We are nearing the end of the road as the regular season is set to wrap up in some leagues, while others prep for conference title games.
The picture is getting clearer, but there is still a lot in flux.
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks blew out their in-state rivals, which is just what the doctor ordered in their quest to keep the top spot. This team has now won 7 in a row with 3 ranked teams among those opponents since being upset by an Arizona team that has managed to win the PAC-12 south.
Now we get the rematch, and if Oregon wants to play in the tourney, they need to win that game.
2. Florida State Seminoles
The Noles had another tight one, narrowly escaping an upset bid from a spirited Gator team which was playing its last game under 'Boom'. The margin wasn't great, though Florida State stayed in the lead after scoring their second touchdown halfway through the second quarter. One interesting note. Watching the game, the only player who seemed to not be ready to go, was Jameis. It was his 3 early picks that gave the Gators hope, thought the Noles defense played very well holding them to 9 points after those picks, and then answered with Terrence Smith's 94 yd pick-6.
Now, Georgia Tech is on deck for the Noles in the ACC title game. This is a scary game for the Noles. Not only is Georgia Tech a very good team, coming off a win over a good Georgia team, but they run a scheme on offense which has given FSU trouble in the past. I expect a lot of points in this game.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide played in one of the most exciting games of the weekend, but that's not really a great thing when you are trying to stay in the top 4. That said, a win in the Iron Bowl is a win in one of the biggest rivalries in college football, and they got it. The concern here is that they gave up 456 yards passing (to Nick Marshall!!!) and 44 points to Auburn. Bama is supposed to be about defense. The numbers look good with Blake Sims throwing for over 300, Amari Cooper closing with over 200 yards receiving, and T.J. Yeldon rushing for 127, but Sim threw 3 picks and only one player other than Cooper caught more than 1 ball.
Now comes the SEC title game and Mizzou, in which Bama will be a heavy favorite. They need to handle business in this game.
4. Wisconsin Badgers
This probably looks odd as the Badgers have 2 losses to Ohio State's 1. These two teams are separated by a hair, and right now the Badgers get the nod for a slightly tougher SoS.
They are coming off a win over a up-and-coming Minnesota team, and get to settle it on the field with Ohio State in the Big 11/10 title game. It will be interesting to see what the Buckeyes can put on the field with their #3 QB taking snaps.
Showing posts with label Oregon Ducks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon Ducks. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Week 13 TRS College Football Rankings
What did week 13 leave us with?
The Big 12 has a logjam that is going to come down to the very end of the regular season. On top of the glorious tension that fans are rewarded with from having Baylor, TCU, and Kansas State still in the running, it may offset some of the affect of there being no Big 12 conference title. It is likely that the Big 12 championship will come down to the Wildcats and the Bears in Waco on the 6th.
There wasn't a lot of excitement in the SEC as most of they are in the midst of their late-season round of cupcakes. Arkansas's demolishing of Ole Miss did not have a positive effect for their conference. Arkansas is getting better, but Ole Miss is really not the same team since losing LaQuon Treadwell, and the game, to Auburn. Simply put, they are good, but not great, which damages the reputation of the SEC West this season. That said, it is still the best division in football.
Out west, in the PAC, there is still a battle to see who will face off with Oregon for the conference championship. The thumping that UCLA put on the Trojans in L.A. announced their intentions to contend for the conference title. It is going to be a very interesting weekend as the Bruins face off with the always-dangerous Stanford Cardinal and Sun Devils go to war with the Wildcats out in the desert. If the Bruins win, it is theirs, as they hold the head-to-head against both of the Arizona teams.
As for the top 4, Bama rolled over Western Carolina, Florida State escaped again, and Oregon rolled over Colorado, the Vanderbilt of the PAC-12.
So, here is the latest standings:
1. Oregon Ducks:
The Ducks have not been challenged since getting their starting offensive line healthy again. If they can avoid an upset in the Civil War against Oregon State and beat whoever comes out of the logjam in the PAC-12 south, they will be a shoo-in for the playoff. That however, requires 2 more wins over quality programs.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide:
The Tide will be in the playoff for sure if they win out. However, they have the Iron Bowl and the SEC championship between them and the playoff. It will be interesting to see what would happen if the Tide happens to drop one of these games, giving them 2 losses on the season. Would they jump ahead of all the 1 loss teams, or would they simply give their spot to the Mississippi State team that they beat so soundly a few weeks ago.
3. Florida State Seminoles:
This team is infuriating to watch. They are talented, they are clutch, and they insist on proving the latter each and every week. Mind you, winning a close game against a solid, physical, BC team on a water-logged field is no great shame, but they need to learn how to start a game. Closing is good, but every now and again, they should whoop someone. As for the future, they have a rivalry game for with the Gators coming to town before the ACC championship game. That title game is set against Georgia Tech, which is a scary game for the Noles. Tech run the triple option which has given FSU trouble in the past, and the YellowJackets have the talent to make the most of it. If they lose one of these, they will be missing the playoffs.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes:
People can say what they want about the Buckeyes lettings Indiana hang around, but they have making an impressive run through the Big 10(1). Now, they have the Big Game against their rivals to the north before lining up for the Big 10 championship. The west has an interesting situation with Minnesota facing off with the Badgers, with the winner taking the Division.
The Big 12 has a logjam that is going to come down to the very end of the regular season. On top of the glorious tension that fans are rewarded with from having Baylor, TCU, and Kansas State still in the running, it may offset some of the affect of there being no Big 12 conference title. It is likely that the Big 12 championship will come down to the Wildcats and the Bears in Waco on the 6th.
There wasn't a lot of excitement in the SEC as most of they are in the midst of their late-season round of cupcakes. Arkansas's demolishing of Ole Miss did not have a positive effect for their conference. Arkansas is getting better, but Ole Miss is really not the same team since losing LaQuon Treadwell, and the game, to Auburn. Simply put, they are good, but not great, which damages the reputation of the SEC West this season. That said, it is still the best division in football.
Out west, in the PAC, there is still a battle to see who will face off with Oregon for the conference championship. The thumping that UCLA put on the Trojans in L.A. announced their intentions to contend for the conference title. It is going to be a very interesting weekend as the Bruins face off with the always-dangerous Stanford Cardinal and Sun Devils go to war with the Wildcats out in the desert. If the Bruins win, it is theirs, as they hold the head-to-head against both of the Arizona teams.
As for the top 4, Bama rolled over Western Carolina, Florida State escaped again, and Oregon rolled over Colorado, the Vanderbilt of the PAC-12.
So, here is the latest standings:
1. Oregon Ducks:
The Ducks have not been challenged since getting their starting offensive line healthy again. If they can avoid an upset in the Civil War against Oregon State and beat whoever comes out of the logjam in the PAC-12 south, they will be a shoo-in for the playoff. That however, requires 2 more wins over quality programs.
2. Alabama Crimson Tide:
The Tide will be in the playoff for sure if they win out. However, they have the Iron Bowl and the SEC championship between them and the playoff. It will be interesting to see what would happen if the Tide happens to drop one of these games, giving them 2 losses on the season. Would they jump ahead of all the 1 loss teams, or would they simply give their spot to the Mississippi State team that they beat so soundly a few weeks ago.
3. Florida State Seminoles:
This team is infuriating to watch. They are talented, they are clutch, and they insist on proving the latter each and every week. Mind you, winning a close game against a solid, physical, BC team on a water-logged field is no great shame, but they need to learn how to start a game. Closing is good, but every now and again, they should whoop someone. As for the future, they have a rivalry game for with the Gators coming to town before the ACC championship game. That title game is set against Georgia Tech, which is a scary game for the Noles. Tech run the triple option which has given FSU trouble in the past, and the YellowJackets have the talent to make the most of it. If they lose one of these, they will be missing the playoffs.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes:
People can say what they want about the Buckeyes lettings Indiana hang around, but they have making an impressive run through the Big 10(1). Now, they have the Big Game against their rivals to the north before lining up for the Big 10 championship. The west has an interesting situation with Minnesota facing off with the Badgers, with the winner taking the Division.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Week 12 TRS College Football Rankings
Well, what did week 12 teach us?
Well, Alabama is still good, and Mississippi State was over-rated, but good. In my opinion, it looks like the SEC is proving itself to be a bastion of Parity this year. It is full of many very good teams, without an excellent team to run away.
That is pretty much the description for any team rankings that you can find.
Florida slept through the first quarter again, but game back to beat an up-and-coming Miami team. I am sure, by now, that sounds familiar. That leaves them as the only unbeaten outside of West Virginia.
Oregon is rolling, TCU survived a trap game against a Kansas team that seems to have found new life....but Kansas?
Oh, and Ohio State suddenly has life again in the national picture. They are looking awfully damned good right now. But, not quite good enough to get them back in my top 4 yet.
One interesting thought though. What is LSU holds on to beat Alabama, then turns around and loses to Arkansas while Bama knocks off the Bulldogs. Where does that leave the SEC?The only team they would have left with 1 loss would be the just beaten Bulldogs. There is no way that you could put the Bulldogs in the playoffs in front of Bama, but can a team with 2 losses make with so many good 1 loss teams? Damn, that would have been fun.
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks had a fine showing against Bye Week, whose porous defense was not match for Mariota and the rest of the Ducks. They have the weak-sister Colorado Buffaloes this week with the Civil War in 2 weeks before a spot in the Pac-12 championship.
2. Florida State Seminoles
The Noles started slow again, spotting the young Miami Hurricanes a 16 point lead to start the game, before getting a break on Karlos Williams' tip touchdown reception. That seemed to wake them up and then their scholarships took over.
This team is so damned talented, that they should be the missing dominant team that everyone is looking for. They need to mature and come out aggressive to start game from here on. Boston College is a tough, physical, team that will shorten the game. They are up next, and they would love to spoil the party.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
That was a big win for the Tide, which was nowhere near as close as the 5 point spread would indicate. Bama is loaded, as usual, and look like the class of the SEC.
That the upside.
The downside? They are playing Western Carolina this week. Seriously......Western Carolina of the Southern Conference. These patsy games this late in the season is shameful.
4. TCU Horned Frogs
The Frogs did their best FSU imitation, though they started the comeback a little late.
That said, a conference road win, is a conference road win. However, they had better play a little better against a hot Texas team when they go to Austin this week or their Cinderella dreams will be over.
Well, Alabama is still good, and Mississippi State was over-rated, but good. In my opinion, it looks like the SEC is proving itself to be a bastion of Parity this year. It is full of many very good teams, without an excellent team to run away.
That is pretty much the description for any team rankings that you can find.
Florida slept through the first quarter again, but game back to beat an up-and-coming Miami team. I am sure, by now, that sounds familiar. That leaves them as the only unbeaten outside of West Virginia.
Oregon is rolling, TCU survived a trap game against a Kansas team that seems to have found new life....but Kansas?
Oh, and Ohio State suddenly has life again in the national picture. They are looking awfully damned good right now. But, not quite good enough to get them back in my top 4 yet.
One interesting thought though. What is LSU holds on to beat Alabama, then turns around and loses to Arkansas while Bama knocks off the Bulldogs. Where does that leave the SEC?The only team they would have left with 1 loss would be the just beaten Bulldogs. There is no way that you could put the Bulldogs in the playoffs in front of Bama, but can a team with 2 losses make with so many good 1 loss teams? Damn, that would have been fun.
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks had a fine showing against Bye Week, whose porous defense was not match for Mariota and the rest of the Ducks. They have the weak-sister Colorado Buffaloes this week with the Civil War in 2 weeks before a spot in the Pac-12 championship.
2. Florida State Seminoles
The Noles started slow again, spotting the young Miami Hurricanes a 16 point lead to start the game, before getting a break on Karlos Williams' tip touchdown reception. That seemed to wake them up and then their scholarships took over.
This team is so damned talented, that they should be the missing dominant team that everyone is looking for. They need to mature and come out aggressive to start game from here on. Boston College is a tough, physical, team that will shorten the game. They are up next, and they would love to spoil the party.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
That was a big win for the Tide, which was nowhere near as close as the 5 point spread would indicate. Bama is loaded, as usual, and look like the class of the SEC.
That the upside.
The downside? They are playing Western Carolina this week. Seriously......Western Carolina of the Southern Conference. These patsy games this late in the season is shameful.
4. TCU Horned Frogs
The Frogs did their best FSU imitation, though they started the comeback a little late.
That said, a conference road win, is a conference road win. However, they had better play a little better against a hot Texas team when they go to Austin this week or their Cinderella dreams will be over.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Week 11 TRS College Football Rankings
I love this time of year. The list is being whittled down as the late-season conference game separate the wheat from the chaff. The Cream Puff games are over, unless you are Mississippi State apparently......really guys UT Martin? In November? You should be ashamed of yourselves.
Per that, you have dropped a spot in the rankings and if I hadn't committed to the formula, you would have dropped further because scheduling that game as an extra bye week is !$##$%@#$%.
Sorry, as you can see, that bothered me a little bit. Oh wait, maybe it's a state of Mississippi thing. These teams were a great story early in the season, but the excuse of an SEC schedule to put in an extra Cream Puff game late in season just doesn't work for me. You can't brag on the strength of your conference making you more worthy and then toss in a game like this. If Oregon, Ohio State, or Florida state scheduled that game in November, they would be crucified.
/rant
On to the rankings.
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have been rolling and showed what makes them so dangerous this week against a good Utah team.
If you missed it, early in the game the Utes had the momentum and hit a long pass that looked to be a TD to put them ahead by 2 scores. But....the receiver pull a DeSean as he went into the end zone and the alert Oregon defense picked it up and took it back 100 years for an equalizing TD.
Which, led mr. MO to switch teams and it was pretty much over from there. Mariota as this team clicking, and they never take an inch. They take the whole damned mile.
2. TCU Horned Frogs
Let me say this up front. Kansas State is a very good team. They have a very good QB in an excellent scheme with great weapons on the outside and a good offense line. They can even boast of a serviceable rushing attack with a collection of back filling the various roles.
That said, they got rolled in Dallas last weekend.
TCU was demonstratively better than the Wildcats and Trevone Boykin exploded onto the Heisman ballot. TCU always has a good defense, and this year is no exception to that rule. Their offense, however, is the best I have seen it since a particular ginger was leading them who now resides in Cincinnati. If they and Baylor win out, it's going to be an interesting argument to see which one resides in the top 4, because there should be no way that the Big 12 is out in the cold in that situation.
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The bulldogs beat a patsy.
They get no love this week.
4. Florida State Seminoles
The Noles won another ACC game.
The Noles won another game where they were down early, once again due to uncharacteristic mistakes by Jameis Winston.
However, this not a game in which they were ever scared. Even though they turned the ball over on back to back posessions, allowing Virginia to grab 2 TD's off of short fields, they were never scared. Once Winston started taking better care of the ball, the scholarships took over for their offense and they walked right over a very good Virginia defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, this is about as good as they have looked his season. They gave up 3 TD's but all 3 of them were off of turnovers and 2 were when Virginia started on the wrong side of the 50. When it was time to shut it down, they did.
Per that, you have dropped a spot in the rankings and if I hadn't committed to the formula, you would have dropped further because scheduling that game as an extra bye week is !$##$%@#$%.
Sorry, as you can see, that bothered me a little bit. Oh wait, maybe it's a state of Mississippi thing. These teams were a great story early in the season, but the excuse of an SEC schedule to put in an extra Cream Puff game late in season just doesn't work for me. You can't brag on the strength of your conference making you more worthy and then toss in a game like this. If Oregon, Ohio State, or Florida state scheduled that game in November, they would be crucified.
/rant
On to the rankings.
1. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks have been rolling and showed what makes them so dangerous this week against a good Utah team.
If you missed it, early in the game the Utes had the momentum and hit a long pass that looked to be a TD to put them ahead by 2 scores. But....the receiver pull a DeSean as he went into the end zone and the alert Oregon defense picked it up and took it back 100 years for an equalizing TD.
Which, led mr. MO to switch teams and it was pretty much over from there. Mariota as this team clicking, and they never take an inch. They take the whole damned mile.
2. TCU Horned Frogs
Let me say this up front. Kansas State is a very good team. They have a very good QB in an excellent scheme with great weapons on the outside and a good offense line. They can even boast of a serviceable rushing attack with a collection of back filling the various roles.
That said, they got rolled in Dallas last weekend.
TCU was demonstratively better than the Wildcats and Trevone Boykin exploded onto the Heisman ballot. TCU always has a good defense, and this year is no exception to that rule. Their offense, however, is the best I have seen it since a particular ginger was leading them who now resides in Cincinnati. If they and Baylor win out, it's going to be an interesting argument to see which one resides in the top 4, because there should be no way that the Big 12 is out in the cold in that situation.
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs
The bulldogs beat a patsy.
They get no love this week.
4. Florida State Seminoles
The Noles won another ACC game.
The Noles won another game where they were down early, once again due to uncharacteristic mistakes by Jameis Winston.
However, this not a game in which they were ever scared. Even though they turned the ball over on back to back posessions, allowing Virginia to grab 2 TD's off of short fields, they were never scared. Once Winston started taking better care of the ball, the scholarships took over for their offense and they walked right over a very good Virginia defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, this is about as good as they have looked his season. They gave up 3 TD's but all 3 of them were off of turnovers and 2 were when Virginia started on the wrong side of the 50. When it was time to shut it down, they did.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
TRS College Football rankings after week 14
Sorry about the disappearing act, life got in the way for a few weeks.
Anyway, during my absence, we saw College Football turn itself upside down, and boy was it fun. Auburn performed round 2 of their Cinderella act with their second miracle win of the season. I guess having Alabama fall out of the national title picture isn't that huge a change, but everyone was working under the assumption that they were a shoo-in and everyone else was playing for second place that Auburn's was a return felt round the country.
So, a very real question for you College footballs out there; Can we have a national title game without a representative from the SEC? As odd as it sounds, it is tough to argue with the Buckeyes and the Noles squaring off, assuming they can hold court this week.
Bama's D just isn't want we are used to.
Auburn is incredibly lucky to be in the position that they are.
Missouri is very good, but I don't know that anyone believe that they are better than either of the top 2 team in the BCS.
Then again, what do we care about those 'other' rankings?
Anyway, during my absence, we saw College Football turn itself upside down, and boy was it fun. Auburn performed round 2 of their Cinderella act with their second miracle win of the season. I guess having Alabama fall out of the national title picture isn't that huge a change, but everyone was working under the assumption that they were a shoo-in and everyone else was playing for second place that Auburn's was a return felt round the country.
So, a very real question for you College footballs out there; Can we have a national title game without a representative from the SEC? As odd as it sounds, it is tough to argue with the Buckeyes and the Noles squaring off, assuming they can hold court this week.
Bama's D just isn't want we are used to.
Auburn is incredibly lucky to be in the position that they are.
Missouri is very good, but I don't know that anyone believe that they are better than either of the top 2 team in the BCS.
Then again, what do we care about those 'other' rankings?
Friday, November 15, 2013
TRS College Football Rankings after week 11
We get excited every year when get a couple months in and we have a handful of unbeaten teams.
What is going to happen when all these teams are unbeaten at the end of the year? Who is going to get the short end of the stick? What we forget is that there are still conference games and conference championship games to play.
Outside of Florida State, who really has one game on paper that would appear to present and chance of a challenge, the other top teams still have some meat left on their schedule.
Speaking of meat on the schedule, Stanford beefy front lines once again proved to be the kryptonite for Oregon's lightning attack, leaving the Ducks BCS dreams again in shambles.
Alabama passed their rivalry game test against LSU with flying colors, pulling away after a tight first half, giving them a solid resume win which the nation was starting to clamor for.
Right now, the Noles and Tide look to be squared off, if they can hold on through their conference schedules. Everyone else is hoping for a slip up by the top 2.
What is going to happen when all these teams are unbeaten at the end of the year? Who is going to get the short end of the stick? What we forget is that there are still conference games and conference championship games to play.
Outside of Florida State, who really has one game on paper that would appear to present and chance of a challenge, the other top teams still have some meat left on their schedule.
Speaking of meat on the schedule, Stanford beefy front lines once again proved to be the kryptonite for Oregon's lightning attack, leaving the Ducks BCS dreams again in shambles.
Alabama passed their rivalry game test against LSU with flying colors, pulling away after a tight first half, giving them a solid resume win which the nation was starting to clamor for.
Right now, the Noles and Tide look to be squared off, if they can hold on through their conference schedules. Everyone else is hoping for a slip up by the top 2.
Friday, November 1, 2013
TRS Rankings after Week 9
No great surprises at the top this week as the BCS picture took its first step towards sorting itself out.
I say at the top though, because there are always those fun surprises like this. This was a huge win for what looks to be an up-and-coming programs in the Big Ten. They are gathering talent, and are as good as they have been in a decade. Toss in that they are a fairly young team, and we might have a spoiler on the way....maybe.
Missouri's schedule finally caught up to them as South Carolina stole one out from under the Tigers in the western Columbia of the SEC. Maty Mauk didn't play quite as well as he did in his first start, but there is no reason to doubt the talent. Missouri is for real, they just aren't real experienced in the role of the favorite.
The Pac-12 was interesting with Oregon staking a claim at the top, and Oregon State giving Stanford a bit of a scare. The Beavers have come along way since losing to Eastern Washington.
Let's see where that puts us this week.
I say at the top though, because there are always those fun surprises like this. This was a huge win for what looks to be an up-and-coming programs in the Big Ten. They are gathering talent, and are as good as they have been in a decade. Toss in that they are a fairly young team, and we might have a spoiler on the way....maybe.
Missouri's schedule finally caught up to them as South Carolina stole one out from under the Tigers in the western Columbia of the SEC. Maty Mauk didn't play quite as well as he did in his first start, but there is no reason to doubt the talent. Missouri is for real, they just aren't real experienced in the role of the favorite.
The Pac-12 was interesting with Oregon staking a claim at the top, and Oregon State giving Stanford a bit of a scare. The Beavers have come along way since losing to Eastern Washington.
Let's see where that puts us this week.
Friday, October 25, 2013
In Search Of The Mamba - Are The Oregon Ducks Better Without De'Anthony?
He's been out, but In terms of game impact, Thomas crosses all borders.
Every sports fan with eyes on the game watches harder when he touches the ball.
Every defensive player knows their best isn't good enough when he's in the game.
And every coach wants a player just like him.
He makes the game better. What makes him special?
Wikipedia calls DAT, De’Anthony Thomas, one of the most decorated prep football players to ever come out of Los Angeles.
Instead of joining the USC Trojans, a ten minute commute from his neighborhood, Thomas found his future a thousand mile away.
Every sports fan with eyes on the game watches harder when he touches the ball.
Every defensive player knows their best isn't good enough when he's in the game.
And every coach wants a player just like him.He makes the game better. What makes him special?
Wikipedia calls DAT, De’Anthony Thomas, one of the most decorated prep football players to ever come out of Los Angeles.
Instead of joining the USC Trojans, a ten minute commute from his neighborhood, Thomas found his future a thousand mile away.
Monday, October 21, 2013
TRS College Football Rankings after Week 8
And I repeat, WOW, what a weekend of football.
We are square in the middle of the conference football season. What does that mean? Well, it means we are past most of the non-conference games. Past the Clemson/Georgia games sadly, thankfully past the BCS team beating the crap out of Georgia State....I hope.
What else does it mean? It means it's time for the sharks to turn upon themselves. They have to play teams that they didn't pick. Teams at their level, teams that know their schemes, teams that are hell bent on ruining Christmas...or rather making sure they are home to enjoy it with their family.
So, let us count that ways that this week was awesome in college football.
1. Louisville goes down.
2. South Carolina falls in Knoxville.
3. Mizzou stomps the Gators.
4. Auburn takes down Johnny Football and the Aggies.
5. The Magnolia bowl goes to the Rebels...could this be a rivalry again?
6. Oregon gives up 557 yards passing.....and wins by 20+.
7. #5 goes into #3 and the Noles beat the !@$@!#$ out of Clemson.
Oh, and the first release of this, the final, year's BCS rankings were released....with 3 different conference represented in the top 3.
We are square in the middle of the conference football season. What does that mean? Well, it means we are past most of the non-conference games. Past the Clemson/Georgia games sadly, thankfully past the BCS team beating the crap out of Georgia State....I hope.
What else does it mean? It means it's time for the sharks to turn upon themselves. They have to play teams that they didn't pick. Teams at their level, teams that know their schemes, teams that are hell bent on ruining Christmas...or rather making sure they are home to enjoy it with their family.
So, let us count that ways that this week was awesome in college football.
1. Louisville goes down.
2. South Carolina falls in Knoxville.
3. Mizzou stomps the Gators.
4. Auburn takes down Johnny Football and the Aggies.
5. The Magnolia bowl goes to the Rebels...could this be a rivalry again?
6. Oregon gives up 557 yards passing.....and wins by 20+.
7. #5 goes into #3 and the Noles beat the !@$@!#$ out of Clemson.
Oh, and the first release of this, the final, year's BCS rankings were released....with 3 different conference represented in the top 3.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
TRS College Football Rankings after Week 7
WOW, what a weekend of football.
Every year has a weekend or two like this, where there cream rises...or injuries take their toll, as the case may be.
Let's take a quick look at what happened.
Missouri announced their intent to be a serious member of the SEC with a road win in Athens. Say what you want about the injuries, Missouri didn't squeak that game out, they beat the Dawgs, limping as they were. A good team should be a team on it's third-string running back by double digits. Missouri was a good team, now we get to see how big a loss James Franklin is going to be.
As bad as Texas looked early in the season, their new found commitment to running downhill and an aggressive defense has them looking pretty good. Don't get me wrong, they are not a top 10 team week to week, but they are more talented than nearly any other team in the country, and these schemes are letting them play rather thank think. They will be in the top 20 by the end if they play like this, and they will deserve it.
We found out that as good as Arkansas played to stay close to the Aggies last week, they still have some work to do.
I think we got a realistic measure for how good the Baylor Bears really are. When squared off against a well-coached defense that takes away those mistake plays that Baylor turns into 80 yard touchdowns, they are still good, but not great. That said, 35 points on a Bill Snyder defense is a find showing, and they have the talent to beat you a couple times a game even when you are doing things the right way.
The PAC-12 is Oregon and everyone else at this point. Stanford and UCLA both have a puncher's chance against them, but this race is theirs to lose.
Every year has a weekend or two like this, where there cream rises...or injuries take their toll, as the case may be.
Let's take a quick look at what happened.
Missouri announced their intent to be a serious member of the SEC with a road win in Athens. Say what you want about the injuries, Missouri didn't squeak that game out, they beat the Dawgs, limping as they were. A good team should be a team on it's third-string running back by double digits. Missouri was a good team, now we get to see how big a loss James Franklin is going to be.
As bad as Texas looked early in the season, their new found commitment to running downhill and an aggressive defense has them looking pretty good. Don't get me wrong, they are not a top 10 team week to week, but they are more talented than nearly any other team in the country, and these schemes are letting them play rather thank think. They will be in the top 20 by the end if they play like this, and they will deserve it.
We found out that as good as Arkansas played to stay close to the Aggies last week, they still have some work to do.
I think we got a realistic measure for how good the Baylor Bears really are. When squared off against a well-coached defense that takes away those mistake plays that Baylor turns into 80 yard touchdowns, they are still good, but not great. That said, 35 points on a Bill Snyder defense is a find showing, and they have the talent to beat you a couple times a game even when you are doing things the right way.
The PAC-12 is Oregon and everyone else at this point. Stanford and UCLA both have a puncher's chance against them, but this race is theirs to lose.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
TRS College Football Rankings after Week 6
We got a good slate of games this last week. With the conference seasons really firing up, we starting to separate the wheat from the chafe.
What did we learn?
Well, Maryland is not near a complete team.
Northwestern is a legitimate Big 10 contender, or were before they lost a tough one to the Buckeyes.
OU is a different team with Blake Bell at quarterback.
Georgia State's AD is a sadist who scheduled a vicious gauntlet for his young program.
These games did give us a bit of a shuffle in the rankings, so without further ado........
What did we learn?
Well, Maryland is not near a complete team.
Northwestern is a legitimate Big 10 contender, or were before they lost a tough one to the Buckeyes.
OU is a different team with Blake Bell at quarterback.
Georgia State's AD is a sadist who scheduled a vicious gauntlet for his young program.
These games did give us a bit of a shuffle in the rankings, so without further ado........
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
NCAA Football TRS Top 25 after week 5
My apologies, I intended to get the initial TRS rankings for the season out before week 5's games, but didn't get it done in time.
So, I have updated the rankings, and they are looking pretty well trued up. That's expected, and exactly the reason that I don't publish until we get a month into the season.
For those of you who are not familiar with the concept I built my ranking system on, here is an overview of the facets I focus on, in order of importance.
1. Who did you play?
2. Did you win?
3. What was your margin?
I judge teams on what they have accomplished to that point, not on any expectation. The more data we get, the closer to the final answer we get. So, with no further ado, here are the TRS rankings following week 5 of the College Football Season.
So, I have updated the rankings, and they are looking pretty well trued up. That's expected, and exactly the reason that I don't publish until we get a month into the season.
For those of you who are not familiar with the concept I built my ranking system on, here is an overview of the facets I focus on, in order of importance.
1. Who did you play?
2. Did you win?
3. What was your margin?
I judge teams on what they have accomplished to that point, not on any expectation. The more data we get, the closer to the final answer we get. So, with no further ado, here are the TRS rankings following week 5 of the College Football Season.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Tennessee Volunteers: Early momentum not enough to carry Vols in Eugene
After getting off to a promising start the Volunteers fell flat on their faces.
Tennessee began the game taking an early 7-0 lead over the heavily favored Ducks, and looked very consistent on the defensive end which had been in question since last year’s dismal season. Then ensued 59 unanswered points by the highly potent Oregon offense, sending the Vols home with a 59-14 loss in Eugene, Ore. Saturday afternoon.
The Vols defense came out looking very impressive the first few drives of the game. First holding Oregon to a three and out then, after having to come out on the field unexpectedly due to a Raijon Neal fumble, held the Ducks to a missed field goal attempt. Compounded with an impressive six play, 80-yard drive that ended with a Justin Worley touchdown pass to redshirt freshmen receiver Jason Croom, momentum seemed to be on the side of the underdog.
After that though, Oregon started playing like Oregon. The Ducks ripped off nine straight scoringst quarter, to their last touchdown with 2:19 left in the 3rd quarter. They were without a doubt as good as advertised once again.
drives to take a commanding 59-7 lead that stretched from 5:45 left in the 1
Tennessee began the game taking an early 7-0 lead over the heavily favored Ducks, and looked very consistent on the defensive end which had been in question since last year’s dismal season. Then ensued 59 unanswered points by the highly potent Oregon offense, sending the Vols home with a 59-14 loss in Eugene, Ore. Saturday afternoon.
The Vols defense came out looking very impressive the first few drives of the game. First holding Oregon to a three and out then, after having to come out on the field unexpectedly due to a Raijon Neal fumble, held the Ducks to a missed field goal attempt. Compounded with an impressive six play, 80-yard drive that ended with a Justin Worley touchdown pass to redshirt freshmen receiver Jason Croom, momentum seemed to be on the side of the underdog.After that though, Oregon started playing like Oregon. The Ducks ripped off nine straight scoringst quarter, to their last touchdown with 2:19 left in the 3rd quarter. They were without a doubt as good as advertised once again.
drives to take a commanding 59-7 lead that stretched from 5:45 left in the 1
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Did Chip Kelly Jump Ship to NFL Because of Looming Allegations?
According to the Oregonian and Portland local news station KATU Monday night, the University of Oregon shared documents with the NCAA that both agree were "major" violations committed by the football program during the tenure of former head coach Chip Kelly. The school has admitted that at least one major violation was committed by members of the coaching staff.
The main suspect in the alleged allegations is Will Lyles, who ran a recruiting and scouting service under the payment of $25,000 from Oregon, one violation that the school and the NCAA are disagreeing about. According to KATU, NCAA enforcement staff wrote in the report:
"There were underlying major violations coupled with failure to monitor violations involving the head coach (2009 through 2011) and the athletics department (2008-2011),"
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Why Chip Kelly Will Flourish With The Philadelphia Eagles
When Chip Kelly decided to become the Philadelphia Eagles head coach, he sent a shockwave through the NFL. Some experts praised the decision, while others had slightly less optimistic outlooks on the hire. Heath Evans, an NFL Network analyst, called the Chip Kelly hire, “one of the worst hires in pro football history,” while Tony Dungy, whose son play for Chip Kelly at Oregon, called it, “a great hire.” With such a wide spectrum of expert opinion on the hire, it is difficult to gauge how successful Chip Kelly actually will be with the Eagles. I think most Duck fans would agree that Chip Kelly will be successful in Philly, as it is nearly impossible for the average Duck fan to imagine Chip Kelly failing at anything. I believe he will immediately turn the Eagles fortunes around and silence his doubters.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Spags remains in Eagles picture...College Football will miss Chip Kelly... ...
A lot of Philly fans are still banging the drum for Steve Spagnuolo to enter Chip Kelly's wheelhouse as defensive coordinator... Well, Spags is available--- but his street cred is currently in decline...
Some Eagles fans are intrigued about a possible reunion with Spags, the Jim Johnson protege.
As Jordan Raanan of New Jersey.com states so well, the question isn't whether he can coach. The Giants won a Super Bowl just five years ago with his running their defense. Obviously, he's good enough to win with as defensive coordinator. The question is whether he's a good fit with Chip Kelly and the Eagles.
Why he's a good fit: Experience - Spagnuolo's run a defense on his own in New York that was successful. Kelly can hand the defense over to Spags and not worry about having to micro-manage that side of the ball. Instead, Kelly can fully concentrate on shaping his warp-speed offense to the demands and rigors of the NFL.
Some Eagles fans are intrigued about a possible reunion with Spags, the Jim Johnson protege.
As Jordan Raanan of New Jersey.com states so well, the question isn't whether he can coach. The Giants won a Super Bowl just five years ago with his running their defense. Obviously, he's good enough to win with as defensive coordinator. The question is whether he's a good fit with Chip Kelly and the Eagles.
Why he's a good fit: Experience - Spagnuolo's run a defense on his own in New York that was successful. Kelly can hand the defense over to Spags and not worry about having to micro-manage that side of the ball. Instead, Kelly can fully concentrate on shaping his warp-speed offense to the demands and rigors of the NFL.
The Giants were Top 10 in total defense both Spagnuolo's seasons there. He learned under the great Jim Johnson. Kelly wouldn't have to worry much about the defense.
Aggression - The only thing we know for sure about the defense Kelly hopes to run is that he wants it to be aggressive. Kelly emphatically specified this during his introductory press conference. Well, Spags is aggressive.
He likes to blitz and bring men from all over the field. In his first season with the Giants, Spags' defense led the NFL with 53 sacks. They were sixth in sacks the following year even without Michael Strahan (retired) and Osi Umenyiora (knee). Spagnuolo's aggression would likely be attractive to Kelly.
Eagles History - Spagnuolo has worked in Philadelphia before. He feels at home in the city. He knows the demands of the owner, general manager and the fans. It wouldn't take him long to assimilate into the working environment at the NovaCare Complex.
Why he's not a good fit: Coaching Staff - The Eagles have already (reportedly) assembled a defensive coaching staff. That almost certainly means they have a chosen defensive coordinator (Ed Donatell) in place, but can't name him until after the Super Bowl. If that's not the case, sound the alarms. Hiring someone like Spagnuolo and then sticking him with a bunch of coaches whose teaching techniques and personalities don't mesh with his would be a disaster waiting to happen. Just ask Juan Castillo. It's sticking a square coach into a round coaching vacancy. Or sticking Castillo with Jim Washburn....
Scheme - It's been hinted by people in and around the Eagles that they'd like to run a 3-4 scheme. Spagnuolo is a 4-3 coach. That's the reason Sean Payton and the Saints fired him on Thursday. They too are switching to a 3-4 defense. The Eagles are not going to hire Spagnuolo to run a 3-4 system.
Recent Failure - Let's be honest, the Saints' defense was an absolute disaster last season. They didn't just finish last in the league in total defense, they finished last by a mile. They allowed 57 more yards per game than any other team. That's awful. The NFL is a constantly evolving Darwinian environment. It's possible the Jim Johnson/Spags attacking philosophy has reached its expiration date. Unlikely at this point, but possible.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Nick Aliotti Turns Down USC, Continues To Drive The Oregon Ducks
The news came in the middle of the departure of Chip Kelly and the formal announcement of the promotion of Mark Helfrich; the defensive coordinator, once again, sandwiched and forgotten in-between two brilliant offensive minds, in a region and conference where offense rules. Last Thursday, Nick Aliotti,
Oregon's perennially under-appreciated defensive coordinator, finally got his big break. He was offered the defensive coordinator job at USC, and the chance to work hand in hand with Lane Kiffin to try and turn around one of the great programs in college football history. Nick Aliotti turned the job down.
As I wrote yesterday, I love the hiring of Mark Helfrich as the new head coach of the Oregon Ducks. But my second choice for the job would have been Aliotti.
As I wrote yesterday, I love the hiring of Mark Helfrich as the new head coach of the Oregon Ducks. But my second choice for the job would have been Aliotti.
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Chip Kelly Effect
Standing in the concourse of the Rose Garden before the Portland Trail Blazers played the Cleveland Cavaliers, I didn't hear much talk about the young, exciting team that has so far exceeded everyone's expectations. The talk wasn't about rookie guard Damian Lillard, who has won two straight rookie of the month awards. Not one word was heard about coach of the year candidate Terry Stotts. Instead, the talk was all about a man who has nothing to do with basketball and who was 3,000+ miles away: Chip Kelly.
Wednesday was a whirlwind day when it came to the Chip Kelly saga. Kelly, who was believed to be staying in Eugene as of a couple weeks ago, all of a sudden was off to Philadelphia to coach the Eagles.
The story first broke on Twitter and continued to spread like wildfire throughout all media sources. Sports talk radio was buzzing, Twitter kept constant updates coming and everyone had their opinions on Facebook.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Brian Kelly Will Remain At Notre Dame
The Kelly boys are having a ball flirting with the Philadelphia Eagles, but not being able to commit. After Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly flirted with the thought of joining the Eagles and declined.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly to everyone’s surprised did the same, even before his Irish were steam rolled by Alabama.
He too could not commit. Pro Football Talk is reporting that Brian Kelly will indeed remain with the Fighting Irish. Kelly released this statement.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Oregon Ducks Head Coach Chip Kelly’s NFL Choice
This feels like the end of a short, exhilarating road down college football excellence with Chip Kelly. Oregon's fourth year coach is the most highly coveted prize on the NFL coaching carousel and when the NFL wants a coach, that coach usually wants the NFL right back. It's been an unthinkably fantastic four years - three Pac-10/12 titles, two trips to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, including one victory, a BCS National Championship game appearance and an undefeated season, and this year's Fiesta Bowl, Oregon's fourth straight BCS bowl game. Chip Kelly has turned the team wearing superhero costumes into a football superpower. Oregon needs Kelly. But as much as Oregon needs Kelly, Kelly needs Oregon.
The NFL excites Chip Kelly. It always has. The NFL is comprised of the best football players and competition in the sport, and it provides Kelly the last, most difficult challenge he has to face in football. The NFL is the big leagues, and Kelly wants to test his revolutionary offense and system against the big dogs. I can't blame him. But I'd tell him to be careful.
Chip Kelly is a college coach. His system, the blur offense, is perfectly suited to college, where most athletes aren't good enough to shut down the angles and vertical seems the spread creates and negate the effectiveness of the read option with bigger, faster defensive linemen, like they have at the next level. There is no running spread being employed full-time in the NFL, because nobody has found a way to make it work. It's also physically harder to run the spread at the next level; the hashes are closer together and Kelly's offense is far too punishing on the quarterback, who has the ball in his hands so often.
Kelly can adapt his offense. How effectively, we'll probably get to see. But he'll have to adapt his coaching style too. Kelly very much coaches a team, not players. His next man up mantra and Win The Day slogan will have to be shelved at the next level, where professionals won't buy into the clichés and slogans Kelly likes to spew. That stuff works in college, on kids, not jaded, handsomely paid professionals who have egos the size of Autzen Stadium. Kelly doesn't like ego; his Ducks teams haven't had ego - a large part of the reason they've been successful - but Chip will have plenty of ego to deal with in the NFL.
Chip Kelly loves risk. We see that on every game day at Oregon with his addiction to going for it on fourth down, his gusty calls in big games - fake punt against Auburn, onside kick against Stanford - Kelly has a gamblers’ streak in him, and so it's very conceivable that Kelly is getting bored with playing three competitive games a year at Oregon, instead of the 16 he'd play in the NFL. I think Kelly likes the risk of losing, just like he likes going for it on fourth.
What the NFL offers Kelly is a bunch of question marks. Want to coach the Dallas Cowboys?
America's Team? Then get used to being overridden by Jerry Jones. Want to go to Cleveland? Get ready to try and turn around a franchise riddled with losing since its inception in '97. Want to take on the Eagles? Try to turn around a broken team and locker room quickly before the famous Philly fans defenestrate you out of Independence Hall. Kansas City? Carolina? San Diego? Whatever franchise Kelly ends up at, he'll have his shot and a truckload of money, but also the harsh reality that he'd have to reinvent himself as a coach to have widespread success.
What does Oregon offer Kelly? Carte blanch, and the chance to become a legend. I don't have great insight into Kelly as a person, but I know that he's from New Hampshire, he's 49, and has nothing tying him to Eugene. At the height of his professional life, it seems like the best time to move to the NFL. Or the best time to settle down and become Oregon royalty.
The NFL excites Chip Kelly. It always has. The NFL is comprised of the best football players and competition in the sport, and it provides Kelly the last, most difficult challenge he has to face in football. The NFL is the big leagues, and Kelly wants to test his revolutionary offense and system against the big dogs. I can't blame him. But I'd tell him to be careful.
Chip Kelly is a college coach. His system, the blur offense, is perfectly suited to college, where most athletes aren't good enough to shut down the angles and vertical seems the spread creates and negate the effectiveness of the read option with bigger, faster defensive linemen, like they have at the next level. There is no running spread being employed full-time in the NFL, because nobody has found a way to make it work. It's also physically harder to run the spread at the next level; the hashes are closer together and Kelly's offense is far too punishing on the quarterback, who has the ball in his hands so often.
Kelly can adapt his offense. How effectively, we'll probably get to see. But he'll have to adapt his coaching style too. Kelly very much coaches a team, not players. His next man up mantra and Win The Day slogan will have to be shelved at the next level, where professionals won't buy into the clichés and slogans Kelly likes to spew. That stuff works in college, on kids, not jaded, handsomely paid professionals who have egos the size of Autzen Stadium. Kelly doesn't like ego; his Ducks teams haven't had ego - a large part of the reason they've been successful - but Chip will have plenty of ego to deal with in the NFL.
What the NFL offers Kelly is a bunch of question marks. Want to coach the Dallas Cowboys?
America's Team? Then get used to being overridden by Jerry Jones. Want to go to Cleveland? Get ready to try and turn around a franchise riddled with losing since its inception in '97. Want to take on the Eagles? Try to turn around a broken team and locker room quickly before the famous Philly fans defenestrate you out of Independence Hall. Kansas City? Carolina? San Diego? Whatever franchise Kelly ends up at, he'll have his shot and a truckload of money, but also the harsh reality that he'd have to reinvent himself as a coach to have widespread success.
What does Oregon offer Kelly? Carte blanch, and the chance to become a legend. I don't have great insight into Kelly as a person, but I know that he's from New Hampshire, he's 49, and has nothing tying him to Eugene. At the height of his professional life, it seems like the best time to move to the NFL. Or the best time to settle down and become Oregon royalty.
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