2007 NCAA Football Rankings - Week 5

[Mike (jp / Jopan)]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex

You know, I think the AP Poll got it right for the first time in a LONG time. I actually agree with all of their rankings, aside from a few minor caveats.

USF is overranked. They may have beaten West Virginia, who was #5... but WV was overranked at #5. USF should be above Florida and Oklahoma, since they are still unbeaten, but I think #6 is probably too high. I would probably have them at #8 and Kentucky at #6.

Rutgers should have dropped out of the rankings altogether. They were not a #10 team last week, and they're not a #21 team this week. They certainly aren't better than the undefeated Purdue team.

Nebraska at #25? Come on, show a little more respect. Their only loss was to a #1 USC team (granted, we have no clue how good USC is since they haven't played anyone yet). Give them Rutgers #21 spot, at least.



Regardless, I applaud the AP pollsters for at least getting the Top 5 100% correct in my book. (I don't like Ohio State being that high since they haven't played anyone, but who else deserves #4? Maybe only Wisconsin, but even they haven't really played anyone.)

[Donnie (Arne)]

The Florida Gators schedule is scary.  I have a love hate relationship with the SEC.  5 teams we play are ranked, and 1 should be!!!!  Hopefully we can run the tables like last year after Auburn.  Unfortunately, Its gonna be much harder than last year because of our extremely young defense.

[Donnie (Arne)]

Oh yea, make sure you all pray for the down fall of LSU this weekend.   It will benefit all 

[Mike (jp / Jopan)]

<-- Gator fan, as well.

And while the SEC is strong, I think the Big East and Pac-10 need some attention now as well. There are some pretty good teams in those leagues.

Providing that everyone in the Top 5 right now loses 1 game this year, now that Florida has lost, I still say the road to the National Championship goes through Gainesville. However, just like last year, that now hinges on other teams losing. The Gators can only directly effect one of those teams, and they'll do it next week.

[Mike (jp / Jopan)]

My Top 25

Provided this link actually works... here's how I would actually rank the top 25. (Hey, look! I gave Auburn some respect!) Gators are only ranked above OU because I'm a fan. Thankfully their loss was in week 5 so they still have time to fight back to #2!

[Donnie (Arne)]

SEC Pac-10, Big East...in that order.

[Mike (jp / Jopan)]

So, if Auburn beats LSU... and that remains LSU's only loss. That means LSU will not play for the SEC championship. Does that mean in a season of 1-2 loss Top 10 teams that LSU would be out of the National Championship hunt? Is there anything that says you have to win your conference to play for the NC?

How about this scenario: Auburn beats LSU. Auburn and Florida get a rematch for the SEC championship. Assuming Florida wins, are they good enough with that record to play for the NC with 2 losses? (Of course, for Florida to even have a chance at the NC every single (respectable) ranked team has to have at least one loss. That means LSU, Ohio, Cal, S. Florida, Boston College, Missouri, and Arizona St. all have to lose.)

Shoot, in that same scenario if Auburn beats Florida to win the SEC they'd also only have 2 losses... would they be worthy of playing for the NC as a 2 loss team?

Honestly, I think this year should see an SEC vs. SEC showdown for the NC.

I love college football.

[Donnie (S3 / Jagor)]

SEC vs SEC is going to be the best team matchup for the NC.  I don't think the teams from other conferences could compete in the SEC any year, much less this year... and don't even get me started on the next two years.  The fact that LSU, Florida, and Auburn are such young teams is insane given their ability to compete against each other.

So do I think teams from other conferences could beat these teams?  Yes... I just think that the Ohio States of the world would have to play flawlessly while the LSU's of the world would have to suck wind for it to happen.  Of course, I wouldn't mind seeing an Auburn / USF rematch in a bowl game... only because I know how it would end up if Auburn has truly found their stride which they appear to have done.

It's so much fun to talk about, regardless of the actual outcome.