Week 4 BCS Power Rankings
It was a very interesting weekend, in NCAA College Football. Quite a bit of movement in the Top 10, and a few surprises, in the BCS power rankings. Here's how I see it.
Alabama moved to 3-0, with their first win over Ole Miss, in three years. It was a tremendous football game, and it's possible, while scoring 43 points in the loss, that Ole Miss exposed some chinks in the mighty Alabama armor. Still, #1 wins, and I see them as #1, without question, at this point.
Speaking of exposed, (#2)FSU was absolutely dismantled by (#10)Louisville. The truth is, FSU could be in even bigger trouble, in the weeks ahead, with Miami, Clemson, and Florida, still on their schedule. Surely, another loss ends their BCS hopes for good. That said, I could also see them right back in the BCS picture, with just the one loss, if they can run the table. FSU is in trouble. I don't think they'll be in the Tourney, without some big time help. Louisville on the other hand, is averaging 65 points per game, and they look ridiculously good through 3 weeks. I think their strength of schedule hurts them a little bit, moving forward, but they do have a couple of "signature" games left to play. One with Clemson, on 10/1, and another with Houston, 11/17. For my money, they made the biggest power jump this week, up from #10, to #6, and they looked strong. I still think the reality is, Louisville must win out, to be in the BCS tourney.
Speaking of exposed, (#2)FSU was absolutely dismantled by (#10)Louisville. The truth is, FSU could be in even bigger trouble, in the weeks ahead, with Miami, Clemson, and Florida, still on their schedule. Surely, another loss ends their BCS hopes for good. That said, I could also see them right back in the BCS picture, with just the one loss, if they can run the table. FSU is in trouble. I don't think they'll be in the Tourney, without some big time help. Louisville on the other hand, is averaging 65 points per game, and they look ridiculously good through 3 weeks. I think their strength of schedule hurts them a little bit, moving forward, but they do have a couple of "signature" games left to play. One with Clemson, on 10/1, and another with Houston, 11/17. For my money, they made the biggest power jump this week, up from #10, to #6, and they looked strong. I still think the reality is, Louisville must win out, to be in the BCS tourney.
Ohio St, went into Oklahoma, and pounded them, solidifying the #2 spot for me this week. The problem I see with Ohio St., is also strength of schedule. One loss, would most likely squash their BCS hopes. I don't think Wisconsin will be a Top 10, or even 15 team, by the time OSU gets them, but Nebraska should probably be ranked, by the time OSU sees them, which could give them another "signature" win down the line, if they can get it. Then of course, they close out the season with Michigan St., Michigan, and a potential Conference Championship Game. So as long as they keep winning, the Buckeyes will be in the middle of the BCS picture.
Speaking of Michigan, they stayed undefeated, with a good win over Colorado. I'm moving them up a spot, to #3. They will have plenty of opportunities to stay right in the playoff mix, but they could also find themselves on the outside, looking in, if they aren't able to successfully navigate a very tough, Big 10 Schedule.
I've got Houston at #4. They have looked so impressive this season, and I think they definitely deserve to be in the BSC conversation. However, Houston could also win out, and not necessarily make the BCS tourney, again due to strength of schedule. Louisville seems to be their toughest remaining obstacle, but they cannot afford to lose a single game to anyone, if they want any shot at a BCS Championship appearance.
Then there's Clemson. I struggled with this team, because they're undefeated, but they honestly haven't played the most inspiring football. The Auburn win was big, but they still have so much work to do, to stay relevant in the BCS equation. Clemson doesn't strike me as a team that gets into the dance, with a loss. They have that proverbial "trap game," with Georgia Tech this Thursday, but I believe we'll know exactly who Clemson really is, when they run into Louisville, in 2 weeks.
Speaking of Michigan, they stayed undefeated, with a good win over Colorado. I'm moving them up a spot, to #3. They will have plenty of opportunities to stay right in the playoff mix, but they could also find themselves on the outside, looking in, if they aren't able to successfully navigate a very tough, Big 10 Schedule.
I've got Houston at #4. They have looked so impressive this season, and I think they definitely deserve to be in the BSC conversation. However, Houston could also win out, and not necessarily make the BCS tourney, again due to strength of schedule. Louisville seems to be their toughest remaining obstacle, but they cannot afford to lose a single game to anyone, if they want any shot at a BCS Championship appearance.
Then there's Clemson. I struggled with this team, because they're undefeated, but they honestly haven't played the most inspiring football. The Auburn win was big, but they still have so much work to do, to stay relevant in the BCS equation. Clemson doesn't strike me as a team that gets into the dance, with a loss. They have that proverbial "trap game," with Georgia Tech this Thursday, but I believe we'll know exactly who Clemson really is, when they run into Louisville, in 2 weeks.
Rounding out my Top 10 this week, I have Stanford at #7. They put a whipping on a tough USC team, that I think should still be a Bowl team at season's end. Losses to Alabama and Stanford, have USC waving the, "Yeah but we didn't play any cupcakes," banner. Hang in there USC. You might still get to a Bowl game. There is a long way to go out west, but Stanford's strength of schedule, makes them a bonafide BCS contender, if they can win out.
#8 Washington, is another PAC 12 team, with a huge upside. Strength of schedule makes them a legit contender as well, as long as they keep winning games. I think the PAC 12 is going to send at least one team to the final 4, unless attrition simply cancels them all out. Washington looks like they could have the talent to win the conference, but after 3 weeks, only 2 PAC 12 teams, have 2 losses. This conference is going to eat itself alive, but I believe one team comes out of there.
I kept FSU in the top 10, but just barely. Obviously they're a talented team, but that loss yesterday, may very well be the spark, that ignites their demise. I think they need to win out, to stay in the BCS hunt. Based on their schedule, I gave them another week in the Top 10. I've already said, I could see them right in the mix at the end, but only if they win out.
Finally this week, I'm going with Michigan St., at #10. Only 2-0, but an impressive road win over Notre Dame. Yes, the Irish are struggling, but Sparty still beat them at home. Move over Wisconsin, the Green Machine is moving up the ranks. Of course, if you don't want to move over, you can flip the script on them this weekend. I think Wisconsin and Michigan St. are almost the same animal. We'll see who that "Big Dog" is, on Saturday.
I kept FSU in the top 10, but just barely. Obviously they're a talented team, but that loss yesterday, may very well be the spark, that ignites their demise. I think they need to win out, to stay in the BCS hunt. Based on their schedule, I gave them another week in the Top 10. I've already said, I could see them right in the mix at the end, but only if they win out.
Finally this week, I'm going with Michigan St., at #10. Only 2-0, but an impressive road win over Notre Dame. Yes, the Irish are struggling, but Sparty still beat them at home. Move over Wisconsin, the Green Machine is moving up the ranks. Of course, if you don't want to move over, you can flip the script on them this weekend. I think Wisconsin and Michigan St. are almost the same animal. We'll see who that "Big Dog" is, on Saturday.
There you have it. The SPortz Yak Week 4, BCS Power Rankings! Agree? Disagree?
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