College Football

[Sharkie]

I don't know if anyone else is a football nut like me, but I am so excited about this coming season. After last year, this should be an exciting year! The first kick off is only 2 months away! Check back here through out the season for highlights, lowlights, and wacky commentary from yours truly (Me) about all that is going on in the sport.

My Favorite teams:

1. Auburn - My school

2. California - My sister's school

3. Georgia - My parent's school

I also like Tennessee, Miami of Ohio, Minnesota, Oregon, Boston College, and Colorado.

Preseason Top 25:

Source: ESPN.com Full List (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=1704237)

25. Colorado - With improved defense and solid offense, plus a weaker schedule, this may be the Buffs year.

24. Purdue - They lost two close games in overtime, so their record doesn't tell the whole story. Their main loss is from graduation and the draft.

23. Toledo - The rockets are nearly the same team as last year and can really improve on their record last year.

22. Nebraska - New coach, new system, anything can happen with the corn huskers.

21. Florida - Ew

20. Virgina - With the best Defense in the New ACC, Virgina will likely even give Miami headaches.

19. Missouri - With all the turmoil in the Big 12th North, Missouri should take the title

18. Auburn - While the Auburn Defense has to battle many loses, the Running Backs should be strong. However, losing the teams best quaterback will take a toil on the team.

17. Tennessee - The offense is gone, but with a little work and an easier schedule, The Vols should do well this year.

16. Oregon State - With all the conference front runners visiting, OSU shouldn't have to much trouble despite being young

15. Ohio State - Most of the team from the undefeated National Championship run is gone, leaving OSU feeling again at the middle of the pack.

14. Utah - Utah should have no trouble winning the Mountain West

13. Clemson - This team started out slowly but quickly became the best in the ACC. If they can keep up momentum, they can challange for the title.

12. West Virginia - With Miami, VT gone this may be the year for WV.

11. California - After struggling for a few seasons, Cal is now among the best in the nation. The only team to beat National Champ USC and the team that ruined Virgina Tech's bowl trip may just surprise every one again. Is a trip to the Rose Bowl in order?

10. Iowa - Despite losses on offense, strong D and strong STs can help Iowa to a Big 10 title.

9. Texas - The Longhorns should be strong, and will finally get over the Oklahoma hump.

8. Maryland - The should be strong, but a new, inexperianced secondary could cause headaches.

7. Michigan - A lot of rebuilding needed in Big Blue Nation...

6. Florida State - This team could be really good or really really bad.

5. Miami - Miami has one of the easiest road schedules in the New ACC.

4. Georgia - Despite countless injuries and ringgate, Georgia went 11- 3 (Two of those loses to LSU) and still won the SEC East. They keep all of their power players, and should easily win the East and take the total SEC title. It's a new day in the SEC, a dog's day.

3. Oklahoma - My say, Oklahoma is highly overrated. They collapsed in the last two games of the season. They should be # 10.

2. LSU - LSU should easily take the West, but it could be close again. The tigers are pissed cause no one sees them as National Champs. So the frusteration should help them do well.

1. University of Southern California - If USC can overcome the Cal hump, which has given them fits the past two seasons, they will win the Pac -10 and probably repeat as national champions. But only if they can over come Cal.

[aisasami]

Go Cornhusker!

Even if I not a big fan of football, I still root for my home state team!

[Sharkie]

Sharkie's Power Conference: The ACC with 1.55 points.

(The power conference is determined by a scientific formula. Each 25 - 20 placing is given 1 point. 2 points for 19 - 15. 3 for 14 - 10. 4 for 9 - 6 5 for 5 - 3. 2nd Place gets 6 points and 8 points for 1st. The scores are then divided by the total number of teams in the conference.) Second went to the SEC, then the Pac -10. The Big 12 got 4th while Big Ten got 5th.

[WJB1]

GO CALIFORNIA!

[M.D.]

Got a cane over here! whoop! whoop!

Miami (FL ....Grrr.. I hate the fact that stupid ohio team is good enough I have to explain which figgin Miami I root for..) Number 1 all the way!!

Also the Baseball team is on the road to Omaha!!

[Sharkie]

Who does everyone think will take the Hiesman this year?

[M.D.]

Someone from UM (Miami! not Michigan - bleh :p) (FL not OH - gag):) I mean, there is some real talent down there.

But I think the USC QB has a good chance.

[Sharkie]

Yes, Matt Lienhart is the early favorite in my book. He's amazing. As I watched him destroy Auburn's chances at winning a national title, I know he had something special.

Aaron Rodgers also has a good chance.

[ManiacalLaughter]

Ah... Tennessee....

The wonderful folks who brought us Peyton Manning....

Yeah, really. He was like a state hero until we won the national championship the year after he left.

[Hartski]

GO IOWA!!!

The Hawkeyes are gonna be great again this year. Our Defense is going to be amazing again, and Drew Tate sould be a solid QB.

[norris]

Fla State representing. i would have said the same thing, we will either do really good or not good, but decent.

[M.D.]

After Labor Day, those who are men, and those who are boys will be known..

[Sharkie]

Well, anyone who is a Gator-Hater is a friend of mine.

Now, for the really fun part!

I will make a conference champ prodictions for all the conferences. One a day, until all the D-1 conferences are given a predicted finish.

First Up. My home conference. The SEC.

Members
East
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vanderbilt

West
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
Lousisana State
Mississippi
Mississippi State

The Contenders

The East Contenders are again the big boys, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. South Carolina is middle of the pack. Kentucky and Vandy will again be licking their wounds.

The West is wide open. With Defending Co-National Champion LSU as the west favorite, most consider it a done deal. Not so fast. Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, and Mississippi can all put together some Key Wins and find themselves competing for Division champs. The only West Weakling is MSU.

Key Games
Sept 11th - Ole Miss(Mississippi) @ Alabama - A big early test for both teams.
Sept 18th - Florida @ Tennessee - The loser may find themselves out of the East Race
Oct 2nd - LSU @ Georgia - Both Defending Champs of their Divisions. Both also Preseason #2 and #4. The winner gets a big boost in polls and a head start in the race to SEC Champ. UGA has the advantage.
Oct 9th - Tennessee @ Georgia - If Dawgs can beat the Vols for the 5th consecutive time, they are almost determined a spot in the SEC Championship game.
Oct 30th Georgia vs. Florida @ Jacksonville - The Gators have been a thorn in the Dogs sides forever. If Georgia stumbles, so might the chance to play for the SEC Championship.
Nov 13th - Georgia @ Auburn - Loser is assured to be knocked out of contention.

Sharkie's Predictions

EAST CHAMP Georiga

WEST CHAMP Auburn

SEC CHAMP: Georgia

POTENTIAL DARK HORSE VANDY. Vanderbilt has always been the SEC Cake walk. However, this year they have 10 of 11 players returning on offense, and 9 of 11 on defense, making them the most experianced team in the nation. Don't expect Vandy to win the East :rolleyes: or beat LSU or Georgia at home, but a few visiting teams could feel the effects of upsets if not careful. Look for Vandy to really shake up the races in the East and West.

[M.D.]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1827455

This makes me sick! As much as I dislike FSU, as a fan of college football , whoever did this should be stripped naked, painted orange and blue, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a bunch of Alabama fans.

[Sharkie]

I know, I was about to comment on that. Not COOL! Never steal a teams trohpies! Bet it was a Gator... mmmhmm.

Did I seriously put Ole Miss? What was I thinkin. I used Copy and Paste, guess I wasn't payin attention.


Originally posted by M.D.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=1827455

This makes me sick! As much as I dislike FSU, as a fan of college football , whoever did this should be stripped naked, painted orange and blue, and sentenced to life imprisonment with a bunch of Alabama fans. OMG!!!! This is the funniest thing I ever read!

[Unbreakable Lex]

Fear the turtle. With Miami and FSU beating up on each other, Maryland can steal that FSU game and be headed to the championship. Just need to figure out a QB.

[Sharkie]

Today's Conference Prediction: The Pac-10.

After last year, the Pac-10 is sitting pretty. No longer one of the itty bitty conferences, the Pac 10 ranks third in Poll Percentage and has the top team in the country. Many count the Pac-10 as a weakling, but watch out, these guys can do some serious damage.


Members
Arizona
Arizona State
California
Oregon
Oregon State
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Washington
Washington State

Contenders USC, California, Washington, Oregon State

Key Games
Aug 28 - USC @ VT
Sept 4 - Oregon State @ LSU
Oct. 9 - Cal @ USC
Oct. 16 - UCLA @ Cal
Oct 30 - USC @ Wash State
Nov. 13 - Cal @ Washington


The Prediction Cal was the only team to knock down USC last year as they marched to Pac-10 and National Titles. The past two years, Cal has been a throne in the USC side. Being #1 is tough, and if USC can't get over the Cal hump, another slip up in Pac-10 play is likely. Bears win out in Pac-10. USC slips. The talent is there for a MAJOR upset.

Pac-10 Champ: California Golden Bears

[TWShakar]

Go UCLA!!! :D

In a few years....go USC!!! :lol:

[M.D.]

Sharkie.. I like that prediction. I don't think that the USC, Cal game is key.. not sure that'll affect the pac 10 outcome. USC could win the pac 10 and be a 3 loss team..

[Hartski]

Big Ten will own the Pac-10 this year.

[M.D.]

And University of Miami will bind them in the darkness and rule them all.

[Hartski]

Originally posted by M.D.
And University of Miami will bind them in the darkness and rule them all.


Ahahaha!

The weather forecast isn't calling for any hurricanes this year.:D

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
And University of Miami of Ohio will bind them in the darkness and rule them all. Yup! GOT THAT RIGHT! Move over, Florida!

[Sharkie]

Todays conference, the ACC.

This will be an interesting year for the ACC. For years the ACC has been considered a very strong conference in every sport, but mediorce at best in College Football. This year that all changes. Joining this year are Miami and Virgina Tech, two of the best, most respected programs in the nation. Now the ACC rivals the SEC for top dawg in Football conferences. And next year, though not as strong as their old big east bruthren, Boston College is a consistantly strong, good team and can add a lot to ACC Play.

Members
Clemson
Duke
Florida State
Georgia Tech
Maryland
Miami
North Carolina
North Carolina State
Virgina
Virgina Tech
Wake Forest

Contenders Miami, Florida State, Maryland, Clemson, NC State, Virgina, VT.

Key Games
Aug 28th - USC @ VT. Though not likely to effect the rest of the conference, a win by new ACC Member VT will add a lot of power to the ACC's image.
Sep. 6th - Florida State @ Miami. Could decied the champ early.
Sep 11 - GaTech @ Clemson
Oct 7th - Clemson @ Virgina
Oct 16 - NC State @ Maryland
Nov 7th - Clemson @ Miami
Nov 11th - Florida State @ NCState
Nov 18th - Maryland @ VT
Dec 4th - Miami @ VT.

Prediction Clemson has the most momentum in the conference after an amazing end of last season. However, anything other than a FSU, Miami race for the title isn't realistic. Look for the winner of the FSU Miami game to win the conference.

CHAMP: Miami.

[Unbreakable Lex]

Why isnt the Maryland FSU game a key game?

[Sharkie]

Because I couldn't find out when it was.

[M.D.]

hahahaha.

[Sharkie]

Since I'm bored, can't sleep, and go in late tomorrow, I'll do another conference right now :p

The Big East.

The Big East is in the total opposite boat as the ACC. They just lost their top two members to the ACC, and will lose a third next year. The conference must step up and prove themselves worthy, or risk losing a spot in the BCS. There is a best case scenario and a worst case scenario, we'll get to that later.



The Members
Boston College
Pitsburg
Rutgers
Syracuse
Temple
UConn
West Virgina

The Contenders, and the problem: Boston College, Pitsburg, West Virginia

The problem is, none of these teams are "Big name, big bang." Of the three contenders, none usually average big ratings in the polls or have the big 10 - 2 and better records one usually see in the BCS. The Big East has to step it up and get better numbers or the entire north east could be out of an automatic BCS bid.

Key Games
UConn @ BC
BC @ Pitts
BC@ WV
WV @ Pitts

Prediction Boston College has what it takes to step up and win it's last Big East Championship. Now is the Time. They won't have a good chance for a long time.

CHAMP: BC. Which is the BE's worst case scenario. Best would be Pittsburg to win, to prove the doubters they still play good football.

[Sharkie]

The Big Ten

When one thinks football, one usually thinks of the Big 10. Historic rivalries, winning traditions, and the Rose Bowl. This conference is golden.

Members
Indiana
Iowa
Illinios
Michigan
Michigan State
Minnisota
Northwestern
Ohio State
Penn State
Purdue
Wisconsin

The Contenders Michigan, Minnisota, Ohio State, Purdue

Prediction: Michigan wins the title.

[Hartski]

You don't even consider Iowa in your top four contenders after coming off two ten-win seasons?

Look for Iowa to win the Big 10, and win another major bowl game.

[Sharkie]

You don't even consider Iowa in your top four contenders after coming off two ten-win seasons? Look, I don't know everything. I try to be accurate but really I have to go with what I know in terms of conferences I don't follow a lot. The Big Ten is not a conference I follow much. Iowa is good, I'll give them that. But I don't know enough to call them contenders, let alone Big Ten champs. I'll look into Iowa.

Now that is done with, on to the next conference.

The Big Twelve

Members

North
Colorado
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Nebraska

South
Baylor
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech

Contenders
North Colorado, Kansas State, Nebraska, Missouri
South Oklahoma, Texas

Predictions The North is facing transition galore. Colorado's been hit with the biggest scandal I can remember in the sport, Kansas State lost many of it's starters, Nebraska has to adjust to a new coach and system, Missouri is the only team in good position to win the north.

The south is again Texas and Oklahoma. The winner of the Red River Shootout will take the division.

North Champ: Missouri
South Champ: Texas
Big 12 Champion: Texas

[Sharkie]

Since I have done all of the big BCS conferences, it's time to predict the BCS bowls and all that good stuff. The Champions of the ACC, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-10, and the SEC get an automatic bid to the BCS Bowls (Rose, Fiesta, Orange, Sugar). #1 and #2 recieve bids to the National Championship Game. This year it's the Orange Bowl. Obviously these can and probably will change, this is just a fun preseason prediction by me :p

Rose Bowl: California vs. Michigan

Fiesta: Texas vs. Boston College

Sugar: Tennesee vs. Miami

Orange Bowl (National Championship): Georgia vs. Southern Cal.

[Sharkie]

Now, it's on to the mid-majors. The also rans. The teams which are good, but not quite up to par with the "Big boys"

This week's mid-major, Conference USA:

Members:
Army
Cincinnati
East Carolina
Houston
Louisville
Memphis
South Florida
Southern Mississippi
Texas Christian University (TCU)
Tulane
University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB)

Contenders: Cincinnati, Louisville, Southern Mississippi, TCU

Prediction: Louisville and TCU are always strong, and with their last season in CUSA, Louisville would love to close out with a win. Ain't gonna happen. Southern Mississippi wins it all.

[Sharkie]

Today, I'm taking a break from conference predictions. It's time for the Best & Worst of college football for the upcoming season.

Schedule


WORST: AUBURN
Date Opponent Location
Sept. 4 LOUISIANA-MONROE AUBURN
Sept. 11 at Mississippi State Starkville, MS
Sept. 18 LSU AUBURN
Sept. 25 THE CITADEL AUBURN
Oct. 2 at Tennessee Knoxville, TN
Oct. 9 LOUISIANA TECH AUBURN
Oct. 16 ARKANSAS AUBURN
Oct. 23 KENTUCKY AUBURN
Oct. 30 at Ole Miss Oxford, MS
Nov. 13 GEORGIA AUBURN
Nov. 20 at Alabama Tuscaloosa

This is an unexceptable schedule for a major program and potential Conference Champ. The only worth watching home games? Conference Opponents LSU and UGA. Maybe Arkansas. Look at the non-conference opponents:
Louisana-Monroe(ULAM). A consistant 2-9 contender.
Citadel. A division 2 team.
Loisiana Tech. Slightly better than ULAM, LaTech is preseason #92 and likely at best to have a 5-7 record.
As a student, I REFUSE to pay 50 dollars for a season ticket to these awful games. Auburn MUST strive to make harder schedules. This is pathetic.


BEST: Va Tech

Sat, Aug. 28, 2004 vs. Southern California
(BCA Football Classic) 7:45 PM ESPN FedEx Field, Landover, Md.

Sat, Sep. 11, 2004 Western Michigan TBA Blacksburg, Va.

Sat, Sep. 18, 2004 Duke * Noon JP/Raycom Blacksburg, Va.

Sat, Sep. 25, 2004 N.C. State *

Sat, Oct. 2, 2004 West Virginia TBA Blacksburg, Va.

Sat, Oct. 9, 2004 at Wake Forest * TBA Winston-Salem, N.C.

Sat, Oct. 16, 2004 Florida A&M

Thu, Oct. 28, 2004 at Georgia Tech * 7:30 PM ESPN Atlanta, Ga.

Sat, Nov. 6, 2004 at North Carolina * TBA Chapel Hill, N.C.

Thu, Nov. 18, 2004 Maryland * 7:30 PM ESPN Blacksburg, Va.

Sat, Nov. 27, 2004 Virginia * TBA Blacksburg, Va.

Sat, Dec. 4, 2004 at Miami *

This is one of the toughest schedules in the nation. It starts off against defending National Champion USC, and ends with Super Power Miami. Along the way are tough challenges, such as West Virgina, NC State, Maryland, and Virgina. Their non-conference cupcakes are tough as well, and can give the Hokies a few problems. This team doesn't have many breaks.

Looking Ahead California is doing what it takes to become a big time powerhouse. They aren't scheduling easy games, they are getting some of the best teams in the nation. "To be the best, you need to play the best." It's not a hard concept. Way to plan ahead, Cal!
Highlights for future schedules include: Tennessee, Maryland, Michigan St., Minnesota, and Colorado. Another plus, Cal isn't afriad to travel to a cupcake's house, which is harder than playing them at home. Auburn has played Louisana-Monoroe for four years in a room (all four, not including this year as homecoming) and not once have the traveled down there.

[M.D.]

booooo... Miami's #1!!! :) Berlin for Heisman '04! (if a record for most interceptions will qualify him) :)

[zhuuka]

UNAMI & Penn State.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
booooo... Miami's #1!!! :) Berlin for Heisman '04! (if a record for most interceptions will qualify him) :) Why are you upset? I've not done anything with the ACC or Miami in a while...


UNAMI & Penn State. What?

[M.D.]

Well, you didn't put Miami in the national championship game!

UNAMI = United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, or a delaware indian tribe, or a middle school with their own webpage? (http://www.cbsd.org/unami/) or the Unami Lodge, some sort of boy scout like organization..

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
Well, you didn't put Miami in the national championship game!

UNAMI = United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, or a delaware indian tribe, or a middle school with their own webpage? (http://www.cbsd.org/unami/) or the Unami Lodge, some sort of boy scout like organization.. That's bescause they won't make it!

[Unbreakable Lex]

Miami wont make it out of their own conference this year. They aint in BE any more...

[M.D.]

Big Easy to the Academia Crummy Competition.. No changes to the big boys on the schedule (FSU and VT) just changed the wannabes
Miami still wins it provided they beat VT or FSU

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
Big Easy to the Academia Crummy Competition.. No changes to the big boys on the schedule (FSU and VT) just changed the wannabes
Miami still wins it provided they beat VT or FSU Whoa now. Miami is in new waters now. The Big East was a playground for Miami. But the new ACC is a tough conference to play in. NC State, FSU, VT, Clemson, Virginia, Georgia Tech, even Wake Forest CAN beat Miami. And if the Hurricane Football team shares your opinion, they will.

[M.D.]

Of course any team could beat Miami when they play really bad, Syracuse almost did. Tennesee did beat them. but no team in the ACC will be anymore difficult than BE teams last year.. Pitt, WVE and VT (before their end of year running out of gas) were just as good as clemson, virginia, and Maryland (its too soon to judge how good NC State or VT can be) this year. Wake Forest and Georgia Tech are what? A Boston College? A Syracuse?

Football is football and the team that plays better wins, be that Miami or their opponent. But if Miami plays Miami football they won't get touch by the ACC.

[Sharkie]

Don't dog the Vols, dude.

ANyway, nough ACC chitchat. Now we're going to the MAC. The Mid-American Conference was truly America's Conference upsetting many of the big boys, including upset saturday, in which five BCS Confernce teams fell to MAC teams. Can the MAC repeat last year's magic? Maybe. The Big MAC can drive the big boys crazy.

Members:
Akron
Ball State
Bowling Green
Buffulo
Central Florida
Central Michigan
Eastern Michigan
Kent State
Marshall
Miami (Ohio)
Northern Illinois
Ohio
Toledo
Western Michigan

Contenders:
EAST Miami (Oh), Marshall
WEST Bowling Green, Northen Illinois

East Champ Miami
West Champ Northen Illinois
Conference Champ: Miami

[Sharkie]

More Best & Worst this time, it's for MOMENTUM!

Mo is vital in any sport, and college football is no exception, it can chage games and even seasons.

The team with the BEST Momentum heading into the 2004 Season.

CLEMSON - Clemson had an amazing end of the season, beating super powers FSU and Tennessee, not to mention blowing out rival South Carolina. And, after a blowout (30-0) loss to Georgia, many fans considered the season over. If it carries into this season, Clemson can have a breakout season and run the table in the new ACC.

The team with the WORST Momentum, and desperate for success.

This is a tie between TEMPLE and COLORADO, for very difference reasons. You gotta feel sorry for Temple. Bad season after bad season, and being booted out of a conference desperate to gain members. As for Colorado, nothing kills a program's momentum more than scandal. (Especially one which mentioning some details borders on breaking K-Site rules). Both these programs need at least decent seasons.

[M.D.]

Best Momentum: USC (just won a national championship after all)

[M.D.]

Doh! Antony Rolle got suspended for getting arrested! Must of been Pinecrest cops.

[Hartski]

Originally posted by M.D.
Doh! Antony Rolle got suspended for getting arrested! Must of been Pinecrest cops.

[Nelson laugh] HA ha! [/Nelson laugh]

The more I look at Iowa's recruiting this year, the more confident I am of us building a really solid program year after year. I can't wait until the season starts!!

[M.D.]

I-O-What? :p

[Sharkie]

Iowa. One of the best wrestling programs in the nation.

[M.D.]

rastling? like Hulk Hogan? :p

[M.D.]

1 month 2 weeks until first UM football game..

[M.D.]

sharks: lookie what I found :

http://www.mcgirt.net/humor/2003/Pictures/Auburn%20Pride.jpg

[Sharkie]

Must be at an Alabama game...

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
Best Momentum: USC (just won a national championship after all) True, but I was going for a less obvious answer.

Now it's on to the next to last conference! It's one of those that you have to follow it or be highly dedicated to the sport to know.

The Mountain West Conference

Members:
Air Force
BYU
Colorado State
New Mexico
San Diego State
UNLV
Utah
Wyoming

Contenders: Air Force, Colorado State, Utah

The Champ: CSU

[M.D.]

CSU had the coolest unis, IMHO

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
CSU had the coolest unis, IMHO I LOVE their helmets.

One more conference is left! It's time to discover the relatively young Sun Belt Conference, which has a grand total of 3 Conference Championships rewarded, all to one guy!

Members:
Arkansas State
Idaho
LA Lafayattee
LA Monroe
Middle Tennessee State
New Mexico State
North Texas
Troy State
Utah State

Contenders: New Mexico State, North Texas, Troy State

Prediction: North Texas' run is over. The Champ: New Mexico State

[M.D.]

wait.. NTs run is over? then why did they win it again...? methinks typo is there..

GO LA MONROE!! :p

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
wait.. NTs run is over? then why did they win it again...? methinks typo is there..

GO LA MONROE!! :p Yes, yes a typo. Whoopsie. Xhanged it. Go me.

LA Monroe? Wah? They won one game last year...

LA Monroe might as well join the SEC since they play Auburn every year.

[Unbreakable Lex]

Originally posted by Sharkie
Must be at an Alabama game...

Think thats an Auburn game. I took the pic. ;)

[Sharkie]

Alright, you guys ready for this? Our LAST conference. The Western Athletic Conference, aka the WAC. Or as I like to call them, the mini Pac-10. Last in the alphabet, but not last in the hearts of the players, fans, and coaches that make this league great.

Members:
Boise State
Fresno State
Hawaii
Louisiana Tech
Nevada
Rice
San Jose State
SMU
Tulsa
UTEP

Contenders: Boise, Fresno, Hawaii, UTEP

Prediction Watch out for the Warriors, this year's WAC Champ. Honalulu will be rocking. CHAMP: Hawaii.

[Sharkie]

Which is the best conference, DEBATE!

[norris]

probably the ACC (yes i'm somewhat biased) but still with the addition of Miami and VTech, the ACC is shaping up to be a powerhouse in all sports. Throw Boston College into the mix in a few years and yet another team will be added. the division keeps growing and getting more and more powerful

[Sharkie]

I agree. It's still early, but the ACC has two of the strongest teams in the past fewb years. ANd not just in football either, I dread the ACC Basketball now. The ACC is tough. Now, Sharkie's Tough Conference Poll:

1. ACC
2. SEC
3. Big 12
4. Pac-10
5. Big 10

AND! The first offical preseason Coach's poll has been released:1.
Eek! Didn't work right, here is the LINK (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/usatpoll.htm)

[M.D.]

SEC is the best. ACC and Big 12 are tied 2nd. All the sissy conferences that dont play championships - tied 4th. Notre Dame - 3.5 (i think they are good to watch on TV more than most team in the pac or big 10..)

[Sharkie]

Why do you think the SEC is best.

This is a tough decision though, the ACC isn't really "complete" yet. Cause it won't really be complete until BC joins.

[Sharkie]

26 Days Till The Kick Of The 2004 Season!

[norris]

i can't wait. monday night game against miami. its going to be nuts. totally nuts. expecially since miami is hardest to get tickets for and its like all of college footballs first game. should prove interesting

[Sharkie]

Um... no. The first game of the season is USC vs. VT.

[norris]

my bad. its somewhere at the top of the list i think then. all i know is that its our season opener and its one of the first games or something

[Sharkie]

Yes, it;s week 2.

[Hartski]

WoHoo!!! Only one month until Kickoff!

I'm ready for another season of Big 10 SmashMouth Footall

GO HAWKS!!

[M.D.]

I wish I could go down to tallahassee for the Miami game, if only it wasn't the first week of school.

[Unbreakable Lex]

Yeah that Miami FSU game is going to be hot. First ACC game for Miami, they will make that into a circus. Its going to set the tone for the whole season.

Id agree that SEC is a bit stronger this year. They have Georgia, LSU, Florida all in the top ten.

[Sharkie]

I can't wait for the season to play out.

23 Days until the first kick off of the season!!!!!!!!!

[norris]

Originally posted by M.D.
I wish I could go down to tallahassee for the Miami game, if only it wasn't the first week of school.

MD although you are a miami fan you can stay at my place if have tickets to the game. i go to FSU, so i'll def be there....

[Sharkie]

I thought this would be cool. Preview your favorite team and how well you think they will do!

Auburn:

The Tigers return most of the players for a waffling 8-5 season. Despite expectation for a National Championship. This year however, they are stronger, more mature, and look to be a dangerous team capable of not only winning the west, but a potential Dark Horse for reaching the National Championship game, with a little luck.

Auburn is implamenting a West Coast offense that the players love and fits. If they play to potential, they could be the next Georgia.

Schedule: This schedule is a dream for winning lovers. At worst, they'll go 9 - 3.

[Sharkie]

THIS JUST IN: Foxsports network has predicted the The University of Georgia will defeat USC in the Orange Bowl.

Read the story (http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2665154)

[Sharkie]

College Football kicks off this saturday as USC and Virgina Tech face off in Washington DC.

Sharkie's Pick USC 28 VT 14

Upset Potential: (1 - No Upset; 5 Upset Likely) 3.

[Unbreakable Lex]

It sux for VT to have a down year when they are coming into the ACC. I would love to see them beat USC but I suppose that isnt very likely.

UL's Pick

USC 38
VT 21

[zhuuka]

My teams:

Tarheels and Unami.

[Sharkie]

What is Unami?

[zhuuka]

Nickname for the University of Miami. Go hurricanes!

[M.D.]

Woah! I never heard Unami before! Awesome. I have to use it sometimes. I like to call Miami, I maim, because when we score a touchdown and the flag guys/girls run onto the field on the opposite side the letters are backwards.

My prediction:
Brock Berlin. 65%, 10,000 yrds passing 100td's 1 ints
UM defense: 50 sacks, 20 interceptions. 20 fumble recoveries. 6.7 pts/game allowed. 147 yds per game allowed.
:p

[tinny]

My team is Ohio State
Go Buckeyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[leeanachs07]

i plan on going to BGSU (bowling grean state university *its in ohio. northwest ohio*).

GO BG!!!!!! WOOOO

[greenshady]

My predictions:

I go to school at Auburn, so I'm usually a little biased, but I have to be realistic here. Even though Auburn has a decent shot at the SEC Championship.

But I predict Georgia going down to LSU for the SEC.

And then LSU should take the National Title from USC.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by greenshady
My predictions:

I go to school at Auburn, so I'm usually a little biased, but I have to be realistic here. Even though Auburn has a decent shot at the SEC Championship.

But I predict Georgia going down to LSU for the SEC.

And then LSU should take the National Title from USC.

I go to Auburn!

As for todays game. Not what I expected. USC did not look like the team that won the national championship in 03-04. Either they have lost a lot of star power, they needed a warm up, or VT is better than we thought.

As for LSU, no way. They don't deserve their current #3 ranking. They've lost a lot on offense and defense and won't be able to play up to par. They also draw one of the toughest schedules in the SEC.

[greenshady]

Good points...There.

I just saw the highlights of the USC vs VT game tonight. It didn't look too promising for USC. But I do think that VT has been underrated. LSU has a lot to play for though. They had a really good recruiting class this year (which doesn't really play into what their season might look like). They are returning a few key players on both sides of the ball. Definitely not a lot, but enough to keep them in the running, I believe, this year.

I'm definitely not rooting for LSU. So hopefully Auburn will prove me wrong.

War Eagle!

[Sharkie]

I think Auburn will beat LSU, Georgia will be LSU, which will be enough to knock them out of West contention. I think Auburn will go 5-0 in the West beat Kentucky and Tennessee and lose to Georgia.

[Hartski]

Wow, I was really rooting for VT, and at Halftime, they sure looked like they could pull it off. If it wasn't for that BS Offensive Pass Interfefence call in the 3rd quarter, the game would have ended differently. And I was really getting sick of them calling illegal formation penalties.



Only 5 days until Iowa vs. Kent State! I can't wait!

[M.D.]

Man, they kept making a big deal about the USC QB having strabismus as a child. It was surgically correctible, not a miracle or something. Its not even rare, like 4% of kids are affected by it. I thought it was interesting as a human interest background story, but got kind of perturbed when they were trying to make it out to be some sort of medical miracle he's playing football.

Anyone else get that impression?

[Unbreakable Lex]

I did too. They made it sound as if he has problems seeing because he has 20/15 vision, especially for a QB. It obviously hasnt affected him too much since he is the QB for the number one team in the land...

[greenshady]

I don't know if that sounds like he has problems seeing. Because 20/15 vision is really good vision. It's better than 20/20. So if he has 20/15 vision I wouldn't imagine it would affect him much at all. He has better than perfect vision.

[Sharkie]

Anyone catch the LSU-OSU game? What a crock. OSU deserved to win. The refs should have acknowledged the timeout. I'll say it right here and right now. The SEC has the worst refs in the NCAA.
Confernce win loss records for the Day:

ACC 6-2
Big East 4-1
Big Ten 7-1
Big 12 8-1 with 2 games still in progress.
Conf USA 2-3
MAC 1-9
Mountain West 1-1 with 3 games in progress
Pac-10 1-2 with 3 games in progress.
Sun Belt 1-6 2 Games in Progress
SEC 7-2

[Sharkie]

With all the games for the most part this week finished and just about every team having played. What are some things that surprise you?

[Hartski]

Boy, LSU sure wasn't playing like a #3 ranked team. Oregon State should have won.


Of course, Iowa kicked some Kent State behind. We held them to 110 total yards and minus 13 rushing yards.
Heck, we only let them past mid-field once.

GO IOWA!!

[Lana'sboytoy]

My University of Utah Utes are #17. BYU is going down as is everyone else on the schedule. the Utes will be in the top ten by november. GO Utah!

[Sharkie]

I think a lot of conferences look much more wide open then I once thought.


Originally posted by Lana'sboytoy
My University of Utah Utes are #17. BYU is going down as is everyone else on the schedule. the Utes will be in the top ten by november. GO Utah! If they get there, they'll be in a BCS game.

[Hartski]

Utah has a pretty easy schedule this year. I doubt if they will be in a BCS game.

[Sharkie]

Yeah, they do, but they removed strength of schedule from the formula, so if they impress enough voters, they'll be BCS. I don't like it, but they never asked me what I thought. I think strength of schedule is one of the most important aspects.

[Hartski]

No doubt. Iowa has a pretty tough schedule, and I think that should be tacken into account.

BCS sucks, I want a playoff system.

[M.D.]

As a fan who would want to go watch the games, I dont like the playoff system. It would make travelling to games too difficult. I would favor removing all rankings entirely until the end of the season and bowls. Then using the BCS formulas, decide the winner. Screw making a bowl game into a super bowl. I dont want to make college football into a mini- NFL.

[Sharkie]

I like the bowls, but I think thst they need to include Strength of Schedule. With more weight on the non-conference schedule. A team like Oregon State which has LSU on their schedule goes 10-1. Auburn has The Citadel, Lousiana Tech, and Lousiana Monroe, and goes 10-1, does not win the West so they don't go to the SEC Championship. OSU should get the nod I believe.

[Hartski]

Oh, Snap! Mizzou got stomped by Troy.
When the O-Lineman was running for that touchdown, I was screaming at the tv, "Run, Fatboy, RUNNNN!!!"


Iowa vs. Iowa State tomorrow. I can't wait.
GO HAWKS!!

[M.D.]

Go Troy State! says alot about Alabama football don't it?

Anyway, ANY CANES IN HERE? Hurricanes all the way!

[Hartski]

Yeah, Hurricanes Ivan, Frances, and Charlie.

[Sharkie]

Yeah. Troy State will be making a fast break into the top 25.

Hartski, ya crack me up!

[Sharkie]

I was not impressed with FSU or Miami, right now I do not see a clear cut national champion.

[Sharkie]

Just watched Auburn with Mississippi State. Auburn did really well. If they play that well against LSU next week, I know Auburn will win.

[greenshady]

I believe that strength of schedule should go a long way in deciding in what bowl games each team gets to play in. More than one team in the SEC rarely gets to go undefeated. Even before the SEC Championship There's too much competition. It's the hardest conference to play for in the country. If strength of schedule is taken away, it would take bowl games away from the SEC. We may as well have a playoff system now.

Oh, and...GO TROJANS!!! Troy State's is playing on a whole new level now, and playing up to their potential.

And of course...A big WAR EAGLE! for all my fellow Auburn Students.

[Sharkie]

1 USC Came up big against a strong Colorado St. team 49-0
2 Oklahoma beat up on a very weak Houston team 63-14
3 Georgia Survived a close scare from South Carolina 20-16
4 Florida State Lost in overtime to rival Miami (Fl) 16-10
5 Miami (FL) Won in overtime to rival FUS 16-10
6 LSU Creamed Arkansas State 53-3
7 Texas Won a close matched up against Arkansas 22-20
8 Michigan A surprise loss to Archrival Norte Dame 28-20
9 Ohio State Just squeaked past Marshall 24-21
10 West Virginia Beat UCF 45-20
11 Florida Routed East Michigan 49-10
12 California Made New Mexico St. suffer with a 41 - 14 win
13 Kansas State Got embarASSed by Fresno State 45-21
14 Tennessee IDOL
15 Virginia Beat ACC Bottom Feeder UNC 56 - 24
16 Iowa Beat Iowa State 17-10
17 Utah Beat Arizona 23 - 6
18 Auburn Manhandled Mississippi State 43 - 14
19 Missouri Lost to Troy State 24 - 14 making people in the BCS a little scared of the Trojan men
20 Clemson Found themselves in a close came to Georgia Tech and gave it away to lose 28 - 24
21 Wisconsin Won agianst UNLV 18-3
22 Minnesota Beat Illinois State 37 - 21
23 Maryland Easily Handled Lowly Temple 45 - 22
24 Oregon Easily Lost to Lowly Indiana 30 - 24
25 Purdue IDOL


Likely Moving In: Fresno State, Troy State, Georgia Tech
Likely Moving Out: Clemson, Missouri, Oregon

Potential Largest Gain: California. A second consecutive blowout could move them into the top 10.
Potential Largest Drop: Michigan won't move out of the top 25, but out of the top ten is a given. Look for Michigan to fall to at least 14.

[M.D.]

Neither FSU or Miami's offenses impressed me, but their defenses did. I think Miami has the defense of a national champion. Whether the offense can catch up is a big question. Once again, FSU showed it had a premier defense, but faded in the last 10 minutes (due to injury and fatigue). Remember though, this was their first game of the season. Watch for Miami to make adjustments in the offense over the next 2 pushover games against LA tech and Houston in preparation for contest GA Tech and Louisville that will prove to be tests. FSU's Bobby Bowden has a decision to make about Rix.

[Hartski]

I'm not so worried about Michigan and Ohio State now. I am starting to git a bit worried about Purdue. They are looking really strong so far.

[M.D.]

Think they'll cancell the Auburn and Alabama games?

[Sharkie]

No. I don't think so. Not Auburn anyway. The storm is way out of the Auburn area so if they can get it cleaned up enough they will play saturday. The start time may be pushed back, but I doubt they'll cancel. Of course I'd have to see the damage in Auburn, but from what I hear it is better than expected.

[Sharkie]

Both games are on.

[Unbreakable Lex]

All I know is the Mountineers dream seaon is getting flushed this week by the T.E.R.P.S.

LETS GO TERPS!!!!!

[Sharkie]

LSWho is going to LOOOOOOOOOOSE tomorrow!

[Sharkie]

Sharkie's Game of the Week:
No. 5 LSU @ No. 14 Auburn
This game should be the closest thing to an SEC West Championship you can have in a six team Division. The winner gets an inside shot at winning the West and the loser will have to play catch up.
Auburn is 2-0 over all, 1-0 in the SEC and 1-0 in the West. LSU is 2-0 overall and this will be their first SEC game.
LSU's young unexperianced offensive unit will be tested against one of the best defenses in the SEC. After Auburn's dissapointing Season last year, a new offense has been installed, and it's one of the most balanced in the leauge.
Sharkie's Pick: AU 28 - LSU 22

No matter what though, Tigers will win :p

[greenshady]

WAAAAAAAAAAAARRR EAGLE! HEY!

LS WHO?

Anyways, I just got back from the game to get something to eat. But it was great! Auburn won 10-9!

And once again, WAR EAGLE!

[Sharkie]

YEAH GO AUBURN! BEAT THEM BAYOU BANGELS!

Errr... *returns to Journalistic neautralism.*

How The Top 25 Faired
1. USC beat up BYU 42-10
2. Oklahoma started slow but put away Oregon 31 - 7
3. Georgia struggled agianst Marshall but came out on top 13 - 3
4. Miami (FL) routed La Tech 48 - 0
5. LSU faultered thanks to a weak offense and a missed PAT, losing to Auburn 10-9
6. Texas IDOL
7. West Virgina downed Maryland in OT 19 - 16
8. Florida State handed UAB a 34 - 7 loss
9. Ohio State made NC State suffer via a 22 -14 spanking
10. Califorina's game with Southern Mississippi POSTPONED due to Hurricane Ivan
11. Florida lost to Tennessee by a last second Field Goal 30 - 28
12. Virgina shut out the Akron Zips 51-0
13. Tennessee beat Florida on a last second FG 30 - 28
14. Auburn knocked out LSU thanks to a missed Extra Point and LSU's weaker offense 10-9
15. Utah creamed rival Utah State 48 - 6
16. Iowa lost to unranked Arizona State Sun Devils 44-7
17. Michigan just edged San Diego State 24 - 21
18. Purdue IDOL
19. Fresno State Portland
20. Wisconsion got lucky against Pac-10 bottom dweller Arizona 9 - 7
21. Maryland lost a close OT decision against WVU
22. Minnesota Colorado State
23. Boise State downs UTEP 47- 31
24. Louisville's game against Tulane POSTPONED due to Ivan
25. Memphis defeats Arkansas State 47 - 35

On The Move: Iowa is gone from the top 25. Look for Maryland to switch places with Minnesota . Wisconsion will go to at least 23, allowing a jump by one of the Non-BCS teams in the last 5. Michigan will again fall after struggling. If they keep their losing skid going, look for a disaperance from the top 25. Florida and Tennessee will switch places. Auburn will get a significant raise in the polls while LSU will drop.


An Indepth Look At the SEC West
Don't be mistaken, the one point Auburn win is huge in the West race.
Auburn jumps out to a 2-0 Conference record.
Alabama is 1-0
Ole Miss is 1-1
Mississippi State is 0-1
LSU is 0-1
Arkansas has yet to play a game.
It's early, but a look a the future schedules tells a bigger story.

Auburn's next game is against AA team the Citadel. That gives them a big advantage, a week to get the win against LSU off their minds. Then comes SEC East leader Tennessee.
Three straight home games allows for a chance for big wins before going to Oxford against Ole Miss. In this stretch, even if they lose to Tenn., they should go 4-0. Then is the big game against UGA, the likely toughest on the schedule. They have plenty of time to improve by this team against UGA who is struggling just like LSU. I don't think they'll lose to UGA this year, clinching the West title.

LSU on the other hand has Miss. State before playing their two toughest. A loss to Georgia or Florida, or even both (As I predict) will cripple their chances to come back in the race for the SEC West. All Auburn needs is to go 4-1 over these next conference games. Even if LSU wins out, they'll get the tie-breaker win.

What's scary is, the Auburn Tigers didn't have much time to practice thanks to Hurricane Ivan. If they had more practice time, the game might have been very different.

[greenshady]

What I don't get is how Troy State lost to New Mexico State. You can't beat Marshall, then Missouri, then come in and lose to New Mexico State. Something's definitely wrong with this picture. Maybe it was the lack of preparation because of the hurricane.

[Sharkie]

I'd chalk it up to the single worst phenoinon in sports, looking ahead. Next up is South Carolina, a team that from what I hear the team really wants to beat. They want to prove they can play in the SEC. Cost em a Sun Belt conference game.

Same thing Ga. Tech did when they lost to UNC. :lol:

[greenshady]

One other note about Troy State. They beat Marshall by 2 points. Then Marshall only loses to #3 Georgia by 10. That's telling me that Troy can play like a top 25 team. Plus the fact that they beat a top 25 team(#17 Missouri).
With a win over South Carolina, I think it will help prove they can play in the SEC. If you ask me, I'd like to get rid of Vandy and throw Troy State in the mix. Maybe that's just cause I want another team from Alabama in the SEC.

If Troy's defense keeps playing good, they might even have a shot against LSU's weak offense. They'll just have to put together a few good drives offensively themselves.

[Hartski]

I don't know what the heck happened to Iowa, but the whole season is ruined now.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by greenshady
With a win over South Carolina, I think it will help prove they can play in the SEC. If you ask me, I'd like to get rid of Vandy and throw Troy State in the mix. Maybe that's just cause I want another team from Alabama in the SEC.
Awww, it's Vandy! How can anyone hate Vandy!? They're like puppies! In all honest it may never happen. The conference loves to have Vandy because it's an almost guarenteed football win for 8 teams every year. Also schools like Alabama get a contact high from being associated with a such highly coveted academic school and makes them feel better about themselves. I could maybe see an expansion to 14 teams, but I'm not sure if I'd like that.

I don't know what the heck happened to Iowa, but the whole season is ruined now. Nah, I don't think any season can be ruined this early.

[Sharkie]

I just got my Sports Illustrated On Campus issue and they reviewed the top 25 College football weekend experiances. It was a very interesting read.

The list was chosen on six catagories ranked on a ten point scale. The catagories are: Game Day Atmosphere (Both in the stadium and around campus, Student Section (Rowdiness and student activity in their section), God, Country, Football (Measures fan loyality), Gipper Factor (Iconic Figures), In-Game Traditions, Extracurriculars (Tailgate, non-game related features unqiue to a particular campus.) A perfert score is 60.

Topping the list was good ol' Rocky Top, Tennessee. It got there thanks to Smokey, the Volunteer Navy (A floating tailgate), packed Neyland Stadium aka Fort Knox., The T, Vol Walk, Orange Nation, Rocky Top, and Checkered Endzone. The Vols scored 54 points.

Next was SEC rival LSU. Rounding out the top 25 for the SEC is Florida @ #4, #7 Dumb Alabama, Georgia notched the 8th spot, Auburn at 14, finshing with Ole Miss and South Carolina #22 and #23, respectfully. The SEC finished with 8 out of 12, not too shabby.
The Big 10 Finished second with five schools with # 9 Wisconsion leading the charge.
Next in terms of Conferences was the Big 12 with 4 lead by #3 Texas A&M.
The Pac-10 and ACC have two each, The Big East has one while Independent ND is @ 5, soon-to-be-reindependent Army @ 12. Finishing @ 25 is AA power house Montana.

.

[M.D.]

SEC officials suck! I still can't get over the UT-UF game. I just see that ref watching as the UT player hits the UF player in the face and waiting until after the UF player hits the UT player back before throwing a flag. To make it worse, they only penalized FL and didnt restart the clock when they should have, practically giving the game to Tennessee to win...

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
SEC officials suck! I still can't get over the UT-UF game. I just see that ref watching as the UT player hits the UF player in the face and waiting until after the UF player hits the UT player back before throwing a flag. To make it worse, they only penalized FL and didnt restart the clock when they should have, practically giving the game to Tennessee to win... I have long called SEC officals the worst of the nation. And the head of officals has said that a mistake was made and there will be punishments.
http://www.ajc.com/today/content/epaper/editions/today/sports_14e41763930c21620010.html

[M.D.]

Now Tennessee needs to lose the rest of their SEC games!

I hate school! I have three midterms the week following the GT vs UM game Oct. 2... meaning I wont watch the game let alone go to it. grrrr. I was looking forward going to Atlanta and watching that game.

[Sharkie]

Why do you not like UT?

[M.D.]

their uni's are eye-sores. do you need any other reasons? actually, I don't hate them... for FL to win the east, UT needs to lose, thats all.

[Sharkie]

I thought you hated the gators...

[M.D.]

I do. Thats why I want Miami to play them in whatever bowl is there so Miami can rip their team limb from limb. The surest way to do that is for both teams to win their respective conferences.

[M.D.]

Go UAB!

[Sharkie]

California is soooooooo gonna kick Southern Cal butt!

Everyone in the Top 25 was either Idle or won. So, no changes to the top 25, though USC could slip after barely getting by Stanford.

[Sharkie]

This saturday should be called Southeastern Saturday. The two biggest games come from the Southeastern Conference. It's two battles of East and West as the top teams in the SEC meet this week.

GAME OF THE WEEK: #9 Auburn @ #8 Tennessee. The key to the game is the run. Both teams have strong passing games which complement their running games. Defense will win this one as the best run-stoppers will have an inherant advantage. I think AU has the stronger defense and should give me an early birthday present.
Auburn 17 - Tenn 14

#13 LSU @ #3 Georgia. This game is about two struggling offenses but two very powerful defenses. It comes down to who is better prepared, and with an offweek Georgia looks to be that team. And, the Dawgs want some revenge after two losses to the Bayou Bengals last year. Look for LSU to pick up their second loss of the season, as Georgia wins it close 22 - 21.

[greenshady]

Wow! The SEC games have really surprised me! LSU losing that bad to Georgia? Of course, I knew Auburn would win. Just thought the score wouldn't have such a big gap. Anyways, War Eagle! And where's our top 25 update??

[Sharkie]

Sorry, haven't been able to do that, and it's already been updated offically, next week :D

[M.D.]

I must wait a whole other week to watch miami play louisville..

[Sharkie]

Undefeated teams fall in Judgment Day, College Football Style.
Top 25 Teams in BOLD to illustrate how many big games there were today.

1. USC defeats Cal 23-17 in a thriller between two unbeatens.
2. Oklahoma shuts out Texas 12-0.
3. Georgia loses a nailbiter to Tennessee 19-14.
4. Miami Idle
5. Texas shut out by Oklahoma 12-0
6. Auburn demoralizes Louisana Tech 52-7.
7. California got their hearts broken by USC 23-17.
8. Florida State survived Syracuse 17-13.
9. Purdue squeezed out a win against Penn State 20-13.
10.Virgina downs luckless Clemson 30-10.
11.Utah Idle
12.Florida lost close to LSU 24-21.
13.Minnesota lost late to Michigan 27-24.
14.Michigan beat Minnesota late 27-24.
15.Wisconsion made Ohio State cry, 24-13.
16.West Virgina Idle
17.Tennessee scored an upset against Georgia 19-14.
18.Ohio State loses for the second straight game in a row to Wisconsion 24-13.
19.Arizona State Idle
20.Louisville Idle
21.Boise State Idle
22.Oklahoma State rolls over Colorado 42-14.
23.Maryland upset by Georgia Tech 20-7.
24.LSU beat Florida close 24-21.
25.South Carolina losses a close one to Ole Miss 31-28.

On The Move:
Moving out: S. Carolina, Maryland, Ohio State, LSU.
Moving In: Miami (Ohio), Ga Tech, Virgina Tech, Texas Tech.
Losing your first game in the top 25 is sure to knock you out, losing that badly to a team like Ga Tech knocks ya out, losing two in a row can know you out, and LSU though they won, do not deserve a ranking.
Tennessee moves up, so does Wisconsion. Minnesota falls, but not by a lot. Florida despite a loss holds steady at 12, if they move I doubt they'd move beyond 13.

Now, the top 10 shake up. (CR = Current Rank)
CR Team Result Comments (Directional Change D=Down, U=Up, S=Steady)
1. USC (Won) Won very ugly. Lost in every statistical catagory. (D)
2. Oklahoma (Won) Won by shut out. (U)
3. Georgia (Lost) Should have won. (D)
4. Miami (Idle) (S)
5. Texas (Lost) First shutout since the 1980's (D)
6. Auburn (Won) Won huge against a team that gave even Miami problems (U)
7. California (Lost) Lost, but did very very well, the loss came on a final incomplete pass (U)
8. Florida State (Won) Won very ugly against a team they should have beaten (D)
9. Purdue (Won) Did just enough to win, but was impressive (U)
10. Virgina (Won) Won big (U)

PROJECTED NEW Top 10:
1. Oklahoma
2. USC
3. Auburn
4. Miami
5. California
6. Georgia
7. Purdue
8. Texas
9. Virgina
10.Utah

Other Games:
In a surprise UNC defeated NC State, winning two ACC games, a rare feat for the Tar Heels. Also, poor Vandy gave up a late lead to Rutgers to continue a sad season, which was supposed to be great, by Vandy standards. Also, Army broke the nations longest losing streak.

[M.D.]

woah, sharkie... didnt Miami beat La Tech 48-0??? yeah, trouble... I think it would be better to talk about La Tech beating Fresno State, if you mean to imply La Tech is a good team.

Oh yeah, UAB beat mississippi state! Go Blazers!

[Sharkie]

They won, yeah, but they didn't play very well. They've not looked as strong as they should have. And therefor I consider that "struggling." Georgia has "struggled" as well, even though they are 5-1.

[greenshady]

Miami did have some trouble, offensively mostly, with La Tech. Despite what the score says.
Miami only racked up 351 offensive yards. Which is good, but not impressive.
Missed 2 chances to score in the redzone.
Went 2 of 10 on 3rd down conversions.
And had 111 yards in penalties.
That's some trouble. Not enough to keep the score even remotely close, but even still...

I don't think LSU will move out of the top 25. Their losses were to Auburn and Georgia. Two top 10 teams. Then they beat Florida. I think that should be enough to keep them in there for the next week. If it was a team like say, USC, and they lost to 2 top 10 teams, they'd still be in at least the top 15.

[M.D.]

Georgia struggled by scoring 13 points against Marshall, Miami struggles when they only score 48? and shut out the other team? La tech didnt cause Miami to struggle, Florida State did. You can only "struggle" if you score less than 20 points, or allow the other team to be close when they shouldnt, or lose to a team they shouldnt. Sorry, I don't buy that La Tech gave Miami any problems this year.

Brock Berlin is what gave Miami offensive problems, not any sort of La Tech defense...

[Sharkie]

The score isn't all that matters. You can get lucky and score a last point that puts you over the top. Stats tell the whole story about where a team is great and where a team is lacking. Miami has some problems that will could derail their season.


Originally posted by greenshady
I don't think LSU will move out of the top 25. Their losses were to Auburn and Georgia. Two top 10 teams. Then they beat Florida. I think that should be enough to keep them in there for the next week. If it was a team like say, USC, and they lost to 2 top 10 teams, they'd still be in at least the top 15. The thing with LSU is they have slipped a lot, and voters are not impressed. They have fallen faster and further than any defending national champion since polls were started. And people aren't as forgiving towards LSU as they are with say UGA or Florida. And Georgia's loss doesn't help their case to stay up there.

[M.D.]

I take that back, Berlin came out early in the third quarter. With backups running the offense, no wonder Miami "struggled". Although BB still threw a pick.

I wonder how many 3rd downs Miami faced with Berlin?

[whiteeagle]

lets go OU, we beat those sissies (texas) and were going to roll over everyone else on our schedule all the way to the national championship.


adrian petterson for the heisman.

[Sharkie]

Sucklahoma? You have got to be kidding me.

[whiteeagle]

boy man are u high.

on offense:

jason white (heisman trophy winner)

adrian petterson ( best running back in the country)

mark clayton ( one of the best receivers in the country)

offensive line ( best in the country no doubt.)

on defense:

dan cody ( all world defensive end)

larry birdine (playing big as a soph)

lance mitchell ( best middle linebacker in the country)

brodney pool ( future first round pick at free safety)

antonio perkins ( best return man in the country, but he's hurt)

OKLAHOMA IS THE BEST TEAM IN THE COUNTRY

were better this year than last year because we have A.D.

we dont have to blow out people this year

[Sharkie]

I know Sucklahoma is good, but I hate Sucklahoma. I find Sucklahoma's coaching staff to be scummy, and their fans are obnoxious beyond any I have known.

[whiteeagle]

their coaching staff is scummy???

brent venable- one of the best if not the best defensive coordinator in college football

bo pelini - this guy turned around nebraska's defense last year.

jackie shipp- our defensive line coach has developed some good defensive lineman including tommie harris and dvoracek.

chuck long- this guy won about every award for a qb except for the heisman as a player. so now he is our offensive coordinator and a good one at that.

kevin wilson- this guy gave us a running game

i dont know what you mean about us being obnoxious, there are probably loads of schools who are more obnoxious than us. but we got all the talent in the world more so now than last year, so i you got it let the other team know it.

[M.D.]

Now Lousiville... They caused Miami some trouble.

[nicodemus]

dude, its all about steroids...
steroids ALL THE WAY !!!

[Sharkie]

War Eagle! Auburn rolls to 7-0. They are 2 games ahead in the SEC West and can win the title very very soon!

[greenshady]

WAR EAGLE!

[Sharkie]

DARN IT! I was typing up my weekly Top 25 Update and when I had one game left I clicked on the Kryptonsite home banner by mistake and lost everything :( :( :( MAN! I wish we had a crying smilie.

[TATEone]

GO MICHIGAN!!! If we can get past Purdue we should win the conference.

[Sharkie]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/1004/19bcs.html

How's this for a surprise. BCS Rankings are in. The Top 5 be...

1. USC
2. Miami
3. Oklahoma
4. Auburn
5. Florida State

[Hartski]

Wohoo! Iowa gave Ohio State a beatdown on Saturday! Now if we can get past Purdue Minnesota and Wisconsin.

[M.D.]

Screw the Human Polls! The BCS computers know who the better team is!

Go Canes.


Hey, go Blazers! UAB is 24!

[Sharkie]

You know what's interesting... if Quality wins (A win against a top BCS team) was included Auburn would be No. 3. Cause Tennessee is number nine right now. That'd bump us above Oklahoma if it was the same as the old formula. But I'm not worried. No team in the SEC has gone undefeated and won the championship game and not play for the big prize, so if Auburn wins out... :D

In other news, the ACC released the Divisional names for when the conference gets its twelveth member next year.

The Coastal Division is:
Duke
Ga Tech
Miami
UNC
Virgina
Virgina Tech

The Atlantic Division is:
Boston College
Clemson
FSU
NC State
Maryland
Wake Forest

[TATEone]

Originally posted by Hartski
Wohoo! Iowa gave Ohio State a beatdown on Saturday! Now if we can get past Purdue Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Thanks! Any team that whoops up on Ohio State is a friend of mine.
Go MICHIGAN!:D

[greenshady]

I'm not worried either Sharkie.
If Auburn wins out they'll play in the Championship game.
And plus, Miami and Oklahoma will both, more than likely, lose at least one game by the end of the season.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by greenshady
I'm not worried either Sharkie.
If Auburn wins out they'll play in the Championship game.
And plus, Miami and Oklahoma will both, more than likely, lose at least one game by the end of the season. Yup. Miami and Oklahoma both have very tough games coming up. And I don't think they can pull it off. I expect to see Auburn play USC in a rematch of the first game of last season. The only Dark Horse game on the schedule is Georgia. They play amazing some weeks and just plain bad others.

[M.D.]

Sharkie, I never realized that if Auburn played USC, it would be a rematch from the embarassment last season. Now I almost want them to play each other in the championship game for redemption... except Miami would have to lose :( or maybe Auburn and USC would loe and play each other in a bowl game :p

[Sharkie]

Well, that'd work too (Honestly I want the SEC Title more than the national) but if USC loses they'd go to the Rose Bowl and play the Big 10 Champ. The SEC has no set bowls against the Pac-10, sadly.

[Sharkie]

Has anyone seen the new banner? College football!!!!

[Unbreakable Lex]

Terps covered. Im happy :D

[Sharkie]

OMG, Mississippi State just beat Florida.

[Unbreakable Lex]

Gator bait.

Ive got money on BC (+7) at ND, FSU (-131/2) at WF (think this was a stupid bet), Missouri (+4) and NC State (+7) vs Visiting Miami Canes.

Im a dead man.

:lol:

[Sharkie]

Hey, NC State could win.

[Unbreakable Lex]

I was told not to go with FSU. DAMN ME and my stubborness!!!

:mad:

[Sharkie]

Who is Missouri playing?

[Unbreakable Lex]

Ok State.

They are actually up by 10 :D

[Sharkie]

BC just took the lead!

BC won!

[TATEone]

Michigan won by a close one over Purdue. We needed that win over Purdue. Big Ten championship is looking good now.

[Sharkie]

The Top 25 was very interesting today, let's all look at how it went down!

1. USC W Over Washing 38-0
2. Oklahoma W Over Kansas 41-10
3. Auburn W Over Kentucky 42-10
4. Miami W Over NC State 45-31
5. Florida State W Over Wake Forest (Barely) 20-17
6. Wisconsion W Over Northwestern 24-12
7. California W Over Arizona 38-0
8. Texas W Over Texas Tech 51-21
9. Utah W Over UNLV 63-28
10. Georgia W Over Arkansas 20-14
11. Tennessee W Over Alabama 17-13
12. Purdue L to Michigan 14-16
13. Michigan W over Purdue 16-14
14. Virgina W over Duke 37-16
15. West Virgina W over Syracuse 27-6
16. Louisville W over S. Florida 41-9
17. Texas A&M W over Colorado 29-26
18. LSU W over Troy (barely) 24-20
19. Boise State W over Fresno State 33 - 16
20. Florida UPSET by Missississipi State 38-31
21. Arizona State W Over UCLA 48-42
22. OK State edged out Mizzou 20-17
23. Va Tech IDLE
24. Norte Dame L to BC 24-23
25. Iowa Edged Penn State 6-4

Moving Out: Florida and ND
In: BC and Minnesota

[applecrash]

That game this weekend when Iowa defeated Penn State with the final score being 6-4 was interesting. No touchdowns were made and the Hawkeyes put ALL of the points on the board themselves- two field goals giving six points to their own team and they scored four points for Penn State by getting two safeties.

[M.D.]

UAB lost to tulane :confused: how did that happen?

Go 'CANES!

[Aslan]

Originally posted by Sharkie
OMG, Mississippi State just beat Florida.

Can you believe it?
I was at that game!
That is like the biggest upset, seeing as how State is like the worst team in the SEC.

It was an awesome game to watch, and tearing down the goalpost was too cool at the end.

When I got there before the game, there was nobody in the stadium. By the end of the game, it was packed out.

[Hartski]

Yeah, the Iowa game was pretty ugly, but I'll take the win.

I was pretty surprised, because Drew Tate passed for over 300 yards against Michigan State and Ohio State in the past couple of weeks.

Illinois shouldn't be a problem, but then we have Purdue, Wisconsin, and Minnesota all back to back.

[applecrash]

The defense on both sides of the Iowa vs. Penn State game did a better job than the offense on either side was doing.

I know the Hawkeyes had a tough week with everything Coach Ferentz was dealing with after his father's death last Sunday. Although Pudue, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are all tough competitors and are having a pretty good season, I know Iowa won't just let these other teams run over them. The Hawkeyes will be ready.

[Sharkie]

Did you guys hear Ron Zook got fired?

[M.D.]

yep. the boys over at fireronzook.com will be thrilled. or sick to their stomach because Ron Zook proved them right. They shouldnt stop there though. FireFoley.com should get started.

Did you hear the ESPN guys say "Needs more Cowbell" during the kickoff return for a touchdown that MSU had? i was lol.

[TATEone]

Michigan, Ohio State cheapen rivalry with sponsorship.

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/rosey27e_20041027.htm

Being a huge Michigan fan I can't believe this.....what is this world coming too.:(

[Hartski]

I hope that Ohio State beats Michigan. That gives Iowa a chance at the Big Ten Championship.

[Aslan]

Originally posted by M.D.
yep. the boys over at fireronzook.com will be thrilled. or sick to their stomach because Ron Zook proved them right. They shouldnt stop there though. FireFoley.com should get started.

Did you hear the ESPN guys say "Needs more Cowbell" during the kickoff return for a touchdown that MSU had? i was lol.

When you are ranked No. 20 and you lose to the worst team in the SEC, you are going to get fired.

I didn't hear the ESPN announcers say that about the "Needs more Cowbell. That is hilarious! ha ha. I love that SNL skit.

I just hope that Mississippi State can pull out a win against Kentucky Saturday. That would be great.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by TATEone
Michigan, Ohio State cheapen rivalry with sponsorship.

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/rosey27e_20041027.htm

Being a huge Michigan fan I can't believe this.....what is this world coming too.:( Wow. That sucks. It's bad enough when CBS scrolls "AOL" over their First down line :(

[TATEone]

Originally posted by Hartski
I hope that Ohio State beats Michigan. That gives Iowa a chance at the Big Ten Championship.


NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

[GZod]

Originally posted by TATEone
Michigan, Ohio State cheapen rivalry with sponsorship.

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/rosey27e_20041027.htm

Being a huge Michigan fan I can't believe this.....what is this world coming too.:(

Words from a sad Michigan fan!!!

I forget did they beat the Irish this year?????????

Or did you miss that game

[Sharkie]

LOL! This was funny. Courtesy of Fox Sports' Clavacade of Whismy: http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3112306


The ACC came out with its names for the divisions once Boston College joins next year. One will be the Atlantic with Maryland, Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Wake Forest and NC State while the other will be the Coastal with Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. C.O.W. inside sources obtained the exclusive list of names rejected n the long and arduous process. Also considered along with the Atlantic and Coastal were ...


Paris — Nicole

Miami and the Heartbreakers — Florida State and the Beaver Brown Band

Bert — Ernie

The Artist — (unpronounceable symbol)

Really Big East — Bigger East

Smokey — Bandit

Donnie — Marie

The one with Duke — The one without Miami

Sweetie Pie — Pooky Wooky

Bluish Gray — Gray

Jon Schneider — Tom Wopat

Cheek — Gum

Yeehah! — Hee Haw

Apex — Mosaic

Krispy — Kreme

Shock — Awe

Soccer Moms — NASCAR Dads

[M.D.]

Atlantic and Coastal are too blah! It totally shouild have been Soccer Moms - Nascar Dads or Shock and Awe!

[Sharkie]

I like Atlantic and Coastal, but my vote goes to The one with Duke — The one without Miami

[Sharkie]

Ohio State and Michigan wised up and dropped theSBC name fromtheir game!

[M.D.]

Oklahoma State was sooooooo close :( Tex AM you are our only hope.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by M.D.
Oklahoma State was sooooooo close :( Tex AM you are our only hope. I know! I was watching it and sooooo pissed! GO AGGIES!

[Unbreakable Lex]

Go Terps, kicking FSU's Arse!!!!

[axisoftime]

Down 17 points with 6 mins left-Michigan wins in 3 ots-45-37!

[Unbreakable Lex]

First time in 26 years that all three Florida schools lost on the same day.

[Sharkie]

How did the top 25 do? Who survived and who died?

Cal is the only home standing Top 10 team, ROAD TRIP!!

1. USC Plummets Washington State 42-12.
2. Oklahoma cheats to beat OK State 38-35.
3. Auburn defeats Ole Miss 35-14. Clinches SEC West title.
4. Miami UPSET by UNC in their first ACC loss 31-28.
5. Florida State UPSET by Maryland 20-17.
6. Wisconsion IDLE
7. Cal Destroyed Arizona State 27-0
8. Texas whipped Colorado 31-7.
9. Utah Came back big in the 4th Quater to win 51-28 over San Diego State.
10. Georgia defeated Florida to win the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party 31-24.
11. Tennessee killed South Carolina 43-29.
12. Michigan Hung on to beat Michigan State 45-37 in 3OTs.
13. Virgina IDLE
14. Louisville IDLE
15. West Virgina almsot upset by Rutgers 35-30
16. Texas A&M UPSET by Big 12 Bottom feeder Baylor 35-34.
17. Purdue UPSET AGAIN by Northwestern 13-10.
18. Boise State ripped apart Hawaii 69-3.
19. LSU Beat Vanderbilt 24-7.
20. Arizona State Whooped by Cal 27-0.
--- Oklahoma State Lost a heartbreaker to Oklahoma 38-35.
22. Virgina Tech Came from behind to crush Georgia Tech 34-20.
23. Iowa beat Illonios 23-13.
24. Minnesota UPSET by Indiana 30-21.
25. Southern Miss IDLE.

Movements Abound: Auburn COULD leap ahead of Oklahoma after a close win over OK State while Auburn handled Ole Miss. The question is how far Miami, and FSU will drop. Some of the close games (especially West Virgina being close to lowly Rutgers) should move down while big wins by Iowa and Boise State should be rewarded.

Whose Hot: Auburn. With a win over Ole Miss Auburn secures a birth in the SEC Title game. California. With Arizona State out Cal is on track for the Rose Bowl. Georgia. By beating their archnemisis, Georgia can get into a BCS Bowl even if it loses to Auburn.

Whose Not: The State of Florida, going winless for the first time since the 1970's.

[Aslan]

I am glad the superpower of Florida is actually losing right now.
I love it.
They dominate too much normally.

I cannot believe that Mississippi State beat Kentucky today. That makes two SEC wins in a row.....heck....that makes two wins in a row! ha ha

Keep it up Dogs!

[Hartski]

Ok, whoever has the Iowa Running Back voodoo doll, enough is enough!

We lost our 5th and 6th running backs of the year Saturday.

[Sharkie]

Ouch, that hurts Hartski.

Well, it's looking like 4 teams are alive for the Orange Bowl.
USC, Oklahoma, Auburn, and California. Which is your dream matchup?
Mine is USC and Auburn. They played last year and Auburn got emberassed pretty bad. So a rematch would be wonderful. Also good, but kinda makes me torn is Auburn vs. California. Both are favorite teams of mine. Though it'd be tough pulling agaisnt one, at least one them is qurenteed a national title.

[Hartski]

The only match up I want to see is Iowa in the Rose Bowl, although that would take great luck on our part and really crappy luck for a few other teams.

Right now, I just hope we get into a decent bowl game. I'm pretty confident of our chances against Purdue and Minnesota, but Wisconsin is gonna be really tough.

With our injuries, ending the season 8-3 is still a minor miracle, and 9-2 is almost impossible.

[TATEone]

Originally posted by Sharkie
Ohio State and Michigan wised up and dropped theSBC name fromtheir game!

Yeah thank god. I'm glad they wised up and dropped that idea.

[Sharkie]

How did our top 25 do this week?

1. USC Defeated Oregon State 28-20
2. Oklahoma again ruined Saturday by coming from behind to beat Texas A&M (22) 42-35.
3. AUBURN IDLE
4. California squeked by Oregon 28-27.
5. Wisconsion defeated Wisconsion 38-14
6. Texas overcame a huge defect to defeat (19) Oklahoma State 56 - 35
7. Utah stormed over Colorado State 63-21.
8. Georgia routed Kentucky 62-17.
9. Tennessee UPSET by Norte Dame 13-17.
10. Michigan IDLE
11. Miami UPSET by Clemson 17-24.
12. Virgina shutout and shutdown Maryland 16-0.
13. Florida State beat Duke 29-7.
14. Louisville overcame a shootout to prevail 56-49 over Memphis.
15. West Virgina started late but beat Temple 42-21.
16. Boise State IDLE
17. LSU IDLE
18. Virgina Tech squeked by surprising North Carolina 27-24.
19. See #6 Texas result
20. Purdue, former Big 10 front runner, lost a heartbreaker to Iowa 21-23.
21. Southern miss TAKEN DOWN by Cinncinatti 24-52.
22. See #2 Oklahoma.
23. Arizona State survives Stanford 34-31.
24. BC beat Rutgers 21-10.
25. UTEP IDLE

Moving:
Take the stairs to the top: Michigan and Virgina will benefit from losses, especially Virgina who is now tied with Virgina Tech for the ACC Lead.
Who SHOULD take the elevator down: Besides the obvious losers (Especially Miami, look for them to move to about 16 or 17, and Southern Miss who will leave the Top Ten.) USC and Oklahoma should move down. For the second straight week Oklahoma had to hold off an upset, and USC just passed an opponent Cal (Who they beat by 5) that blew out Oregon State. Of course Oklahoma is a favorite who won't move down. Sometimes the polls are DUMB.

[Unbreakable Lex]

Did you have to say shutout and shut down????

:mad:

The ACC is totally the best confrence this year. Miami loosing to NC and Clemson? Come on, this confrence is going to sweep the bowls they have.

[Hartski]

Go Iowa!!!!! 7-2 with no rushing game!

[Hartski]

Whoa...Maurice Clarett just OWNED Ohio State. Somehow, I doubt we'll see them in a bowl game anytime soon.

[whiteeagle]

Looks like it will be OU and USC in the national championship.

USC plays nobody.

OU plays nobody including the big xII championship.


Auburn will probably have to blow out either Georgia or Tenessee to move ahead of OU.

[Sharkie]

Not so fast my friend. There is a lot of football left to play, so anything can happen. Don't make the same mistake Sucklahoma did last year, declaring themselves National Champs before they even played LSU, we all remember how that went.

[Hartski]

You never know, Iowa State could pull off an upset in the Big XII Championship.

[Sharkie]

The Toothfairy could beat The Greatest Evil In Sport for all I care. But they will lose.

[whiteeagle]

i know about 98% of the people in the US want OU to lose but who is going to beat them:

Nebraska??

Baylor???

Big XII north oppenent???

they havent' even played there best game yet.

[greenshady]

And they haven't even played a real game with a good opponent yet.

[whiteeagle]

texas a&m #22

osu #25

and texas.#6

that's more than auburn or usc has played this year.

[Hartski]

Yeah, Big XII doesn't really have any powerhouses like the Big Ten does this year. Or the SEC for that matter.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by whiteeagle
texas a&m #22

osu #25

and texas.#6

that's more than auburn or usc has played this year. I would beg to differ.

Auburn beat Arkansas, a team that came within two points of beating Texas. Oklahoma beat Texas 12-0. Auburn scored 38 points on Arkansas.

Auburn beat Tennessee, then #7, 34-10, in Fort Knox. Tennessee is one of the hardest places to play in America, and Auburn blew them out of the water.

Auburn defeated defending National Champ LSU. Remember LSU, Oklahoma? That team that beat you even though you were selling National Championship gear?

Three tough opponents. Next up? UGA, the #8 and #5 team in AP and Coaches polls, respectfully. Then comes Alabama. Then the SEC Championship replaying Tennessee.

Whose next for Chokelahoma? Nebraska, Baylor, and possibly Iowa State. Yeah.

[axisoftime]

Michigan wins-Wisconsin loses.Michigan wins next week they go to the Rose Bowl.The big Mich-Ohio State game next week-too bad OSU lost today thou-if they had won they would have been nationally ranked-the game would have abit more national popularity.But when these teams play u can throw out the records.

[Sharkie]

1. USC blindsides Arizona 49-9
2. Oklahoma shows no class in an attempt to run up the score on Nebraska, who scores a moral victory scoring on the last play of the game.
3. Auburn blew away rival Georgia 24-6*
4. Wisconsin blew away by Michigan State 49-14
5. California creamed Washington 42-12
6. Texas barely gets by Kansas 27-23
7. Utah turns the lights off on Wyoming 45-28
8. Georgia shut down 24-6 by Auburn
9. Michigan destroyed Northwestern 42-20
10. Virginia lost to sliding Miami 31-21
11. Florida State won close against NC State 17-10
12. Louisville blanks TCU 55-28
13. West Virginia blown away by Boston College 36-17
14. Boise State needs over time to take down 2-win San Diego State 56-49
15. Tennessee: IDLE
16. Virginia Tech: IDLE
17. LSU downs Alabama 26-10
18. Miami stops the streak against Virginia 31-21
19. Iowa slides by Minnesota to win the Floyd of Rosedale aka The Pig 29-27
20. Arizona State creams Washington State 45-28
21. Boston College gives West Virginia a Nightmare with a 36-17 win.
22. Texas A&M squeaks by Texas Tech 32-25
23. UTEP edges Rice 35-28 in OT
24. Notre Dame UPSET by Pittsburg 41-38
25. Oklahoma State routs Baylor 49-21

*Georgia did not score until the final 2 minutes of play, almost netting a shutout for Auburn. Last Georgia shut out in 1995 to Alabama.

Why Auburn should be ranked ahead of Oklahoma:
Auburn pounded one of the top defenses in the NCAA for 24 points. And Auburn’s defense only gave up 6 points to one of the best offenses in the SEC.

In Oklahoma’s last three games they have had two come from behind close wins. Auburn’s last come from behind win was back in September against LSU. In the last three games Oklahoma has given up 80 points, while Auburn has given up thirty to better quality teams. To reach at least 80 points given up by Auburn, you have to go 9 games back, against Mississippi State, Auburn’s second game. They didn’t give up any against their first opponent. To compare: OU has given up 158 total. Auburn: 93. If Oklahoma was to play USC or Auburn, their defense could not keep up with these two team’s offenses.

Oklahoma’s signature win was a 12-0 win over then #5 Texas. Auburn’s? Pick one. 10-9 over then #5 LSU. 34-10 over then #7 Tennessee. Or tonight’s win against #5 Georgia 24-6. AU has played three teams in the Top 10. Oklahoma has played one.

While we are on Texas, Texas has had narrow wins over horrendous teams like Kansas (3-7). Texas is second in the Big 12 South. Arkansas, who Texas beat 22-20, is ranked 5th in the SEC West. That tells me teams like Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, and pretty much every SEC team but MSU, Vandy, and Kentucky could be plopped into the Big 12 and be highly competitive. Top tier SEC teams would win outright. The strength of a conference should be a huge factor, and with that into account, Auburn should be ahead of Oklahoma.

Just looking at this information, how could anyone put the Sooners ahead of Tigers? Don’t get me wrong, I want Oklahoma to go undefeated and find themselves outside of the National Title, a very poetic justice. They didn’t deserve the chance last year, they don’t deserve it this year. If Auburn loses to Alabama or Tennessee, fair enough. They did it on the field. Oklahoma has not proved they are better than Auburn.

Adding: Let me tell you something. My already low respect for Oklahoma dropped GREATLY after watching the fading minutes of the Oklahoma/Nebraska game. Oklahoma was winning 30-0 over Nebraska and Oklahoma not only had all their starters in but tried to convert a fourth down well within field goal range. As a former player, doing something like this is despicable. Stoops has proven he is the scum of the earth.

Going Up (or at least they should): Auburn, Cal, Michigan, Utah, LSU
Down: Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Boise State, Texas.

[greenshady]

I agree totally with everything about the Oklahoma and Auburn debate here Sharkie.


Originally posted by whiteeagle
texas a&m #22

osu #25

and texas.#6

that's more than auburn or usc has played this year.

Do you know what teams play in the SEC? It's always been the toughest conference to play in. And it will always be. And if I remember correctly, didn't Texas A&M make Oklahoma's defense look awful. I'd like to see Oklahoma's offense to go up against a real defense. Texas's defense has been their only real test.

[Sharkie]

Well, Auburn is tied for 2nd in the AP and only 2 points behind Oklahoma in the Coaches Poll. Things are looking Orangy for the Orange and Blue Tigers.

[axisoftime]

Nice commentary Sharkie-As good as if not better then the sports writers,

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by axisoftime
Nice commentary Sharkie-As good as if not better then the sports writers, Thanks :D That makes me feel really good.

[Hartski]

Dangit, Wisconsin was suppossed to win, that way ESPN College Gameday would have been at Iowa City this Saturday.

Oh, well. If we somehow squeak by the Badgers, we should get to the Capital One Bowl.

And, ARGGGGHHHHHHHHH! Another running back injured!!!!!

[Sharkie]

That's right. It's rivalry week, when the stakes are highest. Each day I'll preview some of the best rivals in the country.
(No particular order)

Michigan and Ohio State
The Conference(s): BIG TEN
Nickname: N/A
The Records: M: 9-1(7-0 Big Ten) OSU: 6-4(3-4)
The Stakes: Michigan has a one game lead in the Big Ten. An Ohio State win would change the entire scope of the conference. It would force a tie between the winner of the Iowa vs. Wisconsin game. If Wisonsin wins they'll win the conference's Rose Bowl bid. If Iowa wins, Michigan goes.

[axisoftime]

Id say Mich-Ohio State is the greatest rivalry.Of course alot depends on where u live lol.But many do call it the greatest.Usually every year it decides in 1 way or another who wins the big 10 title and goes to the rose bowl.Btw the nicknames are the Wolverines and Buckeyes.

[Sharkie]

California and Stanford
Conference(s): Pac-10
Nickname: The Big Game
Trophy: The Stanford Ax
The Records: Cal: 8-1 Stan: 4-6
History: This is tied for the 9th most played rivalry in the country and tied at third for oldest. The first meeting of these schools was 1982, making it the oldest on the west coast.
The Stakes: While a Conference Championship is out of the picture, Cal will take a step closer to the Rose Bowl with a win here. And at #4 in the nation, if two of the three teams (USC, OU, Aub) jammed at the top lose, The Golden Bears will find themselves in the National Title game.


Originally posted by axisoftime
Btw the nicknames are the Wolverines and Buckeyes. Oh, I know. I meant the name of the rivalry. Like Auburn-Alabama is the Iron Bowl, ect.

[M.D.]

boooo with the BCS. Even though I hope AUB goes all the way, it would be awesome if AUB and OU split the title and screw over the BCS.

[Sharkie]

I think it's getting close to the beginning of the end. We have a potential of another split title.

[Hartski]

If Michigan loses and we beat Wisconsin Saturday, there'll be a three-way tie for the Big 10 championship. What a crazy season.

[greenshady]

Originally posted by Sharkie
I think it's getting close to the beginning of the end. We have a potential of another split title.
Yeah, if this happens again, college football needs a playoff system. Though, I do love my bowl games...
Maybe the top 4 teams should have a playoff for the championship game. I don't know, there's always a good chance that something like this could happen every year, and I'm mad about it. That's only because I don't like to think of Auburn splitting they're title (pending their win), with anyone else.

[Sharkie]

Originally posted by greenshady
Yeah, if this happens again, college football needs a playoff system. Though, I do love my bowl games...
Maybe the top 4 teams should have a playoff for the championship game. I don't know, there's always a good chance that something like this could happen every year, and I'm mad about it. That's only because I don't like to think of Auburn splitting they're title (pending their win), with anyone else.

I agree 110%.

Here is my suggestion for the BCS.

1. Add a fifth bowl. Not like the proposed one for next year, a true fifth bowl. Make the Capital One Bowl (After they change the name back, stupid sponsor name) or the Cotton Bowl the fifth bowl. I'd say cotton because there is already a Florida BCS Bowl.

2. Designate three National Championship Tournament Bowls. Say for example Orange, Sugar, and Rose for one year. #1 vs. #4 in the Orange, and #2 vs. #3 in the Sugar. The winners of the two bowls will meet in the Rose Bowl a week later for the National title game.

2A: Since we don't want rematches, if two teams in the top four have played each other, the match ups will be adjusted to accomdate that. So, looking at the current rankings:
1. USC
2. Oklahoma
3. Auburn
4. Cal

Under my model above, Cal will replay USC. So, to rememdy that, the matchup will be changed for this season to #4 vs. #2 and #3 vs. #1. and then the winners will meet in the Rose.

3. The Bowls will rotate.

So, one year it'd be:
1. Cotton
2. Fiesta
3. Orange - Playoff Bowl #1.
4. Sugar - Playoff Bowl #2.
5. Rose - National Championsip Game

then next year:
1. Rose
2. Cotton
3. Fiesta - PB#1
4. Orange - PB#2
5. Sugar - NCG

and so on until it gets back to the Rose Bowl.

Rivalry WeeK: Day 3

Auburn and Georgia
Conference(s): SEC
Nickname: The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
Trophy: N/A
The Records: AU: 10-0 UGA: 8-2
History: The Tigers and Bulldogs first met in Atlanta in 1892. It was the first college football game played in the South. Since then the teams have met 108 times. The teams have played uninterupted with the exception of WW1. In total, Auburn has outscored Georgia 1,621 - 1,618. A field goals difference.

[M.D.]

If IAA can do it, so can IA.

[greenshady]

Originally posted by Sharkie
History: The Tigers and Bulldogs first met in Atlanta in 1982.
I think Sharkie means 1892...

[Sharkie]

Damn dyslexia!

[greenshady]

Hey Sharkie! Did you get an SEC championship ticket?
We got jipped. The school only got like 1300 tickets for students. I think the big guys here in Auburn are hording the tickets, then selling them for like 300 bucks or something.

[Sharkie]

Nope. Did you?

[greenshady]

Nope.
I know one person who got one. And he's selling it, because he has no friends, with tickets, to go with. And the fact that he could get at least a good...well...lots of money out of it.

[Sharkie]

Utah and BYU
Conference(s): Mountain West
Nickname: Holy War
Trophy: Beehive Boot
The Records: Utah 10-0 BYU: 5-5
The Stakes: The sheer magnetude of this game is huge, and the reason it's on this list. I'll admit, in a regular season I wouldn't even consider this game. But this is no regular season. Utah has everything to win and everything to lose in this game. A win nets a BCS Bowl berth which brings prestige and respect to the school. Not to mention 175 million bucks. Rival BYU has a lot to gain, and a lot to lose as well if they win. A win means a bowl game, likely the lowest of the low, and no bucks. If Rival Utah wins, BYU gets a slice of the BCS pie that they bring to the conference.


Originally posted by greenshady
Nope.
I know one person who got one. And he's selling it, because he has no friends, with tickets, to go with. And the fact that he could get at least a good...well...lots of money out of it. Boo and hiss! That's not cool. I feel bad for that guy. :(

[Hartski]

I can't wait until tomorrow! I think Iowa will put up a good fight against Wisconsin, and Ohio State has a decent chance at beating Michigan.


And the Big XII North is still giving me a headache.

[Sharkie]

Hatred. That's what it's all about, isn't it. In college football there is only one thing you love about your rivals. That's beating them. Nothing is more true with this rivalry, chosen because of the sheer meanness between the teams. Kiss respect goodbye when these two teams meet.

In rivalry terms, none is more intense. After first meeting in 1893, the teams played till 1908, when fueds over ref selection and travel expenses caused the teams to stop meeting altogether. Legends say that the State legislature forced the teams to get together again, but the truth is that the presidents felt it was time to make amends. And it's good they did. College Football would not be the same without this greatest of rivals.

The #1 College Football Rivalry as picked by Sharkie...










AUBURN and ALABAMA:
Conferences: SEC
Records: AU: 10-0 Bama: 6-4
The Stakes: Auburn is 10-0 going into the game, and Bama would love nothing more than to derail that. Plus, Bama is just coming off of probation for recruitment violations and beating the Tigers would give them a remarkable finish to a better than expected season. For the Tigers a win is all they need, theorotically, to frog hop Oklahoma into the crucial #2 spot in the BCS Standings.

PREDICTION: Alabama has an amazing defense, but so does UGA, and look at how the dawgs did agianst the Tigers offense. Even then, this game is always at an elevated level and Bama wants to attone for three straight loses to the Tigers. The Tides may roll, but this time Toomers Corner is getting rolled, Tiger is soaring, and Rama Jama, Auburn 33 Alabama 10.

War Damn Eagle

[greenshady]

Hey Everybody! I just wanted to say WAR EAGLE!

[axisoftime]

Michigan lost-but scince Wisconsin also lost,Michigan goes to the Rose Bowl.I knew OSU had a good chance-theyve had an off-season and this game was everything to them.As ive heard b4-OSU could lose every game and if they beat Michigan,theyd be happy!lol.This is such a great rivalry it really dosent matter what the records are when they play.The fans thou are still dissapointed-even thou Mich finished 9-2-big 10 co champs and going to the Rose Bowl lol.

[Sharkie]

1. USC IDLE
T2. Auburn DEFEATS Archrival Alabama 21-13 @ Bryant-Denny Stadium. First undefeated SEC regular season since Tennessee won the National Title in 1998. First Auburn undefeated season since 1993. Only the second 11-0 record for an Auburn team in the history of the program.
T2. Oklahoma blanks Baylor 35-0
4. Cal steam rolls Archrival Stanford 41-6, earns Ax, one step closer to the Rose Bowl.
5. Utah defeats archrival BYU 52-21. Earns first trip ever to a BCS game from a non-BCS team, barring any wackyness from the BCS.
6. Texas IDLE
7. Michigan UPSET by Archrival Ohio State 37-21. Thanks to Iowa defeating Wisconsin, Michigan takes the Rose Bowl bid.
8. Louisville KO's Houston 65-28.
9. Wisconsin crippled by Iowa. Finishes third in Big Ten after leading most of the season.
10. Florida State lost to the Florida Gators 20-13. The last time Florida won at FSU was 1986. Way to go, Ron Zook! You should still be at Florida. Walk away with your head high.
11. Georgia IDLE
12. Miami uses Hurricane force winds to blow away Wake Forest 52-7.
13. Boise State walks over Louisana Tech 55-14
14. Lousiana State sneaks by Mississippi 27-24
T15. Tenessee pulls away from Vandy 38-33.
T15. Virginia Tech commits Terpicide 55-6
17. Iowa upset Wisconsin, ties for Big Ten Championship
18. Virginia whoops Georgia Tech 30-10
19. BC busts Temple 34-17
20. Arizona State - IDLE
21. West Virginia - IDLE
22. Texas A&M - IDLE
23. Oklahoma State - IDLE
24. UTEP seduces Southern Methodist 57-27
25. Bowling Green - IDLE

Conference Races:
As the regular seasons wind down some conferences are all but decided and others are still wacky. Here's a run down of the BCS Conference races.

ACC - Virginia Tech, Virginia, Miami, and Florida State are all alive for the conference title.

Big Ten - Iowa and Michigan are Co-Conference Champions. Michigan gets the Rose Bowl bid due to beating Iowa earlier.

Big 12 - NORTH: All but Kansas and Kansas State are alive. Guess Clark isn't to happy about that. Iowa State can clinch with a win over Missouri.
SOUTH: Oklahoma has clinched the Division.

Big East - Exiting Boston College will win the title if it can beat Syracuse next week.

Pac-10 - Southern Cal has already clinched the title, and with USC so far in the National title game California is alive for the Rose Bowl, which makes Cal actually cheer for USC to win out, as a USC loss will bump the Trojans to the Rose Bowl. Due to a BCS clause, the highest ranked none Conference champ will recieve an Automatic bid if they are ranked #3 or #4 on the BCS, Cal is 4 so they'd still get a BCS Bowl, but likely not the one they'd want.

SEC - Auburn will replay Tennessee in the Conference Title Game in Atlanta on Dec 4th.

The 6 Champions each get a bid to BCS Bowls Rose, Sugar, and Fiesta. The #1 and #2 teams meet in the Orange.

The Big Baby Conference? I say so.
Maybe the Big 12 should think of changing their names to the Big Baby Coference. This past week the Big 12 should be embarassed by how they've acted on and off the playing field.

1. The Oklahoma Fans. After their big win over Nebraska, Oklahoma fans began throwing Oranges at the opposing players. We saw just last night in the NBA how that could escalate. Fans need to show some respect at games, and Oklahoma showed no respect or class after beating a rival. Jeers to Oklahoma's fans for doing what they did, and Jeers to Oklahoma for not codemning their fans. Two truely classless groups.

2. Nebraska coach Bill Callahan. Calling a group of fans, evening Orange throwing fans, bleeping hillbillies is unacceptable. The truley sad fact is, he had a right to think it. But he should have kept his mouth shut.

3. Nebraska players. This is the second year a Nebraska player has been involved with an altercation on the field with a fan.

4. Kansas Coach Mangioni. He said after the Texas loss that the entire reason his team lost to Texas that it was that the Big 12 Conference wanted an at-large berth by Texas and the refs made a call with that in mind. Boo! That comment hurts the entire respectablity of the game. It's wrong.

5. Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops. Coach Stoops knows that Analysts have a right to say and comment on who they think the best teams in the country are. If Oklahoma isn't on the list he should grow up and accept it. To say the ESPN commentators are purposly trying to tip the scales in Auburn's favor is idiotic.

Best Performaces
AUBURN - The Defense kept the Crimson Tide Offense out of the endzone when backed against the wall 3 times. Then the Offense took over scoring 21 unanswered points to put the game away.

Worst Performance
Clemson and South Carolina. In Lou Holtz' final regular season game his players gave him a disgusting display of disrespect. This is inexcusable. It is a black eye to the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the SEC, and the ACC. Congrats, you've made us all sick.

[M.D.]

Auburn is still three.. stupid pollsters looked at the scoreboard, not the game.

Maybe if FL gives Zook his job back he will pull a Tuberville next year?

[Sharkie]

We gained points, but so did Oklahoma... this is getting depressing :( I'm sorry, but laying 35 points on a 2-9 team is not that impressive.

[M.D.]

Did you see the ESPN writers, preemptively make excuses for OU rising by called Baylor an underappreciated team, and citing the win over Tex AM as the reason?
bah!