The Confidential

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16 Oct 2012

ACC Football Rankings: October 15, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  This is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of October 15, 2012:

1.  Florida State (6-1)–A week after doing what it normally does (losing to teams from Tobacco Road for no reason), Florida State did what it was supposed to do–annihilate Boston College.  Halfway to a BCS bowl for the Seminoles.

2. Clemson (5-1)–Clemson was idle, but nobody below it did anything worthy to leapfrog them.  Sitting nicely in the #2 slot.

3. North Carolina (5-2)–The Tar Heels defeated a tough Miami team on the road.  This team looks like it might be ready to take the next step.

4. North Carolina State (4-2)–The Wolfpack was idle this week, but will look to have a strong second half en route to another bowl appearance.

5. Virginia Tech (4-3)–The Hokies finally put something together–defeating upstart Duke at home.  Giving up 20 points in the first quarter was a poor start, but the final score was all Hokies.

6. Duke (5-2)–Duke’s second half schedule will be brutal–they need to get that 6th win ASAP.  They had the Hokies on the ropes too.

7. Maryland (4-2)–Without question, Maryland is battling Duke for the surprise team of the year.  The difference is that Maryland very well could end up with a better record due to Duke’s tough schedule.  This is why you do NOT fire head coaches after one year.

8. Miami (4-3)–Miami had a chance to take the next step, but faltered against the Tar Heels.  This is still an OK team, but not ready to be classified as “good.”

9. Wake Forest (3-3)—Wake Forest is sitting at .500, a mediocre record after a mediocre first-half of the season.  Not going to get any easier for the Demon Deacons.

10. Syracuse (2-4)–Syracuse lost to undefeated Rutgers, but the Orange continue to self-destruct.  Looking at the results up and down these rankings, Syracuse fans need to be careful in losing patience with their coach.  That being said, Doug Marrone needs to re-evaluate what he is doing.

11. Pittsburgh (2-4)—Pitt also lost to an undefeated Big East team–Louisville.  Pitt did not keep it quite as close as Syracuse did, but that is not a surprise.

12. Georgia Tech (2-4)–Georgia Tech needed the bye week to regroup and gather its thoughts.  There are still opportunities on the schedule, but becoming bowl eligible will take some work.

13. Virginia (2-5)–All that momentum from last year has stalled.  Maryland and Virginia seemed to have swapped teams somehow.  A bowl seems unlikely.

14. Boston College (1-5)–After losing to the Seminoles by 40+ points, Boston College is squarely in the basement.  A bowl seemed highly unlikely.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, 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 , , , , , , , ,
08 Oct 2012

ACC Football Rankings: October 8, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  This is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of October 8, 2012:

1.  Florida State (5-1)–With its win over Clemson, the Confidential simply cannot punish the Seminoles for its road loss to North Carolina State THAT much.  There is plenty more time for Clemson to show it deserves this spot over the team that it lost to.

2. Clemson (5-1)–In beating Georgia Tech, Clemson has itself set up nicely to pounce if/when Florida State disappoints next.  The Tigers need to focus on running the table in the ACC and worry about its conference rival South Carolina only when that game week approaches.

3. Duke (5-1)–Duke keeps winning.  That Stanford loss looks worse now, but who had the Blue Devils playing for bowl-eligibility in mid-October?  Give credit where it is due.

4. North Carolina State (4-2)–Before the weekend, Florida State was in the national title picture.  After this weekend, they are not.  Credit North Carolina State for making that happen.

5. North Carolina (4-2)–The Tar Heels finally beat someone with some talent–the very talented Virginia Tech Hokies.  They’ll have to prove that the deserve to stay in this spot when they visit Miami this week.

6. Miami (4-2)–Miami has yet to lose in conference play, but they have been simply awful against top 10 teams out of conference.  They have been outscored 93-16.  Not a typo.  Wow.

7. Maryland (3-2)–Well, the Terrapins are above .500.  They kept it as close against West Virginia as anyone all year.  The best wins are Temple and Wake Forest though.  Ugh.

8. Wake Forest (3-3)–The Demon Deacons beat North Carolina.  Virginia Tech did not.

9. Virginia Tech(3-3)—Not that Wake Forest has done THAT much to be ahead of Virginia Tech.  But Virginia Tech is struggling in a way that we have not seen under Frank Beamer.

10. Syracuse (2-3)–Syracuse was desperate for a win and got it, defeating Pitt 14-13.  A pretty ugly win though.

11. Pittsburgh (2-3)—At least Pitt has a nice win over Virginia Tech.  They lost a lot of momentum with that Syracuse loss though.

12. Georgia Tech (2-4)–The loss to Clemson was not bad, but the Georgia Tech resume is just not that impressive.  They did beat Virginia though.

13. Virginia (2-4)–That lucky win over Penn State looks nice.  But otherwise Virginia has been awful.

14. Boston College (1-4)–For a few weeks, the Confidential has been saying that Boston College doesn’t deserve to be #14.  Losing to Army?  There, now they deserve it.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
02 Oct 2012
2 Comments

ACC Football Rankings: October 1, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  This is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of October 1, 2012:

1.  Florida State (5-0)–With a win over South Florida, the Seminoles showed that they can avoid a let down.  The Seminoles control their own destiny and are looking very very good.

2. Clemson (4-1)–By dispatching Boston College, the Tigers are trying to stay in contention should Florida State slip up. So far, so good.

3. Miami (4-1)–Miami is now 3-0 in conference play.  Who saw that coming after the Week 2 blowout loss to Kansas State (a legit team)?  Is this the year that the Seminoles and Hurricanes finally meet up in the ACC Championship Game?

4. Duke (4-1)–Duke is not supposed to be for real, but the wins just keep adding up for the Blue Devils.  What team with a worse record deserves this spot more?  Exactly.

5. Virginia Tech (3-2)–The Hokies are not having a typical season.  And being slid into the 5th spot is more of a reflection on the implosions elsewhere in the conference.

6. North Carolina State (3-2)–NC State’s game against Miami was the type of game it needs to win to turn the corner.  Of course, this is a statement that gets said for this program multiple times a year it seems like.

7. Wake Forest (3-2)—The Demon Deacons could be #4 in this list, but the loss to Duke caused this drop.  At least they beat the Tar Heels.

8. North Carolina (3-2)–The Tar Heels have done a nice job of beating the teams they are supposed to beat.  Much of the ACC cannot say that, unfortunately.

9. Pitt (2-2)–Despite losing its first two games, Pitt looks to have righted the ship.  Big game against Syracuse this week.

10. Maryland (2-2)—Give credit to Maryland-at least they are much improved over last year.  With all the mediocrity, the Terrapins may yet make a bowl.

11. Georgia Tech (2-3)–Hard to explain what is going on in Georgia Tech.  But they have generally looked better than Virginia.

12. Virginia (2-3)—Virginia has looked worse than their 2-3 record suggests.  In danger of dropping lower.  

13. Syracuse (1-3)–Syracuse is desperate for a win.  Pitt is going to be a tough foe.

13. Boston College (1-3)–Boston College doesn’t deserve to be #14.  They are playing tough teams.  No impressive wins yet.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, 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 , , , , , , , , , ,
24 Sep 2012

ACC Football Rankings: September 24, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  This is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of September 24, 2012:

1.  Florida State (4-0)–The Confidential was wise to slide Florida State up over Clemson BEFORE the two teams met.  Florida State has proven that they are a legitimate national championship contender.

2. Clemson (3-1)–Clemson played well enough against Florida State to keep its #2 ranking.  The fact that Auburn played LSU so tough helps also.

3. Virginia Tech (3-1)–The Pitt loss remains a puzzle.  Beating Bowling Green was nice, but unimpressive.  Actually, the way the MAC performed on Saturday, it actually is impressive.

4. Miami (3-1)–The Hurricanes did what they needed to in beating Georgia Tech on the road.  That makes Miami 2-0 in road conference games.  That will work.

5. Wake Forest (3-1)–The Demon Deacons overcame the difficult loss to Florida State by beating Army, 49-37.  Not sure if giving up 89 points total in consecutive games is a stat that can continue.

6. North Carolina State (3-1)–The win over Citadel works.  Next up… Miami and Florida State.  Uh-oh.

7. Duke (3-1)–Duke has beaten exactly nobody.  But they have beaten three teams.

8. Georgia Tech (2-2)–Losing to Virginia Tech and Miami used to be a regular event for teams.  This year, both teams have head scratching losses that weaken the Georgia Tech profile.

9. Maryland (2-2)–Credit to Maryland for hanging tough at West Virginia.  They also deserve credit for playing 3 BCS conference foes in their OOC slate.

10. Virginia (2-2)–Virginia expected this season to be a good one, as demonstrated by games against Penn State and TCU.  So far, Virginia is really not looking like a top ACC team.

11.  Pitt (2-2)–Of the four 2-2 teams, Pitt has the worst loss.   Of the four 1-2 teams, Pitt has the best win.  Not going to drop them behind North Carolina.

12. North Carolina (2-2)–North Carolina has beaten Elon and East Carolina.  Not sure if there are any middling e-named teams left for them to play.

13. Syracuse (1-3)(tie)–Syracuse looked bad against Minnesota, but kept it to a reasonable 17-10 final tally.  Orange opponents are a combined 14-2 on the season… meaning 11-1 in games not involving the ‘Cuse.

13. Boston College (1-2)(tie)–Idle this week.  No reason to separate the two ACC rivals.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, 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 , , , , , , ,
17 Sep 2012
5 Comments

ACC Football Rankings: September 17, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  Unfortunately, after a tough week, most teams have their spot in the standings because of what the other teams did–not because they earned it.  Oh well… this is how the Confidential ranks the ACC football teams as of September 17, 2012:

1.  Florida State (3-0)–The Confidential does not like sliding Clemson down coming off a win, but Florida State just destroyed a good Wake Forest team.  On the season, the Seminoles have outscored their opponents 176-3.  Clemson can prove the Confidential wrong on the field.

2. Clemson (3-0)–Clemson is the only other undefeated team left in the ACC.  And they travel to Florida State this week.  Speaking the obvious, only one team leaves that game undefeated.  With this #2 ranking, the Confidential is leaning Florida State.

3. Georgia Tech (2-1)–Georgia Tech gets this spot by default.  They lost to Virginia Tech on the road… true.  But Va Tech lost to a reeling Pitt squad.  And Georgia Tech looked great against Virginia.

4. Virginia Tech (2-1)–No excuse for the Pitt loss.  This is a game that Virginia Tech has to win if the ACC is Virginia Tech wants to someday be listed among the “kings” of college football.  Another September disappointment.

5. Wake Forest (2-1)–The Demon Deacons just lost 52-0.  And they get the edge over other teams.  Why?  The best win–over North Carolina.  Ugh.

6. North Carolina State (2-1)–A coin flip separates all these 2-1 teams.  North Carolina State’s loss to Tennessee is not awful, and the win over UConn is nice.  Still…

7. Miami (2-1)–Miami’s implosion against Kansas State still leaves a stench.  But Virginia barely beat a very down Penn State team.

8. Virginia (2-1)–Virginia looked vulnerable against Penn State.  Then they proved it against Georgia Tech.

9. Duke (2-1)–Duke was terrible against Stanford, but they do have 2 wins.  After letting its coach lose to his former school, Maryland deserves to be at the bottom of the 2-1 teams.

10. Maryland (2-1)–See above.  Maryland does not deserve to be ranked higher than anyone else that is 2-1.

11.  Pitt (1-2)–Of the four 1-2 teams, Pitt has the worst loss.   Of the four 1-2 teams, Pitt has the best win.  Edge to Pitt.

12. North Carolina (1-2)–The remaining three ACC teams have only beaten an FCS foe, while losing to two BCS-level teams.  The Tar Heels were most convincing in their win.

13. Syracuse (1-2)(tie)–Syracuse won and dropped several spots in the standings.  Why?  Because they beat an FCS foe by 11 points and USC looks to be a shadow of what was expected.

13. Boston College (1-2)(tie)–Boston College doesn’t deserve to be #14.  They lost to Northwestern on the road, while Syracuse lost at home.  However, BC lost to Miami at home, while Syracuse lost to USC on a neutral site.  Although BC beat its FCS for with more ease, Syracuse had to play its FCS foe after the emotional USC game.  So there it is… a tie.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
11 Sep 2012

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 3 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. USC (2-0): USC survived its East Coast trip to play Syracuse.  The USC offense looks simply unstoppable, unless they stop themselves of course.  Next up: @ Stanford.
  2. Alabama (2-0): Alabama is trending as the #1 team in most polls.  After Michigan struggled to beat Air Force at home, are we sure Syracuse is not better than the Wolverines?  Next up: @ Arkansas.
  3. Florida State (2-0): The Seminoles have beaten their two creampuffs by a combined 124-3.  And they invoked the mercy rule this weekend, costing them nearly half the game.  Next up: Wake Forest.
  4. LSU (2-0):  The Tigers looked great against Washington.  But Pac-12 teams generally have trouble heading East.  What chance does Idaho have?  Next up: Idaho.
  5. Oklahoma (2-0): The Sooners looked fine against Florida A&M.  So the fan base has to be a little less nervous now.  Next up: Idle.
  6. Michigan State (2-0): Sparty is going to have to carry the B1G this year.  They looked the part against Central Michigan.  Next up: Notre Dame.
  7. Clemson (2-0): Clemson took care of Ball State in Week 2.  This week Sammy Watkins returns to face Furman.  Uh-oh for Furman.   Next up: Furman.
  8. Oregon (2-0): The Ducks coasted in the second half against Fresno State.  After all, it was 35-6 at the half.  Next up: Tennessee Tech.
  9. Georgia (2-0): The Bulldogs looked very good in toppling Missouri in its SEC opener.  Nice rally in the second half.  Next up: Florida Atlantic.
  10. West Virginia (1-0): That Oliver Luck is a genius.  An extra week to prepare for James Madison will pay dividends.  Look out Oklahoma.  Next up: James Madison.
  11. South Carolina (2-0): Looked great in defeating East Carolina to go 2-0.  UAB lost to Troy State in its opener.  Ugh.  Next up: U.A.B.
  12. Virginia Tech (2-0): Yes, that’s three ACC teams in the top 12.  The Hokies took care of Austin Peay, which has not always been easy for the program in September. Next up: @Pittsburgh.
  13. Kansas State (2-0): Beating Miami at home was nice, destroying Miami by 39 points was a great sign.  Collin Klein and Heisman showed up in a lot of post-game commentary too.  Next up: North Texas.
  14. Michigan (1-1): Michigan did enough to beat Air Force.  But it was hardly dominating.  We’ll give them the edge over sanctioned B1G foe Ohio State until otherwise is proven.  Next up: UMass.
  15. Louisville (2-0): How about a little love for the Big East’s best team?  Teddy Bridgewater looks like the real deal too.  Next up: North Carolina.
  16. Texas (2-0).  Next up: @ Mississippi.
  17. Ohio State (2-0).  Next up: California.
  18. TCU (2-0).  Next up: @ Kansas.
  19. Stanford (2-0).  Next up: USC.
  20. Notre Dame (2-0).  Next up: @ Michigan State.
  21. UCLA (2-0). Next up: Houston.
  22. Florida (2-0).  Next up: @ Tennessee.
  23. Tennessee (2-0). Next up: Florida.
  24. Northwestern (2-0). Next up: Boston College.
  25. Arizona (2-0).  Next up: South Carolina State.

* * *

121.  Kansas (1-1).  Sure, Syracuse, Auburn, and Vandy are 0-2, but those teams have only played BCS-level opponents.  Of the 1-1 teams, Kansas has the least impressive resume.  Prove us wrong against TCU, Jayhawks.  Feel free.

122. Penn State (0-2).  Hey, the Nittany Lions looked pretty good against UVA.  Their poor kicker had a terrible day, but their primary kicker bailed out on the team.  Could have won.

123. Pittsburgh (0-2).  Pitt looked awful against Cincinnati.  There is talent on this team, but the talent looks lost.  Is Temple the premiere program in Pennsylvania?  We’ll find out as Temple plays both Pitt and PSU this year.

124.  Colorado (0-2).  After losing to Colorado State, Colorado lost to an FCS foe, Sacramento State.  To add insult to injury, Colorado State lost to an FCS foe, North Dakota State, 22-7.  Utter failure throughout the state.

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 , , , , , , ,
10 Sep 2012

ACC Football Rankings: September 10, 2012

This is particularly complex with Pitt and Syracuse not yet in the ACC, but it can still be done.  With only two weeks of games played, this is how we rank the ACC football schools as of September 10, 2012:

1.  Clemson (2-0)–Clemson had the toughest two opponents of the top teams, defeating Auburn and Ball State.  Nary an FCS opponent.  So they hold their position.

2. Florida State (2-0)–Due to scheduling issues, the Seminoles have not been remotely tested yet.  But they have looked awfully good.  Can they topple nemesis Wake Forest?

3. Virginia Tech (2-0)–A good, standard FCS drubbing against Austin Peay keeps the Hokies at a solid #3.  They get reeling Pitt next.

4. Georgia Tech (1-1)–Georgia Tech took care of Presbyterian, which is nice.  We’ll keep them #4.  Barely.

5. Wake Forest (2-0)–The Demon Deacons have been far from dominant.  But they have not been losers yet.  Seminoles loom though.

6. Virginia (2-0)–Virginia beat Penn State, but barely.  Penn State’s leftovers beat themselves, particularly on special teams.

7. North Carolina State (1-1)–Well, the Wolfpack has a win over a BCS foe and a loss to a BCS foe.  We give them the edge over Syracuse and Maryland.

8. Syracuse (0-2)–If you watched the game, Syracuse more than held their own against USC.  Moral victories are not worth much, but if Syracuse played the schedule of most teams, they’d be 2-0 or 1-1.

9. Maryland (2-0)–Hard to believe, but the Terps are 2-0, with wins over William & Mary and BCS newbie (renewbie?) Temple.  Next up?   A winnable game against UConn.  Going to be some fired up players and coaches for that game.

10. Miami (1-1)–Of the four 1-1 teams, only Miami has beaten a team from a BCS conference (B.C.), and that was a road game.  So we’ll give the Hurricanes the benefit of the doubt for one more week.

11.  North Carolina (1-1)–Played valiantly against Wake Forest, before losing.  They did handle Elon pretty handily.  Yippee.

12.  Boston College (1-1)–Boston College did what it needed to do against Maine.  And then some.

13. Duke (1-1)–One step forward with the win over Florida International.  Three steps backward in getting walloped by Stanford.

14. Pitt (0-2)–Pitt looked lost for parts of the game against Cincinnati.  The talent is there, this is all about coaching right now.

Do you agree with these rankings?  If not, let us know.

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

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