ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 7 2008

The top remains intact. In this week's top 25, there was a ton of movement in the lower-15, but only two teams falling out of the rankings completely. I'm not sold on Pitt yet, as well as Virginia Tech. Michigan State and North Carolina enter for the first time this season. Unfortunately for Penn State, Wisconsin's taken sort of a nose-dive the last two weeks, which won't help the Lions' rankings after a win in Madison. But 2008 is still turning out to be an exciting season, and I can't wait for even more this Saturday.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. Oklahoma (1), [5-0, Won at Baylor 49-17]
2. Alabama (2), [6-0, Won vs. Kentucky 17-14]
3. Missouri (3), [5-0, Won at Nebraska 52-17]
4. Penn State (4), [6-0, Won at Purdue 20-6]
5. LSU (5), [4-0, DNP]
6. BYU (6), [5-0, Won vs. Utah State 34-14]
7. Texas (8), [5-0, Won at Colorado 38-14]
8. Ohio State (10), [5-1, Won at Wisconsin 20-17]
9. Texas Tech (9), [5-0, Won at Kansas St 58-28]
10. USC (12), [3-1, Won at Oregon 44-10]
11. Georgia (11), [4-1, DNP]
12. Utah (13), [6-0, Won vs. Oregon State 31-28]
13. Vanderbilt (21), [5-0, Won vs. Auburn 14-13]
14. Florida (17), [5-1, Won at Arkansas 38-7]
15. Oklahoma State (24), [5-0, Won vs. Texas A&M 56-28]
16. Boise State (19), [4-0, Won vs. Louisiana Tech 38-3]
17. South Florida (7), [5-1, Lost vs. Pittsburgh 26-21]
18. Kentucky (14), [4-1, Lost at Alabama 17-14]
19. Northwestern (25), [5-0, DNP]
20. Wake Forest (23), [3-1, DNP]
21. Connecticut (20), [5-1, Lost at North Carolina 38-12]
22. North Carolina (NR), [4-1, Won vs. UConn 38-12]
23. Michigan State (NR), [5-1, Won vs. Iowa 16-13]
24. Auburn (15), [4-2, Lost at Vanderbilt 14-13]
25. Wisconsin (18), [3-2, Lost vs. Ohio St 20-17]

Dropped Out:
Fresno State (16), [3-2, Lost vs. Hawaii 32-29]
Oregon (22), [4-2, Lost vs. USC 44-10]

On the Cusp:
Texas Christian (NR), [5-1, Won vs. San Diego St 41-7]
Virginia Tech (NR), [5-1, Won vs. Western Kentucky 27-13]
Georgia Tech (NR), [4-1, Won vs. Duke 27-0]
Notre Dame (NR), [4-1, Won vs. Stanford 28-21]
Pittsburgh (NR), [4-1, Won at South Florida 26-21]

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ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 6 2008

Well, I wanted to see which teams were legit title contenders, and I
got a bunch of answers. Because this was such a fantastic week of
college football, I decided to move up my top 25, and will keep it on
Mondays the remainder of this season. We all know which teams choked
Saturday. I'm a firm believer of ranking teams based on how they
played that week. I don't care if USC wins out, it will take mammoth
upsets the rest of the way (is that so far fetched?) for the Trojans
to reach the title game.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. Oklahoma (2), [4-0, Won vs. TCU 35-10
2. Alabama (12), [5-0, Won at Georgia 41-30]
3. Missouri (4), [4-0, DNP]
4. Penn State (5), [5-0, Won vs. Illinois 38-24]
5. LSU (7), [4-0, Won vs. Miss St 34-24]
6. BYU (6), [4-0, DNP]
7. South Florida (9), [5-0, Won at NC St 41-10]
8. Texas (16), [5-0, Won vs. Arkansas 52-10]
9. Texas Tech (14), [4-0, DNP]
10. Ohio State (10), [4-1, Won vs. Minnesota 34-21]
11. Georgia (3), [4-1, Lost vs. Alabama 41-30]
12. USC (1), [2-1, Lost at Oregon St 27-21]
13. Utah (15), [5-0, Won vs. Weber St(AA) 37-21]
14. Kentucky (17), [4-0, Won vs. W. Kentucky 41-3]
15. Auburn (19), [4-1, Won vs. Tennessee 14-12]
16. Fresno State (22), [3-1, Won at UCLA 36-31]
17. Florida (8), [4-1, Lost vs. Ole Miss 31-30]
18. Wisconsin (11), [3-1, Lost at Michigan 27-25]
19. Boise State (21), [3-0, DNP]
20. Connecticut (NR), [5-0, Won at Louisville 26-21]
21. Vanderbilt (NR), [4-0, DNP]
22. Oregon (24), [4-1, Won vs. Washington St 63-14]
23. Wake Forest (13), [3-1, Lost vs. Navy 24-17]
24. Oklahoma State (NR), [4-0, Won vs. Troy 55-24]
25. Northwestern (NR), [5-0, Won vs. Ohio 16-8]

Dropped Out:
East Carolina (25), [3-2, Lost vs. Houston 41-24]
Colorado (23), [3-1, Lost to Florida St 39-21]
Texas Christian (20), [4-1, Lost at Oklahoma 35-10]
Clemson (18), [3-2, Lost vs. Maryland 20-17]

On the Cusp:
Michigan State (NR), [4-1, Won at Indiana 42-29]
Virginia Tech (NR), [4-1, Won at Nebraska 35-30]
Georgia Tech (NR), [3-1, DNP]
Kansas (NR), [3-1, DNP]
Maryland (NR), [4-1, Won at Clemson 20-17]
North Carolina (NR), [3-1, Won at Miami 28-24]
Notre Dame (NR), [3-1, Won vs. Purdue 38-21]
Oregon State (NR), [2-2, Won vs. USC 27-21]

Past Top 25 Rankings.

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ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 5 2008

The top didn't move much again. Doesn't anyone else realize that USC has had two bye weeks so far? Just thought I'd mention that. Oregon shouldn't have lost at home, even without a quarterback. Auburn choked big-time. And Colorado is emerging as a real threat in the Big XII North. But this week will tell us a lot about which teams are legit, as most of the cupcakes are gone.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. USC (1), [2-0, DNP]
2. Oklahoma (2), [3-0, DNP]
3. Georgia (3), [4-0, Won at Arizona St 27-10]
4. Missouri (4), [4-0, Won vs. Buffalo 42-21]
5. Penn State (5), [4-0, Won vs. Temple 45-3]
6. BYU (6), [4-0, Won vs. Wyoming 44-0]
7. LSU (9), [3-0, Won at Auburn 26-21]
8. Florida (8), [4-0, Won at Tennessee 30-6]
9. South Florida (12), [4-0, Won at FIU 17-9]
10. Ohio State (10), [3-1, Won vs. Troy 28-10]
11. Wisconsin (11), [3-0, DNP]
12. Alabama (20), [4-0, Won at Arkansas 49-14]
13. Wake Forest (18), [3-0, Won at Florida St 12-3]
14. Texas Tech (14), [4-0, Won vs. UMass(AA) 56-14]
15. Utah (15), [3-0, Won at Air Force 30-23]
16. Texas (16), [4-0, Won vs. Rice 52-10]
17. Kentucky (17), [3-0, DNP]
18. Clemson (21), [3-1, Won vs. South Carolina St(AA) 54-0]
19. Auburn (13), [3-1, Lost vs. LSU 26-21]
20. Texas Christian (23), [4-0, Won at SMU 48-7]
21. Boise State (NR), [3-0, Won at Oregon 37-32]
22. Fresno State (22), [2-1, Won at Toledo 55-54(2OT)]
23. Colorado (NR), [3-0, Won vs. West Virginia 17-14]
24. Oregon (7), [3-1, Lost vs. Boise St 37-32]
25. East Carolina (19), [3-1, Lost at NC State 30-24(OT)]

Dropped Out:
West Virginia (24), [1-2, Lost at Colorado 17-14]
Nebraska (25), [3-0, DNP]

On the Cusp:
Vanderbilt (NR), [4-0, Won at Ole Miss 23-17]
Illinois (NR), [2-1, DNP]
Michigan State (NR), [3-1, Won vs. Notre Dame 23-7]
Virginia Tech (NR), [3-1, Won at North Carolina 20-17]
Georgia Tech (NR), [3-1, Won vs. Miss St 38-7]

*Coming Wednesday: Check out my chat with Paint The Town Orange, an Illini blog kind enough to cross enemy lines.

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ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 4 2008

It's no big shocker that USC held at No. 1. BYU and Wisconsin made the biggest jumps, as the Cougars' dismantling of UCLA was mostly ignored because of USC/Ohio State. While Ohio State and Auburn fell the farthest, with the Tigers' "win" was almost as bad as Penn State's infamous 6-4 loss to Iowa in 2004. Arizona State, Cal and Kansas dropped out completely. It was a fun week.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. USC (1), [2-0, Won vs. No. 2 Ohio State]
2. Oklahoma (4), [3-0, Won at Washington 55-14]
3. Georgia (3), [3-0, Won at South Carolina 14-7]
4. Missouri (6), [3-0, Won vs. Nevada 69-17]
5. Penn State (5), [3-0, Won at Syracuse 55-13]
6. BYU (10), [3-0, Won vs. UCLA 59-0]
7. Oregon (9), [3-0, Won at Purdue 32-26]
8. Florida (8), [2-0, DNP]
9. LSU (12), [2-0, Won vs. North Texas 41-3]
10. Ohio State (2), [2-1, Lost at No. 1 USC, 35-3]
11. Wisconsin (18), [3-0, Won at Fresno St. 13-10]
12. South Florida (16), [3-0, Won vs. No. 13 Kansas 37-34]
13. Auburn (7), [3-0, Won at Miss. St. 3-2]
14. Texas Tech (13), [3-0, Won vs. SMU 43-7]
15. Utah (14), [2-0, Won vs. Utah St. 58-10]
16. Texas (15), [2-0, DNP (PPD)]
17. Kentucky (21), [3-0, Won vs. MTSU 20-14]
18. Wake Forest (19), [2-0, DNP]
19. East Carolina (20), [3-0, Won at Tulane 28-24]
20. Alabama (25), [3-0, Won vs. W. Kentucky (I-AA) 41-7]
21. Clemson (NR), [2-1, Won vs. NC St. 27-9]
22. Fresno State (22), [1-1, Lost vs. No. 10 Wisconsin 13-10]
23. Texas Christian (NR), [3-0, Won vs. Stanford 31-14]
24. West Virginia (24), [1-1, DNP]
25. Nebraska (NR), [3-0, Won vs. New Mexico St. 38-7]

Dropped Out:
Arizona State (11), [2-1, Lost vs. UNLV 23-20]
California (17), [2-1, Lost at Maryland 35-27]
Kansas (23), [2-1, Lost at No. 19 USF 37-34]

On the Cusp:
Illinois (NR), [2-1, Won vs. ULL 20-17]
Michigan State (NR), [2-1, Won vs. Florida Atlantic 17-0]
Florida State (NR), [2-0, Won vs. Chattanooga 46-7]
Virginia Tech (NR), [2-1, Won vs. Georgia Tech 20-17]
Georgia Tech (NR), [2-1, Lost at Virginia Tech 20-17]

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ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 3 2008

There wasn't much movement this week. The biggest jumps were West Virginia (No. 8 to No. 24), East Carolina (Unranked to No. 20), and Penn State (No. 9 to No. 5). I know, you think I'm crazy for moving PSU so high, but I'm not the only one. So you can't call me just a homer. Ohio State needed a kick in the ass, so I moved them down. And yes, Georgia beat a MAC team. If a Big Ten team beat CMU, we'd hear "it's only a MAC team," but since UGA beat the Chipps, it's a "quality win" somehow. Bull. Enjoy.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. USC (2), [1-0, DNP]
2. Ohio State (1), [2-0, Def. Ohio 26-14]
3. Georgia (3), [2-0, Def. Central Michigan 56-17]
4. Oklahoma (4), [2-0, Def. Cincinnati 52-26]
5. Penn State (9), [2-0, Def. Oregon St 45-14]
6. Missouri (6), [2-0, Def. SE Missouri St 52-3]
7. Auburn (7), [2-0, Def. Southern Miss 27-13]
8. Florida (5), [2-0, Def. Miami 26-3]
9. Oregon (11), [2-0, Def. Utah St 66-24]
10. BYU (10), [2-0, Def. Washington 28-27]
11. Arizona State (13), [2-0, Def. Stanford 41-17]
12. LSU (12), [1-0, DNP (PPD)]
13. Texas Tech (14), [2-0, Def. Nevada 35-19]
14. Utah (16), [2-0, Def. UNLV 42-21]
15. Texas (15), [2-0, Def. UTEP 42-13]
16. South Florida (17), [2-0, Def. Central Florida 31-24 OT]
17. California (20), [2-0, Def. Washington St 66-3]
18. Wisconsin (18), [2-0, Def. Marshall 51-14]
19. Wake Forest (21), [2-0, Def. Ole Miss 30-28]
20. East Carolina (NR), [2-0, Def. No. 8 West Virginia 24-3]
21. Kentucky (19), [2-0, Def. Norfolk St (I-AA) 38-3]
22. Fresno State (22), [1-0, DNP]
23. Kansas (23), [2-0, Def. LaTech 29-0]
24. West Virginia (8), [1-1, Lost to East Carolina 24-3]
25. Alabama (24), [2-0, Def. Tulane 20-3]

Dropped Out:
Virginia Tech (25), [1-1, Def. Furman (I-AA) 24-3]

On the Cusp:
Clemson (NR), [1-1, Def. Citadel (I-AA) 45-17]
Georgia Tech (NR), [2-0, Def. Boston College 19-16]
Virginia Tech (25), [1-1, Def. Furman (I-AA) 24-3]
Illinois (NR), [1-1, Def. Eastern Illinois (I-AA) 47-21]
Michigan State (NR), [1-1, Def. Eastern Michigan 42-10]

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ZN’s CFB Top 25 :: Week 2 2008

Finally, we have some game results to go by. So here you go, the Week 2 top 25 for 2008. I wasn’t ready to follow the trend on all the teams, but Clemson just looked awful, Oregon looked great, and the non-BCS teams are on the prowl.

Rank. Team (LW), [Record, LW Result].

1. Ohio State (1), [1-0, Def. Young. St. 43-0]
2. USC (3), [1-0, Def. Virginia 52-7]
3. Georgia (2), [1-0, Def. Ga. Southern 45-21]
4. Oklahoma (6), [1-0, Def. Chattanooga 57-2]
5. Florida (7), [1-0, Def. Hawai’i 56-10]
6. Missouri (4), [1-0, Def. No. 24 Illinois 52-42]
7. Auburn (5), [1-0, Def. ULM 34-0]
8. West Virginia (8), [1-0, Def. Villanova 48-21]
9. Penn State (11), [1-0, Def. Coastal Car. 66-10]
10. BYU (10), [1-0, Def. No. Iowa 41-17]
11. Oregon (19), [1-0, Def. Washington 44-10]
12. LSU (12), [0-0, Def. App. St. 41-13]
13. Arizona State (13), [1-0, Def. No. Arizona 30-13]
14. Texas Tech (15), [1-0, Def. E. Wash. 49-24]
15. Texas (17), [1-0, Def. FAU 52-10]
16. Utah (22), [1-0, Def. Michigan 25-23]
17. South Florida (23), [1-0, Def. Tenn-Martin 56-7]
18. Wisconsin (14), [1-0, Def. Akron 38-17]
19. Kentucky (NR), [1-0, Def. Louisville 27-2]
20. California (NR), [1-0, Def. No. 18 Michigan St. 38-31]
21. Wake Forest (NR), [1-0, Def. Baylor 41-13]
22. Fresno State (NR), [1-0, Def. No. 25 Rutgers 24-7]
23. Kansas (NR), [1-0, Def. FIU 40-10]
24. Alabama (NR), [1-0, Def. No. 9 Clemson 34-10]
25. Virginia Tech (16), [0-1, Lost to E. Carolina 27-22]

Dropped Out:
Clemson (9), [0-1, Lost to Alabama 34-10]
Rutgers (25), [0-1, Lost to Fresno St. 24-7]
Oregon State (20), [0-1, Lost to Stanford 38-26]
Michigan State (18), [0-1, Lost to California 38-31]
Pittsburgh (21), [0-1, Lost to Bowling Green 27-17]
Illinois (24), [0-1, Lost to No. 4 Missouri 52-42]

On the Cusp:
East Carolina (NR), [1-0, Def. No. 16 Va Tech 27-22]
South Carolina (NR), [1-0, Def. N.C. St. 34-0]
Boston College (NR), [1-0, Def. Kent St. 21-0]
Cincinnati (NR), [1-0, Def. E. Kentucky 40-7]
Connecticut (NR), [1-0, Def. Hofstra 35-3]

Ed. note - I'm bumping the Paterno press conference stuff until tomorrow. I'll also have the Big Ten Bloggers roundtable.

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ZN's College Football Top 25 :: Pre-Preseason 2008

Now that spring practice is long gone and signing day a distant memory, we’re finally getting our first good look at the teams going into 2008. Stocks have risen and fallen, some up like a rocket and some down with a thud. It pains me to say this, but on paper, the SEC should retain its top conference reputation. I’d follow that closely by the Big XII, and then the Big Ten. It’s not the usual landscape we’ve been used to, with teams like Kansas, Missouri up top, and Illinois and Pitt bringing back old memories. 2008 should be a very fun year for college football. At least, I think it will be.

Rank. Team (Last Week), [Record will go here during season] – Comment on each team.

1. Georgia (1) – I’m sticking to my guns. Georgia returns a great core of elite players like Stafford, Moreno and that top-notch defense.
2. Oklahoma (7) – I know the Sooners bombed in the bowl, but I think this year will be special in Norman. The Big XII Championship Game will be must-see TV.
3. Kansas (3) – Kansas’ defense was the real star in 2007, but even with some losses, the offense will be even better in 2008.
4. Florida (11) – The only reason I didn’t put Florida at No. 1 is because I think Georgia will win the conference and play in the title game. But if the Gators beat UGA, Florida fans can book tickets to Miami.
5. Missouri (4) – The Tigers were royally screwed out of a BCS bid (ala Wisconsin 2006), and could take home the North title again this year. But I’m giving the early edge to KU in 2008.
6. Ohio State (5) – Too low? Ok, Buckeyes prove me wrong. The only way the Big Ten champ plays in the title game is by going undefeated. I don’t see that happening in 2008.
7. USC (6) – Similar to the Big Ten, if the Pac-10 champ loses even one game, they’re out of the title hunt. But you can switch OSU/USC based on the winner of their September match up.
8. Auburn (16) – I’m riding the Tiger wave right now. Seeing Auburn’s new spread look, combined with Tommy Tuberville’s very underrated coaching, gives me reason to peg this team as the SEC West champ.
9. West Virginia (3) – The Mountaineers could win 11 games, and still end up this low. But I’m not going to count them out yet. This ranking will depend heavily on how tough the Big East is in 2008.
10. Penn State (10) – I told you I wasn’t moving the Lions from this spot. The No. 10 ranking in college football is sort of tricky, as that team will be assumed to be in the BCS picture. PSU will be the second-best Big Ten team, and land a second BCS bid for the conference.
11. BYU (15) – This team came within a hair of the BCS in 2007, and with so much returning, there’s no reason to think the Cougars can’t do much more in 2008.
12. LSU (12) – Talk about a big step back. I know, SEC fans will freak, but come on. Someone has to win the West, and it won’t be LSU.
13. Arizona State (18) – Arizona State only goes this high because Dennis Erickson is the coach. Pull off one huge upset, like USC, and this will be the darling team for 2008.
14. Texas Tech (19) – Some people actually have the Red Raiders going to the BCS. It’s not that they can’t, but the Oklahoma win last year was against a depleted Sooner team. Tech won’t do that again.
15. Wisconsin (17) – This team has the potential to win 10 regular-season games, but will most likely wind up losing one it’s not supposed to. This will look more like the Ron Dayne Badgers of old.
16. Virginia Tech (8) – I dropped the Hokies because they’ll need some consistency before moving back up in the rankings. I really like Sean Glennon, but the losses on defense will hurt.
17. Texas (9) – Everyone’s jumping off the Longhorns bandwagon, and I’m one of them. Colt McCoy will have a fantastic season, but the team as a whole doesn’t have what it needs to return to the elite in 2008.
18. Clemson (NR) – With the best running back tandem in football, and a killer (well, for the ACC) defense, the Tigers will turn some heads by November. This might not be the Tommy Bowden teams we’re used to.
19. Oregon State (21) – After listening to Oregon State fans bash me for the last month, I’m beginning to come around to the Beavers. They’ll still have to deal with a rough schedule from start to finish, but should win their bowl and reach eight victories.
20. Pittsburgh (23) – One big upset will get you far in college football, and the Panthers’ win over West Virginia did just that. If Pitt plays like it did in that game, look for a really big jump in the 2008 win column.
21. Illinois (25) – I’m not so sure I’m comfortable with this pick. The Illini lose a lot on both sides of the ball, and the recruiting classes haven’t yet added enough depth to sustain eight- or nine-win seasons.
22. Tennessee (14) – Playing in the SEC never hurts the media’s perception of a team, and the Vols will benefit from playing in the East. Don’t expect a huge year in 2008, but it won’t be like the meltdown of 2005.
23. Mississippi St. (24) – Sly Croom finally turned it around for the Bulldogs. There are some really good players coming back, and this program wants to prove 2007 wasn’t a fluke.
24. Boston College (13) – Some leave, some return for the Eagles. Although I don’t envision any No. 2 rankings for 2008, I do see this program sustaining its long run of winning seasons.
25. Michigan State (NR) – This is sort of my wildcard pick. Mark D’Antonio is a great motivator, and all his teams play like Rocky Balboa losing to Apollo Creed. I’m calling for one big upset in 2008 to launch the Spartans into a new era in East Lansing.

Dropped Out:

Michigan (20) – Poor, poor Michigan. This program has enjoyed continued success for 40 years. They knew it would come to an end sometime, and 2008 is it. They won’t implode like PSU in ’03 or Notre Dame in ’07, but a losing season is more than possible.

On the Cusp:

South Carolina (NR) – This is Steve Spurrier’s program finally, and he knows how to run a winner. If things fall right for the ‘Cocks, this could be the surprise team in the SEC East.
California (NR) – When Cal is ranked too low, they perform well. The Bears are better than a non-ranked team, but they’re also a team that can’t win when it has to. This is one of those “prove it” teams for 2008.
Rutgers (NR) – Even with Ray Rice gone, the offense will run on all cylinders in 2008. And with the elite recruits pouring into New Brunswick, the Knights are here to stay.
Utah (NR) – I don’t see the Utes beating BYU this year, and could very well drop one or two more. Unfortunately for a non-BCS team, three losses won’t get you ranked.
Oregon (NR) – The Ducks won’t be the killers they were last season, but there’s talent waiting in the wings to fill in for departed stars.

Previous Rankings:
Jan. 10, 2008

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Article of the day

I generally try to feature an article each day from another blog. Usually they're from Penn State or Big Ten blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

Yet again, Stewart Mandel has blessed us with his college football wisdom. He posted his very early 2008 top 25 power rankings. I'm not going to post the whole list here, as it's way to long. So, let's just say Penn State is about where it should be ranked.

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Article of the day

One of my favorite weekly standards, Pete Fiutak's Cavalcade of Whimsy tackles the Big Ten bashfest going on everywhere. I think he hits the nail on the head. His articles are usually very long (but very good), so I'll leave out a bunch of stuff here. So feel free to go and read the rest there.

If this column sucks, it’s not my fault … I wasn’t even able to win my own division outright, much less my conference championship, but I feel like I should’ve been playing for the national title after destroying an overrated Hawaii team that had its head out over its skis. Because I didn’t get a chance to play for the whole ball of wax, I want to overhaul the column and push forward a playoff system. I'm also writing up a formal proposal to turn back time so I can then benefit from the new format.

The brake pedal is the one on the left … Great, now I have to look like Mr. Big Ten again.

Has there ever been a backlash like the one against the Big Ten for having the temerity to lose a second straight national championship game? Columnists and radio talk show hosts across the country couldn’t shovel dirt on the league and Ohio State fast enough after the bowls, like getting whacked LSU is like losing to Appalachian State or Duke at home.

Well, the Big Ten did lose to Appalachian State (Michigan) and Duke (Northwestern) at home, but that doesn’t mean the conference is somewhere between the MAC and Conference USA on a national perception scale, as a my-dog-just-died looking Kirk Herbstriet said.

Look, if a fully healthy, fully rested LSU wasn’t the best team in America, it was a close number two, and you’d have been nuts not to think it'd probably beat any of the 118 D-I/FBS teams on that Monday night in the Superdome. Georgia certainly would’ve given LSU a fight (and I sort of think Missouri would, too), but a 99% healthy USC is probably the one team that truly has a claim to being the best in the country. The Big Ten shouldn’t be killed for getting blown out by a healed and fired up Trojan team in Pasadena; Illinois just so happened to be the team that got in the way of the speeding bus.

Second, to compare this year’s BCS Championship to last year’s is simply moronic. The Buckeyes were completely and totally outclassed, outhustled, outcoached and outplayed by Florida in every way shape and form in the Glendale debacle. Against LSU, they had several chances to turn the game around, but in the end, they just lost to a better team after battling hard for a full sixty minutes. This game was nowhere near as bad as the embarrassment against the Gators.

Third, the Michigan win over Florida and the Wisconsin and Michigan State performances have somehow been swept under the rug. The Badgers played Tennessee right down to the wire in a dead-even battle that just so happened to come out on the wrong side for the Big Ten. If nothing else, the game showed how there really isn’t a speed and athleticism disparity among the top teams. The Spartans, a lower division Big Ten team, played ACC No. 2 Boston College down to the wire in a loss. And, of course, Michigan got Chad Henne and Mike Hart healthy, and voile, the offense worked against the Gators.

No one’s saying the Big Ten is remotely close to being as good as the SEC right now. This year, I’d put the Big 12 number two, but in a sort of challenge, going from top to bottom, I’d take the Big Ten over the Pac 10 thanks to a better midsection, and I’d sure as heckfire put the league ahead of the ACC and the Big East. No, compared to several other teams, Ohio State probably didn’t belong in the national title based on the overall schedule, but if West Virginia had beaten Pitt or if Missouri had beaten Oklahoma, Jim Tressel would’ve likely been holding the crystal ball over his head while preparing to do future battles with the Les Miles-led Wolverines. This really wasn't a bad Ohio State team.

While we’re at it, let’s be honest here about all the outpouring of love going to the SEC for its bowl season. Georgia was terrific, no question about it, but every Big Ten bowl team would’ve beaten Hawaii. Every Big Ten bowl team, other than probably Indiana, would’ve beaten UCF (who lost to Mississippi State), a depleted Florida State (who lost to Kentucky) and Colorado (who lost to Alabama). With Arkansas mailing it in after Houston Nutt left and Darren McFadden ready to take his Escalade to the NFL, it probably would’ve lost to all the Big Ten bowl teams but Indiana and Purdue. I’d take Ohio State, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan over Clemson, who lost to Auburn, but I would’ve taken the Tigers over Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana and Purdue.

On the flip side, I’d take USC, who beat Illinois, over every SEC team but LSU in the Rose Bowl, and the Trojan-Tiger game would’ve probably been a coin flip. With the way Oklahoma State came out with everything working in the Insight Bowl against Indiana, it would’ve likely beaten Mississippi State, Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky, as would Boston College, who beat Michigan State. Yeah, all the SECers would’ve beaten Central Michigan (who lost to Purdue), but Texas A&M, who put up a mega-fight against Penn State, would’ve likely beaten most of the second-tier SEC bowl teams.

Again, I’m not saying the Big Ten is in the same ballpark as the SEC. The league just wasn’t as bad as you’re probably making it out to be.

The voice of reason, however loud it may be at times, somehow gets lost in the constant chest thumping of the SEC fanbase. I really wish people would shut up for once second and hear out the argument, SEC fans. Oh well, I should have the "Waaayyy too early 2008 Preseason Top-25" later today, so check back then.

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The BCS: A Playoff in Disguise

Georgia could have played for the BCS title.

USC could have played for the BCS title.

If Oklahoma wins just as big, throw them in, too.

LSU and Ohio State are playing for the BCS title.

You know what, all of those teams are—or have just finished—playing for the BCS title. No, I haven’t officially lost it, even after suffering through two of the worst New Years Day games ever. In fact, I’ve just had a moment of clarity unlike any other. The 2007-08 BCS games are a playoff, a weird, demented playoff—for the 2008-09 BCS title that is.

In college basketball, tournament seeding is everything. If a team is seeded No. 1 or No. 2, they have a decided advantage over the lower-seeded teams. And while basketball actually allows teams to play their way to the title, each team’s position going into the tournament has everything to do with their chances of getting to the title game.

Now, look at the BCS. Georgia just blew out an undefeated Hawai’i team, and USC obliterated Illinois. If you want to take it one step further, Missouri pantsed Arkansas. And if Oklahoma tears apart West Virginia, they’ll be in this same boat. Sure, none of those teams moved closer to playing for this season’s title, but they vastly improved their chances for making it into next season’s. More likely than not, Georgia will roll into the 2008 preseason rankings somewhere in the top-5, along with USC and the winner of the LSU/OSU game—or both if it’s a close came. Missouri will round it out somewhere in the preseason top-10, and if Oklahoma wins, count them into the top-10 also, if not No. 1 or No. 2. Had Georgia, USC or Missou played poorly or lost, they wouldn’t get the preseason accolades they’re in line for right now. If the BCS title game turns into it’s 2007 predecessor—for either team—the loser will have a long climb up the polls, come the 2008 season.

However, this sounds a lot like the old poll system. Scary stuff, considering the BCS taunts itself as the be-all-end-all answer to college football’s age old question of “who’s number one.” Back then, if a team won it’s bowl game, they would have to wait and hope the pollsters chose them as worthy enough for the title. The only difference between then and now is that the decision is postponed until August, and the title is actually the following season.

Preseason polls are too powerful, too influential in college football—a sport in which “each week is a playoff.” Those polls are the very life blood for most title runs. In 2004, Auburn was buried by the AP at No. 17. USC and Oklahoma both began the season ranked No. 1 and No. 2. In 2004, Auburn defeated No. 4 LSU, No. 8 Tennessee in Knoxville, No. 5 Georgia, No. 15 Tennessee in the SEC Championship Game, and then No. 10 Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma defeated No. 5 Texas in Dallas, No. 20 Oklahoma State away, No. 22 Texas A&M in College Station, and got blown away by USC. USC defeated No. 7 California, No. 19 Arizona State, and blew away Oklahoma. The only reason Auburn was kept from playing for the 2004-05 national title was their low preseason ranking. The Tigers’ schedule was tougher, their wins more impressive and their performance more consistent, week in and week out.

Fast forward to August 2007, when USC was ranked No. 1, LSU No. 2, Oklahoma No. 8, Ohio State No. 11, Georgia No. 13, and Missouri receiving 128 votes in the AP poll, placing them just below No. 25 Texas A&M. You already know where I’m going with this one. The two teams playing for the 2007-08 BCS national title also happened to be the second and fourth highest ranked of those the teams claiming they’re deserving of this season’s title. USC lost to Stanford, which validates their exclusion outright and at Oregon. Oklahoma lost at Colorado and at Texas Tech. Georgia lost to South Carolina and Tennessee. Missouri lost to Oklahoma, twice. All of those teams lost twice, and Ohio State lost once, to Illinois. So Ohio State is essentially omitted from this argument. But if you look at LSU, which lost to mediocre Kentucky and Arkansas teams, and barely got by Tennessee in the SEC title game, the major factor propelling that team to the title game was its lofty preseason ranking.

The voters wanted LSU in the title game. They hated Missouri at No. 1, and despised South Florida and Boston College at No. 2. Even California and Oregon were sketchy at No. 2, in the pollsters’ minds. What about Kansas at No. 3? Forget about it, they found a reason to throw them back down after their single loss of the season.

So the next time someone tells you “In college football, every week is a playoff,” you tell them “Yeah, for next season’s title.”

I want to see a playoff, and I want to see the polls count for nothing until the first week of October. However, I also want to see Notre Dame join a conference, and FBS (D-1A) drop about 50 teams to FCS (D1-AA). But unless the SEC realizes it’s not “faster,” Charlie Weis loses about 200 pounds, or Penn State is rightfully given the 1994 National Championship, nothing will change any time soon.

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SI.com's Running Backs, more like 'Shmunning Backs'

I’ve taken serious issue with many things on ESPN.com, SI.com, CBSSportsLine.com and many others. But this one has got me going. Not that he’s the utmost authority on college football, but SI.com’s Cory McCartney felt he’d take another shot at ranking the top-10 running duos in 2007 college football. When you read his list, keep this in mind:

“Before we begin, let's remember the cardinal rules: this is about running backs only -- no running quarterbacks, fullbacks or all-purpose wide receivers that take the occasional handoff -- and it has to be a legit tandem, not just one guy with monster numbers.” – McCartney.

You’ll see he frequently breaks his own rules by selecting the players he did. Here’s his list, along with my own comments on each entry. I compiled the stats. I took only the names he provided, and they are his exact selections, nothing else. Enjoy.

Arkansas – Darren McFadden (305/1727/15), Felix Jones (122/1114/11) - I really can’t argue with the Razorbacks as No. 1. And if you want to take it a step further, Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis (57/327/2) was one of the best blockers in college football, and had that highlight run against No. 1 LSU.
Georgia – Knowshon Moreno (239/1273/12), Thomas Brown (129/706/9) – I don’t really know about this one. Once Brown went down, this was only a one-horse show. But for a while, it was a lethal combo.
Kansas – Brandon McAnderson (175/1050/16), Jake Sharp (138/788/7) – This was more true to the traditional running back double-punch. Both had great YPC (6.0 and 5.7 respectively) and rarely lost yards. Neither was a true starter, or a true backup.
Michigan St. – Jehuu Caulcrick (207/813/21), Javon Ringer (224/1346/6) – Trust me, I know how dangerous these guys can be. Possibly one of the most productive touchdown machines in the nation, the Spartans’ backs plowed over and through the opposition all season.
Oklahoma – DeMarco Murray (127/764/13), Allen Patrick (159/927/8), Chris Brown (142/561/8) – Imagine if Murray didn’t get knocked out for the year? He would’ve been on pace for a Heisman invite the way Adrian Peterson was his freshman year. But all Patrick did was step in and nearly bread a grand. They could be No. 1 running back stable with little argument.
LSU – Jacob Hester (204/1019/11), Keiland Williams (68/459/6) – This is purely political. LSU is hardly an offensive juggernaut and this running back corps is not even close to the top-10. They’re only up here due to the media’s love affair with the Tigers.
USC – Chauncey Washington (183/894/9), Stafon Johnson (89/569/5), Joe McKnight (84/415/2) – I don’t know if this is just a bunch of good running backs, or an offense without a go-to guy. I think it’s the latter, actually. Out of three blue-chippers, USC can’t find one that can carry the load.
West Virginia – Pat White (177/1185/14), Steve Slaton (210/1053/17), Noel Devine (60/519/4) – This is probably the most comprehensive backfield in football, in terms of running the ball. The Mountaineers have a quarterback that can scoot, a feature back and a slasher. When healthy, no team in 2007 disrupted the production.
Clemson – James Davis (191/992/9), CJ Spiller (137/656/2) – Talk about a major underachievement for 2007; coming into the season these two were supposed to race each other to the Heisman ceremony, but neither could get it going. This should have been the ACC version of Arkansas, but wasn’t by a long shot.
UConn – Donald Brown (157/749/8), Andre Dixon (160/809/3) – If you like equality, look no further than the Huskies’ backfield. I think this is more of a “Hey! Here we are!” kind of thing this season, rather than how truly good they were.

Auburn – Brad Lester (111/473/3), Ben Tate (188/856/7) – What, because they’re in the SEC, they’re automatically moved up a few notches? I don’t think so.
Fresno St. – Ryan Mathews (145/866/14), Lonyae Miller (125/571/7) – I really don’t what the hubbub is about here. The only good part is that they combined for 21 touchdowns.
Maryland – Lance Ball (172/763/12), Keon Lattimore (206/789/13) – This was a nice running tandem out of College Park, but nothing to lose sleep over. Yeah, deserves to be in the top-20.
Navy – Reggie Campbell (64/464/5), Eric Kettani (140/755/9) – Doesn’t make sense when there are SEVEN rushers with more than 400 yards for 2007.
Southern Miss – Damion Fletcher (266/1431/15), Tory Harrison (93/386/5) – Fletcher could play with any team, even in the SEC. However, when the next rusher has less than 400, there’s no “duo” aspect.
Texas A&M – Mike Goodson (139/646/2), Jorvorskie Lane (159/746/16) – Throw in quarterback Stephen McGee and you’ve got yourself a power-version of West Virginia’s tri-fecta.
Western Michigan – Mark Bonds (157/690/8), Brandon West (183/848/4) – All things considered—they play in the MAC—this is a pretty good set of backs to work with in any mid-major league.

Now, it’s my turn to vent. So, he’s telling me that certain players from a team in central Pennsylvania wouldn’t qualify above any on this list? Or, should I ask, why isn’t Penn State’s duo of Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster on this list?

Here would be my entry:
Penn State – Rodney Kinlaw (222/1186/10), Evan Rosyter (73/448/4) – Not only were both backups to start 2007, Royster’s best games came against some of the better teams. Experienced veteran met raw talent and got along quite nicely for the Lions.

Now compare those numbers to the rest of McCartney’s list. See anything wrong? So do I.

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ZN Top 25: Week 14 (End of Regular Season)

*I still don't believe LSU is worthy of the title game. I'd rather see OU vs. OSU.

1. Ohio State (LW: 2), 11-1 - Look, the Big Ten is only "down" because the media and the other conferences say it is; if "every week of the regular season is a playoff," then OSU would be the No. 1 seed.
2. Oklahoma (9), 11-2 - Sorry, but this is the best, most talented team in the nation right now; when QB Bradford and the RBs are rolling, there's nothing that can stop the Sooners.
3. Kansas (4), 11-1 - Again, if the season is the playoff, this team would get a high seed with only one loss.
4. Georgia (6), 10-2 - Yes, this is the "hot" team, but I don't like that excuse for rankings.
5. Virginia Tech (5), 11-2 - This is a different team than the one that got blown out by LSU in September; killing a BC team that barely won earlier is good redemption.
6. Hawai'i (7), 12-0 - If this were the pre-BCS days, the Warriors could actually have a shot at being voted National Champion if they beat UGA.
7. Missouri (1), 11-2 - I know, this is a far drop, considering how good Oklahoma really is, but they should have put up more of a fight.
8. Illinois (8), 9-3 - So the Ilini had one bad loss to Iowa; but USC lost to Stanford and Oklahoma lost to Colorado.
9. LSU (12), 11-2 - This team is NOT THAT GREAT; if losing Glenn Dorsey caused the Tiger defense to give up a ton of points, then they're not as good as we thought.
10. Florida, 9-3 (10) - Tim Tebow is this whole team, so as long as he's not hurt, the Gators can beat almost anyone.
11. Boston College, 10-3 (11) - Did anyone really think BC would go the distance? OK, I did; still a great year for the Eagles.
12. West Virgina, 10-2 (3) - Wow, way to choke away a national championship berth; that was one of the worst late losses of all time.
13. Virginia, 9-3 (13) - Even with the losses on defense, this team has a scary number of returning starters in 2008.
14. Tennessee, 9-4 (16) - If only Eric Ainge could have that pick-6 back.
15. BYU, 10-2 (15) - Beat UCLA and every forgets about the loss earlier.
16. USC, 10-2 (14) - Stanford, plain and simple.
17. Clemson, 9-3 (17) - Another above average season for the Tigers.
18. Arizona State, 10-2 (18) - This team had BCS written all over it, but then it fell asleep against USC; is the Holiday Bowl really that bad?
19. Cincinnati, 9-3 (19) - Great season for Brian Kelly & Co.; now it's really showtime, with a 10-win season within reach.
20. Texas, 9-3 (21) - That was a pretty poor showing against A&M; but I guess 'Horns fans can feel comfy again in San Diego.
21. Penn State, 8-4 (22) - Injuries have decimated this team, but they still beat...
22. Wisconsin, 9-3 (23) - ...the Badgers by 31; can Wisky make it three in a row against the SEC on New Years Day?
23. Boise State, 10-2 (24) - So the loss to Washington was bad, but 10 wins is always good.
24. Oregon State, 8-4 (NR) - While not that impressive, considering Dennis Dixon was out, the win at Autzen Stadium will boost this team through the post season.
25. Connecticut, 9-3 (25) - Fighting for a BCS bowl late is enough for the Huskies to thump their chests.

Dropped Out:
Oregon (20), 8-4 - I don't care who you are, if you play in Autzen Stadium, the home team should win--that would be you, Ducks!

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ZN Top 25: Week 11

*What a great weekend for PSU fans. Sure, while it would have been nice for OSU to go and win a National Championship, I couldn’t help but revel in the fact that both OSU and Michigan lost on the same day. Too bad they can’t do that again when they face off in Ann Arbor this weekend.

1. Oklahoma (3) - There’s no way anyone can say which team is definitely No. 1. So, I’m just going with OU this week.
2. Oregon (2) - Didn’t play, but can make one last statement against OSU. For UO’s sake, it better be a blowout.
3. LSU (4) - Like OU, there’s not much more to prove until the conference championship games.
4. Kansas (6) - Even though this is probably the best run team in the nation, I’m not yet ready to put them up there. KU vs. Mizzou will mean more than ever.
5. Ohio State (1) - OK, so one loss by 7 points; not bad, except for the fact that it was at the