SteveDeace
Well-Known Member
Big Ten Power Ratings
Here's how I would rank the teams after four weeks of non-conference play:
1. Ohio State...Simply the most complete team in the league right now.
2. Iowa…Hawkeyes will challenge because of superb defense and experienced, senior leader at quarterback.
3. Wisconsin…Badgers are battling injuries but that running game is nasty.
4. Michigan...Defense certainly has holes, but this could also be the most explosive team in the league.
5. Michigan State…Like the balance on offense, but don’t trust the secondary.
6. Northwestern…Dan Persa is developing nicely at quarterback.
7. Penn State…Overall talent level is down and inexperienced at quarterback.
8. Indiana…Hoosiers have the offense to scare plenty of Big Ten foes.
9. Illinois…Still has a good running game but little else.
10. Minnesota…I can’t recall ever seeing a Big Ten quarterback regress in his career like Adam Weber has.
11. Purdue…Boilermakers have been decimated by injuries losing their top tailback, wide receiver, and quarterback for the season.
Weekly Top 25
If I had a vote in the AP Poll this would be my ballot based on how good I think the teams are right now.
1. Alabama (4-0)…Reclaims the top spot because unlike the Buckeyes they’ve put on the road jerseys against a quality opponent and survived.
2. Ohio State (4-0)…Denard Robinson called, and he thought Terrelle Pryor’s stats were ridiculous on Saturday.
3. Boise State (3-0)…Broncos got the win over Oregon State, but not quite the nationally-televised statement they were hoping for.
4. Auburn (4-0)…Tigers emerged from three straight slugfests unscathed and get a much-needed breather versus Louisiana-Monroe up next.
5. Oregon (4-0)…It’s not often you surrender almost 600 yards of total offense on the road and win by double-digits, but Ducks were beneficiaries of six turnovers.
6. TCU (4-0)…Horned Frogs got the win over SMU, but not quite the nationally-televised statement they were hoping for.
7. Oklahoma (4-0)…Sooners went 4-0 against arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the country, but it wasn’t easy.
8. Arizona (4-0)…Coming off perhaps the best two consecutive weeks for Arizona football since Desert Swarm the Wildcats get a bye at the right time.
9. Stanford (4-0)…Off to best start since 1986, the Cardinal are a Pac-10 squad playing with a physical swagger usually reserved for USC.
10. Nebraska (4-0)…Not exactly the dominating performance that was expected, but Huskers have a week off to get ready for road trip to Kansas State.
11. Florida (4-0)…Young Gators played their best overall game of the season thus far in a dismantling of visiting Kentucky.
12. Iowa (3-1)…Dominated pathetic Ball State in bad playing conditions despite a letdown, proving the Hawkeyes will still have a major say in the Big Ten race.
13. LSU (4-0)…Despite being the only SEC team with two decent non-conference wins, I just don’t get the sense the Tigers are all that great.
14. Wisconsin (4-0)…Badgers finally combined their vicious running game with Scott Tolzien’s efficient passing for the first time in 2010.
15. Arkansas (3-1)…Razorbacks couldn’t deliver the kill shot on defending national champs and now get two weeks to stew over it.
16. South Carolina (3-1)…Gamecocks let their first win over Auburn since 1933 slip through their grasp and now get a week off to prepare for Crimson Tide.
17. Michigan (4-0)…The Wolverines’ offense is so potent, and their defense so spotty, that they will test the mantra “defense wins championships.”
18. Miami, Fla. (2-1)…If the Hurricanes really are ready to re-take the ACC by storm they should win this week at Clemson.
19. Texas (3-1)…It wasn’t so much the loss to UCLA that was disconcerting as much as it was the way the Bruins physically manhandled the Longhorns in their own crib.
20. N.C. State (4-0)…Impressive road win at reigning ACC champs for Wolfpack, who now host the ACC’s top program in recent years—Virginia Tech.
21. Utah (4-0)…Utes don’t face an opponent with a pulse until October 9th and suddenly that win over Pittsburgh doesn’t look so great.
22. Michigan State (4-0)…Spartans look like a less explosive version of Wisconsin, this week’s foe, with an impressive running game and efficient quarterback.
23. Clemson (2-1)…If Auburn deserves the ranking I gave them this week then the Tigers get this spot for playing so well there September 18th.
24. West Virginia (3-1)…Because someone from the Big East has to be ranked, and the Mountaineers covered the spread at Death Valley.
25. Nevada (4-0)…This rare ranking isn’t just good news for the Wolfpack, but also for conference foe Boise State.
Honorable Mention:
26. Texas A&M (3-0), 27. Missouri (4-0), 28. Northwestern (4-0), 29. Penn State (3-1), 30. Virginia Tech (2-2).
Cheers & Jeers
Cheers to…Virginia Tech, who proved it still might be the team to beat in the ACC after a shutout victory at Boston College minus star running back Ryan Williams.
Jeers to…College Football News.com, which ranked Georgia the #2 team in the country in the preseason, but the ‘Dawgs are now 0-3 in the SEC for the first time since 1993 after their first loss to Mississippi State since 1979.
Cheers to…UCLA, which was an absolute mess two weeks ago but rebounded by knocking Case Keenum out for the season and then gashed the nation’s #2-ranked rush defense for 264 yards in a 34-12 win at Texas. The Bruins were outscored, 66-22, their first two games but have outscored their opponents, 65-25, the past two weeks.
Jeers to…Minnesota Coach Tim Brewster, who proves weekly why one former Big Ten coach of some acclaim once referred to him as “a total clown.”
Cheers to…Tate Forcier, who was pouting on national television the last time we saw him after teammate Denard Robinson’s coming out party against Connecticut. On Saturday with Robinson banged up, Forcier came off the bench for his first meaningful action of the season and promptly set the Michigan single-game completion record going 12-for-12 and a touchdown. Forcier wins this week’s Bon Scott Award for testicular fortitude.
Jeers to…Notre Dame, which has now lost 11 straight against ranked opponents, including its last five at home. The Irish haven’t defeated a ranked team since trouncing then 19th-ranked Penn State on September 9th, 2006.
My Heisman Ballot
With the season one month old, now’s the time to begin our weekly rankings of the top three contenders for college football’s most coveted award.
1. Denard Robinson, Michigan…Not only has “shoe lace” had the best opening month of the season, he might’ve had the most electrifying opening month anybody has had in college football since Barry Sanders in 1988.
2. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State…Being the star quarterback on a top-ranked team is always a recipe for Heisman acclaim, especially after you score touchdowns rushing, passing, and receiving in one game.
3. Mark Ingram, Alabama…The reigning Heisman winner missed the first two games due to injury, but the defending national champions would’ve lost at Arkansas without his heroics.
Big Ones
A look at the top five games this week in college football.
Florida at Alabama…It’s a meeting of the last two national champions—‘nuff said.
Stanford at Oregon…Classic battle of physical (the Cardinal) versus finesse (Ducks).
Texas vs. Oklahoma…Red River Rivalry gets relegated to second fiddle after both teams struggled last week.
Wisconsin at Michigan State…Both teams have excellent running games so whichever team’s quarterback makes the most plays through the air will win.
Miami at Clemson…An early elimination game for two proud programs trying to break free of the inconsistency stigma.
Here's how I would rank the teams after four weeks of non-conference play:
1. Ohio State...Simply the most complete team in the league right now.
2. Iowa…Hawkeyes will challenge because of superb defense and experienced, senior leader at quarterback.
3. Wisconsin…Badgers are battling injuries but that running game is nasty.
4. Michigan...Defense certainly has holes, but this could also be the most explosive team in the league.
5. Michigan State…Like the balance on offense, but don’t trust the secondary.
6. Northwestern…Dan Persa is developing nicely at quarterback.
7. Penn State…Overall talent level is down and inexperienced at quarterback.
8. Indiana…Hoosiers have the offense to scare plenty of Big Ten foes.
9. Illinois…Still has a good running game but little else.
10. Minnesota…I can’t recall ever seeing a Big Ten quarterback regress in his career like Adam Weber has.
11. Purdue…Boilermakers have been decimated by injuries losing their top tailback, wide receiver, and quarterback for the season.
Weekly Top 25
If I had a vote in the AP Poll this would be my ballot based on how good I think the teams are right now.
1. Alabama (4-0)…Reclaims the top spot because unlike the Buckeyes they’ve put on the road jerseys against a quality opponent and survived.
2. Ohio State (4-0)…Denard Robinson called, and he thought Terrelle Pryor’s stats were ridiculous on Saturday.
3. Boise State (3-0)…Broncos got the win over Oregon State, but not quite the nationally-televised statement they were hoping for.
4. Auburn (4-0)…Tigers emerged from three straight slugfests unscathed and get a much-needed breather versus Louisiana-Monroe up next.
5. Oregon (4-0)…It’s not often you surrender almost 600 yards of total offense on the road and win by double-digits, but Ducks were beneficiaries of six turnovers.
6. TCU (4-0)…Horned Frogs got the win over SMU, but not quite the nationally-televised statement they were hoping for.
7. Oklahoma (4-0)…Sooners went 4-0 against arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the country, but it wasn’t easy.
8. Arizona (4-0)…Coming off perhaps the best two consecutive weeks for Arizona football since Desert Swarm the Wildcats get a bye at the right time.
9. Stanford (4-0)…Off to best start since 1986, the Cardinal are a Pac-10 squad playing with a physical swagger usually reserved for USC.
10. Nebraska (4-0)…Not exactly the dominating performance that was expected, but Huskers have a week off to get ready for road trip to Kansas State.
11. Florida (4-0)…Young Gators played their best overall game of the season thus far in a dismantling of visiting Kentucky.
12. Iowa (3-1)…Dominated pathetic Ball State in bad playing conditions despite a letdown, proving the Hawkeyes will still have a major say in the Big Ten race.
13. LSU (4-0)…Despite being the only SEC team with two decent non-conference wins, I just don’t get the sense the Tigers are all that great.
14. Wisconsin (4-0)…Badgers finally combined their vicious running game with Scott Tolzien’s efficient passing for the first time in 2010.
15. Arkansas (3-1)…Razorbacks couldn’t deliver the kill shot on defending national champs and now get two weeks to stew over it.
16. South Carolina (3-1)…Gamecocks let their first win over Auburn since 1933 slip through their grasp and now get a week off to prepare for Crimson Tide.
17. Michigan (4-0)…The Wolverines’ offense is so potent, and their defense so spotty, that they will test the mantra “defense wins championships.”
18. Miami, Fla. (2-1)…If the Hurricanes really are ready to re-take the ACC by storm they should win this week at Clemson.
19. Texas (3-1)…It wasn’t so much the loss to UCLA that was disconcerting as much as it was the way the Bruins physically manhandled the Longhorns in their own crib.
20. N.C. State (4-0)…Impressive road win at reigning ACC champs for Wolfpack, who now host the ACC’s top program in recent years—Virginia Tech.
21. Utah (4-0)…Utes don’t face an opponent with a pulse until October 9th and suddenly that win over Pittsburgh doesn’t look so great.
22. Michigan State (4-0)…Spartans look like a less explosive version of Wisconsin, this week’s foe, with an impressive running game and efficient quarterback.
23. Clemson (2-1)…If Auburn deserves the ranking I gave them this week then the Tigers get this spot for playing so well there September 18th.
24. West Virginia (3-1)…Because someone from the Big East has to be ranked, and the Mountaineers covered the spread at Death Valley.
25. Nevada (4-0)…This rare ranking isn’t just good news for the Wolfpack, but also for conference foe Boise State.
Honorable Mention:
26. Texas A&M (3-0), 27. Missouri (4-0), 28. Northwestern (4-0), 29. Penn State (3-1), 30. Virginia Tech (2-2).
Cheers & Jeers
Cheers to…Virginia Tech, who proved it still might be the team to beat in the ACC after a shutout victory at Boston College minus star running back Ryan Williams.
Jeers to…College Football News.com, which ranked Georgia the #2 team in the country in the preseason, but the ‘Dawgs are now 0-3 in the SEC for the first time since 1993 after their first loss to Mississippi State since 1979.
Cheers to…UCLA, which was an absolute mess two weeks ago but rebounded by knocking Case Keenum out for the season and then gashed the nation’s #2-ranked rush defense for 264 yards in a 34-12 win at Texas. The Bruins were outscored, 66-22, their first two games but have outscored their opponents, 65-25, the past two weeks.
Jeers to…Minnesota Coach Tim Brewster, who proves weekly why one former Big Ten coach of some acclaim once referred to him as “a total clown.”
Cheers to…Tate Forcier, who was pouting on national television the last time we saw him after teammate Denard Robinson’s coming out party against Connecticut. On Saturday with Robinson banged up, Forcier came off the bench for his first meaningful action of the season and promptly set the Michigan single-game completion record going 12-for-12 and a touchdown. Forcier wins this week’s Bon Scott Award for testicular fortitude.
Jeers to…Notre Dame, which has now lost 11 straight against ranked opponents, including its last five at home. The Irish haven’t defeated a ranked team since trouncing then 19th-ranked Penn State on September 9th, 2006.
My Heisman Ballot
With the season one month old, now’s the time to begin our weekly rankings of the top three contenders for college football’s most coveted award.
1. Denard Robinson, Michigan…Not only has “shoe lace” had the best opening month of the season, he might’ve had the most electrifying opening month anybody has had in college football since Barry Sanders in 1988.
2. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State…Being the star quarterback on a top-ranked team is always a recipe for Heisman acclaim, especially after you score touchdowns rushing, passing, and receiving in one game.
3. Mark Ingram, Alabama…The reigning Heisman winner missed the first two games due to injury, but the defending national champions would’ve lost at Arkansas without his heroics.
Big Ones
A look at the top five games this week in college football.
Florida at Alabama…It’s a meeting of the last two national champions—‘nuff said.
Stanford at Oregon…Classic battle of physical (the Cardinal) versus finesse (Ducks).
Texas vs. Oklahoma…Red River Rivalry gets relegated to second fiddle after both teams struggled last week.
Wisconsin at Michigan State…Both teams have excellent running games so whichever team’s quarterback makes the most plays through the air will win.
Miami at Clemson…An early elimination game for two proud programs trying to break free of the inconsistency stigma.
Last edited:
