Bleacher Report - Articles by Phil Aiello

Alabama Barely Edges Out Florida: Week 12 College Football Power Poll

Phil Aiello — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:03:07 -0500

Week 12 Power Poll

It's been quite the year for undefeated squads in college football. This week we saw the power three take control as each team annihilated their opponent leaving absolutely no doubt they continue to belong above the rest of the pack. I see a distinct separation between the top three and the rest of college football, but you never know when any team can slip up nowadays.

It looks like after the top three, there are about three other teams that could challenge at the top, while the next fifteen or so all have the potential to be really good but have lacked consistency this year.

No one is safe in the NCAA as parody is really starting to catch up in the college game as many teams hanging around or even outside the top 25 (Arizona?!?!) look more than able to take down a highly ranked foe any week. Lets take a look at this weeks power teams and what they accomplished:

Week 12

1. Alabama - I know many people like Texas the way Colt and Shipley have come on recently. But, I honestly believe that Bama (up to this point in the season) has the highest quality wins and has proved week in and week out that nobody wants to mess with Saban, Ingram, and this defense. Oh yeah and it's scary to think Julio Jones isn't even getting the ball much, right?!?!

2. Florida - I don't even enjoy the media's darling, Tim Tebow. However, at least I can admit that he is just a gamer, straight up. Even with last years' playmakers gone, Tebow still finds ways to get it done while the defense is just completely shutting down what the other team is running, regardless of scheme.

3. Texas - Colt, Shipley and company are heating up and making (not that they need it) a lasting impression on the BCS committee right on time. The defense is stifling while the offense seems to be rolling at the expense of cupcakes. Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game should be a great test for either Bama's or Florida's defense in the title game. Beat 'em and you're playing for the big one.

4. TCU - The defense is playing lights out and the offense has been scary good recently. Oh, and beating up on Clemson and Bringham Young earlier in the year is looking pretty good right about now.

5. Boise State - This is based purely off of a thorough win against a really good Oregon squad. But, It helps to have Kellen Moore leading an offense that just seems to be on cruise control right now...even with some close calls against some lightweights (see Louisiana Tech).

6. Georgia Tech - The No. 1 team in a hugely underrated ACC conference is running through teams like Jim Brown used to back in the day. They have more talented running backs than some conferences. The option is working to perfection under Paul Johnson's intellect.

Hint: Get off the tracks when the train is coming through. Also, don't sleep on Demaryius Thomas either, the guy is a beast. They just rolled over and pounded a better than average Duke squad.

This is where I believe it gets a little tricky...

7. Oregon - This team just amazes me every week. Masoli just continues to make enough plays to win while James runs with the speed, power, and quickness reminiscent of the record-setting, vintage Deangelo Williams.

8. Cincinnati - They have enough quarterbacks on this team for a third of the Big East conference. Seriously though, you can bet that Pike and Ginyard are both licking their chops ready to take on the Panther secondary in two weeks. Don't sleep on Illinois this week please!

9. Ohio State - This team has bounced back nicely after that mid season hiccup against Purdue. The defense has picked up the slack the last month and Pryor has shed the early season struggles from his game that plagued the Buckeyes against a couple of those teams.

Technically, OSU is three to four plays away from being undefeated. A potential match against Oregon would pitt one of college football's most prolific offenses against a top shelf, swarming defense.

If you want to argue that Iowa, Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, or Penn State belongs here I will not argue with you. However, lets look at each team. Oklahoma State lost the two big games on their schedule to date. With the state of The Notre Dame football program this year I would argue Pitt doesn't really have one marquee win yet.

Iowa looked average in a loss to Northwestern a couple weeks back. Penn State dropped close ones to the only (relatively) big games on their schedule. As much as I like Joe Paterno, I can't possibly put Penn State ahead of Iowa or Ohio State (teams that have beaten the Nittanay Lions) anyway.

So, the No. 10 team in the nation in NCAA football right now is...

10. Virginia Tech - Here we are with a red hot Virginia Tech team that has three narrow losses to arguably three of the hottest teams in all of college football right now. This squad has struggled on defense giving up too many big plays early in the season but has clamped down as of late with some milder competition.

However, NC State had a legit offense before getting rocked in Lane this past week.

Tyrod Taylor continues to impress as a passer while the emergence of some young receivers like Jarret Boykin and Dyrell Roberts has taken pressure off of Ryan Williams to do it all on offense. His hard nosed yet quick paced running style has opened up the passing lanes for Tyrod's development. No one wants to play VT in the Chick-Filet or Gator Bowl right about now.

11. Iowa - This team just is not the same without Stanzi. Talk about a heartbreaking loss. That guy was the heart and soul of the Hawkeyes. Still, they are in good position for an at-large bid by taking care of a scrappy Minnesota squad to end their season.

12. Pittsburgh - I do not believe this team has played anyone of note outside of a decent Notre Dame team that can't seem to find any resemblance of a defense or make open field tackles. That said, I can't discount the star power on both sides of the ball with Stull and Lewis on FIRE.

Dion Lewis is a monster freshman at running back. He, alongside LaMichael James (Oregon) and Ryan Williams (VT), form what I like to call the power trio also known as the new era freshman studs. Lookout in 2010!

13. Penn State - Penn STate is a tough team to figure out. No one (outside of maybe the Hokies) blows out the cupcakes but drops the big boy games better. They have played a joke schedule outside of a couple Big Ten squads. They have won those games...in convincing fashion. They can't seem to pull out the tough ones.

Until they do, the Nittany Lions belong right here at number 13. On a positive note, I love how that defense is playing and the way CLark is leading this team to close out the season.

14. LSU - Les Miles' boys from the Bayou have nothing to be ashamed about. They have three losses to all teams in the top 25, two of them coming to my top two squads in Alabama and Florida. They dropped a nail biter to Ole Miss by two points.

Had they taken care of business there then we could theoretically say LSU is the thrid best team in the country behind those two powerhouse SEC squads. The team is playing good defense and Jefferson and Lafell team up with Scott to form an above average offense with lots of potential heading in to bowl season to light up a team from a weaker conference. Watch out for this team come late December.

15. UNC - Where would this team be had they not drank the hype koolaide and started the season how they were capable of? Defensively, they have been unreal this last month. They create more turnovers than O'Bama does healthcare problems. Offensively, they have started to come along with Houston taking over the reigns at RB while Yates has been manageable at the helm.

16. Miami - Another team that has played up and down all year long. The Canes are a headache for analysts because (I believe) they play to the level of their competition.

The Oklahoma win looks average right now but the Canes barely dropped one to the tigers earlier in the year and have a huge win at home against red hot Georgia Tech earlier in the year. Jacory Harris must find a way to decrease the turnovers if the Canes hope to get by an underrated and inspired USF team next week.

17. Clemson - C.J. Spiller, C.J. Spiller, C.J. Spiller. Oh yeah, and Kyle has come along okay the past couple games too. But, C.J. Spiller.

18. Oregon State - Another puzzling team to figure out. They have two great wins against Stanford and California yet they struggled against USC, Cincinnati, and Arizona. They have the talent (Jacquizz Rogers) and potential to knock off Oregon in a huge civil war game this weekend. It's make or break time for Oregon State if they want to smell roses!

19. Mississippi - The defense has been underrated all year long not allowing an opponent to score over 20 until LSU this past week...and they had 23. Snead is finally playing how experts expected him to from the start and McClusker is looking like a legit All-SEC back as of late.

20. USC - USC's departures have finally taken the toll we all expected last year! Unreal how people just expect this team to reload year after year. Still a tough bunch to beat, but clearly the losses have shown they're far from invincible. The defense has struggled recently, but watch for Taylor Mays and company to finish strong and close out in a highly sought after bowl game.

On the cusp...

Arizona, Houston, BYU, Stanford, Nebraska, Cal, Utah.

Oklahoma, USC Stand Alone: College Football's Top 24 Teams (Week Four)

Phil Aiello — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:50:37 -0400

1. Oklahoma

They look like men out there playing with a bunch of boys.

2. USC

Refer to Oklahoma.

3. Florida

Tebow alone makes Florida a top five team...now they have Harvin back and plenty of speed at the skill positions. If the defense plays well, look out for the Gators.

4. Georgia

Can they make it through their ridiculously tough schedule? With Moreno at the helm, the chance is there. I still need to see more from them besides a close call with South Carolina and a blowout win over any Pac-10 team NOT named USC.

5. LSU

They are the reigning champs and have blown out the cupcakes and scraped by a really good Auburn team. Can the champs get some respect? All depends on how far they can ride the rookie signal caller. So far so good.

6. Missouri

Chase Daniel is a M-A-C-H-I-N-E. Jeremy Maclin isn't too shabby himself. Questions about the defense are still there. Will Mizzou be able to outscore the Sooners and/or the Horns? We know they won't be able to stop 'em.

7. Alabama

Nick Saban is to college coaching what Conan O'Brien is to late night television: the MASTER. I mean, he doesn't just have the Tide competing this early—he has them in position to win the best league in college football. That Clemson win is starting to look pretty impressive.

Will they be able to beat other SEC foes through the air when those teams stack the box to stop the Tide running game? If so, then Bama may be a top three team pretty soon.

8. Texas

Colt McCoy is having a great year, and Texas is again loaded up front. Come on Red River Shootout!

9. Penn State

I know they have yet to play anyone of note, but re-watch those blowout wins and answer me this: Do you really believe that Wisconsin or even Ohio State would beat them head to head right now? Exactly.

This is a good football team, and we will know a lot more after Saturday's huge matchup with Illinois and the Juice. The only issue I see is the defensive line has a couple problems and has little depth.

10. Auburn

I'm sorry, but after a game like that against LSU I can't really drop them too far. They are going to be a tough out for any SEC foe from here on out.

11. Wisconsin

They just keep pounding away and tallying up wins. Let's see them pound OSU in two weeks, then I'll move 'em up.

12. BYU

Max Hall is on pace to throw 45 TDs this year! Oh yeah, and they've outscored their past two opponents 103-0...and they were Division I schools. Yeah, that's no typo folks.

13. South Florida

Who doesn't love the gritty and tough Matt Grothe? No one player means as much to his team as him (except maybe Max Hall or Chase Daniel).

14. Wake Forest

Syracuse should get a hold of Jim Grobe. Wake is a very well disciplined team that knows how to win the close ones. Why? Coaching (Grobe), a good defense, limited mistakes, and of course great special teams (Sam Swank).

15. Texas Tech

Texas Tech almost always scores a ton of points with that offense. Now they have an experienced Michael Crabtree. You do the math. They will have their chance to prove themselves against some really tough Big-12 competition.

16. Ohio State

Oh, Ohio State. How you have fallen. I think everyone wanted to drop OSU after almost blowing it against Ohio...but they decided to wait until USC blew them out to do so. At least Pryor is playing. That guy is one heck of a football player.

The team still has veteran leadership on defense in Laurinaitis and Jenkins to get them to another possible Big Ten championship.

17. Utah

Why do I have Utah in the top 25? They have beaten nobody of note and don't play a real team until TCU on Nov. 6!?!? I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

18. Illinois

Who doesn't love Juice (no pun intended)? Arrelious Benn ain't too bad either. This team was playing with Mizzou and is capable of challenging for the Big Ten title if Juice and company can stay consistent.

The defense needs to step it up a notch once conference play rolls around this weekend, or the Illini could get bounced out of here as quickly as they came in.

19. Clemson

Where would this team rank if they just had an offensive line? All Tommy Bowden wants for Christmas is a couple of heavyweights. Will someone please give him Rosie O'Donnell's number? Please?

20. Vanderbilt

Undefeated and wins over South Carolina and Ole Miss? Who saw that coming? They belong. Somewhere in Denver, Jay Cutler is smiling.

21. Boise State

If Boise beats Fresno at the end of the season, what will Ian Johnson do this time around if they win their BCS bowl game? Renew their wedding vows on national TV?

22. Kansas

Todd Reesing is a tailor-made college QB, and you have to love the way he plays the game. The only problem is this team lost some big time players off last year's squad and is the fourth (maybe fifth) wheel in the Big 12. Good luck boys.

Hey, it's not like they won't have their shot to prove everyone wrong with games against Texas, Mizzou, and Oklahoma on the schedule.

23. TCU

TCU does two things well...play defense and lose to Oklahoma. Here's hoping the first puts a stop to the second. Pray TCU fans.

24. Virginia Tech

I know, I know...what has this team done to warrant a spot in the top 25? Well, had the coaches made the right decision to start Tyrod Taylor from day one, I'm fairly confident VT would be undefeated and somewhere in the teens right now.

They have a very inexperienced team, yet with almost no one at receiver they still beat GT and UNC teams that slaughtered Miss. State and Rutgers respectively. Oh yeah, and the more close games they win, the better they will get as the season goes on.

The winner of the Nebraska/VT game WILL be in the Associated Press and Coaches' Top 25 next week.

25 Observations from Saturday's College Football Action

Phil Aiello — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:42:27 -0400

25 Quick Thoughts from Saturday:

1. I can't believe I'm saying this but what a game between Temple and Buffalo! Not just the ending either. Those two squads battled back and forth answering each other every time. Good publicity for the MAC and great stuff from Drew Willy's arm and Roosevelt's positioning.

2. Hopefully Virginia Tech realized that Taylor is the guy after that grinder at home against GT and the quadruple option. Nothing against Sean Glennon but with our offensive line and wide receivers struggling we need a playmaker at the quarterback position plain and simple.

3. California was down 28-6 in going in to the 4th quarter at Maryland but only lost by a TD. Talk about slow starts. I think it's safe to say Ralph was helped out due to travel. Jet-lag anyone?

4. Hey, Utah State, thanks for showing up at the battle for the state of Utah. State bragging rights will have to be put on hold until next year...or much much longer with the way Utah is playing.

5. Syracuse can thank the movie business and the Ernie Davis story for televising that pounding they took from Penn State. Ouch! For a program with such a storied history why do they struggle so much to bring in a quality coach/recruiter?

6. Oh yeah and Penn State hasn't played ANYONE yet but judging by the way they have handled their opponents I'd watch out! If you want a sleeper national title contender tune in to some PSU games. It's not too late to hop on the bandwagon.

7. East Carolina barely kept their band-wagoners alive. BCS hopes live on!

8. Max Hall and BYU (might) have just stole the show from ECU. What a day for them. Hall threw more touchdowns in one game than VT, Virginia, Miami, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Maryland, and Clemson have combined on the season so far!

9. Oklahoma just looks like they are men among boys when playing the opposition. It's just not fair is it?

10. Same with USC, right? (hint hint)

11. Ray Maualuga is to college linebackers what Bear Grylls is to men.

12. Thanks for showing up Ohio State. You, I, and all of your fans out there know USC is really really good but to get beat down in LA like that?! Wow.

13. I feel for Steve Spurrier. I really do. Call me and we'll grab some long overdue drinks man. Don't worry I'll make 'em strong. Real strong.

14. Missouri's offense >>>>>>>>>>>> Nevada's defense

15. What's higher, Chase Daniel's passer rating over the last eight quarters or Steven Hawking's IQ?

15. Raise your hand if you can't wait for Missouri vs. Oklahoma

16. LSU is quietly looking pretty darn good.

17. Duke is 2-1 with 72 points scored over their two wins?! Sorry that must be a typo. Who says coaching doesn't work wonders in College Football. Oh yeah and Thaddeus Lewis isn't too shabby either.

18. Florida State gobbles up cupcakes better than a group of heavyweight sweet toothed school children.

19. Does anyone else think supposed ACC heavyweight Clemson has looked really average three weeks in to the season? Yeah of course y'all do...because Tommy is at the helm. And don't ever underestimate what losing four of your top five starting o-lineman will do for you. I don't care if you have Adrian Peterson back there.

19. WVU gets clobbered (last week) by ECU and Bill Stewart gets a six year extension? Was I drunk when I was reading that on ESPN?

20. What's deeper, the Abyss or the talent at USC? We'll call it a draw.

21. Whats the over/under on Turner Gill leaving after this season?

22. Rich Rodriguez isn't welcome in West Virginia anymore. And if he isn't careful, he may not be welcome in Ann Arbor too much longer either.

23. Purdue, you had many, many chances to close out that Oregon game and you just couldn't do it, could ya?

24. I guess Butch Davis is an okay recruiter...and maybe he can coach a little too. Should be a good one at home next week against VT.

25. What a great Futbal game between two historic clubs down in Starkville, Mississippi. In the end it was Auburn University that edged out Mississippi State 3-2 in a grueling match. Oh wait, your telling me that wasn't soccer they were playing? Crap.

AFC East Status Report

Phil Aiello — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:54:14 -0400

With the kickoff of the NFL season now in the rear-view mirror, you have to admit one thing after last week's exciting slot of games; it's going to be another injury plagued and crazy season!

I will make a very BOLD prediction about the AFC East at the end of this column (on Friday) and I know everyone out there will not be able to wait to read it so make sure to stay tuned! And how about the race for the AFC East! The division crown in the AFC East this year will definitely be wide open.

With Brady going down early in the KC game, I think the Jets, Patriots, and Bills all have legitimate claims of winning the division not to mention the fins look to be improved from last years one win campaign. Let's tackle the Patriots first.

What a difference one play can make! I mean one second everyone and their mom's are picking New England as AFC champions and now they will be lucky to make the playoffs. Hahaha, calm down Pats fans that was a hyperbole (google it).

Let me first say that Brady's injury is obviously a huge blow to the team (and any scrambling fantasy owners hanging around the waiver wire and/or drowning themselves in alcoholic beverages).

However, as much as it diminishes their Superbowl hopes, I really don't believe they will be out of the playoffs come December. They have one of the best coaches in the game in Belichick (wow it is hard for me to admit that, being a die-hard Bills fan and all), probably the best defensive line in football, a good offensive line, Randy Moss, and some great skill position players (Welker, Hobbs, Meriweather, etc.).

We all know that good leadership and great line play (both defensive and offensive) are the fundamentals of a good team. At least that's what I think. So, in those regards, I believe they will be okay because they still have plenty of veteran leadership and they are great upfront on both sides.

The game plan might have to change though. Don't look for Belichick to air it out with 40 or 50 plus passes per game like with Brady. I don't expect Bill to put that kind of pressure on Cassel this early in the season.

Among the things he'll want Cassel to learn (at the NFL level) before he gives him the entire Brady offense are: looking off safeties, holding the linebackers with play-action, reading specific zone coverages, watching disguised and delayed blitzes, working on timing with his wide receivers, how to handle the pocket and also situations when the play breaks down (outside of the pocket).

Without Brady, I believe Belichick will look to hit the ground running Maroney (who is underrated) more often. Cassel has the tools (did you see that TD pass to Moss where Cassel looked off the safety just long enough?!) to make some nice throws down-field and open up the running game.

If they are effective in grinding out long drives on the ground, then you will see some serious play action mixed in there while utilizing two of the great weapons in Moss and Ben Watson not to mention you still have Welker in the slot.

Anyone that says the Patriots won't win nine games has a legitimate claim in my book because Cassel has not started a game since high school. However, there was a reason he got a full ride to Southern Cal and also a reason why the Patriots' scouts were high on him and hence he got drafted.

He would not be a Patriot right now if he didn't have the arm strength, intangibles, and physical ability to play at the NFL level...trust me on that. Maybe that will comfort some of you Patriots fans.

I know he won't be anywhere near Brady but my point is he won't have to be. With Brady last year, the Patriots were undefeated going in to the Superbowl and most of the teams they beat in the regular season were completely over-matched. Those games were blowouts.

I believe with all the talent around him and the fact that we (the AFC East) drew the worst division in football this year (the NFC West), I think the Patriots may struggle and have many more closer games but will indeed still win ten or maybe even eleven games by seasons end.

Don't forget too that the longer they hang around the division and win games the better they will get as Cassel gets acclimated with the starting role and facing NFL speed and defenses. You can bet on the fact that this team will be much better in the second half of the season and may even finish strong if Cassel learns the system and style quickly enough.

The Patriots will definitely be better by week eight or nine then they are now. Also, do you really think they won't sweep Miami and the NFC West, and steal at least one of four games against the Jets and Bills? Right there you have seven wins. Nothing is ever guaranteed in football but I highly doubt the Patriots won't be favored in all those games.

Don't count on many 55-7 or 42-10 blowouts like last year though. In the end I see the Patriots winning ten games and finishing second (a tie-break) in the AFC East and eventually losing to a team like Pittsburgh or Indianapolis in the first round of the playoffs.

Thanks for reading everyone. If you like what you've read so far please leave me a comment or two and feel free to send me an email. I also am an accomplished fantasy football nut and have won many leagues over the last five years so if any of you have daily fantasy questions just get in contact through email.

I'd love to finish off this column now but let's face it...I have a full time job and It's not for the local paper (I wish!). Next up are the New York Jets tomorrow sometime. Thanks again and see y'all soon.