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Article published Monday, October 16, 2006
COLLISION COURSE
Ohio State vs. Michigan: Talk of the towns, but not players
Where they rankAP Top 25
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. West Virginia
5. Texas
6. Louisville
7. Tennessee
8. Auburn
9. Florida
10. Notre Dame
USA Today
1. Ohio State
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. West Virginia
5. Texas
6. Louisville
7. Auburn
8. Notre Dame
9. Tennessee
10. Florida
BCS Standings
1. Ohio State
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Auburn
5. West Virginia
6. Florida
7. Louisville
8. Notre Dame
9. Texas
10. California
By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Sometime just after their sign their scholarship papers, and just before they get the keys to their dormitory rooms, college football players take a solemn oath to never, ever discuss any game but the next one.
They have the "one game at a time" credo implanted in their brains long before learning the school fight song, the periodic table of the elements, or which pizza place near campus delivers after midnight.
Violators of this gag order won't be shot - they'll be forced to play for Indiana State. (The Sycamores have lost 24 straight.)
So, given that code of silence about anything more than six days away, nobody in the Ohio State or Michigan camps wants to talk about the possibility - now the likelihood - that come Nov. 18, the No. 1 team in the nation will meet the No. 2 team in the nation and they will be playing that game in Columbus.
Following this past weekend's developments - No. 1 Ohio State thrashing Michigan State and then No. 4 Michigan beating Penn State in Happy Valley - enough voters in the Associated Press poll were convinced that the two best teams in the country are in the same league, and only about 150 miles apart. The gate opened for Michigan to move up when last week's No. 2 team, Florida, going through a Murderer's Row of a schedule, lost on Saturday at Auburn.
The coaches poll still has ho-hum Southern Cal No. 2 after another ho-hum win, but Michigan leaped over the Trojans on the AP ballot. If the Wolverines manage an impressive win over Iowa this week, the polls could agree on their 1-2 configuration, and a prenational championship "Game of the Century" could come off next month in Ohio Stadium.
One of the teams will be wearing scarlet and gray, and the other maize and blue, and the winner will be chartering a flight to Phoenix for the actual national championship game in early January.
Ohio State started the preseason No. 1, and Michigan has climbed week by week after beginning the year No. 14. While both have gone through seven games unscathed, plenty of other teams left the unbeaten ranks, setting the stage for a colossal No. 1 vs. No. 2 final game of the Big Ten schedule.
They can't talk about it, won't talk about it, won't smile, won't frown or react in any manner to the mere suggestion.
But it is a tantalizing teaser for Ohio State and Michigan fans. The two factions that make up the greatest rivalry in sports have met 102 times - but never as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams. The scenario that gets them to such a clash of the titans at Ohio Stadium is not far-fetched at all.
Ohio State has Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, and Northwestern left on the schedule before it sees the Wolverines. Those teams are 3-13 in the Big Ten this season. Michigan has Iowa, Northwestern, Ball State, and Indiana before it plays the Buckeyes. Only Iowa (5-2) and Indiana (4-3) have winning records.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was asked recently about the difficulty of staying focused on the interim games, when the murmurs about Michigan, a potential National Championship, and the Heisman Trophy candidacies of quarterback Troy Smith and receiver/return man Ted Ginn, Jr., seem to drown out the current agenda. Tressel said it is one of the thorniest tasks his team faces.
"The hardest thing to do is to keep your mind on what's going on this second," Tressel said. "I don't care if there's hard things, easy things, or perceived things, or whatever - it's keeping your mind on what's going on right now."
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is just as strident. He won't discuss next week's weather, next week's stock market, or next week's training table menu.
"Some mountains are higher than others," Carr said earlier this year when asked about his schedule that included the top-ranked Buckeyes, and Central Michigan.
Ohio State senior safety Brandon Mitchell said the Buckeyes are getting used to the buzz that goes with being No. 1. Not comfortable with it, just accustomed to it.
"Everyone keeps saying that the championship is ours to lose - both the Big Ten and the national championship," Mitchell said. "Great teams go out and take the championship. We have to stay focused and not go into cruise control."
Michigan junior defensive lineman Alan Branch indicated he treats every opponent the same - as potential spoilers.
"My motivation is I want to win the Big Ten Championship and the national championship," Branch said. "Every team that goes on the field against us is my motivation because they're trying to stop us from getting what we want as a team."
Michigan's move up to No. 2 spot gives the Big Ten the top two teams in the AP poll for the first time since Iowa was No. 1 and Michigan was No. 2 back in 1985. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 and Ohio State No. 2 in September of 1976.
The final chapter in the "what-if" scenario has this year's Buckeyes potentially taking part in three No. 1 vs. No. 2 games - in the same college football season. Top-ranked Ohio State beat No. 2 Texas in September, and if Michigan comes to Columbus as No. 2 and Ohio State wins that game, the Buckeyes would then move into the national title game for a third 1-2 matchup against a new challenger.
Contact Matt Markey at:
[email protected]
or 419-724-6510.
Article published Monday, October 16, 2006
COLLISION COURSE
Ohio State vs. Michigan: Talk of the towns, but not players
Where they rankAP Top 25
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Southern California
4. West Virginia
5. Texas
6. Louisville
7. Tennessee
8. Auburn
9. Florida
10. Notre Dame
USA Today
1. Ohio State
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. West Virginia
5. Texas
6. Louisville
7. Auburn
8. Notre Dame
9. Tennessee
10. Florida
BCS Standings
1. Ohio State
2. Southern California
3. Michigan
4. Auburn
5. West Virginia
6. Florida
7. Louisville
8. Notre Dame
9. Texas
10. California
By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Sometime just after their sign their scholarship papers, and just before they get the keys to their dormitory rooms, college football players take a solemn oath to never, ever discuss any game but the next one.
They have the "one game at a time" credo implanted in their brains long before learning the school fight song, the periodic table of the elements, or which pizza place near campus delivers after midnight.
Violators of this gag order won't be shot - they'll be forced to play for Indiana State. (The Sycamores have lost 24 straight.)
So, given that code of silence about anything more than six days away, nobody in the Ohio State or Michigan camps wants to talk about the possibility - now the likelihood - that come Nov. 18, the No. 1 team in the nation will meet the No. 2 team in the nation and they will be playing that game in Columbus.
Following this past weekend's developments - No. 1 Ohio State thrashing Michigan State and then No. 4 Michigan beating Penn State in Happy Valley - enough voters in the Associated Press poll were convinced that the two best teams in the country are in the same league, and only about 150 miles apart. The gate opened for Michigan to move up when last week's No. 2 team, Florida, going through a Murderer's Row of a schedule, lost on Saturday at Auburn.
The coaches poll still has ho-hum Southern Cal No. 2 after another ho-hum win, but Michigan leaped over the Trojans on the AP ballot. If the Wolverines manage an impressive win over Iowa this week, the polls could agree on their 1-2 configuration, and a prenational championship "Game of the Century" could come off next month in Ohio Stadium.
One of the teams will be wearing scarlet and gray, and the other maize and blue, and the winner will be chartering a flight to Phoenix for the actual national championship game in early January.
Ohio State started the preseason No. 1, and Michigan has climbed week by week after beginning the year No. 14. While both have gone through seven games unscathed, plenty of other teams left the unbeaten ranks, setting the stage for a colossal No. 1 vs. No. 2 final game of the Big Ten schedule.
They can't talk about it, won't talk about it, won't smile, won't frown or react in any manner to the mere suggestion.
But it is a tantalizing teaser for Ohio State and Michigan fans. The two factions that make up the greatest rivalry in sports have met 102 times - but never as the No. 1 and No. 2 teams. The scenario that gets them to such a clash of the titans at Ohio Stadium is not far-fetched at all.
Ohio State has Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois, and Northwestern left on the schedule before it sees the Wolverines. Those teams are 3-13 in the Big Ten this season. Michigan has Iowa, Northwestern, Ball State, and Indiana before it plays the Buckeyes. Only Iowa (5-2) and Indiana (4-3) have winning records.
Ohio State coach Jim Tressel was asked recently about the difficulty of staying focused on the interim games, when the murmurs about Michigan, a potential National Championship, and the Heisman Trophy candidacies of quarterback Troy Smith and receiver/return man Ted Ginn, Jr., seem to drown out the current agenda. Tressel said it is one of the thorniest tasks his team faces.
"The hardest thing to do is to keep your mind on what's going on this second," Tressel said. "I don't care if there's hard things, easy things, or perceived things, or whatever - it's keeping your mind on what's going on right now."
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is just as strident. He won't discuss next week's weather, next week's stock market, or next week's training table menu.
"Some mountains are higher than others," Carr said earlier this year when asked about his schedule that included the top-ranked Buckeyes, and Central Michigan.
Ohio State senior safety Brandon Mitchell said the Buckeyes are getting used to the buzz that goes with being No. 1. Not comfortable with it, just accustomed to it.
"Everyone keeps saying that the championship is ours to lose - both the Big Ten and the national championship," Mitchell said. "Great teams go out and take the championship. We have to stay focused and not go into cruise control."
Michigan junior defensive lineman Alan Branch indicated he treats every opponent the same - as potential spoilers.
"My motivation is I want to win the Big Ten Championship and the national championship," Branch said. "Every team that goes on the field against us is my motivation because they're trying to stop us from getting what we want as a team."
Michigan's move up to No. 2 spot gives the Big Ten the top two teams in the AP poll for the first time since Iowa was No. 1 and Michigan was No. 2 back in 1985. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 and Ohio State No. 2 in September of 1976.
The final chapter in the "what-if" scenario has this year's Buckeyes potentially taking part in three No. 1 vs. No. 2 games - in the same college football season. Top-ranked Ohio State beat No. 2 Texas in September, and if Michigan comes to Columbus as No. 2 and Ohio State wins that game, the Buckeyes would then move into the national title game for a third 1-2 matchup against a new challenger.
Contact Matt Markey at:
[email protected]
or 419-724-6510.
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U-M humble about No. 2 ranking
October 16, 2006
By MARK SNYDER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The Michigan football team isn?t too concerned with its ranking in the polls.
Even reaching No. 2 in the Associated Press poll this week isn?t fazing the 7-0 Wolverines much. It's their highest ranking since the 1997 national championship season.
?You see it on TV and you say we?re finally getting recognition, but we also have to remember that the season?s not over, it doesn?t really matter,? Michigan linebacker Prescott Burgess said Monday. ?Last year we were doing good and things went bad for us. ... You can see we?re No. 2 and be happy about it. But we still have to execute and get the job done to keep that No. 2 spot.?
Some Michigan players, like wide receiver Adrian Arrington, hadn?t even heard about the ranking until Monday.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is unimpressed by the polls.
?It really does not have any significance,? he said. ?There should be something in there that?s a motivating factor, because we don?t live in a vacuum, we know where we are. But if we?re a smart football team, which we have been this year, we understand we better be focused on what?s coming to town this week and what we need to do to get better.?
Four games remain before Michigan faces No. 1 Ohio State, including Saturday at home against Iowa.
The Buckeyes' ranking keeps U-M focused.
"We?ll want to go out there and try to take that No. 1 spot from them," Burgess said. "It?s going to be hard doing it but we?ll want to go do it.?
U-M humble about No. 2 ranking
October 16, 2006
By MARK SNYDER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The Michigan football team isn?t too concerned with its ranking in the polls.
Even reaching No. 2 in the Associated Press poll this week isn?t fazing the 7-0 Wolverines much. It's their highest ranking since the 1997 national championship season.
?You see it on TV and you say we?re finally getting recognition, but we also have to remember that the season?s not over, it doesn?t really matter,? Michigan linebacker Prescott Burgess said Monday. ?Last year we were doing good and things went bad for us. ... You can see we?re No. 2 and be happy about it. But we still have to execute and get the job done to keep that No. 2 spot.?
Some Michigan players, like wide receiver Adrian Arrington, hadn?t even heard about the ranking until Monday.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is unimpressed by the polls.
?It really does not have any significance,? he said. ?There should be something in there that?s a motivating factor, because we don?t live in a vacuum, we know where we are. But if we?re a smart football team, which we have been this year, we understand we better be focused on what?s coming to town this week and what we need to do to get better.?
Four games remain before Michigan faces No. 1 Ohio State, including Saturday at home against Iowa.
The Buckeyes' ranking keeps U-M focused.
"We?ll want to go out there and try to take that No. 1 spot from them," Burgess said. "It?s going to be hard doing it but we?ll want to go do it.?
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Link
Irish coach likes WVU's weapons
by Jacob Messer
Daily Mail sportswriter
MORGANTOWN -- Except for a multimillion dollar salary that he earns via one of the most prestigious jobs in his profession, Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis is a lot like all of the other football-loving men on the planet. When he gets an opportunity, he loves to relax in a recliner or catnap on a couch with a beverage, a snack and a remote control as he flips through as many games as his satellite and television can provide.
In fact, Weis and his son did exactly that Saturday because his team was idle.
"It's always interesting to be like the rest of the free world," Weis said Monday during his weekly teleconference. "It was quite interesting. It was the first time I had done that in a long, long time.
"Saturday was refreshing. I sat there with Charlie and watched college football games. We watched them all day."
Among the games Weis watched were two Big East Conference matchups -- Syracuse-West Virginia and Cincinnati-Louisville. The host schools won both of those homecoming games as the fourth-ranked Mountaineers and the sixth-ranked Cardinals remained unbeaten in six games with 41-17 and 23-17 victories, respectively.
Weis already was impressed with WVU and Louisville, considering comments he made last week in an interview with ESPN Radio personality and Big East basher Colin Cowherd.
"No one wants to play either one of those teams right now," Weis told Cowherd.
Could be a case of coachspeak, right? I thought so. Not anymore.
When I unexpectedly asked him about his comment Monday, Weis not only had more compliments for the Mountaineers and Cardinals but also had statistics to support his statements (he recited their stars' totals off the top of his head).
The Mountaineers "have very, very, very extraordinary team speed on offense," said Weis, who watched sophomore quarterback Patrick White run 15 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns and sophomore tailback Steve Slaton run 20 times for 163 yards and one touchdown. "That was a career day (for White). You ever see a (run-oriented) quarterback play like that? I haven't. (Slaton) is pretty darned good, too."
There was one criticism, predictably about the Mountaineers' defense, but even that was followed by another compliment.
"Not that they stop everyone on defense," said Weis, a Notre Dame graduate who is considered one of the smartest coaches at any level because of his abundance of intelligence about topics on and off the field. "But you have a tough time ever stopping them (on offense)."
Weis then turned his attention to the Cardinals, who have survived a pair of devastating injuries that would have derailed lesser teams.
A broken bone in his right leg ended senior tailback Michael Bush's season. A torn ligament in his right thumb sidelined junior quarterback Brian Brohm for two games.
Brohm returned Saturday, completing 20-of-37 passes for 324 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Bearcats.
Louisville "obviously looked a little rusty against Cincinnati," Weis said, but Brohm "still threw for about 350 (yards) in his first game back."
Weis called Mountaineers Coach Rich Rodriguez and Cardinals Coach Bobby Petrino "two of the brightest offensive minds in college football."
"I think the thing that both of those teams show you is offensive firepower," he said.
Weis also offered his opinion on the national championship chase, in which his team also is involved.
Two games -- WVU at Louisville on Nov. 2 and Michigan at Ohio State on Nov. 18 -- could determine the teams that play for the national title. That is, of course, if those four teams win all of their games before and after those two games, as they are expected to do.
Weis said he thinks the WVU-Louisville winner will play the Ohio State-Michigan winner for the national title if Southern California loses.
The top two teams in the Bowl Championship Series standings play for the national title.
Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the initial standings, which were released Sunday. USC is next, followed by Michigan, Auburn, WVU, Florida, Louisville, Notre Dame, Texas and California.
USC still must play Notre Dame, California and Oregon, which is No. 14 in the BCS ratings.
If the Ohio State-Michigan winner and USC are undefeated at the end of the regular season, "I don't think they will play (for the national title)," Weis said of the WVU-Louisville victor. "If there is only one (other) undefeated team, I don't know how (the BCS ratings) are going to keep them out of it, to tell you the truth."
Irish coach likes WVU's weapons
by Jacob Messer
Daily Mail sportswriter
MORGANTOWN -- Except for a multimillion dollar salary that he earns via one of the most prestigious jobs in his profession, Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis is a lot like all of the other football-loving men on the planet. When he gets an opportunity, he loves to relax in a recliner or catnap on a couch with a beverage, a snack and a remote control as he flips through as many games as his satellite and television can provide.
In fact, Weis and his son did exactly that Saturday because his team was idle.
"It's always interesting to be like the rest of the free world," Weis said Monday during his weekly teleconference. "It was quite interesting. It was the first time I had done that in a long, long time.
"Saturday was refreshing. I sat there with Charlie and watched college football games. We watched them all day."
Among the games Weis watched were two Big East Conference matchups -- Syracuse-West Virginia and Cincinnati-Louisville. The host schools won both of those homecoming games as the fourth-ranked Mountaineers and the sixth-ranked Cardinals remained unbeaten in six games with 41-17 and 23-17 victories, respectively.
Weis already was impressed with WVU and Louisville, considering comments he made last week in an interview with ESPN Radio personality and Big East basher Colin Cowherd.
"No one wants to play either one of those teams right now," Weis told Cowherd.
Could be a case of coachspeak, right? I thought so. Not anymore.
When I unexpectedly asked him about his comment Monday, Weis not only had more compliments for the Mountaineers and Cardinals but also had statistics to support his statements (he recited their stars' totals off the top of his head).
The Mountaineers "have very, very, very extraordinary team speed on offense," said Weis, who watched sophomore quarterback Patrick White run 15 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns and sophomore tailback Steve Slaton run 20 times for 163 yards and one touchdown. "That was a career day (for White). You ever see a (run-oriented) quarterback play like that? I haven't. (Slaton) is pretty darned good, too."
There was one criticism, predictably about the Mountaineers' defense, but even that was followed by another compliment.
"Not that they stop everyone on defense," said Weis, a Notre Dame graduate who is considered one of the smartest coaches at any level because of his abundance of intelligence about topics on and off the field. "But you have a tough time ever stopping them (on offense)."
Weis then turned his attention to the Cardinals, who have survived a pair of devastating injuries that would have derailed lesser teams.
A broken bone in his right leg ended senior tailback Michael Bush's season. A torn ligament in his right thumb sidelined junior quarterback Brian Brohm for two games.
Brohm returned Saturday, completing 20-of-37 passes for 324 yards with one touchdown and one interception against the Bearcats.
Louisville "obviously looked a little rusty against Cincinnati," Weis said, but Brohm "still threw for about 350 (yards) in his first game back."
Weis called Mountaineers Coach Rich Rodriguez and Cardinals Coach Bobby Petrino "two of the brightest offensive minds in college football."
"I think the thing that both of those teams show you is offensive firepower," he said.
Weis also offered his opinion on the national championship chase, in which his team also is involved.
Two games -- WVU at Louisville on Nov. 2 and Michigan at Ohio State on Nov. 18 -- could determine the teams that play for the national title. That is, of course, if those four teams win all of their games before and after those two games, as they are expected to do.
Weis said he thinks the WVU-Louisville winner will play the Ohio State-Michigan winner for the national title if Southern California loses.
The top two teams in the Bowl Championship Series standings play for the national title.
Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the initial standings, which were released Sunday. USC is next, followed by Michigan, Auburn, WVU, Florida, Louisville, Notre Dame, Texas and California.
USC still must play Notre Dame, California and Oregon, which is No. 14 in the BCS ratings.
If the Ohio State-Michigan winner and USC are undefeated at the end of the regular season, "I don't think they will play (for the national title)," Weis said of the WVU-Louisville victor. "If there is only one (other) undefeated team, I don't know how (the BCS ratings) are going to keep them out of it, to tell you the truth."
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ESPN
The Power 16
Ohio State is still way out in front in the Power 16, but the object in its rearview mirror will look very familiar. Florida's loss to Auburn allowed Michigan to move up to No. 2 in the latest Power 16. USC, West Virginia and Texas round out the top five. While the Tigers moved up to No. 6 with the win, the Gators dropped to No. 9. Missouri fell out of the rankings after losing to Texas A&M. Oregon jumped back into the Power 16.
ESPN.com's Power 16 Week 8
1Ohio State (16)7-0256Indiana, Minnesota, at Illinois and at Northwestern stand between the Buckeyes and a colossal showdown with Michigan
.
2Michigan7-0234Iowa, Northwestern, Ball State and at Indiana stand between the Wolverines and a colossal showdown with Ohio State.
3USC6-0219These Trojans don't have the flash of the Bush, Leinart and Co., but they just keep winning
.
4West Virginia6-0209The BCS computers might not like the Mountaineers, but computers can's see White and Slaton blazing toward the end zone
.
5Texas6-1196Speaking of BCS computers, the Longhorns have to be scratching their heads at the first BCS Standings of 2006
.
6Auburn6-1156Speaking of the BCS Standings, Tommy Tuberville can't be too unhappy at the Tigers' position.
7Tennessee5-1147David Cutcliffe and Erik Ainge have had an extra week to cook up something special for Bama.
8Louisville6-0142The Cardinals survived a visit from Cincinnati, but Brian Brohm might have knocked off some rust.
9Florida6-1131Think Tim Tebow might get some more snaps at QB when the Gators meet the Dawgs on Oct. 28?
10California6-1106The Bears have rebounded quite nicely from that opening-game loss to the Vols, huh?
11Notre Dame5-1102Think the Irish noticed that the Ducks ran for 256 yards against the Bruins?
12Clemson6-188If the Tigers want to get over the hump, beating Georgia Tech at home is a must.
13Arkansas5-1nullWas Arkansas really in the Bottom 10 after its loss to USC? The Hogs just keep getting better.
14Georgia Tech5-145The Yellow Jackets' path to the ACC title game really opens up if they can win at Clemson on Saturday.
15LSU5-228If Hawaii scored 68 against Fresno State, how many points will the Bayou Bengals post on the Bulldogs?
16Oregon5-11
on't count Dennis Dixon and the Ducks out of the Pac-10 race yet.
Others receiving votes: Wisconsin 17, Rutgers 6, Boise State 5, Nebraska 5, Boston College 3 and Texas A&M 1.
The Power 16
Ohio State is still way out in front in the Power 16, but the object in its rearview mirror will look very familiar. Florida's loss to Auburn allowed Michigan to move up to No. 2 in the latest Power 16. USC, West Virginia and Texas round out the top five. While the Tigers moved up to No. 6 with the win, the Gators dropped to No. 9. Missouri fell out of the rankings after losing to Texas A&M. Oregon jumped back into the Power 16.
ESPN.com's Power 16 Week 8
.
.
.
.
on't count Dennis Dixon and the Ducks out of the Pac-10 race yet.Others receiving votes: Wisconsin 17, Rutgers 6, Boise State 5, Nebraska 5, Boston College 3 and Texas A&M 1.
Upvote
0
The Mountaineers "have very, very, very extraordinary team speed on offense," said Weis, who watched sophomore quarterback Patrick White run 15 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns and sophomore tailback Steve Slaton run 20 times for 163 yards and one touchdown. "That was a career day (for White). You ever see a (run-oriented) quarterback play like that? I haven't. (Slaton) is pretty darned good, too."
OK. I get it. He's got a memory disorder. Yeah, like West Virginia is playing folks with a heartbeat! Uh, how about Troy Smith, there, Chunkie? Or have you blotted that one out of your memory? Somebody help me here, how many yards?
Weis called Mountaineers Coach Rich Rodriguez and Cardinals Coach Bobby Petrino "two of the brightest offensive minds in college football."
And, let's get this right, he can call that one because he's an offensive genius. I know this cause Herbie said so, okay he was being facetious but he did say it.
Weis said he thinks the WVU-Louisville winner will play the Ohio State-Michigan winner for the national title if Southern California loses.
...
If the Ohio State-Michigan winner and USC are undefeated at the end of the regular season, "I don't think they will play (for the national title)," Weis said of the WVU-Louisville victor. "If there is only one (other) undefeated team, I don't know how (the BCS ratings) are going to keep them out of it, to tell you the truth."
Now, I get it. He's warming the water up for his low SOS schedules in the future.
Hey, Chunkie, pass me another turkey leg...
OK. I get it. He's got a memory disorder. Yeah, like West Virginia is playing folks with a heartbeat! Uh, how about Troy Smith, there, Chunkie? Or have you blotted that one out of your memory? Somebody help me here, how many yards?
Weis called Mountaineers Coach Rich Rodriguez and Cardinals Coach Bobby Petrino "two of the brightest offensive minds in college football."
And, let's get this right, he can call that one because he's an offensive genius. I know this cause Herbie said so, okay he was being facetious but he did say it.
Weis said he thinks the WVU-Louisville winner will play the Ohio State-Michigan winner for the national title if Southern California loses.
...
If the Ohio State-Michigan winner and USC are undefeated at the end of the regular season, "I don't think they will play (for the national title)," Weis said of the WVU-Louisville victor. "If there is only one (other) undefeated team, I don't know how (the BCS ratings) are going to keep them out of it, to tell you the truth."
Now, I get it. He's warming the water up for his low SOS schedules in the future.
Hey, Chunkie, pass me another turkey leg...
Upvote
0
OSUBuckeye4Life
"THE" Ohio State Buckeyes
Rivals Power Rankings
October 17, 2006
More Buckeyes move up Power Rankings
Steve Megargee
Rivals.com College Football Staff Writer
? Rivals.com Power Rankings
? Week 7 Video Highlights
? The College Football Wire
Get the inside scoop on your favorite team:
College Teams Alabama Arizona Arizona State Arkansas Army Auburn Baylor Boise State Boston College BYU Cal Charlotte Cincinnati Clemson Colorado Connecticut Dayton DePaul Duke Duquesne East Carolina Florida Florida State Georgetown Georgia Georgia Tech Houston Illinois Indiana Iowa Iowa State Kansas Kansas State Kentucky Louisville LSU Marquette Marshall Maryland Memphis Miami Michigan Michigan State Middle Tennessee Minnesota Mississippi St. Missouri NC State Nebraska New Mexico North Carolina Northwestern Notre Dame Ohio State Oklahoma Oklahoma St. Ole Miss Oregon Oregon State Penn State Pittsburgh Purdue Richmond Rutgers San Diego State Seton Hall South Carolina Southern Miss Syracuse Temple Tennessee Texas Texas A&M Texas Tech Tulane Tulsa UAB UCF UCLA UNLV USC UCF USF Utah UTEP Vanderbilt Villanova Virginia Virginia Tech Wake Forest Washington Washington St. WCU West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Xavier
The team atop every major national poll also is taking over the Rivals.com College Football Power Rankings.
Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel already was rated as the No. 1 head coach and Troy Smith was listed as the top quarterback in the power rankings, which measure the nation's best players and coaches at each position. This week, Ohio State kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. and defensive coordinator Jim Heacock also moved to the top of the charts.
Ginn regained his status as the No. 1 special teams player after breaking a Big Ten record Saturday with his sixth career punt return for a touchdown. Ginn's 60-yard punt return in a 34-7 victory over Michigan State broke a record he had shared with Iowa's Tim Dwight, who returned five punt returns for touchdowns from 1994-97.
The electrifying junior needs to return two more punts for touchdowns to break the NCAA career record shared by Texas Tech's Wes Welker (2000-03) and Oklahoma's Antonio Perkins (2001-04).
Ted Ginn Jr. still has a chance to break the NCAA career record for punt return touchdowns
.
Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. still has a chance to break the NCAA career record for punt return touchdowns.
Rivals.com had ranked Ginn as the nation's No. 1 special teams player for most of the season before Indiana's Marcus Thigpen replaced him last week. Thigpen has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this season.
Heacock was rated as the top defensive coordinator for the way he has quickly rebuilt a defense that lost nine starters from last season. Ohio State has allowed just nine points per game and is ranked third in the nation in scoring defense.
He replaced Texas' Gene Chizik, whose team defeated Baylor 63-31 last week.
Players or coaches maintaining their status as the best at their respective positions included Tressel, Smith, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Minnesota tight end Matt Spaeth, LSU defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey, Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis, California defensive back Daymeion Hughes and Tennessee offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.
Peterson remained atop the power rankings despite breaking his collarbone last week because of the possibility that he could return in time for a bowl game. Players who suffer season-ending injuries are automatically removed from consideration, which explains why Washington quarterback Isaiah Stanback and Iowa State defensive back DeAndre Jackson fell off the list.
The rating of a player and coach can fluctuate each week depending on how they fared the previous Saturday, but the power rankings measure their overall careers as well as their most recent performances.
For example, Florida quarterback Chris Leak committed two critical turnovers in the fourth quarter and Brandon Cox completed two-thirds of his passes in the Tigers' 27-17 victory over the Gators last week.
Leak moved down our quarterback rankings because of that performance, but he remained ahead of Cox. Even though Cox played better in that game, we believe Leak is the better quarterback.
By the end of the season, our power ratings should provide an accurate indicator of which players and coaches were the best at their respective positions. Click here to check out the complete rankings after Week 7.
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SI
Southern discomfort
Ranking the top SEC teams is no easy task this season
Posted: Tuesday October 17, 2006 11:58AM; Updated: Tuesday October 17, 2006 1:04PM
Without question, the most common fan complaint about rankings (mine or anyone else's) is when a team gets placed behind another team with the same record and which it beat head-to-head. As I've explained in the past, I try to be cognizant of such cases as much as possible (i.e. keeping Tennessee ahead of Cal following the Bears' win over Oregon two weeks ago, debuting Arkansas ahead of Auburn last week), but eventually, you reach a point in the season where it becomes downright impossible.
Take the case of the four one-loss SEC teams ranked in my Top 15. As of last week, their order was: No. 2 Florida, No. 7 Tennessee, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 13 Auburn. If I were to adhere strictly to head-to-head results, I would presumably need to bump Auburn ahead of Florida after last weekend's result, correct? So, let's say I put Auburn eighth and Florida ninth. But then I'd also need to make sure the Razorbacks stay ahead of the Tigers,which would mean moving them up five spots for beating Southeast Missouri State. Plus, the Vols would now be ahead of the Gators, whom they lost to at home.
Do you see what I mean?
At this point, all you can do is rank 'em in order of who's impressed you the most over the course of the season. As a result, the Gators remain my highest-ranked SEC team this week, because a close road loss to Auburn didn't change my opinion that they're one of the five best teams in the country. It's not like that result wipes out their wins over Tennessee and LSU. The Vols and Auburn are close behind the Gators. Arkansas, though it certainly did clean Southeast Missouri's clock, remains where it was last week.
NCAA Football Power Rankings Rank LW
Team 1 1
Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)
Is it just me, or do the Buckeyes play better on the road? In games at Texas, Iowa and Michigan State, they've methodically taken care of business. But in home games against Cincinnati, Penn State and Bowling Green, they've putzed around for two or three quarters before turning it on.
Next game: Saturday vs. Indiana. 2 3
Michigan Wolverines (7-0)
Just how dominant is this year's Michigan defense? Well, after holding Penn State to minus-14 yards rushing Saturday (thanks to seven sacks), the Wolverines lead the nation in rushing defense (32.6 yards allowed per game), limiting opponents to just 1.4 yards per carry.
Next game: Saturday vs. Iowa. 3 5
West Virginia Mountaineers (6-0)
For once, I agree with Lee Corso, who said of the Mountaineers last Saturday night, "Their offense is unbelievable. Their defense stinks -- but it might not matter." I honestly believe the Pat White-Steve Slaton option attack is close to unstoppable. We'll find out Nov. 2 if it's enough.
Next game: Friday at Connecticut. 4 2
Florida Gators (6-1)
I was at Saturday night's Auburn game, and I must have missed the part where the Gators got blown off the field. How else to explain a seven-spot tumble in the polls? Considering Florida started the season seventh and is now ninth, I guess the pollsters think they've underachieved.
Next game: Oct. 28 vs. Georgia. 5 6
Texas Longhorns (6-1)
Even after throwing six touchdowns, Colt McCoy has his critics. "We beat ourselves more than he beat us," Baylor cornerback C.J. Wilson said after losing 63-31. "If I was a betting man, which I'm not, I would bet anything that our defense would beat their offense any day of the week." Rrrright.
Next game: Saturday at Nebraska. 6 4
USC Trojans (6-0)
The computers see USC as the No. 1 team in the country because the Trojans have gone undefeated against the nation's toughest schedule. Fair enough. This human sees USC as a team that blew a 21-point lead and managed just 307 yards against mediocre Arizona State.
Next game: Oct. 28 at Oregon State. 7 7
Tennessee Volunteers (5-1)
Well doesn't that just figure. You go on the road and get a seemingly huge conference win, meriting you all kinds of buzz -- including the cover of Sports Illustrated -- only to watch Vanderbilt accomplish the same thing the next week. Those darn Commodores just keep biting the Vols.
Next game: Saturday vs. Alabama. 8 13
Auburn Tigers (6-1)
During the second half of Saturday night's Florida game, when the momentum started really swinging Auburn's way, Jordan-Hare got as loud as any stadium I've ever heard -- particularly after Quentin Groves' two third-down sacks. It may be my new favorite place to watch a game.
Next game: Saturday vs. Tulane. 9 9
Cal Golden Bears (6-1)
I said it last week after the Oregon game and I'll say it again -- the Bears' defense is on fire. Washington State is not a bad offensive team, especially when they play at home, yet Cal was able to hold the Cougars to three points, including a goal-line stand late in the third quarter.
Next game: Saturday vs. Washington. 10 8
Louisville Cardinals (6-0)
Something's been off with the Cardinals for several weeks. They had four turnovers at Kansas State. They let Middle Tennessee hang around for almost three quarters. And then they struggle to beat Cincinnati even with Brian Brohm back? Louisville misses Michael Bush, plain and simple.
Next game: Saturday at Syracuse. NCAA Football Power Rankings Rank LW
Team 11 10
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1)
Irish DE Ronald Talley, who had started four games but was platooning with Chris Frome, decided to transfer. While Victor Abiamri is a formidable pass-rusher at left end, that right end spot has been a weakness for Notre Dame since last season. Neither Talley nor Frome has a sack.
Next game: Saturday vs. UCLA. 12 12
Arkansas Razorbacks (5-1)
When I say the Razorbacks ran over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday, I mean they ran over them. RBs Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Michael Smith combined for 293 yards and five touchdowns on just 19 carries in a 63-7 rout. All three are sophomores or younger, by the way.
Next game: Saturday vs. Ole Miss. 13 11
Clemson Tigers (6-1)
Clemson's two-spot drop was due largely to the ascension of Auburn and had nothing to do with its 63-9 rout of Temple. Speaking of which, kudos to the Owls' players and staff, who donated $1,500 to the trust fund for Clemson player Ray Ray McElrathbey's 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr.
Next game: Saturday vs. Georgia Tech. 14 14
LSU Tigers (5-2)
I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for LSU fans right now. The Tigers have laid an egg in their only two important games, against Auburn and Florida, while looking like the greatest team on earth in their other five games. LSU outgained Kentucky 546-227 in last weekend's 49-0 win.
Next game: Saturday vs. Fresno State. 15 15
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-1)
Saturday's game at Clemson is huge for the Jackets in so many ways. A win would cement their lead in the Coastal Division, with its lone remaining competitor, Miami, coming to town the following week. It's also a showcase opportunity for aspiring Heisman candidate Calvin Johnson.
Next game: Saturday at Clemson. 16 17
Oregon Ducks (5-1)
After watching their running game disappear against Cal, the Ducks went out and pounded the ball down UCLA's throat on Saturday. Led by Jonathan Stewart (20 carries, 121 yards), Oregon marched for 256 rushing yards in a 30-20 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score.
Next game: Saturday at Washington State. 17 18
Oklahoma Sooners (4-2)
Saturday's 34-9 win over Iowa State was easily the Sooners' best performance of the season -- but unfortunately it ended in disaster with Adrian Peterson breaking his collarbone. Expect OU to become more of a passing team the rest of the way with WR Malcolm Kelly playing a major role.
Next game: Saturday vs. Colorado. 18 23
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-0)
We knew coming into the season that the Scarlet Knights had some major talent on offense, but I never would have guessed their defense would be this good. Rutgers has now held four teams to seven points or less and ranks second only to LSU in total defense (221.3 yards per game).
Next game: Saturday at Pittsburgh. 19 24
Boston College Golden Eagles (5-1)
You won't hear Matt Ryan's name in any discussion of the nation's top quarterbacks, but he was impressive in BC's nationally televised dismantling of Virginia Tech last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Eagles' defense held the Hokies to 181 yards and notched four turnovers in the 22-3 win.
Next game: Saturday at Florida State. 20 21
Boise State (6-0)
Star tailback Ian Johnson kept pace with Steve Slaton, Mike Hart and the rest of the nation's rushing leaders with 192 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico State. One of Boise's only remaining tests comes this weekend against Dennis Erickson's much-improved Vandals.
Next game: Saturday at Idaho.
Rank LW
Team 21 22
Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1)
Something still doesn't seem right to me about these guys. How did they get taken to overtime by Kansas, which gave up 603 yards to Oklahoma State last week? Why aren't they putting up 35-40 points on these bad Big 12 North teams? I guess we'll find out how good they are this weekend.
Next game: Saturday vs. Texas. 22 16
Missouri Tigers (6-1)
Just when I go singing Gary Pinkel's praises, naming him SI's coach of the midseason last week, he goes and calls an ill-fated fake field goal -- twice -- that helped seal the Texas A&M loss. "Everybody knew it was a fake," said Aggies safety Melvin Bullitt. "You could see it in their eyes."
Next game: Saturday vs. Kansas State. 23 --
Wisconsin Badgers (6-1)
Talk about a team that's improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the season. A month ago, the Badgers beat San Diego State 14-0. But they followed that with an impressive defensive performance in a loss to Michigan and have since won three straight games by at least 32 points.
Next game: Saturday at Purdue. 24 --
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-1)
In the past years, the Demon Deacons would have been thrilled to reach six wins by the end of the year. But this team has loftier goals, and rightfully so, after playing Clemson tough and knocking off N.C. State. In a weak ACC, it's entirely feasible Wake could reach nine or 10 wins.
Next game: Oct. 28 at North Carolina. 25 --
Texas A&M (6-1)
This is another team that's gotten much better over the past month -- though I wouldn't get too carried away just yet. The Missouri win was exactly what Dennis Franchione needed to get the critics off his back -- and for Aggies fans to start dreaming of a possible New Year's Day bowl.
Next game: Saturday at Oklahoma State.
Southern discomfort
Ranking the top SEC teams is no easy task this season
Posted: Tuesday October 17, 2006 11:58AM; Updated: Tuesday October 17, 2006 1:04PM
Without question, the most common fan complaint about rankings (mine or anyone else's) is when a team gets placed behind another team with the same record and which it beat head-to-head. As I've explained in the past, I try to be cognizant of such cases as much as possible (i.e. keeping Tennessee ahead of Cal following the Bears' win over Oregon two weeks ago, debuting Arkansas ahead of Auburn last week), but eventually, you reach a point in the season where it becomes downright impossible.
Take the case of the four one-loss SEC teams ranked in my Top 15. As of last week, their order was: No. 2 Florida, No. 7 Tennessee, No. 12 Arkansas and No. 13 Auburn. If I were to adhere strictly to head-to-head results, I would presumably need to bump Auburn ahead of Florida after last weekend's result, correct? So, let's say I put Auburn eighth and Florida ninth. But then I'd also need to make sure the Razorbacks stay ahead of the Tigers,which would mean moving them up five spots for beating Southeast Missouri State. Plus, the Vols would now be ahead of the Gators, whom they lost to at home.
Do you see what I mean?
At this point, all you can do is rank 'em in order of who's impressed you the most over the course of the season. As a result, the Gators remain my highest-ranked SEC team this week, because a close road loss to Auburn didn't change my opinion that they're one of the five best teams in the country. It's not like that result wipes out their wins over Tennessee and LSU. The Vols and Auburn are close behind the Gators. Arkansas, though it certainly did clean Southeast Missouri's clock, remains where it was last week.
NCAA Football Power Rankings Rank LW
Team 1 1
Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)Is it just me, or do the Buckeyes play better on the road? In games at Texas, Iowa and Michigan State, they've methodically taken care of business. But in home games against Cincinnati, Penn State and Bowling Green, they've putzed around for two or three quarters before turning it on.
Next game: Saturday vs. Indiana. 2 3
Michigan Wolverines (7-0)Just how dominant is this year's Michigan defense? Well, after holding Penn State to minus-14 yards rushing Saturday (thanks to seven sacks), the Wolverines lead the nation in rushing defense (32.6 yards allowed per game), limiting opponents to just 1.4 yards per carry.
Next game: Saturday vs. Iowa. 3 5
West Virginia Mountaineers (6-0)For once, I agree with Lee Corso, who said of the Mountaineers last Saturday night, "Their offense is unbelievable. Their defense stinks -- but it might not matter." I honestly believe the Pat White-Steve Slaton option attack is close to unstoppable. We'll find out Nov. 2 if it's enough.
Next game: Friday at Connecticut. 4 2
Florida Gators (6-1)I was at Saturday night's Auburn game, and I must have missed the part where the Gators got blown off the field. How else to explain a seven-spot tumble in the polls? Considering Florida started the season seventh and is now ninth, I guess the pollsters think they've underachieved.
Next game: Oct. 28 vs. Georgia. 5 6
Texas Longhorns (6-1)Even after throwing six touchdowns, Colt McCoy has his critics. "We beat ourselves more than he beat us," Baylor cornerback C.J. Wilson said after losing 63-31. "If I was a betting man, which I'm not, I would bet anything that our defense would beat their offense any day of the week." Rrrright.
Next game: Saturday at Nebraska. 6 4
USC Trojans (6-0)The computers see USC as the No. 1 team in the country because the Trojans have gone undefeated against the nation's toughest schedule. Fair enough. This human sees USC as a team that blew a 21-point lead and managed just 307 yards against mediocre Arizona State.
Next game: Oct. 28 at Oregon State. 7 7
Tennessee Volunteers (5-1)Well doesn't that just figure. You go on the road and get a seemingly huge conference win, meriting you all kinds of buzz -- including the cover of Sports Illustrated -- only to watch Vanderbilt accomplish the same thing the next week. Those darn Commodores just keep biting the Vols.
Next game: Saturday vs. Alabama. 8 13
Auburn Tigers (6-1)During the second half of Saturday night's Florida game, when the momentum started really swinging Auburn's way, Jordan-Hare got as loud as any stadium I've ever heard -- particularly after Quentin Groves' two third-down sacks. It may be my new favorite place to watch a game.
Next game: Saturday vs. Tulane. 9 9
Cal Golden Bears (6-1)I said it last week after the Oregon game and I'll say it again -- the Bears' defense is on fire. Washington State is not a bad offensive team, especially when they play at home, yet Cal was able to hold the Cougars to three points, including a goal-line stand late in the third quarter.
Next game: Saturday vs. Washington. 10 8
Louisville Cardinals (6-0)Something's been off with the Cardinals for several weeks. They had four turnovers at Kansas State. They let Middle Tennessee hang around for almost three quarters. And then they struggle to beat Cincinnati even with Brian Brohm back? Louisville misses Michael Bush, plain and simple.
Next game: Saturday at Syracuse. NCAA Football Power Rankings Rank LW
Team 11 10
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1)Irish DE Ronald Talley, who had started four games but was platooning with Chris Frome, decided to transfer. While Victor Abiamri is a formidable pass-rusher at left end, that right end spot has been a weakness for Notre Dame since last season. Neither Talley nor Frome has a sack.
Next game: Saturday vs. UCLA. 12 12
Arkansas Razorbacks (5-1)When I say the Razorbacks ran over Southeast Missouri State on Saturday, I mean they ran over them. RBs Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Michael Smith combined for 293 yards and five touchdowns on just 19 carries in a 63-7 rout. All three are sophomores or younger, by the way.
Next game: Saturday vs. Ole Miss. 13 11
Clemson Tigers (6-1)Clemson's two-spot drop was due largely to the ascension of Auburn and had nothing to do with its 63-9 rout of Temple. Speaking of which, kudos to the Owls' players and staff, who donated $1,500 to the trust fund for Clemson player Ray Ray McElrathbey's 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr.
Next game: Saturday vs. Georgia Tech. 14 14
LSU Tigers (5-2)I can't imagine how frustrating it must be for LSU fans right now. The Tigers have laid an egg in their only two important games, against Auburn and Florida, while looking like the greatest team on earth in their other five games. LSU outgained Kentucky 546-227 in last weekend's 49-0 win.
Next game: Saturday vs. Fresno State. 15 15
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-1)Saturday's game at Clemson is huge for the Jackets in so many ways. A win would cement their lead in the Coastal Division, with its lone remaining competitor, Miami, coming to town the following week. It's also a showcase opportunity for aspiring Heisman candidate Calvin Johnson.
Next game: Saturday at Clemson. 16 17
Oregon Ducks (5-1)After watching their running game disappear against Cal, the Ducks went out and pounded the ball down UCLA's throat on Saturday. Led by Jonathan Stewart (20 carries, 121 yards), Oregon marched for 256 rushing yards in a 30-20 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the final score.
Next game: Saturday at Washington State. 17 18
Oklahoma Sooners (4-2)Saturday's 34-9 win over Iowa State was easily the Sooners' best performance of the season -- but unfortunately it ended in disaster with Adrian Peterson breaking his collarbone. Expect OU to become more of a passing team the rest of the way with WR Malcolm Kelly playing a major role.
Next game: Saturday vs. Colorado. 18 23
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-0)We knew coming into the season that the Scarlet Knights had some major talent on offense, but I never would have guessed their defense would be this good. Rutgers has now held four teams to seven points or less and ranks second only to LSU in total defense (221.3 yards per game).
Next game: Saturday at Pittsburgh. 19 24
Boston College Golden Eagles (5-1)You won't hear Matt Ryan's name in any discussion of the nation's top quarterbacks, but he was impressive in BC's nationally televised dismantling of Virginia Tech last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Eagles' defense held the Hokies to 181 yards and notched four turnovers in the 22-3 win.
Next game: Saturday at Florida State. 20 21
Boise State (6-0)Star tailback Ian Johnson kept pace with Steve Slaton, Mike Hart and the rest of the nation's rushing leaders with 192 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico State. One of Boise's only remaining tests comes this weekend against Dennis Erickson's much-improved Vandals.
Next game: Saturday at Idaho.
Rank LW
Team 21 22
Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1)Something still doesn't seem right to me about these guys. How did they get taken to overtime by Kansas, which gave up 603 yards to Oklahoma State last week? Why aren't they putting up 35-40 points on these bad Big 12 North teams? I guess we'll find out how good they are this weekend.
Next game: Saturday vs. Texas. 22 16
Missouri Tigers (6-1)Just when I go singing Gary Pinkel's praises, naming him SI's coach of the midseason last week, he goes and calls an ill-fated fake field goal -- twice -- that helped seal the Texas A&M loss. "Everybody knew it was a fake," said Aggies safety Melvin Bullitt. "You could see it in their eyes."
Next game: Saturday vs. Kansas State. 23 --
Wisconsin Badgers (6-1)Talk about a team that's improved by leaps and bounds over the course of the season. A month ago, the Badgers beat San Diego State 14-0. But they followed that with an impressive defensive performance in a loss to Michigan and have since won three straight games by at least 32 points.
Next game: Saturday at Purdue. 24 --
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-1)In the past years, the Demon Deacons would have been thrilled to reach six wins by the end of the year. But this team has loftier goals, and rightfully so, after playing Clemson tough and knocking off N.C. State. In a weak ACC, it's entirely feasible Wake could reach nine or 10 wins.
Next game: Oct. 28 at North Carolina. 25 --
Texas A&M (6-1)This is another team that's gotten much better over the past month -- though I wouldn't get too carried away just yet. The Missouri win was exactly what Dennis Franchione needed to get the critics off his back -- and for Aggies fans to start dreaming of a possible New Year's Day bowl.
Next game: Saturday at Oklahoma State.
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BB73;635996; said:617 yards!!!
Glad to help out Charlie's bulimia program.
See, now there you go! 617 yards, that's not so hard to remember. 6+1=7. It's easy, Chunkie!
Fat don't give you Alzheimer's Chunkie, it don't make ya' stupid, it don't make ya' forget. It just makes ya' fat, Chunkie!
So, next time you get asked just remember 6+1=7, 617 yards. And if your blood sugar is dropping and you get confused, that's 1851 foot-long submarine sandwiches, Chunkie! So, just think lunch and you'll be just fine!
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BuckeyePride
All-Ohio
Steve19;636208; said:
May be ND wants to join Big East. And Charlie Wies is sucking up to them.
In my opinion, both WV and Louisville are top 7 teams.... but CW sounds like they are top 3.
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Sporting News
One of the big boys in the SEC will be No. 2
Posted: October 18, 2006
It's a crazy, contrived argument, this No. 2 thing. October rolls around, the BCS numbers make their grand arrival, and the never-ending bickering begins.
Who's No. 2?
You say Southern California; I say the best team in the Pac-10 is one-loss California, and the Trojans are a few short weeks from finding that out. You say Michigan; I say it doesn't matter -- one of those two teams from the Little Nine will be done November 18 in Columbus. You say West Virginia or Louisville; I say the winner of that Thursday night throwdown in two weeks will lose to either Rutgers or Pitt later in the season. You say one-loss Texas; I say, please, the Big 12 blows. You say one-loss Notre Dame; I say the Domers wouldn't last a month in the SEC.
"It's a tough-ass conference," says Florida coach Urban Meyer, whose Gators were the last team in the league without a blemish before being ambushed in a pit Auburn fans like to call The Loveliest Village on the Plains.
There should be no argument for No. 2. If, come January, there is a one-loss team playing in the national title game -- and, really, is there any doubt there will be? -- it has to be from the SEC. The question is: Can Florida, Auburn or Tennessee survive the rest of the season without a loss?
Let's recap: First, there was unbeaten LSU, stocked with the most talent in the league. The Tigers lost to Auburn in a Week 3 slugfest. That same week, Florida beat Tennessee by a point to stay unbeaten. A few weeks later, Arkansas beat Auburn. Then unbeaten Florida, everybody's No. 2 flavor of the week, lost to a rejuvenated Auburn team that somehow scored 27 points without a touchdown on offense.
This is big boy football, people.
"I don't care about those other leagues," says Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves, whose three sacks of Florida quarterback Chris Leak sure looked like 18. "Tell those other teams to come walk in our shoes every week."
And thus, we return to the No. 2 argument. And because I'm sticking with the SEC, the team with the best chance to get to Glendale, Ariz., and play Ohio State in the national title game still is Florida. The team that still hasn't played a complete game. The team that uses two quarterbacks and not enough freshmen (please give superfrosh Percy Harvin another carry).
The team whose coach gets so emotional about playing in this league he can't help but cry. He did it last year after a loss to LSU, and his eyes were red and watery again after his team tripped over and over itself with game-turning mistakes against Auburn.
"If you think we can sit here and worry about it, you're talking to the wrong guy," Meyer says.
Of course they can't. Because one more slip by Florida and Tennessee assumes control of the East Division and takes its turn as the league's team to beat. You know, that same Tennessee team that beat Cal by a gazillion in the season opener -- the same Cal team that will beat USC by two touchdowns next month.
Meanwhile, Auburn still is lurking in the West Division. Should Florida lose and Tennessee win the East, an Auburn victory in the SEC championship game would give the Tigers victories against LSU, Florida and Tennessee -- three teams that will win at least 30 games combined.
You say it's all conjecture, that my argument is no different from any scenario dreamed up by any other blowhard; I say soak in the reality that is the SEC. Year after year, it's the most complete conference in the nation.
Just last week, Alabama needed overtime to beat five-loss Ole Miss. Four-loss Vanderbilt -- the same team that harassed Michigan into the third quarter in its season opener -- won at Georgia for the first time since 1994.
You say that shows the SEC is overrated; I say that shows the depth of talent in a league where you better knuckle down every week or you're eventually relying on some computer nut.
"You're a play away from great things," says Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, "and a play away from your heart ripped out."
This is big boy football, people.
When the last unbeaten SEC team was still standing, SEC commissioner and BCS czar Mike Slive talked about "looking into" the possibility of a playoff.
He's so cute, isn't he? Still has a little C-USA in him. Still can't stomach the way the BCS is set up. You better learn to take it like a man in the SEC.
This is big boy football, people.
One of the big boys in the SEC will be No. 2
Posted: October 18, 2006
It's a crazy, contrived argument, this No. 2 thing. October rolls around, the BCS numbers make their grand arrival, and the never-ending bickering begins.
Who's No. 2?
You say Southern California; I say the best team in the Pac-10 is one-loss California, and the Trojans are a few short weeks from finding that out. You say Michigan; I say it doesn't matter -- one of those two teams from the Little Nine will be done November 18 in Columbus. You say West Virginia or Louisville; I say the winner of that Thursday night throwdown in two weeks will lose to either Rutgers or Pitt later in the season. You say one-loss Texas; I say, please, the Big 12 blows. You say one-loss Notre Dame; I say the Domers wouldn't last a month in the SEC.
"It's a tough-ass conference," says Florida coach Urban Meyer, whose Gators were the last team in the league without a blemish before being ambushed in a pit Auburn fans like to call The Loveliest Village on the Plains.
There should be no argument for No. 2. If, come January, there is a one-loss team playing in the national title game -- and, really, is there any doubt there will be? -- it has to be from the SEC. The question is: Can Florida, Auburn or Tennessee survive the rest of the season without a loss?
Let's recap: First, there was unbeaten LSU, stocked with the most talent in the league. The Tigers lost to Auburn in a Week 3 slugfest. That same week, Florida beat Tennessee by a point to stay unbeaten. A few weeks later, Arkansas beat Auburn. Then unbeaten Florida, everybody's No. 2 flavor of the week, lost to a rejuvenated Auburn team that somehow scored 27 points without a touchdown on offense.
This is big boy football, people.
"I don't care about those other leagues," says Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves, whose three sacks of Florida quarterback Chris Leak sure looked like 18. "Tell those other teams to come walk in our shoes every week."
And thus, we return to the No. 2 argument. And because I'm sticking with the SEC, the team with the best chance to get to Glendale, Ariz., and play Ohio State in the national title game still is Florida. The team that still hasn't played a complete game. The team that uses two quarterbacks and not enough freshmen (please give superfrosh Percy Harvin another carry).
The team whose coach gets so emotional about playing in this league he can't help but cry. He did it last year after a loss to LSU, and his eyes were red and watery again after his team tripped over and over itself with game-turning mistakes against Auburn.
"If you think we can sit here and worry about it, you're talking to the wrong guy," Meyer says.
Of course they can't. Because one more slip by Florida and Tennessee assumes control of the East Division and takes its turn as the league's team to beat. You know, that same Tennessee team that beat Cal by a gazillion in the season opener -- the same Cal team that will beat USC by two touchdowns next month.
Meanwhile, Auburn still is lurking in the West Division. Should Florida lose and Tennessee win the East, an Auburn victory in the SEC championship game would give the Tigers victories against LSU, Florida and Tennessee -- three teams that will win at least 30 games combined.
You say it's all conjecture, that my argument is no different from any scenario dreamed up by any other blowhard; I say soak in the reality that is the SEC. Year after year, it's the most complete conference in the nation.
Just last week, Alabama needed overtime to beat five-loss Ole Miss. Four-loss Vanderbilt -- the same team that harassed Michigan into the third quarter in its season opener -- won at Georgia for the first time since 1994.
You say that shows the SEC is overrated; I say that shows the depth of talent in a league where you better knuckle down every week or you're eventually relying on some computer nut.
"You're a play away from great things," says Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, "and a play away from your heart ripped out."
This is big boy football, people.
When the last unbeaten SEC team was still standing, SEC commissioner and BCS czar Mike Slive talked about "looking into" the possibility of a playoff.
He's so cute, isn't he? Still has a little C-USA in him. Still can't stomach the way the BCS is set up. You better learn to take it like a man in the SEC.
This is big boy football, people.
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osugrad21;637036; said:Sporting News
One of the big boys in the SEC will be No. 2
Posted: October 18, 2006
It's a crazy, contrived argument, this No. 2 thing. October rolls around, the BCS numbers make their grand arrival, and the never-ending bickering begins.
Who's No. 2?
You say Southern California; I say the best team in the Pac-10 is one-loss California, and the Trojans are a few short weeks from finding that out. You say Michigan; I say it doesn't matter -- one of those two teams from the Little Nine will be done November 18 in Columbus. You say West Virginia or Louisville; I say the winner of that Thursday night throwdown in two weeks will lose to either Rutgers or Pitt later in the season. You say one-loss Texas; I say, please, the Big 12 blows. You say one-loss Notre Dame; I say the Domers wouldn't last a month in the SEC.
"It's a tough-ass conference," says Florida coach Urban Meyer, whose Gators were the last team in the league without a blemish before being ambushed in a pit Auburn fans like to call The Loveliest Village on the Plains.
There should be no argument for No. 2. If, come January, there is a one-loss team playing in the national title game -- and, really, is there any doubt there will be? -- it has to be from the SEC. The question is: Can Florida, Auburn or Tennessee survive the rest of the season without a loss?
Let's recap: First, there was unbeaten LSU, stocked with the most talent in the league. The Tigers lost to Auburn in a Week 3 slugfest. That same week, Florida beat Tennessee by a point to stay unbeaten. A few weeks later, Arkansas beat Auburn. Then unbeaten Florida, everybody's No. 2 flavor of the week, lost to a rejuvenated Auburn team that somehow scored 27 points without a touchdown on offense.
This is big boy football, people.
"I don't care about those other leagues," says Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves, whose three sacks of Florida quarterback Chris Leak sure looked like 18. "Tell those other teams to come walk in our shoes every week."
And thus, we return to the No. 2 argument. And because I'm sticking with the SEC, the team with the best chance to get to Glendale, Ariz., and play Ohio State in the national title game still is Florida. The team that still hasn't played a complete game. The team that uses two quarterbacks and not enough freshmen (please give superfrosh Percy Harvin another carry).
The team whose coach gets so emotional about playing in this league he can't help but cry. He did it last year after a loss to LSU, and his eyes were red and watery again after his team tripped over and over itself with game-turning mistakes against Auburn.
"If you think we can sit here and worry about it, you're talking to the wrong guy," Meyer says.
Of course they can't. Because one more slip by Florida and Tennessee assumes control of the East Division and takes its turn as the league's team to beat. You know, that same Tennessee team that beat Cal by a gazillion in the season opener -- the same Cal team that will beat USC by two touchdowns next month.
Meanwhile, Auburn still is lurking in the West Division. Should Florida lose and Tennessee win the East, an Auburn victory in the SEC championship game would give the Tigers victories against LSU, Florida and Tennessee -- three teams that will win at least 30 games combined.
You say it's all conjecture, that my argument is no different from any scenario dreamed up by any other blowhard; I say soak in the reality that is the SEC. Year after year, it's the most complete conference in the nation.
Just last week, Alabama needed overtime to beat five-loss Ole Miss. Four-loss Vanderbilt -- the same team that harassed Michigan into the third quarter in its season opener -- won at Georgia for the first time since 1994.
You say that shows the SEC is overrated; I say that shows the depth of talent in a league where you better knuckle down every week or you're eventually relying on some computer nut.
"You're a play away from great things," says Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, "and a play away from your heart ripped out."
This is big boy football, people.
When the last unbeaten SEC team was still standing, SEC commissioner and BCS czar Mike Slive talked about "looking into" the possibility of a playoff.
He's so cute, isn't he? Still has a little C-USA in him. Still can't stomach the way the BCS is set up. You better learn to take it like a man in the SEC.
This is big boy football, people.
For Auburn to get to the SEC Championship, they need to win out and they need Arkansas to lose two times:
Arkansas remaining schedule:
Mississippi - probable W
Louisiana-Monroe - Definite W
At South Carolina - Possible L
(7) Tennessee - Possible L
At Mississippi State - Probable W
(14) LSU - Possible L
They get their toughest remaining games at home (Tennessee and LSU). I think they will split those games. That means that the South Carolina game is crucial. Other than that, it will be an huge upset for any of the other teams to beat them.
Auburn's remaining schedule:
Tulane Definite W
At Mississippi Probable W
Arkansas State Definite W
Georgia Probable W
At Alabama Probable W
While the Auburn schedule is soft, that doesn't necessarily help them. If, for instance, the slot for the BCS game comes down to Auburn (say they beat Florida again in the SEC Championship game), one loss Cal, one loss Texas, Unbeaten WVU (or Louisville) - who would you take? Well obviously the undefeated team, but wouldn't those other one loss teams have the better OOC schedule? Of course it will all come down to the computers, because the Human polls have Texas, USC, Tennessee and MIchigan all ahead of Auburn at this time.
If I had to make a guess, I think one of the Big East teams will be in Glendale before the SEC winner.
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