General Chat / BOWL GAMES!

I wasn't referring to you Becky about the whole ESPN thing, you actually bothered to look up stats and present an opinion different than the popular line of bowing before USC. That was more directed at Cork's well founded opinion that USC has the best team this year without argument.

The Florida pick is part going out on a limb, part what I want to happen, and a dash of what I think will happen. Honestly, that game is so close it will be hard to call. Depends on what teams show up and when.

Cincinnati-Rutgers is a very interesting game, get to see which team is actually a contender for the Big East this year. Cincinnati has gotten to where they are by being very opportunistic and forcing a lot of turnovers. If they continue excelling in that area, they will continue winning. But they are due for a dry game eventually, and Rutgers is a very fundamentally sound team.

I am missing such a good year of college football
all I can do is watch it on the gamecast thing on espn.com
makes it rough for me to comment on anything really...but I have been trying to follow as much as I can. Not having seen actual game footage, but just little lines and blips on an internet field with stats everywhere, I would say that LSU and Ohio State are the two best teams right now. I figured LSU would be tops this year, and they have been mostly dominant. Ohio State has been surprising me really...I knew the defense would be amazing...but there were big question marks on offense...like a new qb, all new receivers, and a new rb! But this years offense seems amazingly sharp for being so rookie. Florida is tough this year of course...but several gaps and weak enough to lose at least 2 games. South Florida is fast, and that would seem to be it. If they meet a team that is fast and tough, they will get trampled. Okla was obviously over-ranked...people have been dying to put them back in the mix ever since they used to be tops consistently and then spiralled down...they are alright this year. I know nothing of BC this year. Cal is only ranked so high to make usc look better since the pac10 always sucks. they are good, but not nearly no3 caliber. USC is tightroping. will falter today to LSU...and probably another time down the road. Wisconsin is perpetually under-rated...and anyone jumping on the illini upset wagon has been watching too much espn. I saw the headline story on the website about how illinois will win...but I'm not convinced. Wisconsin is always tough...even when they dont win a game they are troublesome. Oh and dont forget the year ohio state won the national championship by edging out games...winning is winning. 'Sconsin will have much more poise and beat the illini only to be underdogs next week and probably drop a spot in the rankings. Kentucky is the same as Okla...not good. Not really worth commenting on any of the other teams...all are mediocre at best. Of course with the way the season is going, all of this banter could be proven wrong today! haha. But yeah....Buckeyes versus LSU in national championship! And I will actually be back in the states to watch that!!

I made my post to Pyro and I thought I logged off....cuz then the chimney sweep guy came and cleaned our chimney. Then my husband and I took our 4.5 mile walk before the football starts and I just got back and sat down, wiggled the mouse, and here I am still logged in and ERIC posted (heart you)

I can tell Eric hasn't watched enough football this year, but you can't blame him...he's in England

Its all good Pyro, I agree with you most times (except OK... ) and I just like to give CORK lots of crap cuz he is from USC...

Enough already...I'm really logging off now to watch the games!!!

hmmm, well, I guess poise doesn't win games afterall....it is defense and offense! haha. Oh well, that game didnt matter much anyway. But what do you mean you can tell I havent watched much football this year? I might not have seen any games, but I think my comments on the season are fairly accurate thus far.

Actually Becky I'd expect you to give me a lot of crap since I'm at Michigan. But realistically we're not national championship material; we've had some good quarters but realistically the only game we looked good all the way through was against Notre Dame, and lets face it: they suck ass.

Hell, we even failed at shutting down Eastern Michigan today, sure it was an 11 point win, but if it wasn't for a spectacular third quarter on the part of our offense (particularly Mike Hart) then even Eastern could've had a shot at bringing us down. Next week is Purdue, then Illinois; my outlook isn't particularly positive but next week I'll be at Cedar Point and I'm going home for a couple days; so really the game doesn't matter to me.

Anyway I also watched the end of Michigan State Vs. Northwestern game, which I found HILARIOUS and good fun to watch. I saw all the highlights from the Illinois Vs. Wisconsin game as well and was pleasantly amazed to see a supposed top 5 team fall all over themselves. Obviously I'm only paying attention to Big Ten stuff; not because I have any real bias based on conference, it just happens to be all that the Wolverines really have a shot at. Oh and I plan on at least periodically tuning into Ohio Vs. Purdue since the former is our bitter enemy and the latter we're playing in a week.

Ride6

Cal is only ranked so high to make usc look better since the pac10 always sucks.

That there is not true anymore...well I cannot comment on the CAL ranking as I have yet to see them play this year...but the PAC10 is starting to look better this year.

USC is tightroping. will falter today to LSU...and probably another time down the road.

USC is not playing LSU today...Florida is

Thats all really for now...

Actually Becky I'd expect you to give me a lot of crap since I'm at Michigan. but next week I'll be at Cedar Point and I'm going home for a couple days; so really the game doesn't matter to me.

Ride6

Thats kinda why Ride6...you aren't exactly passionate about your team when they aren't winning. You are a fair weather fan my friend, and for that, I cannot give you crap...because it wouldn't get you mad...and therefore no fun for me Besides, I actually wish you guys were at least halfway decent...you are bringing the Big10 down man....

Okla was obviously over-ranked...people have been dying to put them back in the mix ever since they used to be tops consistently and then spiralled down...they are alright this year. I know nothing of BC this year. Cal is only ranked so high to make usc look better since the pac10 always sucks. they are good, but not nearly no3 caliber. USC is tightroping. will falter today to LSU...and probably another time down the road. Wisconsin is perpetually under-rated...and anyone jumping on the illini upset wagon has been watching too much espn. I saw the headline story on the website about how illinois will win...but I'm not convinced. Wisconsin is always tough...even when they dont win a game they are troublesome.

You sir, are a comedian. Or I hope you are. Because Wisconsin has been the most overrated team othe past.... lots of years. Every year they beat up on creampuffs and then lose to the heavyweights. This year, they couldn't even beat up on the creampuffs, instead barely surviving, and eventually cough it up against Illinois. And, I made the pick of Illinois over Wisc two weeks ago by watching both teams play, not by watching ESPN. And how about OU today? Thought the margin should have been a little more, but the RRS is always though and OU came up big when they needed to. We are right back in the thick of things and as long as Mizzou wins tonight Gameday should be in Norman next week (going to that game, should be fun).

I am just really drunk right now, but also really excited to beat Texas after a two year draught. Heres to a Florida, Ohio State, and Mizzou victory tonight to make today perfect.

Go LSU tonight, I need Flordia to lose so my gamecocks will have an easy ride to 1st in the SEC East....

Don't worry Spiderman, Florida can win tonight and Gamecocks still control their own fate. They will beat Florida after Florida pulls the upset of LSU.

Thats kinda why Ride6...you aren't exactly passionate about your team when they aren't winning. You are a fair weather fan my friend, and for that, I cannot give you crap...because it wouldn't get you mad...and therefore no fun for me Besides, I actually wish you guys were at least halfway decent...you are bringing the Big10 down man....

We're bringing the Big Ten down how? By winning our first two in conference games? I'm saying we have an excellent team when they play well, which sadly hasn't been happening with nearly the frequency we need to really accomplish much. So I realize we have a couple difficult weeks coming... I'm not a raving lunatic for Michigan, but no matter how the season goes I'll still be screaming "Go Blue" be it at the Big House or at my TV set against the Buckeyes; Sure I can admit you guys are doing better, but that certainly doesn't mean I like anyone more.

Ride6

Michigan lost to Appalachian State . You could win every game and the national championship and people would still laugh at that game.

In all seriousness though, nobody is really helping the Big 10 outside of Ohio State. It has been an iffy season at best so far. But then again, no conference has really looked dominant. If I had to cast my vote for best conference, I would actually say the Pac 10 looks surprisingly deep this year. USC, Cal, and Oregon are all legitimate contenders. Jury is still out on Arizona State despite the win today. They just collapse too regularly to get behind them.

psst more upsets anyone?

Oh and go Tigers!

Hi Matt. So this is how it feels.

(to the rest: bring on the laughs. we absolutely deserve them)

USc losses, USc losses, USC losses... how about them trees Cork?

And yes, it sucks to lose a game you should have dominated. It flat out sucks.

Hi Matt. So this is how it feels.

(to the rest: bring on the laughs. we absolutely deserve them)

Holy fuck...

First Wisconsin and now USC. Is anyone immune to the deadly attack of the upsets this season? I mean at least we got ours out of the way early, that way we've learned to compromise our expectations.

Ride6

Oh LSU nearly lost too... that could have pushed South Florida up too #3, well #4 aint bad, but everyone around here (Which is really South Florida, they play in Tampa which is not geographically even close to the south part of this state) is pretty stunned to see them that high up, it's like the twilight zone or something.

Real south Florida teams UM and FIU lost, wtf is happening down here? Well even when the Dolphins lose tomorrow we still have the best HS in this country *shrug*

Im thinking LSU vs. Ohio St for it all.

I've come to the conclusion that USC was indeed overrated. One horrible game is ok, because everyone has those. Two in a row against teams you should crush? Pete better start whipping his players into shape. I'm thinking they bought into the hype a little bit. We just flat out SUCKED.


Oh, and I never said USC has the best team w/o question. I had them at #1 because of their potential, and because there wasn't any real, concrete reason not to until after last week. Heck, even if we had won tonight, I would have dropped them down to #4, behind LSU, OSU, and Cal. Now, I think they're a little closer to #10 in my book. I'll have to look.


BTW, my last rankings basically went to #12, and then I was like "whatever."

I'll actually put up a serious top 25 with all 25 contemplated later tonight.

My only hope is that this loss was early enough that we can make it up later by having a very strong last 7 games, including an impressive win against Cal, and we get some help later in the season, and make it back up to #2 in the BCS. But right now, it looks like LSU vs OSU (LSU played a flat out fantastic game against arguably the 2nd best team in the country; Ohio State is good enough that they should run through the Big 10, which is pretty damn weak).

In terms of conferences, you absolutely cannot say the Pac 10 sucks anymore. This year, it's solidly the #2 conference behind the SEC. Then comes the Big 10/Big 12/Big East way far behind.

At least FUCLA lost to Notre Dame. But I can't really trash talk, because we got beat by a bunch of trees. At least OU lost to buffalo. Ya know... which move?

I love this topic!

No, don´t know anything about these American teams etc., but amidst the one-liners that prevail in most topics nowadays, it's a revelation to read all those long, heated and convinced posts....

Emergo

1. LSU
This is a very good team with a sound defense that was tested against a potent Florida offense. They weren't spectacular, but they held their own and came up big when it counted at the end of the game, coming up with a huge interception and a fumble recovery that sped the comeback. Florida may be their stiffest test all year, although the rest of the schedule isn't exactly easy either. But they could very well go undefeated.

2. Ohio State
Well, they're the best undefeated team left, and they thumped Purdue pretty well, so they can't be bad. This team has been overlooked all year too, and while I can't say beating up on a craptacular Big 10 this year is worth much, I can't deny that the Buckeyes have talent, skill, and have shown enough through six weeks to be ranked #2.

3. Cal
They're good, but I just can't move them up. If they were truly a #2 team, they would have blasted a good but not great Oregon team and held Tennessee in check more. Still, for the first time in like four years, the best ranked team in the Pac 10 is NOT USC. Which means the Trojans will finally go into a game as underdogs when they meet Cal next month--unless the Bears goof it up.

4. South Florida
What the hell?? But then again, they haven't done anything to hurt themselves. I can't believe they'll finish the season undefeated, because they don't quite have the total package and experience to charge through a full season unscathed. But they could prove me wrong, and for now, they're #4. What the hell?

5. Boston College
They're the best team in the ACC. And again, they haven't done anything to hurt themselves, so they rest here at #5. Who in the world would have predicted BC and USF would both be in the top 5... ever?

6. Florida
I'm putting them this high despite their two losses because I believe they are still one of the best teams in the country. Losing to LSU shouldn't hurt them that much in my opinion. They had the game until a couple of costly mistakes proved their undoing, but tonight's game showed that they can go toe for toe against the best, and in a rematch, the Gators could very well triumph. The loss to Auburn certainly hurts their case, but I'm willing to chalk that up to an anomaly.

7. Oklahoma
Getting back on track by beating a fired up Texas team by a touchdown. It wasn't really pretty, but this is still a good team, despite the earlier loss to Colorado.

8. South Carolina
Obviously, I totally forgot about this team last time. My bad. Spurrier's got the team playing great ball, and when your only loss is to the best team in the land, you're doing pretty well. I never thought I'd have the other USC ranked higher than my USC.

9. USC
Well, you can make an argument that some of the teams below 'SC can beat them, given how they've played the last two weeks. But then again, this team WAS ranked #1, and while Michigan has proven that top five teams can indeed be grossly overrated, I cannot believe that a Pete Carrol coached team would go the same way. Here's hoping this loss lights a fire under the Trojans and gets them playing with a chip on their shoulders for the rest of the season, so they can claw their way back to the National Title race. The one bad thing about being media darlings is that it's super easy to start believing your own hype and getting complacent. Offense needs to get back under disciplined control and stop making so many mistakes like turnovers and penalties. There's still hope for Southern Cal yet, but it'll be a tough road ahead. Wins against Oregon and Cal could get people back on the bandwagon though.

10. Oregon
The plucky Ducks lost a tight one to Cal that might have gone the other way if not for a heart crushing fumble. They're a good team; I'm not sure they're great; but I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

11. West Virginia
They're a potent team, despite being one dimensional, and they can definitely take it to nearly any team nearby in the rankings. For that, I'm being nice and having them climb their way back up the ranks. Remember; if you must lose, lose early. That way, people don't remember it as much (unless it's to Appalachian State).

12. Virginia Tech
Since getting sliced by LSU, they've looked pretty good against everyone else they've played. Not that they've played some awesome teams, but they did beat Clemson, and they still have a pretty good defense.

13. Kentucky
This is where it gets tricky for me. Kentucky has been really surprising this year, and their one loss was this past Thursday to South Carolina. Now, they may very well be an overrated surprise, but then again, they've got a good coach, and they could be one of those dark horse good bowl teams.

14. Wisconsin
Guess they were overrated. The Badgers are still a very solid team, but they're usually ugly in style and a bit inconsistent. I guess today's game showed that, but they could still give teams like Ohio State a challenge.

15. Cincinatti
They've got a great coach. Trust me on this. The Bearcats could definitely make some noise even more in the Big East. I've got a feeling on them.

16. Arizona State
They're undefeated. They haven't played anybody.

17. Missouri
They're undefeated. They haven't played anybody.

18. Georgia
They're a good team. They just can't seem to get those good wins. But they're still stubbornly problematic.

19. Auburn
Auburn is not a bad team. They just lost two games to bad teams. But they also upset Florida, which definitely takes something. I think they'll end up higher when it all comes down to things, but those two losses definitely make me a little wary. Do I think they could beat #15-18? Yes. But again, to me, rankings (which change weekly) don't necessarily equate to "best teams in order."

20. Hawaii
They're just effing fun to watch. They'll go undefeated. Too bad they won't have played any real teams. This not another Boise State in my opinion. If they make it to a BCS Bowl, they'll probably lose unless they get a weak BCS League team, which in that case, they might have a chance.

21. Texas
Actually, I do think they have the ability to beat several teams above them. Only this season, they haven't done it. They're like USC in terms of blown potential, only about 100 times worse.

22. Connecticut
Aren't they undefeated? How'd that happen? Aren't they only supposed to be good in basketball?

23. Colorado
I think the Kansas State loss puts them atop the Big 12 standings period. Wow. They've come back from all those scandals after all.

24. Kansas
This would be our third "these guys are good in basketball; why the heck are they good in football???" team.

25. I don't really care who I put there, so I'll give #25 to Notre Dame as a joke for finally picking up a win and for giving Bruin fans absolutely nothing to jeer at 'SC about on a week when the Trojans got beat by trees.



** From #13 and on, it's a tough call for me, and I could probably rearrange them a few times and still not be satisfied. But I'm sick; it's midnight; and I gotta get to bed. So cheers!

Here is what the top ten should look like tomorrow (not based on accurately seeding teams, but how i think people will vote):

1. LSU
2. Ohio State
3. Cal
4. South Florida
5. Boston College
6. Oklahoma
7. South Carolina
8. West Virginia
9. USC
10. *Florida* - This is possible because of the close loss, but hard to predict because it puts a two loss team in front of a lot of undefeated/one loss teams. Still, I think they crack the top ten.

Ok, on second thought, the polls if the pollsters actually watched games this week:

1. LSU
2. Ohio State
3. Cal
4. Boston College
5. Oklahoma
6. South Florida
7. South Carolina
8. West Virginia
9. USC
10. Florida

I have a feeling South Florida is the darling this year, which is why I put them at #4 in the other projection. But on the other hand, I think some people realize that they actually have South Florida as the #4 team in the country, and they struggled way too much against Florida Atlantic to deserve that. Boston college gets the new darling nod and OU gets back within striking distance.

Now, here is where I believe everybody stands at this point in the season. Completely ignoring win/loss records to an extent and basing it on the team's ability to perform:

1. LSU- Yes, they probably should have lost tonight if it wasn't for some really dumb (successful, but dumb) calls by Les Miles. Credit is still due for the way they have played this year and against the level of competition. Defense is still suffocating and offense is opportunistic. However, you don't have to throw up points when you are that solid defensivly.

2. Ohio State- You really can't take anything away from the way they have played so far this year. Is it glitzy? No, but they are starting to find weapons on offense and the defense continues to shut down teams. Suddenly that Northwestern blowout looks that much better.

3. Oklahoma- I am a little skeptical about putting them this high, as the last few weeks have brought up some issues. However, they got back on track with a win against a pumped Texas team. OU shot themselves in the foot more than Texas stopped them, and Bradford was incredibly poised and clutch for how young he is. Still need to see them stop a decent passing attack (held McCoy in check except for a few big blown plays), and I want to see them establish the run a little more convincingly. However, I believe this team is among the elite this year and their loss in the most excusable (road, altitude, momentum, ahead big at one point).

4. USC- Yes, there are holes on this team. And as I said, Booty is not the leader or clutch player Leinart was, and that will bite them in the ass in close games. However, the amount of talent on this team is borderline disturbing. Add in the fact that Carroll is coaching them and has proven time and again his ability to gameplan and this is still one of the premier teams in the country. I just do not see any of the other teams as better than them.

5. Cal- I guess I will throw them in here. They have a lot of playmakers and an explosive offense, but they do not have the ability to consistently perform. They should have lost to Oregon, and the games were too much in contest between Tennessee, Colorado State, and Arizona for this to be the #5 team in the country. That said, I don't know who else is better than them. They have big play ability and a solid but not shutdown D. That doesn't hurt them too much because they can normally outpace whoever they play. Still, when you rely on just out running the opponent, you will always drop at least one game you should have won.

6. Florida- Should have beaten LSU tonight. They had them. Despite the Auburn loss, this is a nasty offense and I pity the defensive coordinator charged with scheming against them. The defense came up with some big plays when they needed them and has been playing good all year. The offense proves dangerous, but the lack of a premier running back is holding down their production. Still, Tebow is good enough to take the ball in his hands and win the games.

7. South Carolina- Their only loss was a close one to LSU, with a backbreaking bit o trickery. It may not be pretty, but they find a way to win. The lack of major offensive threats is holding them back, but the defense is opportunistic and they make plays when they need them. Any team of Spurrier's is not to be taken lightly and they have proven they have some fight in them.

8. Mizzou- Screw South Florida and screw Boston College. They are media darlings benefiting from being overhyped to the extreme before they each drop two games. Now, Mizzou will lose next weekend (crosses fingers), but that doesn't mean they are not one of the best programs this year. The offense is pure dynamite. I knew they would beat up on Nebraska, but it was so thorough. Chase Daniels is the best QB that nobody has heard of, his name should be being tossed around for the Heisman right now. The receivers have been great, Franklin being a veteran and newcomer Macklin putting up some huge numbers. The tight ends are the best in the country. The only thing missing is a power running game, as Temple is more of a scat back. The defense is serviceable, but not enough to keep games against top teams from being shoot outs. Laugh if you must, but Nebraska is Nebraska and this domination was as thorough as USC's. Plus, that win over Illinois looks better and better every week.

9. Boston College- Remember that overranked, overhyped team? Yeah, they do happen to have a stellar veteran QB, so there is a little going on here. Am I 100% sold on them? Not even close. However, they have proven to be good for 1-2 loss seasons lately, and Ryan has been great so far this year. They are balanced and complete on both sides on the ball, so call this a safe pick. They are not going to blow up on anybody with a pulse, but they shouldn't lose to them either.

10. West Virginia- The defense.... mediocre at best. The offense, one dimensional and possible to shut down with a good gameplan. However, that one dimension can still kick the crap out of teams when they know what is coming. Pat White and Steve Slaton are a nightmare in the same backfield, and great at controlling games. Just don't get behind early, because their ability to come from behind late is non existent.

It is really hard to rank the teams this year, because there is such a fine line between each team and nobody is really head and shoulders better. Everyone has gaps, flaws, and looks beatable. So this is just what I have seen so far. I am still mad about being so close to perfect on calls for the weekend, LSU just had to come back. I will say, I would bet Gameday will be in Norman this coming weekend, and I will be there. So that is exciting.