Week 2: Top 25

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25. Michigan 1-0
24. West Virginia (1-0)
23. Missouri (1-0)
22. Clemson (1-0)
21. USC (1-0)
20. Arkansas (1-0)
19. Virginia Tech (0-1)
18. Utah (1-0)
17.  LSU (1-0)
16. Georgia 1-0)
15. Notre Dame (1-0)
14. Penn State (1-0)
13. Florida State (1-0)
12. TCU (1-0)
11. Iowa (1-0)
10. Nebraska (1-0)
9. Wisconsin (1-0)
8. Oklahoma (1-0)
7. Florida (1-0)
6. Miami (FL) (1-0)
5. Texas (1-0)
4. Oregon (1-0)
3. Boise State (1-0)
2. Ohio State (1-0)
1. Alabama (1-0)

Knocked off the list: Pittsburgh (13) Texas Tech (21)

Next Four In: Stanford, South Carolina, BYU, Georgia Tech

The AP Top 25: Makes Sense, Kind Of..

The AP Top 25 poll has come out for all college football fans to gaze at with wonder. A few suprises in there to be honest. Not in the teams, but in the placement of the teams. Here is a look at the AP Top 25 and MY Top 25 where there is most debate... 25-17

AP 25
The full poll:
1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. TCU
7. Oklahoma
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Virginia Tech
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami
14. USC
15. Pittsburgh
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. North Carolina
19. Penn State
20. Florida State
21. LSU
22. Auburn
23. Georgia
24. Oregon State
25. West Virginia

MY 25:
25. West Virginia

24. Missouri
23. USC
22. Clemson
21. Texas Tech
20. Arkansas
19. Wisconsin
18. TCU
17. Georgia
16. Notre Dame
15. Virginia Tech
14. Georgia Tech
13. Pittsburgh
12. Oregon
11. Penn State
10. Nebraska
9. Iowa
8. Auburn
7. Miami (FL)
6. Texas
5. Florida
4. Oklahoma
3. Boise State
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama

Thoughts by #:
25: We both had West Virginia. I completely agree. The second best team in the Big East (preseason) deserves to be in the Top 25. Because of the quality in the Big East, WVU at #25 is extremely sensible

24: AP: Oregon State--- Warren: Missouri
Where they have Missouri: Unranked--- Where I have OSU: Unranked

This one is very difficult because I had Oregon State in my first Top 25, but took them out for multiple reasons. While I thought they belonged in the Top 25 to start the year, I found that they simply do not have the personell this year to crack the Top 25 more than once during the season. I chose Missouri because they have the ability to run the table until mid-October which would ovbiously warrant a Top 25 bid.

23: AP: Georgia--- Warren: USC
Where they have USC: 14--- Where I have Georgia: 17

So I have USC 9 slots lower than the AP. I feel as if USC have to prove themselves in the first half of the season to break the top 15. They have around 6 games to start the season where there is no doubt they'll be the favorite. If they are able to win those games, I will bring them as high as the AP and probably even higher. With USC at 14, I expect no movement whatsoever until someone ahead of them falls, or they lose one of those first 6 games. For Georgia, I expect a very good season, but I would like to see them play at South Carolina before I place them ahead of too many other teams. With a victory @South Carolina, They will be poised to move ahead of those two teams regardless of record.

22: AP: Auburn--- Warren: Clemson
Where they have Clemson: Unranked--- Where I have Auburn: 8

I am an Auburn believer this year, and my ranking ovbiously proves that. Newton should be a great quarterback, and he has the type of weapons with him like Mario Fannin to really challenge Alabama this time around. With Clemson, Kyle Parker played a huge part in my decision. With an experienced quarterback and a still prestigious defense, they will be in my 25 until they lose.

21: AP: LSU---Warren: Texas Tech
Where I have LSU ranked: Unranked--- Where they have Texas Tech: Unranked

I really like LSU and they will always have one of the best defenses in the country, but I have to hold judgement or movement until they show they are able to replace Charles Scott and Brandon LaFell on offense. They also have UNC to start off the year which will either give them an in to the 25 or kick them out. Texas Tech has a quarterback battle that will only make the team better. Two seniors fighting for playing time could work out perfectly for their offense. Their offense will always be proficient, but it is their defense that could actually improve with experience across the board.

20: AP: Florida State--- Warren: Arkansas
Where I rank Florida State: Unranked--- Where they rank Arkansas: 17

Florida State does deserve to be pretty damn close to the Top 25, but when they head into Norman in Week 2, they will be seriously challenged. I see them making their way into the Top 25 once they get on a roll before their battle with Miami (FL), but a 7-6 with only a slight turnover can be much better while the season goes on, but do not deserve to be in the Top 25 to start the year.

19: AP: Penn State--- Warren: Wisconsin
Where I have Penn State: 11--- Where they have Wisconsin: 12

We may both be wrong here, but I think that having such a dominant defense last year along with one of the best running backs in the Country deserves to be high to start the year. They will have a huge test at week two versus Alabama that will ultimately decide their expecations for the year. If PSU loses to Alabama, they still deserve to be somewhere in the Top 25, and placing them at 19 doesn't give them that oppourtunity. Wisconsin on the other hand, will have an amazing offense that needs their defense to step up. Wisconsin will most likely go into their meeting in East Lansing versus Michigan State undefeated. At that point, I would say Wisconsin deserves that #12 spot.

18.: AP: North Carolina--- TCU
Where they have TCU: 6--- Where I have North Carolina: Unranked

No, I am not crazy. TCU will move up as long as they beat Oregon State to start the season. They will fly once it happens, I promise that. I don't have UNC ranked for the exact same reason why I don't have LSU ranked; They play each other in the first game of the season. With that result, either team will move to #22 or higher.

17: AP: Arkansas--- Warren: Georgia

Arkansas: Check #20 for explanation
Georgia: Check #23 for explanation

Breaking Down the Top 25: #21 Texas Tech

Courtesy of thematadorsports.com

Since I am stuck in my Mike Leach phase, I thought it fitting to pump out another Top 25 preview for ya'll. Texas Tech has a new coach this year. The Mike Leach saga has come to a close for TT fans. Tommy Tuberville is heading into this situation with his head held high. After taking a year off of coaching, Thomas will come into Lubbock where a pirate crazy HC has been the BMOC for years. Will we see some more running with Tuberville at TT? Probably, but if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? Either way, TT has a very difficult schedule this season, and no offensive scheme can truly save them from a treacherous schedule. A bowl bid may seem like the worst case scenario for the Red Raiders, but where is the ceiling in 2010?
#21 Texas Tech

2009: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Better

September 5th: SMU-- W
Why: June Jones is a great coach and could have SMU making a run at the CUSA title this fall, but Tuberville will be determined to get on the winning track quickly in the 2010 campaign for TT. He'll do it, but it will take all his team has to beat a very well disciplined SMU squad.

September 11th: @New Mexico-- W
Why: Carmen Messina cannot prevent the inevitable. Roll Tech Roll.

September 18th: Texas-- L
Why: The magical win in 2008 versus the Longhorns was with different players. Many different players. Mr. Tuberville may have talent to compete versus UT consistently in years to come, but with only 4 starters coming back on offense, TT will be unable to set up shop in the pocket like they had last year.

September 25th: BYE
October 2nd: @Iowa State-- W
Why: ISU may look at this as a winnable game, but the time to get excited by Cyclone football is not here quite yet. Poor defense will leave TT wanting to play ISU every week.

October 9th: Baylor (Dallas)-- W
Why: Robert Griffin and Baylor will put up a solid fight, but no team can rely on one man. Baylor should find that out sooner than October 9th, but they'll be reminded by the 2nd half against the Red Raiders.

October 16th: Oklahoma State-- W
Why: OK State is rebuilding this season after losing Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant. OSU will get their fill of wins this season, but they won't find any in Lubbock, Texas.

October 23rd: @Colorado-- W
Why: Colorado is not there quite yet.

October 30th: @Texas A&M-- L
Why: Tech will give the Aggies a handful, but playing at College Station is far too uplifting for A&M to lose a game they want to win, especially with the expectations set upon them this year.

November 6th: Missouri-- L
Why: A hard fought game all the way into the 4th quarter, but I see Missouri against the home Raiders. Gabbert goes off for a great game.

November 13th: @Oklahoma-- L
Why: Texas Tech destroyed Oklahoma last year, but Stoops and Jones make sure that won't happen two years in a row. Espically with Oklahoma in the hunt for a National Championship nod.

November 20th: Weber State-- W
Why: Bah

November 27th: Houston-- L
Why: With a bowl game already locked up and their place in the Big 12 South all but secure, I see Houston wanting this game more than TT. Depending on the season, I may change my opinion though. Houston has to come into  Lubbock with a scent of success.
December 4th: BYE

2010 Prediction: (7-5) (4-4)

Breaking Down the Top 25: #22 Clemson

Courtesty of mkrob.com

Clemson's Kyle Parker had a big decision to make earlier on this summer. It seemed like he had to make a decision between going straight to the MLB, or play college football. In the end, Parker is $1.4 million richer, and the Clemson coaching staff/fanbase couldn't be happier. Parker was a redshirt freshman last year as he threw for 20 TD's for the Tigers. Even though the losses of C.J. Spiller, Kavell Conner, and Ricky Sapp will be tough to swallow, the return of Parker has given me the confidence to put the Tigers within my Top 25.

#22 Clemson Tigers

2009 Record: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Same

September 4th: North Texas-- W
Why: North Texas @ Clemson

September 11th: Presbyterian-- W
Why: Child please

September 18th: @Auburn-- L
Why: After two cupcakes to start the season, Clemson will have to drink a bottle of humble milk as Auburn's hopes for a double digit win will not be thrown off by their hardest OOC game in 2010. Cameron Newton gets used to an offense fit for even a medicore quarterback and gets by Clemson's defense just enough to warrant a win in Auburn

September 25th: BYE

October 2nd: Miami, FL-- L
Why: Clemson beat UM in overtime last season as defense simply did not show up in a 40-37 slugfest. Both teams are much improved defensively and this game will be extremely close. Low scoring, but Jacory Harris has a thing for being clutch.

October 9th: @North Carolina-- W
Why: UNC is in a bit of trouble right now with a few off the field issues as well as a somewhat poor offense. If UNC is at full strength, this game will be tough to call, but at this point, Advantage: Clemson

October 16th: Maryland-- W
Why: In College Park, I would say a possible upset could be in order, but this game will be played in Clemson. Clemson wins games at home against medicore opponents 9 of 10 times.

October 23rd: Georgia Tech-- W
Why: No one will figure out the GT triple option, but Clemson has seen it almost as much as anyone. 3 times in the last two years. Familiarity breeds contempt, and Clemson is 0-3 against the Yellow Jackets. The Tigers will make that statistic look a little better.

October 30th: @Boston College-- L
Why: Boston College and Clemson have had some thrilling games as this rivalry has become a great addition to the ACC. Clemson dismembered BC last year and BC will be seeking some sort of revenge. In Chestnut Hill, a game is always in play.

November 6th: NC State-- W
Why: NC State will stay competitive with a decent passing attack and a great quarterback, but the NC State defense is not a strength at this point. Tigers win by the commencement of the 4th quarter.

November 13th: @Florida State-- W
Why: Clemson beat FSU soundly last year as Kyle Parker was able to find his rythym during the end of the season. FSU only has 5 returning starters on defense but talent on offense is where the fall of the Seminoles will be. Low scoring affair as Clemson contains Ponder and his minions.

November 20th: @Wake Forest-- W
Why: Wake Forest will not have a great team this year as they try and rebuild after the departure of Riley Skinner. Grobe does his best, but in the end, athletes and talent will seize the day.

November 27th: South Carolina-- L
Why: The SEC is a great conference, and worst case scenario for the Gamecocks, they are fighting for a bowl bid at this point while Clemson will not have too much to fight for. Stephen Garcia shows why he was 2nd to only Jimmy Clausen during their high school recruitment.

December 4th: BYE

2010 Prediction: (8-4) (6-2)

Breaking Down the Top 25: #23 USC

Courtesy of sportressofblogitude.com

About everything that could go wrong for the mighty men from Troy during the offseason DID go wrong. their head coach left, they were punched repeatedly in the face by the NCAA (metaphor) and now have suspended freshman Dillon Baxter for the game versus Hawaii. Lane Kiffin aims to please and discipline, and it seems like he will be doing a good amount of both while in his "dream job". The beginning of the 2010 season takes away all pressure during the offseason, and what a way to get rid of some stress the Trojans will have to begin the season. USC head down to the beautiful Hawiaan Islands to get their tan on, and win a game as well. Even though they are unable to participate in a bowl game at the end of the season, the expectation for a Pac-10 championship still remains.

#23 USC Trojans

2009 Record: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Better

September 2nd: @Hawaii-- W
Why: This is not Colt Brennan's team from way back when, and USC (sans Dillon Baxter) will enjoy the beautiful weather while going 1-0 to start off the 2010 season

September 11th: Virginia-- W
Why: USC have a weak Virginia team at home this year. Last year, they traveled to Charlottesville and beat the Cavs 52-7. UVA are arguably better this year, but good enough to encroach on a 45 point deficit? I don't think so.

September 18th: @Minnesota-- W
Why: In the past two years, USC was able to play a Big Ten team in the first few weeks of the season. That Big Ten team was Ohio State, and they pose a much greater threat to USC than Minnesota (2010's opponent). USC rolls.

September 25th: @Washington State-- W
Why: No comment

October 2nd: Washington-- W
Why: UW snuck up on USC last year and beat them with a last minute field goal. Matt Barkley did not play in that game with a shoulder injury. Up in Seattle, Washington shocked the college football world and beat the Trojans. Coming back LA for this game, Monty Kiffin and his defense have the ability to stop a Locker led offense and possibly shut down Jake's heisman bid.

October 9th: @Stanford-- W
Why: Stanford's crowd usually consists of alumni that graduated from the prestigious University circa 1960. The atmosphere will not strike fear into USC and they are able to take care of business up north with some solid quarterbacking by Barkley.

October 16th: California-- W
Why: This year could very well be UC's best chance in a while to beat their counterparts in LA, but a good USC defense should be able to stop Shane Vereen for at least one more year.

October 23rd: BYE
October 30th: Oregon-- L
Why: USC lost two home games last year. This year they will most likely only lose one, but a loss to Oregon could determine the Pac-10 champion. Oregon had USC's number last season with the zone read. No Masoli, no problem. The Ducks win by a lesser amount, but a win is always a win.

November 6th: Arizona State-- W
Why: Yes, USC is good this year. No, Arizona State is not.

November 13th: @Arizona-- L
Why: Nick Foles was able to turn a few heads with his preformance against USC with a very good preformance as he lead the Wildcats to victory while visiting the Trojans. AU brings the fight home with them and is able to give them the edge over a vicious USC team.

November 20th: @Oregon State-- W
Why: After being knocked off of the #1 spot by the Beavers in 2008, USC was able to avenge their loss last season with a solid win at home. This year, OSU is a little weaker and USC will smell blood once the 4th quarter begins.

November 27th: Notre Dame-- W
Why: Taking emotion out of this we have to be honest with ourselves. USC has owned this series home AND away since it began. This game will mean more to Notre Dame to USC, but Lane Kiffin knows that he has an image to uphold. Losing to ND would not paint a pretty image his first year in office.

December 4th: @UCLA-- W
Why: The Trojans have held UCLA to 7 points in each of the last three years. UCLA has the ability to score more than that in 2010, but to no effect in the W column.

2010 Prediction: (11-2) (7-2)

Breaking Down the Top 25: #24 Missouri

Blaine Gabbert: Courtesy of muvsku.com

In 2007, Chase Daniels and the Missouri Tigers grabbed their first double digit win season in the decade. Daniels has graduated, but Junior Blaine Gabbert had a suprisingly great sophomore year and looks to improve in 2010. Even with the losses of stars Danario Alexander and Sean Witherspoon, every unit has become more experienced. With so many underclassmen this season, many Tiger fans feel that 2011 may be the year of glory, but 2010 still has a good amount of potential.

#24 Missouri Tigers

2009 Record: 8-4

Better or Worse in 2010: Same

September 4th: Illinois (St. Louis)-- L
Why: Illinois has a fire under their seat this season after a 3-9 season disappointed all fans. Missouri has won every game in this series thus far, but the Illini finally bring some passion back Champaign. Missouri won't have their act together as a cohesive unit so early in the season as a few bad mistakes derail their 6-0 aspirations in this series.

September 11th: McNeese State-- W
Why: C'mon now.

September 18th: San Diego State-- W
Why: A medicore Mountain West team will not be able to beat Missouri on too many occasions. Everything stays status quo in week 3.

September 25th: Miami (OH)-- W
Why: Missouri will take care of business after a great start by Miami may scare some Tiger supporters.

October 2nd: BYE

October 9th: Colorado-- W
Why: A fight for 2nd place in the Big 12 North will be waged this week, and the Buffaloes will finally come to play on the same field as Mizzou after being embarassed nearly every season prior. Unfortunately for those in Colorado, a close game does not turn their way too often. The fans in Coloumbia will not let that happen.


October 16th: @Texas A&M-- L
Why: First road game of the season for the Tigers, and what a way to start off the road schedule. The 12th man will come to play as A&M have a shot at a special season in 2010. A great offensive effort by the Aggies will punish the Tigers' defense.

October 23rd: Oklahoma-- L
Why: One of many trap games for Oklahoma, especially with the talent on Missouri's side, but OK will be fine as they move along in their schedule. An upset bid by Gabbert and co. will be dismantled in the fourth quarter.

October 30th: @Nebraska-- L
Why: In the toughest stretch of games any Big 12 team will see this season, Missouri has to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska. A Big 12 championship berth may be on the line at this point, but unfortunately for Mizzou, this game isn't being played back in the confines of the [573]

November 6th: @Texas Tech-- W
Why: A 4 game losing streak is too much for a player like Blaine Gabbert, and he will make sure the Tigers quickly end their slide while they move past the Red Raiders.

November 13th: Kansas State-- W
Why: KSU is not yet ready for a hugely competive game with many Big 12 conference teams. Missouri is one of those teams.

November 20th: @Iowa State-- W
Why: A great story in 2009, ISU will not be able to keep up with the potent offensive attack of Derrick Washington as Iowa State has one of the worst defenses in the B12.

November 27th:  Kansas (Kansas City)-- W
Why: Kansas could be fighting for a bowl bid at this point in their season, but Missouri has enough motivation to be victorious in this rivalry game.

December 4th: BYE

2010 Prediction: (8-4) (5-3)

Top 25: Revised, Definitely Revised

Okay, so maybe I got off to a bad start with the 25-20. I admit that and I quickly corrected it with my FULL Top 25. Here is my top 25:

25. West Virginia

24. Missouri
23. USC
22. Clemson
21. Texas Tech
20. Arkansas
19. Wisconsin
18. TCU
17. Georgia
16. Notre Dame
15. Virginia Tech
14. Oregon
13. Pittsburgh
12. Florida State
11. Penn State
10. Nebraska
9. Iowa
8. Auburn
7. Miami (FL)
6. Texas
5. Florida
4. Oklahoma
3. Boise State
2. Ohio State
1. Alabama

Here are the number of teams in our Top 25 from each conference:

SEC-6
Big Ten-4
Big 12-5
ACC-3
Pac-10-2
Big East-2
Others-3

Somewhat similar to the Coaches' Poll