College Football [Un]Explained — A Fluke Or Parity?

I can’t decide what was more shocking this season — Michigan losing to Appalachian State or the new list of Top 10 teams in Div 1-A (to be released on Monday). But can this string of “upsets” be described as parity? Or are teams just getting lucky? I personally think the level of competition across the board is higher. Arguments can be made for any number of teams to be at the top of the polls…and not simply gauged by their record, some of which already have one loss.

I have to say, it makes me giggle when I hear college football analysts refer to USC as the “Titans” or some other overblown moniker. USC is not the best team in college football this season. And I’ve thought that since Day 1. Say it with me, Ron Thulin. “Touchdown, Stanford!” Nevermind my obvious dislike for the USC football program. I’m just happy to see some new names in contention for the crown. Back in Week 2, I made some “odious observations” about the outcome of the weeks to follow. Here’s a refresher.

• Washington, Oregon, Clemson, and Georgia Tech are Top 15 teams. The Huskies in particular will validate me or make me a liar over the next 3 weeks.
• Why is Cal ranked #10?
• When Michigan loses, it should no longer be regarded as an “upset”.
• Oklahoma and LSU will play each other in the Superdome at the end of the season. I haven’t seen more dominant teams than these through Week 2.
• Only Wisconsin & West Virginia will make the previous statement null and void.
• Get over USC already.

College Gameday: Don’t Tase Me, Bro!

While they’re still solid football teams, Washington, Clemson, and Georgia Tech won’t be making any significant climbs up the ladder this season. I still believe Oregon is one of the Top 10 teams in the nation. With a playmaker like Dennis Dixon at the helm, they should have no problems beating anyone. After a near win against Cal, I’m convinced of that. Laugh now. We’ll revisit this prediction in a few.

Speaking of Cal…I still think they’re overrated. Not only are they not #10 anymore…they’re frikken #3. Top 5? Maybe #5…as long as they stay undeafeated, I’d give them that.

I still can’t believe Oklahoma lost. I still think they’re the 2nd best team in the nation behind LSU, who narrowly escaped a slide down the ladder last night against a stout Florida squad. As far as my Wisconsin and West Virginia claims for top spots…again I revisit my “make an argument for any number of teams” idea. They’re both still great teams. Heavily penalizing Wisconsin for losing to Illinois would be disappointing, which brings me to my next set of observations. However, I’ll promote them from “odious” to “implausible”. Who knows? Maybe next week, I can move up to “believable”.

Implausible Observations

• Will someone rank Illinois already? They feature an all-purpose running back in Rashard Mendenhall and a secondary equipped with radar. Speaking of underrated teams, get Kansas in there too.
• Why is Cal ranked #3? In fact, please don’t rank them above LSU next week. That might bring disparagement to the polls. Maybe.
• Despite a 5-interception performance last week, Colt Brennan is still a bad-ass, but Matt Ryan is the best Quarterback in the nation.
• I’m still not sold on Arizona State or South Florida, but I hope they both keep it up.

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