NCAA Football Rankings Week 11

[highnote]

Here are my rankings for this week:

There is a new number one -- Texas Tech. They beat up #8 Oklahoma State pretty badly and in my opinion are deserving of number one. The over/under was 59 1/2. I was pretty confident it would go over that. It did -- 76. I figured it would be 86.

#1 Alabama barely pulled out a win over #15 LSU. Either AL is not as good as people think or LSU is better than people think. I put LSU at #39 even after their close game with #1 AL. I rate AL #5.

I doubt Ball St. is as good as my rankings suggest. Until they play a top team it's hard to know how good they are. If I downgraded the teams they play based on the conference they are in I run the risk of downgrading Ball St. too much. This is like trying to figure out how much to adjust a horse's speed figure based on the weight it carried. It's probably better to just rate a horse based on the time it ran and adjust it for the daily track variant. The more you try to adjust ratings, the more noise you introduce.

Texas Tech 1086.2
Florida 1082.1
Oklahoma 1075.1
Texas 1071.4
Alabama 1068.1
Penn St. 1067.7
USC 1064.5
Ball St. 1062
Boise St. 1061.7
Ohio St. 1059.3
Missouri 1057.6
Utah 1056.2
TCU 1055.8
Tulsa 1050.2
Oklahoma St. 1048.8
North Carolina 1048.6
BYU 1044.6
Florida St. 1044
Air Force 1038
Iowa 1037.8
Georgia 1037.6
Michigan St. 1037.5
Arizona 1035
South Carolina 1032.3
West Virginia 1030.4
California 1030.1
Oregon St. 1029
Miami (FL) 1028.4
W. Michigan 1028.4
Boston Coll. 1028.2
Cincinnati 1027.8
Pittsburgh 1027.8
Oregon 1027.6
Georgia Tech 1026.9
Nebraska 1023.8
Kansas 1021.7
South Florida 1021.6
Virginia Tech 1021.5
LSU 1020
Rice 1019.2
Northwestern 1018.3
Troy 1017.7
Cent. Michigan 1017.2
Connecticut 1016.3
Northern Illinois 1016
Wisconsin 1015.6
Mississippi 1015.1
Houston 1014.6
Navy 1014.6
Wake Forest 1013.5
Illinois 1013.4
Rutgers 1012
Notre Dame 1011.7
Clemson 1011.5
Kentucky 1011.4
Minnesota 1010.7
Nevada 1010.6
Maryland 1009.9
Vanderbilt 1009.5
East Carolina 1009.2
Southern Miss 1009.2
Buffalo 1008
New Hampshire 1007.8
LA Lafayette 1007.2
Bowling Green 1006.1
Akron 1004.6
Auburn 1004.4
Cal Poly 1004.1
Arkansas St. 1003.3
Louisville 1003
Louisiana Tech 1002.5
Virginia 1002.4
Stanford 1002.2
Memphis 999.4
San Jose St. 998.4
UTEP 997.7
Gardner-Webb 997.2
UC Davis 995.6
North Dakota St. 995.4
Western Ill. 995.3
Baylor 995.1
Sacramento St. 995.1
Kansas St. 994.9
New Mexico 994.6
Delaware 994.4
Fresno St. 994.3
McNeese St. 994.1
Wofford 993.7
William & Mary 992.4
Texas St. 992.1
Central Arkansas 992
Duke 991.4
Sam Houston St. 991.4
Northern Arizona 991.2
Temple 991
Furman 990.7
Southern Ill. 990.3
Richmond 989.8
Samford 989.6
Georgia Southern 989.1
James Madison 989.1
Northern Iowa 989.1
Massachusetts 988.9
Texas A&M 988.9
Illinois St. 988.8
Florida Intl. 988.5
Virginia Military 988.4
Jacksonville St. 988.1
Nicholls St. 988.1
South Dakota St. 988.1
Villanova 988.1
Delaware St. 988
Appalachian St. 987.8
Towson 987.8
Alabama A&M 987.7
Marshall 987.5
Michigan 987.5
Norfolk St. 987.5
Tennessee 987.4
Arizona St. 987.2
Missouri St. 987
Colorado 986.8
Purdue 986.7
Hofstra 986.6
Northern Colorado 986.6
Rhode Island 986.6
Citadel 986.2
Southern Utah 985.9
Arkansas 985.7
Florida Atlantic 985.5
Grambling St. 985.3
Hawaii 985.2
Eastern Wash. 984.5
Weber St. 984.1
N.C. State 983.9
UNLV 983.8
Mississippi St. 983.3
Army 983.2
Maine 983.1
Youngstown St. 983.1
SE Missouri St. 982.6
Colorado St. 981.8
Alabama St. 980.7
SE Louisiana 980.7
Morgan St. 980.6
Stephen F. Austin 980.5
Southern 980.3
Northwestern St. 980
Eastern Illinois 979.4
Coastal Carolina 979.1
Northeastern 978.8
Middle Tenn. St. 978.1
Portland St. 977.9
Kent St. 977.8
Montana St. 977.4
LA Monroe 977.1
Charleston S. 975.7
Eastern Kentucky 975.5
S. Carolina St. 975.2
Texas Southern 975.2
Western Carolina 975
Wyoming 974.7
Idaho St. 974.5
Tenn-Martin 974.1
UCLA 973.8
Chattanooga 971.2
New Mexico St. 971.1
Tennessee Tech 971
Ohio 970.5
Toledo 970.3
Murray St. 969.7
Syracuse 969
Indiana 968.7
Utah St. 966.4
Alcorn St. 965.1
Iowa St. 965
Indiana St. 964.9
West. Kentucky 964.4
UCF 964.3
East. Michigan 959.2
Tulane 958.6
UAB 957.9
Miami (OH) 956.3
SMU 951
Washington 943.8
Idaho 940.6
San Diego St. 939.5
Washington St. 932.3
North Texas 931.5

[DanG]

#1 Alabama barely pulled out a win over #15 LSU. Either AL is not as good as people think or LSU is better than people think. I put LSU at #39 even after their close game with #1 AL. I rate AL #5.

Interesting rankings; thanks! :ThmbUp:

I’m curious if you watched the Bama / LSU game John;

I heard the same “squeaked out a win” last night on sportscenter and if you watched the game… (At least from my eyes)

1. Alabama was poised to beat the living crap out of LSU when they fumbled for a touchback on the 1st drive.
2. As anyone in Louisiana could tell you they were foaming at the mouth for that game (The whole Sabin debacle) and the hitting was INTENSE.

Score not withstanding…I thought that was a good example of a relatively down LSU squad (they still have top-10 talent on both lines btw) playing at an emotional state where any road win should be upgraded.

BTW-I: If that game was at night Bama was in trouble given the same scenario. Some of those Cajun’s don’t start waking up until the sun goes down. :sleeping: :jump:

BTW-II: John Parker Wilson is clearly over-rated against certain pressure. If any team can apply heat and make him move around Bama will struggle against the number. Why they don’t run more is beyond me, but I hope they keep throwing against Florida if / and when they meet. Even though; with all the great receivers in football…I would take freshman Julio Jones over any in the country. His strength is beyond belief for his age.

BTW-III: Florida keeps getting healthier. Tebow was hiding a leg injury (as he ALWAYS does) and he was moving around better last night then any game this year. Still waiting for the first excuse from that kid or see him dog it for one snap. To me if anything; he is underrated with the consistency and leadership he brings each week. The kid is unique in everyway and I'm still holding out hope he becomes a son in law. ;) :ThmbUp:

[cj]

I'm pretty sure the SEC is rated too high this year. I guess we'll find out in bowl season, but it might be too late by then.

The LSU QB wouldn't start for a single team in the Big 12.

[rrbauer]

If you've seen Florida play; and, you've seen Alabama play; and, you pick Alabama to beat Florida then you must have a lot of red on your neck!!

:lol:

Ball State paid a lot of dues to get where they're at. They made a decision to upgrade their program and played top-20 teams like Auburn, getting pasted for their efforts, but getting the eye of high school kids wanting to go to a school where they would have a chance to make the team and get some notice. It has paid off. Bowl game last year. This year they have beat a Big-10 team (Indiana) and are mopping up the MAC. I think they are on ESPN2 midweek the next two or three weeks for some more national recognition.

[magwell]

1=fla 2=ala 3=tex tech 4=texas 5=usc 6=okla 7=penn st. 8=ohio st. just a dream just a dream :bang:

[cj]

1=fla 2=ala 3=tex tech 4=texas 5=usc 6=okla 7=penn st. 8=ohio st. just a dream just a dream :bang:

The Big 10 with 2? ROFL

[magwell]

The Big 10 with 2? ROFL I didnt see your top 8 teams...

[DanG]

CJ ~ I'm pretty sure the SEC is rated too high this year. I guess we'll find out in bowl season, but it might be too late by then.

The LSU QB wouldn't start for a single team in the Big 12.
True on LSU’s QB and the conference in terms of depth. Who knows / who will meet. My heart is with my girls gators; but I would bet two things heavily...

Florida against ANY Big-12 on the money line and (assuming a conservative ground attack game plan / big if :rolleyes: ) the left side of Alabama’s line would beat the tar out of any Big-12 defense over 60 minutes. (Could they stop them enough?...it would be an interesting match up)

rrbauer ~ If you've seen Florida play; and, you've seen Alabama play; and, you pick Alabama to beat Florida then you must have a lot of red on your neck!!
No red on this Jersey neck 'RR but the game would be a lot tighter then you think. The best ‘o line can always keep it close even though Florida is certainly peaking at the right time.

[cj]

I didnt see your top 8 teams...

My top 8 right now:

1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. USC
7. Boise St
8. Penn St (close call over Utah)

[highnote]

My top 8 right now:

1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. USC
7. Boise St
8. Penn St (close call over Utah)


What about Ball St.? We pretty much agree on the first 6 or 7.

[cj]

I'm just not that impressed with Ball St. Beating the Big 10 patsy Indiana in what I consider a down year for the Big 10 doesn't do much for me.

I'd love a playoff so a few teams like Boise St, Utah, and Ball St. had a chance.

One thing I would hate in a playoff with as few as 8 teams is automatic bids for a conference. This year the ACC and Big East are poor, but it could happen to any conference. Plus, we've seen years where a low rated team beats an overall better team in the conference title game. Then who goes?

[Marshall Bennett]

My top 8 right now:

1. Texas Tech
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. USC
7. Boise St
8. Penn St (close call over Utah)
:ThmbUp: well done

[ElKabong]

Florida against ANY Big-12 on the money line and (assuming a conservative ground attack game plan / big if :rolleyes: ) the left side of Alabama’s line would beat the tar out of any Big-12 defense over 60 minutes. (Could they stop them enough?...it would be an interesting match up)


When Orakpo is back, the TEXAS front 7 is as good as anyone in the country vs the run. Problem is we haven't played many running teams. TEXAS would actually match up well vs Bama. They would make Parker try to win a game, something he hasn't been asked. A TEXAS -Bama game would be a surprisingly low score.

[DanG]

When Orakpo is back, the TEXAS front 7 is as good as anyone in the country vs the run. Problem is we haven't played many running teams. TEXAS would actually match up well vs Bama. They would make Parker try to win a game, something he hasn't been asked. A TEXAS -Bama game would be a surprisingly low score.
I agree it would be very close and your right about putting it in Wilson’s hands…a risky proposition.

My feeling come Bowl time (as it is most years) is even in a down SEC; the extremely physical nature of the line play pays dividends (assuming the team’s health survives) and that physical conditioning doesn’t show up in power ratings and most national perception.

No doubt the way Texas came through that wicked schedule back to back to back was VERY impressive. (As of course was Tech for that matter)

BTW: So there’s no misconception…I’m NO Bama fan… :D but I am a fan of ‘O line play determining more then their share of numbers.

[rrbauer]

No red on this Jersey neck 'RR but the game would be a lot tighter then you think. The best ‘o line can always keep it close even though Florida is certainly peaking at the right time.

They're going to play for the SEC. Let's see what the injury reports are when they get there. Right now, I'd take Florida straight up. And I don't care how close it is. How do you think the game would've come out on Saturday if Tebow (or any other polished QB) was playing for LSU?

[cj]

:ThmbUp: well done

Yeah, but what happens in two weeks if OU beats TT?

Now you have three teams that have done nothing but lose to each other, while Florida and USC have pretty weak losses comparatively. OU lost on a neutral field, while UT and TT lost on the road, so I'd give them the advantage over OU. Since TT beat UT, I have to put them tops in the Big 12.

However, because of this ridiculous BCS, it is more important when you lose than to which team, which is just stupid. The whole BCS is a fraud. I think we are destined for another split title.

College football, the only sport I know of where the champion is not determined on the field.

[pktruckdriver]

I am a true Blue SEC Guy.



Go Gators


But it seems this year that the Big 12 may be a better conference than the SEC this year and if you repeat this is will deny it.

I believe that texas, tt, ou and osu could probally sweep alabama, the gators would be tougher, but I will admit it would be a great game, even money.


Florida just must win to get in, in my opinion, what do you guys think?

Patrick

[cj]

I am a true Blue SEC Guy.



Go Gators


But it seems this year that the Big 12 may be a better conference than the SEC this year and if you repeat this is will deny it.

I believe that texas, tt, ou and osu could probally sweep alabama, the gators would be tougher, but I will admit it would be a great game, even money.


Florida just must win to get in, in my opinion, what do you guys think?

Patrick

Of course they have to win out to get in.

[DanG]

They're going to play for the SEC. Let's see what the injury reports are when they get there. Right now, I'd take Florida straight up. And I don't care how close it is. How do you think the game would've come out on Saturday if Tebow (or any other polished QB) was playing for LSU?
Your right; thankfully we should find out on the field.

As far as plugging Tebow into LSU; different scenario. (Putting aside all LSU’s skill position flaws this year for a second) LSU’s big men actually match up better with Bama then many of Florida’s will. Florida can and will score on anyone; but if Bama chooses to go completely primitive in their play calling...they can wear on any team. I thought the over reliance on the pass against LSU was just a refection of their respect for the Tigers big people.

Translation…I hope they pass non-stop against Florida ;) even though in a moment of weakness I promised my daughter she can go to the national Championship game if Florida makes it. :blush:

[Marshall Bennett]

I've mentioned before in another thread that IMO an undefeated team beating the #1 team should propel them to that position . TT should have been there after defeating Texas . I suppose if TT defeats OU on the road they'll still be playing second fiddle to Alabama . Rediculous !! IMO TT would demolish Alabama on the field . Alabama's offense would never keep up , even if their defense was on their game . MB

[sammy the sage]

DEFENSE wins championships...PERIOD

And every year...everybody TOUTS the offensive juggernaut...only to LOSE 80% of the time...be it pro or college...

Why 2 years ago...Fla's pathetic offense would surely never be able to hang w/Ohio St.'s...BUT Fla.'s O had been going up against some great defense's ALL year...while the reverse was true on the other side of the ball!

Let the Big 12 play somebody w/a BREATHING defense...they haven't YET???

I will say this...there are 4 FUTURE nfl qb's playing there (big12)...but it's hard to pass when you laid out horizontal on the turf!

[cj]

DEFENSE wins championships...PERIOD...

Fabulous defense in that USC/Texas tilt. Not many of the BCS games have been defensive struggles.

Now, identifying the best offensive team isn't always easy before the game, but most of the winners have been quite prolific.

[sammy the sage]

CJ...you're right about the Tex/Usc...the better offensive team won...

BUT that was the 20% abberation...go check the rest of the records for nat'l title games...the BETTER defense team has won 80% of the time...just because their ofense might score highly...doesn't diminish the fact....

As a MATTER of fact...ALMOST all the GREAT Nat'l title UPSETS were when the UGLY defensive team won as well!

USC...while known for Offense...is ALWAYS top 10 defensively...

Heck the only other OFFENSIVE juggernaut I can remember in the last 20 years winning was the 96 Gators...

By the way...that 95 Nebraska...had a hell'uva defense...

You'll just have to give me more examples were I'm wrong... :lol:

[pktruckdriver]

Translation…I hope they pass non-stop against Florida ;) even though in a moment of weakness I promised my daughter she can go to the national Championship game if Florida makes it. :blush:



GO GATORS

[Marshall Bennett]

I cannot for the life of me remember a team winning a national championship with a weak offense . You don't put points on the board you don't win ball games , and in many cases , a lot of points .

[highnote]

This week's games look really boring. I don't see any great matchups.

Does anybody see something that I missed?

The game that seemed the most interesting to me was the Ball St / Miami, OH game and I missed it. :(

Ball St. should have blown them away if they wanted to have a realistic shot at being a #1 contender. They only won something like 31-16. Miami is awful, and yet after the first quarter the score was tied at zero to zero.

That is not the way champion should play.

Ball St. is lucky if they're the 25th best team in the country.

[rrbauer]

I cannot for the life of me remember a team winning a national championship with a weak offense . You don't put points on the board you don't win ball games , and in many cases , a lot of points .

"Big" offense will handle "big" defense any day of the week. It's been a great angle for betting college FB for as long as I've been around.
This week's games look really boring. I don't see any great matchups.

Does anybody see something that I missed?

The game that seemed the most interesting to me was the Ball St / Miami, OH game and I missed it. :(

Ball St. should have blown them away if they wanted to have a realistic shot at being a #1 contender. They only won something like 31-16. Miami is awful, and yet after the first quarter the score was tied at zero to zero.

That is not the way champion should play.

Ball St. is lucky if they're the 25th best team in the country.

Ball St at 25 is about right. However, they have a QB that could play for a lot of SEC teams. LSU, Tennessee and Auburn come to mind of the ones that I've watched.

[DanG]

"Big" offense will handle "big" defense any day of the week.

It’s much more match-up oriented then that imo.

You give me a team built light and fast to defend the spread and the corners will be throwing up by the 4th quarter if you pound them with pulling guards. And the reverse can be true as App state proved to Michigan etc…