The Confidential

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Archive for the tag “top 25”

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 , , , , , , ,
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 , , , , , , ,
05 Sep 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 2

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

  1. USC (1-0): Hawaii is not a horrible team, most likely.  But USC handled them pretty well.  Next up: Syracuse.
  2. Alabama (1-0): A lot of the nation thinks that Alabama is #1.  The beat down of Michigan IS a compelling argument.  Next up: Western Kentucky
  3. Florida State (1-0): The Seminoles already lost a player for the season–a good one in Brandon Jenkins.  His replacement will get a tune-up against Savannah State this week.  Next up: Savannah State.
  4. LSU (1-0):  The Tigers had no trouble with North Texas winning 41-14.   The Pacific Northwest visits the next two weeks with Washington and Idaho making the trip in.  Next up: Washington.
  5. Oklahoma (1-0): The Sooners took care of UTEP, 24-7.  Not exactly an offensive masterpiece.  Next up: Florida A&M.
  6. Michigan State (1-0): Hey, Sparty beat giant-killer Boise State.  Not everyone can say that in a given year.  Next up: Central Michigan
  7. Clemson (1-0): Clemson erased the sour memory of the Orange Bowl by defeating Auburn without Sammy Watkins.  Not too shabby.  Next up: Ball State.
  8. Oregon (1-0): Offense clicked against Arkansas State, as well it should.  Allowing 34 points though?  Next up: Fresno State.
  9. West Virginia (1-0): Defeated in-state rival Marshall, 69-34.  It was quiet an offensive show for the new member of the Big XII.  Look out Oklahoma.  Next up: James Madison.
  10. Georgia (1-0): The Nation will learn a lot about Georgia this week, as it opens up SEC play against newcomer Missouri.  The defeat of Buffalo was… meh.  Next up: Missouri.
  11. Arkansas (1-0): The Razorbacks looked OK defeating overmatched Jacksonville State.  More creampuffs ahead thsi week.  Next up: Louisiana-Monroe.
  12. South Carolina (1-0): Win over Vandy was nice.  The game itself was not so impressive, nor was the officiating that helped the Gamecocks considerably.  Next up: East Carolina.
  13. Wisconsin (1-0): Lackluster performance against Northern Iowa, winning 26-21.  Bigger test this week against Oregon State, especially on the road.  Next up: Oregon State.
  14. Virginia Tech (1-0): On the one hand, the Hokies barely beat Georgia Tech.  On the other hand, how many top 15 teams played a team that good week 1?  Next up: Austin Peay
  15. Michigan (0-1): Michigan looked bad enough to drop out of the top 15.  But Alabama might be just that good.  Next up: Air Force.
  16. Texas (1-0).  Next up: New Mexico.
  17. Ohio State (1-0).  Next up: Central Florida.
  18. Nebraska (1-0).  Next up: UCLA
  19. Louisville (1-0).  Next up: Missouri State.
  20. TCU (1-0).  Next up: Grambling State.
  21. Stanford (1-0).  Next up: Duke.
  22. Notre Dame (1-0).  Next up: Purdue.
  23. Kansas State (1-0).  Next up: Miami.
  24. Florida (1-0).  Next up: Texas A&M.
  25. Oklahoma State (1-0).  Look, you hang 84 points on an FCS school, you are classless.  Enjoy #25.  Next up: Arizona.

* * *

121.  Maryland (1-0).  While losing is worse than winning, beating an FCS team 7-6 is really not something to be proud of.  Yikes.

122. Colorado (0-1).  Remember when the Buffaloes were awesome?  Yeah, neither does the Confidential.  Another win for Colorado State.

123.  Penn State (0-1).  As bad as things are, losing to Ohio has to be a disappointment.  Who knew Temple was the dominant team in Pennsylvania?

124.  Pittsburgh (0-1).  Losing to an FCS team is bad.  Losing at home is worse.  Losing by 14?  Ugh.

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 Aug 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25: Week 1

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football.  Here is the Week 1 version, with analysis of the top 15:

  1. USC:  Who is going to beat them?  They have Oregon and Notre Dame at home.  In past years, they have beaten themselves though.
  2. LSU:  Look at LSU’s schedule–they host Alabama.  That could be the deciding factor between those two schools.
  3. Alabama: Not only do the Crimson Tide travel to LSU, they also have to go to Arkanas and Missouri, while also playing Michigan.
  4. Florida State: The Confidential likes to pick on FSU fans, but this should be a very good Seminoles team.
  5. Oklahoma: The Sooners fall out of the top 5 because they have a trip to Morgantown–a unique place to play and a very possible defeat.
  6. Wisconsin: The big game on the schedule is the week 5 matchup at Nebraska.  Otherwise, Wisconsin misses Michigan, hosts Ohio State, and will close the season at depleted Penn State.  Very favorable.
  7. Oregon: Nothing challenging on the OOC slate.  They travel to USC though, which should be a great game.
  8. South Carolina: Not sure how they will win at LSU, but they get to host Georgia.  That will help.
  9. Georgia: No LSU.  No Alabama.  No Arkansas.  Still, we see the Bulldogs losing to South Carolina on the road.
  10. Michigan State: If the Spartans get by Boise State, they host Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State.  The tough road game is rival Michigan.
  11. West Virginia: This season could be very tough for the Mountaineers as they adjust to playing far away.  Or the Big XII will have trouble adjusting to it.
  12. Arkansas: The Razorbacks host Alabama and LSU this year, but must travel to South Carolina and Auburn.  Not sure about John L. Smith though.
  13. Michigan: Not quite buying into the Wolverines yet.  Neutral game against Alabama, plus road games against Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State.
  14. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to discount the Hokies and their continued ability to finish reasonably well ranked.  This year should be more of the same.
  15. Clemson: The Tigers get to host Virginia Tech, but Auburn in Atlanta and Florida State in Tallahassee could mean a 2-2 start.
  16. Texas
  17. Ohio State
  18. Nebraska
  19. Boise State
  20. Oklahoma State
  21. TCU
  22. Stanford
  23. Louisville
  24. Kansas State
  25. Florida

So there it is.  If this isn’t the way the standings wrap up at the end of the year, well… sorry.

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , ,
28 Oct 2011

Tarheels Top Preseason AP Poll

The Preseason AP poll has been released and the North Carolina Tarheels were ranked #1.

The Complete Poll is as follows:

1. N. Carolina (62), 1,620
2. Kentucky, 1,501
3. Ohio St. (1), 1,482
4. UConn (2), 1,433
5. Syracuse, 1,338
6. Duke, 1,301
7. Vanderbilt, 1,120
8. Florida, 1,086
9. Louisville, 1,055
10. Pittsburgh, 1,027
11. Memphis, 997
12. Baylor, 892
13. Kansas, 755
14. Xavier, 747
15. Wisconsin, 720
16. Arizona, 616
17. UCLA, 404
18. Michigan, 401
19. Alabama, 395
20. Texas A&M, 357
21. Cincinnati, 353
22. Marquette, 335
23. Gonzaga, 283
24. California, 230
25. Missouri, 139
Others receiving votes: Florida St. 131, Michigan St. 128, Temple 69, Washington 44, New Mexico 33, Butler 25, Texas 21, Villanova 14, Creighton 12, Purdue 10, Belmont 8, Drexel 8, UNLV 7, Saint Mary’s (Cal) 6, George Mason 5, West Virginia 4, Long Beach St. 3, Miami 3, Harvard 2, Illinois 2, Marshall 1, Minnesota 1, San Diego St. 1.

The future version of the ACC has 4 of the top 10 teams, but nobody else in the top 25.  And of the four teams ranked in the top 10, Syracuse and Pitt are so ranked as current members of the Big East.  That makes the conference both top-heavy and weak heading into the season.  A few teams are going to need to have surprising seasons for the conference to generate respect.  Interestingly, perennial football powers Florida St. and Miami were among the others receiving votes.

It is notable that, even removing Big East defectors Syracuse, Pitt, and (now) West Virginia, the Big East still has the #4 team (UConn), the #9 team (Louisville), the #21 team (Cincinnati), the #22 team (Marquette), and Villanova also receiving votes.  The addition of Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC will undoubtedly even the gap in future seasons.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Basketball and tagged , , , , , , , , ,

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