On Tap

December 29, 2009

College Football Bowl Preview: Rose Bowl

Filed under: BCS, Big 10, Boise State, Brandon Saine, California, Casey Matthews, Chip Kelly, Civil War, College, Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, Ed Dickson, FBS, Football, Jeff Maehl, Jeremiah Masoli, John Boyett, Kenny Rowe, Kurt Coleman, LaMichael James, LeGarrette Blount, NCAA, Non-AQ, Ohio State, Oregon Ducks, Pac-10, Rose Bowl, Ross Homan, Sports, Stanford, Terrelle Pryor, USC Trojans, Utah — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 5:58 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA post-season kicks off December 19th, with 34 games being played in a three week span. Seniors will get their last hurrah, and teams will attempt to end their season on the winning side, in the hopes of improving recruiting that follows afterwords. The Sportmeisters will preview each of the 33 games that lie ahead, and provide our predictions as well. Let’s get to it!

Rose Bowl, January 1st, 4:30 PM, Pasadena, CA

No. 8 Ohio State (10-2) vs. No. 7 Oregon (10-2)

About Ohio State: Ohio State nearly got upset in their season opener, and then lost at the end to USC. Not the best way to start off a hopeful BCS run. They got their act together, reeling off wins in nine of their last ten games to clinch the Big Ten title and a shot in the Rose Bowl.

Ohio State has one of the most well-known QBs in Sophomore Terrelle Pryor, but it’s more for his legs now, than arm. The Buckeyes are a paltry 106th in NCAA FBS in passing yards (165.92), but hold down the 19th spot in rushing yards (198.92). That starts with leading rusher Pryor, who has 707 yards and seven touchdowns. He gets support from RBs Brandon Saine and Daniel Herron, who have combined for 1401 yards and 11 touchdowns. This gives Ohio State a plethora of options in their running game. When Pryor does have to pass, he’ll more often than not throw to Sophomore WR DeVier Posey, who leads the team with 52 catches for 727 yards and seven touchdowns.

In true Big Ten fashion, Ohio State uses their defense to win championships. They enjoy slowing it down and grinding out, and when you have a top five defense, why not? Ohio State gives up a mere 262.50 yards a game (fifth in NCAA FBS), and opponents only score 12.17 points a game, also fifth in NCAA FBS. The Buckeyes defense is aggressive, and has a +1.33 turnover margin, good for fourth in NCAA FBS. They are led by Senior DB Kurt Coleman, who has 64 tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack, three forced fumbles, and a team leading five interceptions. Junior LB Ross Homan leads the squad with 96 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions. Ohio State will punish you defensively, giving their offense a short field to score points

About Oregon: Chip Kelly’s coaching debut was marred after an opening-season loss to Non-AQ Boise State, and the actions of LeGarrette Blount. Oregon refused to quit, even after suspending Blount, winning seven straight. Three of those seven wins were over ranked programs such as Utah, California, and USC. An upset loss at Stanford put the Pac-10 title in doubts, but Oregon pushed on, winning three more in a row, including a Civil War victory over Oregon State to clinch the Pac-10 title.

Oregon boasts an offense capable of scoring 37.67 points a game (seventh in NCAA FBS), thanks to their ability to move the ball (25th in NCAA FBS with 424.67 yards a game). That mostly comes from the sixth ranked rushing attack (236.08 yards a game). Once Blount was suspended, the question became, who would fill in? That responsibility fell on RB LaMichael James, a Freshman won ran for 1476 yards and 14 touchdowns. Right behind him is athletic QB Jeremiah Masoli, who compiled 2725 total yards and 27 touchdowns. WR Jeff Maehl and TE Ed Dickson are the primary go-to receivers for Masoli, combining for 1237 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Oregon does have an effective defense, giving up 329.42 yards a game (32nd in NCAA FBS) and 23.58 points (52nd in NCAA FBS). While numbers-wise, it is nothing special, they do have some playmakers when needed. Junior LB Kenny Rowe is one of those bright spots, with 36 tackles (11 for loss), 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Freshman DB John Boyett leads the team with 78 tackles and two interceptions. Oregon will wear opposing defense’s down, and run right to glory.

The Matchup: Ohio State is 18-22 in bowl games, losing three straight, all BCS games. This is their tenth straight bowl appearance, with this being their fifth straight BCS game.

Oregon is 9-13, having won two bowl games in a row. This will be their fifth straight bowl game.

Ohio State is 7-0 against Oregon, including a win in the 1958 Rose Bowl. The most recent matchup between the two was a 24-14 win for the Buckeyes in 1987.

Ohio State will run on Oregon, using an option zone-read between Pryor, Saine and Herron. This will make it tough for Oregon’s defense, which gives up close to 140 yards a game, to stop all three options. With Pryor’s issue in the pocket, Oregon will be best limiting the blitzes, instead putting a LB such as Casey Matthews on him in a Spy formation. With a number of rushing options, Oregon will have to sit at home and not overpursue, or risk watching one of the three head straight to the end zone.

Much like Ohio State, Oregon will use an option for Masoli and James. Both have amazing breakaway speed, but Ohio State has a top five defense that is smart in their pursuits. Despite lacking a star, Ohio State has a number of personnel they will rotate around, showing different looks to Masoli. These looks will be to keep both inside the tackles, where they will have more difficult gaining big chunks of yards.

The Prediction: Ohio State is the more disciplined team, and I expect them to prevent big gains from Masoli and James. Ohio State 31-20.

December 26, 2009

College Football Bowl Preview: Champs Sports Bowl

Filed under: Allen Bailey, Badgers, Big 10, California, Champs Sports Bowl, College, Darryl Sharpton, Emerald Bowl, FBS, FSU, Florida State, Football, Hurricanes, Jacory Harris, John Clay, Leonard Hankerson, Mark Whipple, Miami, NCAA, Ohio State, O’Brien Schofield, Ray Lewis, Scott Tolzien, Seminoles, Sports, Wisconsin — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 12:57 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA post-season kicks off December 19th, with 33 games being played in a three week span. Seniors will get their last hurrah, and teams will attempt to end their season on the winning side, in the hopes of improving recruiting that follows afterwords. The Sportmeisters will preview each of the 33 games that lie ahead, and provide our predictions as well. Let’s get to it!

Champs Sports Bowl, December 29th, 8:00 PM, Orlando, FL

No. 15 Miami (9-3) vs. No. 25 Wisconsin (9-3)

About Miami: Four games, four weeks, four ranked teams. Many thought 2-2 would have been deemed a success for a Miami squad still looking to get back to their position as “The U”. The Hurricanes had different plans, winning three of four against those ranked opponents to start their season 3-1. Two winnable games that turned into upsets put a sour taste in Hurricanes fans mouths, but at 9-3, I don’t think too many people are complaining.

Miami is 27th in scoring offense in NCAA FBS (31.67 points per game), mainly behind the arm of Sophomore QB Jacory Harris. He threw for 3167 yards and 23 touchdowns, thanks to the arrival of new Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple. Harris did have his problems, however, throwing 16 interceptions on the season. Junior WR Leonard Hankerson led the team with 44 catches for 773 yards and six touchdowns.

Miami’s defense was always a thing of magic, garnering respect from national writers year in and year out. This year, Miami was stellar again, finishing 25th in total defense (321.25 yards per game). Junior DL Allen Bailey was a huge performer, racking up 32 tackles (11 for loss), seven sacks, and forcing two fumbles. Senior LB Darryl Sharpton brought back memories of playmakers like Ray Lewis, with 91 tackles (seven for loss), two forced fumbles, and a returned interception for a touchdown. The Hurricanes are a young team, but possess all the natural abilities to win every week.

About Wisconsin: The Badgers started off hot, winning five in a row to give them a realistic shot at the Big Ten title. Two straight losses to Ohio State and Iowa derailed that, but Wisconsin bounced back to win four of the next five to finish 9-3.

Wisconsin uses a grinding, punishing attack on the ground to win. They rushed for 206.67 yards a game (14th in NCAA FBS) in 2009. Despite a clock killing mentality, they still put up 32.75 points a game (21st in NCAA FBS). Sophomore RB John Clay fit in perfectly with Wisconsin’s system. He rushed for 1396 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s rushed for at least 100 yards in each of his last five games. Junior QB Scott Tolzien benefits from a run heavy offense. Defenses usually fall prey when they load up against the run, and it showed in Tolzien’s 2445 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Defense is usually a specialty in the Big Ten, and Wisconsin emulates that mold as well. They finished 19th in total defense (310.42 yards a game) and eighth in rushing defense (90.50 yards a game). Senior DL O’Brien Schofield is the unequivocal leader of the Defense, with 59 tackles (22.5 for loss), 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Outside of Schofield, the Badgers don’t have any specific defensive leader, but all contribute to a solid performing defense.

The Matchup: Miami is 18-14 in bowl games. This is their second straight year in a bowl game, losing last season in the Emerald Bowl against California.

Wisconsin is 10-10. They’ve lost two in a row, including last year’s Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State. This is the first showdown between the two teams in 20 years. Miami holds the series lead, 2-1.

Both teams run different style of offense that they can exploit the opposing defense with. Wisconsin’s punishing ground attack and its mixed passing game (heavy play-action), should be able to find holes in Miami’s defense. Consequently, Miami’s ability to air it out should reign havoc on Wisconsin’s so-so pass defense. If Miami can get a lead early, it could force Wisconsin to abandon the run game. However, if they keep in it, they could kill enough clock to defuse Miami a shot at winning.

The Prediction: Miami has too many weapons, and wins 10 games for the first time since 2005, 38-24.

December 23, 2009

College Football Bowl Preview: Emerald Bowl

Filed under: ACC, ACC Atlantic, Allen Bradford, B.J. Raji, BCS, Boston College, California, Clemson Tigers, College, Dave Shinskie, Draft, Emerald Bowl, FBS, FSU, Florida State, Football, Frank Spaziani, Joe McKnight, Justin Tuggle, Luke Kuechly, Mark Herzlich, Matt Barkley, Montel Harris, NCAA, NFL, North Carolina Tar Heels, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Pac-10, Seminoles, Sports, Taylor Mays, UNC, USC Trojans, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 10:30 am

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA post-season kicks off December 19th, with 33 games being played in a three week span. Seniors will get their last hurrah, and teams will attempt to end their season on the winning side, in the hopes of improving recruiting that follows afterwords. The Sportmeisters will preview each of the 33 games that lie ahead, and provide our predictions as well. Let’s get to it!

Emerald Bowl, December 26th, 8:00 PM, San Francisco, CA

No. 24 University of Southern California (8-4) vs. Boston College (8-4)

About USC: Despite having a true Freshman at QB, the stakes, and expectations, were still high for a USC team that has owned the better part of this decade. Even after a week three upset to Washington, the Trojans still had solid BCS hopes, defeating ranked teams such as Ohio State, California and Notre Dame. Then, the wall hit. USC lost three of its next five games, all to Pac-10 opponents, to fall completely off the BCS radar and relegated to the Emerald Bowl.

For a team that had finished second nationally in defense the past two seasons, this years squad was a far cry from that. After losing a number of players, including their entire linebacking corps to the NFL draft, the Trojans were 43rd in defense (342.83 yards per game). Leading the team was Senior Safety Taylor Mays, with 91 tackles and one interception. No other player on the team had 70 or more tackles. However, USC does get pressure, finishing 16th in NCAA FBS in tackles for loss (7.08 per game) and 17th in sacks (2.75 per game).

The Trojans were also just mediocre on the offensive side of the game, finishing outside the top 30 in all major categories, including scoring (64th with 26.67 points per game). The lone bright spot was Junior RB Joe McKnight, who finished with 1014 yards and eight touchdowns. Junior RB Allen Bradford also contributed eight touchdowns and an 8.17 yard per carry average. True Freshman QB Matt Barkley shined early on in the season, including a 380 yard, two touchdown performance against Notre Dame. However, he faded down the stretch, throwing for under 200 yards in four of his last five games. In that same five game period, he threw seven of his 12 interceptions. USCs plan has to be allowing McKnight to run the offense, with Barkley managing, and using the QB pressure to force turnovers, allowing for a short field.

About Boston College: The Eagles weren’t given much hope, picked to finish last in the ACC Atlantic Division, behind such teams as Florida State and Wake Forest. However, behind a rookie coach in Frank Spaziani, and the raucous cheering of LB Mark Herzlich (out for the season while battling cancer), Boston College made some heads turn. Conference losses to Clemson and Virginia Tech hurt, but heading into the end of the season, the Eagles still had a chance. That shot was gone with a loss to North Carolina, but Boston College still ended their season as a team no one expected to be here.

The Eagles struggle offensively, falling into the bottom half of most offensive categories. They too, have a True Freshman QB leading their way, except theirs is 25 years old. Former minor league baseball player Dave Shinskie took the reigns from Freshman Justin Tuggle during the Wake Forest game, and held onto the spot ever since. His numbers aren’t spectacular (1823 yards, 14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions), and they reflect the struggles the offense has. The lone bright spot comes from Sophomore Montel Harris, who rushed for 1355 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Defensively, not many expected Boston College to challenge, with the losses of Herzlich and DT B.J. Raji, now in the NFL. Instead, the Eagles were 15th in rushing yards allowed, giving up only 104.42 yards a game. The defense also held opponents to only 19.42 points a game, 18th in NCAA FBS. True Freshman Luke Kuechly, filling in for the injured Herzlich, played like a man possessed all season long. His 142 tackles (12.5 for loss), sack and interception were good enough to name him ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. No other defender came within half of his tackles. For Boston College to win, they will have to rely on their defense, especially the run defense, and force USC to use Barkley to make decisions, instead of game managing.

The Matchup: USC is 31-16 in their storied bowl history, currently in a three game winning streak within their nine straight bowl appearances. However, this is the first time since 2002 they are not playing in a BCS Bowl Game.

Boston College is 13-7 in bowl games, riding an 11 game appearance. Last years loss to Vanderbilt had snapped an eight game bowl winning streak.

USC is currently 2-0 against Boston College, playing a home and home back in 1987 and 1988.

The game’s ultimate matchup is going to be McKnight vs. Kuechly, within the USC Offense vs. Boston College Defense. However, Bradford could play a spoiler in that matchup, and with both USC RBs having speed to go side to side, Boston College could have some trouble keeping them within the tackles and limiting their yards. Both teams need to keep their QBs from turnovers and questionable throws.

The Prediction: USC will use their defensive pressure to get to Shinskie and Harris, and with the weapons they do possess on offense, should get enough out of Barkley for the win, 35-21.

December 20, 2009

College Football Bowl Preview: Poinsettia Bowl

Filed under: Alabama, BYU, California, Cameron Jordan, College, David Reed, Eddie Wide, Football, Jahvid Best, Jordan Wynn, Kevin Riley, MWC, Mike Mohamed, NCAA, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State, Poinsettia Bowl, Robert Johnson, Shane Vereen, Sports, TCU, Tyson Alualu, Utah, Washington — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 9:53 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA post-season kicks off December 19th, with 33 games being played in a three week span. Seniors will get their last hurrah, and teams will attempt to end their season on the winning side, in the hopes of improving recruiting that follows afterwords. The Sportmeisters will preview each of the 33 games that lie ahead, and provide our predictions as well. Let’s get to it!

Poinsettia Bowl, December 23rd, 8:00 PM, San Diego, California

No. 23 Utah (9-3) vs. California (8-4)

About Utah: The Utes came into 2009 with high hopes after knocking off Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last season. Those hopes began to fade after a loss to Oregon in the third week. Six straight wins followed, but Utah ended their season with losses to BYU and TCU, removing any shot of an Mountain West Conference title, and relegating them to a lower bowl than they expected. However, they are still playing with the hopes of a ten win season. They boast a top 20 defense (314.7 yards per game), which will be effective against Cal’s offensive weapons. Their pass defense is one of the best, holding opponents to a mere 172.83 yards per game in the air. Senior DB Robert Johnson is a shutdown corner, with 66 tackles, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns on the season. Junior RB Eddie Wide leads the MWC with 1033 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He will be expected to keep the pressure off of Freshman QB Jordan Wynn, who won the starting job near the end of the season. Wynn’s top target is Senior WR David Reed (75 catches for 1085 yards and five touchdowns). Look for Utah to rely heavily on Wide and the defense to methodically take out Cal, without putting Wynn in too many tough spots.

About California: Cal started off hot at 3-0, before managing only six points in their next two games, both losses. They bounced back, winning five of six, before ending their season on a low note against Washington. Nevertheless, they are bowl eligible, and are hoping for a completely healthy squad coming in. That starts with the potential return of Junior RB Jahvid Best, a potential Heisman candidate who was injured in a November loss to Oregon State. He has 867 yards and 12 touchdowns in only nine games this season. His backup, Sophomore RB Shane Vereen, has filled in admirably, rushing for 830 yards and ten touchdowns. Junior LB Mike Mohamed (104 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, one forced fumble) leads a defense that is 27th in the nation in run defense (117.08 yards per game). That is important as they aim to keep the ball out of Wide’s hands, and force Wynn to throw the ball more often.

The Matchup: Utah is 11-3 in their bowl history, currently owning the nation’s longest bowl winning streak, at eight.

Cal is 10-8-1, riding a four game bowl winning streak and a seven game appearance streak. Cal is also 4-2 against Utah, but the Utes won the last matchup in 2003 31-24.

With Cal’s ability to stop the run, Utah will have to rely heavily on their defense to force turnovers, gaining favorable field position for the young Wynn. However, behind Senior DE Tyson Alualu and Junior DE Cameron Jordan (12.5 sacks combined in 2009), Wynn will need to keep from getting flustered and turning the ball back over.

Utah’s rushing defense is only 57th in the nation (141.33 yards a game), allowing ample opportunity for Best and Vereen to shine. Should Utah try to cheat up and stack the box, that should open Junior QB Kevin Riley to some wide open receivers. Riley has been a solid QB, but has thrown five of his six interceptions in November and December, and his accuracy can be suspect at times.

The Prediction: Utah develops an amazing rush defense, and allows Wynn to get some great field position. Utah 17-10.

November 17, 2009

NCAA Week 12 Top 25: TCU Takes Over the Top Spot

Filed under: ACC, ACC Coastal, Alabama, Arizona Wildcats, BCS, BYU, Big 10, Big East, Boise State, California, Case Keenum, Cincinnati Bearcats, Clemson Tigers, College, Florida Gators, Football, Georgia Tech, Houston, Hurricanes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan Wolverines, Mississippi Rebels, NCAA, Navy, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon Ducks, Pac-10, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, SEC, South Carolina, Sports, Stanford, TCU, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech, Tony Pike, UNC, USC Trojans, Utah, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 1:25 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

After TCUs demolishing of Utah, it felt right to make them number one. But where does everyone else fall as the season winds down?

1. TCU (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/21 at Wyoming

Their 55 point outburst was their fourth win over a top 25 ranked team, and they boast a top fifty strength of schedule. Non-AQ or not, TCU deserves the top spot right now.

2. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Kansas

The Longhorns are hitting their stride at the right time, sitting in prime position for the stretch run.

3. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Florida International

A closer than expected victory against South Carolina, but now a gimme against FIU is on the schedule.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Chattanoga

Alabama sits at fourth, but any of the teams above them could be in this same spot. It’s all relative until someone decides to lose.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/20 at Utah State

They took care of Idaho, but were once again overshadowed by TCU. They should still be able to grab a BCS bid though.

6. Cincinnati (Last Week: 6) Next Game: Idle

A huge win, coupled with the return of QB Tony Pike, and the Bearcats sit atop the Big East, with an undefeated season in mind.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 7) Next Game: Idle

The Yellow Jackets clinch the ACC Coastal, and look to make the trip to the Orange Bowl this year.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan

This is always the big game, but Michigan’s recent slides have just helped Ohio State springboard to bigger and better things.

9. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 10) Next Game: Idle

The Panthers have two tough Big East matchups left, and need to win both to smell a BCS bowl.

10. LSU (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/21 at Mississippi

Three SEC teams in the top ten, and LSU has lost to both of them.

11. Penn State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/21 at Michigan State

Penn State jumps four spots thanks to their competition all losing last week.

12. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/19 vs. Colorado

Texas Tech made it interesting for a while, and now a short week awaits the Cowboys.

13. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/21 vs. North Carolina State

The ACC Title is out of the picture, but a ten win season could still be a reality.

14. Oregon (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 11/21 at Arizona

Oregon jumps back up big, thanks to some competition losing.

15. Wisconsin (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 11/21 at Northwestern

The Badgers benefit from losers above, moving up in the polls once again.

16. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Minnesota

In two short weeks, Iowa went from national title contender to just another Big Ten team.

17. Stanford (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/21 vs. California

Two straight upsets of two ranked teams moves Stanford up big in the polls, and gives them a shot at the Pac-10 title.

18. USC (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: Idle

Two losses in three weeks knocks the Trojans back down, and out of the Pac-10 title picture.

19. Clemson (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/21 vs, Virginia

If Clemson wins, they’re in the ACC Championship in Coach Dabo Swinney’s first full season.

20. Utah (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/21 vs. San Diego State

Utah failed to show up last week, and suffer dearly in the polls for it.

21. Brigham Young (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Air Force

A close game, but BYU keeps the goal of a ten win season alive.

22. Navy (Last Week: 25) Next Game: Idle

The Midshipmen move up, and already clinched a bowl game this season.

23. Miami (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Duke

A week after a dominant victory, Miami’s ACC Title hopes vanish in a loss to UNC.

24. Houston (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/21 vs. Memphis

Houston’s dream season, and QB Case Keenum’s Heisman shot, just went right out the window against UCF.

25. Rutgers (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/21 at Syracuse

After an embarrassing opening week loss, Rutgers has bounced back, and jump into the Top 25.

November 3, 2009

NCAA Week 10 Top 25: Texas Remains On Top, Despite Strong Showing From Florida

Filed under: ACC, Alabama, Arizona Wildcats, BCS, BYU, Big 10, Boise State, C-USA, California, Cincinnati Bearcats, College, Florida Gators, Football, Georgia Tech, Houston, Hurricanes, Iowa Hawkeyes, LSU, Miami, NCAA, Navy, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon Ducks, Pac-10, Penn State, Pittsburgh, TCU, Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans, Utah, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 12:05 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

For the first time in a few weeks, we have a repeat number one! But where does everyone else fall?

1. Texas (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 11/7 vs. UCF

The Longhorns meant business in their dismantling of Oklahoma State, and that keeps them at number one this week.

2. Florida (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Vanderbilt

The Gators finally looked like the dominant team that was lacking confidence the last few weeks. The road to the championship still goes through them.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 11/7 at No. 8 LSU

The annual “”Saban” bowl is in Baton Rouge this year, but Alabama had an extra week to get prepared for the onslaught of booing.

4. TCU (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 11/7 at San Diego State

Thanks to the USC’s loss, TCU moves up, but a weak schedule could still hold them back.

5. Boise State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 11/6 at Louisiana Tech

Boise State sits in the same position as TCU, a weak schedule overlooking an otherwise dominant performance this season.

6. Iowa (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Northwestern

If Iowa could come out with a solid performance in a whole game, that might warrant jumping them in the polls. Until then, they sit where they are.

7. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Wake Forest

The ACC breeds a parity filled conference, so upsets are possible at any time. Georgia Tech needs to watch out.

8. LSU (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 11/7 vs. No. 3 Alabama

LSU lost their first shot at taking out a top ranked team, and they have even more motivation against their old coach.

9. Cincinnati (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Connecticut

Keep moving the Bearcats up, as they still have a lot to play for this season.

10. Penn State (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 11/7 vs. No. 13 Ohio State

For Penn State, this game could decide their entire season. A win is a must!

11. Oregon (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 11/7 at Stanford

Oregon played superb in their takedown of USC, and jump up three spots for it. They are now in complete control of the Pac-10.

12. USC (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 11/7 at Arizona State

USC can still make a BCS bowl as an at-large, but will need to start winning and getting their defense on track.

13. Ohio State (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 11/7 at No. 10 Penn State

The Big 10 Championship goes through Iowa right now, but Ohio State can take one step closer with a win on Saturday.

14. Pittsburgh (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Syracuse

This is a warm-up game for Pittsburgh’s stretch run, and the classic trap game is in effect here.

15. Utah (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Utah

A few losses helps Utah jump higher in the rankings.

16. Houston (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 11/7 at Tulsa

Despite giving up their most points since their loss to UTEP, the Cougars are in a good spot to earn a C-USA championship game berth.

17. Miami (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Virginia

Miami almost made it two losses in a row, but came back to stop Wake Forest’s upset bid.

18. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 11/7 at Iowa State

Three straight years, three straight losses to the Longhorns.

19. Oklahoma (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 11/7 at Nebraska

This game is another tough one for the Sooners, as Nebraska can go off at any time.

20. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 11/5 at East Carolina

Another Thursday night game is on the schedule, and the nation saw had bad the first one went for the Hokies.

21. Notre Dame (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Navy

Last time Navy came to South Bend, they upset the Irish. Will déjà vu strike this season?

22. Arizona (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Washington State

Arizona moves up a few spots thanks to a few losses in the polls.

23. California (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 vs. Oregon State

Welcome another Pac-10 team to the top 25, as the conference has shown some strength in numbers this season.

24. Wisconsin (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 at Indiana

Welcome to another Big 10 team, joining the top 25.

25. Brigham Young (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 11/7 at Wyoming

After starting off the season hot, the Cougars cool off, but work their way back into the top 25.

September 30, 2009

NCAA Week 5 Top 25

Filed under: ACC, Alabama, BCS, BYU, Big 10, Big 12, Big East, Boise State, California, Cincinnati Bearcats, College, Florida Gators, Florida State, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech, Houston, Hurricanes, Iowa Hawkeyes, Kansas, LSU, LeGarrette Blount, Miami, Michigan Wolverines, NCAA, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Oregon Ducks, Pac-10, Penn State, SEC, Sam Bradford, South Carolina, TCU, Texas Longhorns, Tim Tebow, UNC, USC Trojans, Virginia Tech — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 2:01 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The NCAA season is heating up, as another round of upsets bring some new faces in the Top 25 poll.

1. Florida (Last Week: 1) Next Game: Idle

Gator fans are holding their breath waiting to see if QB Tim Tebow will recover from his concussion and be back in time to face LSU in two weeks.

2. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: Idle

Texas has been quietly lurking, waiting for their shot to overthrow the current kings of college football in Gainesville.

3. Alabama (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 10/3 at Kentucky

Alabama jumps up to number three, setting the stage for a huge SEC Championship game against UF later in the season, if they don’t slip up first.

4. LSU (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 10/3 at No. 19 Georgia

A big matchup, and again, LSU can’t afford to look ahead to Florida, and need to focus on this matchup ahead of them.

5. USC (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 10/3 vs. California

After their loss to Washington, USC is in a Pac-10 hole that they need to prevent from slipping down further.

6. Ohio State (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 10/3 at Indiana

Quick shoutout to my brother Adam, who runs a sports bar at a Hilton in Bloomington. He’ll have plenty of drinks to pour after Ohio State is done with them.

7. TCU (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 10/3 vs. Southern Methodist

Can TCU be for real? They’re once again, benefiting from others loss, and are holding a tight grip on being a BCS-Buster.

8. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 10/3 at Duke

The Hokies took down Miami handily last week, showing they are the clear front-runners for the ACC Title Game.

9. Oklahoma (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 10/3 at No. 17 Miami

QB Sam Bradford is trying to make his return for this game, but how well will he play?

10. Boise State (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 10/3 vs. UC Davis

The Broncos slid right up into the top ten, giving two non-AQ schools a real shot at grabbing a BCS Bowl.

11. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 10/3 at Mississippi State

Tech bounced back against a UNC squad, but still are on the outside looking in for the ACC title right now.

12. Houston (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/3 at UTEP

Houston was omitted from last week’s polls, but have shown the desire to be ranked in the top 25.

13. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: Idle

The Cowboys move up thanks to losers in the polls.

14. Penn State (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 10/3 at Illinois

For the second straight season, Iowa is the kryptonite in the National Championship plans for Penn State.

15. Ole Miss(Last Week: 3) Next Game: 10/3 at Vanderbilt

Thursday night upset special? Much like last season, a top ranked team falls victim on a Thursday night.

16. Kansas (Last Week: 17) Next Game: Idle

The Jayhawks are quietly making progress in a crowded Big 12.

17. Miami (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 9/26 vs. No. 9 Oklahoma

Miami fell apart against Virginia Tech, but still have their fourth straight ranked opponent to face in Oklahoma this weekend.

18. BYU (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 10/2 vs. Utah State

BYU stays under Miami because Miami beat FSU, but BYU lost to FSU.

19. Georgia (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 10/3 vs. No. 4 LSU

Georgia could catch the Tigers napping, and need to strike when it happens.

20. Cincinnati (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 10/3 at Miami (Ohio)

The national polls have Cincinnati much higher, but I’m not sold on the Big East just yet.

21. Michigan (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 10/3 at Michigan State

A key Big 10 matchup this week will show just how far the Wolverines have come this season.

21. Nebraska (Last Week: 25) Next Game: Idle

Nebraska is one of five ranked teams in the Big 12 this season. Talk about competition!

22. UNC (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 10/3 vs. Virginia

The Tar Heels should bounce back after their flat performance against Georgia Tech and should take down Virginia handily.

23. Oregon (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/3 vs. Washington State

The Ducks are back in the polls, as they show they can perform without RB LeGarrette Blount.

24. Iowa (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/3 vs. Arkansas State

The Hawkeyes climb into the polls thanks to their win over Penn State.

25. South Carolina (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 10/3 vs. South Carolina State

A huge upset win allows the Gamecocks to climb into the polls for the first time this season.

September 22, 2009

NCAA Week 4 Top 25

Filed under: ACC, Aaron Corp, Alabama, BCS, BYU, Boise State, California, Cincinnati Bearcats, College, Colt McCoy, Florida Gators, Florida State, Football, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech, Hurricanes, Kansas, LSU, Matt Barkley, Miami, Michigan Wolverines, NCAA, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Penn State, SEC, Sports, TCU, Terrelle Pryor, Texas Longhorns, Todd Reesing, Tony Pike, UNC, USC Trojans, Virginia Tech, Washington — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 11:07 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Surprise, surprise? Some top teams stumble and are losing ground on the national title race. Who takes their spot? Let’s go to the polls.

1. Florida (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 9/26 at Kentucky

Gator fans and staff are blaming their ten point victory on the swine flu. Whatever happened to “a win is a win?”

2. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 9/26 vs. UTEP

Colt McCoy and company avoided another upset at the hands of Texas Tech, holding the Red Raiders to -6 rushing yards.

3. Ole Miss(Last Week: 4) Next Game: 9/24 at South Carolina

The Rebels move up thanks to USCs loss, but must avoid a letdown game in Columbia this week.

4. Alabama (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 9/26 at Arkansas

Three SEC teams in the top five? There is little doubt that this is the toughest conference in college football.

5. Penn State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Iowa

The Spread HD may be their bread and butter, but their defense has given up only 20 points in three games.

6. LSU (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 9/26 at Mississippi State

A tough matchup against Georgia is on the horizon, but the Tigers can’t over look this weekend.

7. USC (Last Week: 3) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Washington State

The Trojans drop due to their loss, and now a QB battle is brewing between Matt Barkley, who is hurt, and Aaron Corp, who couldn’t lead the team to victory.

8. Ohio State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Illinois

Terrelle Pryor ensured a victory this week, throwing for 262 yards and adding an extra 110 on the ground in the shutout.

9. TCU (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 9/26 at Clemson

The Horned Frogs take advantage of their counterparts mistakes, and slide further up into the top 10.

10. Miami (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 9/26 vs. No. 12 Virginia Tech

The Hurricanes are quickly showing they are for real, winning against another ranked opponent in the ACC.

11. Oklahoma (Last Week: 12) Next Game: Idle

Oklahoma gets an extra week to prepare against an equally dangerous Miami team.

12. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 9/26 at No. 10 Miami

A game winning drive took down Nebraska, but the Hokies will need a top game in order to get a victory this week.

13. UNC (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 9/26 at No.15 Georgia Tech

The Tar Heels are looking strong in the ACC this season, and this game gives them a chance to make some noise in the Coastal division.

14. Boise State (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 9/26 at Bowling Green

With BYU’s loss, Boise State is one of two teams left looking at a BCS bid as a non-automatic qualifier.

15. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 9/26 vs. No. 13 North Carolina

Miami exposed the triple offense. Can the Yellow Jackets get back on track and avoid a 1-2 ACC start?

16. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Grambling State

The Cowboys bounced back from their upset loss with a win over Rice, and should have an easy game against Grambling State this weekend.

17. Kansas (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Southern Miss

QB Todd Reesing has thrown for 806 yards in a mere three games this season.

18. California (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 9/26 at Oregon

Cal jumps thanks to some losses, but face an Oregon team with some fire after they beat Utah last week.

19. Florida State (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 9/26 vs. South Florida

It’s a tale of two teams for the Seminoles, as the team that beat BYU is not the same team that snuck by Jacksonville State.

20. BYU (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Colorado State

BYU lost their best shot at possibly competition for a national championship, and will need a lot of help to get back in the BCS conversation.

21. Georgia (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Arizona State

The Bulldogs played like a Big 12 team last week, putting up 52 points against Arkansas.

22. Cincinnati (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Fresno State

QB Tony Pike has 923 yards passing and eight touchdowns through three games this year.

23. Michigan (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Indiana

The Wolverines have matched their win total from last season, proving RichRod knows how to turn a team around in year two.

24. Washington (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 9/26 at Stanford

After a disappointing 0-12 season a year ago, an upset over USC finds the Huskies back in the top 25.

25. Nebraska (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 9/26 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

A last minute drive knocked the Cornhuskers back, but they should get on track again this week.

September 15, 2009

NCAA Week 3 Top 25

Filed under: Alabama, BYU, Boise State, California, Cincinnati Bearcats, College, Florida Gators, Florida State, Football, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech, Hurricanes, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan Wolverines, NCAA, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Penn State, TCU, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech, Tim Tebow, UNC, USC Trojans, Utah, Virginia Tech — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 1:16 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Are the men already being separated from the boys? Upsets are starting to become commonplace as conference matchups start up this week. Let’s see where the teams are falling now.

1. Florida (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Tennessee

Lane Kiffin has been running his mouth for months leading up to this matchup. You don’t think Tim Tebow and crew aren’t ready to make him eat his words?

2. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 9/19 vs. No. 22 Texas Tech

A revenge game is on tap in Austin, as the Longhorns look to avenge last year’s loss.

3. USC (Last Week: 4) Next Game: 9/19 at Washington

The defense is doing magic, ranking in the top 15 in both yards allowed and points scored. Can they keep that up against QB Jake Locker?

4. Ole Miss(Last Week: 3) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Southeastern Louisiana

Ole Miss slides this week, thanks to USC’s big win. An easy game this week should keep them as top five material.

5. Alabama (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 9/19 vs. North Texas

A non-descript win against FIU last week, and another winnable game this week.

6. Penn State (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Temple

The Nittany Lions take huge advantage of losses in front of them, as they move up again in the rankings.

7. LSU (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

QB Jordan Jefferson is doing a fine job as the leader of this offense, throwing for 310 yards and three touchdowns in two games.

8. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 9/17 vs. No. 23 Miami

The Yellow Jackets almost blew a big lead against Clemson. Another game or two like that, and they could end up on the losing side.

9. Ohio State (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 9/19 at Toledo

The Buckeyes dropped two spots, as they had the lead up until the last second. They should bounce back quickly against Toledo.

10. TCU (Last Week: 11) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Texas State

The score last week wasn’t as close, as the Horned Frogs defense pitched a shutout until the fourth quarter.

11. BYU (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Florida State

If the Seminoles played like they did last week against the Cougars, BYU will just keep climbing in the rankings.

12. Oklahoma (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Tulsa

QB Landry Jones look Bradford-esque with his three touchdown performance, but the spotlight shone deeply on the Defense, who pitched a nice shutout last week.

13. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 9/19 vs. No. 19 Nebraska

They lost their first shot against a ranked opponent, and need a win here to keep from people questioning this team’s ability to win a big game.

14. UNC (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 9/19 at East Carolina

The Tar Heels almost slipped up against Connecticut, needing a last second safety to win it. Mistakes like those won’t get this team far.

15. Boise State (Last Week: 16) Next Game: 9/18 at Fresno State

QB Kellen Moore threw four touchdowns last week, and the Broncos keep making waves to be another BCS Buster this season.

16. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Rice

The Cowboys had a great chance to shoot up the charts, but blew it in a huge upset loss against Houston.

17. Kansas (Last Week: 17) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Duke

Another quiet win for the Jayhawks, and they are building momentum heading into Big 12 play soon.

18. Utah (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 9/19 at Oregon

San Jose State put up a fight, can Oregon knock the Utes off their perch?

19. Nebraska (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 9/19 at No. 13 Virginia Tech

Two easy wins, and now it’s time to travel and take on the Hokies.

20. California (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 9/19 at Minnesota

Many pundits have the Golden Bears ranked higher, but I still need to be impressed.

21. Georgia (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 9/19 at Arkansas

The Bulldogs prevented an 0-2 start with a big SEC win against South Carolina. Can they keep it up against the Razorbacks?

22. Texas Tech (Last Week: 23) Next Game: 9/19 at No. 2 Texas

The Red Raiders are looking to pull off another upset against Texas this week, but will have to do so in Austin.

23. Miami (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 9/17 vs. No. 8 Georgia Tech

An off week lets them prepare extra for the triple option threat that Georgia Tech will bring

24. Cincinnati (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 9/19 at Oregon State

They put up 70 points last week, can they keep up that offensive momentum?

25. Michigan (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 9/19 vs. Eastern Michigan

The Wolverines return to the polls after their big win against Notre Dame. Another win here should keep them moving up.

September 10, 2009

NCAA Week 2 Top 25

Filed under: Alabama, BYU, Boise State, California, Cincinnati Bearcats, College, Colt McCoy, Florida Gators, Florida State, Football, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech, Hurricanes, Kansas, LSU, Matt Barkley, Max Hall, Miami, NCAA, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Sam Bradford, TCU, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech, UNC, USC Trojans, Utah, Virginia Tech — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — SportmeisterRyan @ 2:37 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Week one is in the books, with some changes already being made at the top of the rankings. Let’s take a look

1. Florida (Last Week: 1) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Troy

No problems last week against Charleston Southern, but how long until the season ending injury of Andre DeBose becomes an issue?

2. Texas (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 9/12 at Wyoming

Colt McCoy and the Longhorns slide up a spot thanks to Oklahoma’s loss.

3. Ole Miss(Last Week: 4) Next Game: Idle

Ole Miss keeps moving up the rankings, thanks to the big win against Memphis, but how will the swine flu bug affect them?

4. USC (Last Week: 5) Next Game: 9/12 at No. 7 Ohio State

Freshman QB Matt Barkley looked good against San Diego State, but his first true test comes this weekend against the Buckeyes, on the road.

5. Alabama (Last Week: 6) Next Game: 9/12 vs. FIU

For the second straight year, Alabama takes out an ACC foe in the opener. Last year, they rode that momentum to the SEC Championship Game.

6. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 7) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Houston

With Oklahoma’s loss, Oklahoma State could take the Big 12, but they need to keep their focus following last week’s win.

7. Ohio State (Last Week: 8 ) Next Game: 9/12 vs. No. 4 USC

The Buckeyes looked ahead last week, and almost slipped up against Navy. There can be no mistakes here.

8. Penn State (Last Week: 9) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Syracuse

JoePa goes two up on Bobby Bowden with last week’s win, and should gain another victory this week.

9. Georgia Tech (Last Week: 13) Next Game: 9/10 vs. Clemson

The Yellow Jackets move into the top ten after their convincing victory, and a couple timely losses. A short week bodes well for them in an ACC battle against Clemson.

10. LSU (Last Week: 12) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Vanderbilt

Washington posed a big threat, even for an 0-12 team. LSU needs their Defense to step up if they want SEC glory this season.

11. TCU (Last Week: 14) Next Game: 9/12 at Virginia

TCU got the benefit of the off week, and face a Virginia team still smarting from last week’s loss to an FBS member.

12. BYU (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 9/12 at Tulane

They jumped big this week after their upset of Oklahoma, thanks to the leadership of QB Max Hall. If they can continue the success, could a National Championship game be in the cards?

13. Oklahoma (Last Week: 2) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Idaho

QB and Heisman Trophy Winner Sam Bradford could be out for two weeks, but should be back in time for a showdown against Miami. However, Jermaine Gresham is lost for the season. The O-line has to step up this week.

14. UNC (Last Week: 15) Next Game: 9/12 at Connecticut

The Tar Heels are quietly building confidence, in the hopes of taking the ACC Crown this year.

15. Virginia Tech (Last Week: 10) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Marshall

How bad did the loss of Darren Evans affect this team? They still can take the ACC, but the loss to Alabama removes any national championship discussion.

16. Boise State (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Miami (OH)

Boise State spoiled Chip Kelly’s Oregon debut, and even a punch to the face won’t affect this squad.

17. Kansas (Last Week: 18) Next Game: 9/12 at UTEP

The Jayhawks had a quiet victory against Northern Colorado last week. Can they stay under the radar all season long?

18. Utah (Last Week: 19) Next Game: 9/12 at San Jose State

The Utes just keep on rolling, with another cupcake game on the schedule.

19. Notre Dame (Last Week: NR) Next Game: 9/12 at Michigan

Are the Irish back? An easy win last week would point signs to yes, but the true test will come from playing in the Big House.

20. Nebraska (Last Week: 20) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Arkansas State

Nebraska is humming along nicely, preparing for another cupcake battle.

21. California (Last Week: 21) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Eastern Washington

Cal won big last week, earning quite the revenge against Maryland.

22. Georgia (Last Week: 22) Next Game: 9/12 vs. South Carolina

I got to cheer with the 48th IBCT as they root on their Dawgs against South Carolina this weekend. Should be on TV too!

23. Texas Tech (Last Week: 24) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Rice

The Red Raiders aren’t getting much play this season, but will still put up the big numbers, if you like that.

24. Miami (Last Week: NR) Next Game: Idle

The Hurricanes join the Top 25 after their victory over Florida State. They still have an extremely tough schedule ahead of them.

25. Cincinnati (Last Week: 25) Next Game: 9/12 vs. Southeast Missouri State

The Bearcats demolished Rutgers last week, making themselves the team to beat in the Big East.

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