The Confidential

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Archive for the tag “Bottom 4”

13 Jan 2013

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Final

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Final version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (13-1): The SEC proves again that it can take care of business on the national stage.  But Alabama deserves special credit for turning into a dynasty. Wow.
  2. Notre Dame (12-1): The Fighting Irish played a tough schedule and came out 12-0.  Sure, they lost to Alabama.  That just makes them #2.
  3. Ohio State (12-0):  The Buckeyes were idle during bowl season, due to an improvident decision by its athletic director to not sit out last year’s bowl.  Urban Meyer has things going in Columbus though.
  4. Oregon (12-1): A great January for Oregon.  They beat Kansas State by a decent margin and, most importantly, kept Chip Kelly.
  5. Georgia (12-2): Georgia’s only losses were to South Carolina and Alabama.  Hard to argue with that.
  6. South Carolina (11-2): South Carolina lost two games all season–to LSU and Florida.  Gives them the edge over Texas A&M.
  7. Texas A&M (11-2): The Aggies showed that they belonged in the SEC.  The only losses were to LSU and Florida.
  8. Stanford (12-2): The Cardinal have that inexplicable loss to Washington and a loss to Notre Dame.  Otherwise, Stanford beat Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA (twice), Wisconsin, and USC.  That’s all.
  9. Florida (11-2):  The Gators were dismantled by Louisville, but had a very good season overall.  Hard to have Florida State leapfrog them when Florida won the head-to-head game.
  10. Florida State (12-2): Florida State had a great season.  That loss to North Carolina State remains hard to justify though.
  11. Louisville (11-2).
  12. LSU (10-3).
  13. Clemson (11-2).
  14. Kansas State (11-2).
  15. Oklahoma (10-3).
  16. Northwestern (10-3).
  17. Boise State (11-2).
  18. Utah State (11-2).
  19. Northern Illinois (12-2).
  20. Cincinnati (10-3).
  21. Nebraska (10-4).
  22. Kent State (11-3).
  23. Vanderbilt (9-4).
  24. Oregon State (9-4).
  25. Penn State (8-4).

* * *

121.  Illinois (2-10).  The Illini were overmatched in the Big 10 this year.  2013 should be better though.

122. Kentucky (2-10).  Kentucky beat Samford and Kent State.  That Kent State win looks pretty good now!

123. Kansas (1-11).  Kansas was the only Big XII team to not make a bowl.  Going to be a tough rebuilding process.

124. Colorado (1-11).  The Buffaloes actually kept it close against Utah to finish the season.  But there was too little of that in 2012.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
21 Nov 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 12

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 12 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Notre Dame (11-0): The Fighting Irish shutout Wake Forest to draw within one game of the national title.  Oh, and Matt Barkley is injured now.
  2. Ohio State (11-0).  The Buckeyes took care of Wisconsin, which is a pretty good football team for the Big 10.  Nicely done.
  3. Alabama (10-1): Alabama beat Western Carolina.  Or West Carolina.  Or something.  Good grief.  Up next?  The Iron Bowl.
  4. Florida State (10-1):  The Seminoles demolished Maryland, who promptly quit the ACC.  Perhaps Western Carolina is looking for a new home?
  5. Florida (10-1): Florida did better against Jacksonville State than it did against Louisiana-Lafayette.  Huge game against the Seminoles looms.
  6. Oregon (10-1): The Ducks are good at putting up 50 points on inferior defenses (and USC).  Stanford exposed them.
  7. Kansas State (10-1): The Wildcats were cruising, until Baylor stopped them.  Still a great season no matter what happens in two weeks against Texas.
  8. Clemson (10-1): The Tigers have quite an offense this year.  We’ll see how they fair against the South Carolina defense.
  9. Georgia (10-1): Georgia beat up on Georgia Southern.  Another exciting SEC game last week.  Georgia Tech should provide slightly more resistance.
  10. Oklahoma (8-2): The Sooners eked by West Virginia to claim the final spot in the top 10.  Up next is rival Oklahoma State.
  11. Texas A&M (9-2).
  12. LSU (9-2).
  13. South Carolina (9-2).
  14. Nebraska (9-2).
  15. Louisville (9-1).
  16. Oregon State (8-2).
  17. Stanford (9-2).
  18. Michigan (8-3).
  19. Texas (8-2).
  20. UCLA (9-2).
  21. Oklahoma State (7-3).
  22. Rutgers (9-1).
  23. Boise State (9-2).
  24. Northern Illinois (10-1).
  25. Utah State (9-2).

* * *

121.  Illinois (2-9).  The Illini lost the pillow fight with Purdue.  Even Northern Illinois is ranked!

122. Washington State (2-9).  The Cougars were blown out by Arizona State.  Tough debut year for head coach Mike Leach.

123. Kansas (1-10).  Kansas was demolished by Iowa State, losing some momentum.  Well, as much momentum as a team can get with close losses.

124. Colorado (1-10).  The Buffaloes lost by 35 to somebody.  Sadly, this is a defense that WOULD benefit from having Greg Robinson.  Wow.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
14 Nov 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 11

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 11 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Oregon (10-0): The Ducks had no trouble dealing with Cal.  And Alabama’s loss opened up the #1 spot.
  2. Notre Dame (10-0): The Fighting Irish edged Boston College.  Up next is mediocre Wake Forest.  Not the week to be looking ahead to USC.
  3. Kansas State (10-0):  The Wildcats got by TCU, albeit without the offensive fireworks.  Up next is Baylor.
  4. Ohio State (10-0).  The Buckeyes had a week off to rest.  This week they travel to surging Wisconsin.
  5. Alabama (9-1): Alabama lost to Texas A&M to drop out of the top spot.  Still in prime position for a BCS berth.
  6. Georgia (9-1): Georgia destroyed a desperate Auburn team.  That justifies the leapfrog over the Seminoles.
  7. Florida State (9-1):  The Seminoles struggled to beat a fading Virginia Tech team.  They need to focus on Maryland this week and avoid the upset.
  8. Florida (9-1): Florida eked by Lousiana-Lafayette and has Jacksonville State next.  The real test is the looming battle with Florida State.
  9. Clemson (9-1): The Tigers keep on rolling–this time easily defeating Maryland.  An at-large BCS berth remains possible.
  10. Oklahoma (7-2): Again, if there is going to be a two-loss team in the top 10, how about one that lost to two teams in the top 4?  That’s the Sooners.
  11. Texas A&M (8-2).
  12. LSU (8-2).
  13. South Carolina (8-2).
  14. Nebraska (8-2).
  15. Louisville (9-1).
  16. Oregon State (7-2).
  17. Michigan (7-3).
  18. Louisiana Tech (9-1).
  19. Texas (8-2).
  20. Stanford (8-2).
  21. UCLA (8-2).
  22. Boise State (8-2).
  23. Cincinnati (7-2).
  24. Central Florida (8-2).
  25. Southern California (7-3).

* * *

121.  Illinois (2-8).  The Illini keep losing.  Again, though, Purdue is in the same boat and the two teams play in this week!  Classic pillow fight!

122. Boston College (2-8).  Boston College looked decent against Notre Dame.  Then again, Notre Dame is not a dominant, high-scoring team.

123. Kansas (1-9).  Kansas is losing by tighter margins than Colorado.  So they move up a slot.

124. Colorado (1-9).  The Buffaloes lost by 25 to somebody.  It they had played someone good, they would have lost by 50.   Just another level of terrible.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
07 Nov 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 10

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 10 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (9-0): Alabama beat LSU to stay on top of the nation.  The Crimson Tide cannot look past surging Texas A&M though.
  2. Oregon (9-0): The Ducks put up incredible offensive numbers against Monte Kiffin’s USC defense.  Who can stop Oregon?
  3. Notre Dame (9-0): The Fighting Irish almost saw their undefeated season disappear against Pitt.  Notre Dame cannot look past Boston College either.
  4. Kansas State (9-0):  The Wildcats got by Oklahoma State, but almost lost Heisman Candidate QB Collin Klein.  All three remaining games are against schools from Texas.
  5. Ohio State (10-0).  The Buckeyes keep on rolling, with a blowout win over Illinois.  A week off before playing Wisconsin.
  6. Florida State (8-1):  The Seminoles got a week off to prep for visiting Virginia Tech.  The Hokies are really struggling right now though.
  7. Georgia (8-1): Georgia got a basic win over Mississippi.  The Bulldogs are supposed to win that game.
  8. Florida (8-1): Florida eked by Missouri to get its 8th win of the year.  Up next is an SEC creampuff, Louisiana-Lafayette.
  9. Louisville (8-0): The Cardinals really took care of Temple this week.  Up next?  A trip to the Carrier Dome to face 4-5 Syracuse.
  10. Oklahoma (6-2): If there is going to be a two-loss team in the top 10, how about one that lost to two teams in the top 4?  That’s the Sooners.
  11. LSU (7-2).
  12. Clemson (8-1).
  13. South Carolina (7-2).
  14. Nebraska (7-2).
  15. Oregon State (7-1).
  16. Texas A&M (7-2).
  17. Michigan (6-3).
  18. Louisiana Tech (8-1).
  19. Texas (7-2).
  20. Stanford (7-2).
  21. Southern California (6-3).
  22. Toledo (8-1).
  23. UCLA (7-2).
  24. Boise State (7-2).
  25. Ohio (8-1).

* * *

121.  Illinois (2-7).  The Illini keep losing.  No conference wins.  But Purdue is in the same boat and the two teams play in two weeks.  A pillow fight!

122. Boston College (2-7).  Boston College’s winning streak stopped at one, with a loss to Wake Forest.  Now they get the Fighting Irish coming off a bad game.  Uh-oh.

123. Colorado (1-8).  The Buffaloes don’t just lose, they get destroyed.  The last team to dominate them?  Stanford by 48 points.

124. Kansas (1-8).  Kansas was rolled by Baylor.  The Wildcats chances of another win are slim.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
30 Oct 2012
2 Comments

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 9

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 9 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (8-0): Alabama keeps on rolling, with a romp over Mississippi State.   The LSU game should be fun!
  2. Oregon (8-0): The Ducks obliterated Colorado.  But what else is new?
  3. Notre Dame (8-0): The Fighting Irish are for real after defeating Oklahoma on the road.  They cannot look ahead to USC though.
  4. Kansas State (8-0):  The polls are starting to love Kansas State.  As well they should after yet another impressive win.
  5. Ohio State (9-0).  The Buckeyes keep on rolling, with a win over Penn State.
  6. Florida State (8-1):  The Seminoles get a week off after blowing out Duke.
  7. LSU (7-1):  And here come the SEC schools.  LSU took care of Texas A&M to improve to 7-1.
  8. Georgia (7-1): Georgia got a big win over Florida in Jacksonville.
  9. Florida (7-1): The Gators struggled offensively against Georgia, but are still a good team.
  10. Louisville (8-0): The Cardinals struggled against Cincinnati before pulling out the win to remain unbeaten.
  11. Oklahoma (5-2).
  12. Clemson (7-1).
  13. South Carolina (7-2).
  14. Mississippi State (7-1).
  15. Nebraska (6-2).
  16. Boise State (7-1).
  17. Southern California (6-2).
  18. Oregon State (6-1).
  19. Michigan (5-3).
  20. Louisiana Tech (7-1).
  21. Texas Tech (6-2).
  22. Stanford (6-2).
  23. West Virginia (5-2).
  24. Toledo (8-1).
  25. UCLA (6-2).

* * *

121.  Illinois (2-6).  With a loss to Indiana, Illinois is at the bottom of the B1G now.  Do they miss Ron Zook now?

122. Virginia (2-6).  With Boston College’s win over Maryland, Virginia drops to the bottom of the ACC barrel.  Enjoy.

123. Colorado (1-7).  The Buffaloes are just plain bad.  70-6 against Oregon.  Has any program fallen farther than Colorado?

124. Kansas (1-7).  Kansas played very well against Texas.  This isn’t the Texas of old, but kudos to the Wildcats for making a game of it.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
23 Oct 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 8

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 8 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (7-0): Alabama keeps on rolling, with a romp over Tennessee.  Mississippi State this week is not the automatic win that most would have assumed in August.  Next up: Mississippi State.
  2. Oregon (7-0): The Ducks dismantled Arizona State to remain perfect on the season.  There is little chance of this team not making it to 8-0; see opponent.  Next up: Colorado.
  3. Notre Dame (7-0): The Fighting Irish struggled to beat a very unimpressive Brigham Young team.  This ranking would be in jeopardy, but for this week’s opponent giving Notre Dame a chance to rebound.  Next up: @ Oklahoma.
  4. Florida (7-0): The Gators obliterated suddenly-unimpressive South Carolina.  The edge over Kansas State is very narrow though.  Next up: @ Georgia.
  5. Kansas State (7-0): The win in Morgantown would have been even more impressive if Texas Tech had not demolished the Mountaineers the week before.  A great win nonetheless, as the Wildcats are knocking on the door of the top 3 or 4.  Next up: Texas Tech.
  6. Ohio State (8-0).  The Buckeyes keep on rolling, with a win over Purdue.  The first team to 8-0 also.  The sanctions bowl this week for the B1G.  Next up: @ Penn State.
  7. Florida State (7-1):  The Seminoles did what they needed to do in beating Miami in Miami.  This week’s game against Duke suddenly looks interesting.  Next up: Duke.
  8. Oklahoma (5-1): The Sooners’ destruction of Kansas was expected.  They get a real test this week with undefeated Notre Dame coming to town.  Next up: Notre Dame.
  9. LSU (7-1):  The Tigers went into Lubbock and defeated the Aggies, albeit by a narrow margin.  Still, a good win is a good win.  Next up: Alabama on November 3.
  10. Georgia (6-1): Georgia defeated hapless Kentucky.  But by less than a touchdown?  Nobody below the Bulldogs deserved to leapfrog them though.  Next up: Florida.
  11. Louisville (7-0):   Next up: Cincinnati.
  12. Southern California (6-1):  Next up: @ Arizona.
  13. Oregon State (6-0).  Next up: @ Washington.
  14. Clemson (6-1).  Next up: @ Wake Forest.
  15. Rutgers (7-0).  Next up: Kent State.
  16. Mississippi State (7-0).  Next up: @ Alabama.
  17. Michigan (5-2).  Next up: Nebraska.
  18. Nebraska (5-2).  Next up: @ Michigan.
  19. Ohio (7-0). Next up: @ Miami.
  20. Boise State (6-1).  Next up: @ Wyoming.
  21. Louisiana Tech (6-1). Next up: @ New Mexico State.
  22. South Carolina (6-2).  Next up: Tennessee.
  23. West Virginia (5-2).  Next up: TCU on November 3.
  24. Texas Tech (6-1).  Next up: @ Kansas State.
  25. Stanford (5-2).  Next up: Washington State.

* * *

121.  Indiana (2-5).  While Indiana has two wins, they are over FCS Indiana State and brand new FBS team UMass–the worst team in all of FBS (only winless team, in fact).  The worst resume of the 2 win teams.

122. Colorado (1-6).  Colorado lost by 44 points to USC.  And that seems like a moral victory for the Buffaloes–the only team on this list to beat a conference foe.

123. Boston College (1-6).  Boston College–was equally inept last year, but then rallied late.  Is it possible for history to repeat itself?

124. Kansas (1-6).  Kansas looks like a real risk to go 1-11.  The Charlie Weis era.  Enjoy.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
17 Oct 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 8

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 8 version, with analysis of the top 10 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (6-0): Alabama continued the trend of Missouri being dominated in the SEC.  Halfway to another SEC-CCG.  Next up: @ Tennessee.
  2. Oregon (6-0): The Ducks were idle this week.  Up next–surprising Arizona State.   Next up: @ Arizona State.
  3. Notre Dame (6-0): The Fighting Irish added to their impressive victories by toppling Stanford.  They seem “back” under Kelly.  Next up: Brigham Young.
  4. Florida (6-0): The Gators did what they needed to do in beating Vanderbilt.  Next up: South Carolina.
  5. Kansas State (6-0): Kansas State took care of a game Iowa State squad.  Bill Snyder has this team on a roll–but the toughest road trip of the year looms.  Next up: @ West Virginia.
  6. Ohio State (7-0).  While it has been a comparatively unimpressive schedule so far, Ohio State has handled everyone.  Night and day from last year.  Next up: Purdue.
  7. Florida State (6-1):  The Seminoles did what they were supposed to do this week–annihilating Boston College.  Despite Miami’s difficulties this year, the Seminoles have to focus.  Next up:  @ Miami.
  8. Oklahoma (4-1): The Sooners’ destruction of Texas was admirable, but it may say more about how far Texas has fallen.  A rivalry win is always great though.  Next up: Kansas.
  9. LSU (6-1):  The Tigers defeat of South Carolina puts them back into contention.  A suddenly hot Texas A&M team is up next though.  Next up: @ Texas A&M.
  10. Georgia (5-1): Georgia has had a week to lick its wounds.  This does not bode well for Kentucky.  Next up: @ Kentucky.
  11. Louisville (6-0):   Next up: South Florida.
  12. Southern California (5-1):  Next up: Colorado.
  13. Oregon State (5-0).  Next up: Utah.
  14. West Virginia (5-1):  Next up: Kansas State.
  15. South Carolina (6-1):  Next up: @ Florida.
  16. Clemson (5-1).  Next up: Virginia Tech.
  17. Rutgers (6-0).  Next up: @ Temple.
  18. Mississippi State (6-0).  Next up: Middle Tennessee.
  19. Cincinnati (5-0). Next up: @ Toledo.
  20. Ohio (7-0). Next up: @ Miami.
  21. Michigan (4-2).  Next up: Michigan State.
  22. Nebraska (4-2).  Next up: @ Northwestern.
  23. Boise State (5-1).  Next up: UNLV.
  24. Louisiana Tech (5-1). Next up: Idaho.
  25. North Carolina (5-2).  Next up: @ Duke.

* * *

121. Colorado (1-5).  Colorado still does have a win against a conference foe, which is nice.  Unfortunately, that foe is near this list too.

122. Washington State (2-5).  As the losses keep mounting, Colorado gets to leapfrog the team that it managed to beat.  Both teams are pretty bad though.

123. Boston College (1-5).  Boston College was not supposed to keep it close against Florida State.  So it didn’t.

124. Kansas (1-5).  Kansas at least played respectably against Oklahoma State.  The Charlie Weis experience–failing at a University near you.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
09 Oct 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 7

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 7 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (5-0): Nobody is looking as good as Alabama right now, but this has been a weird year.  Nobody seems safe.  Next up: @ Missouri.
  2. Oregon (6-0): The Ducks have looked as dominant as ever.  Will they win the Pac-12 this year?   Next up: @ Arizona State.
  3. Notre Dame (5-0): The Fighting Irish have beaten a decent trio of teams in Michigan, Michigan State, and Miami.  Purdue is no slouch either.  Next up: Stanford
  4. Florida (5-0): The Gators stopped beating up on the SEC mediocrity and took care of LSU.  The East needed that win.  Next up: @ Vanderbilt.
  5. Kansas State (5-0): Kansas State destroyed Kansas.  Having already beaten Oklahoma, they get the edge over West Virginia and South Carolina.  Next up: @ Iowa State.
  6. West Virginia (5-0): The Mountaineers look outstanding.  The Big XII “defenses” are even less of a challenge than the Big East.  Who woulda thunk?  Next up: @ Texas Tech.
  7. South Carolina (6-0): The Gamecocks had no trouble with Georgia and have been quite good this year.  This week is another big test though.  Next up: @ L.S.U.
  8. Ohio State (6-0).  After walloping Nebraska, Ohio State suddenly looks to be “back.”  This week should not change anything.  Next up: Indiana.
  9. Florida State (5-1): After beating Clemson and then South Florida on the road, a letdown against NC State was not unexpected.  A loss was.  Next up: Boston College.
  10. Oklahoma (3-1): The Sooners may have lost to Kansas State, but that is a good football team.  Red River Rivalry Week!  Next up: Texas.
  11. LSU (5-1):  Unlike Georgia, LSU kept it close against Florida.  Another big test this week for the Tigers though.  Next up: South Carolina.
  12. Georgia (5-1): Georgia is supposed to be good.  But “good” teams put up a bigger fight against their conference rivals.  Next up: @ Kentucky.
  13. Louisville (5-0): The Cardinals have been OK this year.  Not truly tested yet though.  Next up: @ Pittsburgh.
  14. Southern California (4-1): The Trojans need some impressive victories.  So far, nothing too special in that regard.  Next up: @ Washington.
  15. Oregon State (4-0).  The Beavers are 4-0–who thought that would happen?  One of the year’s big surprises for sure.  Next up: @ Brigham Young.
  16. Clemson (5-1).  Next up: Virginia Tech.
  17. Texas (4-1). Next up: Oklahoma.
  18. Rutgers (5-0).  Next up: Syracuse.
  19. Louisiana Tech (5-0). Next up: Texas A&M.
  20. Mississippi State (5-0).  Next up: Tennessee.
  21. Cincinnati (4-0). Next up: Fordham.
  22. Ohio (6-0). Next up: Akron.
  23. Michigan (3-2).  Next up: Illinois.
  24. Nebraska (4-2).  Next up: @ Northwestern.
  25. Boise State (4-1).  Next up: Fresno State.

* * *

121. Kentucky (1-5).  The Wildcats have played some good teams, but 1-5 is 1-5.

122. Colorado (1-4).  After beating Washington State, the Buffaloes gave away their momentum with a blowout loss to UCLA.

123. Boston College (1-4).  Losing to Army is a good way to stay on this list.  So good work, B.C.

124. Kansas (1-4).  Kansas loses to instate rival by 40+ points, so Weis decides to practice without the Seniors.  How does that help anything?  The Peter Principle.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , ,
25 Sep 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 5

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 5 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (4-0): Alabama went easy on Florida Atlantic.  Good for them.  They still won by 30+.  Next up: Mississippi.
  2. Florida State (4-0): Nobody in the top 3 has a better win than Florida State, with the Clemson win.  They are outscoring opponents now by a mere 55-10.   Next up: @ South Florida.
  3. LSU (4-0):  The Tigers struggled to beat the Tigers.  Typical SEC game.  Oh yeah–the LSU Tigers beat the Auburn Tigers 12-10.  Next up: Towson.
  4. Oregon (4-0): The Ducks looked very good in dispatching Arizona.  They shut out a Rich Rodriguez-coached team.  Nice.  Next up: @ Washington State.
  5. Kansas State (4-0): Kansas State has beaten top 5 Oklahoma, in Oklahoma, and destroyed 3-1 Miami.  Anyone have a better resume?  Next up: Kansas.
  6. Georgia (4-0): Took Vanderbilt to the cleaners, 48-3.  Georgia is looking like a solid #3 team in the SEC.  Next up: Tennessee.
  7. Notre Dame (4-0): The Fighting Irish beat Navy in Ireland, Purdue, Michigan State, and Michigan.  Pretty impressive set of wins.  Next up: Michigan.
  8. South Carolina (4-0): The Gamecocks had little trouble with Missouri.  Welcome to the SEC, Mizzou!   Next up: @ Kentucky.
  9. West Virginia (3-0): In its first real challenge of the season, West Virginia allowed Maryland to hang around.  Need to turn it up a notch in the Big XII.  Next up: Baylor.
  10. Stanford (3-0): Stanford got the week off.  They play a Thursday game against the Huskies in Washington this week.  Next up: @ Washington.
  11. Florida (4-0): The Gators are beating up on the middling teams of the SEC.  Up next is LSU on October 6th.  Next up: Idle.
  12. Louisville (4-0): Louisville was not exactly dominant against FIU–a team that Duke handled.  At least it was a road game.  Next up: @ Southern Mississippi.
  13. Clemson (3-1): Clemson did well against Florida State, all things considered.  They need to avoid the losing streak of last year though.  Next up: Boston College.
  14. Ohio State (4-0).  Ohio State still hasn’t really played anyone good.  This changes immediately.  Next up: @ Michigan State.
  15. TCU (3-0).  The Horned Frogs looked very good against Virginia.  Have you looked at TCU’s last four games on the season?  Wow.  Next up: @ SMU.
  16. Texas (3-0). Next up: @ Oklahoma State.
  17. Oklahoma (2-1): Next up: Idle.
  18. USC (3-1). Next up: @ Utah.
  19. Michigan State (3-1). Next up: Ohio State.
  20. Oregon State (2-0).  Next up: @ Arizona.
  21. Northwestern (4-0). Next up: Indiana.
  22. Mississippi State (4-0).  Next up: Idle.
  23. Virginia Tech (3-1). Next up: Cincinnati.
  24. Michigan (2-2): Next up: @ Purdue.
  25. Rutgers (4-0). Next up: Idle.

* * *

121. Syracuse (1-3).  Syracuse has played a brutal schedule of USC, Northwestern, and Minnesota (away).  Still, the only Orange victory was against FCS Stony Brook, 28-17.

122. Temple (1-2).  The win over Villanova was nice.  And Penn State and Maryland are improved.  Still–only victory is over an FCS foe.

123. Boston College (1-2).  Boston College has lost to Miami and Northwestern.  No shame in that.  The only victory is over FCS New Hampshire, not exactly a power.

124. Arkansas (1-3).  Arkansas has officially collapsed.  The only win is over an FCS foe.  With its starting QB, they are dominated by Rutgers.  This should not happen to a good SEC team at home.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
18 Sep 2012
2 Comments

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 3

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 4 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (3-0): Alabama finally gets the #1 spot in this poll.  Apologies for the delay in recognizing USC’s flaws.  52-0 over Arkansas?  Next up: Florida Atlantic.
  2. Florida State (3-0): The Seminoles have beaten their three opponents by a combined 176-3.  A huge test against Clemson looms.  Next up: Clemson.
  3. LSU (3-0):  The Tigers played Oregon last year, and then Washington and Idaho this year.  Is Montana next?  Next up: @ Auburn.
  4. Oklahoma (2-0): Oklahoma had the week off.  Good for them.  Next up: Kansas State.
  5. Oregon (3-0): The Ducks haven’t really beaten anyone yet.  But it is hard to see anyone being favored to beat them in the Pac-12.  Next up: Arizona.
  6. Clemson (3-0): Clemson handled Furman as easily as they should.  See how that works Arkansas and Auburn?   Next up: @ Florida State.
  7. Georgia (3-0): The Bulldogs got to beat up on Florida Atlantic.  Mission accomplished.  Next up: Vanderbilt.
  8. West Virginia (2-0): Some guy named Jim Madison could not beat West Virginia.  The Mountaineers need to be tested.  Next up: Maryland.
  9. South Carolina (3-0): The Gamecocks dispatched with U.A.B. with little stress.  Now they get to host the Tigers.  Guess which one!!!   Next up: Missouri.
  10. Kansas State (3-0): Kansas State did OK against North Texas.  A bit of a let down after dominating Miami.  Things get real tough this week.  Next up: @ Oklahoma.
  11. Michigan (2-1): As good as Alabama has looked, and as poor as the Big 10 has looked, is Michigan the class of the conference?  We’ll find out soon.  Next up: @ Notre Dame.
  12. Notre Dame (2-1): The Fighting Irish celebrated their ACC partnership by defeating Sparty on the road.  They return this week to host Big Brother.  Next up: Michigan.
  13. Louisville (3-0): Which Louisville team should be judged–the one that jumped up 35-6 against UNC or the one that narrowly won?  No idea either.  Next up: Florida International
  14. Stanford (3-0): With another win over USC, Stanford moves up into the top 15.  No Gerhart, no Luck, no matter.  Next up: @ Washington.
  15. Florida (3-0): The Gators may or may not be “back,” but they are 2-0 in conference.  A win at Tennessee is always nice.  Next up: Kentucky.
  16. Texas (3-0). Next up: @ Oklahoma State.
  17. USC (2-1). Next up: California.
  18. Ohio State (3-0).  Next up: UAB.
  19. TCU (3-0).  Next up: Virginia.
  20. Michigan State (2-1). Next up: E. Michigan.
  21. UCLA (3-0). Next up: Oregon State.
  22. Northwestern (3-0). Next up: South Dakota.
  23. Arizona (3-0).  Next up: @ Oregon.
  24. Mississippi State (3-0).  Next up: South Alabama.
  25. Virginia Tech (2-1). Next up: Bowling Green.

* * *

121.  Kentucky (1-2).  Losing to a Sun Belt program?  SEC teams should not lose to Sun Belt programs.  What are you doing with all that TV revenue and basketball gate cash???

122. Arkansas (1-2).  Wow… 52-0 to Alabama AT HOME?  A week after dropping a game to an FCS foe?  Arkansas is in trouble right now.  Big time.

123. Kansas (1-2).  While Kansas played well against TCU, all things considered, they are still 1-2 and the teams behind them both won.

124.  Colorado (0-3).  There is only one team in all of the BCS conferences that is winless.  It’s Colorado.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , ,

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