utah?

5. USC (previous: 6) 11-1; beat UCLA 28-7

The home jerseys on the road were a nice nod to tradition, but the fact is that until NCAA rules change, it’s going to cost the visiting team a time-out every game that both teams decide to go with the home uniforms.

Will Carroll be magnanimous next year when the Bruins are the team penalized? And if Neuheisel isn’t at UCLA in a few years (I assume Carroll will turn down all NFL offers, since USC is Los Angeles’ de facto NFL team), will the tradition survive?

6. Utah (previous: 5) 12-0; no game, regular season completed

7. Penn State (previous: 7) 11-1; no game, regular season completed

8. Texas Tech (previous: 8) 11-1; no game, regular season completed

9. Boise State (previous: 9) 12-0; no game, regular season completed

10. Ohio State (previous: 10) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

11. Cincinnati (previous: 11) 11-2; beat Hawaii 29-24

The Big East champion Bearcats cut it pretty close, but came away with the win against a dangerous and motivated Hawaii team. Most likely they will be facing ACC champion (No. 19) Virginia Tech in the matchup of “just-above-mid-major” conferences.

12. TCU (previous: 12) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

13. BYU (previous: 14) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

14. Oklahoma State (previous: 16) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

15. Georgia (previous: 17) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

16. Georgia Tech (previous: 18) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

17. Mississippi (previous: 19) 8-4; no game, regular season completed

18. Oregon (previous: 20) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

19. Virginia Tech (previous: 24) 9-4; beat No. 23 Boston College 30-12

The best of a mediocre—or very evenly-matched—conference. You be the judge. The win over Boston College gets them to the Orange Bowl; not the title game at the same site, but the “fifth” bowl a week earlier (note that Georgia Tech will not get a BCS bowl berth, despite having a better overall record—that’s because both teams were 5-3 in conference and the Hokies won the head-to-head).

20. Michigan State (previous: 21) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

21. Northwestern (previous: 22) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

22. Missouri (previous: 15) 9-4; lost to No. T-2 Oklahoma 21-62

The Tigers did finish at the top of the Big XII North; however, they really shouldn’t have been in the Big XII title game. That game should have been the “other national semifinal” between Oklahoma and Texas. Admittedly, using that reasoning from last year, there should’ve been a rematch between Missouri and Kansas…

23. Ball State (previous: 13) 12-1; lost to Buffalo 24-42

One loss will kill you if you’re a mid-major. It happened to BYU earlier, so the Cougars had time to recover. Ball State lost at the worst possible time, in the MAC title game, and so can’t even be considered MAC champions. Sad, isn’t it? That’s what 12-team conferences mean, folks.

24. Pittsburgh (previous: NR) 9-3; beat Connecticut 34-10

The Panthers had a good season, but it might’ve been much better; the loss to Cincinnati on Nov. 22 cost them the Big East. The pounding by Rutgers or the season-opening loss to Bowling Green didn’t do them any favors, either.

25. Oregon State (previous: 25) 8-4; no game, regular season completed

Dropped out: No. 23 Boston College (9-4)

Dear FBS Schools: Pick on Teams Your Own Size! (A Parable)

Scott Pusich — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:11:38 -0500

Once upon a time, before some of you young'uns was born, the NCAA had three divisions for all sports: I, II, and III.

Then, in the middle of the 1970s, a lot of the big, fat, and rich football programs in Division I decided they were tired of sharing their money and television exposure with the small, skinny, and poor football programs. After all, said the big bullies, the scrawny kids stood little chance of competing with the big boys to win all the marbles.

It was cruel, said the big bullies, that the little guys kept bringing their marbles to the playground each week and losing them, week after week. It would be fairer, said the chubby champions, to break their one group into two groups: a group for the big boys, and another group for the weaklings.

That way, the big boys could draw bigger crowds and more attention each week, as the fights were going to be fairer, and there would be no "pushovers".

So, in 1978, the NCAA did what the big bullies wanted: they split Division I into two, creating I-A for the big programs and I-AA for the little programs (or for the former bullies who stopped playing for all the marbles and chose to spend most of their after-school time doing their homework and studying at the library instead).

That was 30 years ago this year.

Somewhere along the way, the big bullies realized that they had lost one important thing in the split: the ability to pick on the weaker kids and get official approval (in their win-loss record) for doing so. As it turns out, some of the more mean-spirited kids who came to watch the bullies fight enjoyed it when they kicked sand in the faces of the weaker kids before pummeling them into a pulp.

Also, once some bullies began bending the rules, and started picking fights with weak kids on the sly, slipping in one or two fights a year to improve their win total, it was in the self-interest of the other bullies to do the same, or risk having a worse record and being thought inferior to the bullies with "padded" win totals.

Not surprisingly, the mean-spirited kids who watched the fights were happy to see the bullies bending the rules and taking unfair advantage of their size. "All's fair" they would yell.

Some of these kids even had their own rankings based on polls of the other kids, and they found out that beating up on a scrawny weakling would help a bully's chances of being ranked as a better fighter, even over other bullies who didn't fight any weaklings and only fought other bullies.

However, some of the more fair-spirited kids realized that this sort of bullying was not only not competitive, it reduced the integrity of the whole process of deciding the champion. These kids argued that in boxing, weight classes are strictly enforced for a reason: a fight between boxers of significantly different weights was not, is not, and never can be a fair and competitive fight.

David and Goliath squaring off is for mythology and literature, the studious scrawny kids pointed out. The extraordinarily one-sided military conflict between the USA and Panama (1989) was a matter of geopolitical strategy and national interest, and was never meant to be a fair fight in the "spirit of competition", they added.

Sports is different, these kids argued. Sporting competition is not meant to stack the odds in favor of one team or another, and there are certain parameters that ensure the competition is fair. The parameter that the bullies argued for in the first place (in order to get more attention, and revenue...pay-per-view schoolyard brawls) was now being ignored by those same bullies.

Eventually the fair-spirited kids got together and signed a petition against the behavior of the bullies, and requesting that the school enforce the division between the two groups by having the competition take place with formal fighting rules, strictly enforcing the division between "bully" class and "weakling" class, with no fights outside of class even permitted to take place on school grounds.

This regulation brought about much groaning and complaining from the bullies; after all, they were used to dictating the terms of competition themselves, without interference.

The lesson that the bullies learned, though, is a valuable one, both for the bullies and for sporting competitions in general:

PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE.

Here are the current "bully major" (BCS) and "bully mid-major" category standings:

"BULLY MAJOR" TOP 10 (BCS conferences; FCS opponents omitted)

Alabama: 11-0* (Western Kentucky, though WKU will be FBS in 2009)
Texas: 11-1
Oklahoma: 10-1* (Chattanooga)
Florida: 10-1* (Citadel)
Penn State: 10-1* (Coastal Carolina)
USC: 10-1
Texas Tech: 9-1** (Eastern Washington; Massachusetts)
Ohio State: 9-2* (Youngstown St.)
Cincinnati: 9-2* (Eastern Kentucky)
Michigan State or Oregon: tied @ 9-3

"BULLY MID-MAJOR" TOP 10 (non-BCS conferences; FCS opponents omitted)

Utah: 11-0* (Weber State)
Boise State: 11-0* (Idaho State)
Ball State: 10-0* (Western Kentucky, see above; Northeastern)
TCU: 9-2* (Stephen F. Austin)
BYU: 9-2* (Northern Iowa)
Tulsa: 9-2* (Central Arkansas)
Rice: 9-3
Western Michigan: 8-3* (Tennessee Tech)
East Carolina: 8-4
Air Force (Southern Utah) or Central Michigan (Eastern Illinois): tied @ 7-4*

My B/R Top 25 (Nov. 30)

Scott Pusich — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:04:18 -0500

1. Alabama (previous: 1) 12-0; beat Auburn 36-0

It would be so much easier if there were another team that was 12-0. Wait...strike that.

It would be so much easier if there were another team from a “major” (!) conference that was 12-0. Such is the Broken Championship System. The college football equivalent of Gorbachev’s perestroika, the BCS is doomed to fail by opening up the possibility for change.

Yes, my frie...uh, comrades...there have been reforms, and the “planners” have been tinkering with the machinery here and there, but the consciences of the fans have been awakened that there is an alternative.

The days of the BCS are numbered, much as the former Soviet Union began to crack, and then collapsed (after a failed attempt at turning the clock back).

Oh yeah: Alabama faces No. T-2 Florida for the SEC title in Atlanta on Dec. 6.

T-2. Oklahoma (previous: T-2) 11-1; beat No. 13 Oklahoma State 61-41

Of the three teams I had tied at T-2, the Sooners faced the toughest opponent. Despite a scrappy Oklahoma State team keeping the game close through more than three quarters, and the fact that Oklahoma was behind in a game for the first time since they played Texas, the Sooners put the game away late, and staked their claim on the field for a place in the Big XII title game.

Now, it remains for the BCS voters and computers to do the Big XII’s work for it. Nice alibi if you can justify it: “It’s not our fault!” say the Big XII administrators, “Blame the BCS rankings!”

For the purposes of this poll (which doesn’t allow ties), I am putting Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida in that order (Nos. 2, 3, and 4).

T-2. Texas (previous: T-2) 11-1; beat Texas A&M 49-9

Texas did as expected. So did Oklahoma and Texas Tech. The three-way tie remains, and the Big XII university presidents are idiots for using the BCS rankings as a conference tiebreaker.

In my own personal system, there are four teams deserving of being in a four-team playoff, and they’re ranked No. 1 and T-2.

Most of the fans reading this will agree that the two most deserving teams for the Big XII championship game are Oklahoma and Texas. This is one reason why I abhor divisions and incomplete conference schedules.

Unfortunately, neither the BCS nor the conferences are interested in putting the best teams in a playoff, let alone a one-off title game, whether at conference or national level. Them’s the facts.

T-2. Florida (previous: T-2) 11-1; beat No. 24 Florida State 45-15

Tebow & Co. finessed their way through a light sprinkle and a slightly moistened field in Tallahassee on their way to the SEC championship game. Tebow remains in the hunt for a second Heisman, but I bet he’d take a national title instead if he could only have one or the other this year (note: I'm not assuming he won't have a shot at both again next year, if he stays).

5. Utah (previous: 5) 12-0; no game, regular season completed

6. USC (previous: 7) 10-1; beat Notre Dame 38-3

Does the “mercy” rule kick in at a 40-point margin of victory? And for that matter, why would the Trojans adhere to such a rule? Because this is the second year the Trojans have put up 38 against the Fighting Irish. The difference being, this year Notre Dame scored...

USC remains outside of the title picture, with only an upset of the Big XII South champion by Big XII North champion Missouri this weekend really allowing them a slim chance at leaping both Oklahoma and Texas.

They regain their place ahead of Penn State by virtue of...catching up in their schedule. One game remains, @ rival UCLA this weekend, and barring a loss there, the Trojans will be facing Penn State in the Rose Bowl.

7. Penn State (previous: 6) 11-1; no game, regular season completed

8. Texas Tech (previous: 8) 11-1; beat Baylor 35-28

Almost lost to Baylor. The key word being “almost.” The Red Raiders hang on to their spot at No. 8. I don’t think they’ll make it to a BCS bowl. Therefore, I’d like to see them face off against Boise State in the “shootout of the year”...and that’s saying something, seeing what we’ve seen this season.

Perhaps instead of the OK Corral, they could meet at the Outback Steakhouse? The over/under should be 139 on that one!

9. Boise State (previous: 9) 12-0; beat Fresno State 61-10

The Broncos still have a slim chance of making a surprise appearance as the second “mid-major” from a non-BCS conference (in addition to Utah). It looks like it will come down to a choice between them and No. 10 Ohio State, and any BCS bowl would be tempted to take the Buckeyes. Expect much grumbling in Boise.

10. Ohio State (previous: 10) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

11. Cincinnati (previous: 16) 10-2; beat Syracuse 30-10

Win the games you’re supposed to, hang tough in the others, and spring an upset or two along the way. Doesn’t seem too hard, but most teams can’t do it. Arguably—given their record since—the loss to Connecticut is the only game the Bearcats need to feel bad about (losing @ Oklahoma by less than Texas Tech did can be seen as a moral victory).

12. TCU (previous: 14) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

13. Ball State (previous: 15) 12-0; beat Western Michigan 45-22

BCS material? No. Eight-team playoff material? Nope. Sixteen-team playoff material? Yes, which is why there probably will not be a 16-team playoff. The “major” conferences wouldn’t tolerate letting the “mid-majors” play with them and want to keep the sandbox small (preferably for two)…

14. BYU (previous: 18) 10-2; no game, regular season completed

15. Missouri (previous: 11) 9-3; lost to Kansas 37-40

Missouri should have put the game away but was ineffective in keeping the Jayhawks offense and special teams contained. Letting the Fighting Manginos hang around until the end of the game meant trouble. The weather didn’t help, but should be no excuse; after all, Missouri will play the Big XII South champion in Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 6.

16. Oklahoma State (previous: 13) 9-3; lost to No. T-2 Oklahoma 41-61

Credit the Cowboys for hanging in the game almost until the very end; the game was closer than the final score indicated. But daring Oklahoma to beat you with its passing game can get you burned...

17. Georgia (previous: 12) 9-3; lost to No. 22 Georgia Tech 42-45

Georgia’s season was already disappointing before the loss to rival Georgia Tech. Now it’s worse. The ‘Dawgs were favored to win the SEC, if not the national title, and they haven’t met those expectations. Coach Richt will have to motivate his players to make sure they approach their bowl game seriously, or another unpleasant surprise awaits.

18. Georgia Tech (previous: 22) 9-3; beat No. 12 Georgia 45-42

Georgia Tech makes a jump up the ranking due to a road win in Athens. Not that it hasn’t been done before; it’s that the Yellow Jackets came ready to fight until the last play. However, the Ramblin’ Wreck misses out on an ACC title game berth (and a shot at a BCS bowl) due to a 5-3 conference record (including a loss to No. 24 Virginia Tech).

19. Mississippi (previous: 21) 8-4; beat Mississippi State 45-0

The Rebels finish with a more solid season than LSU, including a head-to-head victory. Don’t forget that road win in Gainesville, either. That’s an accomplishment in any year.

20. Oregon (previous: 25) 9-3; beat No. 17 Oregon State 65-38

Um... most of the metaphors I could use to summarize this game would be rather raunchy. So I’ll leave them to your imagination. I bet you’re smiling already.

21. Michigan State (previous: 19) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

22. Northwestern (previous: 20) 9-3; no game, regular season completed

23. Boston College (previous: 23) 9-3; beat Maryland 28-21

The Eagles finished with the same conference record as Florida State, but by virtue of their win over the Seminoles on Nov. 15, Boston College wins the ACC Atlantic division and a trip to Tampa for the ACC title game vs. No. 24 Virginia Tech. Winner gets a BCS bowl berth…

24. Virginia Tech (previous: NR) 8-4; beat Virginia 17-14

Wins the ACC Coastal division due to an early-season win over Georgia Tech, even though Georgia Tech has a better overall record. For the second straight year, the Hokies have a chance to avenge a loss to Boston College in the ACC title game; question is, if they win, can they beat their Orange Bowl opponent?

25. Oregon State (previous: 17) 8-4; lost to No. 25 Oregon 38-65

Heartbreak. All the Beavers had to do to lock in a trip to the Rose Bowl (and a double-BCS payout for the Pac-10) was win. No dice, no roses.

Dropped out: No. 24 Florida State (8-4)

My B/R Top 25 (Nov. 23)

Scott Pusich — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:46:44 -0500

1. Alabama (previous: 1) 11-0; BYE

For those who consider the regular season to be one giant playoff, Alabama is the last “major” conference member standing. Shall we proclaim them champions by default? I thought not. First: the regular season is not a playoff. Second: the conference championships are not playoffs; they are “play-ins” (see Missouri 2007, for example).

The Tide have two games remaining on their pre-bowl schedule: this week vs. rival Auburn, and the SEC title game on Dec. 6 vs. No. 2(t) Florida.

2(t). Oklahoma (previous: 4) 10-1; beat No. 2 Texas Tech 65-21

The magnitude of Oklahoma’s thrashing of Texas Tech is such that I am placing them in a tie for second with Texas and with Florida. For purposes of the B/R poll (which doesn’t allow ties), I am putting Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida in that order (Nos. 2, 3, and 4). All three teams face their rivals next weekend; the Sooners have the toughest opponent, @ No. 13 Oklahoma State.

2(t). Texas (previous: 3) 10-1; BYE

Texas is leapfrogged by Oklahoma in part due to the latter’s margin of victory over Texas Tech, but also because of the bye. Yes, the Longhorns beat the Sooners on a neutral field. But the fact that Oklahoma hasn’t lost since that game, while Texas has, figures into it (although in this article I consider them tied).

Thursday’s game vs. Texas A&M will be the chance for the ‘Horns to make a statement and (along with Oklahoma, no doubt) start intensive lobbying that will put Washington, D.C., to shame.

2(t). Florida (previous: 5) 10-1; beat The Citadel 70-19

Demolition of an inferior opponent: Check. Texas-sized (or Oklahoma-sized) chip on shoulder: Check. This weekend’s game @ rival No. 24 Florida State likely to be a blowout: Check. Place in SEC title game vs. No. 1 Alabama ready and set: Check. All systems go for Tebow & Co.

5. Utah (previous: 7) 12-0; beat No. 15 BYU 48-24

I had Utah ranked as high as No. 4 earlier this year, but the Utes went through a mid-season slump in which they failed to demolish the opposition, and I dropped them to No. 8. Then came the "Holy War” and Utah sealed the BCS deal. They have little to no chance at the BCS title game. But there is still something to prove, after last year’s Sugar Bowl between Georgia and BCS-buster Hawaii. The Utes should be ready.

6. Penn State (previous: 8) 11-1; beat No. 17 Michigan State 49-18

The Nittany Lions are happy to smell the roses, despite having come so close to an undefeated regular season. The opponent, of course, is yet to be determined; it could be No. 7 USC (which every ABC executive is hoping desperately for) or it could be No. 17 Oregon State (should the Beavers beat No. 25 Oregon this week).

7. USC (previous: 6) 9-1; BYE

Another bye, another missed opportunity to move up a rank or two. The Trojans have two games remaining, this week vs. Notre Dame and Dec. 6 @ UCLA. Carroll and his troops will have to win out and hope that the Big XII and/or SEC become a total mess. It could happen, but it’s not in USC’s control.

8. Texas Tech (previous: 2) 10-1; lost to No. 4 Oklahoma 21-65

Just as Texas did, Texas Tech stumbled at the end of their gauntlet... actually “stumble” is too kind a word to describe what happened. The Red Raiders have Sooner Schooner marks on their backsides… they can still count on a “prestige” bowl berth, but probably not a BCS berth. Nevertheless, Mike Leach has to be at or near the top of most people’s “Coach of the Year” list.

9. Boise State (previous: 9) 11-0; beat Nevada 41-34

A close win on the road against a tough Nevada team preserves the Broncos’ undefeated record, but No. 5 Utah has effectively beaten them to a BCS berth. This week’s season finale on Friday vs. Fresno State is not likely to change that. But Boise will still have a chance to demonstrate their credentials if they beat a BCS conference opponent in their bowl game.

10. Ohio State (previous: 10) 10-2; beat Michigan 42-7

Ohio State is a “bubble team” right now. The fan base might be enough to earn them a BCS slot (Fiesta?) if enough teams stumble...but that is another piece of evidence in favor of an eight-team playoff, not for expanding the array of dead-end BCS bowls. The Bucks must be wondering what might’ve been had they pulled out a win vs. Penn State…

11. Missouri (previous: 11) 9-2; BYE

Missouri is the greatest threat to Ohio State’s BCS bowl berth hopes. Depending on the outcome of this weekend’s rivalry game vs. Kansas at neutral Arrowhead Stadium, and the Big XII title game next week in the same location, the Tigers could really complicate things… like Oklahoma did last year.

12. Georgia (previous: 12) 9-2; BYE

Based on the preseason rankings, Georgia’s season has been a failure. Lucky for us that preseason rankings aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on, and that the only rankings that count are the ones that come out at the end of the season. Mark Richt will have been working on getting the ‘Dawgs ready for this weekend’s game vs. rival No. 22 Georgia Tech.

13. Oklahoma State (previous: 13) 9-2; BYE

From last week’s summary: “If they were in the Big XII North, they'd be leading it, due to their win over No. 11 Missouri... but the Cowboys can play spoiler if they can upset Oklahoma.” You think the ‘Pokes are lickin’ their chops at the chance to knock the Sooners out of the running? Gundy might be foaming at the mouth already…

14. TCU (previous: 16) 10-2; beat Air Force 44-10

The two losses are to No. 2(t) Oklahoma and No. 5 Utah. Not bad. The “Horny Toads” are runners-up in the tougher-than-people-think Mountain West Conference. TCU’s regular season is finished, so they will be looking to demonstrate their (and their conference’s) toughness, vs. a BCS conference opponent if possible. Perhaps No. 13 Oklahoma State (whose two losses are to Texas and Texas Tech)?

15. Ball State (previous: 14) 11-0; beat Central Michigan 31-24

Being a member of a conference that plays the bulk of its conference games on weekdays in order to get television coverage is a mixed blessing. The positive side is the television exposure, of course. The negative side is that the games themselves lack the prestige or attractiveness necessary to get the maximum exposure that comes with playing on Saturdays. A narrow win over Central Michigan isn’t going to thrill the nation.

16. Cincinnati (previous: 18) 9-2; beat Pittsburgh 28-21

The Bearcats are one of the surprise teams of the year, beating Big East conference opponents South Florida, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh (despite the Panthers attempting their version of “The Play” from the 1982 Cal-Stanford game). A win vs. Syracuse will guarantee them the Big East title and a BCS bowl berth, regardless of the outcome of the “13th game” @ Hawaii on Dec. 6.

17. Oregon State (previous: 20) 8-3; beat Arizona 19-17

The Beavers camethisclose to losing @ Arizona, where the Wildcats boast that “BCS dreams go to die.” OSU Kicker Justin Kahut got that rarest of opportunities, a chance to atone for a missed kick (a PAT) in the same game, by kicking the game-winning field goal. This week’s “Civil War” game vs. No. 25 Oregon in Corvallis will be one of the biggest games in Oregon State history. So, no pressure then…

18. BYU (previous: 15) 10-2; lost to No. 7 Utah 24-48

Given the start to their season and the level of expectations, the Cougars have had a tough season. A case can be made, though, that their two losses were to higher-ranked teams (No. 5 Utah and No. 14 TCU), and that they beat (admittedly weak) Pac-10 opponents. It’s not a bad year for BYU; but it’s not as good as they’d like, either.

19. Michigan State (previous: 17) 9-3; lost to No. 8 Penn State 18-49

Winning in Happy Valley was always going to be a long shot. The Spartans were outrushed (Ringer held to 42 yards on 17 carries), outpassed, and generally outplayed by Penn State. But they can hold their heads up high; a third-place finish in the Big “11” will get them somewhere warm for the holidays—even though there won’t be roses between their teeth.

20. Northwestern (previous: 23) 9-3; beat Illinois 27-10

Most polls haven’t paid much attention to Northwestern in the last few weeks. I kept the Wildcats in, on the basis of their steady progress through the season; they followed each of their three losses with a win. A 9-3 record is good enough for fourth in the Big “11” and mostly likely means the ‘Cats will be in one of those “good bowls” around Jan. 1.

21. Mississippi (previous: NR) 7-4; beat No. 19 LSU 31-13

Wow. The fact that two of the Rebels’ seven wins have come ON THE ROAD against No. 2(t) Florida and (pictured) LSU—programs that captured the 2006 and 2007 BCS titles—is one reason to put them in the Top 25 as the only four-loss team.

Hotty Totty Gosh A-mighty, indeed! Currently the fourth-place SEC team by virtue of conference record, Ole Miss closes out the regular season Friday vs. rival Mississippi State.

22. Georgia Tech (previous: NR) 8-3; beat No. 25 Miami 41-23

What is with the ACC this year? I was half-kidding when I said “nobody wants to win it” last week. I don’t think I can kid now. If it wasn’t for Duke the whole conference could finish between 6-6 and 8-4. Georgia Tech looked impressive in the win over Miami, but can still lose the ACC Coastal if 7-4 Virginia Tech beats Virginia this weekend.

23. Boston College (previous: NR) 8-3; beat Wake Forest 24-21

By virtue of their win over No. 24 Florida State on Nov. 15, Boston College controls their own destiny. All they have to do is beat Maryland. Which means that they probably won't…

24. Florida State (previous: NR) 8-3; beat No. 22 Maryland 37-3

As an alumnus (M.S. Geography 1991), I send my congratulations to safety Myron Rolle for winning a Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford University in England! I just wish that more of the players followed his example (particularly in the receiving corps). The ‘Noles will likely be 8-4 after the game in Tallahassee this weekend vs. No. 2(t) Florida, but they still have a shot at winning the ACC Atlantic (and thus the ACC) if No. 23 Boston College loses.

25. Oregon (previous: NR) 8-3; BYE

Despite not playing, the Ducks stick their webbed feet into the Top 25 due to the ACC-related carnage. This week’s rivalry game @ No. 17 Oregon State will be a tough one for the Ducks to win for two reasons: (1) the Beavers are now within reach of the Rose Bowl—Oregon has a technical chance itself, but it involves USC losing to UCLA—and (2) the game is in Corvallis, not in the “drizzly confines” of Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Dropped out: No. 19 LSU (7-4), No. 21 Pittsburgh (7-3), No. 22 Maryland (7-4), No. 24 North Carolina (7-4), No. 25 Miami (7-4)

My B/R Top 25 (Nov. 17)

Scott Pusich — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:40:32 -0500

1. Alabama (previous: 1) 11-0; beat Mississippi State 32-7

The 'Tide keeps on Rolling. Now, a week to rest before the rivalry game with Auburn. No certainties in that game; throw records out the window. See: USC vs. UCLA, 2006. And then there's that small matter of No. 5 Florida in the SEC title game...

2. Texas Tech (previous: 2) 10-0; BYE

Biggest test of the year this week @ No. 4 Oklahoma. Yes, bigger than the game against Texas. If the Red Raiders pass this one, they should start watching the DVDs of Missouri to make sure they don't face the same fate Mizzou did last year...

3. Texas (previous: 3) 10-1; beat Kansas 35-7

The only weakness Texas has shown is losing too late; Oklahoma lost earlier, and has had more time to impress the voters, if not the computers. The remaining game vs. rival Texas A&M on Thanksgiving *should* be easy enough (see No. 1 Alabama)...

4. Oklahoma (previous: 4) 9-1; BYE

Oklahoma has bounced back admirably since the loss to Texas; well enough that the Sooners stand to benefit immensely should they be able to lay a smackdown on No. 2 Texas Tech this week in Norman (I'm leaning towards having the three Big XII programs tied for No. 2 or No. 3 if that happens).

5. Florida (previous: 5) 9-1; beat No. 24 South Carolina 56-6

The freakin' Citadel? *sigh* OK, Gators, have your pastry product and eat it too. Just keep in mind this is gonna hurt your SOS, and your rep. Try scheduling Central Florida or South Florida next time. Also keep in mind the rivalry game Nov. 29 @ Florida State is not a foregone conclusion (see No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Texas).

6. USC (previous: 6) 9-1; beat Stanford 45-23

The Trojans might be wishing right now that their remaining opponents, vs. Notre Dame (Nov. 29) and @ UCLA (Dec. 6), had better records, to boost their SOS. As it stands now, they have to cross their fingers and hope their BCS title dreams don't pop like an overinflated...well, Trojan. And isn't this weekend like their fourth bye or something?

7. Utah (previous: 7) 11-0; beat San Diego State 63-14

Quoting last week's summary: "This is the second 13-10 win for the Utes, so to impress the finicky pollsters they will try to pile the points on this week @ San Diego St." One game remains: this week's "Holy War" vs. No. 15 BYU.

8. Penn State (previous: 8) 10-1; beat Indiana 34-7

Only the game this week in Happy Valley vs. No. 17 Michigan State remains between the Nittany Lions and the roses of Pasadena. And for Big "11" teams, that still means something. Likely opponent: No. 6 USC. However, a rematch vs. No. 20 Oregon State is quite possible, and the Beavers will be out for revenge!

9. Boise State (previous: 9) 10-0; beat Idaho 45-10

Along with Utah, the Broncos are making the case for a revamp of the BCS criteria for participation, specifically the granting of automatic bids to the champions of the "BCS Six". One need look no further than the bottom reaches of this poll (for the "best" of the ACC and Big East) to see why.

10. Ohio State (previous: 10) 9-2; beat Illinois 30-20

Ohio State must rely on No. 17 Michigan State to upset No. 8 Penn State to make the Rose Bowl. Otherwise, the Buckeyes face the distinct possibility of being shut out of a BCS bowl berth altogether, unless Utah or Boise State lose. This week's rivalry game vs. 3-8 (!) Michigan *should* pose no threat (see No. 1 Alabama, No. 3 Texas, No. 5 Florida)...

11. Missouri (previous: 12) 9-2; beat Iowa State 52-20

The Tigers are on a mission to atone for last year's Big XII title game loss to Oklahoma. Thankfully, they reside in the Big XII North, and more or less have a lock on it now. Mizzou has a week off before the rivalry game on Nov. 29 vs. Kansas at neutral Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

12. Georgia (previous: 11) 9-2; beat Auburn 17-13

Yes, a win is a win. No, road games in the SEC are never easy. But the 'Dawgs drop a spot, switching places with Missouri. Only the rivalry game on Nov. 29 vs. Georgia Tech remains (see No. 1 Alabama, No. 3 Texas, No. 5 Florida, No. 10 Ohio State)...

13. Oklahoma State (previous: 13) 9-2; beat Colorado 30-17

The Fightin' Gundys have had a fine run this year, having lost only to No. 2 Texas Tech and No. 3 Texas. And if they were in the Big XII North, they'd be leading it, due to their win over No. 11 Missouri. Such is life amongst the sharks of the Big XII South. But the Cowboys can play spoiler if they can upset No. 4 Oklahoma in their final game on Nov. 29 in Stillwater.

14. Ball State (previous: 14) 10-0; beat Miami (OH) 31-16

The Cardinals *seem* invincible so far. Of course, their weak schedule is their main enemy. And a possible upset lurks this week on "WTF Wednesday" (as I like to call it) @ MAC West division rival Central Michigan.

15. BYU (previous: 16) 10-1; beat Air Force 38-24

At 8-2 before the game, Air Force was no pushover. The Cougars lined themselves up for this week's "Holy War" game @ No. 7 Utah. A win over the Utes would create a three-way logjam in the Mountain West (on conference record), similar to what could happen in the Big XII South.

16. TCU (previous: 15) 9-2; BYE

The "Horny Toads" had the week off, and so drop a spot, despite having beaten No. 15 BYU. A win vs. Air Force this week could boost them back up, especially if the Cougars lose to No. 7 Utah.

17. Michigan State (previous: 17) 9-2; BYE

The Spartans' chances of making the Rose Bowl are not good; they have to win this week's game @ No. 8 Penn State, and also hope that Michigan upsets No. 10 Ohio State in Columbus. But the fact that Sparty is still in the reckoning at this late date speaks volumes.

18. Cincinnati (previous: 20) 8-2; beat Louisville 28-20

The Bearcats are proving to be a resilient team; consecutive road wins in conference games against West Virginia and Louisville have shown that they are legitimate contenders for the Big East title. Games against Pitt, Syracuse, and Hawaii (special 13th game) remain. That said, if the best team in the Big East is ranked No. 18...

19. LSU (previous: 19) 7-3; beat Troy 40-31

The Tigers almost pulled an "Alabama 2007" by losing to a Sun Belt rival at home. Luckily for the Bayou Bengals, Troy seemed to run out of gas after three quarters, at which time they led 31-10 (!)... in Death Valley? Maybe the Tigers ought not to wear those purple jerseys at home any longer.

20. Oregon State (previous: 23) 7-3; beat California 34-21

Hmm. This could get interesting. The Beavers have two games remaining, this week @ Arizona, and Nov. 29 vs. rival Oregon. If they win them both, they're in the Rose Bowl, and USC is left at the mercy of the BCS bowl committees for an at-large spot. Wow.

21. Pittsburgh (previous: 21) 7-2; BYE

It's crunch time in the Big East. This weekend's game @ No. 18 Cincinnati will either boost the Panthers to the top of the conference, or eliminate them from serious contention. If the former occurs, the game vs. West Virginia on Friday, Nov. 28 will decide the Big East title.

22. Maryland (previous: NR) 7-3; beat No. 18 North Carolina 17-15

Does anybody actually WANT to win the ACC? In either division? I hear the calls for conference "demotion" to non-BCS status growing louder...

23. Northwestern (previous: 25) 8-3; beat Michigan 21-14

A home win over rival Illinois this weekend puts the Wildcats at 9-3, which is a good result for them. It was a tossup whether to put Northwestern or Oregon here; if Oregon beats rival Oregon State, they'll be in the Top 25. Conversely, if Northwestern loses to Illinois, they'll be out.

24. North Carolina (previous: 18) 7-3; lost to Maryland 15-17

Just when the Tar Heels looked like a quality program... just when they thought they were free of the ACC morass... they get *pulled* back in! Remaining games vs. North Carolina State this week, and @ Duke Nov. 29 are winnable, but that may not be enough to get UNC to the ACC title game.

25. Miami (previous: NR) 7-3; beat Virginia Tech 16-14

The 'Canes have a game this Thursday @ ACC Coastal Division rival Georgia Tech; the winner will likely be in the ACC title game. *Yawn*...

Dropped out: No. 22 Florida State, No. 24 South Carolina

My B/R Top 25 (Nov. 9)

Scott Pusich — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:15:06 -0500

1. Alabama (previous: 1) 10-0; beat No. 16 LSU 27-21 (OT)

A very workmanlike performance by the 'Tide; without the gift-wrapped presents from LSU's Jarrett Lee (including a "peek seeks"), they would've been in trouble in Death Valley. Throw in a missed field goal by 'Bama kicker Leigh Tiffin at the end of regulation, and the Fightin' Sabans have a lot to work on before next week's game vs. Mississippi State.

2. Texas Tech (previous: 2) 10-0; beat No. 9 Oklahoma State 56-20

A stark contrast to their fellow table-toppers, the Red Raiders are coach Mike Leach's own personal aerial assault force. There's something about this team that makes me nervous about them finishing undefeated; it's as if it's been too smooth (except against Texas) and with the breaks falling their way. But all credit to them for being here at this point. Next week is a bye, followed by a sterner test than Texas (!): @ No. 4 Oklahoma on Nov. 22.

3. Texas (previous: 4) 9-1; beat Baylor 45-21

The goal of the Longhorns is to win out: @ Kansas this week, and vs. Texas A&M on Nov. 27. Unfortunately, they also have to hope that No. 2 Texas Tech stumbles against No. 4 Oklahoma, but not so badly that Oklahoma (or anyone else) leaps over the 'Horns into the choice No. 2 spot (Nov. 22 is a bye for the 'Horns). Even if they don't make it to the Big XII title game, Texas still is on course for a BCS at-large spot.

4. Oklahoma (previous: 5) 9-1; beat Texas A&M 66-28

Oklahoma is demonstrating in points what it can't necessarily demonstrate in words: "Hey, we're as good as the competition!" The loss against No. 3 Texas still counts against them as long as both teams keep winning, but the Sooners also have a tougher road to the end of the season: after a bye this week, they host No. 2 Texas Tech on Nov. 22, and travel to No. 13 Oklahoma State on Nov. 29.

5. Florida (previous: 6) 8-1; beat Vanderbilt 42-14

Another one-loss team that is seeking to establish "poll cred" by thrashing opponents on the field, the Gators left little doubt that they are the class of the SEC East. The date with Alabama in the SEC title game is now set, but there are still *three* regular season games left to play: this week vs. No. 24 South Carolina, Nov. 22 vs. The Citadel (!), and Nov. 29 @ non-conference rival No. 22 Florida State.

6. USC (previous: 7) 8-1; beat No. 25 California 17-3

It's not that the Trojans are that bad; it's that the teams ahead of them are that good. Pete Carroll seems to realize that running up the score against the teams from the Evergreen state didn't count for much, and perhaps the team was retooling ahead of the Cal game, getting new "looks" ready for the crunch games ahead. Either that, or Cal's defense is pretty impressive. Heh.

7. Utah (previous: 8) 10-0; beat No. 12 TCU 13-10

It was a tough call whether to put Penn State at No. 7, but I decided instead to give Utah credit for holding off a TCU team that has already shown it has a fierce defense. This is the second 13-10 win for the Utes, so to impress the finicky pollsters they will try to pile the points on this week @ San Diego St., before facing "Holy War" rival No. 16 BYU on Nov. 22.

8. Penn State (previous: 3) 9-1; lost to Iowa 23-24

As the Beavers are to the Trojans, and the Missy State Bulldogs are to the Gators, so the Hawkeyes are to the Nittany Lions. *Dangerous*. The loss, though slim, is a potentially fatal blow to PSU's title hopes, unless there is mass carnage in the last three weeks of the regular season. A lot of things would have to go Joe Pa's way for him to end up in Miami instead of Pasadena. And depending on the result vs. No. 17 Michigan State, even Pasadena isn't a given.

9. Boise State (previous: 10) 9-0; beat Utah State 49-14

With four non-title BCS bowl games, Boise State has a good shot at landing a BCS berth should it win out, regardless of what happens with Utah. I picture the logjam of teams below them gritting their teeth with each successive WAC win. Well, perhaps those teams shouldn't schedule Youngstown State, Georgia Southern, SE Missouri State, or (formerly known as SW) Missouri State. Just sayin'...

10. Ohio State (previous: 11) 8-2; beat No. 19 Northwestern 45-10

The Buckeyes are now within a Terrell Pryor hip-fake of the Nittany Lions, but they most likely need Michigan State to help them out in a couple weeks to have a shot at the Rose Bowl. The two remaining games (this week @ Illinois and Nov. 22 vs. Michigan) are quite winnable, and a 10-2 finish *should* be enough for a BCS bowl game. In most years, that is; Boise State might spoil the Bucks' postseason party.

11. Georgia (previous: 13) 8-2; beat Kentucky 42-38

Another "NIT" team (in an eight-team playoff scenario), the 'Dawgs cut it too close against Kentucky, but it always helps to have Knowshon Moreno in the backfield. The remaining games are this week @ Auburn, and Nov. 29 vs. rival Georgia Tech. Much like Ohio State, Georgia has a good chance of finishing 10-2, but missing out on a BCS berth.

12. Missouri (previous: 15) 8-2; beat Kansas State 41-24

With Kansas' loss to Nebraska, Missouri is even more a favorite to win the Big XII North (and to be demolished by whomever wins the Big XII South). The two remaining games are this week @ Iowa State, and Nov. 29 vs. Kansas at neutral Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. I consider the Tigers to have the best shot of "throwing a spanner into the works" of the BCS title game, if they can upset the Big XII South winner. That would be the reverse of last year's Oklahoma win knocking Mizzou out of the title game picture.

13. Oklahoma State (previous: 9) 8-2; lost to No. 2 Texas Tech 20-56

The margin of the loss is what leads me to place the Cowboys below No. 12 Missouri, despite having beaten the Tigers earlier in the season. Granted, they've only lost to teams that were No. 1 and No. 2 when they played them. In the pecking order of the Big XII South, though, the Cowboys are now fourth, and compared to Missouri, have much less of a shot at the Big XII title game or a BCS bowl.

14. Ball State (previous: 14) 9-0; beat Northern Illinois 45-14

Ball State could beat the rest of their regular season opponents and I'd still have them at No. 14... ok, well I *might* move them up to No. 13 if the teams ahead of them end up doing *really* badly. With Utah and Boise State within range of going to BCS bowls, though, Ball State should (a) move to the Big East and try to snag the automatic berth, or (b) schedule non-conference games against SEC teams instead of Big "11" teams.

15. TCU (previous: 12) 9-2; lost to No. 8 Utah 10-13

TCU was unlucky against Utah, but it's better to be unlucky than bad. The Utes benefitted from a sellout crowd, and their "blackout" uniforms worked better than Georgia's did. The "Horny Toads" can still hold their heads high, and finish out their season with a flourish vs. 8-2 Air Force on Nov. 22. In the meantime, work on the kicking game, OK?

16. BYU (previous: 17) 9-1; beat San Diego State 41-12

The Cougars are back in their groove on offense. Two games remain, both on the road: this week @ Air Force, and the "Holy War" @ No. 7 Utah on Nov. 22.

17. Michigan State (previous: 18) 9-2; beat Purdue 21-7

Sparty keeps plugging away, adding to the win column. Two more rushing TDs from the "Human Timex", Javon Ringer. The Spartans have an outside shot at the Rose Bowl, but they will have to win @ No. 8 Penn State for their Pasadena dreams to come true.

18. North Carolina (previous: 20) 7-2; beat No. 22 Georgia Tech 28-7

The Tar Heels look more like the class of the ACC with each passing week. The win over Georgia Tech in what looked like Tennessee Titans (or Toronto Argonauts) uniforms was comfortable. The remaining schedule is favorable: this week @ Maryland, Nov. 22 vs. N.C. State, and Nov. 29 @ rival Duke. Just don't wear that dark blue too much, OK guys? It looks too close to that blue down the road in Durham...

19. LSU (previous: 16) 6-3; lost to No. 1 Alabama 21-27 (OT)

The Tigers lost a heartbreaker to he-who-must-not-be-named and SEC West rival Alabama. It was heartbreaking because the game was definitely winnable. But then, poor Tiger QB Jarrett Lee threw his fourth pick... in overtime. Next up: Troy. WTF?!? Half the Top 25 seems to play Troy each year! *shaking head*

20. Cincinnati (previous: NR) 7-2; beat No. 23 West Virginia 26-23 (OT)

The Big East and the ACC are like mortgage-backed securities... no one wants control of them right now. Right now, there is a three-way tie between Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh. The win on the road @ West Virginia should alert the nation to Brian Kelly's Bearcats. He has them working hard, especially on special teams, such as the 100-yard opening kickoff by Marshwan Gilyard (pictured).

The Bearcats did let their lead slip and went to overtime, but pulled out the win. They're peaking at the right time... at the END of the season. And in a weak conference such as the Big East, that might just get them an automatic BCS berth. You can direct your letters of complaint to the president of your favorite college or university...

21. Pittsburgh (previous: NR) 7-2; beat Louisville 41-7

Um, well, Pitt is in the driver's seat in the Big East. ;-) They just have to beat No. 20 Cincinnati on the road this week, beat West Virginia in the "Backyard Brawl" in Pittsburgh on Nov. 28, and for good measure win the game Dec. 6 @ Connecticut. There, that's not so hard, is it?

22. Florida State (previous: NR) 7-2; beat Clemson 41-27

Florida State could win the ACC Atlantic and finish 10-2...OK, 9-3... the game vs. No. 5 Florida on Nov. 29 is gonna be tough. Or the 'Noles could flail and finish 7-5. This week's game vs. Boston College and the game Nov. 22 game @ Maryland are not sure things. Even if they win the Atlantic Division, the likely matchup with No. 18 North Carolina in the ACC title game will not be easy.

23. Oregon State (previous: NR) 6-3; beat UCLA 34-6

And here we have the rotating "Pac-10 honorable mention" award. This week, it's the Beavers from Oregon State. Perhaps you've heard of them, they caused a "power" program a big heap o' trouble a couple months ago. At 5-1 in conference, *this* OSU (the third in the Top 25) is waiting to grab the Roses if a certain "power" program (a) stumbles again or (b) ends up in the BCS title game.

24. South Carolina (previous: NR) 7-3; beat Arkansas 34-21

Well whaddya know, the Ol' Ball Coach still has a thing or two to prove. Or he can coach a team to a bowl game in his sleep, while dreaming of playing the back nine at Augusta or Pebble Beach... this week @ No. 5 Florida should be an interesting game regardless of the result. Then a week off (golf?), followed by the traditional rivalry game Nov. 29 @ Clemson.

25. Northwestern (previous: 19) 7-3; lost to No. 11 Ohio State 10-45

Yes, the Wildcats were flattened by the Buckeyes. No, they don't have a chance of nabbing the conference title now. They were missing RB Omar Conteh, and the Bucks' defense zeroed in on QB (and cool name nominee) Mike Kafka. It came down to Northwestern or Minnesota for this place, and the Wildcats edge it on head-to-head. Remaining games are this week @ Michigan, and Nov. 22 vs. Illinois.

Dropped out: No. 21 Minnesota (7-3), No. 22 Georgia Tech (7-3), No. 23 West Virginia (6-3), No. 24 Maryland (6-3), No. 25 California (6-3).

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Undisputed College Football Champion!

Scott Pusich — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:14:31 -0500

Before you wonder why I picked a photo of Floyd Mayweather, please continue to read!

I came across an interesting site a few weeks ago while researching the 1989 Florida State-Southern Mississippi game in Jacksonville. Little did I know, the true import of that early-season game, won by the Golden Eagles 30-26 who were led by their scrappy quarterback who wore jersey No. 4 (do I *really* need to tell you to whom I refer?)...

http://collegefootballbelt.com/index.htm

This website, "The College Football Belt", was created by serious college football fans who lamented the lack of a true way to settle who was champion on the field. I'll leave the details of how they came up with the sequence of champions for you to peruse on the site given above.

They've come up with alternate paths, but they all converge by a certain point, which is January 1, 1972. They have a complete timeline as well, showing how long each champion "held" the belt (defending it successfully), and when they "lost" the belt to a "challenger" (who thus became the next champion).

The idea of an "Unofficial College Football Champion" has existed for a while, of course; Division I-A (and before it, Division I, the University Division, etc.) has had nothing but unofficial champions throughout its existence. While technically part of the NCAA, the championships determined by FBS and its predecessors are not official, and are sometimes referred to as "mythical"... fancy crystal only adding to the make-believe, fairy-tale aspect.

But this is more direct, more gritty, and rather free of pollsters. Something for everybody.

So, who are the current holders, you ask? The "Undisputed Champions"?

Texas Tech. Yup, that's right.

The next challengers?

Of course, that would be Oklahoma State... who have already held "The Belt" this season, but lost it. Little did the Cowboys know they'd have a chance to get it back so soon!

(Look under "Championship Preview" at the link above for whichever game involves the current "champion" or "belt-holder").

This alternate college football universe is something to throw out there for those who:

(A) Are repulsed by the thought of a college football playoff, and prefer their regular-season matchups to define the season, with a shoddy postseason; or

(B) Are repulsed by the current shoddy excuse for a postseason, and would like to have some way of following college football that determines a champion on the field, with no regard for polling.

I was intrigued by this concept, as I have been familiar for several years with its equivalent in "world football" (what we here in the USA call "soccer"): The "Unofficial Football World Championship". This is a similar thread of games, in this case involving national soccer ("football") teams.

The most popular iteration involves England's victory in the World Cup in 1966, followed by their loss to Scotland in a qualifying round for the European "soccer" championship ("EURO 1968"):

http://www.ufwc.co.uk/2007/10/about-ufwc.html

http://www.ufwc.co.uk/search/label/results (dating back to 1872... roughly about the time that both "World football" and "American football" began).

So, for those of you who are already planning to watch Texas Tech "get in the ring" with Okie State tomorrow, remember this (and apologies to Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed):

Ding.

;-)

My B/R Top 25 (Nov. 2)

Scott Pusich — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:13:10 -0500

1. Alabama (previous: 2) 9-0; beat Arkansas St. 35-0

No stumble, no looking past the opponent at hand. Nothing earth-shattering, given the opponent, but that's still miles ahead of what happened last November. Top spot is now the Crimson Tide's to lose.

2. Texas Tech (previous: 9) 9-0; beat No. 1 Texas 39-33

Credit to the Red Raiders: they held off a fierce Longhorns challenge at the death. The over/under (72) was just a bit higher than the Longhorns wanted it, and just a bit lower than the Red Raiders wanted it. Tech now must undergo what Texas has undergone: come out unscathed against Oklahoma State this week and @ Oklahoma on Nov. 22.

3. Penn State (previous: 3) 9-0; BYE

The Nittany Lions picked a bad week for a bye. Per my usual rule, they stay put. They have a chance to make it up, though, on Nov. 15, when Texas Tech has a bye. If PSU demolishes Iowa this week and Indiana on Nov. 15, then they might jump into the second spot. All's fair in love and non-playoff football, folks.

4. Texas (previous: 1) 8-1; lost to No. 9 Texas Tech 33-39

The highest-ranked team with one loss, Texas came within a dropped interception and a tightrope-act dance by Michael Crabtree of winning the game. It's an argument whether to put Oklahoma ahead of Texas; I don't, given the head-to-head result. Therefore, the 'Horns don't drop too far, and they still have a shot at the Big XII North if Texas Tech stumbles.

5. Oklahoma (previous: 5) 8-1; beat Nebraska 62-28

Every team in the Big XII is playing like Texas Tech; whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is left for you to decide. Having North and South divisions is a farce; the conference should drop two teams and play a complete (nine-game) conference schedule. Oklahoma might be better than Texas at this point; there's no sure way to tell, so I leave them in fifth.

6. Florida (previous: 7) 7-1; beat No. 8 Georgia 49-10

Right now there's a logjam behind the top three; all hell will break loose (again) if there are six or seven one-loss teams at the end of the regular season. Florida did its part to stake its claim for title game consideration (but that's counting the Alabama game before it hatches, of course). Georgia didn't look like it belonged on the same field for most of the game.

7. USC (previous: 6) 7-1; beat Washington 56-0

I dropped the Trojans one place despite their win over Washington. This is due to the effectiveness of Florida's flattening of Georgia in the SEC East showdown, rather than any inherent flaw in the Trojans' performance. This could be rearranging deck chairs, though, if the top two or three win out. This week vs. No. 25 California is the toughest test remaining.

8. Utah (previous: 4) 9-0; beat New Mexico 13-10

How can a win result in dropping four places? When it's a narrow win in which there is no sign that the winning team had all that much interest in the game. That is, Utah was likely looking forward to the game vs. No. 12 TCU this Thursday, Nov. 6. Hence, with the stellar performances of other teams near them, the Utes take a hit. They're still on track for a BCS berth if they win out, though.

9. Oklahoma State (previous: 10) 8-1; beat Iowa State 59-17

The Cowboys inherit the Red Raider's spot from last week. If they had been able to beat Texas two weeks ago, the roles would've been reversed. The 'Pokes made sure not to let the loss to Texas affect them (I've said previously I feel sorry for teams that play teams that lost to Texas the week before). This week @ No. 2 Texas Tech is now the umpteenth "Game of the Decade" in the Big XII.

10. Boise State (previous: 12) 8-0; beat New Mexico St. 49-0

The Broncos are demonstrating how to "ramp up" a BCS-busting challenge; Utah could learn a thing from these guys. Boise leap-frogs idle Ohio State, and if they win out while Utah loses one, they will beat TCU into a BCS bowl. And more importantly, there's nothing that indicates that they'd be overmatched against teams near them in the rankings.

11. Ohio State (previous: 11) 7-2; BYE

The highest-ranked team with two losses, the Bucks joined Penn State on R & R this week, and so they stay put. This week @ No. 19 Northwestern is not a given; OSU will have to be careful not to get caught making Rose Bowl plans ahead of time.

12. TCU (previous: 13) 9-1; beat UNLV 44-14

TCU also showed No. 8 Utah how a mid-major BCS-buster needs to perform; more crucially, the matchup @ Utah this Thursday, Nov. 6, will put one of them in the driver's seat in the Mountain West Conference. However, with their one loss, TCU are at a disadvantage as a BCS-buster unless Boise State stumbles.

13. Georgia (previous: 8) 7-2; lost to No. 7 Florida 10-49

The Bulldogs are not going to the title game. That's about all that's certain at this point. However, coach Richt and his staff will be reminding the team that they still have a shot for a BCS bowl if they pay attention to the tasks in front of them. Wins @ Kentucky, @ Auburn, and vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech would give the 'Dawgs a 10-2 record.

14. Ball State (previous: 14) 8-0; BYE

Not much to be said about the Cardinals; they didn't play last weekend because they're about to become "WTF Wednesday" regulars. I suppose the television exposure is a good thing for them, but a BCS bowl is definitely out of reach. The game Nov. 19 @ Central Michigan is going to be a tough game for the "Fighting Lettermans".

15. Missouri (previous: 16) 7-2; beat Baylor 31-28

The Tigers are still in the driver's seat in the Big XII North; that's not saying much, though... ;-) Games vs. Kansas State and @ Iowa State mean the Tigers should go into the "Border War" with Kansas with a 9-2 record. Perhaps they're thinking about that rivalry game already; how else to explain a three-point margin over Baylor?

16. LSU (previous: 17) 6-2; beat Tulane 35-10

The game against Tulane was a much needed break of chicory coffee in between the high -octane, 100-proof "hurricanes" against powerhouses Georgia (two weeks ago) and Alabama (next week). Perhaps that's why the Tigers were wearing purple jerseys at home? LSU may need to wear the special *green* jerseys to pull an upset over No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 8.

17. BYU (previous: 18) 8-1; beat Colorado State 45-42

Uh oh. Cutting it a bit too close, Cougars! Where do you think you are, the Big XII? Hee hee... a win is a win, but no bonus points or jump in the rankings. "No soup for you!"

18. Michigan State (previous: 19) 8-2; beat Wisconsin 25-24

A surprisingly competitive game; I (and others) thought the Badgers were toothless by now. Credit to them for putting a scare into the Spartans. But they... can't... stop... Javon... Ringer... from... scoring!

19. Northwestern (previous: NR) 7-2; beat No. 15 Minnesota 24-17

And thus we come to the "Big 11 also-ran" portion of the ranking. Actually, Northwestern is *back* in the rankings after having dropped out of last week's ranking due to the loss to Indiana. Redemption came in the form of a game-ending (just about) "peek seeks". Nicely done, Wildcats. Now go out there and give No. 11 Ohio State some fight!

20. North Carolina (previous: 20) 6-2; BYE

The Tar Heels become the class of the ACC by not playing, since it seems every time an ACC team pops into the Top 25, it then loses (see "Dropped out" below). Two key games in a row are upcoming: this week vs. No. 22 Georgia Tech (a Coastal Division rival), and Nov. 15 @ No. 24 Maryland (narrowly topping Florida State in the Atlantic Division).

21. Minnesota (previous: 15) 7-2; lost to Northwestern 17-24

Losing to Northwestern at home was a key blow to the Gophers' Big "11" title hopes. They still have an excellent shot for a prime bowl game, though, and unless the bottom falls out of their season, Tim Brewster is still a good bed for Coach of the Year.

22. Georgia Tech (previous: NR) 7-2; beat No. 23 Florida State 31-28

Georgia Tech can't decide whether it's a Top 25 team or not. It's ba-aaack, after dropping out of last week's ranking due to the loss to Virginia. A thrilling game against Florida State helps them back in, at the expense of the 'Noles. Staying will be a challenge; the remaining three games are this week @ No. 20 North Carolina, Nov. 20 vs. Miami, and Nov. 29 @ No. 13 Georgia.

23. West Virginia (previous: NR) 6-2; beat Connecticut, 35-13

Uh... the best team in the Big East. Can't we just go ahead and demote this conference to "mid-major" status? If you're wondering why, take another look at the conference membership again... It'd only be fair to the other "mid-majors"; do them a favor and put these guys in the basket with them.

24. Maryland (previous: NR) 6-2; BYE

Also got in because Florida State lost. Tough schedule remains: this Thursday, Nov. 6 @ Virginia Tech; Nov. 15 vs. No. 20 North Carolina; and Nov. 22 vs. Florida State in a possible Atlantic Division decider.

25. California (previous: NR) 6-2; beat No. 24 Oregon 26-16

The "challenger" in the Pac-10 (pause). I had to stop laughing. Seriously, this week's game @ No. 7 USC is not likely to be an "upset special". The Golden Bears get back into the Top 25 by beating Oregon. Nice all-yellow uniforms (see picture at top of article); they're reminiscent of another schizophrenic 6-2 team, No. 23 West Virginia.

Dropped out: No. 21 South Florida (6-3), No. 22 Tulsa (8-1), No. 23 Florida State (6-2), No. 24 Oregon (6-3), No. 25 Virginia (5-4).

Halloween Special: Appalachian State Vs. Wofford

Scott Pusich — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:23:22 -0400

For those of you who aren't aware of that lil' group of teams called the Football Championship Subdivision (you know, the part of Div. I football that actually holds a playoff), there's a special treat (or tricks!) in store tonight:

Wofford (4-0 Southern Conference, 6-1 overall)

Appalachian State (4-0 Southern Conference, 6-2 overall)

ESPN2, 8:00 pm Eastern, 7:00 pm Central

No doubt some of you are rolling your eyes about now. Fine, you can stick with the shiny sparkly FBS product you consume weekly, that overly-carbonated (fizzy hype) beverage that leaves a cloying aftertaste and also leaves you thirsty even after drinking it.

Appalachian State and Wofford are fierce Southern Conference rivals.

For those of you who don't know your football history, the Southern Conference is the grand-daddy of both the SEC and the ACC; it predates them, and those two conferences were created out of its membership, as they sought bigger pastures.

Tonight is a battle for first place in the Southern Conference, and thus an inside track to an automatic berth in the FCS playoffs (I did tell you about the playoffs, right?) as conference champion.

Wofford's one loss is to "cupcake" South Carolina, while Appalachian State suffered an opening-game letdown vs. fellow champion (haha) LSU. The Mountaineers' second loss was to CAA member (and playoff nemesis) James Madison.

Appy State still features wonder-QB Armanti Edwards (pictured, in last season's FCS Championship Game vs. Delaware, which ASU won 49-21 for their third straight FCS title).

So far this season, Edwards is 103/174 for 1456 yards and 15 TDs in the air; but also is the rushing leader, with 131 carries for 561 yards (4.3 ypc) and eight TDs.

For 2007, Edwards' passing numbers were 148/222, 1948 yards, 17 TDs; his rushing numbers were 237 carries for 1588 (!) yards (6.7 ypc) and 21 TDs.

However, the Terriers won last season's regular-season matchup, 42-31, largely by containing Edwards' rushing (11 carries for 37 yards (3.4 ypc) and one TD) and forcing three turnovers. Edwards aggravated a shoulder injury and left early in the second half.

Wofford thus snapped the Mountaineers' 17-game winning streak and ended their unbeaten Southern Conference record dating back to 2003.

Obviously, there is extra motivation for Appy State to get revenge this season and establish supremacy in the Southern Conference.

For its part, Wofford will seek to pull off the upset on the road behind running back Dane Romero, who has 103 carries for 518 yards (5.0 ypc) and 11 TDs, as well as have their defense contain a healthy Armanti Edwards.

Easier said than done...

So, will it be a trick (Wofford win) or a treat (Appy State win)?

Happy Halloween!

My B/R Top 25 (Oct. 27)

Scott Pusich — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:09:38 -0400

1. Texas (previous: 1) 8-0; beat No. 10 Oklahoma State 28-24

Try as they might, Texas couldn’t throw away the game. Seriously, though, the season is a marathon, not a sprint, and as long as the ‘Horns stay ahead of the competition, they’ll end up in the title game. The game next week @ No. 9 Texas Tech should be quite a duel between Colt McCoy and Graham Harrell and will be the toughest test until the Big 12 championship game.

2. Alabama (previous: 2) 8-0; beat Tennessee 29-9

The Crimson Tide handled the “Third Saturday in October” without incident. Next up: Arkansas State. Remember Louisiana-Monroe? Hopefully the Tide do and are not looking forward to the game @ No. 17 LSU on Nov. 8.

3. Penn State (previous: 3) 9-0; beat No. 8 Ohio State 13-6

No respect, I tell ya! The Rodney Dangerfield of college football might run the table and not make the title game. It’s happened to him—uh, them—before. The key for the Nittany Lions is to stay focused on their own games—the season finale vs. Michigan State on Nov. 22 is when they will make their final impression on the voters (and computers).

Then, it’s up to (a) an upset in either or both the Big 12 and SEC championship games, or (b) lobbying, lobbying, lobbying—preferably on ESPN College Football Final. Of course, a playoff would be the most equitable solution, but we can’t be idealistic, can we?

4. Utah (previous: 4) 8-0; BYE

I believe that on a neutral field, Utah could handle any of the teams below them in the rankings—that’s why I have them here. They didn’t play, so they don’t move up or down, regardless of what happens around them. Next week @ New Mexico is the appetizer for the main course vs. No. 13 TCU on Nov. 6 (Thursday night).

5. Oklahoma (previous: 5) 7-1; beat Kansas State 58-35

Answer this: If Texas and Alabama lose the Big 12 and SEC championship games, respectively, does Oklahoma get to the BCS title game?

Not likely. It’s much more probable that Florida, Georgia (whomever makes the SEC title game), or USC (should they run the table) face Penn State.

That’s another reason I have Utah at No. 4. Should both the Utes and the Nittany Lions run the table, and Texas and Alabama lose, I believe (barring an eight-team playoff, which would and should include Oklahoma) the BCS title game should match Penn State with Utah.

6. USC (previous: 6) 5-1; beat Arizona 17-10

Arizona is a tougher opponent than most would think (stop laughing, everybody east of the Rockies). The Trojans weren’t at their best, and the Wildcats were pumped to pull the upset, but the ineptitude of the Arizona offense was their downfall. The Men of Troy escaped from the desert with their title hopes intact—albeit under threat by the performance of those teams immediately behind them.

7. Florida (previous: 7) 6-1; beat Kentucky 63-5

Oh, you crazy Gators. You could be in the driver’s seat right now. Why did you lose to Ole Miss? Were the Rebels carrying small pieces of Kryptonite—how else to explain Superman’s mortality? Nope, the Gators were just outplayed on the day.

They still have a shot: Beat No. 8 Georgia at the Cocktail Party this week, make it to the SEC title game, win that game (most likely vs. No. 2 Alabama), and hope the “cowchips” from Austin fall where they may. Oh, and make an LSU-like leapfrog jump over Oklahoma in the BCS rankings.

8. Georgia (previous: 9) 7-1; beat No. 12 LSU 52-38

The ‘Dawgs have the same route to the BCS title game as No. 7 Florida. Win the game that’s going to break out sometime during the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” knock off Alabama in the SEC title game, and hope two out of the following three lose a game: Texas, Penn State, and/or USC. Not a lock, but given last year, what IS a lock?

9. Texas Tech (previous: T-10) 8-0; beat Kansas 63-21

I didn’t have Kansas ranked, so by my measure Texas Tech hasn’t played a ranked team. The pummeling was impressive, though. The Red Raiders have four games remaining. The key one is the season finale vs. Baylor. Ha! Just kidding!

Seriously though, folks, if Tech wins the next three games—vs. No. 1 Texas this week; vs. No. 10 Oklahoma State on Nov. 8; and @ No. 5 Oklahoma on Nov. 22—then they will replace Texas in the Big 12/BCS driver’s seat. The gauntlet begins this week. Texas is not Kansas...

10. Oklahoma State (previous: T-10) 7-1; lost to No. 1 Texas 24-28

Oh, how close they came...even the loss is good for the Cowboys, given the slim margin of victory, the fight the ‘Pokes gave the ‘Horns throughout, and the potential Achilles' heel in the Longhorns’ game that the Fighting T. Boones exposed—savvy viewers will remember they did the same to Missouri (and came away with the win).

The schedule sets up nicely with a game this week vs. Iowa State before the Nov. 8 game @ No. 9 Texas Tech, and a game @ Colorado and a bye before the season finale Nov. 29 vs. No. 5 Oklahoma.

11. Ohio State (previous: 8) 7-2; lost to No. 3 Penn State 6-13

The highest-ranked team with two losses. Now known as THE (other) OSU, since the Cowboys are above them. The Bucks can claim a moral victory, fighting to the end against No. 3 Penn State in the Horseshoe, but the loss all but ends their hopes of returning to the BCS title game.

The remaining schedule is as follows: @ Northwestern, @ Illinois, vs. Michigan. If the Buckeyes win out, they have a reasonable shot at the Rose Bowl. However, they have to rely upon Penn State making it to the BCS title game to do so.

12. Boise State (previous: 13) 7-0; beat San Jose St. 33-16

There is still a chance that the Broncos make it to a BCS bowl. They have to hope that No. 13 TCU upsets No. 4 Utah on Nov. 6, but not by too wide a margin, and make sure that they accumulate as many "style points" as possible, however distasteful that may seem.

The polls are a cross between a beauty pageant and a political caucus, which is why I hold out hope for a playoff someday, so that questions of whether "mid-majors" truly belong can be resolved. Of the five games remaining on the Broncos' schedule, Nov. 22 @ Nevada and Nov. 28 vs. Fresno State are the most challenging.

13. TCU (previous: 15) 8-1; beat Wyoming 54-7

As I’ve mentioned previously, the loss to Oklahoma makes it highly unlikely—though not impossible—for the “Horny Toads” to make it to a BCS bowl game. TCU must both win out (beating Utah) and hope for other games to go their way—specifically, that No. 12 Boise State and No. 14 Ball State lose.

14. Ball State (previous: 14) 8-0; beat E. Michigan 38-16

No more Saturday games for the Cardinals (see my previous article). Their schedule just does not lend itself to “big wins,” and I don’t see any scenario that will boost them any higher than where I have them now, at No. 14...just outside the “magic zone.” Have I mentioned that they’re not even in first place in their division in the MAC?

15. Minnesota (previous: 16) 7-1; beat Purdue 17-6

GO-GO-GOPHERS! Minnesota’s mascot reminds me of the “Old School” Joe Bruin UCLA mascot from the 80s *cough* when I was an undergrad *cough*, and hey, there’s nothing more inspiring than a worst-to-first (or in this case, probably third) turnaround, right? (See Tampa Bay Rays.) The Gophers were 1-11 last year—coach Tim Brewster is making a case for Coach of the Year honors.

16. Missouri (previous: 18) 6-2; beat Colorado 58-0

I feel sorry for teams that have to play teams the week after those teams play Texas. Does that make any sense? My condolences to the Buffaloes.

As for Mizzou, they’re now the inside favorites (though tied with Nebraska and Kansas in conference at 2-2) for the Big 12 North, and thus the Big 12 championship game.

17. LSU (previous: 12) 5-2; lost to No. 9 Georgia 38-52

The Bayou Bengals gave it their all but came up short by two touchdowns. And since their two losses are in regulation, the defending champs will not be defending their title. LSU’s hopes for a BCS bowl hinge on running the table, including vs. No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 8 and the SEC title game.

Otherwise, it’s a run-of-the-mill New Year’s Day game, and Les Miles will probably start getting phone calls from (or making phone calls to?) Ann Arbor again.

18. BYU (previous: 19) 7-1; beat UNLV 42-35

The loss to TCU really let the air out of the Cougars’ tires. They struggled to overcome an otherwise mediocre UNLV Running Rebel team that had no business being that close to winning. BYU can still play spoiler, though, by ruining Utah’s chances at a BCS berth...if TCU doesn’t beat them to it...heh...

19. Michigan State (previous: 23) 7-2; beat Michigan 35-21

Never pass up a chance to kick a rival when they’re down. The student body and the alumni will thank you for their year of bragging rights, and your in-state recruits are impressed. Sparty did the business in the Big House, and Javon Ringer “takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’...” (bonus points to the first person to answer which ad that slogan comes from).

As I’ve mentioned previously, there’s a very good chance the Spartans will finish 9-3, and that’s assuming a loss in the season finale Nov. 22 @ No. 3 Penn State. A plush berth in a high-paying bowl game is within sight.

20. North Carolina (previous: NR) 6-2; beat No. 20 Boston College 45-24

What in the name of Dean Smith is up with the ACC this year? Boston College and Georgia Tech pop into the Top 25 and pop right back out again. Overall the Tar Heels are looking the class of the conference—at least for this week!

Clutch wins over erstwhile powerhouses Miami and Notre Dame, and blowouts over Rutgers, Connecticut, and Boston College indicate the quality of Butch Davis’ team.

The Tar Heels cannot afford to trip up again, including this week vs. Georgia Tech, if they want to make the ACC title game...and they’ll also need No. 25 Virginia to trip up.

21. South Florida (previous: 17) 6-2; lost to Louisville 20-24

The Bulls start well and finish weakly—this happened last season as well. I really don’t like them in the Big East, if for no other reason than geographical principle. Regardless of that, dropping two conference games has put them virtually out of the running for the Big East title, and they’re lucky to still be in the Top 25. This week is another road test, @ Cincinnati.

22. Tulsa (previous: 25) 8-0; beat Central Florida 49-19

“I don’t like Sun-days...I don’t like Sunnnn-days...” (see my previous article, “Eight Days a Week?!?”) Thanks, Golden Hurricane. I waited for your crummy game to end before doing my Top 25. Are you happy? You get to move up three spots. Next week you have a game @ Arkansas (3-5).

And consider this, Tulsa: If you played Arkansas’ schedule, you’d be 3-5 too. Or worse...

23. Florida State (previous: NR) 6-1; beat Virginia Tech 30-20

Florida State is overrated in the major polls and the BCS rankings, the same way Kansas was. Trust me on this—I’ve been a student at both schools, and I’d like to think I know them pretty well. Putting the 'Noles in the Top 25 is doing them a favor—I could just as easily have put Maryland in this spot.

Why do I come to this conclusion? It’s simple: The one game against a ranked opponent (Wake Forest) was a loss. As with Kansas, I expect Florida State to continue to have problems against quality opponents. Of their remaining opponents, only No. 7 Florida is currently ranked, but Atlantic Division rivals Boston College and Maryland could easily be ranked by the time they face the Seminoles.

24. Oregon (previous: NR) 6-2; beat Arizona St. 54-20

Well, look who’s back! The Ducks are still on course for a decent season, and this week’s game @ California will likely decide second place in the Pac-10—which this year holds a status similar (if not inferior) to that of second place in the Mountain West Conference. Really.

25. Virginia (previous: NR) 5-3; beat Georgia Tech 24-17

The highest-ranked (and only) team with three losses. Edges out Maryland, West Virginia, and Connecticut to nab the last spot on the bus. The win over Georgia Tech was workmanlike, which reflects the Cavaliers’ season in general.

Losses to USC, Connecticut, and Duke are balanced by wins over Maryland, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech. The Wahoos also lead the Coastal division of the ACC and are still in the running for the ACC title game (and thus a BCS bowl), but face upcoming tests: this week vs. Miami, and the season finale Nov. 29 @ Virginia Tech.

Dropped out: No. 20 Boston College (5-2), No. 21 Pittsburgh (5-2), No. 22 Georgia Tech (6-2), No. 24 Northwestern (6-2)

Eight Days a Week?!?

Scott Pusich — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:06:11 -0400

Those of you who read my weekly Bleacher Report Top 25 article might already have heard the term "WTF Wednesday".

(Begin Rant Here; if reading aloud, raise voice an octave)

Is there ANY day that remains inviolate to the total takeover of television by college football? Or to put it more accurately, the total takeover of college football by television?

I used to think Sunday was that day. The preserve of the professional variant of American football; while Saturday was the preserve of the amateurs (in the best sense of that word).

No longer.

Tomorrow, October 26, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will host the Central Florida Knights, in a Conference USA matchup, at 8:00 pm ET.

To quote Bob Dole (sorry to take a page from the political world at this particular time): "Where is the outrage?"

Now, I'm a college football fan, and no doubt roughly in ESPN's "sweet spot" in terms of target demographic, but when things go this far, I have to speak up.

What happened to Saturday afternoons (and sometimes Saturday evenings) as the designated time for the nation to partake of college football, in person or via radio or television? When exactly did this change?

I humbly point you to the photo above.

Ladies and gentlemen, the downward spiral began in 1979.

Granted, they're not the only guilty party in this trampling of college football tradition; they're just the most omnipresent, and the most obnoxious in their disregard (despite hiring 'gray eminences' of the game as pundits).

It began almost imperceptibly, with shifting kickoff times on Saturday: to early afternoon or late evening. Then, as more and more games were televised, the equivalent of airport gridlock ensued, with only the most prestigious and deep-pocketed programs able to appear in the "prime takeoff slots" when the viewing audience is usually at its highest.

So, some games, in order to remain on television, were moved to 11 am local time.

Now, perhaps I'm just getting too old (I'm "Gundy" age), but I remember when ALL my team's games, televised or not (and usually they were not), started no earlier than 12 noon, and usually after 1 pm.

But as I look at the example of Kansas in 2008, I see non-conference games (which means home games for the most part) with a start time in early evening, after sunset (i.e. when late-summer games *should* start); but I see a large portion of conference games scheduled as "TBA".

That means that game time is more the choice of the television executives than it is of the athletic departments.

Furthermore, in the last decade-plus (roughly coincidental with the conference realignment of the early 1990s), games have been scheduled on days other than Saturday.

The first to go was Thursday; Friday being the preserve of high-school football, it was assumed that there wouldn't be an audience for college football on Friday. At least, that's what was assumed then.

Some conferences or individual teams leapt at the chance to play on Thursday; it was easier to get a prime-time viewing slot; it guaranteed television exposure, with much less competition for eyeballs from other college football games; and it allowed the program to "sell" the game as a "special event" to students.

I remember one such game between Kansas and Kansas State in the mid-1990s, when Kansas State was on the ascendancy, but not yet "ready for prime time"... at least not on Saturday.

Well, indeed, Friday was next to fall. Of course, in states like Texas or Florida, this was never likely to go over too big, so the teams playing on Friday were of a lower "prestige" still than the teams playing on Thursday.

Then, more recently, came Wednesday.

And Tuesday.

And I swear I saw a game (if only for a few minutes, like rubber-necking at a car wreck) on Monday earlier this season...

The game tomorrow between Tulsa and Central Florida is the first time I can remember a regular-season college football game being intentionally scheduled for Sunday.

Isn't there already NFL football on Sunday night?

Oops, I forgot.

That's NBC's deal now. ESPN used to do the Sunday evening NFL games; now they're doing Monday Night Football. So now they have some space to fill on Sunday, and of course they'd like to compete with NBC for the football addicts (Hi, I'm Scott...), because you never know, the NBC game might be a snoozer.

So why do I have my boxers in such a wedgie over this?

The college football week is now actually EIGHT DAYS LONG.

That is, this past football week started on Sunday, October 19, with no college football games scheduled, the release of various polls, etc.

However, instead of ending late on Saturday, October 25 (or in the wee morning hours of Sunday), representing a span of seven days, this week in college football will last eight days.

The last college football game of the week will be played hours after the Sunday polls are released. And it's important because Tulsa is (for now at least) a ranked team. The polls that will reflect the results of this weekend's games will not take Tulsa's game into account.

Next weekend's polls will therefore reflect the results of two Tulsa games, since Tulsa travel to Arkansas on Saturday, Nov. 1.

The poll issue is not the point I'm getting at, though. What's happened is that we have become the proverbial frogs in the pot.

Cable television turned up the heat on us incrementally, so that we wouldn't take much notice that our Saturdays, and what they mean to college football, were being steadily cheapened, and our free time during the rest of the week (i.e., time spent doing other things than watching college football in person or on TV) was being gradually eaten away.

I, for one, am feeling boiled, bothered, and bewildered.

I need some down time, to reflect on the week gone by.

I prefer keeping my college football addiction to Saturdays.

I know that makes me "old school". Guilty as charged!

(End Rant Here; if reading aloud, lower voice to pre-rant level)

So, with the increasing intrusion of televised college football on every possible waking hour of every day of the week, I'm going to have to start cutting back, and set some limits.

Perhaps there's some patch or chewing gum I could use?

My B/R Top 25 (Oct. 19)

Scott Pusich — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:09:29 -0400

1. Texas (previous: 1) 7-0; beat No. 14 Missouri 56-31

Another shootout? Yup. Colt McCoy is proving himself to be quite the gunslinger. Missouri gamely hung in there, but the smell of smoked Tiger at the end was undeniable. The ‘Horns handled the pressure of being on the top and “didn’t eat the cheese” (nice one, Coach Brown).

2. Alabama (previous: 2) 7-0; beat Mississippi 24-20

Hey, ‘Bama, what’s with these three-point and four-point margins? Don’t the Fighting Sabans know that in today’s high pressure college football climate, style points are de rigeur?

Honestly, though, in the FBS (I-A) world, where quality is decided in a beauty contest—and don’t deceive yourselves, dear readers, that’s what any poll is—Alabama is at risk of falling further behind the leader.

3. Penn State (previous: 3) 8-0; beat Michigan 46-17

The JoePa farewell tour continues (I think he and Bobby have made a secret pact to retire after this season), as the Nittany Lions destroy all that comes before them. So far. Next week at No. 8 Ohio State is the acid test.

If these top three teams win out (what are the chances? Ten percent? Five percent?) then we have ourselves another BCS controversy, and yet another reason for a *cough* playoff *cough*.

4. Utah (previous: 4) 8-0; beat Colo. St. 49-16

Untill the Utes lose, they deserve to be here. Period.

But after TCU's upset of previously No. 5 BYU, the Nov. 22 Utah-BYU game is no longer the Mountain West Conference decider. Instead, the new MWC "Game of the Season" is on Thursday, Nov. 6, as No. 4 Utah hosts No. 15 TCU.

It’s conceivable that all three of these MWC teams could finish 11-1 (and all miss out on the BCS), which would be cruel justice of a sort.

5. Oklahoma (previous: 6) 6-1; beat No. 24 Kansas 45-31

The highest-ranked team with a loss, the Sooners recovered well by outscoring a determined Jayhawks team. Although they will need help to make it to the promised land of the Big XII conference championship, it’s still within the realm of possibility.

But Oklahoma’s conference destiny is no longer in their own hands; they have to hope for an upset of Texas. Another postseason possibility is to land a BCS berth if Texas beats the Big XII North champion.

6. USC (previous: 8) 5-1; beat Wash. St. 69-0

The Trojans benefit from Florida's struggle vs. BYE, and leapfrog the Gators into sixth place.

"Hey, let’s make up for our weak conference by pulverizing one of our conference opponents into dust! Yeah, that’s the ticket!" This, though, may not do the trick in terms of getting the Trojans into the BCS title game. Especially as it was Washington State.

Now, were the Big XII and SEC conference championship games to yield upsets, and were the Trojans to beat Notre Dame and UCLA by similarly obscene margins, their “style points” might get them back in the title picture. That's a lot of conditionals, but stranger things have happened...

7. Florida (previous: 7) 5-1; BYE

Spanking LSU a week ago must have taken a lot of energy. The Gators had the week off, so they stay put, and miss out on the opportunity move up after BYU’s loss.

Next week at home to Kentucky is the appetizer for the main course: the Cocktail Party vs. No. 9 Georgia on Nov. 1.

8. Ohio State (previous: 9) 7-1; beat No. 17 Mich. St. 45-7

The Buckeyes continue to improve, and Terrelle Pryor is looking less like a true freshman (no redshirt!) with each passing game. And that’s the key: If Pryor can throw the ball effectively, it takes pressure off Wells and the running game.

Next week’s game at home vs. No. 3 Penn State will almost certainly determine the Big “11” championship.

9. Georgia (previous: 11) 6-1; beat No. 21 Vanderbilt 24-14

The 'Dawgs are making sure that the Alabama game is well and truly out of their minds, and they seem on a mission to make it to the SEC championship game for a possible rematch. Vanderbilt are tougher opponents than they seem, and UGA did a good job to come away with the win. They leapfrog Texas Tech into the No. 9 spot.

Now for the double crunch: next Saturday night, Georgia travels to "Death Valley" to face No. 12 LSU. Then, on Nov. 1, comes "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" in Jacksonville, at which a football game vs. the Florida Gators is rumored to be on the bill.

T-10. Texas Tech (previous: 10) 7-0; beat Texas A&M 43-25

The Red Raiders are hardly distinguishable from Big XII South rivals Oklahoma State at this point, so it's quite understandable to have them tied for 10th, on the cusp of being legitimate, but with a few more tests to pass before they are seen as the "real deal".

Tech did nicely to recover from the scare vs. Nebraska last week, and the A&M Aggies are just what Dr. Pepper (a Texas product, natch) ordered. There is no doubt that the Raiders' offense is running smoothly, and they should be able to compete well next week @ Kansas.

The question remains, though, whether they will survive the inevitable shootouts vs. No. 1 Texas on Nov. 1, or @ No. 5 Oklahoma on Nov. 22.

T-10. Oklahoma State (previous: 13) 7-0; beat Baylor 34-6

Good? Without a doubt. Great? The jury's still out.

The road win over Missouri still impresses, but otherwise the Cowboys have yet to meet a particularly challenging foe. And no, Texas A&M doesn't count (at least not this season).

Still, credit to the 'Pokes for focusing on the game at hand, and beating Baylor easily. Next week, however, represents the 2000-lb. steer in the road, as OSU travels to Austin to face the Mack Brown Express, with Engineer McCoy at the controls. It should be a good game to watch—in the same way Texas vs. Missouri was a good game to watch.

12. LSU (previous: 12) 5-1; beat S. Carolina 24-17

Credit to the Bayou Bengals for coming out of Columbia with the win, and for putting the smackdown in the Swamp behind them. For a while there, the Ol' Ball Coach appeared to have the hoodoo on them.

However, the Tigers still have something to prove before they're seen as challengers again for the SEC title. Unless they rack up a big win or two, they'll have trouble breaking into the Top Ten.

But the meaty part of the season in the SEC never lacks for opportunities to rack up those big wins, and next weekend the Georgia Bulldogs come to Baton Rouge. Then, following Tulane for a palate-cleanser, the Tigers host Alabama on Nov. 8 in what is sure to be the key game for the SEC West.

13. Boise State (previous: 15) 6-0; beat Hawaii 27-7

The Broncos are now the au courant choice to bust the BCS. They never really faced any danger against Hawaii last Thursday, and only Fresno State at the end of the season is likely to present a meaningful test.

While BSU has a possibility of reaching a BCS berth, I would say that on the basis of conference affiliation alone, Utah stands a better chance if both teams finish undefeated. It's too bad there isn't a MWC-WAC playoff at the end of the season; but then again, in my view it's too bad there isn't a *playoff* at the end of the season, period.

14. Ball State (previous: 19) 7-0; BYE

Ordinarily, I wouldn't move teams up during their bye weeks. The exception comes when so many teams ahead of that team lose. So, Cardinals: send your thank-you cards and beverage of choice to the following schools: BYU, Missouri, California, Michigan State, and Virginia Tech.

A BCS berth is virtually impossible, however. The MAC schedule the Cardinals play is just not strong enough, and even if more teams ahead of BSU fall by the wayside, there are other BCS conference teams that will likely leapfrog Ball State. As I said last week about Boise State: "they really should start lobbying for a 16-team playoff, because otherwise it's not going to happen for them."

15. TCU (previous: NR) 7-1; beat No. 5 BYU 32-7

With their one loss to Oklahoma, the "Horny Toads" are not likely to get a BCS berth. What they *can* do, and *have* done, is play spoiler for the other teams in their conference. BYU came crashing down last week; TCU travels to Utah on Thursday, Nov. 6 in what should be an entertaining game with the Mountain West title on the line.

What TCU brings to the table that distinguishes it this season is a *very* stingy defense. And with the exception of Oklahoma, the offense has been able to benefit from that defensive strength.

16. Minnesota (previous: 21) 6-1; BYE

The Golden Gophers move up in the Top 25 only because of the bloodshed above them in the middle of the table. Similar to Ball State, they have a lot of teams to thank for that.

The Gophers are one of the "sleeper" teams in the Big "11" that can benefit in the unlikely event that both No. 3 Penn State and No. 9 Ohio State self-destruct. Their one loss is in conference, to Ohio State; but they don't have to play Penn State this season.

17. South Florida (previous: 22) 6-1; beat Syracuse 45-13

Whether or not the Bulls have put the loss to Pitt behind them, it still hurts. Otherwise, they're a likely Top Ten team, with the inside run for the Big East title. As it stands, they still have a good chance, but they need help from other teams.

Two important road games loom, @ Louisville next weekend, and @ Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 30. The toughest remaining game, however, is the season finale @ West Virginia on Dec. 6.

18. Missouri (previous: 14) 5-2; lost to No. 1 Texas, 31-56

The highest-ranked team with two losses, the Tigers gave it their all against a Texas Longhorns team that resembles nothing so much as a steamroller. In the big picture, though, the loss to Oklahoma State a week ago is going to be more damaging for the Tigers' postseason hopes; as of now, a BCS berth seems highly unlikely.

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? Yea, it is the weak sunshine of the Big XII North, where the closest competition—the Kansas Jayhawks—is quite beatable.

So, yes, Truman the Tiger: there is a Santa Claus, and you still have a (slim) chance at a BCS bowl. You just have to upset the Big XII South in the conference title game.

19. BYU (previous: 5) 6-1; lost to TCU, 7-32

How far the mid-major mighty have fallen. Tripping up in conference before the end of the season (actually, at any point in the season) will do that.

The Cougars are still a quality team... they're just not BCS quality. They'll most likely end up in the Holiday or Las Vegas Bowl (again), and use it as motivation for kicking the bejeezus out of whichever mediocre Pac-10 or Big XII opponent is matched with them.

Please, let it NOT be UCLA again...

20. Boston College (previous: NR) 5-1; beat No. 18 Va. Tech, 28-23

Um. Well. Uhh...the ACC is pretty competitive this year, apparently. Lots of parity.

Um... Yeah.

The Eagles have a slight edge over ACC Atlantic Division rival Florida State, and so they get the boost up into the Top 25. *Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*

21. Pittsburgh (previous: NR) 5-1; beat Navy 42-21

A pleasant surprise so far, Pitt is the "sleeper" in the Big East. The season-opening loss to Bowling Green is the only reason to keep them this low in the rankings. The win over South Florida gave the Panthers a big boost.

If Pitt can bottle that energy and keep it going through the rest of the season (including road games at Notre Dame and Connecticut, and a home game vs. West Virginia), they can capture the Big East title. And hopefully move into the Top Ten in the rankings, so as not to precipitate cries about whether they deserve the BCS berth.

22. Georgia Tech (previous: NR) 6-1; beat Clemson 21-17

The Yellow Jackets have had a soft schedule; no excuses there. But they get the edge for the Top 25 spot over Florida State, which has an equally soft schedule and even less justification for it. Georgia Tech is the main beneficiary from the loss of ACC Coastal Division rival Virginia Tech.

23. Michigan State (previous: 17) 6-2; lost to No. 9 Ohio St. 7-45

From contenders to pretenders. Well, not really; one of the losses is out of conference. But still, it's tough to get comprehensively beaten at home the way the Spartans were. As predicted, the Bucks brought their 'D' and Javon Ringer bore the brunt of it.

Next week MSU gets to go to the Big House, and kick in-state rival Michigan while the Wolverines are down. And boy, are they down. A bowl game still looks like a good bet for the Spartans, and even a New Year's Day game, if they can go into the Nov. 22 game at Penn State with a 9-2 record.

24. Northwestern (previous: NR) 6-1; beat Purdue 48-26

Northwestern benefits from the decimation in the ACC, along with the flaming wreckage in the desert that is the California Bears. The Good News: like Minnesota, the Wildcats don't have to play Penn State. The Bad News: games @ Minnesota on Nov. 1, and at home vs. Ohio State on Nov. 8. The Wildcats are a long shot to remain in the Top 25, but are a good shot to make a bowl game.

25. Tulsa (previous: NR) 7-0; beat UTEP, 77-35

The ninth of the nine remaining undefeated FBS teams, Tulsa is putting up basketball numbers that are all the rage on the Great Plains nowadays. The fact that their toughest test will be @ Arkansas (the Razorbacks have been pounded on by both Texas and Alabama) on Nov. 1 says enough about their strength of schedule.

Conference USA is probably better than the Sun Belt Conference. And conceivably it's about on a par with the Mid-American Conference. That's about all I can say, really.

That, and since when are there Hurricanes (Golden or otherwise) in Oklahoma? ;-)

Dropped out: No. 16 California (4-2), No. 18 Virginia Tech (5-2), No. 20 North Carolina (5-2), No. 21 Vanderbilt (5-2), No. 24 Kansas (5-2), No. 25 Wake Forest (4-2)

BYU-TCU: Cougars Should Have Taken a Page from Proverbs 16:18

Scott Pusich — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:40:01 -0400

Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

(Holy Bible, King James Version, Prov. 16:18)

TCU 32, BYU 7.

Should it surprise anyone? Certainly not...

Of course, I have BYU sitting pretty at No. 5 in my most recent B/R Top 25 (and Utah at No. 4). Perhaps I was as overconfident in assessing the Cougars' chances of going undefeated as they were.

To be fair, I resolved to keep both Utah and BYU advancing up the ranking as events dictated, and each week teams above them obliged by losing: Ohio State to USC, USC to Oregon State, Florida to Mississippi, Georgia to Alabama, LSU to Florida, Oklahoma to Texas...

College football, circa the early 21st century, seems to be tailor-made for bringing the haughty down to earth—if only temporarily. Each new "king of the hill" also seems to be ripe for the knocking down, as the balance of power has become more equitable (if not at NFL-style "parity").

The "Horny Toads" brought their top-class defense, that much is clear. The vaunted BYU attack sputtered and ultimately stalled on the turf of Fort Worth, leaving the Cougars' BCS hopes utterly exposed, like a ripe insect, to be devoured.

A key stat that coaches dwell upon—to the point of graying hair, or losing hair, or pulling out their hair—is turnover margin.

BYU turned the ball over four times; TCU turned it over once. Advantage, TCU.

Another stat that shows just how exposed the Cougars were was rushing. 28 attempts, 23 yards (0.8 per carry). Compare that to TCU: 51 attempts, 240 yards (4.7).

Now, BYU is not necessarily unusual in relying upon putting up obscene offensive numbers in order to outscore the opposition and win games. However, such a strategy will be overridden by a strong defense that can contain the running game and disrupt the passing game.

TCU is only one such program that has that capability. Despite the Horned Frogs' loss to Oklahoma, they are still a class defensive act.

Oklahoma has a powerful offense as well, but then again, perhaps if the Oklahoma-TCU game had been in Forth Worth on a Thursday, things *might* have been different. For parallels, think Corvallis a few weeks ago...

I'm not so much surprised by the fact of the loss as by the margin. Was this the same BYU program that demolished UCLA and Wyoming? Possibly. Perhaps UCLA and Wyoming are truly that bad (and I won't deny that, even being a UCLA alumnus).

Perhaps BYU was never deserving of being ranked so high in the polls, and the gap between the "BCS" conferences and the "mid-major" conferences is still that large.

Or perhaps the Cougars began thinking (as is human nature—see the Proverbs verse above) that they were invincible, and that they would march triumphantly through the schedule to a BCS bowl, or perhaps a title game.

Any good coach is able to spot this pride, this haughtiness, and nip it in the proverbial bud before it ends up in the inevitable fall.

That's the job of a good coach, or at least his assistants and staff: to bring the players back down to earth, and restore some sense of perspective, and more importantly, a sense of humility, both regarding one's own shortcomings and regarding the worth of one's opponent.

A good coach will drill the following into his charges:

"Take NO game for granted, take no OPPONENT for granted; get your heads out of your *cough* text messages *cough* and pay attention to this week's FOOTBALL tasks. Assume NOTHING, prepare for ANYTHING, and give EVERYTHING of yourself, during practice, during the game, and in your life. Don't tell yourself how GOOD you are; ask yourself...demand of yourself...how you can become BETTER, as a player and as a person."

I don't know if BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall (still a contender for "best name for a coach") said something like this to his players in the past week. If he did, they heard but didn't listen. What I do know is that players (as a group) who don't follow this basic advice will end up teaching us—and hopefully, themselves—a valuable lesson.

To get theological: Pride is a deadly sin, and humility is a heavenly virtue. You don't have to be Judeo-Christian to make use of this, of course. That's the great thing about human insight—it often doesn't have any theological affiliation.

For all those on the "good list" (the B/R Top 25 or one of the other polls), take a page from Proverbs 16:18.

NOTE: I am making no judgment about the relative worth of any religious denomination, but merely using a Biblical reference to apply to college football as I know it. Any resemblance to sermons or other religious commentary, present or past, is completely accidental and unintended. Thank you for your consideration.

My B/R Top 25 (Oct. 12)

Scott Pusich — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:26:11 -0400

1. Texas (previous: 3) 6-0

The “Red River Shootout” lived up to its traditional nomenclature—forget the weak substitute “Rivalry.” The game had something for everyone—even questionable officiating.

The Longhorns demonstrated what “English football” (that’s “soccer” for the Yanks) manager Iain Dowie called “Bouncebackability”: the ability to come back from adversity or a losing position to succeed. Texas’ task is not yet done—half a season remains, and the ‘Horns host No. 14 Missouri next weekend.

2. Alabama (previous: 4) 6-0

A bye will get you nothing in my poll. Actually, that’s not quite true—I’ve moved the Tide up two places (the same as Texas) as a result of Oklahoma and LSU losing.

Based on performance so far, there is little to separate the top two right now. That’s what the next six (and likely seven) games will do: provide a thorough test for both teams.

If they both ace the rest of their tests, a showdown in the title game looms. If they read too many clippings—um, bloggings—then a stumble is not only possible, but likely. The SEC is not a forgiving environment (unless you’re “undefeated in regulation time”).

Next week at home to Ole Miss and even Oct. 25 @ Tennessee should be easy enough; it's the Nov. 1 game vs. Arkansas State that's giving me the heebie-jeebies. ;-)

3. Penn State (previous: 5) 7-0

Poor Nittany Lions. Stuck in a lousy conference, they’re not likely to get much respect unless those ahead of them stumble. They can go a long way toward earning the necessary respect by running the table. Beating No. 9 Ohio State on the road on Oct. 25 is key.

4. Utah (previous: 6) 7-0

Poor Utes. Stuck in a lousy conference, they’re not likely to get much respect unless those ahead of them stumble. They can go a long way toward earning the necessary respect by running the table. Beating No. 5 BYU on Nov. 22 is key.

(All similarities to Penn State depicted in this article are INTENTIONAL and meant to resemble actual people, living, dead, or otherwise).

5. BYU (previous: 7) 6-0

Poor Cougars. Stuck in a lousy conference... (see No. 3 and No. 4)

6. Oklahoma (previous: 1) 5-1

The Sooners demonstrated fight and tenacity against the Longhorns—it’s just that the ‘Horns had a little bit extra (what our friends at LSU might call “lagniappe”). Nevertheless, the Sooners will still be a factor as the season progresses, and a BCS bowl is definitely still within their reach.

QB Sam Bradford is still young, and perhaps he was outplayed by Colt McCoy on the day. But there’s nothing to be ashamed of with the Sooners’ performance in the Shootout—well, perhaps the ballet stylings of punter Mike Knall. Highest-ranked team with a loss.

7. Florida (previous: 9) 5-1

Ouch! Mon dieu! Now that was a SPANKING the Gators applied to Bayou Bengal backsides in the Swamp on Saturday. My bad for having LSU ranked so high (at No. 2). That’s been corrected (see No. 12).

The “Cocktail Party” is looking better and better. Next week is a bye, however, so I might be dropping the Gators a spot. Second-highest ranked team with a loss.

8. USC (previous: 10) 4-1

Poor Trojans. Stuck in a lousy conference...etc.

Even when the Trojans stink, they still can put away the opposition—unless the opposition is in orange and black and from Corvallis. Mark Sanchez seems to be recovering well from his injury, and the Trojans are on a course to meet No. 15 California for Pac-10 honors, unless one of them stumbles. Third-highest ranked team with a loss.

9. Ohio State (previous: 11) 6-1

The Bucks are still taking care of business, getting Pryor his much-needed game experience while allowing Wells and the running game to establish a groove. More importantly, the defense seems to be maturing, and not a moment too soon.

The next two weeks—on the road vs. No. 17 Michigan State and at home vs. No. 3 Penn State—will set the course for Ohio State’s season, whether it ends in the Rose Bowl (or better) or in one of the numerous nameless (i.e. corporate-named) bowls.

Fourth-highest ranked team with a loss (NOTE: I won’t mention the teams outside of the Top 10 with a loss; there are 12 of them!).

10. Texas Tech (previous: 12) 6-0

Inertia is a powerful force. Just try moving a 500-pound boulder from a still, motionless position. Likewise, just try moving Texas Tech down in the rankings after a home OT victory against Nebraska in which the Red Raiders were more lucky than good.

However, luck could prove to be just as important. Ask LSU and Ohio State about last year and how they made it to the title game—it wasn’t all down to skill.

Mike Leach’s gang won’t face the really tough tests until November: home vs. No. 1 Texas on Nov. 1, and @ No. 6 Oklahoma on Nov. 22.

11. Georgia (previous: 13) 5-1

The ‘Dawgs are over their loss to Alabama and girding themselves for the Cocktail Party on Nov. 1. The Tennessee “Cheesy Poofs” provided little resistance, and next week a suddenly human Vanderbilt (see No. 21) comes to Athens. UGA could still stumble on Oct. 25 @ No. 12 LSU if they’re looking ahead to the Cocktail Party, though.

12. LSU (previous: 2) 4-1

Is dropping them from No. 2 to No. 12 far enough? The Tigers defense was caught with its pants down and looked overmatched against a Florida team that isn’t exactly flawless itself. That said, a blowout loss is still just one loss, and next week @ South Carolina might be a chance for LSU to put it behind them.

Two tough games loom, against No. 11 Georgia and No. 2 Alabama, but luckily both are in “Death Valley” and presumably at night.

13. Oklahoma State (previous: 19) 6-0

The “giant-killing” of Missouri wasn’t inevitable, and some might even question whether Missouri qualifies as a giant—I had Mizzou at No. 8 last week. The Cowboys deserve the credit for coming away from Columbia with a road win, though, and their defense was key, snaring three interceptions.

Whether or not the ‘Pokes can remain undefeated is another question. They have an easy game next week vs. Baylor at home, but then they travel to Austin on Oct. 25 to face No. 1 Texas.

14. Missouri (previous: 8) 5-1

The bigger they are, the harder they fall? Actually, I had the OTHER Tigers—the ones from Baton Rouge—falling more precipitously (from two to 12) than THESE Tigers. Still, a home loss to a team that’s not considered one of the conference powers has to hurt.

The silver lining in Mizzou’s cloud is this: They reside in the Big 12 North, and right now the only real competitor is their hated rival, No. 24 Kansas. I doubt the Tigers will have much trouble getting worked up for the “Border War” on Nov. 29.

In the meantime, they face a challenge @ No. 1 Texas next week, and two conference losses will be tough. The consolation is that Mizzou doesn’t have Oklahoma on their schedule this year, while Kansas has to face both Oklahoma and Texas.

15. Boise State (previous: 16) 5-0

Poor Broncos. Stuck in a lousy conference...(see Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 8).

The Broncos won on the road @ Southern Miss and move up one place. The next game is on the “Smurf Turf” against Hawaii on “Messin’ with Sasquatch” Friday, Oct. 17.

Even if BSU runs the table, they’re not likely to land a BCS spot. They really should start lobbying for a 16-team playoff, because otherwise it’s not gonna happen for them.

16. California (previous: 15) 4-1

A bye week means the Golden Bears drop one place, getting leapfrogged by Oklahoma State and Boise State. Next week @ Arizona should be manageable. The tougher games come in November, on Nov. 1 at home vs. Oregon and Nov. 8 @ No. 8 USC. The Bears are still the main rivals to USC for the Pac-10, as their one loss was out of conference.

17. Michigan State (previous: 18) 6-1

The Spartans are looking better each week, not by dazzling anyone, but through steady effort, primarily the effort of workhorse Javon Ringer. Hopefully the poor guy still has some oomph left in his engine when No. 9 Ohio State comes to East Lansing next weekend, because the Bucks will be bringin’ the D.

The Spartans finish their season @ No. 3 Penn State, so 9-3 would be a reasonable aim.

18. Virginia Tech (previous: 17) 5-1

Ladies and gents, I present to you: the best of the ACC (faint cheering, followed by crickets chirping). The Hokies drop a spot because they failed to put up any points against B.Y.E., while Michigan State and Oklahoma State both won.

Two key road games, next week @ Boston College and Oct. 25 @ Florida State, will provide sufficient measure for the level of Tech’s game. If they come away from those with wins, they’ll no doubt move up several places.

19. Ball State (previous: 20) 7-0

I think it’s time to team up the MAC and the ACC team-to-team (leave Temple out, I suppose) and see how the chips fall. ;-) Is Ball State as good as No. 18 Virginia Tech? We probably won’t find out, but in the meantime, I have them right behind the Hokies in the rankings.

Granted, Western Kentucky is chopped liver, but then again, Virginia Tech also played Western Kentucky. THE WEEK BEFORE.

20. North Carolina (previous: 21) 5-1

The Tar Heels are catching up to No. 18 Virginia Tech. They had a tougher-than-normal non-conference game against then-No. 24 Notre Dame but escaped with the win. UNC’s one loss has come to VT, though, so until the win-loss record of the two is different, I’ll keep the Hokies ahead of the ‘Heels.

21. Vanderbilt (previous: 14) 5-1

So the Commodores had a not-so-easy, like, Sunday morning, after being smacked down by the WOOF WOOF Missy State Bulldogs. Just as with formerly No. 8 Missouri, perhaps it was time for a comedown—a reality check.

In the long term, things still look good for the Fightin’ Lionel Richies. Next week @ No. 11 Georgia is going to be tough, as will be Nov. 8 at home vs. No. 7 Florida. But Vandy still has an excellent shot at a bowl game, perhaps even one of the good ones that occurs in the vicinity of Florida and/or New Year’s Day.

22. Minnesota (previous: NR) 6-1

The Golden Gophers (pictured above, in throwback unis) are the Big “11” equivalent to the Golden Bears in the Pac-10. They’ve quietly gone about their business, gobbling up the pasty products as expected, and coming away with a significant win to bolster their conference standing.

The one loss came to No. 9 Ohio State, but the Gophers luck out by not having to play No. 3 Penn State this year. Keep an eye on them: If they run the table (a distinct possibility), they have a shot at a New Year’s Day bowl and a long shot at the Rose Bowl (which requires that Ohio State lose twice in conference).

23. South Florida (previous: 22) 5-1

Currently the best team in the Big East. A bye week means the Bulls drop a place, and they’ll have to do some work to win the conference, as their one loss is in conference, while West Virginia’s two losses came out of conference.

Assuming the Bulls keep winning, the showdown @ West Virginia on Dec. 6 might be for the BCS berth. It’s just too bad that there might be several worthy teams ahead of them by then who deserve the berth more.

24. Kansas (previous: NR) 5-1

Am I too hard on the Jayhawks? I don’t think so. Their one game against a ranked opponent this year, @ South Florida (presently No. 23), resulted in a loss. An impressive win against Colorado gets the Jayhawks back into my Top 25 for the first time since that loss.

However, the odds are not good for KU staying ranked; next weekend’s game @ No. 6 Oklahoma is going to be extremely difficult. The Sooners will be looking to bounce back from the loss to No. 1 Texas, and it could get very ugly.

25. Wake Forest (previous: 25) 4-1

Have the Demon Deacons been practicing with Auburn lately? The win last Thursday vs. Clemson wasn’t too pretty. Nevertheless, a win is a win. The Deacons get the edge over Tulsa, by the slimmest of margins, primarily because Tulsa’s win last weekend @ SMU was similarly unimpressive. It’s that ol’ inertia business again (see No. 10 Texas Tech).

Dropped out: No. 23 Northwestern (5-1), No. 24 Notre Dame (4-2).

Todd Reesing, Meet Cade McNown

Scott Pusich — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:53:05 -0400

First of all, let me begin by saying I admire Todd Reesing and what he's been able to do as quarterback for the Kansas Jayhawks.

After the 2006 season, there was no certainty as to who would be the starting quarterback for KU for 2007, and most neutral observers would have guessed Kerry Meier, who started much of the 2006 season, and whose brother Dylan Meier was for a time the starting QB for KU's hated rivals, Kansas State.

However, Reesing got the nod from coach Mark Mangino before the season started. The rest you probably know.

At one point during last season, while watching Reesing lead the Jayhawks to a midseason road win over Oklahoma State, I commented to someone else there in the bar with me that Reesing had "Favre-itis."

That is, he has a certain competitive spirit that can be just as important as pure physical talent—and sometimes more so—in leading a team, especially when faced with a challenge such as coming from behind.

However, when I was asked this week to submit an article about Reesing, I answered that what I had to say wouldn't be applicable to the game this weekend, nor as positive as Kansas fans might expect, since Reesing reminds me of Cade McNown, the quarterback at UCLA from 1995-1998.

A glance at my profile will show that I have an interest in following both UCLA and Kansas, and I see distinct parallels between the UCLA of 1997-98 and the Kansas of 2007-08, specifically in their quarterbacks.

Both are shorter than the ideal height for a major college quarterback, both have a knack for scrambling on broken plays and "making something out of nothing," and both have the kind of fierce competitive spirit that can more than compensate for physical shortcomings (at least at the college level).

Both were given a chance to play about midway through their freshman years and proved themselves worthy of becoming starters by their sophomore years.

However, the Bruins never quite reached the heights KU has, losing out on a berth in the first BCS title game in McNown's senior year, 1998, after losing to Miami in the last game of the regular season. For Reesing, the harsh lesson in 2007 came in the Missouri game, the last game of the regular season.

In both cases, it was the defense that let the team down more than the quarterback.

But until Reesing shows he can overcome that *hump* at the end of the regular season—whether it be Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, or all three—he will fall short of "Doug Flutie level" (beat Miami, won the Heisman, had a durable pro career) and be closer to "Cade McNown level" (lost to Miami, came in third for the Heisman, had a short fiasco of a pro career).

Reesing is the proverbial "gutty little QB" who is fun to watch at college level, but based on what I've seen so far, he won't quite cut it against the biggest boys on the block, whether that be keeping up with Missouri's Chase Daniel this year or facing NFL defenses in 2010.

There's still time, of course. Todd, you have the rest of 2008 and all of 2009 (assuming you don't leave early) to prove me wrong. I, and many Jayhawks, would be quite happy should you do so. Of course, you'll need the help of your teammates, too.

But until things change in the truly big game—the one that determines a conference championship or a place in the title game—you'll be reminding me of another short and feisty field general who never quite won it all.

And I don't mean Napoleon. ;-)

My B/R Top 25 (Oct. 6)

Scott Pusich — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:14:01 -0400

1. Oklahoma (previous: 2)

The Sooners are staying focused so far, dispatching Baylor on the road without much incident. This next week, in one of about a dozen "Games of the Century" this year, the Sooners face hated rival No. 3 Texas in the Red River Shootout. The winner is in the driver's seat for the Big 12 South, the Big 12 title, and likely the BCS title game.

2. LSU (previous: 1)

I see that the "Big Boy" polls have caught on to my method of dropping teams a place when they face the almighty BYE. Good for them. ;-) The Bayou Bengals go into the Gator Swamp this weekend. May the fiercer aquatic metaphor prevail...

3. Texas (previous: 3)

Ahhhh, the joys of "Hook 'Em Horns" and "Boomer Sooner." The Big Two (of the Big 12) are baaaaaack... Texas is only as low as No. 3 because they haven't racked up as many "style points" as No. 1 Oklahoma. This weekend's Shootout should be a real "slobber-knocker," as the pro wrestlers say.

Or it could be a blowout...for either of them. As for myself, I'm rooting for five OTs. :-p

4. Alabama (previous: 4)

Some may question why I have the Tide as low as No. 4. I would say in response—look where I put Missouri. ;-) The prancing pachyderms are doing the business but still need to dispel the bitter aftertaste from last year. A three-point win over Kentucky won't suffice. Neither will next week's matchup against BYE.

5. Penn State (previous: 5)

Perhaps JoePa will go out in style and retire after putting yet another national title in the Nittany Lions' trophy room.

BWAAAHAAHAAHOOHEEHAAA!!! RETIRE!?!? *wiping tear from eye* I needed some maniacal laughter there...hee hee...

Next week the "Kings of Happy Valley" travel to suddenly Swiss-cheesy Wisconsin. You go, Joe!

6. Utah (previous: 6)

Almost got caught by Oregon State but hung in there for a quality win and stayed undefeated. May be overrated at No. 6...but if I put Missouri or Texas Tech here, THEY may be overrated too. Advantage: "Da Utes."

7. BYU (previous: 7)

Texted it in against in-state powerhouse *cough* Utah State on Friday. The Cougars see their shutout streak broken and right now look less impressive than Utah. That said, these two mid-majors have a lock on Top 10 places until their showdown Nov. 22, unless they stumble before then.

8. Missouri (previous: 10)

Faced quality opposition for the first time since Illinois. The Tigers spanked Nebraska 52-17 in the Big House in Lincoln, and Nebraska now has a whole 'nother shade of red. So "huzzah" to "Mizzou-rah," they jump two places over the one-loss Gators and Trojans.

Can the Tigers continue their procession against 5-0 Oklahoma State (see No. 19)? Whose creampuff schedule will prove to be the stuff of which "speculative bubbles" are made?

9. Florida (previous: 8)

The Gators beat Arkansas, so why did they drop a spot? Well, it was Arkansas. ;-) Really, though, it was Missouri's thrashing of Nebraska that did it. Now, if the Gators can win at home in the Swamp against No. 2 LSU, they will no doubt leap back over Missouri. Highest-ranked team with a loss (4-1).

10. USC (previous: 9)

Those two games against BYE are coming back to haunt the Trojans. Even a "quack-down" of Oregon last weekend won't help them edge up the rankings if the teams above them keep winning, and the teams right below them continue to impress.

Once the Trojans catch up in terms of games played, they have a better shot of moving up. This week's game against Arizona State is not likely to give them enough oomph to do so, though. Unless the Trojans stumble again, a Rose Bowl rematch vs. Ohio State is looking more likely each week. Second-highest ranked team with a loss (3-1).

11. Ohio State (previous: 11)

The Buckeyes come away from Madison with a tough road win over Wisconsin, which sets up the Oct. 25 game in Columbus against Penn State as a must-see. Pryor continues to learn, and with Wells back, the Bucks have a good shot at the Rose Bowl (but that's it). Third-highest ranked team with a loss (5-1).

12. Texas Tech (previous: 14)

Completely humiliated Kansas State in Manhattan, which is not as impressive as it sounds—Kansas State is a program in trouble. However, the Red Raiders deserve a boost similar to that of No. 8 Missouri. This week they have a home game against Nebraska, which may or may not be harder than the game against Kansas State.

13. Georgia (previous: 12)

Idle paws are the plaything of the pollsters. This week's game against the Tennessee Cheezy Poofs (that orange!) between the hedges should be slightly more difficult than last week's thriller vs. BYE. Fourth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).

14. Vanderbilt (previous: 16)

The Fightin' Lionel Richies are for real, folks. Neither the offense nor defense lead in the "sexy" categories such as scoring, but if you want a clue as to why the Commodores keep winning, G**gle "FBS Turnover Margin" or go straight to this link.

Easy as a Sunday mornin'...

15. California (previous: 17)

The Golden Bears benefit from the bloodshed in the middle of the Top 25 and climb two spots. I never dropped them out of the Top 25, and the one loss to Maryland won't hurt them in the conference.

They may yet stumble before facing No. 10 USC on Nov. 8, but until then they deserve the place as "Pac-10 challengers" (however weak that may be). Fifth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).

16. Boise State (previous: 20)

Handled mighty Louisiana Tech last week on "WTF Wednesday." The 4-0 Broncos also benefit from the fact that several teams just ahead of them lost. Face a tougher test this week on the road @ C-USA member Southern Miss.

17. Virginia Tech (previous: 22)

The Hokies also benefit from the shake-up in the middle of the Top 25. However, beating Western Kentucky 27-13 isn't going to dazzle anyone. Currently the best team from a rather humdrum ACC. Sixth-highest ranked team with a loss (5-1).

18. Michigan State (previous: NR)

After dropping their first game to No. 15 Cal, the Spartans look more impressive with each passing game. Or should I say *running* game? Javon Ringer is carrying the team's hopes in the crook of his arm.

The Spartans were a bit lucky to come away with a win last week, though. They benefit from the slaughter of the middle-ranking teams last week. This week's game @ No. 23 Northwestern should settle which of the two teams belongs in the Top 25. Seventh-highest ranked team with a loss (5-1).

19. Oklahoma State (previous: NR)

How long will the Cowboys last? Last week they proved that Texas A&M isn't what it once was, but otherwise they've played the baker's favorites (yes, that goes for Washington State, too). This week they travel to No. 8 Missouri. One of these two is going to be exposed, and my guess is it'll be the Cowboys who feel they've been ridden like a pony...

20. Ball State (previous: 24)

How long can the Miracle Minnows of Muncie keep swimming in the Top 25 among the sharks? Not having to PLAY the sharks helps (see No. 6, No. 7, and No. 16). The "Fighting David Lettermans" stomped on Toledo last week, 31-0, and play @ honorary FBS member (No. 120) Western Kentucky this week.

21. North Carolina (previous: NR)

The win against Connecticut, coupled with the win against Miami, is enough to get North Carolina into Connecticut's former spot at No. 21. The Tar Heels' one loss is to No. 17 Virginia Tech. Next week's home game against No. 24 Notre Dame will determine which of these two newcomers stays in the Top 25. Eighth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).

22. South Florida (previous: 15)

Guess the Bulls aren't quite ready to plough through the tough Big East (did ya catch that?). Also, Pitt seems to have a knack for the "spoiler" role. Still, USF is the *only* Top 25 team in the conference, thanks to Connecticut's loss.

The Bulls have a week off this week, so they will likely drop a spot. They face Syracuse next on Oct. 18. Ninth-highest ranked team with a loss (5-1).

23. Northwestern (previous: 23)

If they had played, the Wildcats would have jumped up several spots (see No. 18 Michigan State). As it is, they faced the fearsome BYE and should consider themselves lucky they didn't drop a spot.

The home matchup vs. Michigan State this weekend will go a long way to determining whether Northwestern is the Big "11" equivalent of Vanderbilt...or Connecticut.

24. Notre Dame (previous: NR)

Pity points for Charlie Weis' smashed leg, basically. The Golden Domers are winning at home under the gaze of Touchdown! JEE-sus-uh!

However, the Dames can't play all their games at home—unless they can swing a special deal with the BCS. This week's trip to Chapel Hill to face No. 21 North Carolina is only their second road game. Tenth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).

25. Wake Forest (previous: 25)

Scraped and clawed their way against BYE last week, and so they remain at No. 25 as two-loss Auburn, Wisconsin, and Oregon, and one-loss Connecticut, tumble past them out of the Top 25. Get the edge (barely) over "bubble team" Tulsa, but the "USC method" of scheduling (two breaks so far) means the Demon Deacons have some catching up to do.

This week, they host Clemson on Thursday in the Papa John's special. Hold the anchovies, please. Eleventh-highest ranked team with a loss (3-1).

Dropped out: No. 13 Auburn (4-2), No. 18 Wisconsin (3-2), No. 19 Oregon (4-2), No. 21 Connecticut (5-1).

My B/R Top 25 (Sept. 29)

Scott Pusich — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:29:51 -0400

LSU: (previous: 3) The beneficiaries of my top two from last week (USC and Florida) tripping up and falling down. A workmanlike performance against conference rival Mississippi State last week, but the Bayou Bengals will need to maintain their focus and not get caught looking ahead. Nevertheless, they did what they needed to do. Warning, though: may drop a place next week due to the ever-present opponent, BYE. Next game is @ Florida on Oct. 11.
Oklahoma: (previous: 5) The Sooners were definitely NOT looking ahead or taking a win vs. the TCU "Horny Toads" for granted. An impressive win, but the toughest tests lie ahead, especially the Red River Shootout on Oct. 11 (see #3). In the meantime, the Sooners travel to Baylor this weekend.
Texas: (previous: 6) As I suspected, the Fighting Bevos tried to outdo Alabama on "style points" by running up the score on Arkansas. Credit to them for putting together a good team; however, we don't know if they are better than Oklahoma until the two teams meet on the field on Oct. 11! Stay tuned...
Alabama: (previous: 8) Replace the Georgia Bulldogs at #4, on the basis of their impressive road win in Athens. Poor UGA (the dog AND the team), they didn't even see it comin'... I guess it *was* a funeral. I'm still going to be interested in what happens with the Tide's game against Arkansas State on Nov. 1, though. *grin*
Penn State: (previous: 12) The big winners of the week, the Nittany Lions had a "whiteout" against Illinois and took care of business. Though much like Oklahoma, I'm still unsure about the relative quality of PSU. They could be anywhere between #5 and #11 at this point.
Utah: (previous: 9) Coasted over pastry product Weber State, but still get credit for having played, and thus leap over BYU. However, Utah's pass defense has more holes than a Wall Street investment bank. The Utes (My Cousin Vinny, anyone?) play at home this Thursday in the dreaded "Papa John's" slot vs. (wait for it...) Oregon State!
BYU: (previous: 7) Would have dropped a place due to facing look-alike program BYE this past weekend, but three teams above them lost, so the Cougars stay put. Next game on Friday @ Utah State is not likely to present much of a test, either.
Florida: (previous: 2) Tight game against Ole Miss, and it came down to a blocked extra point. Well done to the Rebels, who seem to have Florida's number, just as Oregon State seem to have the number of Southern California. The Gators are not out of the race for a BCS bowl just yet, but losing at home and in conference *has* to hurt. The "Cocktail Party" against Georgia still looms large. Highest-ranked team with a loss (3-1).
USC: (previous: 1) No excuses for the Trojans; they just didn't have the same level of intensity as the Beavers. They've had challenges on the road before, but for some reason, Corvallis seems to present a particularly tough challenge. With the loss, the home games against #19 Oregon (next week) and #17 Cal (on Nov. 8) increase in relevance. Second-highest ranked team with a loss (2-1).
Missouri: (previous: 10) Would have dropped a place, but stay at #10 (see BYU at #7). Playing anyone would have helped, especially in conference. Face a tough test next week on the road against Nebraska; the 'Huskers will be ready to get the bad taste of a home loss to Virginia Tech out of their mouths.
Ohio State: (previous: 13) Does the loss to USC look better or worse now? Who cares? Coach Tressel seems to have resolved to "bloody" Pryor (as the Brits would say), giving him ample playing time to develop, and to get him ready for battle in the BIG conference games. Circle Oct. 25 at home vs. Penn State (if the Bucks don't trip up before then). Third-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).
Georgia: (previous: 4) Almost everyone's preseason pick for #1, the 'Dawgs still have a chance... but they have to first get over the humiliation at home at the hands of the Crimson Tide. Luckily, they face everyone's favorite opponent (BYE) this week, so they have time to lick their wounds and sharpen their teeth for Tennessee's visit on Oct. 11. I might have to drop them a spot for the week's rest, though. Fourth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1), and now the fourth-best team in the SEC.
Auburn: (previous: 17) Jump a few spots with a lucky 14-12 win on the road against Tennessee, and the fact that so many teams above them lost. The "War Eagers" still create more questions than answers each week about their legitimacy, though. Could go down with a thud @ #16 Vandy this weekend, or they could spank the Commodores and move further up the polls. A riddle wrapped inside an enigma; the number 13 suits them fine. Fifth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).
Texas Tech: (previous: 14) Would have dropped a place, but stay at #14 (see #7 and #10). The Fightin' Leaches face their first legitimate opponent of the season this weekend @ Kansas State.
South Florida: (previous: 19) Impressive win on the road over N.C. State helps the Bulls make a significant jump. The charge that USF plays "up" or "down" to its opponent may still stick, though. The Big East schedule begins this week, with a Thursday night game at home vs. Pitt.
Vanderbilt: (previous: 16) The Fightin' Lionel Richies stay put (see #7, #10, and #14). Play at home vs. #13 Auburn this weekend. Vanderbilt might win 5-3...
California: (previous: 18) Narrow win over Colorado State means the Golden Bears get to nudge up one spot in a chaotic week for the polls. In a "normal" week (whatever that is), they might have slipped a spot or two. Still the second-best team in the Pac-10 in my opinion. Face Arizona State at home this weekend. Sixth-highest ranked team with a loss (3-1).
Wisconsin: (previous: 11) The Badgers failed their first conference test, coming from ahead to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against Mee-chee-gan, and so they fall hard. The next game, at home vs. Ohio State this weekend, will determine whether they stay in the Top 25. Seventh-highest ranked team with a loss (3-1).
Oregon: (previous: 21) Jump over Boise State because the Ducks actually played a game and rolled up some "style points" to boot, 63-14, even though it was against everyone's favorite Pac-10 Pastry Product, Washington State. Not much difference between Oregon and Cal at this time, really. However, the Ducks may be shot down when they travel to Los Angeles this week to face a suddenly angry USC team. Eighth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).
Boise State: (previous: 20) The "Smurf & Turf" Broncos stay put this week (see #7, #10, #14, and #16). Face a midweek game on "WTF" Wednesday, Oct. 1, at home vs. Louisiana Tech. As I said last week, a steep climb up the rankings is not very likely.
Connecticut: (previous: 24) Not under the radar anymore, due to a clutch win at Louisville last Friday, and due to "wonderback" Donald Brown, the nation's leading rusher at this time. Like Vandy two weeks ago, I had UConn in my Top 25 *last* week... so (again): neener, neener, NEE-ner!

However, the Huskies lost starting quarterback Tyler Lorenzen, and so there is a danger opponents will stack the D-line the rest of the season. Replacement QB Zach Frazer may be in over his head. Watch for that this weekend in a suddenly intriguing matchup in Chapel Hill between UConn and the North Carolina Tarheels, who dispatched the Miami Hurricanes on the road last week. (Are we really sure that it isn't basketball season yet? hee hee)
Virginia Tech: (previous: NR) Ladies and gentlemen: the *best* team in the ACC. The Hokies should stick with their "throwback" unis (at least on the road), they seemed to do the trick in hostile territory last weekend against Nebraska. It's never easy to come out of Lincoln with a win. Showed signs that "Beamerball" special teams are back, too.

The Hokies are undefeated in the ACC, for now, and taking a holiday this weekend, at home to the "baker's special" Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky (the 120th team at FBS/1-A level, beginning next year). Ninth-highest ranked team with a loss (4-1).
Northwestern: (prev: NR) The 5-0 Wildcats get the edge over 3-1 Fresno State for beating Iowa on the road last week, while the "West Coast Bulldogs" beat prospective WAC member UCLA on the road (and I say this as a UCLA alumnus... sad). Next week, though, the Wildcats face BYE.
Ball State: (prev: NR) The plucky 5-0 Cardinals poke their heads into the Top 25 for the first time, in part due to the bloodbath involving Top 25 teams last week. BSU was a tossup for this spot with fellow undefeateds Oklahoma State and Kentucky, but I've given the nod to Ball State for now based on their extra game and for "stepping up" by playing about the same schedule toughness.

However, even if the Cardinals run the table, they're not likely to be able to crash the BCS party, because their *remaining* schedule (in the MAC) is just too soft.
Wake Forest: (previous: 15) The Demon Deacons only stay in the Top 25 because Clemson lost to Maryland, TCU lost to Oklahoma, and East Carolina lost to Houston. Having that non-con win over Ole Miss doesn't hurt, either.

Losing at home to Navy won't impress anyone, though, in the ACC or nationally. No longer the best in the ACC; they're nicked by the Hokies for that less-than-stellar distinction. 10th-highest ranked team with a loss (3-1).