in order to stagger posting...here's my playoff teams for each conference. (why rank teams no one cares about). right now this is a combo of where i really think they'll end up and what teams have done lately. (mostly former)
West
1. Lakers - undefeated and winning by 20 points per? wow!
2. Jazz - which other team could go 6-1 without their best player and starting PG?
3. Suns - A new coach, new system, new players, new culture, east coast trip...6-2!
4. Hornets - CP is amazing, as soon as everyone is healthy they'll look more in sync.
5. Spurs - they look awful now, but with Manu and TP, they'll be fine.
6. Rockets - lose to the good teams...not a good trend to get out of first round.
7. Portland - if greg is healthy and they can gel, they will be scary.
8. Denver - i think the trade gets them in...billups is that good.
East
1. Celtics - they don't look satisfied with one championship
2. Cavs - LBJ is the early MVP...i think they get past the C's this year.
3. Hawks - they look good enough to keep this up! joe johnson MVP2?
4. Toronto - bosh looks awesome, no one will want to play them in april.
5. Philadelphia - they have the skills and will figure it out. are they this bad though?
6. Orlando - dwight's D is very impressive, do they have the cast to go far?
7. Heat - D-Wade looks good, but beasley has been less than impressive.
8. Detroit - AI makes them worse, causes tension and they could drop out.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Lucky 13, week 11
1. TT - I am humbled now...TT should be #1 after dismantling a very good OkSt team. I should've never doubted them...I am so wrong! (they better beat OU now!)
2. Florida - only drop because of TT's dominance and harder schedule so far. UF v TT would be the best NC game I think.
3. Texas - bounced back very nicely after having the NC game gift-wrapped for them and failing to claim it! Should win their next two and end up with only one loss.
4. Okla - They are looking better and better each week. If they beat TT, who gets to play in the Big-12 bowl? Highest ranked right...so if they can beat TT and UT they can get to the NC! Yeah, that won't be hard to do!
5. 'Bama - that was a solid win for them. I didn't think they would do it, but they beat a good LSU team on the road. They seem to play well when it matters most, hopefully that trend continues when they showdown with the Gators. (assuming they get past Auburn and Miss St.)
6. Utah - HUGE win against TCU. Although it was more like TCU lost the game then Utah won it. (the missed FG's) But UT drove the length of the field with 2 minutes left in the game against the nation's best D...pretty impressive. As long as they can get past a huge road test with SDSU (total TIC) the showdown in SLC is set with BYU and a chance for the MWC and BCS!
7. USC - continue to be unimpressed by them. The skill is there, but they just don't have "it" this year. They better pray OSU loses or we could be looking at no USC in a BSC bowl!!!
8. Ohio St - just what I thought, they destroyed NW. I think they'll lay the smackdown on Ill and Michigan, which means they'll get the Rose Bowl again and hopefully a rematch (and I believe a victory) against USC.
9. Georgia - Still manage to win games, but I haven't ever been super convinced by these guys. Beating Auburn on the road and a quick, talented GT team will help me feel better about this ranking.
10. OkSt - brutal schedule, great team. They should still go to the BCS this year IMO, and would give any team all they could handle.
11. Missouri - Offense still really good, they should finish 10-2 which is a great year considering how tough the Big-12 is.
12. TCU - Why couldn't they have played like this against BYU!!! Should have won that game...still a great team...proof of how tough MWC is this year.
13. BYU - the next two weeks will, IMO, not only be a defining point in BYU's season this year but could be culmination of years of change around that program and set the stage for a historic year next year. Beating AFA and Utah on the road should boost them into top 12.
PS Penn State does not deserve to be ranked anywhere near the top 10. No top 5 team trying to prove their NC worth lays an egg on the road against a team whose previous best win was against the lowly Badgers.
2. Florida - only drop because of TT's dominance and harder schedule so far. UF v TT would be the best NC game I think.
3. Texas - bounced back very nicely after having the NC game gift-wrapped for them and failing to claim it! Should win their next two and end up with only one loss.
4. Okla - They are looking better and better each week. If they beat TT, who gets to play in the Big-12 bowl? Highest ranked right...so if they can beat TT and UT they can get to the NC! Yeah, that won't be hard to do!
5. 'Bama - that was a solid win for them. I didn't think they would do it, but they beat a good LSU team on the road. They seem to play well when it matters most, hopefully that trend continues when they showdown with the Gators. (assuming they get past Auburn and Miss St.)
6. Utah - HUGE win against TCU. Although it was more like TCU lost the game then Utah won it. (the missed FG's) But UT drove the length of the field with 2 minutes left in the game against the nation's best D...pretty impressive. As long as they can get past a huge road test with SDSU (total TIC) the showdown in SLC is set with BYU and a chance for the MWC and BCS!
7. USC - continue to be unimpressed by them. The skill is there, but they just don't have "it" this year. They better pray OSU loses or we could be looking at no USC in a BSC bowl!!!
8. Ohio St - just what I thought, they destroyed NW. I think they'll lay the smackdown on Ill and Michigan, which means they'll get the Rose Bowl again and hopefully a rematch (and I believe a victory) against USC.
9. Georgia - Still manage to win games, but I haven't ever been super convinced by these guys. Beating Auburn on the road and a quick, talented GT team will help me feel better about this ranking.
10. OkSt - brutal schedule, great team. They should still go to the BCS this year IMO, and would give any team all they could handle.
11. Missouri - Offense still really good, they should finish 10-2 which is a great year considering how tough the Big-12 is.
12. TCU - Why couldn't they have played like this against BYU!!! Should have won that game...still a great team...proof of how tough MWC is this year.
13. BYU - the next two weeks will, IMO, not only be a defining point in BYU's season this year but could be culmination of years of change around that program and set the stage for a historic year next year. Beating AFA and Utah on the road should boost them into top 12.
PS Penn State does not deserve to be ranked anywhere near the top 10. No top 5 team trying to prove their NC worth lays an egg on the road against a team whose previous best win was against the lowly Badgers.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Lucky 13 - Week 10
1. Florida - THIS is the team that I thought UF would be all along...it took them awhile, but they look unbeatable now.
2. TT - Beating UT was VERY impressive. I must say they are proving me wrong...let's see if they can continue, as I predicted they would lose at least one of these 3 tough games.
3. Penn St - Great team...will largely go untested the rest of the way. (or at least should be untested in the mediocre Big-10) Are they really better than a one-loss Big-12 or UF?
4. Texas - They were one dropped pick, or one tackle away from the NC game!!! How do you have two guys wrapping up Crabtree and not just THROW him out of bounds? So sad! Still a great team that just finished the most brutal 5 week stretch ever.
5. Oklahoma - Looking sharper and sharper after their loss to UT. If they can beat TT and OkSt on the road the last week of the season, it's not inconceivable that we see the Sooners in the NC game!
6. Okla St. - I know this goes against the way I rank, but I think they will beat TT in Lubbock on Saturday.
7. TCU - Not only are these guys the best non-BCS team, now that their O is running no all cylinders I believe they could beat ANYone in the country and if they go 11-1 they deserve to get a BCS bid WAY ahead of BSU.
8. 'Bama - No one else has them this low, but their ONLY two games against ranked opponents were "#9" Clemson (who we now know SUCKS), and their beat down of Georgia which is looking more and more like an anamoly and not the norm. PS While I don't think LSU is better than them, I think the Tigers will win in Baton Rouge on Sat.
9. USC - They sure can slaughter crappy teams...but they can only manage to squeeze by (or lose to) the average teams. I think the pathetic quality of the Pac-10 this year, combined with USC's inability to kill teams they should will send them to the Rose Bowl this year. (Like that is some kind of punishment!)
10. Utah - This might be the ONLY time I root for the Ute's! They have showed signs of excellence and mediocrity this year...They better bring their "A" game on Thursday against TCU. Beating the Horney Toads, will really make me a believer.
11. Ohio State - They've had a lot of time to think about their loss to Penn St...man I feel sorry for the upstart Wildcats!
12. Georgia - Saturday's beatdown marks the second time Georgia has let another team spank their little behinds all over the field during a HUGE game. They are talented, and honestly who else should go here...they'd beat anyone below them (13-25).
13. BYU - I know, call me a homer, but I believe they are better than two teams currently ranked ahead of them...Mizzou and BSU. BYU's O would SHRED Mizzou's porous D for 50 points, a la UT, and BSU plays NO ONE. They are top 25 material (I'd have them at about 16-17, but just because they haven't lost DOES NOT MAKE THEM GOOD...re Hawaii last year!)
2. TT - Beating UT was VERY impressive. I must say they are proving me wrong...let's see if they can continue, as I predicted they would lose at least one of these 3 tough games.
3. Penn St - Great team...will largely go untested the rest of the way. (or at least should be untested in the mediocre Big-10) Are they really better than a one-loss Big-12 or UF?
4. Texas - They were one dropped pick, or one tackle away from the NC game!!! How do you have two guys wrapping up Crabtree and not just THROW him out of bounds? So sad! Still a great team that just finished the most brutal 5 week stretch ever.
5. Oklahoma - Looking sharper and sharper after their loss to UT. If they can beat TT and OkSt on the road the last week of the season, it's not inconceivable that we see the Sooners in the NC game!
6. Okla St. - I know this goes against the way I rank, but I think they will beat TT in Lubbock on Saturday.
7. TCU - Not only are these guys the best non-BCS team, now that their O is running no all cylinders I believe they could beat ANYone in the country and if they go 11-1 they deserve to get a BCS bid WAY ahead of BSU.
8. 'Bama - No one else has them this low, but their ONLY two games against ranked opponents were "#9" Clemson (who we now know SUCKS), and their beat down of Georgia which is looking more and more like an anamoly and not the norm. PS While I don't think LSU is better than them, I think the Tigers will win in Baton Rouge on Sat.
9. USC - They sure can slaughter crappy teams...but they can only manage to squeeze by (or lose to) the average teams. I think the pathetic quality of the Pac-10 this year, combined with USC's inability to kill teams they should will send them to the Rose Bowl this year. (Like that is some kind of punishment!)
10. Utah - This might be the ONLY time I root for the Ute's! They have showed signs of excellence and mediocrity this year...They better bring their "A" game on Thursday against TCU. Beating the Horney Toads, will really make me a believer.
11. Ohio State - They've had a lot of time to think about their loss to Penn St...man I feel sorry for the upstart Wildcats!
12. Georgia - Saturday's beatdown marks the second time Georgia has let another team spank their little behinds all over the field during a HUGE game. They are talented, and honestly who else should go here...they'd beat anyone below them (13-25).
13. BYU - I know, call me a homer, but I believe they are better than two teams currently ranked ahead of them...Mizzou and BSU. BYU's O would SHRED Mizzou's porous D for 50 points, a la UT, and BSU plays NO ONE. They are top 25 material (I'd have them at about 16-17, but just because they haven't lost DOES NOT MAKE THEM GOOD...re Hawaii last year!)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NBA Season Picks
West
1. Lakers
2. Hornets
3. Rockets
4. Suns
5. Spurs
6. Jazz
7. Blazers
8. Mavs
East
1. Celtics
2. 76'ers
3. Cavs
4. Heat
5. Pistons
6. Raptors
7. Magic
8. Hawks
MVP - LeBron James (Amare Stoudemire sleeper)
ROY - Beasley
COY - Nate McMillan
DPY - Marcus Camby
MIP - Danny Granger (i like Devin Harris as well)
East Finals
76'ers v Cavs - Cavs win
West Finals
Suns v Hornets - Suns win
Finals - Suns over Cavs
This year and next are the last good years PHX will have in bball for a while...This needs to be the year though. Next year our younger players will be more developed, but everyone needs to play as if the whole valley will be blown up on July 1st and nothing matters but this year. Their top 8-9 guys are more talented than any other teams. Once they figure out who they are (and this BRUTAL first month will be a painful help) they should be tough to beat.
1. Lakers
2. Hornets
3. Rockets
4. Suns
5. Spurs
6. Jazz
7. Blazers
8. Mavs
East
1. Celtics
2. 76'ers
3. Cavs
4. Heat
5. Pistons
6. Raptors
7. Magic
8. Hawks
MVP - LeBron James (Amare Stoudemire sleeper)
ROY - Beasley
COY - Nate McMillan
DPY - Marcus Camby
MIP - Danny Granger (i like Devin Harris as well)
East Finals
76'ers v Cavs - Cavs win
West Finals
Suns v Hornets - Suns win
Finals - Suns over Cavs
This year and next are the last good years PHX will have in bball for a while...This needs to be the year though. Next year our younger players will be more developed, but everyone needs to play as if the whole valley will be blown up on July 1st and nothing matters but this year. Their top 8-9 guys are more talented than any other teams. Once they figure out who they are (and this BRUTAL first month will be a painful help) they should be tough to beat.
BYU, the polls, etc
- So I'm pretty bitter that FSU can jump TEN spots after beating an UNRANKED team AT HOME by only TEN points! This jump proves the biased nature of voters...they realized how horrible the ACC was but needed one of the teams to start climbing faster than these non-BCS teams.
- Also...Minnesota jumped SEVEN spots for beating a HORRIBLE Purdue team by only 11 points! How is this possible?
- I know I'm biased but UNLV is better than Purdue by a mile and BYU only jumped ONE spot. Yeah the Cougars got to play in Provo and the only won by 7 but come on...this is a joke. When 3 teams DIRECTLY ahead of you lose and you win, you should move up more than just one spot. Especially when no one behind you had convincing victories.
- BSU still is not very impressive, I don't see them losing another game, and a 12-0 BSU team will get SLAUGHTERED, just like Hawaii did last year. They aren't a bad team, but they are not approaching the top 10, and they would lose to BYU, UT, and TCU.
- BYU's offense looked awesome. They were well balanced, Max made his reads and they spread the ball all over the field. Granted, UNLV's D is not that good, but if they keep improving they'll be able to put up points on anyone
- BYU's D seems to be getting worse. Our 3rd down D has to be the worst in the country. How we give up 3rd and long EVERY SINGLE TIME, is so maddening. How is this not fixable? If we improve this, and this alone, we will go 12-1. If we could have stopped them just a few times, we would have won by 20, not 7.
- Overall it was a good win. To win a close game and make the big plays when it mattered most is pretty impressive given that just a few days earlier their whole season seemed to come crashing down. It takes a lot of mental maturity to be able to overcome a loss like that and recover and play well. BYU did that. If their D doesn't improve they'll lose to UT. If we can hold the Utes under 21 points I really like our chances to win.
- Also...Minnesota jumped SEVEN spots for beating a HORRIBLE Purdue team by only 11 points! How is this possible?
- I know I'm biased but UNLV is better than Purdue by a mile and BYU only jumped ONE spot. Yeah the Cougars got to play in Provo and the only won by 7 but come on...this is a joke. When 3 teams DIRECTLY ahead of you lose and you win, you should move up more than just one spot. Especially when no one behind you had convincing victories.
- BSU still is not very impressive, I don't see them losing another game, and a 12-0 BSU team will get SLAUGHTERED, just like Hawaii did last year. They aren't a bad team, but they are not approaching the top 10, and they would lose to BYU, UT, and TCU.
- BYU's offense looked awesome. They were well balanced, Max made his reads and they spread the ball all over the field. Granted, UNLV's D is not that good, but if they keep improving they'll be able to put up points on anyone
- BYU's D seems to be getting worse. Our 3rd down D has to be the worst in the country. How we give up 3rd and long EVERY SINGLE TIME, is so maddening. How is this not fixable? If we improve this, and this alone, we will go 12-1. If we could have stopped them just a few times, we would have won by 20, not 7.
- Overall it was a good win. To win a close game and make the big plays when it mattered most is pretty impressive given that just a few days earlier their whole season seemed to come crashing down. It takes a lot of mental maturity to be able to overcome a loss like that and recover and play well. BYU did that. If their D doesn't improve they'll lose to UT. If we can hold the Utes under 21 points I really like our chances to win.
Lucky 13, Week 9
1. Texas - If they can win next week in Lubbock they will have just finished the most impressive streak of tough games I think I've ever seen!
2. Penn St - They proved me wrong! That was a huge win for them, and they seem like the team with the best chance now to go 12-0.
3. Florida - They just beat a UK team by 58, that only lost to 'Bama by 3...it took them 7 weeks, but they are looking like the team I started the season of at #1.
4. Oklahoma - 55 points in a half! Geez...and TX beat these guys! They still will give the Longhorns all they can handle in the Big-12 championship game.
5. Ok St - You can't fall too far back after playing toe-to-toe with the unanimous #1 in the country. Amazingly balanced on offense and very skilled and physical on D.
6. 'Bama - Good road win, but this team is still too inconsistent to like a lot. They'll lose to UF and end up around 6-10 after that game.
7. Georgia - They looked really good against LSU, but most O's have looked good against LSU's porous defense. They get Florida at home and could a big win would really make people forget their debacle against 'Bama earlier this year.
8. USC - I know I have them low, but they have not shown ON THE FIELD that they belong any higher. Whomping on WSU looks pretty bad when you lose to Oregon State, and barely beat UofA
9. TCU - This game was just as telling on how bad WY is, but if their O can score a few points TCU could beat almost anyone given their fast, stingy, physical D.
10. Utah - Gotta stick to my rule...you can't move on a bye week. They cannot overlook a good UNM team on the road as they prepare for the biggest game of the year so far for them against TCU next week.
11. TT - Ok...I'm convinced. Their offense is unstoppable. They still haven't played against a great D, but man, these guys are like the Suns of CF! I still think they'll lose at least 2 of their next 3.
12. Ohio St - Disappointing loss, but this team is good and will be for awhile. Let Pryor get a year's experience and they'll be in the NC talk while he is there.
13. Missouri - Really any team from Mizzou to NC could go here. It's hard to distuingish them all at this point. But the Tigers had the best win on Saturday so they make the cut. (It's actually been bad luck to be here at #13, the team here usually ends up losing.)
2. Penn St - They proved me wrong! That was a huge win for them, and they seem like the team with the best chance now to go 12-0.
3. Florida - They just beat a UK team by 58, that only lost to 'Bama by 3...it took them 7 weeks, but they are looking like the team I started the season of at #1.
4. Oklahoma - 55 points in a half! Geez...and TX beat these guys! They still will give the Longhorns all they can handle in the Big-12 championship game.
5. Ok St - You can't fall too far back after playing toe-to-toe with the unanimous #1 in the country. Amazingly balanced on offense and very skilled and physical on D.
6. 'Bama - Good road win, but this team is still too inconsistent to like a lot. They'll lose to UF and end up around 6-10 after that game.
7. Georgia - They looked really good against LSU, but most O's have looked good against LSU's porous defense. They get Florida at home and could a big win would really make people forget their debacle against 'Bama earlier this year.
8. USC - I know I have them low, but they have not shown ON THE FIELD that they belong any higher. Whomping on WSU looks pretty bad when you lose to Oregon State, and barely beat UofA
9. TCU - This game was just as telling on how bad WY is, but if their O can score a few points TCU could beat almost anyone given their fast, stingy, physical D.
10. Utah - Gotta stick to my rule...you can't move on a bye week. They cannot overlook a good UNM team on the road as they prepare for the biggest game of the year so far for them against TCU next week.
11. TT - Ok...I'm convinced. Their offense is unstoppable. They still haven't played against a great D, but man, these guys are like the Suns of CF! I still think they'll lose at least 2 of their next 3.
12. Ohio St - Disappointing loss, but this team is good and will be for awhile. Let Pryor get a year's experience and they'll be in the NC talk while he is there.
13. Missouri - Really any team from Mizzou to NC could go here. It's hard to distuingish them all at this point. But the Tigers had the best win on Saturday so they make the cut. (It's actually been bad luck to be here at #13, the team here usually ends up losing.)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Perfect Week
RIP BCS...
This post won't really be necessary anymore since I can sum up BYU's hope from here on out for the season rather than week-to-week.
#1 - I do believe BYU is better than what they showed on Thursday night.
#2 - I do believe they would beat TCU in Provo, and if they showed some heart and excitement in that game. BYU looked scared and nervous from the get go. Had Max (or rather Anae) not thrown the INT on the 11 yard line we would have beat them in the 2nd half 14-9.
#3 - Anae's playcalling and Bronco's attitude BUG.
#4 - NEXT year is actually the more realistic year to go 12-0. (they get UT, TCU, AF and FSU at home...tough game @ASU)
#5 - I think they'll go 12-1 which IS a step closer in their QUEST to PEFECTION.
Best scenario possible...
- TCU loses on the road at UNLV (possible given the Rebels propensity this year to play well in big games, and the UofU game is the following week...look ahead?)
- Utah rallies behind a rowdy crowd in SLC to beat TCU!
- Utah wins out and moves up to 6, 7, or 8 in the BCS polls. (Pretty likely)
- BSU loses at least once. Their best shot is SJSU this weekend on the road. (They could lose at NV and MAYBE at home against FSU. We need one, but two would make all Cougar fans breath easier)
- Tulsa loses at least one game (they play 3 of their last 4 on the road...good luck!)
- Ball St loses at least one game (@ Central Michigan and Western Michigan are their last two games...they lose at least ONE!)
- BYU wins out. Since in our Hypo UNLV is beating TCU, a beatdown this weekend at the Rebels expense would be nice. We also have to win in SLC and stay perfect in a tough MWC.
If all this happens, BYU would share the MWC. Their only loss would be to a good TCU on the road. If they win out and these other losses pan out as planned, they would be somewhere around 15-16 when they play at Utah. If they beat them, it's conceivable that they move into the top 12 and ACTUALLY MAKE A BCS BOWL!
GOOD LUCK Cougars...and remember your best shot at 12-0 is actually NEXT year.
This post won't really be necessary anymore since I can sum up BYU's hope from here on out for the season rather than week-to-week.
#1 - I do believe BYU is better than what they showed on Thursday night.
#2 - I do believe they would beat TCU in Provo, and if they showed some heart and excitement in that game. BYU looked scared and nervous from the get go. Had Max (or rather Anae) not thrown the INT on the 11 yard line we would have beat them in the 2nd half 14-9.
#3 - Anae's playcalling and Bronco's attitude BUG.
#4 - NEXT year is actually the more realistic year to go 12-0. (they get UT, TCU, AF and FSU at home...tough game @ASU)
#5 - I think they'll go 12-1 which IS a step closer in their QUEST to PEFECTION.
Best scenario possible...
- TCU loses on the road at UNLV (possible given the Rebels propensity this year to play well in big games, and the UofU game is the following week...look ahead?)
- Utah rallies behind a rowdy crowd in SLC to beat TCU!
- Utah wins out and moves up to 6, 7, or 8 in the BCS polls. (Pretty likely)
- BSU loses at least once. Their best shot is SJSU this weekend on the road. (They could lose at NV and MAYBE at home against FSU. We need one, but two would make all Cougar fans breath easier)
- Tulsa loses at least one game (they play 3 of their last 4 on the road...good luck!)
- Ball St loses at least one game (@ Central Michigan and Western Michigan are their last two games...they lose at least ONE!)
- BYU wins out. Since in our Hypo UNLV is beating TCU, a beatdown this weekend at the Rebels expense would be nice. We also have to win in SLC and stay perfect in a tough MWC.
If all this happens, BYU would share the MWC. Their only loss would be to a good TCU on the road. If they win out and these other losses pan out as planned, they would be somewhere around 15-16 when they play at Utah. If they beat them, it's conceivable that they move into the top 12 and ACTUALLY MAKE A BCS BOWL!
GOOD LUCK Cougars...and remember your best shot at 12-0 is actually NEXT year.
Lucky 13, Week 8
Remember that these ranking are based on who is the best team NOW. Less and less will be based on what happens in each individual week, and more and more will be based on who would beat who. Obviously Wins and Losses are important, but there is quite a shake-up this week...
1. Texas - HOLY CRAP! I think we learned a lot about the Longhorns and the Tigers in that game. Mizzou's season is done and Texas looks awesome. Colt McCoy should be getting every Heisman vote right now. (Big 12 not as good as we thought?...Mizzou and TT)
2. Ok St - I still think they would beat any team below them right now. If (and it's a big IF) they win AT TX, they move to #1 EASY!
3. Ohio State - I don't want to see them in the BCS NC game either, but these guys are for real. With Pryor blossoming before us and Beanie healthy this Buckeye team would BEAT USC if they played again...in the Rose Bowl? That would be the sweetest Rose Bowl game.
4. Oklahoma - Their last game against OkSt could be for the Big-12 AND NC game! Who would have thought that 8 weeks ago?
5. USC - The have shown how to rebound from a disappointing loss (Take notes BYU!). They are starting to look scary good on both sides...they also benefit from playing in a conference that is worse than the MWC, SEC, Big-12 and Big-10 and possibly the ACC!
6. Penn St - Really good, but their struggles against Michigan were somewhat troubling...were they looking ahead to Columbus? Understandable, but I don't think they come out of there with a W.
7. Florida - If I had to pick a team to win the SEC right now I would pick them. They've only had one GREAT game this year, so this might be premature, but if their O continues to evolve into what we all hoped it would be...the Gators will be really good.
8. 'Bama - Their inconsistency still make me nervous, but their only really tough game remaining is at LSU, so they could legitimately go undefeated...until they play Florida!
9. TCU - If they played like they did on Thursday against OU, the Sooners would have TWO losses. They had been waiting for that game for a year, can they keep up that intensity?
10. Utah - I think TCU would beat them right now, but they still are a very balanced, disciplined team. They get the Horned Frogs at home and then will play the Cougars for potentially a MWC championship and a BCS birth!
11. Georgia - They've looked defeated ever since the 'Bama game. They are talented, but they wouldn't beat anyone ranked above them.
12. LSU - Talented, but very suspect D. I do believe they'll win either the 'Bama game or the UG game, both of which they get at home, which means they'll only end up with one loss and in the SEC that's still pretty dang good.
13. GT - They are a made field goal away from being 8-0. They are young, but good, and I believe will win the ACC.
(TT has SERIOUS issues, when they play against a Defense not ranked at the bottom of the NCAA they'll get pounded)
1. Texas - HOLY CRAP! I think we learned a lot about the Longhorns and the Tigers in that game. Mizzou's season is done and Texas looks awesome. Colt McCoy should be getting every Heisman vote right now. (Big 12 not as good as we thought?...Mizzou and TT)
2. Ok St - I still think they would beat any team below them right now. If (and it's a big IF) they win AT TX, they move to #1 EASY!
3. Ohio State - I don't want to see them in the BCS NC game either, but these guys are for real. With Pryor blossoming before us and Beanie healthy this Buckeye team would BEAT USC if they played again...in the Rose Bowl? That would be the sweetest Rose Bowl game.
4. Oklahoma - Their last game against OkSt could be for the Big-12 AND NC game! Who would have thought that 8 weeks ago?
5. USC - The have shown how to rebound from a disappointing loss (Take notes BYU!). They are starting to look scary good on both sides...they also benefit from playing in a conference that is worse than the MWC, SEC, Big-12 and Big-10 and possibly the ACC!
6. Penn St - Really good, but their struggles against Michigan were somewhat troubling...were they looking ahead to Columbus? Understandable, but I don't think they come out of there with a W.
7. Florida - If I had to pick a team to win the SEC right now I would pick them. They've only had one GREAT game this year, so this might be premature, but if their O continues to evolve into what we all hoped it would be...the Gators will be really good.
8. 'Bama - Their inconsistency still make me nervous, but their only really tough game remaining is at LSU, so they could legitimately go undefeated...until they play Florida!
9. TCU - If they played like they did on Thursday against OU, the Sooners would have TWO losses. They had been waiting for that game for a year, can they keep up that intensity?
10. Utah - I think TCU would beat them right now, but they still are a very balanced, disciplined team. They get the Horned Frogs at home and then will play the Cougars for potentially a MWC championship and a BCS birth!
11. Georgia - They've looked defeated ever since the 'Bama game. They are talented, but they wouldn't beat anyone ranked above them.
12. LSU - Talented, but very suspect D. I do believe they'll win either the 'Bama game or the UG game, both of which they get at home, which means they'll only end up with one loss and in the SEC that's still pretty dang good.
13. GT - They are a made field goal away from being 8-0. They are young, but good, and I believe will win the ACC.
(TT has SERIOUS issues, when they play against a Defense not ranked at the bottom of the NCAA they'll get pounded)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lucky 13 Week 7
1. Texas - Beating a VERY good OU team on the road qualifies them, and only them as #1
2. Penn St - They are legit. Wisconsin is pretty bad, but they absolutely killed them. That game in Columbus will be crazy exciting.
3. OkSt - I know, this is crazy, but they looked that good on Saturday. Mizzou was legitimately at #2 last week and the Cowboys beat them on the road!
4. 'Bama - new policy...a team should never move (up or down) on a bye week. It's unfair to everyone involved. Hopefully they come out a little more spirited against an Ole Miss team that has proven it can beat the "big boys".
5. Oklahoma - I still think they would beat any team listed 6-13. Until they prove otherwise, losing to #1 in a classic game isn't that bad.
6. BYU - They rank #2, (no that's not a typo) IN THE COUNTRY in points allowed per game! Their D is hugely underrated and their offense will average 30+ for the season...not a bad combo!
7. Florida - They finally showed up! These are the Gators I've been waiting for all year. Or are my astute observations about LSU's D (see previous weeks) seeing fruition against a talented offense that finally played well? The game in Athens will really show what they are made of.
8. TTU - I am now convinced that if they played BYU they would lose. After needing OT to beat a hopeless Nebraska team (at home no less), they've got to move down.
9. Utah - Another solid win. Their offense for whatever reason seems very sporadic though...this will haunt them against TCU or BYU.
10. USC - a 28-0 win against ASU is good, but not worthy of the 5-6 spot jump they received in the other polls. ASU is falling fast and knows it, plus their best player shouldn't have even played. If they had won 49-7, then I'd move them up. Still waiting for the "it" factor/game with these guys
11. Missouri - Their weaknesses were brutally exposed. A quick, athletic team will beat them everytime. Their secondary is vulnerable and Chase Daniel can be flustered by a good D-line and blitz packages.
12. Ohio State - Their win against Purdue was less than convincing. After a big win against a good Minnesota team, they've sort of sputtered. We'll learn how tough they are this week.
13. Michigan State - I really like this team. They're tough, physical and I believe have a great shot at beating the Buckeyes on Saturday.
I didn't rank LSU because their game against UF confirmed my worries. I knew I ranked them too high. When Auburn is so frustrated they fire their OC you know their offense SUCKS. And who was their season high against (until last week)? Oh...LSU! No wonder UF (a team previously having struggles of their own) posted 50 on them!
Starting next week I am going to instigate a pretty strict policy of ranking a team based on who they can and can't beat. In other words the rankings will be less and less based on which team had a great week and looked good, and what teams are really actually GOOD. Many times this goes hand in hand. However wherever I rank a team can be interpreted as: Team X would probably beat any team ranked below them and would probably lose to any team above them. I believe 8 weeks gives me a good enough gage to make these kinds of assessments. What does "probably" mean...that's open to interpretation, but for someone who is the 95th percentile in the ESPN college Pick 'em, I'm pretty confident in my judgment.
2. Penn St - They are legit. Wisconsin is pretty bad, but they absolutely killed them. That game in Columbus will be crazy exciting.
3. OkSt - I know, this is crazy, but they looked that good on Saturday. Mizzou was legitimately at #2 last week and the Cowboys beat them on the road!
4. 'Bama - new policy...a team should never move (up or down) on a bye week. It's unfair to everyone involved. Hopefully they come out a little more spirited against an Ole Miss team that has proven it can beat the "big boys".
5. Oklahoma - I still think they would beat any team listed 6-13. Until they prove otherwise, losing to #1 in a classic game isn't that bad.
6. BYU - They rank #2, (no that's not a typo) IN THE COUNTRY in points allowed per game! Their D is hugely underrated and their offense will average 30+ for the season...not a bad combo!
7. Florida - They finally showed up! These are the Gators I've been waiting for all year. Or are my astute observations about LSU's D (see previous weeks) seeing fruition against a talented offense that finally played well? The game in Athens will really show what they are made of.
8. TTU - I am now convinced that if they played BYU they would lose. After needing OT to beat a hopeless Nebraska team (at home no less), they've got to move down.
9. Utah - Another solid win. Their offense for whatever reason seems very sporadic though...this will haunt them against TCU or BYU.
10. USC - a 28-0 win against ASU is good, but not worthy of the 5-6 spot jump they received in the other polls. ASU is falling fast and knows it, plus their best player shouldn't have even played. If they had won 49-7, then I'd move them up. Still waiting for the "it" factor/game with these guys
11. Missouri - Their weaknesses were brutally exposed. A quick, athletic team will beat them everytime. Their secondary is vulnerable and Chase Daniel can be flustered by a good D-line and blitz packages.
12. Ohio State - Their win against Purdue was less than convincing. After a big win against a good Minnesota team, they've sort of sputtered. We'll learn how tough they are this week.
13. Michigan State - I really like this team. They're tough, physical and I believe have a great shot at beating the Buckeyes on Saturday.
I didn't rank LSU because their game against UF confirmed my worries. I knew I ranked them too high. When Auburn is so frustrated they fire their OC you know their offense SUCKS. And who was their season high against (until last week)? Oh...LSU! No wonder UF (a team previously having struggles of their own) posted 50 on them!
Starting next week I am going to instigate a pretty strict policy of ranking a team based on who they can and can't beat. In other words the rankings will be less and less based on which team had a great week and looked good, and what teams are really actually GOOD. Many times this goes hand in hand. However wherever I rank a team can be interpreted as: Team X would probably beat any team ranked below them and would probably lose to any team above them. I believe 8 weeks gives me a good enough gage to make these kinds of assessments. What does "probably" mean...that's open to interpretation, but for someone who is the 95th percentile in the ESPN college Pick 'em, I'm pretty confident in my judgment.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Perfect Week for BYU
It should be a fun Saturday...here's what will make it perfect for the Cougars.
1. Oklahoma kills UT. If it's a tough battle BYU will not jump either. How could you penalize TX for losing by a touchdown on the road against the #1 team in the country? People won't so a big win by OK (or TX, which seems impossible) would drop UT below us and lower their confidence that they can compete with the big boys.
2. OkSt beats Missouri - this would drop them below us and I don't think OkSt would jump ahead of us.
3. Wisconsin beats Penn St. - The Badgers are playing at home after a disappointing loss to the Buckeyes. With 2 losses they are out of it anyway, so the win doesn't make them look that good, it makes Penn St. look bad.
4. LSU beats UF - This would give Florida two losses, and they wouldn't jump an undefeated BYU team. LSU has chances to lose to 'Bama and UG later, let's get UF out of the picture as quick as possible.
5. TCU wins big at CSU - this would undoubtedly move the Horned Frogs into the top 25 again and would create more national buzz surrounding Thursday night's showdown with BYU.
6. Hope Sanchez can't go against ASU and that the Sun Devils actually show up to play a game for once, giving the Trojans two losses. USC would probably still win the Pac-10 but have 2 losses, thus limiting the Pac-10's BCS invites to ONE team. (A one-loss USC is way to tempting for BCS homers to not take in the NC game meaning the Pac-10 would get TWO bids including the Rose-Bowl)
I could see all, or none of these happening. That's why this week is so exciting. IF they all did, BYU would jump to #6 or #5 in the polls!
Pray that the snow/cold/wet weather doesn't play a role in the game on Saturday. Another 30 point win would look really good!
1. Oklahoma kills UT. If it's a tough battle BYU will not jump either. How could you penalize TX for losing by a touchdown on the road against the #1 team in the country? People won't so a big win by OK (or TX, which seems impossible) would drop UT below us and lower their confidence that they can compete with the big boys.
2. OkSt beats Missouri - this would drop them below us and I don't think OkSt would jump ahead of us.
3. Wisconsin beats Penn St. - The Badgers are playing at home after a disappointing loss to the Buckeyes. With 2 losses they are out of it anyway, so the win doesn't make them look that good, it makes Penn St. look bad.
4. LSU beats UF - This would give Florida two losses, and they wouldn't jump an undefeated BYU team. LSU has chances to lose to 'Bama and UG later, let's get UF out of the picture as quick as possible.
5. TCU wins big at CSU - this would undoubtedly move the Horned Frogs into the top 25 again and would create more national buzz surrounding Thursday night's showdown with BYU.
6. Hope Sanchez can't go against ASU and that the Sun Devils actually show up to play a game for once, giving the Trojans two losses. USC would probably still win the Pac-10 but have 2 losses, thus limiting the Pac-10's BCS invites to ONE team. (A one-loss USC is way to tempting for BCS homers to not take in the NC game meaning the Pac-10 would get TWO bids including the Rose-Bowl)
I could see all, or none of these happening. That's why this week is so exciting. IF they all did, BYU would jump to #6 or #5 in the polls!
Pray that the snow/cold/wet weather doesn't play a role in the game on Saturday. Another 30 point win would look really good!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Lucky 13 week 6
1. Oklahoma - looked dominate as ever...if they go 11-0 in the regular season could we argue this being one of the best teams EVER?
2. Missouri - That win in Lincoln was incredible. They absolutely killed a decent UN team on the road...one of the biggest statement games of the year.
3. Texas - Dominated a decent Colorado team on the road before the biggest game of the year for them...something the "almighty" Trojans couldn't do, and they were #1.
4. 'Bama - Right now they are the best team in the SEC, although they're "let up" after the biggest win of the season so far was a little to big for me to keep them top 2.
5. TTU - Followed suit in the Big-12 in that they creamed a potential "trap-game" opponent. They do give up a team's average in pts allowed, will that haunt them later?
6. LSU - I drop them mostly because the Big-12 was so awesome on Saturday. The Tigers are definitely good, but their win against Auburn is going to look worse and worse so I feel that this game against UF is a must win for them to stay in the upper echelon of teams.
7. BYU - After jumping ahead 24-0 after the first quarter, the Cougars hit the "off" switch and it was still enough to win by 20 on the road. They need to improve their road play if they want to make a BCS game though...they have to play AT TCU, UT and AF still!
8. Penn St. - Beating Purdue on the road was nice...although it did make them look human after absolutely killing everyone.
9. Utah - Continue to beat good teams, who happen to upset ranked opponents which is great for their SOS. Showed toughness in their comeback (something USC couldn't do) but also showed some flaws...which team will prevail?
10. Vanderbilt - Great win for the program. Auburn is SOOOO overrated it's sick, but these kind of wins will create confidence and the belief in their players. They won't win the SEC but they'll surely cause havoc! (and deserve some credit for what they've done so far)
11. OSU - Beating a conference rival on the road is always a huge plus (even if they are horribly overrated), especially when you consider Pryor's psyche and confidence.
12. USC - They looked like their dominate selves again against Oregon...but why does it take poor performance to motivate them? Would they win in a rematch with OSU right now with Wells back and Pryor gaining confidence each week? I doubt it!
13. OkSt. - I don't think Mizzou thought this game next week would be so hard. I think the first to 60 wins! This should be a fun game to watch, I think Missouri wins, but OkSt is demolishing everything in their path right now and confident that while they probably won't win the Big 12 they'll probably have a big say in who does.
2. Missouri - That win in Lincoln was incredible. They absolutely killed a decent UN team on the road...one of the biggest statement games of the year.
3. Texas - Dominated a decent Colorado team on the road before the biggest game of the year for them...something the "almighty" Trojans couldn't do, and they were #1.
4. 'Bama - Right now they are the best team in the SEC, although they're "let up" after the biggest win of the season so far was a little to big for me to keep them top 2.
5. TTU - Followed suit in the Big-12 in that they creamed a potential "trap-game" opponent. They do give up a team's average in pts allowed, will that haunt them later?
6. LSU - I drop them mostly because the Big-12 was so awesome on Saturday. The Tigers are definitely good, but their win against Auburn is going to look worse and worse so I feel that this game against UF is a must win for them to stay in the upper echelon of teams.
7. BYU - After jumping ahead 24-0 after the first quarter, the Cougars hit the "off" switch and it was still enough to win by 20 on the road. They need to improve their road play if they want to make a BCS game though...they have to play AT TCU, UT and AF still!
8. Penn St. - Beating Purdue on the road was nice...although it did make them look human after absolutely killing everyone.
9. Utah - Continue to beat good teams, who happen to upset ranked opponents which is great for their SOS. Showed toughness in their comeback (something USC couldn't do) but also showed some flaws...which team will prevail?
10. Vanderbilt - Great win for the program. Auburn is SOOOO overrated it's sick, but these kind of wins will create confidence and the belief in their players. They won't win the SEC but they'll surely cause havoc! (and deserve some credit for what they've done so far)
11. OSU - Beating a conference rival on the road is always a huge plus (even if they are horribly overrated), especially when you consider Pryor's psyche and confidence.
12. USC - They looked like their dominate selves again against Oregon...but why does it take poor performance to motivate them? Would they win in a rematch with OSU right now with Wells back and Pryor gaining confidence each week? I doubt it!
13. OkSt. - I don't think Mizzou thought this game next week would be so hard. I think the first to 60 wins! This should be a fun game to watch, I think Missouri wins, but OkSt is demolishing everything in their path right now and confident that while they probably won't win the Big 12 they'll probably have a big say in who does.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Perfect Week
Well I missed last week, but anything I could have put on my list happened, with the exception of TCU losing to OU. I believe that game alone will keep BYU out of the NC game. Sorry Cougars. Not that I don't think they could compete, they can, but the MWC is still wrongfully perceived as a weak conference. TCU winning and then us beating them would make BYU look better than any Big-12 team, if OU won the conference championship which is likely. Here are the big games for the Cougars this week that aren't in Logan...
1. Root for the Ute! - Yes, we must root for the Runnin' Utes tonight! If they beat OSU, and we can beat UT, there is NO WAY that USC jumps BYU in the polls. THIS IS HUGE! Put on your red for one day Cougar fans...
2. Pitt upsets USF - The Bulls are getting a lot of national attention and have climbed within a few spots of BYU. Hopefully the overlook a 3-1 Pitt team and revive the "Big LEast" conversation again.
3. Texas loses to Colorado - This is highly unlikely, but TX is on the road and the two games after this saturday...Oklahoma and Missouri! Colorado "upset" a WV that somehow re-emerged in the rankings, but then got spanked by an average FSU team. (Thus proving, how bad the Big East really is)
4. KSU shocks TTU - This is even less likely than #3, because KSU has not played anyone even though they have a 3-1 record...but neither has TTU. They are on the road, against a team that at least knows how to win a football game, which is more than can be said of their previous opponents.
5. Ohio State loses to Wisconsin - Voters are going to be quick to forgive OSU's loss to USC if the Trojans keep winning and OSU continues to look re-born with Pryor running the show. A Wisconsin win makes UT look even better considering they beat Mich, who beat Wisconsin, and would really cast a dark cloud over the Big-10. However part of me wants OSU to win out because the voters wouldn't put a one-loss OSU team ahead of BYU mostly because of OSU's inability to play well in the big games. (especially if UT beats Oregon State, who beat USC, who beat OSU) The perfect scenario is OSU losing this game in a tight one, and then beating upstart PSU at home in a few weeks thus dropping them a few spots.
I really don't think 2-4 are likely. The Wisc/OSU game is a toss up, and either way is not a huge deal. Even if OSU wins out, as long as UT beats Oregon State, there is no way voters take OSU or USC over BYU...
I've never been such a huge UT fan! (only for about 3 hours this evening!)
As a side note...BYU cannot let all this press and NC talk get to their heads. They cannot come out flat. They need to POUND Utah State. This is almost a lose/lose situation for BYU. Unless they kill them, it won't look good. Utah State is perceived as one of the worst CF programs in the country and anything less than a 30-40 win will be move the Cougars down in the polls.
1. Root for the Ute! - Yes, we must root for the Runnin' Utes tonight! If they beat OSU, and we can beat UT, there is NO WAY that USC jumps BYU in the polls. THIS IS HUGE! Put on your red for one day Cougar fans...
2. Pitt upsets USF - The Bulls are getting a lot of national attention and have climbed within a few spots of BYU. Hopefully the overlook a 3-1 Pitt team and revive the "Big LEast" conversation again.
3. Texas loses to Colorado - This is highly unlikely, but TX is on the road and the two games after this saturday...Oklahoma and Missouri! Colorado "upset" a WV that somehow re-emerged in the rankings, but then got spanked by an average FSU team. (Thus proving, how bad the Big East really is)
4. KSU shocks TTU - This is even less likely than #3, because KSU has not played anyone even though they have a 3-1 record...but neither has TTU. They are on the road, against a team that at least knows how to win a football game, which is more than can be said of their previous opponents.
5. Ohio State loses to Wisconsin - Voters are going to be quick to forgive OSU's loss to USC if the Trojans keep winning and OSU continues to look re-born with Pryor running the show. A Wisconsin win makes UT look even better considering they beat Mich, who beat Wisconsin, and would really cast a dark cloud over the Big-10. However part of me wants OSU to win out because the voters wouldn't put a one-loss OSU team ahead of BYU mostly because of OSU's inability to play well in the big games. (especially if UT beats Oregon State, who beat USC, who beat OSU) The perfect scenario is OSU losing this game in a tight one, and then beating upstart PSU at home in a few weeks thus dropping them a few spots.
I really don't think 2-4 are likely. The Wisc/OSU game is a toss up, and either way is not a huge deal. Even if OSU wins out, as long as UT beats Oregon State, there is no way voters take OSU or USC over BYU...
I've never been such a huge UT fan! (only for about 3 hours this evening!)
As a side note...BYU cannot let all this press and NC talk get to their heads. They cannot come out flat. They need to POUND Utah State. This is almost a lose/lose situation for BYU. Unless they kill them, it won't look good. Utah State is perceived as one of the worst CF programs in the country and anything less than a 30-40 win will be move the Cougars down in the polls.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Lucky 13 week 5
1. Oklahoma - watched them for the first time...SCARY good, athletic and fast in every position
2. 'Bama - they were up 31-0 at HALFTIME, against the #3 team in the country ON THE ROAD...need I say more?
3. Missouri - Moves up for not losing/playing...still have looked real good.
4. LSU - obviously good, but after watching auburn's anemic offense again, should we be concerned they scored 21 against them?
5. Texas - most underrated team so far this year...McCoy deserves Heisman attention after this week.
6. Penn State - Despite that they have to play Wisc AND OSU on the road, I still see them taking the Big 10.
7. BYU - similar fortune of Missouri...it was a good week to not play! if they beat TCU and UofU on the road and go 12-0, which BCS bowl do you put them in?
8 Texas Tech - next week at KSU will be the first real game so far for TT and let us see what they are really made of.
9. USF - creamed a decent NCST team...best game of the year for them so far.
10. Utah - they're undefeated and did what Wisc (who was ranked #11 last week) couldn't do...win in Ann Arbor
11. BSU - Broncos cheering hard for utes or cougars to slip up, win at OU impressive
12. OKSt - they're offense is scary good, and they just KILLED a Troy team that stuck with the Buckeyes a couple weeks ago
13. Tulsa - similar to OKSt, putting up gaudy numbers and I believe better than the other undefeated teams that actually made top 25.
Notice anything about the rankings...these teams are ALL undefeated. I thought they deserve a little praise. NO ONE can claim "well our conferences are so much better...blah...blah...blah" because with the exception of Georgia, USC, UF and Wisc were ALL playing bottom dwellers of their respective conferences and should have won! I'm sure some of them will work their way back in here, but this weekend was SHOCKING.
Problems I see with losses -
USC - COACHING. Pete Carroll obviously cannot keep his guys focused for the "little guys". I see this as a flaw in his approach with his players. EVERY year they give up a game like this. Twice to OSU, once to UCLA and Stanford. This team is the most TALENTED (except maybe OU) in the country, and has NO excuse to lose to OSU. NONE!
UF - I've been waiting for them all year. I think it's a little unfair because I thought, coming in, that they were the team to beat, and they have looked asleep out there. Tebow has been average at best and their offense has serious issues. If they don't right the ship quickly they'll lose to LSU and Georgia.
Georgia - Ultimate dissappointment. After all they hype, the blackout, the trash-talking, etc, etc, they came out and LAID AN EGG. They looked AWFUL. Actually I should rephrase that statement...Alabama made them look awful. Shows the importance of the big guys up front...you can have all the "skill" players you want, but if you don't have the skills up front you're toast.
Wisconsin - Probably the most shocking loss. Up by 19 against a team that barely beat Miami (OH) and got killed by a bad ND team, and they let Michigan score 27 unanswered points to win the game?!?!?! Now that OSU is playing MUCH better with Pryor, they'll lose at least to them and PSU...good bye badgers!
Anyways, as a Cougar fan it was PERFECT. The only thing that could have been better is TCU beating OU and then OU winning the Big-12 and us beating TCU on the road, legitmizing that we are better than the entire big-12 and giving us a shot at the NC game. Now I believe that to be impossible, but when you can move up 4 spots (in the USA today poll) without even putting on the pads...that's a pretty good day!
2. 'Bama - they were up 31-0 at HALFTIME, against the #3 team in the country ON THE ROAD...need I say more?
3. Missouri - Moves up for not losing/playing...still have looked real good.
4. LSU - obviously good, but after watching auburn's anemic offense again, should we be concerned they scored 21 against them?
5. Texas - most underrated team so far this year...McCoy deserves Heisman attention after this week.
6. Penn State - Despite that they have to play Wisc AND OSU on the road, I still see them taking the Big 10.
7. BYU - similar fortune of Missouri...it was a good week to not play! if they beat TCU and UofU on the road and go 12-0, which BCS bowl do you put them in?
8 Texas Tech - next week at KSU will be the first real game so far for TT and let us see what they are really made of.
9. USF - creamed a decent NCST team...best game of the year for them so far.
10. Utah - they're undefeated and did what Wisc (who was ranked #11 last week) couldn't do...win in Ann Arbor
11. BSU - Broncos cheering hard for utes or cougars to slip up, win at OU impressive
12. OKSt - they're offense is scary good, and they just KILLED a Troy team that stuck with the Buckeyes a couple weeks ago
13. Tulsa - similar to OKSt, putting up gaudy numbers and I believe better than the other undefeated teams that actually made top 25.
Notice anything about the rankings...these teams are ALL undefeated. I thought they deserve a little praise. NO ONE can claim "well our conferences are so much better...blah...blah...blah" because with the exception of Georgia, USC, UF and Wisc were ALL playing bottom dwellers of their respective conferences and should have won! I'm sure some of them will work their way back in here, but this weekend was SHOCKING.
Problems I see with losses -
USC - COACHING. Pete Carroll obviously cannot keep his guys focused for the "little guys". I see this as a flaw in his approach with his players. EVERY year they give up a game like this. Twice to OSU, once to UCLA and Stanford. This team is the most TALENTED (except maybe OU) in the country, and has NO excuse to lose to OSU. NONE!
UF - I've been waiting for them all year. I think it's a little unfair because I thought, coming in, that they were the team to beat, and they have looked asleep out there. Tebow has been average at best and their offense has serious issues. If they don't right the ship quickly they'll lose to LSU and Georgia.
Georgia - Ultimate dissappointment. After all they hype, the blackout, the trash-talking, etc, etc, they came out and LAID AN EGG. They looked AWFUL. Actually I should rephrase that statement...Alabama made them look awful. Shows the importance of the big guys up front...you can have all the "skill" players you want, but if you don't have the skills up front you're toast.
Wisconsin - Probably the most shocking loss. Up by 19 against a team that barely beat Miami (OH) and got killed by a bad ND team, and they let Michigan score 27 unanswered points to win the game?!?!?! Now that OSU is playing MUCH better with Pryor, they'll lose at least to them and PSU...good bye badgers!
Anyways, as a Cougar fan it was PERFECT. The only thing that could have been better is TCU beating OU and then OU winning the Big-12 and us beating TCU on the road, legitmizing that we are better than the entire big-12 and giving us a shot at the NC game. Now I believe that to be impossible, but when you can move up 4 spots (in the USA today poll) without even putting on the pads...that's a pretty good day!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Lucky 13 Week 4
1. USC - only they can move themselves from this spot
2. Oklahoma - diddo
3. LSU - move here for beating a tough Auburn team on the road
4. Georgia - Mostly dominated ASU, great road win
5. Florida - It's always nice to win on the road but LSU's and UG's roadies were more impressive
6. Missouri - sloppy win against inferior opponent...next 3 opponents have ZERO losses combined up to this point.
7. Texas - Looking sharp...should be undefeated when they play OK in a few weeks
8. 'Bama - Overwhelmed poor Ark team...dark horse in SEC?
9. BYU - 103-0 last two games! D forced 6 TO's and scored 14 points! Starters rested last 20 minutes again.
10. Penn State - I'm convinced...best Big 10 team, have to play UW and OSU on road though
11. Wisc - look what not playing can do to you!
12. TT - Continue to thrash inferior opponents, I don't think we'll know exactly who they are until they play KU, OK and TX in a 4 week period.
13. Auburn - proved me wrong...they can score! Should have won that game though, especially since it was at home. (might be only time a team returns to the Lucky 13 after losing!)
LSU/Auburn lived up to the hype...Great game in all aspects. Gotta give huge props to Lee for performing well on the road in a big game like that. LSU looks very well balanced. Should we be concerned that Auburn scored 21 points on them? Time will tell.
Missouri had the steepest fall. This might be unfair, and frankly I still think they could beat almost anyone...but when you have Buffalo at home you need to have a bigger lead than just 12 points going into the 4th quarter.
Really the top 10 are almost all interchangeable. I could see any one of those teams beating the other, and I wouldn't be surprised at all. Trying to pick and order these 13 teams proves how exciting an 8 or 16 team playoff would be.
2. Oklahoma - diddo
3. LSU - move here for beating a tough Auburn team on the road
4. Georgia - Mostly dominated ASU, great road win
5. Florida - It's always nice to win on the road but LSU's and UG's roadies were more impressive
6. Missouri - sloppy win against inferior opponent...next 3 opponents have ZERO losses combined up to this point.
7. Texas - Looking sharp...should be undefeated when they play OK in a few weeks
8. 'Bama - Overwhelmed poor Ark team...dark horse in SEC?
9. BYU - 103-0 last two games! D forced 6 TO's and scored 14 points! Starters rested last 20 minutes again.
10. Penn State - I'm convinced...best Big 10 team, have to play UW and OSU on road though
11. Wisc - look what not playing can do to you!
12. TT - Continue to thrash inferior opponents, I don't think we'll know exactly who they are until they play KU, OK and TX in a 4 week period.
13. Auburn - proved me wrong...they can score! Should have won that game though, especially since it was at home. (might be only time a team returns to the Lucky 13 after losing!)
LSU/Auburn lived up to the hype...Great game in all aspects. Gotta give huge props to Lee for performing well on the road in a big game like that. LSU looks very well balanced. Should we be concerned that Auburn scored 21 points on them? Time will tell.
Missouri had the steepest fall. This might be unfair, and frankly I still think they could beat almost anyone...but when you have Buffalo at home you need to have a bigger lead than just 12 points going into the 4th quarter.
Really the top 10 are almost all interchangeable. I could see any one of those teams beating the other, and I wouldn't be surprised at all. Trying to pick and order these 13 teams proves how exciting an 8 or 16 team playoff would be.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Perfect weekend for BYU
Since I obviously have a huge interest in BYU making a BCS bowl...this will become a weekly post. There are some obvious things that could happen like BYU winning 59-0 every week, the MWC going undefeated in inter-conference play, and every team ranked ahead of them losing. Because these are "givens" we will not mention those kinds of games, unless they have special merit (like the Ark, Bama game).
BYU's PERFECT week would like this...
1. Colorado beating WVU - already happened! makes ECU's win look worse, and there is no way a two-loss WVU gets in ahead of an undefeated BYU team
2. Georgia loses to ASU - makes UNLV's win even more amazing, reestablishes the Pac-10 as legitmate which further makes last weekend's MWC dominance even better. It also brings all the SEC people back down to earth and helps them realized they don't deserve 8 BCS bids!
3. Tennessee beats Florida - This would make BYU's 59-0 win over UCLA look like 159-0. If UT can knock of the #4 team in the country, and they also lost to UCLA, who got SPANKED by BYU...that would be awesome.
4. ND loses to MSU - ND has only beaten lowly SDSU and pathetic Michigan and people are already starting to talk about them because they are "2"-0. ND going 10-2 is bad news for Cougar fans.
5. NCST beats ECU - This is a losable game for ECU. It's on the road, NCST isn't that bad, and the loss would automatically eliminate them from any BCS talk.
6. Arkansas beats 'Bama - obviously any team ranked higher than BYU losing is good, but this is a winnable game for the Razorbacks, and it would move BYU into the top 10.
7. BYU beating Wyoming 59-0!
8. Air Force barely loses to Utah - you don't want Utah to blow them out because it makes the MWC look like 3 teams and "everyone else". Air Force is getting some votes and a close game with a good UT team should keep votes coming, while the win still moves UT up in the ranks.
9. UNC beats VaTech - along the same lines as the first point...this solidifies the fact that both VaTech and WVU were way overrated, and ECU's wins were not all that great. I think UNC will beat them and move into the top 25 after this weekend.
I think Auburn is way overrated and whether they win or lose, if 'Bama lost as well BYU would jump to #9 in the coaches poll! Crazy...
I can see all these happening except #3 and #6. It truly would be "magic" if all 9 of these games came out like this...let's all hope they do.
BYU's PERFECT week would like this...
1. Colorado beating WVU - already happened! makes ECU's win look worse, and there is no way a two-loss WVU gets in ahead of an undefeated BYU team
2. Georgia loses to ASU - makes UNLV's win even more amazing, reestablishes the Pac-10 as legitmate which further makes last weekend's MWC dominance even better. It also brings all the SEC people back down to earth and helps them realized they don't deserve 8 BCS bids!
3. Tennessee beats Florida - This would make BYU's 59-0 win over UCLA look like 159-0. If UT can knock of the #4 team in the country, and they also lost to UCLA, who got SPANKED by BYU...that would be awesome.
4. ND loses to MSU - ND has only beaten lowly SDSU and pathetic Michigan and people are already starting to talk about them because they are "2"-0. ND going 10-2 is bad news for Cougar fans.
5. NCST beats ECU - This is a losable game for ECU. It's on the road, NCST isn't that bad, and the loss would automatically eliminate them from any BCS talk.
6. Arkansas beats 'Bama - obviously any team ranked higher than BYU losing is good, but this is a winnable game for the Razorbacks, and it would move BYU into the top 10.
7. BYU beating Wyoming 59-0!
8. Air Force barely loses to Utah - you don't want Utah to blow them out because it makes the MWC look like 3 teams and "everyone else". Air Force is getting some votes and a close game with a good UT team should keep votes coming, while the win still moves UT up in the ranks.
9. UNC beats VaTech - along the same lines as the first point...this solidifies the fact that both VaTech and WVU were way overrated, and ECU's wins were not all that great. I think UNC will beat them and move into the top 25 after this weekend.
I think Auburn is way overrated and whether they win or lose, if 'Bama lost as well BYU would jump to #9 in the coaches poll! Crazy...
I can see all these happening except #3 and #6. It truly would be "magic" if all 9 of these games came out like this...let's all hope they do.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Lucky 13 (week 3)
1. USC - looks like they'll run the table again
2. Oklahoma - made UW look awful, sharp on both sides
3. Missouri - offensive juggernaut, daniels should be leading Heisman
4. Florida - talented, upcoming schedule should show what they're made of
5. Georgia - slips because of struggle against SC, Knowshon is a freak
6. LSU - not getting much attention, looks dominate so far
7. Texas - when you're #7 and THIRD in your conference, that's tough!
8. Wisconsin - great win on the road against a good Fresno St. team
9. BYU - biggest statement game of the year so far...max hall 4 heisman
10. USF - offensively scary...can they carry momentum against subpar Big East?
11. Alabama - next two games...roadies against Ark and Georgia!
12. Texas Tech - we should let TT, BYU, USF and Missouri play a "final four"!
13. East Carolina - slips after barely beating Tulane
Well...HOLY CRAP BYU!!! Who saw that coming? They got exactly what they needed: a big statement game that showed they can not just compete with the "big boys" but DOMINATE them. Awesome win...I don't think I've ever seen a game dominated by one team, by so much, in every possible category. If you like BYU it was a joy.
And in general it was a great day for the MWC. They went 4-0 against the Pac-10 including the biggest upset so far this year (in my opinion) UNLV beating ASU! That was a big statement, and should help BYU come BCS rankings. The MWC really is better than people realize.
I've always felt Auburn is overrated every year. They're D is always good, but you have to score points. They drop out after squeeking by Miss St. 3-2!!!! All but TWO MLB games had at least 5 runs...pathetic. No way you stay in top 13 if you're dependent on ONE field goal to win the game.
2. Oklahoma - made UW look awful, sharp on both sides
3. Missouri - offensive juggernaut, daniels should be leading Heisman
4. Florida - talented, upcoming schedule should show what they're made of
5. Georgia - slips because of struggle against SC, Knowshon is a freak
6. LSU - not getting much attention, looks dominate so far
7. Texas - when you're #7 and THIRD in your conference, that's tough!
8. Wisconsin - great win on the road against a good Fresno St. team
9. BYU - biggest statement game of the year so far...max hall 4 heisman
10. USF - offensively scary...can they carry momentum against subpar Big East?
11. Alabama - next two games...roadies against Ark and Georgia!
12. Texas Tech - we should let TT, BYU, USF and Missouri play a "final four"!
13. East Carolina - slips after barely beating Tulane
Well...HOLY CRAP BYU!!! Who saw that coming? They got exactly what they needed: a big statement game that showed they can not just compete with the "big boys" but DOMINATE them. Awesome win...I don't think I've ever seen a game dominated by one team, by so much, in every possible category. If you like BYU it was a joy.
And in general it was a great day for the MWC. They went 4-0 against the Pac-10 including the biggest upset so far this year (in my opinion) UNLV beating ASU! That was a big statement, and should help BYU come BCS rankings. The MWC really is better than people realize.
I've always felt Auburn is overrated every year. They're D is always good, but you have to score points. They drop out after squeeking by Miss St. 3-2!!!! All but TWO MLB games had at least 5 runs...pathetic. No way you stay in top 13 if you're dependent on ONE field goal to win the game.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Lucky 13 (week 2)
well this is way late...but before saturday comes...
1. USC - most dominate looking team so far
2. Georgia - not too far behind...Knowshon's hop was unreal!
3. Florida - I expected a bigger win against the U in the swamp, Tebow hasn't wowed me yet
4. Oklahoma - destroyed a decent Cinci team...look out UW
5. Missouri - Daniels looks as good as anyone in the country
6. Ohio State - Will drop further pending Wells' status
7. Texas - Looking good...no real competition yet though
8. Auburn - The Spurs of college football...monotonously beat almost anyone
9. LSU - Hope Ike doesn't effect them to harshly!
10. East Carolina - best two wins of any team so far
11. ASU - They would have lost that Stanford game last year...good beatdown
12. Oregon - Fast and powerful on both sides...look out Purdue!
13. BYU - Deserves to be here, should have beat UW by 20, need to beat UCLA bad
After UNC's drubbing of Rutgers, I'm torn in my evaluations of Fresno State. Is Rutgers that bad? If so, UNC should be ranked ahead of Fresno State...are they that good? Two days ago I would have put $100 on FS to beat Wisconsin...now I'm not so sure.
In order for Kansas to get in here they need to beat USF this weekend...I'm still not sold on them.
1. USC - most dominate looking team so far
2. Georgia - not too far behind...Knowshon's hop was unreal!
3. Florida - I expected a bigger win against the U in the swamp, Tebow hasn't wowed me yet
4. Oklahoma - destroyed a decent Cinci team...look out UW
5. Missouri - Daniels looks as good as anyone in the country
6. Ohio State - Will drop further pending Wells' status
7. Texas - Looking good...no real competition yet though
8. Auburn - The Spurs of college football...monotonously beat almost anyone
9. LSU - Hope Ike doesn't effect them to harshly!
10. East Carolina - best two wins of any team so far
11. ASU - They would have lost that Stanford game last year...good beatdown
12. Oregon - Fast and powerful on both sides...look out Purdue!
13. BYU - Deserves to be here, should have beat UW by 20, need to beat UCLA bad
After UNC's drubbing of Rutgers, I'm torn in my evaluations of Fresno State. Is Rutgers that bad? If so, UNC should be ranked ahead of Fresno State...are they that good? Two days ago I would have put $100 on FS to beat Wisconsin...now I'm not so sure.
In order for Kansas to get in here they need to beat USF this weekend...I'm still not sold on them.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
NBA pre-pre-season picks 2
Well, glad to see the guys at ESPN finally catch up with my predictions! :) I do have a few changes after 2 months...
West East
1. Lakers 1. Celtics
2. Hornets 2. 76'ers
3. Suns 3. Cavs
4. Jazz 4. Heat
5. Houston 5. Pistons
6. Spurs 6. Raptors
7. Blazers 7. Wizards
8. Mavs 8. Magic
So I couldn't keep with my surprise pick of Wizards missing the playoffs. Once Childress left Atlanta, I have them dropping out. Not that he's that good, but I don't see them as better than any of these teams. The Heat continue to rise, especially after D-Wade's dominate performance in the Olympics. He might just be the "smoothest" player ever.
Out West...this is tough, but the Lakers are the favorites, and then after that it's hard to get a definite order. I have the Suns up a few spots, for obviously biased reasons. However, I do feel they will do better than people think, and have extra motivation knowing this really is the LAST year they have a chance to do anything before Shaq leaves to become Sherriff, Grant Hill dies and Steve Nash lays down on the floor and can never get back up! Plus I like what they've done this off-season and they now have a GOOD backup PG, and energy dude and a 10-man rotation!!! I see the Spurs, aged and decrepit taking a dive, especially with Manu's injury. They'll still be tough in the playoffs, but are getting old. (Plus I want them to lose for once to the Suns in the playoffs! Notice the 3-6 matchup!) I want to move the Blazers and Mavs higher, but don't see who they'd replace. I think the wild card is Houston, I could see them as high as 2 or 3, or worst case (Yao, McGrady injuries, Artest issues) I could see them out of the playoffs...still not sure about them.
West East
1. Lakers 1. Celtics
2. Hornets 2. 76'ers
3. Suns 3. Cavs
4. Jazz 4. Heat
5. Houston 5. Pistons
6. Spurs 6. Raptors
7. Blazers 7. Wizards
8. Mavs 8. Magic
So I couldn't keep with my surprise pick of Wizards missing the playoffs. Once Childress left Atlanta, I have them dropping out. Not that he's that good, but I don't see them as better than any of these teams. The Heat continue to rise, especially after D-Wade's dominate performance in the Olympics. He might just be the "smoothest" player ever.
Out West...this is tough, but the Lakers are the favorites, and then after that it's hard to get a definite order. I have the Suns up a few spots, for obviously biased reasons. However, I do feel they will do better than people think, and have extra motivation knowing this really is the LAST year they have a chance to do anything before Shaq leaves to become Sherriff, Grant Hill dies and Steve Nash lays down on the floor and can never get back up! Plus I like what they've done this off-season and they now have a GOOD backup PG, and energy dude and a 10-man rotation!!! I see the Spurs, aged and decrepit taking a dive, especially with Manu's injury. They'll still be tough in the playoffs, but are getting old. (Plus I want them to lose for once to the Suns in the playoffs! Notice the 3-6 matchup!) I want to move the Blazers and Mavs higher, but don't see who they'd replace. I think the wild card is Houston, I could see them as high as 2 or 3, or worst case (Yao, McGrady injuries, Artest issues) I could see them out of the playoffs...still not sure about them.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Lucky 13 (week 1)
Well, there were some surprises (or not, if you read my comment under the Herbie awards mocking the Big-10) and some...not surprises for lack of a better term. USC looked unbeatable, OSU better be praying, and there are a few new faces in the top 25. Utah looked dominate against Michigan (how they ever started this season ranked is beyond me), UCLA was Jeckel/Hyde but won, and Fresno State looks legit. BTW...all the east coast people think that no one in the west can play football...it's really annoying, but when "Non-BCS" teams are rocking supposed contenders in other conferences and a ranked SEC team that should pounce on a "low-end" Pac-10 team gets beat...you know life isn't fair. Hopefully by the end of the season they'll get it right...the Pac-10 and MWC and even the WAC for that matter, are better than people give them credit for.
1. USC
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Oklahoma
5. OSU
6. Missouri
7. Texas
8. LSU
9. WVU
10. Auburn
11. BYU
12. Oregon
13. Alabama
PS updated NBA predictions coming soon...
1. USC
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Oklahoma
5. OSU
6. Missouri
7. Texas
8. LSU
9. WVU
10. Auburn
11. BYU
12. Oregon
13. Alabama
PS updated NBA predictions coming soon...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
NBA Preseason Picks
This will definitely change before October, but here are my pre-pre-season picks
West East
1. Lakers 1. Celtics
2. Jazz 2. Sixers
3. Hornets 3. Detroit
4. Spurs 4. Cavs
5. Suns 5. Raptors
6. Blazers 6. Heat
7. Dallas 7. Hawks
8. Houston 8. Magic
Yes I have the Wizards missing the playoffs! After paying Gil $111M!!! I just don't see Butler, Jamison and Arenas all being healthy and in an improved Eastern conference that could mean trouble. If they all do stay healthy they are a good team, but I don't see it happening.
MVP - LeBron James, CLE
ROY - Michael Beasley, MIA
Coach of the Year - Nate McMillan, POR
MIP - Danny Granger, IND
DPY - Marcus Camby, LAC
6th - Leandro Barbosa, PHX
West Finals - Suns/Hornets East Finals - Cavs/Sixers
Finals - Suns/Cavs Champs = SUNS
I can dream can't I....
West East
1. Lakers 1. Celtics
2. Jazz 2. Sixers
3. Hornets 3. Detroit
4. Spurs 4. Cavs
5. Suns 5. Raptors
6. Blazers 6. Heat
7. Dallas 7. Hawks
8. Houston 8. Magic
Yes I have the Wizards missing the playoffs! After paying Gil $111M!!! I just don't see Butler, Jamison and Arenas all being healthy and in an improved Eastern conference that could mean trouble. If they all do stay healthy they are a good team, but I don't see it happening.
MVP - LeBron James, CLE
ROY - Michael Beasley, MIA
Coach of the Year - Nate McMillan, POR
MIP - Danny Granger, IND
DPY - Marcus Camby, LAC
6th - Leandro Barbosa, PHX
West Finals - Suns/Hornets East Finals - Cavs/Sixers
Finals - Suns/Cavs Champs = SUNS
I can dream can't I....
NBA -- Preseason
Well...I was right! I know I don't have the hard copy, published comment to back this up, but ask anyone at my work party who was watching the draft with me...I knew Bayless was a "Baller". I thought the Knicks should have taken him. D'Antoni would turn him into a 25pt/gm all-star, instead they freaking chose Gallinari! He could end up a decent player but does not have the ceiling that Bayless does. Everyone told me "But the Knicks don't need another guard" and what is the first thing they do after the draft...Trade for Chris Duhon, a PG?!?!?! Why not PICK Bayless and trade for a point-forward? (Matt Barnes comes to mind) Anyway here are the 5 things I am most interested in seeing in the upcoming season...
1. The unfolding of the D'Antoni era in NY
2. The Sixers come together
3. Can the Suns finally do it? (Please I've got to believe!)
4. Will this year in the West be even tougher? (YES!)
5. Portland's HUGE upside!
1. The unfolding of the D'Antoni era in NY
2. The Sixers come together
3. Can the Suns finally do it? (Please I've got to believe!)
4. Will this year in the West be even tougher? (YES!)
5. Portland's HUGE upside!
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Lucky" 13 -- Preseason
Fittingly the first entry on this "Baller's World" blog is on college football! These will be reposted every week based on results of that week's games. Disagree???? Let me know...
1. Florida
2. UGA
3. USC
4. Buckeyes
5. Sooners
6. WVU
7. Missouri
8. Clemson
9. Auburn
10. LSU
11. BYU
12. Texas Tech
13. ASU
Georgia was arguably the best team at the end of last season, that does not mean however that there is any consolation to ranking them 1st this year. They'll be good but I see Florida being freakishly good, despite their tough schedule. I believe this will be a big year for the PAC-10, ASU will have a big chance to register a HUGE win against Georgia in Tempe, I think USC will beat Ohio State soundly once again awakening the "weak-10" conference rumblings. UW has a chance to knock of BYU from their BCS bid, and as a Cougar fan I'm most scared of that game on their turf.
1. Florida
2. UGA
3. USC
4. Buckeyes
5. Sooners
6. WVU
7. Missouri
8. Clemson
9. Auburn
10. LSU
11. BYU
12. Texas Tech
13. ASU
Georgia was arguably the best team at the end of last season, that does not mean however that there is any consolation to ranking them 1st this year. They'll be good but I see Florida being freakishly good, despite their tough schedule. I believe this will be a big year for the PAC-10, ASU will have a big chance to register a HUGE win against Georgia in Tempe, I think USC will beat Ohio State soundly once again awakening the "weak-10" conference rumblings. UW has a chance to knock of BYU from their BCS bid, and as a Cougar fan I'm most scared of that game on their turf.
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