Final regular season rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

For all the gnashing of teeth about Texas, I think the BCS has done its self-declared job of putting the two teams that have had the best seasons in a bowl game against each other. I hope others are impressed that Oklahoma is the first team in 79 years to score 60 points in six straight games.

The bigger snub is Boise State getting passed over, I'd have put them ahead of Utah and Ohio State. Oh well, they will get to play in one of the best bowl season match-ups when they take on TCU in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23 in San Diego (get out of work early, kickoff is at 5.)

I would also like to take the time to ask how BYU is #17 in the AP poll. Their best win is Air Force, and they were beat comfortably by Utah and waxed by TCU.

My final regular season rankings:
1. Florida (12-1, 2). Even when they're off they win by double-digits.
2. Oklahoma (12-1, 3). A loss here and they start to be categorized as chokers like the Buckeyes.
3. Texas (12-1, 4). Hope they don't spend so much time crying that they lose to Ohio State.
4. Alabama (12-1, 1). Pretty-much guaranteed preseason #1 next year, right?
5. USC (11-1, 5). Too bad for them no Pac-10 wins were valuable.
6. Penn State (11-1,6). Big Ten team with no athletes. Sure.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Only team to beat Texas gets only team to beat Florida.
8. Boise State (12-0, 8). Keep racking up undefeated seasons.
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Top 10 even in down year.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Should fare better in Sugar Bowl than Hawaii last year, but how much?
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 11). Could be next year's Texas Tech.
12. Cincinnati (11-2, 13). Quietest 11-win season in a while.
13. Oregon (9-3, 14). Late rally has Ducks on verge of another 10-win season.
14. TCU (10-2, 15). Should get more national respect.
15. Georgia Tech (9-3, 16). Where do they go from here?
16. Georgia (9-3, 17). Hope they are recruiting a defense.
17. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Imagine if they had won the Wake and Vanderbilt games?
18. Michigan State (9-3, 19). And we've now reached the lowest tier of ranked teams.
19. Pittsburgh (9-3, 20). Shady McCoy nearly a Heisman candidate.
20. Iowa (8-4, 21). Speaking of Heisman candidate RB's, what about Shonn Green?
21. Oregon St. (8-4, 23). Great at screwing USC.
22. Northwestern (9-3, 25). And I had So. Illinois upsetting them before the year.
23. Virginia Tech (9-4, NR). Somehow, emerged as ACC Champ again.
24. Ball State (12-1, 12). Turnovers are killer.
25. Boston College (9-4, 24). Keep beating expectations.

I live!

OK, I've taken ten weeks to prepare these, so here you go, my all new updated power rankings:
1. N.Y. Giants: These are not the Patriots of the past 5 years when Belicheck could seemingly cut anyone and be fine. They should be concerned about losing Plaxico
2. Pittsburgh: Better than the Titans.
3. Tennessee: I still say Ngata is better than Haynesworth.
4. Dallas: They'll get tested today, but I have a feeling they're about to get back to early season form.
5. Indianapolis: Damn the Vikings for not putting them in a too-deep hole.
6. Baltimore: 11th in the NFL in scoring. What a difference a QB and real offensive coordinator make. By the way, defense is ranked 2nd behind only Pittsburgh.
7. Carolina: I have no idea what's going on here.
8. Atlanta: I'm polishing my knuckles right now.
9. Tampa: I hate this division.
10. Denver: Ho hum.
11. Minnesota: I credit my office mug with they're success.
12. Arizona: I'm not as down on them as Nate. They just can't come East.
13. Jets: I just can't wait for a well-timed Favre turnover.
14. Washington: I predict they'll be missing out on the Playoffs this year.
15. New England: I buy into Cassel. Not as another Tom Brady, but as a quality starting QB. Better than Schaub.
16. Philadelphia: I agree with Nate that they may close hot, but will that just cover up the problems and keep them from making changes?.
17. Green Bay: I like this team a lot. They aren't getting it done this year, but they've lost a bunch of close ones. next year they'll win the division. Losing Favre is not the problem.
18.Miami: Will they open up the QB spot for competition next year?
19. New Orleans: Based on history of players having great seasons, look for Brees to have big letdown next year.
20. Chicago: Forte is the only real highlight here.
21. Houston: Did I win the preseason Schaub/Rosenfels debate?
22. San Francisco: I hope they draft Heyward-Bey and Keep Hill and Davis and become Terps West.
23. Buffalo: I have no idea what has happened to Trent Edwards
24. San Diego: Is it just me or does Rivers have no zip on his ball?
25. Jacksonville: I heard Del Rio is on the hot seat. That would be stupid.
26. Cleveland: They'd be stupid to fire Savage. But they should let Crennel go.
27. Seattle: Coming to an end of an era.
28. Oakland: I have seen nothing from Jamarcus this year.
29. Kansas City: They won't be in first place next year, Nate.
30. St. Louis: Just a total mess. They have to start from scratch.
31. Cincinnati: Poor Marvin Lewis.
32. Detroit: Too bad they don't get to play 2006 Ravens.

Saturday night lock

It's been a busy day so this is all I'm getting to:

Arizona State at Arizona (-10.5)

The Wildcats have lost three straight in this in-state rivalry, but that streak stops tonight. Arizona has shown they can exploit bad defenses and Arizona State has shown they can be one. Still, ASU has won three straight and can get bowl eligible with a win here.

However, I expect the 'cats to take out past years' frustrations in this one.

Pick: Arizona 41 Arizona State 17

--Nate

Another This Just In....

It seems working at USC is a golden ticket to getting a head job at a traditional power, this time at Washington. Sorry Jim Mora Jr., no dream job for you, at least until Steve Sarkisian is fired in two years.

--Nate

This Just In

Westlake wins 3A Championship over Wilde Lake, 13-0. Their quick defense put constant pressure on the Wilde Lake offensive attack. Check here for full coverage in about an hour. Congrats to my buddy and Westlake alum Jim Marsden. Congrats to my college buddy and Penn State fan Chris Smith, PSU recruit Devon Smith returned a punt 88-yards for a TD, his fourth return TD this season.
--Nate

NFL Power Ratings: Dec. 4

By Nate Sandstrom

I got sick sitting at the Giants-'Skins game last Sunday. Probably as much because I sat in the rain for three hours as Washington's actual play, but neither one was good.

In case you're keeping track the following teams have been mathematically eliminated form playoff contention: Seatle, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City and Cincinnati. Oakland is eliminated with a loss at San Diego tonight.

On with the ratings:

1. N.Y. Giants (11-1). Should be an upset alert vs. Philly this week.
2. Tennessee (11-1). Does anyone remember Vince Young?
3. Pittsburgh (9-3). Sick defense. Harrison is even iller.
4. Carolina (9-3). Nothing like drafting a RB to get your RB going.
5. Tampa Bay (9-3). What a weird thing for Gruden to cry about.
6. Dallas (8-4). Working out of mid-season swoon.
7. Indianapolis (8-4). Tied record for most straight wins by six or less, but they keep winning.
8. Baltimore (8-4). Can't ever remember them scoring like this.
9. Denver (7-5). Get no respect but are 3-0 against NFL's best division.
10. Atlanta (8-4). Exceeding even Mark's preseason pick.
11. Minnesota (7-5). Good thing the Williams took their case to a Minneapolis judge.
12. Arizona (7-5). Can clinch West this week, a loss will start more meltdown talk.
13. Washington (7-5). Peaked in September; finished 4-0 two of the last three years.
14. N.Y. Jets (8-4). Sure, New York has the best two teams.
15. New England (7-5). It's OK to run once when you have first and goal at the nine, coach.
16. Philadelphia (6-5-1). I expect them to close hot.
17. Miami (7-5). Playoffs unlikely, but a big step forward this year.
18. New Orleans (6-6). Is there a less predictable team in the league? Oh yeah, Denver.
19. Green Bay (5-7). Letting too many games get away, in deep hole now.
20. Houston (5-7). Still alive; Slaton mounting late ROY bid.
21. Chicago (6-6). Blown out last two vs. division.
22. San Francisco (4-8). Can still technically win the West.
23. Buffalo (6-6). 4-0 seems like a long time ago.
24. San Diego (4-8). At least I saw Shawm Merriman this week (Coat drive at Terps game).
25. Jacksonville (4-8). I had Jags reaching divisionals in my preseason picks.
26. Seattle (2-10). The best damned 2-10 team in this league.
27. Cleveland (4-8). I was annoyed by offseason hype around Browns; now, I feel bad for them.
28. Oakland (3-9). Hey Tennessee Vols, get used to seeing 3-9 with Kiffin.
29. Kansas City (2-10). Worst to first next year?
30. St. Louis (2-10). Need more than Steven Jackson.
31. Cincinnati (1-10-1). Bring in Jordan Palmer! Yeah! Oh God, No!!!! Damn it.
32. Detroit (0-12). Every team wins once, right?

Early Lockdown: Rutgers-Louisville

By Nate Sandstrom

Louisville (over 52) at Rutgers (-10.5)

Does it seem like longer than two years ago that Louisville at Rutgers were squaring off for a bid the BCS Championship game? It does to me; not much lot has gone right for either team since that last-second 28-25 Rutgers win on Nov. 9, 2006. Louisville basically has not been able to stop anyone from scoring over the past two seasons, while Rutgers has suffered a string of embarassing losses, especially at home.

Rutgers stumbled out of the gate 1-5 this year, with the only win being at home against Morgan State. However, they're now riding a five-game winning streak, including winning the last four by an average 24.5 points (they even won at Pitt 54-34).

Meanwhile, Louisville (5-6) has lost four straight and need a win tonight to become bowl eligible. In a similar position last year, they were able to upset Rutgers and earn a .500 record.

However, I look for the Rutgers pass attack to take advantage of a young Louisville secondary on senior night. No doubt that QB Mike Teel, WR Kenny Britt and others to take out the frustrations of the last two years on the Cards. At the same time, Louisvile almost always gets their scores. Gimme Rutgers and the over.

Pick: Rutgers 43 Louisville 24

Pro Bowl ballot

By Nate Sandstrom

I submitted a Pro Bowl ballot today (you can vote online here). I'm not sure how these are selected, but I was disappointed that Leodis McKelvin was not listed under kick returners. Also, I think it's stupid you only get to vote for one strong safety and one free safety. I voted on the season players are having over overall talent level. Anyway, my ballot:

NFC
QB Drew Brees
QB Jeff Garcia
QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Adrian Peterson
RB Clinton Portis
RB Michael Turner
FB Mike Sellers
WR Calvin Johnson
WR Steve Smith
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Roddy White
TE Chris Cooley
TE Jason Witten
C Matt Birk
C Olin Kreutz
G Steve Hutchinson
G Travelle Wharton
G Keydrick Vincent
T Bryant McKinnie
T Chris Samuels
T Jon Stinchcomb
DE John Abraham
DE Justin Tuck
DE Jared Allen
DT Tommie Harris
DT Darnell Docket
DT Jonathan Babineaux
OLB LanceBriggs
OLB Chad Greenway
OLB Ernie Sims
ILB Jon Beason
ILB Patrick Willis
CB Corey Webster
CB Charles Woodson
CB Carlos Rogers
SS Chris Horton
FS Nick Collins
K Josh Brown
P Josh Bidwell
KR Allen Rossum
ST Richard Marshall

AFC
QB Peyton Manning
QB Phillip Rivers
QB Jay Cutler
RB Thomas Jones
RB Marshawn Lynch
RB Steve Slaton
FB Tony Richardson
WR Lee Evans
WR Andre Johnson
WR Vincent Jackson
WR Matt Jones
TE Antonio Gates
TE Anthony Gonzalez
C Nick Mangold
C Kevin Mawae
G Kris Dielman
G Alan Faneca
G Brian Waters
T D'Brickashaw Ferguson
T Marcus McNeil
T Joe Thomas
DE Mario Williams
DE Dwight Freeny
DE Shaun Ellis
DT Albert Haynesworth
DT Haloti Ngata
DT Shaun Rogers
OLB James Harrison
OLB Keith Bulluck
OLB Terrell Suggs
ILB D'Qwell Jackson
ILB Jerod Mayo
CB Jacques Reeves
CB Darelle Revis
CB Cortland Finnegan
SS Troy Polamalu
FS Ed Reed
K Jeff Reed
P Shane Lechler
KR Joshua Cribbs
ST Kassim Osgood

Top 25 Rankings

By Nate Sandstrom

So this week's complaint fest about the BCS is focused on whether Texas or Oklahoma should be ahead. I can see both sides, but if you ask me, I favor Oklahoma.

I know the main argument for taking Texas is that they beat Oklahoma head-to-head. But I don't see why that's a more valid argument than saying Texas Tech beat Texas so they should be ahead of the Longhorns (which I also don't believe).

In college football every game counts, and I think Oklahoma has the more impressive resume. They've beaten four of my top 15 teams — Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and TCU – by 20 points or more. Texas has beaten two of those teams — Oklahoma and Oklahoma State — by 10 and 7, respectively.

That's my reasoning; if you can come up with a better argument, let me hear it.

Of course, all this may be irrelevant. If Florida and Alabama play a tight, crisp 60-minute game, couldn't computer strength keep them 1-2 and set up a rematch? Not likely, but we'll see.

In other BCS-related notes, I moved up Boise State ahead of Utah this week. The move is in part because of the way they crushed a disappointing Fresno State team, but has more to do with the fact that the win at Oregon looks even better after they trashed Oregon State in the Civil War on Saturday. I would like to see both Boise and Utah get into BCS games, but that seems pretty unlikely.

What I'd like to see, assuming Florida, Oklahoma and Boston College win on Saturday.

BCS Championship: Florida vs. Oklahoma
Orange Bowl: Cincinnati vs. Boston College
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Boise State
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Penn State
Fiesta Bowl: Utah vs. Texas

Finally, here's my end of November ballot.

Team (W-L, Last Week)
1. Alabama (12-0, 1). Combined with Auburn's suckiness, '08 a great season in Tide history.
2. Florida (11-1, 2). If Gators beat Alabama, they may challenge the Detroit Lions next.
3. Oklahoma (11-1, 3). See above.
4. Texas (11-1, 4). Hoping for a repeat of the 2003 Big 12 Title Game.
5. USC (10-1, 5). Hoping to avoid a repeat of 2006.
6. Penn State (11-1, 6). Enjoyed Thanksgiving at home while all these other suckers were playing.
7. Texas Tech (11-1, 7). Despite Oklahoma game, a great season for Raiders.
8. Boise State (12-0, 11). Would be interesting to see them join the Pac-10 (The Big Ten has 11!).
9. Ohio State (10-2, 9). Good finish, considering they were trailing Wisconsin in 4Q on Oct. 4.
10. Utah (12-0, 10). Utes are probably booking their Fiesta Bowl flight.
11. Oklahoma St. (9-3, 8). Wishing they were in Big 12 North.
12. Ball State (12-0, 13). Great season, but hurt by no marquis wins.
13. Cincinnati (10-2, 16). May have done so well that they lose Coach Kelly.
14. Oregon (9-3, 22). Second straight year of QB injuries may have cost them BCS again.
15. TCU (10-2, 14). Utah game will haunt them, but should take pride in great year.
16. Georgia Tech (9-3, 23). I'm leaning toward Paul Johnson as Coach of the Year.
17. Georgia (9-3, 15). Not their fault they were ranked #1.
18. Mississippi (8-4, 18). Think Houston Nutt is smiling down the standings at Arkansas?
19. Michigan St. (9-3, 19). Javon Ringer can use the time off before the bowl.
20. Pittsburgh (8-3, 20). Another big Backyard Brawl win.
21. Iowa (8-4, 21). This season could have been so much more for Hawks.
22. Missouri (9-3, 12). Most resented team in country right now.
23. Oregon St. (8-4, 16). Didn't expect Rogers to make THAT much difference.
24. Boston College (9-3, 24). Keep beating ACC teams that allegedly out-recruit them.
25. Northwestern (9-3, NR). Finally, I've put Northwestern in the poll. Now they need to win their bowl game to make it a great season.

***Bonus picks for FCS playoff games (I went 6-2 in Round 1, missing on Cal Poly and Colgate)
James Madison over Villanova
Montana over Weber State
New Hampshire upsets Northern Iowa
Appalachian State over Richmond

A good perspective on the BCS

This from Everyday Should be Saturday, my favorite college football blog. I too don't like to worry about the BCS (even though I've just put in my two cents on why Oklahoma should be ahead of Texas above). Does anyone remember the Bowl Alliance? Or before that when there was nothing? College football was awesome then and is still awesome now.

For those of you who really want a playoff, stop going to games and stop paying attention. Crying about the BCS isn't going to make a difference, but if you walk with your money that will. But I doubt you have it in you because college football is so far superior to any other sport.

--Nate

Penn State is Big Ten Champions of football, mascots arrested

I don't know if he was still depressed about that loss to Iowa, but Penn State's mascot was arrested and charged with DUI over the weekend. See link here to the plain jerseys blog.

--Nate

Where I've been

By Nate Sandstrom

I guess I've been notably absent lately in part because I've been writing for publication/$ again, in part because work has been really busy and partly because our car is dead and taking the bus eats up a bit more of my day.

However, this week I expect to be back for full coverage, starting tonight.

Mark's Jesup Lockdown

I'm on a 6-0 streak right now!
With the season coming to a close and coaches looking to make statements, I like scores to get run up, so I like the favorites today. More NFL picks to follow tomorrow.
Florida (-16.5) at Florida State
USC (-31.5) vs. Notre Dame
Upset Special: Virginia (+260) @ Va Tech

Congrats, Ball State

Congratulations to Ball State, who is 4 minutes from heading to the MAC Championship at 12-0. I'm not sure whether this guy is serious about them being a Rose Bowl team — because they aren't better than Penn State — but you have to feel bad for them for not getting a shot at a bowl bigger than the Motor City Bowl.

I think they'd fare much better than Hawaii did against Georgia last year in the Sugar Bowl, although they are not the caliber of 2006 Boise State.

They should beat Buffalo and either Wisconsin or Minnesota, whichever they play in a Bowl Game, and finish 14-0.

I wonder if they would fit into President-elect Obama's proposed eight-team playoff system? Their best wins are Navy and Central Michigan, but so they can't be considered top 8. But they could be considered a top 16 team if they were a 16-team tourney.

Say they get a 14-seed and have the chance to lose in the first round to someone like Texas; would that be a more rewarding season than finishing 14-0? Open for comments.

--Nate

What just happened?

The Raiders fired Lane Kiffin for Tom Cable so Jim Fassell could write love letters to Al Davis? The Vols fired Phil Fulmer to hire Lane Kiffin? What just happened?

--Nate

Lockdown, late edition

Never take a game to get one back; except now when I'm tkaing the Niners while I can still get +9.5 at Dallas. Injured Terrence Newman? All right!

--Nate

Lockdown: Week 13 quick hit

By Nate Sandstrom

It's a quick version tonight that will feature more explanation depending on how early I can get up tomorrow.

Illinois (-3) at Northwestern

It's been an up and down year for the Illini, who beat Iowa and took Missouri to the end, yet lost to Western Michigan and just got past UL-Lafayette. But Illinois-Northwestern means more than the battle for Sweet Sioux this year — Illinois needs a win for bowl eligibility. The more desperate team gets this one.

Pick: Illinois 31 Northwestern 21

Upset Special: Tampa Bay at Detroit (+290)

There's been only one winless team in NFL history, the 0-14 Buccaneers. So wouldn't it be fitting if they were to provide the Lions with their first win of the season?

Not that that fact is anything to make a bet on, but I actually like the improvement the Lions offense has shown over the past month. The Bucs meanwhile struggled to get a road win at Kansas City two weeks ago and I'm banking on them looking past another inferior opponent.

Pick: Detroit 28 Tampa Bay 24

Seven questions/thoughts/predictions

By Mark Goldman
Did Jim Fassel’s letter to Al Davis include a “Do you like me too? Check Yes or No” section?

You can email General Mangers? Why didn’t someone tell me this before?! I can’t wait to forward Ozzie the next time someone sends me an “Air Force One has been renamed The Soul Plane” email. (by the way, doesn't Savage look like a "special" guy who won some sort of "fan for a day" prize in that picture?)

Marvin Lewis is a bad coach. I thought for sure he’d be good and it appeared for a while that he’d turned the Bungles around, but I think he was just benefiting from some elite talent coming together at the right time. Kicking the field goal when you’re down 13 with six minutes to go and you’re inside the 10? Bad call. He doesn’t get any help from the fact that the front office there is out of their minds. That said, I don’t expect him to be fired this offseason.

We will never see an official 85 jersey that reads “OchoCinco.” Not because the NFL won’t allow it, but because the Bengals will trade Chad this offseason. Possibly to the Ravens for McCalister. And no way is Mason giving up his 85. It’s very possible that we see the name “OchoCinco” stitched above, say, 87. Now that would be awesome! Also, are the Bengals willing to admit they are complete morons for not taking Dan Snyder’s offer of two first round picks for Chad?

The Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb era is coming to a close. I’ve always felt that Philly didn’t appreciate what they had in McNabb. That he might not have been Tom Brady, but a quality, reliable QB is a blessing in the NFL. And four straight NFC championship games? What more can you ask for? I think Westbrook is going to rapidly decline soon as all RBs eventually do. I think McNabb will be out of town after this season. I think Andy Reid’s offense is going to struggle unless Kolb is extremely accurate and can deal with the pressure of no assistance from a running game?

I think there’s no way Polamalu isn’t the Defensive Player of the Year.

I think this is the funniest commercial I’ve seen in a while.

Early lockdown

I've taken a beating the past two weeks in the NFL (1-3), but I just have to document that I have the Steelers rolling over a half-strength Bengals team.

Pick: Pittsburgh 35 Cincinnati 10

--Nate

Screw you, Cavalier

Not much new on the blog tonight because my Internet service has su-uh-ucked for most of the night. I have this weird problem where it will work fine for a while then other times it will take like 10 minutes to load a page. I called tonight about the problem but by the time I was on hold for 20 minutes it started working again. Bastards.

--Nate