It might be easier -- and more sensible -- if I start making this my Monday post and figure something else out for Tuesday that's less time consuming. Any suggestions?
This is by far the toughest poll I've compiled to date.
25. Virginia
I was suspect of Virginia's success. The loss in Raleigh proves the Cavaliers are not elite. But they're still dangerous.
24. Boise State
Where would the Broncos be ranked had they not lost to Washington? Top 10? Top 5?
23. South Florida
Former Syracuse standout quarterback Don McPherson told me on Saturday that USF's biggest mistake was ignoring their early season success. He's right.
22. South Carolina
The way South Carolina played early on, it really had no business in that game. Put this team in the Big East or ACC and you have a Top 10-15 program by season's end, no question.
21. Wake Forest
At Virginia followed by a trip to Clemson. One, if not both, will be pretty ticked off at the Deacons.
20. Clemson
Speaking of...James Davis and CJ Spiller ran all over Maryland like they need to every weekend. Davis: 29 for 129 and a TD. Spiller: 17 for 106. Do that and they'll win out. Including the BC and South Carolina games.
19. Hawaii
There's a reason the computers don't have the Warriors ranked.
18. Connecticut
An impressive win on Saturday. This team is one point away from an unblemished campaign. Remember who had them ranked first.
17. Florida
Is it fair to say they're the best three-loss team in the country? Are they? The defense looked rather porous.
16. Alabama
Coach Saban has a big one coming up. Lucky for him, it's in Tuscaloosa. Unluckily, his team doesn't match up well with LSU.
15. Virginia Tech
Still not sure what to say. Defensive coordinator says the Hokies didn't play prevent, that they rushed three a dozen times earlier in the game and those who question the calls can go to hell. Is nobody held accountable for not finishing the football game?
14. Georgia
If Georgia could play that dominant as it did on Saturday, we'd be talking about this team playing for all the marbles. The good news? The offense that you saw Saturday is pretty, pretty young.
13. Southern California
Considering the Trojans had their backup start in one of the toughest places to play in the country and they were in position to tie near the end of the game, it's not a terrible loss. USC is just not as good as everyone thought, but they're still good.
12. Auburn
The Tigers play with a lot of energy that's generated from the defense. I'm just wondering what happens if the offense doesn't wake up in time.
11. Texas
The Longhorns can thank Jamaal Charles for this ranking.
10. Kansas
A nice win by the Jayhawks in College Station, but the Aggies are pretty bad. Are the Jayhawks really a Top 10 team? Really? Computers have 'em Top 5.
9. Michigan
No Henne, no Hart, still no problem. The loss to App State made UM the employee who made the inappropriate pass at the boss during the Christmas Party. Eventually you have to just let it go and realize it was an open bar and bad decisions were made.
8. Missouri
The loss of 'Pig' Brown on the defense will hurt the Tigers, but not enough to hold them down. It won't be easy to win out, but it's necessary if Mizzou wants to play in the Big XII Championship.
7. Boston College
Didn't impress me at all. Thursday night was Christmas in October for the Eagles. Maybe I'm bitter.
6. West Virginia
The big guns looked good on the road against Rutgers. With three tricky games ahead, they can't pull one of those shoot-yourself-in-the-foot games like the Tampa meltdown. The Big East is theirs to win.
5. Oklahoma
Relatively smooth sailing for the Sooners to finish the regular season. Just can't sleep on anyone, like they did with Colorado.
4. Arizona State
In a league that's not playing very good defense -- shocking -- ASU might be in fantastic shape. Saturday night was a display of a very balanced offense.
3. Oregon
This offense vaults the Ducks into the Top 3. I've been touting Jonathan Stewart all year and it's time you start watching him. He's the real deal.
2. LSU
Will a week off get the Tigers back on track? This weekend is a big test, but it's LSU's last major one.
1. Ohio State
We were able to see some of what that offense is really made of. Doesn't seem like the Buckeyes are going anywhere until the Michigan game.
Comments (4)
Adam, better to take a day and digest everything. Get it right. Still five whole days to discuss rankings if they come out on Tuesday morning.
Wow Adam, looks good.
Surprised you dropped BC. Not going to win you any fans north of Hartford.
Oregon - ASU will be one heck of a game!
Got to disagree with the BC statement. I don't think they are No. 2 either, but they did drive for two touchdowns in four minutes at Lane Stadium. That has to speak for SOMETHING.
It may have been a gift, but when you consider that Virginia Tech never actually scored a touchdown, it makes the victory a little more realistic.
I heartfully agree with you on your statement about Bud Foster. ("Anyone saying that [there was a prevent defense] doesn't know what the hell they're talking about. That's why they're fans and we coach, OK?") Hey, we fans are the ones providing your paycheck, buddy.
furnk -- That's why I can't ever see Bud Foster being a head coach. I've always thought of him in the highest respect and think Beamer and VT are very lucky to have him. But his recruiting has always been questioned (it's gotten better), and his brash attitude wouldn't fly as the face of a program. As a fiery DC, sure.
As for BC, maybe I am bitter. But seeing them baffled for 55 minutes left me very unimpressed. Tech dropped at least 3-4 other interceptions and couldn't fall on a number of fumbles. As for not scoring a touchdown, I've been critical of Tech's offense all year. It needs a lot of work.