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JP Top 25: Week 7

Submitted by jpg on 10/12/2008 - 20:25

Tags: ACC Now | JP Top 25 | UNC | Virginia Tech | Wake Forest

Note: J.P. Giglio is one of 65 voters in the AP Top 25. This is his ballot.

• JP Top 25 archive
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Whoever said, "You can't please all the people all the time," never voted for the top 25. You can never please anyone.

I'm sure No. 21 is too low for some Tar Heel faithful, and the ever-growing list of BYU fans who don't like me are still irate that their team is behind Utah.

Oh, well, you lose some and you lose some.

As for the Heels, I'm interested in your opinion. Which ACC team is better — UNC or Wake? The proper AP Poll has UNC at 18 and Wake at 21. I've got it the other way around.

1. Alabama

Record: 6-0
Good wins: @ UGa, vs. Clemson
Loss(es): none
Last week: 1 (bye)
Next: Ole Miss

Yes, that's still a "good" win over Clemson because the Tide ruined Clemson's season.

And the Tide's win over a top-10 team (Georgia) was actually on the road, as opposed to Texas, which beat a top-10 team at a neutral site.

2. Texas

Record: 6-0
Good wins: vs. Oklahoma, @ Colorado
Loss(es): none
Last week: 6 (beat Oklahoma, 45-35)
Next: Missouri

The trick now for Texas is to sustain the effort because Missouri's next, followed by Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. Beat Mizzou on Saturday and they'll jump Alabama.

3. Penn State

Record: 7-0
Good wins: Oregon State, @ Wisconsin, Illinois
Loss(es): none
Last week: 5 (beat Wisconsin, 48-7)
Next: Michigan

One nemesis down (Wisky), two (Michigan and Ohio State) to go for the Nits.

Michigan, as evidenced by its loss to Toledo, is no great shakes, but the Wolverines absolutely own Penn State, winning eight straight in the series and nine of 12 since PSU joined the Big Ten.

4. Oklahoma State

Record: 6-0
Good wins: @ Missouri
Loss(es): none
Last week: 25 (beat Missouri, 28-23)
Next: Baylor

I've never jumped a team 21 spots before, but if it was Oklahoma, and not Oklahoma State, that was unbeaten and had a win over Missouri, where would it be ranked?

5. Florida

Record: 5-1
Good wins: LSU
Loss(es): Ole Miss
Last week: 10 (beat LSU, 51-21)
Next: Kentucky (Oct. 25)

The home loss still gives me pause but beating the defending national champs by 30 is a large statement.

6. Oklahoma

Record: 5-1
Good wins: TCU
Loss(es): Texas
Last week: 2 (lost to Texas, 45-35)
Next: Kansas

The dream's not over for the Sooners. If Texas Tech and Oklahoma State can keep it up, the Sooners will have a chance to impress voters, and emerge as the best one-loss team, in the final two weeks of the season.

7. USC

Record: 4-1
Good wins: Ohio State, Oregon
Loss(es): @ Oregon State
Last week: 8 (beat Arizona State, 28-0)
Next: Washington State

If USC can run the table, the Pac-10 is so bad, the Trojans have to hope that every other contender from the SEC and Big 12 has two losses. That's certainly a possibility, but I don't think a one-loss USC will finished ranked ahead of a one-loss Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Texas, etc.

8. Texas Tech

Record: 6-0
Good wins: Nebraska
Loss(es): none
Last week: 7 (beat Nebraska, 37-31, OT)
Next: @ Texas A&M

Yes, they're unbeaten (barely after the Nebraska scare) but we don't know anything about Texas Tech. The Big 12 schedule will eventually catch up with the Red Raiders.

9. Georgia

Record: 5-1
Good wins: none
Loss(es): Alabama
Last week: 9 (beat Tennessee, 26-14)
Next: Vanderbilt

The Dawgs lost to the No. 1 team in the country, that's why they're ahead of unbeatens Utah and BYU.

That they didn't pummel Tennessee, with every motivation to take out their anger from '07 and the loss to Alabama, is telling. The season hasn't been Clemson-bad but the Dawgs are disappointment thus far nonetheless.

10. Utah

Record: 7-0
Good wins: Oregon State, @ Michigan
Loss(es): none
Last week: 13 (beat Wyoming, 44-7)
Next: Colorado State

The Michigan win gets worse by the week, but the Utes still have a better resume than BYU.

11. BYU

Record: 6-0
Good wins: none
Loss(es): none
Last week: 14 (beat New Mexico, 21-3)
Next: @ TCU (Thursday)

I thought one of the main tenents in the teachings of the Latter-day Saints was to love thy neighbor.

Why so much bile, BYU fan? Enjoy the run.

12. Missouri

Record: 5-1
Good wins: Illinois, Nebraska
Loss(es): Oklahoma State
Last week: 4 (lost to Oklahoma State, 28-23)
Next: @ Texas

The rhythm of a particular team is the most difficult part of the season to predict because the single toughest aspect of college football is preparing 18- to 22-year-olds to bring the same, high-level effort and intensity each week.

In a vacuum, or Week 1, Missouri probably beats Oklahoma State by two scores.

But after an emotional win at Nebraska — and after Oklahoma had lost earlier in the day — Missouri couldn't handle the magnitude of the situation.

Taking nothing away from Oklahoma State, but Missouri choked. The Tigers didn't bring the same high-level effort they did in ending a 30-year losing draught at Nebraska the previous Saturday.

That's college football in a nutshell.

The good news for Mizzou is Texas is next and the Tigers can get right back into the national race with a win.

Just a guess, but Texas won't get the Missouri team that was relatively flat against Oklahoma State.

13. Ohio State

Record: 6-1
Good wins: @ Wisconsin
Loss(es): @ USC
Last week: 11 (beat Purdue, 16-3)
Next: @ Michigan State

Penn State continues to be Ohio State's best friend. If the Nits were to find a way to No. 1 by the time the two played (Oct. 25), maybe — MAYBE — the Buckeyes could sneak back into the BCS title picture.

I still think it's going to take another loss by USC and two losses by every SEC and Big 12 contender to get OSU into the BCS title game for the third straight year but anything is possible. There's a lot of hockey left.

14. LSU

Record: 4-1
Good wins: @ Auburn
Loss(es): @ Florida
Last week: 3 (lost to Florida, 51-21)
Next: @ South Carolina

At least Ohio State can play the "Beanie Wells/Terrelle Pryor" card for its devastating loss. The Tigers have no such excuse. After an awful start against Florida, the Tigers fought back to 20-14 and then rolled over. Pitiful.

Still, it's one loss and the champs should have some fight left.

15. Boise State

Record: 5-0
Good wins: @ Oregon
Loss(es): none
Last week: 15 (beat Southern Miss, 24-7)
Next: Hawaii (Friday)

Could get ugly on the blue turf on Friday. Hawaii's bad and the Broncs owe them one for last year.

16. Virginia Tech

Record: 5-1
Good wins: @ UNC, @ Nebraska
Loss(es): vs. ECU
Last week: 18 (bye)
Next: @ Boston College

What if Macho Harris had played vs. ECU? What if Frank Beamer had come to senses and played Tyrod Taylor vs. ECU?

On the other hand: What if T.J. Yates hadn't turned his ankle?

17. Vanderbilt

Record: 5-1
Good wins: Auburn
Loss(es): @ Mississippi State
Last week: 12 (lost to Mississippi State, 17-14)
Next: @ Georgia

Surprising yet not entirely unpredictable loss at Mississippi State. Still doesn't mean the Dores should plummet out of the rankings. Given the spot Duke is in on Vandy's schedule — like Miss. State, a trap game — maybe the Devils can steal one in Nashville.

18. Wake Forest

Record: 4-1
Good wins: Ole Miss, @ Florida State
Loss(es): Navy
Last week: 20 (beat Clemson, 12-7)
Next: @ Maryland

Yes, Clemson was a good win for Alabama, because the Tide ruined Clemson's season. Wake's win over Clemson was just another win. A good bounce-back in the ACC win but no more.

The Deacs are still better than UNC. Not sure how everyone else has missed that.

19. South Florida

Record: 5-1
Good wins: Kansas
Loss(es): Pitt
Last week: 16 (bye)
Next: Syracuse

Should have dropped them further down the list last week.

20. Ball State

Record: 7-0
Good wins: Navy
Loss(es): none
Last week: 19 (beat Western Kentucky, 24-7)
Next: Eastern Michigan (Oct. 25)

Cards just keep winning. Six more games until perfection. At Central Michigan, on Nov. 19, stands as the biggest obstacle on the schedule.

21. UNC

Record: 5-1
Good wins: Notre Dame, UConn
Loss(es): Virginia Tech
Last week: Not ranked (beat Notre Dame, 29-24)
Next: @ Virginia

The Heels are 5-1 and they've already completed the toughest part of their schedule. They need Brandon Tate, though, to fulfill Tudor's prophecy of 11-1.

22. Tulsa

Record: 6-0
Good wins: none
Loss(es): none
Last week: 22 (beat SMU, 37-31)
Next: UTEP

Offense wins in this day and age of college football and nobody's better at scoring than the Golden Hurricane.

23. Kansas

Record: 5-1
Good wins: Colorado
Loss(es): @ USF
Last week: 17 (beat Colorado, 30-14)
Next: @ Oklahoma

See South Florida.

24. Cal

Record: 4-1
Good wins: Michigan State
Loss(es): @ Maryland
Last week: 23 (bye)
Next: @ Arizona

See Michigan State.

25. Michigan State

Record: 6-1
Good wins: Notre Dame, Northwestern
Loss(es): @ Cal
Last week: 24 (beat Northwestern, 37-20)
Next: Ohio State

If Cal beat Michigan State, and they each have one loss, then it stands to reason that Cal should be ranked ahead of Michigan State.

And you think my ballot is screwed up.

Out: Auburn (21)

Comments

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Wed, 11/04/2009 - 23:52 — sand999

who's the best in the ACC wake or UNC

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 15:23 — Anonymous (not verified)

Neither VT is the best of the ACC which is not saying too much but they have beaten UNC so don't see how you can ask who is the best and not have VT in the conversation regardless if they have not blown opponents out, a win is a win

Reading comprehension

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 17:30 — jpg (author)

"Which ACC team is better — UNC or Wake?"

No one asked about the best team in the ACC.

— JPG

Kimbo has fallen Thanks to the Big East officials

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 13:58 — Kimbo Fall (not verified)

As someone has stated, the magnificent Heels were a broken ankle away from being 6-0.Defense wins championships. Caulston was the next super star in the NCAA and the Heels picked him and forced many wonderful turnovers. They were one bad call away from scoring another touchdown ( one can assume).

Wisdom request of the day: We want you to trade punches with Kimbo, don't take the fight to the ground. People like stand-up fights.

I don't get it either

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 09:31 — Mike (not verified)

Maybe there would not be a need for a translation if it just made sense....

i don't get it

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 14:28 — izzykareem

I think this would be really funny if i could understand it.

I know buddy

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 14:55 — Kimbo Fall (not verified)

Izzy. I know you don't get it. this message was intented for UNC people only. I will ask my 5 year old daughter to translate for NC state fans.

typical unc fans

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 13:57 — statefan

always interesting logic with unc fans. your highest ranked win is against a team one week at number 23. the n.c. state guys beat 13th ranked ECU, but that doesn't count because they were over-rated. indeed ECU was, but your team still hasn't beaten a decent team. oh, and you'll want to beat Ga Tech before you start criticizing losses to Navy.

this is what i hate...

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 11:11 — izzykareem

about the current ACC. I hate that everyone doesn't have to play everybody. I know you "have" to play out of conference but so what, everyone should play everyone.

Michigan State

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:55 — Anonymous (not verified)

How can Michigan State go down in your poll after a convincing Big Ten road win? Are you Drew Sharpe in disguise?

State fan

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 10:17 — Herb Sendek (not verified)

Real good post State fan. While you are overthere saying play somebody to the 5-1 Heels. Heels fans are saying to State fans..... Beat somebody.

Ah it is funny how many

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 09:22 — Anonymous (not verified)

Ah it is funny how many people are so quick to jump on to Carolina when they are bad, and just as quick when they are a good team. Emphasis on the good, they aren't great but good and they were a broken ankle away from being 6 and 0. I bet you guys think Duke should be ranked. Or NCstate for that matter b/c they beat an overrated ECU team. Haha none the less enjoy the ride. Love em or hate em, Carolina is 5-1.

broken ankle away??

Tue, 10/14/2008 - 09:37 — Anonymous (not verified)

Many teams are a pass deflection away or an interception away from a win but most do not discuss that as a team plays as a team and should not place themselves in the position to lose due to a "particular" circumstance.

UNC fans always ALWAYS have an excuse of some snide saying.

Wake is the better team!! Who has Carolina played? Rutgers? Notre Dame? In conference they have lost to VT...

How does a win over a struggling (but getting better) Notre Dame get them catapaulted over Wake who only has a loss against a good Navy opponent and won their game "this" week against Clemson!

UNc will lose this weekend anyway to an emerging Virginia team and will fall out altogether so all of this is insignificant haha

play somebody

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 08:09 — statefan

Notre Dame and UConn are "good" wins??!?!?? Why, because UNC wasn't actually allowed to schedule Broughton? The only good team UNC has played was VT, and they choked.

That's a solid list (touche

Mon, 10/13/2008 - 06:51 — Anonymous (not verified)

That's a solid list (touche on OKST, I'm sick of people voting for the school name and not the current team)

....is South Carolina not a good win for Vandy?

What?

Sun, 10/12/2008 - 22:49 — Anonymous (not verified)

Hello, Wake lost to Navy, and beat and overrated Clemson team by how many points?

Wake's loss

Sun, 10/12/2008 - 21:58 — patmacgroine69

Wake's home loss to Navy was beyond embarrassing. That's all you need to know about why UNC is ranked higher.

But if Wake is better, it'll show soon enough, as they (like UNC) play at Miami and at Maryland.

In the meantime, this is simply another chance for Giglio to indulge his juvenile tendency to try to upset as many people as possible.

Funny that despite being around Tudor, Alexander and Carr, Giglio never manages to mature at all.

UNC should be ranked

Sun, 10/12/2008 - 21:35 — Burke (not verified)

UNC should be ranked higher?!?!??!? are you kidding me... No matter what people think and are saying about Notre Dame the truth is THEY SUCK! so why would beating them by 4 points or however much they won by constitute UNC being any good. Besides they lost to Virginia Tech who isn't too hot either. With all of that aside the CAL vs. Michigan state (who sent Notre Dame crying home to South bend earlier this season) debate. They played in the first game of the season and both looked terrible, it was the battle of who wanted to lose more. Michigan State is ranked higher because they actually continued to win from there. Everyone knows the earlier you lose the better you are at the end in the BCS, that is how it has always been. If a team with one loss at the beginning of the season battles up the rankings and ends up towards the top they will end up being higher ranked than a team who loses their last game of the season. I am not saying it is right, but it is how it has always been.