ESPN's College Football Live Releases Way Too Early Top 25 And It Is My Job To Complain About It
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 9, 2010 5:20 PM PDT
in Mountain West Football
Email
PrintFor those who somehow missed that College Football Live is back shame on you, so it is all right to stop reading and go set you TiVo. Welcome back stragglers now on to business, today the show concluded their first week and to create some news they released their very own top 25. As any college football obsessed fan now is the time to poke holes in these rankings that mean absolutely nothing -- well unless you are an SID who votes for your coach in the coaches poll and do no research.
So, take in the top 25 and continue reading what my opinion is on the poll. Should not be too hard to see where I am going with at least one team.
1 Alabama
2 Ohio State
3 Boise State
4 Texas
5 Virginia Tech
6 TCU
7 Florida
8 Iowa
9 Nebraska
10 Oregon
11 Wisconsin
12 Oklahoma
13 Miami
14 LSU
15 USC
16 Pittsburgh
17 Georgia Tech
18 Arkansas
19 Penn State
20 Oregon State
21 Florida State
22 Cincinnati
23 Georgia
24 Stanford
25 North Carolina
The best news about the poll is that there is no Notre Dame love even though I am certain they were brought up in the discussion. Before I get into the obvious Utah omission how is Texas 4th, Oregon 10th, Oklahoma 12th, and there are not enough pixels in the internet to figure out how Wisconsin is 11th -- short answer is WAY TOO HIGH.
Curious why Texas is ranked fourth? They lose Colt McCoy who was able to help out the non-existent running game and he is being replaced by Garrett Gilbert. While Gilbert looks to be the next great Longhorn quarterback, but he is green and the offensive line returns only four starters. Plus, the fact that the running game was non-existent will put even more pressure on the young quarterback. Putting Texas around ten would be understandable, but four is a bit high.
Oregon!! Really have those folks not read the headlines how Jeremiah Masoli is out for the year, and head coach Chip Kelly will now need to find another quarterback to run the spread attack. Now, in Kelly's defense he has been able to find a reliable if not very good quarterback as a replacement, but the quarterback is the most important position in his offense.
Oklahoma seems to be the opposite of Texas in that Landry Jones logged significant time this year when Sam Bradford was lost for the year with shoulder problems. They return the entire offensive line that did struggle some last year, but those guys were all four and five star recruits and should be able to dominate. The only problem I see is that their defense will take a hit, but in the Big XII defense is some what optional and not a real need to be a great team.
Where are the Utes? The team returns quarterback Jordan Wynn who looked good as a true freshman, and looks very good this spring. Plus, with RB Matt Asiata's medical redshirt the Utes bring back a great running back corp which will rival TCU and BYU for the best in the league. The Utes did lose a few of their top receivers, but they were so deep the guys like DeVonte Christopher played significant time so the drop their will be limited.
The offensive line does lose potential NFL draft prospect Zane Beadles, but they return all four of the other starting line positions and for good measure brought in one of the best JUCO recruits in John Cullen. Defensively Utah lost their defensive backfield and most of their linebacking group, but the defensive line will be amazing as is coach Whittingham's ability to put together a defense. A ranking of 20 would seem appropriate especially since first week opponent Pitt who is traveling to Utah breaks in a brand new quarterback is ranked 16th.
Looking at the top of the poll in regards to Boise State/TCU = Butler bandwagon where Boise sits at three and TCU at six; it would only take a small slip up by the teams ahead for either to make it to the second spot and a berth in the mythical national title game. First, off the odds of Alabama repeating let alone going undefeated seems highly unlikely, which means a Boise State vs. Ohio State matchup could be a reality with the Buckeyes two toughest games are when Miami, FL comes to the 'Shoe in early September and a game at the every so sneaky Iowa Hawkeyes.
TCU would need some help, but in week one the Horned Frogs would get a jump in the rankings since Boise State plays Virginia Tech, and thus by the coaches poll method of voting would move TCU up by default (assuming TCU handled Oregon State). Florida plays Alabama which would eliminate another threat, and then there is Texas vs. Oklahoma which would knock out Texas but possibly put Boomer Sooner in contention. Those three games are the key to TCU getting a shot at number two, but there will always be that lower ranked team who makes a move to be in the conversation. The one interesting thing to look out for is if either Boise or TCU get in the top four or five is will teams leap frog either school once conference play starts.
Go ahead and tear apart this poll which by virtue of ESPN's death grip on sports media will -- sadly -- be close to the actual poll in late August.
52 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Yeah... no Utah?
The MWC turns in 3 Top 25 teams every year and they’re being treated like the Big East. There is only enough room in the WWL hearts for 3 darlings.
"Everyone counted us out. I don't know why they keep doing that." -- Kyle Wilson
odd
Since Utah has a track record unlike UNC and Arkansas
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 9, 2010 6:26 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
huh?
Texas who loses it’s starting QB is 4…OK who returns it’s starting QB and has a pretty easy schedule is 12. Nebraska, returns a ton of starters…and another year under their head coach is 9….
There’s not that much separation there. Texas is over rated, OU is under-rated. Stanford is NOT a top 25 team
No Utah?
Stanford
Has QB Andrew Luck but no Toby Gerhart
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 10, 2010 9:52 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
nice
I’m happy to have found your very excellent article! I agree with some of your readers and will eagerly look forward to your coming updates. Just saying thanks will not just be adequate hidden object games
by Kiran Kumar on Mar 29, 2011 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I found the perfect place for my needs. Contains wonderful and useful info.
phone finder
If TCU goes undefeated again and some luck happens, we could possibly see TCU as the first Non-BCS NCG Team
That would be a feat in itself, but I agree with you on this one Jeremy.
Too many wrong points and the poll is way too early. With spring games coming up, anything could happen to the stars on some of those teams and knock em’ way down… Don’t be surprised if after the first week of CFB the polls have changed significantly.
Rebel Rock
But that is what is so tragic about this very poll…those teams START out ranked high, even if they don’t deserve it, when a legitimate team that will prove it is top 25 faces an uphill battle to gain spots in the rankings. Add to that the unholy practice of alot of the top end programs to schedule OOC games easy and rely on exaggerated strength within the conference, and you get a self-replicating cycle of Haves vs. the Have-Nots-and-Will-Nots-forever.
Pensburgh.com
I like it. Bill Guerin’s uppercut is so awesome it wins fights he’s not even in.
- OlenWhitaker
by Hockey Beard in SLC on Apr 11, 2010 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions
2004
Is a great example, both Utah and Auburn were ranked I think 20 or below and even though both were great teams they were given no shot or chance to pass USC or Oklahoma. Even though I am sure Utah could have put up more then 12 points (I think that was what OU scored) and Auburn had a defense to slow down USC.
Preseason polls have too much wait, but they are for selling magazines and pumping up good matchups on tv.
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 12, 2010 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions
this really spreads useful info. disability claim
TCU/Boise State
Could actually bring a rematch in Glendale for the BCS. Looking at this poll and with the top heavy weights of the Big XII and SEC playing each other could knock them all down if BSU and TCU keep winning. Doubtful but if both start between 3 and 8 then it is a possibility.
I admire the way you brought out the general essence of your topic. Thanks for this blog.
reverse cell
Response to: OREGON @ 4th
Ok I can see how the outside looking in sees a team’s staring QB lost because of stupidity, and he’s suspended for the year and then they are left scrambling to replace him. The argument can be made in any offense that your QB is touching the ball every play, making critical decisions at every snap, so therefore they are the most important player in that huddle. Well, in Oregon’s Chip Kelly designed spread the QB really is the point guard designated to distribute the ball to his playmakers. If Oregon had a bare cupboard, I could see your annoyance at Oregon sitting at #10, in this way too early meaningless pre-season poll.
Nate Costa is a 5th yr senior, who’s been in the program it seems since Dan Fouts was around. When Dennis Dixon left, he was the heir before blowing his knee out. He knows the playbook inside and out, and has some decent wheels with a decent arm. There are a plethora of playmakers on the edge that he just needs to direct the offense.
The other option, is Darron Thomas. The Prep All-American, out of Houston, TX had Mac Brown sitting in his room just weeks before he picked Oregon on national TV for a reason. This kid can flat out play. He’s a clone of Dennis Dixon, but w/more meat on his bones. He’s a redshirt sophomore who knows the playbook, has experience being a student athlete (meaning, underclassman can really struggle on the field as they fail to keep their grades in the transition to high school to a major university level course load), and his athletic skills are remarkable.
Thomas will be the starting QB in the fall. Behind arguably the Pac-10s strongest and most experienced o-line, Thomas or if it be Costa, will be just fine.
Oregon at #10 seems about right to me. I do agree that Utah should be sitting in the Top 25. Arkansas is way too high at 18, and Wisconsin sitting all the way up at 11 seems to high as well. I’ll be sitting in Fed-Ex for the Boise State vs. Virginia Tech game, that is going to be one heck of a Labor Day preseason showcase game. And again, starting outside the Top 25 is not a BCS ending factor. Oregon in ’07 received a handful of votes after a lackluster ’06 campaign, and after blasting Michigan in Ann Arbor, Oregon shot up to #2 in the polls for a few weeks before Dennis Dixon blew his knee out.
by WashingtonDCduck on Apr 12, 2010 10:47 AM PDT reply actions
agreed
That Chip Kelly can turn out QB’s who excel, but it is hard to rank them that high with a first time starter. I would not be surprised if Oregon has a great QB and does well, but the high ranking at this time seems a bit much. Top 15 is fine at this time since they have LaMichael James and a good offense will not be in doubt.
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 12, 2010 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Oregon has two QB's who have sat for a year and learned the system
Costa is okay but Darren Thomas is freakishly athletic and did a good job when our two QB’s went out against Boise State in Eugene (cough: after a cheap shot from Brandon Hout).
At least we aren't the Raiders?
That is true
I think that Oregon will be good and win the Pac-10, but I think it is hard to justify a top 10 ranking in the preseason.
by Jeremy Mauss on Apr 13, 2010 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
That was an article,It’s really good piece of work.Hope that you will continue with this kind of stuff you are doing.
Pain Doctor
I want to take this moment to say that I really love this blog. It has been a good resource of information for me. Thank you so much
bredband
I really enjoyed this post and Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work
justice printablec oupons
It is fantastic and full of information.Keep up the good work guys!!! And continue making blogs that are very useful for everybody. Allah Bless!!
bay window curtain poles
Amazingly insightful article. If only it was as easy to implement some of the solutions as it was to read and nod my head at each of your points
Banner printing
Excellent post. I want to thank you for this informative read, I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your good work
NY Child Support
Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty blog with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great blog. Good luck to the author! all the best!
extended stay hotels
I just found this kind of satisfactory readings i was looking for. I must bookmark this website to avoid missing it again.
free
Awesome information. Thank you for posting and keep up the good work. I’ll be following your blog closely from now on!
Blake Lively Weight
hey
I hope you can continue this type of hard work to this site in future also..Because this blog is really very informative and it helps me lot.
kroger coupons
Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff…I think you’ve made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work.
tinnitus treatment
I have found a lot meaningful posts here. Thanks for your efforts. I shared this blog with my friends they also appreciate this too much.
medications for anxiety
Amazingly insightful article. If only it was as easy to implement some of the solutions as it was to read and nod my head at each of your points :
Geld machen
I glad to visit your site and read this post.. Nicely presented information in this post, I prefer to read this kind of stuff. The quality of content is fine and the conclusion is good. Thanks for the post.
Cheap Car Insurance
I certainly enjoyed the way you explore your experience and knowledge of the subject!
Keep up on it. Thanks for sharing the info
car runs on water
hi
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.will be referring a lot of friends about this.Keep blogging
BPM Software
heyt
Amazingly insightful article. If only it was as easy to implement some of the solutions as it was to read and nod my head at each of your points
chiropractic Canada
thanks for putting this together! This is obviously one great post. Thanks for the valuable
information and insights you have so provided here.
used safes for sale
I adore what you have got right here. You make it entertaining and you still manage to keep it smart. This is truly a great blog thanks for sharing…
Small Business SEO
Thanks for a nice share you have given to us with such an large collection of information. Great work you have done by sharing them to all. simply superb
African Mango Plus
Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. It contains truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more
Invisalign city of london
Thank you for the work you have put into your post, it helps clear up some questions I had. I will bookmark your blog because your posts are very informative. We appreciate your posts and look forward to coming back
Dentures
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.will be referring a lot of friends about this.Keep blogging
Auto Loans
Amazingly insightful article. If only it was as easy to implement some of the solutions as it was to read and nod my head at each of your points
boob job alternatives
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.will be referring a lot of friends about this.Keep blogging
telephone answering services
I appreciate the help. I’ve been looking for a way to get a better list view on Android and this is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks again!
buckles
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post
Car Leasing
This is a really good read for me, Must admit that you are one of the best blogger I ever saw.Thanks for posting this informative article.
cystic acne
poll
Many thanks for sharing results of this poll. The results are quite surprising for me.Irena from nivea coupons – revlon coupons
Interesting post and thanks for sharing. Some things in here I have not thought about before.Thanks for making such a cool post which is really very well written.will be referring a lot of friends about this.Keep blogging
bingo online
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Y! Sports Blogs from Yahoo! Sports
- Wild’s Marek Zidlicky drinks Lou’s Kool-Aid, waives no-trade for Devils
- Georgia school voluntarily forfeits playoff spot rather than play team involved in football brawl
- MMA Marketplace: Nick Diaz in miniature form
- Tuesday’s Three Stars: 4-spots for Kovalchuk, Spezza; who throws a strawberry on the ice?
- Jim Irsay says he would welcome Peyton Manning back … at the right price
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
