Jon, you're absolutely right. A bye for the top two teams would be too big an advantage - starting from a physical standpoint. Top two seeds would have to play.
Spellchecker, thanks for being so vigilant. I actually did complete my college education according to a piece of paper, but your superior editing has me questioning its validity ... and my purpose.
I'm changing the format of the Top 25 this week, so I need your feedback. Because it takes a little longer, I'll tease you with 25-15 and hit you with the rest later today. I need to get some rest.
25. Virginia
The Cavaliers have come a long way since their opening stumble in Wyoming. I actually thought the Huskies would pull a fast one on Saturday, and they almost did. But Virginia's defense has stepped up in a big way and have the Cavs in contention for a trip to the ACC title game, believe it or not.
24. Hawaii
If you're looking for the Boise State-type darling, I don't know that Hawaii is it. Do the Warriors have a good enough team to pull off a BCS win? Questionable.
23. Illinois
Two losses. I'm being kind with No. 23, but I think a strong rushing attack is a powerful thing and the Illini will still throw some wrinkles into the Big 10. However, a lacking on defense takes them out of the title hunt.
22. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders are a dropped touchdown away from being undefeated. I honestly think they make Hawaii's offense look like child's play.
21. Penn State
Anything less than a nine-win season is a disappointment at this juncture. There's a home, Saturday-night date at the end of the month with Ohio State that could dictate a 10-win campaign, which wouldn't be bad at all.
20. Kansas
Fact: The Jayhawks have not lost this year. Fact: The Jayhawks have a Top 10 offense.
19. Michigan
The Wolverines are officially back. Their top two tailbacks - Mike Hart and Brandon Minor - both were dinged up in a blowout of Purdue, something worth keeping an eye on.
18. Auburn
Much credit to the Tigers for slowing down the Razorbacks attack and making my pick look good. Auburn has a Top 10 defense and has played some pretty powerful offenses in the form of Florida, South Florida and aforementioned Razorbacks. The problem is, however, the abysmal offense which is running smack into LSU this weekend.
17. Missouri
Can't penalize the Tigers for losing to a tough Oklahoma team. I'd love to see Mizzou make it to the Big 12 title game and give it one more go.
16. Virginia Tech
Freshman quarterback Tyrod Taylor went down with a high ankle sprain. Last year Sean Glennon, then starter, did absolutely nothing against a BC team that pummeled the Hokies in Chestnut Hill. BC's on the schedule again and this year's version of the Eagles seems to be much better than last year.
15. Tennessee
If you remember, the two Volunteer losses have come at Cal and at Florida. Yeah, neither were pretty games, but neither should tarnish them severely. Alabama this weekend and South Carolina the following will tell us just how good this team is.
Comments (5)
You're dashing my hopes of a decent OSU PSU matchup with such a low opinion of PSU.
Maybe JoePa should spend less time as a vigilante traffic cop and more time as a BCS head coach.
Two parts for the top 25? (laughing) Buck it man, the keyboard does hit that hard.
I'm not asking you to be a homer for your college team, but can you throw Virginia Tech a little love?
Not that a win will be easy on the 25th, but if Taylor can get it back together, I wouldn't say it's impossible. Do I have to remind you what Thursday nights are like in Blacksburg?!?!
If Tyrod Taylor had his leg cut off he would still be faster than Sean Glennon.
Wow, my previous post may have been the most horribly written post, I have ever made. Anywhere. Forgot all of my proofreading skills. Sorry Adam, it did not come out right.